News
U Vinyl records opening in Horam – satisfy your passion for music
In 2015, Karl decided to set up a business buying and selling vinyl records. As a collector himself since a child, music has always been a true passion. Back then, vinyl was not as popular as it is today and it felt like a huge risk to take. Initially Karl sold records on eBay, mainly,... Read more
27th April
Local charity celebrates breakthrough in brain tumour treatment
The father of a young man diagnosed at the age of 20 months with a medulloblastoma brain tumour has welcomed the news that scientists have found a new way to starve cancerous brain tumour cells of energy in order to prevent further growth. Breakthough Discovery at Queen Mary University, London The findings by Professor Silvia... Read more
21st April
Quiet COVID-19 Vaccination Session available for eligible over 30s at The Brighton Centre
Saturday 17 April, 4.30pm – 7pm Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust is pleased to be able to offer a dedicated ‘Quiet COVID-19 Vaccination Session’ for people requiring their first dose of the COVID vaccination. The details are: WHEN: Saturday 17 April, 4.30pm – 7pm WHERE: The Brighton Centre, Kings Road, Brighton, BN1 2GR BOOK: By calling... Read more
14th April
Time capsule to mark opening of new development for older people in Heathfield
This week, Abbeyfield South Downs is launching a time capsule initiative to celebrate the opening of its affordable rental development Holdenhurst – and is inviting the local Heathfield community to get involved. The time capsule will be buried under a Monkey Puzzle tree on the Holdenhurst site on Mill Road in May. It will include... Read more
13th April
Off the Line Vineyard fly the flag for wine exports
First time exporting to Norway Off The Line Vineyard based at North Street, Hellingly BN27 4EA is celebrating as it continues to grow its business with a milestone in wine exporting. The Hip Rosé still wine was selected in a blind tasting by the Norwegian state run wine and spirit monopoly business Vinmonopolet. It is... Read more
13th April
Covid 19 vaccine programme stalls at 50+
The rapid rollout of the vaccination programme has slowed down and appears stuck on 50+ for the time being. This stall is in part due to the fact that second vaccinations are now taking place which is preventing the next group from being called. If you want to find out more it is important not... Read more
12th April
Portrait awards launched to raise money for Demelza
Sarah Tate Photography is launching the Fine Art Portrait Awards next week in an effort to raise vital funds for Demelza Hospice Care for Children. As well as raising money for the charity, the initiative gives people the chance to have a beautiful photo taken by an award-winning photographer and the chance of their image... Read more
8th April
Help for Rother businesses reopening after lockdown
BUSINESSES across Rother can apply for financial help to support them to reopen safely as lockdown restrictions are eased. Many businesses will be allowed to reopen from April 12, with more to follow in the coming weeks and, as part of the national Restart Grant Scheme, Rother District Council has received £9.3 million to help... Read more
8th April
Enjoy the coast safely this Easter weekend and stay away from cliff edges
PEOPLE visiting East Sussex’s spectacular coastline are being urged to stay safe this spring and summer. East Sussex County Council is reminding visitors of the serious risks the unstable cliffs pose to those getting too close to the edge or walking at the base of the cliffs, and the dangers to beach walkers who risk... Read more
1st April
This Easter Churches Together produce a virtual Walk of Witness for Good Friday.
This Easter, with many restrictions still in place, the combined churches of Heathfield and District have created a ‘Churches Together in Heathfield Good Friday Walk of Witness’. It is usually held in Heathfield High Street, but it has gone online this year and will be a virtual wander around the local churches. You can enjoy... Read more
30th March
Frogheath’s Hilltop Hideaway scoops Best in Category
Frogheath Landscapes have been awarded a top accolade at the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) Awards 2021, supported by headline sponsor Bradstone. The company was awarded Best in Category in Project Value £65,000-£80,000 for their work on the project Hilltop Hideaway. At a time when we have all come to appreciate outdoor space, anyone lucky... Read more
26th March
Brightling woman launches #HotCroissantBun Easter adventure
Lorne Magill, who grew up locally in Brightling, has created an experience to get people trying something new this Easter. She has produced a step-by-step guide on how to make Hot Croissant Buns and is making it free and available to everyone via the Breakfast Drop website. Lorne noticed that it is very difficult to... Read more
24th March
Good news for Heathfield as broadband provider confirms roll out in town
Full Fibre network operator and ISP Lightning Fibre Limited has confirmed a multi-million pound project to bring its new full fibre network to over 14,000 additional homes and businesses in Heathfield and Hailsham. The company has confirmed that works have already begun in both towns. Work is already underway in Eastbourne and Hastings, and Lightning... Read more
22nd March
Over 50s being Covid 19 vaccinated now, amid concerns as lack of supply may cause a slow down
People in the Heathfield area aged 50+ are able to book their vaccinations via the National NHS Vaccination system. It is very straightforward, you follow the link, input details and you will then be offered vaccination dates and locations. You do not need an invitation from your Doctor’s Surgery. Most people are allocated a vaccination... Read more
18th March
Herstmonceux Castle Gardens and Grounds to re-open late March
Staff at the wonderful Herstmonceux Castle are gearing up to welcome visitors back at the end of March. From Monday 29th March to Wednesday 31st March, admission will be just for season ticket holders plus those named on their pass. No pre-booking required. For both new and returning visitors, the 300 acre Herstmonceux estate with... Read more
16th March
Proctors Chemists in Heathfield are now offering Covid 19 tests
ADULTS in East Sussex who have to leave home for work or caring duties can now book a symptom-free lateral flow Covid-19 test. In Heathfield, both Proctors Chemists on Station Road and on the High St are offering bookable tests. You can find out more information about symptom-free testing and book an appointment at www.eastsussex.gov.uk/communitytesting Anyone... Read more
11th March
New advice for under 55 age range carers seeking to be vaccinated
Informal carers advice on getting a Covid vaccination Currently age 55 and over are being called for vaccination. However, many people who are not 55 and over, but acting as carers, are also keen to get vaccinated. If they are looking after vulnerable relatives or friends and are in receipt of carers allowance they can... Read more
11th March
97 percent of HCC parents consent to testing, headeacher reveals
Heathfield Community College students finally returned this week to teaching on site with nearly all parents (97 percent) giving consent to testing. In other areas of the country, parents have been reluctant or slow to give consent with some worried about the possibility of false results. “After another period of remote learning and national restrictions,... Read more
11th March
Investigation reveals probable cause of Cross in Hand plane crash
The 65 year-old pilot of a small plane that crashed at Cross in Hand airfield in August last year probably suffered from a cardiac arrest shortly after take off an AAIB investigation has revealed. The Rans S6-116 aircraft took off on 4th August from Bradley’s Lawn airstrip in Cross in Hand. Witnesses then saw the... Read more
5th March
Irony as closed school in Broad Oak is advertised as accommodation with ‘no children’ caveat
There was some surprise when it was spotted that the old building that used to house the much loved Broad Oak Primary School was being advertised for accomodation with ‘no children’. A determined battle to save the school had been fought by both parents and the wider community; sadly for the campaigners the council went... Read more
4th March
BUDGET 2021 SUMMARY
The 2021 Budget announcement yesterday aimed to prioritise restoring the economy and to support jobs, individuals and businesses. So, what changed and what does that mean for your financial plans? Here’s a brief overview from Cranwell Wealth Solutions. Given the size of government borrowing and the chancellor’s strong indication that “repairing public finances” and returning... Read more
4th March
Good news for 60+ as Covid vaccine appointments are now open
In recent weeks, many people in Heathfield must must have been wondering what was happening, as reports had come through that 60+ and in some cases slightly younger had been called for a vaccination over a week ago in surrounding areas. In East Sussex those 55 to 60+ have been called in Hastings and Hellingly... Read more
1st March
Sussex maize growers share expertise at e-workshop
Sussex farmers shared their experiences of innovative methods of protecting water quality through farming, at a workshop held by South East Water on 18 February. Three growers from farms in Heathfield, Hailsham and Haywards Heath are taking part in water company-funded trials to understand how growing rows of grass in-between maize crops can prevent soil... Read more
25th February
Rother encourages young people to have their say on the new seven-year plan
PEOPLE in Rother are being reminded of their last chance to have their say on a new seven-year plan for the district. The consultation on Rother District Council’s Corporate Plan, which sets out its aims and objectives for 2020 to 2027, closes on Wednesday, March 17. The new plan, which has been delayed due to... Read more
23rd February
Tackling leaks takes priority says South East Water
Finding and fixing leaks across a vast network of more than 9,000 miles of pipes has taken priority following the cold snap. Freezing conditions, snow and now a slight thaw has caused a number of leaks to break out across the five counties South East Water supplies top quality drinking water to. The water company... Read more
15th February
Local MP appeals to over 70s to book their Covid jab now.
With one week remaining to vaccinate the first four priority groups of residents in Heathfield and surrounding villages, local MP Huw Merriman, has urged residents to ensure they don’t miss out. Calling the vaccination, the ‘gateway’ for the entire area to return to normality, the MP has also hit out at anti-vaccination groups for ‘putting... Read more
10th February
Extra support highlighted during National Apprenticeship Week.
APPRENTICESHIPS in East Sussex will be given a boost this week as the county council supports National Apprenticeship Week (NAW), which runs from February 8 – 14. As well as highlighting the national campaign, East Sussex County Council is officially launching its £600,000 Transform programme this week which supports businesses to access apprenticeships. Why take... Read more
8th February
All you need to know about Covid 19 scam messages
It is sad to say that there are a number of scams in circulation relating to the COVID-19 vaccination programme. The ones circulating in the last few days are produced to look like an official confirmation of a vaccination appointment, it would be easy to mistake this for a genuine communication. See below an example... Read more
28th January
Covid 19 vaccine frustration set to improve for Heathfield
Before Christmas, while many in other areas were getting their call for the vaccine, patients in Heathfield were left wondering when their turn would come. Patients from the High Street and Firs Surgery only started to receive their vaccinations last week. Without a local centre administering the vaccine, the over 80s were forced to make... Read more
26th January
How to manage Covid-19 business debt
UK businesses borrowed five times more from banks between January and August 2020 than in the whole of 2019 (according to EY Item Club1 – a leading UK economic forecasting group). Over that eight-month period, new borrowings (net of repayments) totalled £43.8bn, compared to the £8.8bn of 2019. And it is small businesses who have... Read more
26th January
Family soap business wins international business award
Sussex-based soap and luxury products manufacturer Christina May is celebrating after winning the International Business of the Year category of the South East Region Federation of Small Business Awards 2020, sponsored by Lovetts Solicitors, and being named a finalist in the Good Retail Awards 2021*. Multi award-winning Christina May now manufactures and exports a range... Read more
19th January
Pollution levels in Wealden on decline
Local levels of Nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter remain below the national air quality threshold according to Wealden’s 2020 Air Quality Annual Status report. “High levels of nitrogen dioxide air pollution have become a problem in some cities,” said Councillor Philip Lunn, Wealden Cabinet member for Community & Public Health. “I am pleased to report... Read more
19th January
Dallington Primary School launches book appeal
Dallington CEP is a delightful, rural, primary school, tucked away on the windy ridge at Dallington, in East Sussex. 2020 was a tough year, with many children being educated at home, however the school did stay open for key workers and the small team of dedicated staff juggled working to support the school’s pupils with... Read more
18th January
Brass band able to hit the road thanks to winter wonderland trailer
When a Warbleton Brass Band member realised that COVID restrictions would mean the band wouldn’t be able to perform the normal Christmas concerts in the community he had to find a way around the problem. As well as providing entertainment, getting out and about was also vital for raising funds to keep the band going... Read more
7th January
Major incident declared in Sussex to maximise Covid response
In line with several other parts of the country, a MAJOR incident has been declared in Sussex to best respond to unprecedented pressures of Covid-19 on the county. The same decision has been taken by several other local resilience forums in the South East. The Sussex Resilience Forum (SRF) which co-ordinates and communicates between health,... Read more
6th January
East Sussex dementia charity aims for Christmas number one
Staff working for an East Sussex charity, which helps people in Heathfield and Horam, is hoping they’ll be simply having a wonderful Christmas time as they eye a Christmas number one spot for their fundraising single. Local people are being asked to buy a copy to help charity Dementia Support East Sussex to continue its... Read more
17th December
Rother to enter Tier 3 from Saturday 19th December
Rother which neighbours Heathfield and includes many surrounding villages like Burwash Common, Burwash Weald, Burwash, and Dallington; now finds itself included in Tier 3 and with a set of new restrictions. The figures for the rise in infection have been alarming and although they are not high compared to some other parts of the country... Read more
17th December
Heathfield College pupils bring festive cheer to care homes
“I think it’s safe to say that this year has been a tough one for everyone. However, residents in care homes are among the people who have been most negatively affected by The Virus Who Shall Not Be Named, and so students at Heathfield Community College have taken it upon themselves to try, in their... Read more
7th December
Family carpet firm boosts retail operation in Heathfield
Pennells Carpets, the local, independent carpet and flooring company is moving its entire retail operation to Heathfield. For many years Pennells Carpets has had retail outlets in both Uckfield and Heathfield. Now the family run business has chosen to focus on Heathfield where it has been successfully trading since 1982. The company’s warehousing will be... Read more
7th December
Rainbow Ranger roams Heathfield
Maybe you have seen the Rainbow Ranger on a night time jaunt around Heathfield, or just wondered who the multi coloured, glow in the dark character is? We tracked him down to find out more. Although, his name is a mystery, we can call him ‘RR’. This resident of Heathfield explained the thinking behind what... Read more
1st December
Home brewing kit sales surge during lockdown
A home brew kit business based in Horam is reporting record-breaking sales during lockdown with people having more time for hobbies and trying new things. Bev and Andy Toogood of AlmostOffGrid.com are seeing a huge increase in the demand for home brewing kits, ingredients and equipment. Their online shop, which was launched in October 2016,... Read more
30th November
Broad Oak mum and care worker wins lottery prize
It was an exciting start to the weekend for one lucky Broad Oak resident after winning £30,000 in the People’s Postcode Lottery. Care worker for the elderly, Vicky Channing, 32, landed the prize when her postcode, TN21 8TN, was announced as a winner on Saturday 28th November. Vicky found out how much she’d won over... Read more
28th November
Burwash based Indie band go global
Wild Horse, a Burwash based Indie band have been getting creative during lockdown. Unable to perform at live gigs, the boys have been going online to bring their music to their fans. In October they played on a Coastal Currents dedicated music showcase; performing their latest album live to an audience of over 10 thousand... Read more
26th November
Speak out against domestic abuse urges council
Wealden residents are being urged to speak out against all forms of domestic abuse as the number of recorded cases over 12 months exceeds 1,000 for the first time. From November 2019 to October 2020, Sussex Police received 1,037 reports of domestic abuse, which is a 4.5% increase compared to the same period last year.... Read more
24th November
Mixed emotions as new look Heathfield Christmas lights switched on.
Social media posts have long aired the disappointment felt by many at the ritual turning on of the Heathfield Christmas lights. The tastefully positioned, somewhat sublty lit trees, have provoked ridicule at best, and stronger words at worst. But, this year there is good news! The Heathfield & Waldron Parish Council have funded additional decorations... Read more
13th November
Frogheath Landscapes and Wealden Works pull together to help school leavers.
Frogheath Landscapes is no stranger to apprenticeships, the award winning, Burwash Weald based company regularly takes on apprentices to work in their busy landscaping business. They recently struck it lucky with Harrison Tamkin, who came their way via Wealden Works, a local charity offering young people help finding employment. The charity annually supports 40 young... Read more
10th November
#shoplocal for Christmas gifts, it’s never been easier!
With a new lockdown just started and Christmas not far off, local traders are looking for ways to encourage people to #shoplocal and buy their Christmas presents from them, rather than larger online retailers. With much of the High St closed and popular markets, like the one in Heathfield cancelled, traders and crafts people were... Read more
9th November
Vines Cross turkey farm has the perfect solution for smaller gatherings
Vines Cross turkey farmers JR Sheffield are gearing up for a busy Christmas with their butchers reporting footfall across the year up 50 percent compared to last year. But press reports that turkeys are being starved or being put on a reduced diet so they fit a potentially smaller Christmas gathering are totally unfounded says... Read more
5th November
Heathfield Young Farmers join in ‘pass the welly’ fundraiser
Sussex Young Farmers Clubs is taking part in a national Give it Some YFC Welly Relay to help raise urgent funds to help secure its future. One of their Junior clubs is Heathfield YFC, who will also be participating in this fundraising event. Sussex Young Farmers Club is always keen to see younger members (and... Read more
29th October
Heathfield photographer adds more credentials to her name
Award-winning Heathfield photographer Sarah Tate has added another accolade to her collection after being appointed as a judge for her industry’s prestigious awards. Her confirmation as a judge followed on from last year’s news that Sarah had been named a Fellow of the industry’s most prestigious body – The Master Photographers’ Association. Sarah has had... Read more
25th October