News
Heathfield pupils enjoy a collision between rap and poetry
Just before half term the Heathfield Community College was fortunate to have a visit from Karl Nova, a Performance Poet who has written an award winning Poetry book called Rhythm and Poetry. Karl gave a presentation to the Year 8 students providing them with a background into why he went into making rap music and... Read more
26th February
Katie’s CrossFit success at European Championships
Last weekend Katie Hickling was joined by a number of Isenhurst gym members, who clubbed together to support her in a major CrossFit competition. They were blown away by her mental and physical performance as she competed in the Finals of this year’s The European Championships, which she qualified for a couple of months ago. Katie... Read more
25th February
New Heathfield Tavern team celebrates first birthday with special event
A pub in Station Road has become one of Heathfield’s most popular eating spots since it was taken over a year ago. The new team has worked hard to establish a range of events and special offers on different days of the week and host special celebrations such as a New Year’s Eve party. Reviews... Read more
19th February
Kyan’s mission to improve hospital wards for children
A mother from Cross in Hand says she is overwhelmed by the response after starting a fundraiser called ‘Kyan’s Kipling Make Over Mission’ to decorate the Hastings hospital ward where her son gets treatment. In just a two weeks Lia Higgs’ £4,000 target has been smashed and the fund that will transform parts of Kipling... Read more
18th February
Beware of rogue traders – storm-hit homeowners told
RESIDENTS are being warned not to fall foul of rogue traders as they count the cost of damage caused by severe storms. Fraudsters have already been reportedly posing as East Sussex Highways staff across the county, offering to carry out repairs and remove fallen trees for cash following Storm Ciara. With Storm Dennis having caused... Read more
18th February
MPs and local councillors push for A21 to be a dual carriageway
Anyone using the A21 to get to the M25, will know the trials of being stuck behind slow vehicles on some of the single lane sections. The alternative route via the Ashdown Forest isn’t any easier. Inconvenience aside, the economy of the whole region suffers from lack of infrastructure, especially Hastings. Members of the A21... Read more
13th February
Exciting start to 2020 for The Great Out-tours
Horam based, outdoor education and pioneering franchise business, The Great Out-tours has made it to the National Final of the Rural Business Awards, which takes place on 27 February 2020 in Manchester. The business represents the South East in the Best Rural Services Business category, competing against five other businesses. Many parents in East Sussex... Read more
11th February
Worried about rural transport? Get in touch with local MP Huw, the newly elected Chair of Transport Select Committee
Last week the Bexhill and Battle MP, Huw Merriman, was elected as Chairman of the Transport Select Committee in the House of Commons in a contest voted on by the 650 MPs across all political parties. With transport and infrastructure being a hot topic at the moment, brought to the forefront in our community with... Read more
5th February
Heathfield host #StandTogether Holocaust Memorial Day programme
The 27th January 2020 marked the 75th Anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. To mark the occasion, the Heathfield Community College has planned a series of events for students and the wider community to take part in for greater knowledge, understanding and reflection. Most notably, on Monday 3rd February, Heathfield Community College hosted an event... Read more
4th February
New offices fit for the future of successful law firm
Around 200 clients, staff, suppliers, friends and partners gathered at Hughes Solicitors’ new offices in Heathfield High Street for a stylish ‘office warming’. The celebration marked the completion of a major refurbishment which involved turning the former NatWest Bank into the headquarters and offices for the law firm and its 19-strong team. With the growth... Read more
3rd February
EV chargers, high-speed broadband and Habitat Mitigation Tariffs no longer required after Inspector’s report
With a protest beforehand and hardly a spare seat in the public gallery, yesterday’s planning meeting at Wealden District Council’s Hailsham offices was put under the spotlight. The conditions included the Habitats Mitigation Tariff. The Habitats Regulations are the requirement to ensure no significant harm comes to any protected European site. Developers were previously required... Read more
31st January
Baroness pops in for a chat with the young people at Wealden Works, Heathfield
As part of a whistle stop tour of the South East, Lord’s Minister, Baroness Stedman-Scott, Department for Work and Pensions, popped in to Wealden Works, Heathfield, East Sussex. There she met a group of young people, who are either currently being helped by the initiative or have benefitted from help in the past. Councillor, Rupert... Read more
30th January
Two men arrested following Hellingly helicopter search
Residents in the Hellingly area were alarmed at around 5pm yesterday when a helicopter was seen hovering overhead for around 10 minutes. There were also reports of multiple police vehicles travelling down Mill Lane around the same time. Sussex Police say they are currently investigating the discovery on Tuesday afternoon (28 January) of vehicles and... Read more
29th January
Heathfield’s innovative Science Project improves learning in Primary Schools
Bringing periodic tables alive in school Heathfield Community College has led an innovative research project throughout 2018-19 with eight local primary schools, which has now been recognised to have significantly improved knowledge and outcomes. This project will form part of a national body of research on what works in education. In summer 2018, Heathfield Community... Read more
29th January
Residents organise protest and call for Wealden to halt building on green field sites
Uproar over the countryside around towns and villages such as Heathfield, Horam, Hellingly and Hailsham being turned into housing developments is reaching boiling point. A member of the Save Wealden from Over Development Team Facebook page has set about organising a protest at the next Wealden District Council Planning meeting on Thursday 30th January at... Read more
27th January
Take action now to protect water pipes and outdoor taps
As part of Citizen’s Advice Big Energy Saving Week, #BESW2O, South East Water is warning customers of the risks unprotected water pipes and outdoor taps face during icy temperatures. The company, which provides drinking water to 2.2 million customers across parts of Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire, reports that households and businesses in past... Read more
20th January
NHS urges people to take up free flu jab
People living with a long-term health condition are being urged to protect themselves from becoming seriously ill this winter with a free flu jab, after less than half of them took up the offer last year. The NHS says these people have a greater risk of becoming seriously ill from flu than the general population... Read more
10th January
A265 Roadworks announced for early 2020
Roadworks coming to A265 near Heathfield MOTORISTS are being advised of a series of roadworks taking place on roads local to Heathfield, East Sussex. East Sussex Highways will be carrying out kerbing and road repair work on the A265 at Broad Oak and Burwash Weald, in January, February and March 2020 The scheme begins with... Read more
7th January
Wealden District Council accused of a NIMBY attitude, as Local Plan is rejected by the Planning Inspector
Louise Nurser, BA Hons Dip UP MRTPI, Planning Inspector has written to Wealden District Council, to outline the reasons why the council cannot proceed with its current draft Wealden Local Plan. The letter asserts that Wealden Council has failed in a legal ‘Duty to Cooperate’ through constructive engagement with neighbouring authorities. Highlighted in particular were... Read more
6th January
PCSOs active in Heathfield after recent surge in anti- social behaviour
The new PCSOs who are now covering Heathfield have been announced. They are PCSO Dave Davies, PCSO Tom Lewis and PCSO Geraldine Hodgens. Wealden Police has confirmed that the trio has been out and about in the area along with other officers. Heathfield has started to see an increase in crime with 28 incidents reported... Read more
16th December
Eddie the Eagle delights Cranwell clients at vineyard lunch event
Who doesn’t love a story of utter endurance, determination and dedication at Christmas time? Well, that is exactly what clients of Cranwell Wealth Solutions were treated to this festive season during a delicious lunch hosted at the beautiful Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking, where the inspirational Michael Edwards (Eddie the Eagle Edwards) gave a speech... Read more
12th December
New ‘zero waste’ services at Wholefoods Health Store in Heathfield
Heathfield’s only healthfood store, Wholefoods Health Store on Station Approach, is celebrating its first anniversary at their new location. Rita Quinlan, the owner has been in the supplements and healthfoods business since 1989 and this is the third location she has occupied in Heathfield during this time. The store is packed with well known ranges... Read more
11th December
Candidate round up for Wealden
We have interviewed all of the candidates and have tried to pick apart the main differences and their suitability to represent an area with a large rural component, challenges around infrastructure, crime and the needs of a significantly high number of elderly residents. The 2017 results saw a big swing for Labour, but still very... Read more
10th December
Round up of Bexhill and Battle candidates
Huw Merriman is campaigning to retain his seat. He currently has a substantial majority of 22,000, although Labour did increase their share by 10% last 2017 election. UKIP is missing from the Ballot this time around so there will be a question to be asked about where their supporters will vote this time. Both the... Read more
9th December
Heathfield Show recognised in Farming Awards
Organisers and everyone involved with the Heathfield Agricultural Show have been celebrating after being named Best Agriculture Show or Event at the 2019 Farming Awards. Chairman Rita Dingwall said: “We had a great evening. Thanks to everyone who has been involved with the Heathfield Show over the past 72 years. We were very fortunate to... Read more
6th December
Terry tackles town’s growing graffiti problem
A Heathfield man has been praised by local residents for taking the town’s graffiti problem into his own hands. Terry Hazeltine, who moved to Heathfield 16 years ago from South London, was so incensed when he saw the photos on the Heathfield News Facebook page that he vowed to do something. He explains: “When I... Read more
5th December
Heathfield Traders unite to bring festive Christmas fun to Heathfield
This time last year, shops in Heathfield were reeling from the impact of having the High Street closed for the best part of the month of November. Campaigns like the one we ran #shopheathfield which promoted the need to support our local shopkeepers coupled with the activities mounted by the businesses themselves helped to keep... Read more
27th November
Join in the climate debate. Free tickets to attend an ‘Any Questions’ style debate attended by local candidates for Wealden.
This is an opportunity for the Wealden electorate to take part in a Wealden “Question Time” Hustings, which takes place at Michael Hall School in Forest Row on 27th November, it will focus on the Green Deals of prospective Parliamentary Candidates – the main topic will be are we already too late to avoid environmental... Read more
19th November
Which Christmas tree should you choose? We have all the answers and advice
The benefits of having a real tree in your home at Christmas have been well publicised over the last few years. Studies show pine needle aroma can help lighten moods and reduce stress. In addition, while technology is making it easier for family members to do their own thing, choosing and decorating a real tree... Read more
15th November
Heathfield hairdresser celebrates 30 years of styling
Not many people can claim to have never worked for anyone else during a 30-year career. Owner and founder of Sister Styling in Broad Oak, near Heathfield, Teresa Willis says that hairdressing was all she ever wanted to do after falling in love with her future career at the tender age of just ten years... Read more
13th November
Axell Eames launches Christmas card competition
Big-hearted Heathfield funeral directors Axell Eames is running a Christmas card competition to encourage local children to get out their colouring pens and win a voucher for themselves and a festive tree for their school. The winners will have their design made into Christmas cards to send to their family and friends. They will also... Read more
6th November
Bonfire comes to Heathfield
Last Saturday, October 26 2019 saw the staging of the much anticipated Heathfield Bonfire Society event. Over a year in the planning, the newly formed bonfire society brought bonfire back to Heathfield after a gap of 62 years. There was a festive atmosphere with many Heathfield traders opening up during the evening to serve food... Read more
29th October
Halloween, bonfire and half-term ideas
It’s a busy time of year with half-term, Halloween and bonfire season coinciding. Love or hate bonfire season and Halloween, we have some ideas for you and tips from our Members. With Halloween falling in the middle of half term there is a big buildup to the main event. Some spooky activities are taking place... Read more
25th October
Heathfield Tavern owners get approval for improvements
After a busy first six months of trading, the Heathfield Tavern has successfully applied for planning permission to create a front seating area and a courtyard garden with further seating area to the rear. Planning Application WD/2019/1507 includes the renovation of the existing redundant external areas to the front and rear of the property into... Read more
23rd October
Local businesses scoop Rural Business Awards
There are many award-winning businesses among our members and this month three of them were recognised in the Rural Business Awards Regional Finals which took place on Friday. Now in its fifth year, the Rural Business Awards is the only UK-wide programme dedicated to showcasing the success of countryside businesses. The Great Out-tours, the Horam-based,... Read more
22nd October
All aboard the Mercy Ship for the Heathfield nurse volunteering in Senegal
Suzie Cole from Heathfield, East Sussex, is preparing to leave this weekend for a two-month trip of a lifetime to the West African nation of Senegal where she will be volunteering as a ward nurse. This amazing 24-year-old works at Eastbourne DGH on the CCU (Coronary Care Unit) as a staff nurse and as a... Read more
16th October
Special dementia meetings launched in Heathfield
A dementia charity has launched a weekly event in Heathfield to help people with the condition and their families. Know Dementia has opened one of its popular and much-needed Memory Moments Cafés in the town. The aim of the Memory Moments Café is to bring people with a diagnosis and their carers/family members together with... Read more
13th October
Paws to take stock of your mental health
Meet Queenie – the latest addition to the Axell Eames Funeral Services team and a fully qualified pet therapy dog, having just passed all her exams. And as it’s Mental Health Awareness Day, Axell Eames would like everyone to paws (sorry) for thought and celebrate the benefits animals offer us in times of difficulty. Recognised... Read more
10th October
Support Broad Oak School – campaign appeals for action
Earlier this year, the East Sussex Council announced their intention to close the Broad Oak Primary School by August 2020. This news was met with much resistence, and the parents and local community quickly rallied to form a campaign group to fight the closure. Support Broad Oak School was born and battle commenced. Several well... Read more
3rd October
Sussex soap company goes from strength to strength
Hidden away on a small, farm-based industrial estate in the sleepy country lanes of Waldron in rural East Sussex is a business that is quietly and confidently flourishing. Christina May started nearly 20 years ago after the co-founders Bob and Juliet Butts discovered some vintage soap moulds lying disused in a machinery workshop on a... Read more
30th September
East Sussex couple proves electric vehicle motoring holiday is possible – just…
Is it possible to drive 3,000 miles through Europe in a Nissan Leaf? This was the question posed in an article in the Heathfield News on 20th May. The short answer is an emphatic “yes”. However, the longer answer is that perhaps one might not want to. We left home in East Sussex on a... Read more
29th September
Christmas tree farm in the running for two awards
Catsfield Christmas Tree Farm, near Battle, will find out next month whether it has reached the national finals of The Rural Business Awards after being shortlisted in the regional finals of the Best Retail Business category. In addition, founder Clive Collins put team member Toby Ballard, who lives in Ninfield, forward for the Young Rural... Read more
25th September
Council takes major step towards being green
Street lights and council buildings in East Sussex will be powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity from next year. The decision to switch to a new environmentally-friendly contract was taken as millions around the world took to the streets on the first day of a week-long climate change protest. Under the new contract, all... Read more
20th September
Apple appeal by Sussex cider makers
For the third year running, award-winning Framfield based cidery Bignose & Beardy has launched its ‘Apple Appeal’ asking the local communities in Sussex with apple trees or orchards to donate any surplus fruit – dessert or cookers – for this year’s cider. Over the past two years, 18 tons of Sussex apples have been sourced... Read more
17th September
Herstmonceux Castle students help clean up Cuckoo Trail
Students from Bader International Study Centre (BISC), based at Herstmonceux Castle, took to the Cuckoo Trail for a litter pick this month. The ‘clean up’ event, organised in partnership by Wealden District Council and BISC, involved some 120 students who walked along the trail from Horam to Polegate searching for rubbish. The Council organised for their... Read more
16th September
Pizza Wars hot up in Heathfield
Pizza is popular in Heathfield, East Sussex – we are lucky enough to have two pop up pizza vans, a mobile pizza horse box outside the Cuculo Deli, as well as takeaway outlets like Domino’s. But, recent reports have suggested that the previously harmonious relationship between pizza sellers is hotting up. Domino’s Pizza, with over... Read more
13th September
Dallington pupils celebrate fund raising success
Young fundraisers from Years 3 & 4 at Dallington CE Primary School, Saskia Van Der Meer, Abigail Lloyd & Ava Hutchings are celebrating the success of their fundraising for Cancer Research UK. The trio initiated, organised & ran a Charity Cake Sale & Lucky dip at their school in aid of Cancer Research UK. The... Read more
6th September
Local organisations can benefit from Wealden District Council’s Grants, see how to apply before 2019 deadline
Last year several local groups received small grants from Wealden Council to assist with community projects and services. Groups in the Heathfield area included: The Warbleton Brass Band and the Heathfield Silver Band who received funds to help provide tuition and instruments for young people wanting to join the band. The Hellingly Hound Dogs American... Read more
5th September
Opportunity for florist to take over Horam business
After two years of trading as Cuckoo Flower Company, in Horam, the shop recently closed. There is now an excellent opportunity for someone with relevant experience to take over this ready made business. Owner Geoff Morphew set up the business from scratch – re-fitting the shop and developing the brand including a website and popular Facebook page. Unfortunately, the ongoing... Read more
1st September
Double success for digital entrepreneur with social conscience
A Sussex woman who set up her business from scratch, while at the same time fighting breast cancer, is in the running for two Rural Business Awards. Sue Harbottle-Sear, founder of Konzepts Ltd, has been shortlisted in the Best Rural Start-Up category and Best Rural Digital, Communications or Media Business category. She hopes to show... Read more
29th August