News
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
Bumper harvest at Off the Line Vineyard!
We are lucky to have lots of excellent vineyards around Heathfield and this harvest time has been a good one. One of our favorites, Off the Line Vineyard is delighted to announce that it has been a bumper harvest this year. The quality of the fruit was exceptional and yields good. The weather has been... Read more
22nd October
Covid 19 shuts Cross in Hand Primary School
Parents were shocked to find out this morning that Cross in Hand CEP School was shutting for two weeks after a member of staff tested positive for Covid 19. The school is a popular local primary on the outskirts of Heathfield, East Sussex. It is the first local school to have had to shut completely.... Read more
20th October
Renters on the move in East Sussex face huge challenge to find property
During the last few months, the housing market has been one of the many things that have seen unpredictable change during the lockdown and coronavirus period, particularly with lettings. Many estate agents are urgently looking for properties to let out and to sell while, in contrast, the demand for people wanting to rent or buy... Read more
20th October
Family soap entrepreneur shines in regional awards
Sussex-based soap and luxury products manufacturer Christina May is celebrating this month after winning the Family Business category of Institute of Directors London & South Director of The Year Awards and being a finalist in the Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2020. In the IoD awards Managing Director Oliver Butts beat hundreds of other companies to... Read more
14th October
New Music Bunnies, pre-school activity comes to Heathfield
When Valarie’s husband relocated to Heathfield for work, she had to bid farewell to rural Somerset, and settle into the East Sussex town. A mother to two small children, she decided to follow her dream to run sensory inspired classes for pre-school children. “After months of lockdown isolation I think it really is a good... Read more
8th October
Confirmed COVID-19 case in Cross in Hand
A local primary school is thought to be the first in the Heathfield area to have a confirmed COVID-19 case among pupils. Public Health England says that there has been a single confirmed case at Cross In Hand School Primary School and appropriate advice has been given. The Public Health England spokesperson was not able... Read more
24th September
Heathfield boy with severe peanut allergy involved in pioneering trials
A Heathfield Community College student who is severely allergic to peanut is giving hope to others with nut allergies after taking part in a successful trial. James Redman, 12, can now safely tolerate seven peanuts thanks to a ground-breaking trial at Evelina London Children’s Hospital. James, from Heathfield, was diagnosed with a severe peanut allergy... Read more
15th September
Heathfield failed by inadequate broadband provision
Despite the welcome announcement from ESCC of new funding from central Government to help those out of work and support business growth in East Sussex, The Heathfield News was shocked to learn that anyone moving to Heathfield, business or residential, is unable to connect a new account to fibre broadband. BT has confirmed that the... Read more
11th September
New platform gives artisan food and drink producers opportunity to connect with customers differently
A Burwash entrepreneur has launched a virtual multi-brand store to help artisan food and drinks ‘makers’ flourish and discerning shoppers to discover, learn about and purchase mouth-watering products made with passion. The MeltedInside.com platform welcomes and features makers from across the UK selling everything from seaweed seasoning produced in Yorkshire by SeaGrown to South American-style... Read more
24th August
New art gallery launches in Mayfield
A sculptor has transformed one of two flats he bought on Fir Toll Road in Mayfield into an art gallery. Richard Field has gathered what he describes as an ‘incredible’ collection of sculptures and art for the grand opening of Melford Gallery on Friday 21st August. For more details see our What’s On page. Many... Read more
20th August
Tips to reduce water use, keep cool and keep safe from fire
South East Water, the NHS and East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service have all issued heatwave advice. South East Water is asking customers keep using tap water for drinking, hygiene and cooking only as the heatwave continues. The company has seen record-breaking demand for water which has outstripped how much can be pumped through its... Read more
11th August
Lucky Nellie rescued by off duty Heathfield firefighter
Local woman Sophie Strevens and her son were out walking in Darches Wood with their young Border Collie Nellie, who enjoys a swim especially in this hot weather. After a few minutes of playing in the water Nellie, the collie, got caught in a thick bramble vine which wrapped itself around her tail. She couldn’t... Read more
9th August
Cross in Hand plane crash kills pilot
Emergency service vehicles were seen rushing soon after 11am to the scene of a plane crash that has resulted in the death of the pilot. He has not yet been named. According to Sussex Police, the light aircraft crashed near Cross in Hand, Heathfield, on Tuesday morning (August 4). Emergency services were called to... Read more
4th August
Sussex soap company reaches finals of Great British Entrepreneur Awards
A Sussex soap manufacturer has been shortlisted in the Family Business category of the 2020 Great British Entrepreneur Awards. Christina May Ltd, best known for its English Soap Company brand, is one of just four companies shortlisted from across the South East region in the prestigious awards which received some 2,600 entries. Christina May manufactures... Read more
3rd August
Disappointment for Heathfield Bonfire Society
The Heathfield and District Bonfire Society has worked extremely hard since it was formed in 2018, and lots of fundraising culminated in their first event last year when they brought the bonfire tradition to Heathfield. 2020 should have been the second event, however as Steve Thomas, Chairman explained: “It is with sadness that the members... Read more
30th July
Sewing skills used to raise vital funds for hospice
A Hellingly woman has used her sewing skills to raise around £2,000 for the hospice that cared for her father Ron. Debbie Scott, who started off making scrub bags for nurses before trying to make masks, didn’t dream that she would end up raising so much money and making some 600 of them. She explains:... Read more
29th July
Players give new courts at Cross in Hand thumbs up
Tennis enthusiasts from the Heathfield area were celebrating on Saturday when three new state-of-the-art clay courts were unveiled at Cross in Hand Tennis Club. The refurbished courts more than double the number of all-weather courts at the club and mean tennis can be played safely all year round. Before the refurbishment work players and coaches... Read more
22nd July
Hughes Solicitors welcomes new Partner to the firm
Heathfield’s leading firm of solicitors has strengthened its property expertise with the addition of another highly experienced professional. Matthew Sabine joins Hughes Solicitors as a Partner and Head of the Residential Property team. He specialises in freehold and leasehold sales, purchases, re-mortgaging properties, deeds of variation, lease extensions, deeds of easement, transfers of equity, newbuilds... Read more
22nd July
Free Rein Horse Rescue and supporters fight back
It’s been a tough time recently for the Burwash based, Free Rein Horse charity, as it fell victim to some unpleasant trolling on social media. Claire Gerrard founder of Free Rein Horse rescue explained : ” Unfortunately we have had some negative comments made about the charity online, we felt this to be misleading and... Read more
21st July
Rushlake Green Post Office recognised for service during Covid-19 pandemic
The team at Rushlake Green Post Office is celebrating after reaching the finals of the Community Engagement category at the Post Office’s ‘We’re Stronger Together’ regional awards for the South East region. The awards recognise the efforts made by postmasters across the region to keep branches open during the Covid-19 pandemic and serving their local... Read more
17th July
Plenty of time to enter Sussex Young Musician of the Year 2020
There’s still plenty of time to enter the 2020 Sussex Young Musician of the Year, with the closing date not until Sunday 30th August 2020. Open to musicians aged between 18 and 26 years old, who have a connection to Sussex (residential and/or educational) and are embarking or intending to embark on a professional career... Read more
13th July
New Parish Council Chairman talks to The Heathfield News
Mike Robinson is the new Chairman of Heathfield and Waldron Parish Council. We interviewed Mike recently to find out a little more about him, his role and priorities since taking over three months ago. Tell us about yourself? I am 71 years old and moved to Heathfield from London 11 years ago. I am an... Read more
9th July
High street business re-opens safely
As lockdown restrictions ease Cranwell Wealth Solutions’ Uckfield and Heathfield high street branches are now open and welcoming both planned and impromptu visits from the public. Both branches are open Monday to Friday, 9am until 4.30pm. Like other businesses, the safety of the Cranwell team and those who visit is the company’s number one priority. ... Read more
7th July
The Wheel and other pubs are reopening this weekend
Pubs and restaurants have suffered more than most businesses. Ordered to shut down with little notice, stock had to be thrown away and beer went bad. Some tried delivery or takeaway services, but it was hard. However, as the 4th of July approaches when pubs can reopen, publicans are cautiously optimistic. We spoke to Sam... Read more
2nd July
Heathfield’s opticians are open for business
Heathfield’s opticians are open for business, both Melina Joy Opticians and Pople and Broad are taking bookings for appointments. Although, the ‘new normal’ requires some adjustment to what you may have been familiar with; and it is always best to call in advance to discuss your needs, and to find out what services are on... Read more
1st July
Jo Shiner to take up top police role
Jo Shiner is set to become Sussex Police‘s first female chief constable when she starts the job on July 11, following a unanimous decision by the Police and Crime Panel to approve the appointment by Katy Bourne, Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner. “I am incredibly proud and privileged to have been given the opportunity to... Read more
30th June
Las Bodegas rebrands as Wellbrook Wines, with all the same great wines and service.
Specialist wine importer Las Bodegas, lept into action as soon as the lockdown started. Being a specialist wholesale importer they found that their on trade restaurant and wine business clients had almost completely dried up. Not to be daunted by this they leafleted the local area and started a wine delivery service – bringing their... Read more
30th June
iPad learning comes into its own at Heathfield Community College during lockdown
With Heathfield Community College expanding its provision for some student years, we wondered how the college had coped with lockdown. We heard from headteacher Caroline Barlow: “Community is born from adversity and while we believe that our sense of community at the college has always been strong, it has certainly been tested and strengthened in... Read more
26th June
Apprentices sought by Frogheath Landscapes
A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join an award winning garden landscaping team based in Burwash Weald, East Sussex (including the Association of Professional Landscapers Supreme Winner in 2013 and again in 2016, RHS Chelsea Gold medal winners in 2014 and 2015 and Gold medal winner at RHS Hampton Court in 2015). The opening is... Read more
22nd June
Call for nominations for community awards supported by Rowland Gorringe
The Heathfield News has got together with local estate agent Rowland Gorringe to launch a quest to find local people or businesses who have gone ‘above and beyond’ to help the community. Even before the pandemic we reported on selfless acts of kindness, undertaken to benefit the community by individuals and groups. We interviewed Terry,... Read more
22nd June
Local home improvement company weathers the Coronavirus storm
County – The Home Improvers is one of the many local companies that had to react quickly to the situation it faced after the lockdown in March. Company Chairman Mike Evans explains: “It has been a crazy few months for everyone. In our 38-plus years in business we haven’t experienced anything quite like this before,... Read more
21st June
Don’t miss the deadline for £2.6 million of support for Wealden businesses
Wealden businesses that were not eligible for Covid-19 Small Business or Retail Hospitality and Leisure Grants have until Friday 19 June to apply for the Council’s new Discretionary Business Grant. This support is geared towards helping small businesses not eligible for other support because they do not pay business rates. Typical enterprises which can be... Read more
15th June