News
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
Local councils appoint Biffa to provide waste collection and street cleansing services
A new waste, recycling, beach and street cleaning contract will start in Hastings, Rother and Wealden from the end of June this year. Biffa has been appointed to provide waste and recycling collection services to all households in these areas and to provide street cleaning in the Rother and Wealden areas. Hastings will be providing... Read more
10th January
Local businesses back a new boxing skills course for young people
Hannah Joy, the Youth Worker at Kings Church Heathfield got in touch with us to let us know about a new fitness activity starting up in Heathfield. Working alongside Charlotte Scott, she has been preparing a Youth Boxing course, which starts on Thursday 10 January at State Hall in Heathfield. The course will focus on fitness... Read more
8th January
Christmas collection for homeless had brilliant response
A Heathfield woman says she has been astounded by the support for her campaign to collect for the area’s homeless. In previous years Sam Keylock has collected items from family and friends but this year she joined forces with her friend Lara Young from Eastbourne. With people offering to help when they saw the appeal,... Read more
2nd January
Council takes a stand against single-use plastics
Wealden District Council has approved a three part action plan to take a stand against single-use plastics. “Like many others, I was shocked to see the destruction plastic pollution is causing to marine wildlife on TV programmes like the BBC’s Blue Planet,” said Councillor Roy Galley, Wealden Cabinet member for Waste Management. “We have a... Read more
27th December
Heathfield Students benefit from successful trial of a mentoring scheme by local businesses
We recently featured the Wealden Works Awards in early December, an event to celebrate the achievements of young people who had left school and needed support to get into work. It is great to report that we have more positive news, this time about another initiative that is helping young people in the Heathfield area.... Read more
18th December
Make sure the funeral company you choose really is local
A Heathfield funeral director is warning people to “read the small print” and check whether the company they are considering using is part of a national chain or they could end up paying more than they need to. Andy Kirk of Axell-Eames Funeral Services in Heathfield High Street welcomes the recent independent scrutiny from the... Read more
12th December
Roger Daltrey shows his support for young people at the Wealden Works Awards
Last Tuesday night December 4, over 150 people attended Wealden Works Annual Awards event, at a packed Heathfield Youth Centre, to celebrate local young people’s achievements. The evening began with Councillor Rupert Simmons, Chairman of the Heathfield Partnership Trust welcoming guests, who included Chris Hardy, Chairman of the Wealden District Council, Ambassador – Roger Daltrey,... Read more
10th December
Law firm to take over former Nat West Bank building in Heathfield
Solicitors H & R Hughes have purchased the Nat West building in Heathfield High Street and will see the team relocate from premises near the roundabout. Rod Hughes told The Heathfield News: “Contrary to local rumours we are not planning to open a Weatherspoons or Pizza Express but rather, following refurbishment, we hope it will... Read more
5th December
Hundreds flock to fire station for carols and festive light illumination
Several hundred children, parents and community representatives turned up on Friday for carols, mince pies, mulled wine and the illumination of the town’s lights. The choir was provided by Cross in Hand Primary School whose pupils donned Santa hats while singing traditional carols next to one of the fire engines. Cllr Andy Wooley had the... Read more
2nd December
High street roadworks finish early
Traders and local residents breathed a collective sigh of relief today when the roadworks scheme in Heathfield town centre finished – two days ahead of schedule. Some businesses say they suffered significant losses during the closure and diversions have caused traffic chaos in the surrounding area. Many of the traders joined in The Heathfield News’... Read more
28th November
“Don’t forget about us” an appeal by Heathfield businesses
Three weeks into the closure of Heathfield High Street, the impact on businesses is just being felt. The Heathfield News launched a #shopheathfield campaign and initially the community rallied in support of the traders in the High Street. This was much appreciated explains James from Cuculo: “We felt very well supported by the community and... Read more
23rd November
Heathfield Community College announces Apple Distinguished School Award
Heathfield Community College has worked with iPads integrated into learning for quite a while now. So it is no surprise to hear that the school has been recognised as an Apple Distinguished School for 2018–2021. This is down to its innovative approach to curriculum design – implementing the iPad as a tool to support both... Read more
21st November
Local boxer Brandon Davies squares up for his first professional fight in London
After graduating from Heathfield Community College in 2015, local lad Brandon Davies had only one thing on his mind. His goal was to make it in the world of professional boxing. Brandon lives in Horam and from the age of 14 he began to develop an interest and aptitude for boxing. Encouraged by his Dad... Read more
14th November
Axell-Eames partners with Young at Heart to sponsor community club place
Do you know an elderly person living in the Heathfield area who might benefit from a free place at an inter-generational community club? Axell-Eames, the local, independent funeral directors has agreed to sponsor a place within the Young at Heart community club for a deserving elderly person to participate for free, once a month, for... Read more
7th November
Act now to combat winter flu risk
PEOPLE at risk of flu are being urged to take advantage of the free vaccination available on the NHS – before winter kicks in. The flu jab, which is available to people aged 65 years and older, pregnant women and people with long-term health conditions, offers the best protection against the disease and any related... Read more
7th November
No end in sight of austerity for the people of East Sussex
Theresa May announced that the end of austerity was” in sight” at the recent Conservative Party Conference on October 3 2018; so Sussex residents may now be wondering what she meant, after the East Sussex County Council leader Cllr Keith Glazier, explained the recent ‘core offer’: “We’d all like to provide more than a core service... Read more
6th November
Heathfield Cadets take part in National World War 1 Battlefield tour
Four Cadets and two instructors from Heathfield have just returned from a fascinating World War 1 Battlefield tour with Cadets from across the country. The cadets made an early start on Friday 26th of October travelling from a camp in Kent that was originally built in 1916 to house troops waiting to go to France.... Read more
31st October
East Sussex charity celebrates over 30 years’ supporting unpaid carers
The Association of Carers, which provides volunteer-led support to unpaid carers throughout East Sussex, hosted a series of parties during October to mark 30 years of the charity helping to make a difference. This included a party at Holy Cross Priory, Heathfield, where volunteers, carers and cared-for people came together to enjoy afternoon tea alongside... Read more
26th October
Badgers Mead apprentice is top of the class at Plumpton
A teenager working at Badgers Mead Farm in Five Ashes, near Mayfield, has been named Learner of the Year by his college. Leo Smith, 19, from Rotherfield, joined Badgers Mead as an apprentice three years ago after leaving school at 16. Since then he has been studying for a Level 2 Diploma Traineeship in Agriculture... Read more
20th October
Frustrated traders walk out of High Street road works meeting
Yesterday’s meeting of business owners at the State Hall, Heathfield, confirmed that rescheduling the closure of the Heathfield High Street in November was not an option. The meeting was run by the Heathfield Partnership with East Sussex Highways and Cllr Rupert Simmons (East Sussex County Council) there for questions. At one point, a business owner... Read more
16th October
Mounting concern from local businesses over the closure of Heathfield High Street in November
Local businesses in Heathfield are bracing themselves for challenging times, ahead of the scheduled November closure of the main road through the town. During this time the High Street will become a ‘no through’ road for all traffic, while the road is reconstructed and street lighting replaced, for the whole of the month. The work,... Read more
10th October
Heathfield girl’s singing talent leads to cathedral appointment
The singing talent of a Heathfield girl has earned her the honour of becoming Dean’s Chorister at a school linked with one of the country’s most famous cathedrals. Chorister Annenora Benians was appointed Dean’s Chorister for Salisbury Cathedral’s girls’ choir last Sunday (23 September) in a special Evensong at which new choristers were admitted and... Read more
29th September
HCC Head to take part in London protest Friday 28 September
As reported on BBC TV news last night, this Friday 28 September, the Heathfield Community College , Headteacher, Ms Barlow, will be joining hundreds of other Headteachers from across the country in support of a mass event intended to gain much improved funding for all schools. A recent letter to parents, from Mr Richard Karn, Chair... Read more
27th September
Do your bit during National Re-cycling Week
Wealden District Council residents are some of the best re-cyclers in East Sussex according to the council. Wealden residents are being thanked for the difference they make during National Recycle Week and every other week of the year. National Recycle Week, the national recycling campaign, runs from 25 September – 1 October. The theme of... Read more
25th September
Burwash shop fire, quick thinking averts a disaster.
In the early hours of Wednesday, 12 September a fire was spotted at the rear of the Burwash Londis Village Store; fortunately there was no loss of life and the incident was contained by the Fire Service. We received this eye witness account from Burwash resident, Wendy Woolgar, whose house is directly behind the store, ... Read more
17th September
Shock last minute donation reaches target for new defibrilator!
Team Leader, Theo Parfitt, from the Heathfield and Waldron Responders, set himself a challenge back in February to take part in the 2018 Great North Run to try and raise £1500 to site another Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) in the local community. This is the first time Theo has ever attempted to undertake any form... Read more
13th September
Scouting legend to be honoured with special campfire event
A fitting tribute will take place next month to honour and remember a remarkable Heathfield woman who touched the lives of many people in the commuity. There will be a traditional scout campfire to celebrate the life of Ivy Winifred Elsey, 82, who was Group Scout Leader and Akela in 1st Broad Oak & Punnetts... Read more
10th September
Young Heathfield artists urged to take advantage of grants
Help is at hand for budding young local artists who could benefit from grants to access courses. The Arts Society is a leading arts charity working to advance decorative and fine arts education and appreciation. It also promotes the preservation of artistic heritage by bringing together groups of like-minded individuals through regular talks, study days, visits,... Read more
6th September
Horam boy appeals to drug company to reduce price of life-saving medicine
A Horam mother has described her poorly son not having access to a ‘miracle’ drug that can prevent the worsening of his cystic fibrosis as ‘heartbreaking’. Christina Walker is mother to eight-year-old Luis who was diagnosed with the devastating condition when he was just a few weeks old. Last week Luis, who goes to Maynards... Read more
22nd August
Hellingly rosé is best of the bunch
The owners of a vineyard in Hellingly, East Sussex, are celebrating after winning more awards for their wine. Kristina Studzinski and Ann-Marie Tynan, who started Off the Line Vineyard from scratch in 2014, won a silver medal in the prestigious WineGB awards for their Hip rosé last year. This year they have won three more... Read more
20th August
Increase in top grades for A Level students at Heathfield Community College
This week has been a time of highs and lows for all of those across the country who were eagerly awaiting their A Level results. But it was great to see that students at Heathfield Community College have improved further on last year’s high, achieving and high attaining outcomes at A level, embedding a consistent... Read more
18th August
A great FREE day out at Le Marche, Heathfield this Bank Holiday Weekend
Heathfield’s famous Anglo/French LE MARCHÉ is taking place on August 27 Bank Holiday Monday – as it has done for the past 21 years. It is the longest running Anglo/French market in the whole of the South East. It runs all day from 09.30 to 15.30 This fantastic all day event draws visitors into the... Read more
18th August
Sarah’s focus on getting even better pays off
A Heathfield photographer has proved once again that she is at the top of her game by winning a string of awards in a prestigious industry competition. Sarah Tate, who has a studio in Hailsham Road, scooped four prizes at the Masters Photographers Association SE Region awards. These included: first place in the Maternity category;... Read more
13th August
Warm weather is boosting house sales says local agent
The warm weather is good for property sales – that’s the verdict of estate agents and chartered surveyors Samuel and Son. The company, which has offices in Heathfield and Horam, says it has seen a significant increase in people wanting to view properties since the sunny spell began. Director Andrew Samuel said: “Traditionally things start... Read more
6th August
Villagers make poppies to mark First World War centenary
As part of the commemoration of the centenary of the end of World War One, on the 11th of November, Herstmonceux W. I. will make a ‘Cascade of Poppies’ to be draped on the side of the Village Hall by the Plaque of Remembrance. They will need over 1,000 poppies. So far they have managed... Read more
2nd August
Heathfield students honoured at awards ceremony
On Thursday 12 July, Heathfield Community College held its annual Honours Evening in the Sports Hall at the Heathfield Leisure Centre. The evening was a celebration of student success with selected students from Years 7 through to Sixth Form presented with awards for effort, progress and excellence in particular subject areas.On arrival, students and their... Read more
20th July
Horam mum set to bike across India for charity
A mum of three from Horam plans to cycle across India in an effort to raise money for cancer charities. Natalia Price-Cabrera, a Pilates instructor, plans to take part in a 450km ride with ‘Women v Cancer’ through rural Rajasthan. Funds raised by Women V Cancer will be divided equally between three important charities: Breast... Read more
18th July
Show organisers present donations in return for help
Twenty one local charities and organisations have received a share of the £17,000 raised from the Heathfield Agricultural Show this year as a thank you for helping at the event. They include: 4×4 Assist; Broad Oak Primary School PTA; Broad Oak & Punnets Town Scouts & Football club; Burwash Scouts; East Hoathly & Halland Carnival... Read more
17th July
Race for Life raises over £1,000 for CRUK
A recent fundraiser for Cancer Research UK was held on Friday 29th June at 3.30pm at All Saints’ & St. Richard’s CofE School in Old Heathfield. All the children and some siblings from the school were sponsored to take part in the ‘race’. There was lots of entertainment on the day with a bouncy castle, ice cream... Read more
17th July
Golfing day raises over £1,000 for Heathfield & Waldron Responders
Responders are volunteer members of the community, trained by the Ambulance Service, to respond to emergency calls through the 999 system, in conjunction with the Ambulance Service. They provide immediate care to patients in their area and are mobilised to 999 calls by Ambulance Control. Responders are a part of, and live in, their local... Read more
10th July
Frogheath Landscapes celebrates 25 years of award winning projects.
Frogheath Landscapes are celebrating 25 years in the business of creating gorgeous outdoor spaces. This family run business is located in Burwash, and as well as private gardens they have also built a number of award winning gardens at RHS Chelsea Flower Show and RHS Hampton Court Flower Show. Including being awarded 3 Gold Medals, Silver Gilt and Silver medals.... Read more
9th July
Willow + Wild Box founder aims to help parents get creative with kids
A Heathfield entrepreneur has launched a children’s monthly subscription box inspired by nature and the great outdoors. The monthly subscription box is aimed at children aged 3 to 8 years of age and is packed with a variety of nature-related activities focusing on gardening, craft, cooking and creating. Designed with busy parents and Grandparents in... Read more
6th July
Recent barn fire highlights risk to the countryside in dry weather
The East Sussex Fire Brigade report that every year in the UK, 1,700 farm buildings and 66,000 acres of grassland are destroyed by fire. The hot, dry weather has resulted in parched areas on verges, in fields and woods leading to a serious increase in the risk of fires starting in the Heathfield area. Now, is... Read more
25th June
Heathfield school recognised nationally for achievements
Heathfield Community College is celebrating after winning four categories of the Educational Outcomes Awards 2018. Held in London, The Educational Outcomes Awards is a regional event that is held annually to draw attention to the work of high-achieving, improving and innovating schools and teachers. Heathfield Community College won the SSAT Educational Outcomes Award 2017 for... Read more
21st June
Heathfield primary school rated OUTSTANDING
Following on from the Church SIAMS inspection before half term, Cross in Hand Primary School has been judged to be an OUTSTANDING Church of England Primary School. The school explained that it was thrilled because the goal posts have been moved since the last inspection and it’s much harder to get the very top judgement.... Read more
20th June
Heathfield to get its own bonfire society
Just over a week ago the Heathfield and District Bonfire Society (HDBS) held its inaugural meeting. It is hoped that this will be the start of a new Bonfire Society and a new focus for the community. “I have been a Heathfield resident all of my live and wondered why Heathfield didn’t have one. The... Read more
12th June
New book remembers the WW1 fallen from the Heathfield area
A while back we publicised Nicola’s quest for information about the fallen soldiers named on the war memorials in Heathfield, Broad Oak and Punnetts Town. After months of painstaking reseach she has now completed and published her book. In it she researches the names of all of the soldiers who are named on the World... Read more
12th June
Get out and about with Beat the Street
Beat the Street – the free walking and cycling game that encourages everyone to be more active and healthy – is back in Wealden and bigger than ever. Running from 6 June to 25 July, Beat the Street can now be played in 12 towns and villages across Wealden as well as along the Cuckoo... Read more
11th June