News
Don’t bin it – repair it instead!
This way you’ll save money and help the environment by reducing landfill and unnecessary replacement costs and airmiles for new products. All repairs are carried out for free by our experts many of whom make a living from their skills and yet give up their time to help the community. Donations are welcome. They are important... Read more
18th November
Live Theatre is Back at Heathfield!
Live theatre is back on stage at Heathfield Community College This week after two long years the students at Heathfield Community College were so glad to finally be back on the stage. MTI’s All Together Now gave the school the chance to be part of a global event with over 5,000 performances produced by 2,500... Read more
18th November
Sophia (7), winner of the Parish Council competition, will switch on the Heathfield lights this Friday 19 November 2021
Winning entry to the Parish Council’s colouring competition The winner of the Parish Council’s colouring competition is Sophia Eyles (age 7), the two runners up were Mia Jeremy and George Alexander, a big well done to all the children who took part in the competition. Sophia will be switching on the Heathfield lights this Friday... Read more
17th November
Live streaming brings the First World War alive for Heathfield Community College students.
A week of Remembrance at Heathfield Community College This week to commemorate Remembrance Day 2021, students at Heathfield Community College took take part in workshops provided by the National Archives on Monday 8th November. Live-streaming brings World War One Alive for Healthfield Community College Students The one-hour workshop took place during the school day with a... Read more
11th November
Wealden’s High Streets flourish as people shop locally
High streets across Wealden market towns and villages are bucking national trends and recovering well from the pandemic, say local experts. With larger towns and cities continuing to struggle with reduced footfall and empty premises, Wealden’s smaller market towns and villages such as Uckfield, Heathfield and Mayfield have benefited from the strong support of their... Read more
27th October
Repair Café goes from strength to strength
Repair cafés first started in Amsterdam in the 1990s to reduce waste and landfill, to foster the community spirit and to impart the skills of mending to the wider community. People bring in their broken household goods and have them mended (if this is possible) and watch and learn the mending process. Repairing is done... Read more
21st October
Still time to take part in Go Sober in October
Artisan food and drink platform Meltedinside.com is encouraging people to try no alcohol and low-alcohol drinks this month and help raise vital funds for Macmillan Cancer’s Go Sober in October challenge. Melted Inside is donating £2 for every purchase of alcohol alternative or low-alcohol drinks bought online during the month of October. Macmillan Cancer Support... Read more
14th October
Success for Heathfield Community College, as named – Apple Distinguished School
Heathfield Community College has been recognised as an Apple Distinguished School for 2021–2024 for its continued approach to evidence informed use of technology within learning that supports students and teachers to develop innovative, creative and personalised learning experiences. Apple Distinguished Schools are centres of innovation, leadership, and educational excellence. They use Apple technology to connect... Read more
12th October
Will this new apprenticeship scheme be real help for vulnerable residents?
People of all ages and situations have found the last two years extremely challenging. A time when, just not having a roof over your head was inconceivable, and our quality of life was defined 100% by our home environment. It is encouraging to see a new scheme that might tackle some of these challenges being... Read more
7th October
Marvellous milestone for Burwash company Meltedinside.com
Burwash-based Artisan food and drink start up Meltedinside.com celebrates its second birthday this month (September). From a spark of an idea when she was struggling to purchase local artisan products herself, founder Candy Bowles has created a unique business that is helping both consumers and producers to connect with each other. There are now nearly... Read more
28th September
Wealden Crematorium Open Day attracts a crowd
More than 350 people attended an open day at Wealden Crematorium, Horam – at the weekend. The event on Saturday 18 September was an opportunity for local people and anyone curious to see inside the building and around the grounds. The Wealden Creamtorium open day was attended by Wealden District Council chairman Councillor Ron Reed,... Read more
23rd September
What is the new Health and Social Care Tax?
As many are aware the government recently announced an extra tax to fund social care in England and help the NHS recover after the pandemic. This will be funded by employees, employers and the self-employed all paying 1.25p more in the pound for National Insurance (NI) from April 2022. But from April 2023, National Insurance... Read more
17th September
Rag ‘n’ Bone Man despairs at development in Heathfield
Rag ‘n’ Bone Man – Rory Graham – took to social media yesterday to express his despair over a housing development which is literally in his backyard. The only ‘Human’ singer called for support against the Whitehall Homes Snatchells Farm Heathfield development, which will transform the quiet wooded area beside his and adjoining homes. The... Read more
16th September
CCTV installed at Tower Recreation Ground in Heathfield
After many months of complaints – Heathfield & Waldron Parish Council have listened to residents’ concerns over anti-social behaviour at the Tower Rec in Heathfield and have installed CCTV to help alleviate the problems. The pictures will feed direct to the police at their monitoring room in Lewes. Following the council’s request the police are... Read more
14th September
Horam homebrew shop set to shine on Small Business Saturday
Almost Off Grid based in Horam been chosen as one of 100 impressive small businesses from across the UK to mark the official count down to this year’s Small Business Saturday UK. Almost Off Grid Home Brew Shop, founded by Bev and Andy Toogood in 2016, was selected to be part of the campaign’s prestigious... Read more
14th September
Heathfield students out in force at Brighton Marathon
Sunday’s Brighton Marathon saw Heathfield students up bright and early this weekend. 40 students and 4 staff spent the day volunteering at the 2021 Brighton Marathon, running the water station at Mile 10.5. Students worked hard stacking and filling over 8000 cups as well as providing consistent encouragement and motivation to runners over five hours... Read more
13th September
Logo design competition for The Heathfield Show
The pandemic resulted in two years of the Heathfield Show being lost. But 2022 will see this hugely popular show bounce back – bigger and better, ready to celebrate its 75th anniversary. The Show Council have not been inactive during the past two years of cancelled shows. They have ploughed ahead in moving the Show... Read more
13th September
August Bank Holiday events welcome record crowds
East Sussex residents were spoilt for choice over the end of August Bank Holiday weekend with three amazing events to choose from – Le Marche in Heathfield, The Festival of Transport in Hellingly and the Medieval Festival at Herstmonceux. Organisers were relieved that the events could go ahead this year after all of them had... Read more
9th September
Flooding nightmare continues for Heathfield residents
The residents of Wren Close, Heathfield, are now living with the buzz of dehumidifiers five weeks on from their homes being devastated on 25th July. Meanwhile an investigation into the cause of flooding in Heathfield following the heavy rain has been launched. As part of its duty under the Flood and Water Management Act, East... Read more
2nd September
East Sussex County Council announces commitment to increasing refuges for victims of domestic abuse
Clarion Housing Association has been awarded the contract for the provision of refuge services across East Sussex. From November 1, 2021 Clarion will provide specialist support in 47 units of safe accommodation across the county for women experiencing domestic abuse and violence, and their children. Within a year of the contract starting, this provision will... Read more
1st September
Support for Afghan refugees pledged by Wealden District Council
With horrific scenes being broadcast daily from Afganistan, as the August 31st deadline for US withdrawal approaches, many people may be wondering what the local council have planned to help with resettlement. Wealden Council has announced that Afghan refugees arriving in the area will be provided sanctuary as it has pledged support to help those... Read more
27th August
Lakedown taproom with sublime views opening in Burwash
Tucked away in an idyllic corner of Burwash lies the Lakedown Taproom. Housed in the fisherman’s lodge with views extending over the lakes you will find the perfect spot to enjoy a range of delicious ales from Lakedown Brewing Company, their microbrewery. There is space both indoors and out, and an online booking system to... Read more
24th August
Chiddlingly’s first scarecrow trail is huge success
Chiddingly’s first-ever Scarecrow trail was held earlier this month and was a huge success with more than 70 scarecrows being entered and more than 100 people voting to choose the winners in three classes. The overall winners were Gardener and friends! by Sue Barter and Un Francais est arrive by Isabelle Bouvier. Other winners were:... Read more
24th August
Heathfield Community College ‘A’ Level exam success
Students collecting A Level results this year experienced their Sixth Form studies in undeniably unprecedented circumstances, including three national lockdowns. For the second year running, Heathfield Community College students had exams were cancelled, final grades were instead based on assessments by teachers following guidance from exam boards. Despite this students are celebrating excellent ‘A’ Level... Read more
11th August
Success for Cross in Hand Tennis Club’s junior doubles duo
Jack White (15) and Max Routlege (14) are both talented young tennis players who also play together as a doubles duo. They are keen members of Cross in Hand Tennis Club near Heathfield, East Sussex. Two recent tournaments saw them rack up multiple successes. First in the Junior Benenden Tennis Tournament, which celebrated its 85th... Read more
5th August
Two local companies shortlisted in Rural Business Awards
Burwash-based artisan food and drink platform MeltedInside.com and Waldron-based The English Soap Company have been shortlisted in this year’s Rural Business Awards. It means Burwash-based Meltedinside.com is in the running to be named one of the best rural businesses in the UK after being shortlisted in the Best Rural Retail Business category of the regional... Read more
5th August
Highways team steps in to reduce flood risk
HIGHWAYS teams came to the rescue to help prevent homes from further flooding after efforts to trace the owner of a blocked culvert stalled. Homes in Wren Close, Heathfield were flooded after torrential downpours on Sunday, July 25, with fire crews having to be called in to help. Checks carried out by East Sussex Highways... Read more
29th July
Heathfield based business launches vegan food truck – Plant Power Grub
Mobile food trucks have become increasingly popular since the pandemic. These agile trailers can serve in the open air and pop up in spots where there may not be an established restaurant or pub. Seeing an opportunity and fancying a change of focus Ginette Shepard, singer, alternative health therapist and ex-hairdresser, set up Plant Power... Read more
22nd July
So much to enjoy at Herstmonceux Castle Estate this summer
There’s even more reason to visit Herstmonceux Castle Estate this summer and Autumn with the reduction in season ticket prices – meaning you can visit as many times as you like until 31st October at a reduced cost. As it’s National Picnic Month why not plan a feast with family and friends to enjoy in... Read more
22nd July
Death announced of well-known Heathfield GP
It is with great sadness that the family of Dr Kenneth Chambler known as Bop by the family announces his passing after a brief illness, on June 2nd, 2021 at the age of 93. Bop passed away peacefully at hospital in Eastbourne, East Sussex, UK and will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 68... Read more
15th July
Wildflowers bloom alongside East Sussex roads
Roadsides across the county are bursting with colour following an increase in the number of designated wildlife verges which include sites Heathfield, Burwash and Brightling. Thirty-six new wildlife verges have been declared by East Sussex Highways over the last year, protecting a further 37 miles of natural habitat and providing a haven for wildflowers and... Read more
14th July
New community “Shed” facility officially opened in Mayfield by Roger Daltrey
The Grand Opening Fete for the Community Shed in Mayfield was held on Saturday 3rd July, with the official opening performed by Roger Daltrey of The Who. Part of the international “Men’s Shed” network, and a member of the UK Men’s Shed Association, the MAYFACS Shed celebrated its opening with a Grand Opening Fete. Roger... Read more
9th July
New community ‘shed’ facility launches with opening fete
Part of the international “Men’s Shed” network, and a member of the UK Men’s Shed Association,the MAYFACS Shed is celebrating its opening with a Grand Opening Fete. Intended to help alleviate loneliness and isolation, and improve mental health, “Sheds” are safewelcoming places where men and women can meet to chat and if they wish use... Read more
1st July
Kay & Pascoe LLP celebrate 10 years of family law in Heathfield
Kay & Pascoe LLP are celebrating 10 years in business in Heathfield this year. The office opened for business in September 2011. It was started by husband and wife team John and Sharon Kay who are partners in the business. Back in April 2013 they were joined by Lee Pascoe following a merger with Chappell... Read more
29th June
A good friend, kind and trustworthy – New research reveals how Brits in the Southeast would like to be remembered
The last year has been a difficult one for all of us, with the changing world brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic encouraging many of us to reassess our own personal circumstances and change our outlook on life. New research released by CPJ Field – the UK’s oldest funeral directors and 10th generation family run business... Read more
24th June
Heathfield traders on alert after shoplifter spotted
Yesterday , June 23 on Heathfield High Street, East Sussex – a member of staff at Trading4U became suspicious when the shop detection system went off as a customer left the store. The quick witted Asssitant Manager, David Katt approached the woman and asked her if she might have a security tagged item in her... Read more
24th June
Public speaking is a big hit at Heathfield Community College
Many adults find public speaking a challenging prospect. School age pupils even more so. To help give students valuable experience the school organised for Speakers For Schools to lead a day long workshop. It was hoped that this would scaffold Year 10 students’ response to public speaking into preparing and presenting in front of their... Read more
23rd June
Heathfield production company start filming in East Sussex locations for new TV short
Heathfield based production company Skooch Media has been popping up all over East Sussex whilst filming scenes for its new film ‘A Curious Tale’. A ghost story loosely based on an old english mystery novel about the finding of a Crown which in turn is protected by its supernatural guardian, William Hagar. Story synopsis Pete... Read more
22nd June
Heathfield business fairs well after opening its high street doors just weeks before the first national lockdown in March 2020
Cranwell Wealth Solutions is a financial planning practice with branches in Heathfield and Uckfield. What makes them different is while many businesses are moving online and away from our high streets, Cranwell has a passion for investing in retail space along our much-valued high streets. This not only provides a convenient place to welcome clients,... Read more
16th June
Melina Joy Opticians is changing the way it does things
Melina Joy Opticians, on Heathfield High Street, opened their doors in 1992 – at the core of the practice there has always been exceptional patient care and it remains so to this day. It has continued to invest heavily in the very best equipment and has three outstanding consulting rooms with the latest technology including... Read more
16th June
Vaccinations opened up to 23 year olds amid fears of a surge of cases in Wealden.
In the latest figures published yesterday it notes that there were 64 new COVID-19 cases reported in East Sussex in the latest available 7-day period as published by GOV.UK on Sunday 13 June 2021 at 4pm. That’s up from 46 when last reported. Numbers are increasing Area Rate per 100,000 population East Sussex 12 South... Read more
14th June
Heathfield Youth Drama are back with a splash!
Heathfield Youth Drama Group making a splash After months of drama by Zoom Heathfield Youth Drama are now properly back in action. You can only begin to imagine how challenging socially distanced remote theatre was for the tutors and young actors. Desperate to get back out there performing. The club’s first production, since Covid struck, is Aladdin which will be on stage, outside at the... Read more
10th June
Four Hundred and Forty One…
We hear from Independent Candidate Kevin Benton who took part in the District Council By-election on 6th May 2021 441 is a number that will for ever be embedded in my mind, it is the number of voters who had trustand voted for me in the ward of Heathfield South in May this year.I extend... Read more
3rd June
Rotary Club treats families to the ‘big top’
Everyone loves the Circus, especially children. When John Lawson’s Circus arrived at Hellingly recently, the members of Heathfield & Waldron Rotary Club decided that after such a difficult year it would be good to treat children and carers to a visit. It was hoped to bring some light relief to some of those most disadvantaged... Read more
3rd June
Heathfield Farmers’ Market is back
After being closed for several months the Heathfield Farmers’ Market will be back in the Co-op car park in the High Street on Saturday 19th June from 9am to 12.30pm. There will be lots of lovely fresh produce available including meat, game, fruit, vegetables, cakes, Indian specialities and also fresh flowers and plants. There are... Read more
2nd June
Community Groups in Rother urged to apply for funding
COMMUNITY groups and organisations are invited to apply to Rother’s Community Grants Scheme for a share of £130,000 which funds projects that will enhance the lives of residents. Many of the villages to the east of Heathfield are included. Dallington, Burwash Common, Burwash Weald, and Burwash for example. The medium and large grant schemes for... Read more
1st June
Heathfield Community College is bursting with creativity #EduArtsFest
Celebrating Creativity at Heathfield Community College #EduArtsFest Along with schools all over the country, on 28 May 2021 Heathfield Community College is celebrating the vital role of the arts and the fantastic work created by children and young people. This event will be hosted on a bespoke page of the college website and will join... Read more
28th May
May half-term at The Herstmonceux Castle Estate
An enchanting day out in the East Sussex countryside Within the beautiful 300-acre estate, you can explore formal gardens, woodland trails, meadows, and lakes, all set around a majestic 15th century moated castle. For younger visitors, there is an outdoor play area and giant tree swing plus the family challenge of the Marlow Rope Maze... Read more
26th May
Last Call for entries to the Heathfield ‘virtual’ Show
Never too young to start having fun learning how to milk a cow Virtual Heathfield Show This major agricultural event in Heathfield has been one of the most visible casualties in the rural calendar. So this year, no worrying about the weather incase we are knee deep in mud or alternatively roasting in the open... Read more
24th May
Plans for 370 houses on Hellingly farmland
One of the last green fields in Hellingly is set to disappear after outline planning permission was granted recently for 370 dwellings. The huge development is proposed for farmland off New Road in Hellingly by Taylor Wimpey. According to a post on the Save Wealden From Over Development Facebook page an ’administration error’ meant that... Read more
20th May