News
Growing concerns over graffiti in Heathfield
The increase of graffiti in Heathfield is causing concern for residents. Locals have noticed the growing amount of graffiti in the area and are calling for more action to be taken to prevent this vandalism. A Heathfield resident (who wishes to remain anonymous) contacted The Heathfield News about his concerns: “I am alarmed at the... Read more
2nd August
Heathfield Scout takes part in once in a lifetime Scout Skills Festival in West Virginia
Finaly Roberts is one of 5,000 Scouts from the UK taking part in the 24th World Scout Jamboree in West Virginia. Finlay, 16, will join 40,000 others taking part in this skills and adventure festival. He will meet 45,000 Scouts from almost every country in the world – sharing his skills while enjoying adventures in... Read more
1st August
Making light for Kabubbu
A Heathfield teenager is using her creative skills to help raise money for a village in Africa. Holly Christian, a student at Heathfield Community College, is fundraising for a trip to the Ugandan village of Kabubbu. She has been busy making tea-light holders in order to fundraise for the trip. The holders are being exhibited... Read more
26th July
Heathfield welcomes public defibrillators
Four new public access defibrillators have been installed in Heathfield. The Heathfield & Waldron First Responders Group is delighted to announce it has successfully installed four new Public Access Defibrillators (PAD) sites across the town. These defibrillators are designed to be easy to use by members of the public in the event of someone nearby... Read more
25th July
Plant donation helps brighten school grounds
Heathfield Community College was delighted to receive an incredibly generous donation from Thorpe Gardens in Horam during ‘Enrichment Week’. During the last full week of term students took part in a wide variety of activities for Enrichment Week. These ranged from cycling adventures to camping, baking, trips abroad and gardening. Pupils who chose gardening formed... Read more
23rd July
The Great Out-tours celebrate selection as a finalist in the Rural Business Awards Final 2019
Horam based, business The Great Out-tours has been shortlisted in two categories of the prestigious Rural Business Awards 2019/20: South East Best Rural Professional Services Business and the Best Rural Recreational or Outdoor Pursuits Business categories of the Rural Business Awards 2019/20. “It is thrilling to be selected as a finalist for the South East region, just... Read more
23rd July
Rita’s quest for the Multiple Sclerosis Trust
Heathfield woman Rita Dingwall has completed her mission of cycling from London to Amsterdam in order to raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis Trust. Rita, 63, an Equine Practice Manager, completed the fundraiser on June 28th on board her beloved bike Evie. This quest, however, is not unknown to Rita and Evie. Flashback to June... Read more
22nd July
Heathfield Community College celebrates Student Honours Awards
Last Thursday, 11 July 2019, was the annual Awards Evening at Heathfield Community College, with hundreds of students and their family and friends gathering to celebrate their achievements. It was a gorgeous warm evening and everyone enjoyed drinks and live music on the lawn before going inside for the awards. The Tony Russell Awards are... Read more
18th July
East Sussex County Council face frustration at Broad Oak School closure meeting on Monday.
Monday night, July 15th, saw the East Sussex County Council attempting to explain their position in respect of the proposed closure of Broad Oak School, at a packed meeting with parents and the community. The audience became increasingly frustrated and angry with the ESCC who had to stop their presentation and move to questions after... Read more
17th July
Top award for Unity Community Association vegetable garden
Wealden District Council have announced the winners of its annual Garden Competition for residents living in Council owned Housing Estates and Retirement Living Courts across the District. Entrants were invited to showcase their wonderful gardens, patios and balconies to the judges across two gloriously sunny days in June. This year’s judges were Wealden Cabinet... Read more
16th July
Developers show off proposed new development next to Jubilee Fields, Heathfield
Last week, Countryside, a large developer with over 60 years’ experience, in housing developments across London, the South East, the North West of England and the West Midlands; showcased their plans for a new project next to Jubilee Fields off Ghyll Road, Heathfield. The Site is located on the south western side of Heathfield, with... Read more
16th July
Rushlake Green shop to continue under new ownership
Rushlake Green residents were shocked to hear that the village shop is changing owners but relieved that there will be a seamless transition. Bobby Paul Santhan and his family decided the time was right to move on with the a new shopkeeper Tony Field taking over the Rushlake Green Village Stores on Monday 8th July.... Read more
10th July
Five star reviews for celebratory show
East Sussex Dance Studios wowed audiences on Saturday with ‘The Ruby Shoes’ their modernised version of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ at the 1,000-seater Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells, in two amazing shows. The show celebrated five years under Principal Jenna Crescenzo but also celebrated 40 years since the original school opened, hence the Ruby Theme.... Read more
8th July
Herstmonceux hair shave for the Air Ambulance
A care support worker from Herstmonceux is going to be shaving off her hair at the end of July in aid of Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance Trust. Caroline Chewter, 28, decided to have her locks cut off after an horrific road traffic accident involving her family. Tragically, during May 2014, Caroline’s son, Russel... Read more
5th July
Heathfield Ironmongers celebrate their 100 year anniversary!
This year is the 100th anniversary of the Heathfield Ironmongers on Heathfield High St, to mark this milestone in the first week of July you will see some amazing competitions and offers in store. Over a 100 years ago, before World War 1, a Hailsham based ironmongery company called A.F. Smith, opened the original... Read more
27th June
Matt’s mission to help African family
Local Heathfield man Matt Rayner, a student, 24, has succeeded in completing a 100km Jurassic Ultra Challenge to raise money for a poverty stricken family in Uganda. Incredible fortitude, courage and commitment from Matt and his amazing support duo of Mum, Allison Caffyn and girlfriend Izzy Jordan saw him cross the finish line after a... Read more
26th June
Local businessman warns against illegal traders after Watchdog investigation
A Heathfield businessman has spoken out after watching a recent television programme that revealed the shady and illegal sales tactics used by some companies. Mike Evans, who owns County – The Home Improvers said he was furious when he saw the way staff at Zenith Windows were operating and giving the home improvement industry a... Read more
25th June
More trouble for traders with demands to pay a pavement tax
After the despair at pre-Christmas roadworks in late 2018, Heathfield traders have been shocked to receive demands from East Sussex Highways for a ‘pavement tax’. After more than 70 years without this tax being implemented they are questioning why they suddenly have to start paying. Traders have commented that the demand seems poorly thought through,... Read more
24th June
Broad Oak Primary School parents vow to fight proposed closure
Parents at Broad Oak Primary school received the devastating news at the end of last week that their school is being considered for closure. East Sussex County Council have conducted a review of 62 rural schools and consider that the closure of the school would reduce the number of surplus places in the area and have... Read more
21st June
New group to campaign for charging points in Heathfield
A group of progressive thinking residents wants to encourage others to join the green transport movement and use electric vehicles. Within the group there are Tesla, Leaf, Kangoo and Zoe owners and local businesses such as Wildbloods Electricians whose staff are now trained to install charge points locally. At a recent meeting held in Heathfield... Read more
13th June
Show bounces back after vandalism and attracts bumper crowd
The Heathfield & District Agricultural Show proved once again that it is one of the most popular events in the local calendar and a great way for businesses and livestock owners to show off their talents and skills. The volunteer organisers of the show were delighted with the support they received for the 2019 Show... Read more
8th June
Sarah is named best photographer in the region
Sarah Tate AMPA, from Hellingly, has just been awarded the prestigious title of Master Photography Association Regional Photographer of the Year 2019 with her fine art portraits of two local people. Sarah, who won the title against a huge number of entries from hundreds of professional photographers from the South of England, including Essex and... Read more
3rd June
Burwash Landscapers win People’s Choice Award at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019
The Artisan Garden called “Donkeys Matter”, sponsored by The Donkey Sanctuary charity and built by local garden landscapers Frogheath Landscapes from Burwash Weald, has won the coveted People’s Choice Award at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019 in London on Friday 24th May 2019. The garden also won an RHS Silver Medal. This beautiful Donkey... Read more
31st May
New crematorium to hold open day on 15th June
Excitement is building among local businesses and residents about the state-of-the-art crematorium in Horam, developed and run by Wealden District Crematorium, which will welcome the public to an open day on 15th June from 11am to 3pm. Shorter journey times for families and mourners is just one of the many benefits the new facility offers... Read more
29th May
Heathfield Show – organisers appeal for information after targeted by vandals
Saturday morning, 18 May, the organisers of The Heathfield Show arrived to find that the showground had been the victim of criminal damage. Show marquees had been slashed multiple times in a pointless act of vandalism. With only a week to go to the show, organisers are determined to carry on with the build, and... Read more
19th May
Burwash Common man visits super sewer tunnelling machine
A Burwash Common resident visited London’s new super sewer to see a tunnelling machine named in honour of his aunt, a pioneering scientist. The tunnel boring machine (TBM) ‘Ursula’ has started digging part of the Thames Tideway Tunnel, currently under construction to stop sewage overflows in the River Thames. As is tradition in tunnelling, all... Read more
14th May
Counting down to The Heathfield Agricultural Show – a brilliant day out
One of the area’s biggest and most well-attended events is just around the corner and it is set to be better than ever. The Heathfield Agricultural Show, which takes place on Saturday 25th May, is a fantastic day out whether you are aged seven or 70 – there is something for everyone. Tickets are available... Read more
13th May
Heathfield Scouts launch campaign to tackle loneliness in the community
“Bear Grylls, the Chief Scout, asked all Scouts to make a difference in their community this year. It was up to each group to decide how to achieve this, I am very proud of the young people from the 1st Heathfield Scouts, who after much debate, have chosen to tackle loneliness. Together they have decided... Read more
10th May
On your bike! Rental scheme comes to the Cuckoo Trail
Countrybike comes to the Cuckoo Trail this week following the success of the Ashdown Forest cycle hire scheme. The app-based cycle rental company, set up by husband and wife team, Tim and Suzy Seddon in 2017, aims to make the Wealden countryside more accessible to its residents and visitors. The Cuckoo Trail hire scheme is... Read more
1st May
King’s Church launch new after school activities for young people
When the King’s Church launched their highly successful youth boxing classes, earlier this year, the community reacted positively and praised the organisation for initiating activities for young people in the area. Following on from this the King’s Church are now launching two new activities for the young people of Heathfield and surrounding areas. Youth... Read more
23rd April
Winner of tennis competition announced
Congratulations to Maria Sendra-Garcia who was the lucky winner of our competition to win a year’s membership to the area’s top tennis club and a private coaching lesson from Elevate Tennis. Maria correctly answered the question: ‘who was the 2018 Wimbledon ladies singles champion?’ which she posted on Facebook. Maria’s brother is very keen to... Read more
10th April
Hidden Spring Vineyard celebrates the bottling of their 2018 vintage wines
Chris and David of Horam based, Hidden Spring are celebrating the first onsite bottling of their wines; although grapes have been grown on the site since 1986, historically the wines were actually made elsewhere. But, this year five wines have been bottled from grapes from the Hidden Spring Vineyard. There are two still white... Read more
9th April
Frogheath Landscapes wins again at The Association of Professional Landscapers Awards 2019
It is that time of year again, when landscaping companies start the big build up for Chelsea Flower Show. However, local company Frogheath Landscapes, based in Burwash Weald, still found time to scoop up some more awards. They repeated last year’s success at the Association of Professional Landscapers National Awards 2019, when they won 3... Read more
5th April
Heathfield estate agents win gold at The British Property Awards
The team at Rowland Gorringe are bursting with pride after it was announced that the Estate Agent had won Gold in The British Property Award for Heathfield. The office comprising five staff, performed outstandingly throughout the extensive judging period, there were 25 judging criteria with the main focus on customer service levels. This means that... Read more
4th April
Horam based Great Out-tours goes nationwide with its nature focused learning franchise
The Great Out-Tours, based in Horam, recently celebrated the launch of its national, nature based learning, franchise business. The first cohort of franchisees attended a two day induction training at Woodside, Environmental Education Centre, Horam. This first group came from as far afield as Nottingham, Bristol and North Somerset, and as local as the Ashdown... Read more
29th March
Heathfield woman to trek across Sahara for hospice
A Heathfield woman will be pushing herself to the limit in her 60th year in memory of her mother Ivy Winifred Elsey and to raise money for St Wilfrid’s Hospice. Lynne Phair, an independent consultant nurse and expert witness, is taking up the challenge of a trek across the wilderness of the Sahara over four... Read more
29th March
Climate Strike Friday, Heathfield students have their say on the environmental crisis
As part of the Climate Strike Friday, Heathfield Community College students called for immediate action on the climate crisis, with students from across the college demanding for politicians to prioritise the environment to protect the future for the next generation. While some young people from across the world went on strike today, the students who... Read more
15th March
Heathfield photographer’s portrait competition helps children with cancer
An award-winning Sussex photographer has come up with a novel way of raising money for a local cancer charity. Heathfield-based Sarah Tate Photography came up with the idea of holding a children’s portrait competition which, for a donation of just £10, gives every competitor a free photoshoot and a print. Sarah is aiming to raise... Read more
6th March
Latest news from The Wheel in Burwash
It was a buzz of activity on Monday morning when I popped into The Wheel, in Burwash Weald, to have a chat with the new owner, Sam Maynard and his family. All of whom were busy working hard to get the pub ready for opening later this week. The inside of the pub is undergoing... Read more
26th February
East Sussex youth can ‘blaze a trail’ with an apprenticeship
THE benefits of apprenticeships in helping young people launch a successful career are being highlighted in East Sussex as part of a national initiative. To mark National Apprenticeship Week, which runs from March 4 to 8 under the theme ‘Blaze A Trail’, East Sussex County Council is working with Apprenticeships in Sussex to promote events... Read more
20th February
The Wheel, Burwash Common to re-open with new owners
Having been without a ‘local’ for several months, the people of Burwash Common, and surrounding area, can look forward to their only pub reopening at the end of February 2019. Sam Maynard, the new owner, commented: “We are very excited to be taking over The Wheel, we hope to open at the end of February... Read more
8th February
Dangers of ‘County Lines’ brought alive for Year 8 students
The dangers of becoming involved in ‘County Lines’, were brought alive last week to the Year 8 students at Heathfield Community College. The students experienced a powerful and moving performance on Wednesday 30th January from Alter Ego Creative Solutions; a Theatre in Education company, who portray the stories surrounding complex social issues and aim to kick-start... Read more
8th February
Join in the Great British Spring Clean
Wealden District Council has pledged its support for this year’s Great British Spring Clean, run by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy. The campaign, which runs from 22 March to 23 April, will see up to half a million people take action to clean up streets, parks and beaches across the country. The Great British Spring... Read more
6th February
Heathfield loses another bank as Santander announces branch closure.
Santander announced on January 23 this week, that they are making changes to its branch network and plan to close 140 branches in response to changes in how customers are choosing to carry out their banking. The number of transactions carried out via Santander branches has fallen by 23% over the past three years, while... Read more
25th January
Horam crematorium to open in March
Wealden’s Chairman Councillor Chris Hardy laid the final stone in Wealden’s new Crematorium at a ceremony to mark the completion of the building’s structure, while local business are gearing up to help mourners with ther needs. District and Parish Council representatives gathered with the site team responsible for delivering the £5 million project. These include... Read more
22nd January
Recognition for a man with a passion for Christmas lights
This year’s winner of The Heathfield News Christmas lights competition, is Brian Austin. Nominations were collected on Facebook and Brian’s house in Alexander Road was the one that most people thought the most deserving. We caught up with Brian and his wife, at Trading 4 U when he collected his winner’s voucher from the store.... Read more
22nd January
Council offers simple steps to keep warm and well this winter
OLDER and vulnerable residents in East Sussex are urged to take action to ensure they don’t become a victim of cold weather this winter. As the cold weather begins to bite, county public health chiefs have issued the appeal to over 65s and people with long-term health conditions who are especially vulnerable to the effects... Read more
18th January
Heathfield Tavern taken over by award-winning pub group
Heathfield residents have welcomed the news that The Heathfield Tavern has been taken over by Ridley Inns who run two other pubs in East Sussex. Ridley Inns say that The Heathfield Tavern will have elements of both The Highlands Inn in Uckfield and The Cock Inn in Ringmer with an emphasis on great food and... Read more
17th January
Headteacher warns of increasing pressure on school services for students in East Sussex
A recent survey conducted by ‘Worth Less?’ has gained fresh insight into the state of England’s schools and academies since the introduction of the new National Funding Formula (NFF). The organisation represents over 60 Local Authorities and Boroughs with a reach to several million families. The survey of unprecedented size and scope has gained the... Read more
14th January
Countdown to primary school application deadline
If you haven’t yet applied for a place for your child to attend a state primary school this September – don’t worry, it’s not too late. An East Sussex County Council spokesman said: “Parents have until 11.59pm on Tuesday, January 15 to apply for a school place for their child starting in September 2019. While... Read more
13th January