News
New local businesses get a boost at the Heathfield Agricultural Show
Heathfield Show Promotes New Businesses The New Enterprise Zone is back at the Heathfield Agricultural Show The HAS is keen to support new, local businesses and over the last 10 years, the New Enterprise Zone has enabled more than 100 new startups to promote their businesses at the Show by way of a FREE trade... Read more
10th April
Great British Spring Clean kicks off!
Nusrat Ghani, MP for Sussex Weald, is supporting this year’s ‘Great British Spring Clean’ campaign and is encouraging local residents to take part and help clean our shared spaces. The Great British Spring Clean is an annual event organised by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy and it is the UK’s largest mass-action environmental campaign. The Great British Spring... Read more
3rd April
Hospice in the Weald – Open Gardens Season 2025
Hospice in the Weald – Open Gardens Season 2025 Explore some of the best-kept secret gardens in West Kent and East Sussex, which are opening their gates this spring and summer to raise funds for Hospice in the Weald. During the season over thirty gardens across the community are available for you to visit. Take... Read more
3rd April
Tara Goldsmith raises over £500 in memory of her grandad
The granddaughter of a Heathfield businessman who dedicated much of his time to helping others has completed a dog walking challenge in his memory. Tara Goldsmith completed the 62k March Dog Walking Challenge for Dementia UK in memory of her grandfather Trevor Goldsmith who passed away recently. Trevor died aged 77 after suffering from dementia... Read more
3rd April
Local optometrist, James Miller, takes on the London Marathon for charity
James from Melina Joy Opticians takes on the London Marathon Melina Joy optometrist, James Miller, is taking on the challenge of running the London marathon on Sunday 27th April to raise funds for a local charity called Wealden Talking Newspapers, who are based justdown the High Street from the practice in Heathfield. It is a... Read more
1st April
Don’t miss your opportunity for a free health check
Free health checks in Wealden One You East Sussex provides a free holistic lifestyle service for residents of East Sussex, helping people make simple changes that can lead to a longer, healthier, and happier life. The service helps residents to lose weight, be smoke free, move more, eat well and drink less. The service also... Read more
31st March
We campaigned they listened!
Stagecoach announces some concessions Last week we featured Erin’s campaign, we spoke to a local councillor Anne Cross and the Press Office at Stagecoach to get their comments. Lots of you signed her petition. Now it is encouraging to hear this comment from Stagecoach this week. It doesn’t fully address her concerns but it signals... Read more
27th March
Student from Heathfield campaigns against cuts in Stagecoach bus service
Erin’s petition to halt changes in 51 bus frequency gains momentum Erin Wigham was very concerned when she saw the proposed change to the 51 bus timetable. The change to hourly from half-hourly was the source of her concern. Anyone who has used Stagecoach bus services will have experienced frequent cancellations and delays to their... Read more
20th March
Planning begins for the major changes coming with Local Government Reorganisation
Plans for local government changes are moving quickly Plans for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in East Sussex will take a step forward next week, as six local councils will come together at their Cabinet and Full Council meetings to discuss progress. In February, the government wrote to local authorities – including those in East Sussex... Read more
18th March
Heathfield Community College scores highly for pupil happiness
Ofsted recognises the importance of ‘wellbeing’ as a factor for the choice of secondary schools Ofsted the education watchdog has recognised parents’ shifting focus towards a school’s ethos when choosing where their child should go for secondary. It plans to add a “wellbeing” category to its new inspection reports, which it is currently consulting on,... Read more
12th March
Exciting plans for Off the Line Vineyard under new ownership
New owners of Off the Line Vineyard It was announced recently that the co-founders of Off the Line Vineyard in Hellingly – Anne-Marie Tynan and Kristina Studzinski were handing over their share of the vineyard, after 10 years, to a new duo Rachel & Rohen. Rachel is not a stranger to English wine as she... Read more
12th March
Hospice in the Weald Moonlight Walk 2025
The Hospice on the Weald annual Moonlight Walk is back, so time to join hundreds of other motivated people for a memorable evening of walking, socialising, music and memories. This year the event is being held on 14th June and will see the introduction of some exciting new routes, alongside the familiar thirteen, eight and... Read more
6th March
East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service celebrates its 30th anniversary.
East Sussex WRAS celebrates 30th Anniversary Many people will have had to call on the services of the local charity East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service (WRAS) for help with caring for a wild animal in distress. They will know what an important job their volunteers do. This year the WRAS is celebrating its 30th anniversary.... Read more
3rd March
Heathfield man takes up new fundraising challenge for Chailey Hertiage Foundation
Leon takes on a new challenge to raise money for Chailey Heritage Foundation We covered the Three Peaks Hike and Cycle Challenge last year when a group of friends came together to support Matt Vince in his fundraiser to bring for Chailey Heritage Foundation. The campaign raised an amazing £45,000 in memory of Luna-Rose, Matt... Read more
27th February
Trevor Goldsmith’s death last Saturday 22 February is announced
The passing of Trevor Goldsmith Goldsmith & Allcorn has announced the death of Trevor Goldsmith: “It is with great sadness and a sense of relief to inform the community that Trevor Goldsmith passed away peacefully on Saturday morning.” Trevor’s legacy of selfless dedication and community spirit will forever be cherished by those whose lives he... Read more
25th February
Mobile phone dangers highlighted in road safety campaign
A HARD-hitting campaign has been launched to help tackle the growing problem of drivers using their mobile phone behind the wheel. The campaign, launched by East Sussex County Council, West Sussex County Council and Brighton & Hove City Council, highlights the serious consequences of using a phone while driving with the strapline ‘one second of... Read more
20th February
Channel 4 wants YOU! Are you or do you know an undiscovered brainbox, read on…
Channel 4 are on the hunt for an undiscovered brainbox Do you have an undiscovered brainbox in your family lurking on the sofa? Because if you do – Channel 4 is about to launch a major new competition format show to spotlight the country’s undiscovered brainboxes. It is estimated that there are thousands of people in the... Read more
19th February
Heathfield man wins culinary award
Shah Athar with his award at the ‘World’s Best Culinary Judges’ Local man wins culinary award Heathfield resident Shah Athar is a scientist turned chef and was recently named amongst the ‘World’s Best Culinary Judges’ alongside competitors from 23 countries. Originally working as a molecular biologist trying to find early detection of Mad Cow disease... Read more
6th February
Herstmonceux’s new Estate Director looks ahead to a new year at the castle
Interview with Dean Pascall, Estate Director – Videographer: Jack White – Nordarktis Visitors will be welcomed back from April 2025 “Herstmonceux Estate has faced a number of challenges recently with the unexpected closure of the castle and grounds to visitors from late 2023. I am looking forward to welcoming everyone back in April 2025, “... Read more
5th February
Sussex Lund programme helps support eco-project at Heathfield Community College
This term, the Eco Representatives at Heathfield Community College, worked with the site team to develop an area of the school field. Known as ‘the mound’, it is an area of the field not used by students currently and so perfect for creating a habitat for wildlife. Supported by the Sussex Lund Programme grant In... Read more
30th January
“Nobody Left Behind” – Sussex Police hosts Domestic Abuse Conference
Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne, Victim Support and West Sussex County Council’s Domestic Abuse Team hosted a dedicated domestic abuse conference at The Amex in Brighton earlier this week. The theme for the conference was ‘Nobody Left Behind’. The 300+ attendees included service providers, survivors and those wanting to learn more about how... Read more
30th January
Be aware of callers impersonating police officers
Suspicious incidents in Heathfield This month, officers have seen three incidents in Heathfield, involving elderly women being called by someone impersonating a Police Officer. The male had given a fake officer name, collar number and reference number, before proceeding to ask victims to withdraw large amounts of cash to ‘assist an investigation’. Fortunately, none of... Read more
27th January
Queens’s University and Bader College confirm an ongoing commitment to the legacy of the Herstmonceux Science Centre.
Update from Queen’s University and Bader College In response to recent concerns regarding the future of the Herstmonceux Science Centre site, Queen’s University and Bader College would like to reassure the community of their shared commitment to upholding the site’s legacy as a hub for scientific literacy, education, and public outreach. The University recognizes the... Read more
27th January
Tough decisions ahead for East Sussex County Council as it attempts to balance the budget
THE USE of reserves and £13.5 million of savings could help deliver a balanced budget in a stark financial climate as East Sussex plans how it will spend £578.8 million on services in 2025/26. Proposals to balance budget to be presented next week Proposals for East Sussex County Council’s budget will be presented to Cabinet... Read more
23rd January
Hospice tree recycling campaign grows and raises vital funds
Hospice in the Weald’s popular Christmas tree recycling scheme has once again proven to be a festive success, raising an incredible £57,675 to support local hospice care. This year’s campaign saw an impressive 2,595 trees collected across the week commencing January 12th, thanks to the efforts of 120 volunteers and 54 vans. The scheme, which... Read more
23rd January
Heathfield Community Firestation needs you!
Heathfield Community Firestation are looking for someone to join their retained firefighter team The station has been pushing its recruitment drive over the past three weeks, they are looking for retained firefighters. Forget stereotypes and think about have got what it takes or want to find out if you have. “It has been great being... Read more
16th January
Wealden Community Lottery hits another milestone
The Wealden Community Lottery has raised £100K for local good causes and the central fund combined. Over the past 18 months, a total of £100K has been raised for good causes and the central fund combined which has had 3,603 winners, totalling combined cash prizes of £14,700 and a total of 10,809 free tickets have... Read more
16th January
Cross-In-Hand school closes as burst water main causes interuptions in supply
Burst water main at Cross-in-Hand just outside Heathfield Early this morning, 15 January, many residents of Cross-In-Hand experienced low water pressure or no water at all. This had been caused by a burst main in the area, which South Eastern Water tried to fix as quickly as possible. To allow for the safe repair of... Read more
15th January
Cross-in-Hand development planning application rejected
Location of proposed Snatchells Farm development of 24 residential homes Cross-in-Hand development rejected We featured the proposed plans for this way back in 2021 when Heathfield resident Rory Graham, stage name – Rag ‘n’ Bone Man, appealed for support to oppose this development which was going to have a big impact on his home. The... Read more
9th January
New kiosk and conveniences get the go ahead on the Cuckoo Trail at Horam
Simulated view from the application to show view as approaching on Cuckoo Trail from Heathfield Direction New kiosk gets go ahead for construction on the old Horam station platform Today, 9 January 2025, at the Wealden Planning Committee South Meeting there was widespread support for the construction of this amenity. The application was made by... Read more
9th January
Ashdown Radio plans to bring Heathfield into their reach
Ashdown Radio plans expansion Many people are familiar with Ashdown Radio, but Heathfield residents don’t get a reliable reception for this popular local radio station. Ashdown Radio had hoped to increase the power at their Crowborough transmission site so it can be heard in Heathfield and surrounds back in 2023. However, it wasn’t viable (largely... Read more
8th January
Free numeracy courses that can really help those without GCSE Maths.
People aged 19 and over without a GCSE at grade C (or equivalent) in maths or who need to improve their maths skills are being reminded that innovative courses are available across the county until March 2025 to upskill maths knowledge. For many people not having maths GCSE can be a barrier to pursuing educational... Read more
19th December
Much loved Heathfield businesses announce closure
Changes for Cuckoo Hair and The Gentleman’s Club Barbers Cuckoo Hair has announced that the business will be closing. After much consideration and soul searching, the business owners Leanne and Alex have decided to close the doors of Cuckoo Hair and The Gentleman’s Club Barbers as you know it on Christmas eve. Leanne will continue... Read more
19th December
Wealden Cabinet changes
The make-up of Wealden District Council’s new Cabinet Committee has been announced this week. The new line up was revealed by the leader and deputy leader of the council – Councillor Rachel Millward (Green, Hartfield), and Councillor James Partridge (Liberal Democrat, Crowborough North) at Wednesday’s meeting of the committee. It follows the Alliance for Wealden... Read more
12th December
Christmas party magic for Hospice in the Weald Children
A Magical Winter Wonderland: Christmas Comes to Hospice in the Weald for Children On Saturday 7th December, Hospice in the Weald for Children transformed Pembury into a magical winter wonderland, bringing joy, comfort, and festive cheer to children with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses, and their families. The Christmas party, attended by over ten children plus... Read more
12th December
Orbit Homes to deliver 130 new affordable homes in East Sussex at Hellingly development
Orbit Homes to deliver 130 new affordable homes in East Sussex at Hellingly development Leading affordable housebuilder, Orbit Homes, is set to deliver 130 affordable homes in East Sussex as part of Swingate Park in Hellingly, Hailsham. Delivered in partnership with Taylor Wimpey, the development on New Road will include 26 Shared Ownership properties and... Read more
5th December
Melina Joy Opticians and guests bid farewell to its eponymous founder
Melina Joy Opticians has been in Heathfield High Street since the spring of 1992 and has developed into the excellent, professional practice that it is today over the last 32 years. Melina owned the company solely for the first sixteen years after which David, Catriona and Shirley became shareholders and then Directors in 2015. With... Read more
5th December
Support your High Street this Small Business Saturday
WIN A LUXURY CHRISTMAS HAMPER FROM CUCULO (WORTH £100) Celebrate Small Business Saturday this Saturday 7 December. Enjoy a day browsing the shops and pop into one of the many cafes/eateries for a coffee or glass of something and a bite to eat. All you need to do is… SHOP in Heathfield on Saturday 7th... Read more
5th December
Organisations in Wealden receive funding to help tackle inequalities in physical activity
Six organisations have received grant awards to support physical activity projects within Wealden and improve health and wellbeing outcomes. The funding has come from East Sussex Public Health and was awarded to Wealden District Council as part of the Tackling Inequalities Through Physical Activity programme. The aim is to enable partners to develop a placed-based... Read more
28th November
Heathfield students excel in CREST science awards
British Science Association’s CREST Scheme inspires Heathfield’s young scientists Twenty three students recently received their certificates showing they completed their CREST award last year. Twenty of them completed the Bronze award, a STEM project that requires at least 10 hours of work. They did fantastically well to complete this with projects on – building a... Read more
28th November
Radiant Facial Rejuvenation aesthetics clinic celebrates recent win
Award winning for 2024 Karen Kelly owner & practitioner, is celebrating a recent win at the Health Care Beauty Business Awards UK where she took the crown for Patient Satisfaction 2024. She has also been a finalist for the following as well this year: Finalist ‘Best for Aesthetics’ in East Sussex 2024 Finalist ‘Best Aesthetic... Read more
21st November
Buy a whole fresh turkey and curry the leftovers after Christmas
JR Sheffield in Vines Cross, near Heathfield, has collaborated with BoOm Kitchen this year by giving away curry kits and encouraging people to make delicious turkey curries with their leftovers. The kits will also be available in the barn on turkey collection days. BoOm kitchen is the Sheffield family’s ‘go to’ curry kit and the... Read more
20th November
Fourth annual Sussex Christmas tree fling takes place this Sunday
With distances edging towards the world record each year, Catsfield Christmas Tree Farm will be hosting its fourth Christmas tree flinging competition. Last year, both previous male and female winning distances were smashed. James Gardiner of Hailsham threw his tree a distance of 10.56 metres – 1.5 metres longer than the previous record. The women’s... Read more
14th November
Heathfield students lobby Downing Street for change on behalf of young people
Heathfield students lobby for change in Downing Street Heathfield Community College has been very proud of a project it has been involved with for the past year which has the potential to make some real improvement in the lives of young people all over the country. Ten students from across older year groups have been... Read more
7th November
Motorists warned to stay alert to avoid deer collisions
AS the nights draw in, motorists in East Sussex are being urged to be #DeerAware and avoid collisions with animals on rural roads. There are estimated to be more than 74,000 deer-related traffic collisions across the UK every year, and that risk increases during mating season which runs throughout November. As part of its #DeerAware... Read more
31st October
Happy Paws Grotto Comes to Fairfield House Veterinary Practice
A local veterinary practice has come up with a great festive idea to raise money for St Wilfrid’s Hospice. The tail-wagging festive event will be held at Fairfield House Veterinary Practice in Uckfield and enables pet owners to bring their dogs along to meet Santa. On 24th November, from 10am to 1pm, you can take... Read more
31st October
500 members and growing for new road safety group
A new social media group has been set up to try and improve safety on the A267 between Mayfield and Horam. To date the Facebook page, A267 – Road Safety Group has more than 500 members and the list is growing fast. It was started following the fatal crash on October 1 near the junction... Read more
25th October
Wealden leaders call on government for help with housing emergency and planning law reforms
Wealden council leaders have written to the deputy prime minister and housing minister calling for help to solve the housing crisis across the district and opposing planned reforms to planning laws. Leader Rachel Millward, Alliance for Wealden (Green), and deputy-leader James Partridge, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat) have written to Angela Rayner and Matthew Pennycook... Read more
24th October
Heathfield Community College raises funds for mental health
The whole College community came together on Friday 18 October for their inaugural Sponsored Walk and Run. Students from all year groups ran and walked the route joined by both teaching and support staff; Radio Heathfield provided a musical backdrop as students departed and returned to the College site and VI formers generously gave their... Read more
24th October
Local dangerous driver who caused a collision while over alcohol and drugs limits convicted
A dangerous driver from Broad Oak, who caused a collision while over the alcohol and drugs limit has been disqualified. Elliott Leonard-Diss drove in a reckless manner between Uckfield and Hailsham. He was recorded overtaking and undertaking in a prolonged period of poor driving. Eventually he lost control of a silver Mercedes and crashed into... Read more
23rd October
