News

Future of Herstmonceux Observatory Science Centre uncertain after recent announcement

It has been a difficult time for the Herstmonceux Castle Estate, issues with the castle building have led to the prolonged closure of the university and popular events venue and plans for significant building works are underway. During this difficult time the owners of the estate ‘Bader College’ have made a difficult decision and announced... Read more

6th August

Wealden partners with The Conservation Volunteers to deliver free Green Gym sessions and health walks

Wealden District Council has recently partnered with The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) to deliver a series of health and wellbeing focused conservation activities. From July, TCV will begin delivering weekly guided health walks and Green Gym sessions along the Cuckoo Trail, completely free for residents to join and get involved in. The programme of activities will... Read more

31st July

New funding for enhancement of green spaces in Wealden

Community Spaces Grants Programme helps to fund improvements at local rural green spaces within the district Sometimes a little goes a long way. It’s always worth applying for grants as the recent benefactors of funding from Wealden District Council’s Community Spaces Grants programme have discovered. Seven projects have been allocated support towards initiatives to help... Read more

31st July

East Sussex Fire Authority wants your views on the future of Mayfield On Call Community Fire Station

Information events are being held as part of a consultation by East Sussex Fire Authority on future options for Mayfield On Call Fire Station. The consultation opened on 5 July 2024 and runs until 27 September, with the findings considered at a Fire Authority meeting in December 2024. The full Options Appraisal was presented to... Read more

25th July

Daring skydivers raise money for Hospice in the Weald

Daring skydivers raise money for Hospice in the Weald Seventeen intrepid fundraisers from teenagers to an especially intrepid octogenarian took to sunny skies on Sunday 16 June, skydiving from a height of 12,000 feet in aid of Hospice in the Weald. Accompanied in tandem with an experienced skydiver, all had different motivations for jumping. From those who had skydiving... Read more

18th July

No change for Sussex Weald or Bexhill & Battle but Heathfield Community College ex-student wins Hastings

Post election, residents of Heathfield and surrounding villages are not looking at any change in the colour of the party representing them. Unlike the national trend, the area will continue to be represented by the Conservative candidates who have been re-elected. Nus Ghani for Sussex Weald with 34.1% of the vote, a reduction of 29.6%... Read more

8th July

Local school celebrates being awarded an Outstanding rating from OFSTED

Burwash Church of England Primary School has announced that OFSTED has awarded the School an OUTSTANDING rating, following an inspection on 23rd/ 24th April 2024. The Inspectors’ Report praises the ethos of the school, here are just a few of the comments made highlighting the school’s achievements: The school’s “vision of ‘Caring Children Loving Learning’... Read more

25th June

Blowing the whistle on domestic abuse

With the 2024 Euro Football Championship underway, football fans across the continent will be eagerly watching their screens, hoping for good results. Major sporting events (and national football tournaments in particular) can create excitement and stir passion amongst fans. Sussex Police is well aware that losing key matches will, unfortunately, lead to huge disappointment which can... Read more

20th June

Nus Ghani hangs in there and Huw Merriman quits. Here’s a rundown of everyone who is throwing their hats in the ring for 4 July General Election

A wide range of candidates to choose from Heathfield and the surrounding villages straddle two electroral seats – Bexhill & Battle and Sussex Weald (previously Wealden). Nus Ghani is standing for re-election in the newly formed Sussex Weald constituency (Crowborough, Heathfield and Hailsham) alongside nine other candidates. And now that Huw Merriman is not seeking... Read more

13th June

Horam Recreation Ground launches phase two cycle track crowdfunder

A local group in Horam are running a Crowdfunder campaign to raise some funding for a pumptrack at Horam Recreation Ground.  On Sunday 2 June Davina’s Big Sussex Bike Ride left Uckfield with Horam Recreation Ground as a pit stop, this allowed the cyclists to see the newly installed all-weather path around the recreation which... Read more

13th June

Heathfield Vets voices concern over latest stray dog policy

Concern over new council stray dog policy A change in policy means that members of the public can no longer take stray dogs to their local vets and have the vet notify the council to arrange collection via Animal Warden Ltd. Anyone finding a stray dog is now responsible for contacting the Animal Wardens Ltd... Read more

5th June

Discover the best of English wine on our door step in a new Sussex wine trail

Twelve local vineyards are joining forces with Wealden District Council to unveil a wine trail open to the public this summer. Some of which are literally on our doorstep – Off the Line which is adjacent to the Cuckoo Trail in Hellingly, Hidden Spring in Horam and Beacon Down at Cross in Hand are all... Read more

30th May

Melina Joy announces taking a back seat and moving on to pastures new!

After 33 years as founder and Managing Director of Melina Joy Opticians, Melina will be transitioning to pastures new next spring, April 2025. Melina opened the doors of the practice 31st March 1992 and started a brand-new business. There wasn’t an Opticians on the site previously and there were no previous records brought from another... Read more

30th May

Campaign for safer crossing for local children

After more near miss incidents parents are still campaigning for a safer crossing for their children. Punnetts Town Community Primary School and Nursery are on Battle Road (B2096) and the car park, health centre and play park are opposite. The hall serves the local community and is often very busy with groups using the facilities... Read more

30th May

A new health centre and community hall in Mayfield takes steps forward thanks to funding

A Pre-Construction Services Agreement has been signed with Baxall Construction Limited to move the Mayfield Community and Health centre project forward.   Baxall Construction Limited is a local contractor with experience in delivering community, medical and leisure projects, and design and build solutions in London and the southeast area, making the Kent company a perfect fit... Read more

30th May

The Heathfield show is back, this Saturday enjoy a packed day of competitions, stalls & stands and entertainment.

The Heathfield Show prides itself on the variety of entertainment on offer to visitors on Show Day This year’s Heathfield Show will again be supported by a host of sponsors LISTED HERE including Lightning Fibre who will be supplying the wi-fi for a second year. The show is a huge community effort with many volunteers... Read more

23rd May

Demolition makes way for state-of-the-art youth hub

A new, purpose-built, accessible and energy efficient youth centre has moved a step closer to becoming a reality with the demolition of the original Heathfield facility. The demolition will make way for a spacious, two-storey youth centre on the High Street that will serve the needs of the community for years to come. The scheme... Read more

23rd May

Oakfield Estate Agents announce take over of Rowland Gorringe

Oakfield Estate Agents has acquired independent local operator Rowland Gorringe. And, with immediate effect, it will be taking over the company’s offices in Lewes, Uckfield and Heathfield. All three locations are in East Sussex, where Oakfield has had a presence since the mid-1990s. It runs branches across Hastings, Eastbourne and Bexhill-on-Sea, having started off with just one small site in Hastings, established by... Read more

20th May

Cycle repair stations on Cuckoo Trail replaced by council

Cycle tools recently stolen from along the Cuckoo Trail, on the outskirts of Heathfield, have been replaced by Wealden District Council. Two new bike repair stations, consisting of giant air pumps and a stand with a series of tools including tyre levers, screw drivers and allen keys, were recently installed in the Polegate and Heathfield... Read more

16th May

The Green Party takes its turn for the leadership of Wealden District Council

Following on from last year’s defeat of the long standing Conservative majority control of Wealden Council, Rachel Millward, Green Party Councillor for Hartfield ward, takes over from Liberal Democrat James Partridge to be the first Green Party leader of Wealden District Council, Sussex. This is in line with the agreement made when they formed The Alliance for Wealden last year.... Read more

15th May

Heathfield students excel in the International Chemistry Olympiad

“The competition is the 56th International Chemistry Olympiad 2024, UK Round 1. “I open the competition to all year 13 A level chemistry students, but only recommend students who are grade A/A* standard due to the challenging nature of the competition. Especially as the competition date falls when the students are studying for/sitting mock exams... Read more

9th May

Welcome support for Hospice in the Weald announced by Chair of Wealden Council

Chair of Wealden Council pledges support for Hospice in the Weald Hospice in the Weald has been nominated as one of the charities supported by the Chair of Wealden District Council. Councillor Jessika Hulbert, who represents Withyham ward, was elected earlier this year as Chair of the Council – a politically neutral role. She has... Read more

9th May

HGV drivers and locals fear another fatality if trees and hedges aren’t cut back

Forty HGVs parked in Battle Road in Punnetts Town this morning (Wednesday 8th May) to protest about the unsuitability of the diversion route that has been put in place by South East Water. The protestors, whose vehicles included tipper lorries, low loaders, agricultural equipment and camper vans, are worried that because the hedges and overhanging... Read more

8th May

Popular All Dressed Up Fancy Dress in Horam announces closure

All Dressed Up announce closure Many retailers have struggled since COVID, with the popularity of online shopping taking off there has been a serious impact on local shops. Small independent High Street shops, the life blood of local High Streets, have been hit by multiple factors like the knock on affect of the pandemic and... Read more

2nd May

Ginny finishes first marathon in memory of grandson George

A Heathfield grandmother whose grandson was stillborn has raised thousands of pounds to help other grieving families by running her first marathon. Ginny Ryan, 47, was determined to raise the £2,800 to pay for a Abi Cooling cot following the death or her grandson George on 20th February 2023. She made and sold lots of... Read more

25th April

Cranwell reaches special milestone

Steve Palmer, Founder of Cranwell Wealth Solutions in Heathfield reflects on 10 years of being in business. “For 10 years we’ve been privileged to be by the side of our much-valued clients, often in the moments that matter most to them. “As we reached our 10-year anniversary it has been fascinating to look back over... Read more

25th April

Don’t miss tomorrow’s planning event in Heathfield

Heathfield residents have the chance of a face to face meeting about the Wealden Draft Plan tomorrow at Heathfield Community Centre in Sheepsetting Lane between 2pm and 8pm. The event is part of an eight-week public consultation that started on March 2024 regarding the recently agreed Wealden Draft Local Plan. The Draft Local Plan Regulation... Read more

16th April

White Feather Funerals invites you to an open day to experience its unique and caring approach

White Feather Funerals is an independent female led Funeral Home in the heart of Heathfield. It offers a truly personal service at what is usually an emotional and very difficult time, with one point of contact from the moment you call, to the day of the funeral and beyond. White Feather Funerals enables what is... Read more

9th April

Wealden District Council celebrates Golden Anniversary

Wealden District Council marked the start of its 50th anniversary this week with a special flag raising ceremony. The short service was attended by Wealden council staff and a speech was given by the chair of Wealden council, Councillor Jessika Hulbert, who spoke about the history of the council as the new flag was raised.... Read more

5th April

Hospice in the Weald for Children proudly celebrates its first birthday

Hospice in the Weald for Children is delighted to have reached its first birthday – and there is plenty to celebrate. Following its launch last year, the Children’s team now provides care and support to more than 80 children, parents and siblings throughout East Sussex and Kent. This includes home visits for respite care, support... Read more

21st March

Learn more about hospice care on a visit to Hospice in the Weald, Five Ashes near Heathfield at the Open Day 21 March

‘Cottage Hospice’ Open Day Anyone interested in what goes on in a hospice are being invited to discover what happens at Hospice in the Weald’s ‘Cottage Hospice’ in Five Ashes near Heathfield. It might be that you are considering options for yourself or a loved one and just getting more informed could help you make... Read more

7th March

Lightning Fibre confirm change of ownership as services continue as before

New ownership announced There have been some suggestions that Lightning Fibre is having financial difficulties but this recent statement confirms they remain trading and committed to bringing full fibre to the South East. They have already built up a good customer base in Eastbourne, Heathfield, Broad Oak, Hastings and St Leonards and will continue to... Read more

1st March

Heathfield Community College students go in search of history!

Heathfield Community College’s History A Level students recently had the opportunity to develop their historical knowledge and skills on the English Civil War in a trip to the National Army Museum and The National Archives in London. The Students were able to see armour and artefacts relating to the Civil War, including the armour and... Read more

29th February

Golfing fundraiser for St Wilfred’s Hospice announced by PRG and 4GOLF

PRG Marketing Communications and 4GOLF will be swinging into action this March to support the St Wilfrid’s Hospice 50:50 Challenge. St Wilfrid’s Hospice offers end of life care to the people of East Sussex including Heathfield. On Thursday 21st March, PRG’s amateur golfer, Ashley Chapman, and 4GOLF’s resident pro golfer, Mark Packard, will be taking on... Read more

22nd February

Are you passionate about rural crafts and the ways of the countryside?

The Country Ways area of the Heathfield Show showcases heritage crafts by local craftsmen and women who display centuries-old skills associated with the countryside. The Heathfield Show organisers are looking for a focused, committed volunteer with a keen interest in heritage crafts to assist them with this interesting, educational and vital section of the Show.... Read more

21st February

Now’s the time to return those overdue library books as the annual amnesty is announced

Have you held on to a book just that bit too long and never got around to returning it? Now you can hide your shame and return them penalty free until the end of March. RESIDENTS are being urged to check their homes for overdue books as East Sussex Library Service launches its annual amnesty.... Read more

15th February

National Apprenticeship Week – a good time for students and employers to think about the opportunities

APPRENTICESHIPS in East Sussex will be given a boost this week as East Sussex County Council supports National Apprenticeship Week, which runs from February 5 to February 11. National Apprenticeship WeekAs well as highlighting the national campaign, the county council is reminding small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) about the support available to assist with... Read more

8th February

‘Smashed’ programme visits Heathfield Community College to deliver workshop on dangers of underage drinking

Heathfield Community College was one of four schools in East Sussex to receive a hard-hitting lesson on the dangers of underage drinking as part of the alcohol awareness theatre production ‘Smashed’. Developed and presented by Collingwood Learning and supported by Diageo, ‘Smashed’ combines drama with interactive workshops to help secondary school students understand the facts,... Read more

30th January

New president announced for The Heathfield Show and trade stand reservations are now open

A new president for The Heathfield Show was announced in December and January sees the opening of the booking window for trade stands. A new Show President for the Heathfield Show The Marquess of Abergavenny lives at Eridge Park, near Tunbridge Wells with his wife and daughter.Eridge is a fully diverse estate including offices, shops... Read more

18th January

Hospice’s Clinical Director receives Queen’s Nurse title

Hospice in the Weald’s Clinical Director Jan Thirkettle has been given the prestigious title of Queen’s Nurse (QN) by The Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI). Professor Deborah Sturdy CBE, Chief Nurse Adult Social Care (right) presents Jan Thirkettle QN, the Hospice’s Clinical Director, with her certificate. Photo credit: The Queen’s Nursing Institute. The title recognises Jan’s... Read more

10th January

Teddy’s big adventure. Delighted owners celebrate his return in time for Christmas!

Hayley Kelly had all but given up on her 12 year old cat Teddy who had been missing for six weeks. Usually a bit of a home bird he had disappeared back on the 13 November from their home in Crowborough, and despite calls to the locals vets he was nowhere to be found. “I... Read more

20th December

The English Soap Company triumphs in regional awards

The English Soap Company is celebrating after winning the ‘Export Manufacturer of the Year’ at Insider Media’s Made in the South East Awards 2023. Success in the Made in South East Awards follows a Highly Commended Award for ‘International Business of the Year’ at Platinum Media’s Sussex Business Awards 2023, being named a finalist in... Read more

15th December

New social housing in Wealden unveiled

The first 100 per cent affordable housing development in Heathfield is due to be completed soon.    Wealden District Council’s Housing Development Team worked in conjunction with local contractor Trinity Homes Ltd to build the homes at Cart Barn Place, and Baily Garner which designed the scheme. The 15-home development is available for rent only... Read more

14th December

Heathfield man wins first prize at World Dog Sledding Dryland Championship

Heathfield resident Matt Hodgeson has held onto his world title after tough competition in last week’s World Dog Sledding Dryland Championships in Germany. “Well what can I say it was tough and muddy and we got lucky,” exclaimed Matt. The quality of a win is directly related to the quality of the competition and World... Read more

14th December

Cranwell wins festive window display contest

It’s a great time of year when the dark December days are finally lit up with festive lights and the high street in Heathfield is always a lovely place to be thanks to the beautiful window displays. Staff from Cranwell Wealth Solutions were given some extra Christmas cheer when we received the brilliant news that... Read more

7th December

Secretary of State praises Heathfield Community College on a recent visit

Secretary of State praise for “fantastic” College On Friday 1 December Heathfield Community College was honoured to host the Secretary of State for Education, Gillian Keegan at the College, alongside constituency MP Huw Merriman. The visit included a tour of the College, and some high-quality learning in a range of lessons, speaking to Year 7,... Read more

7th December

Hospice in the Weald celebrates a successful Christmas fundraiser

Hospice’s market raises Christmas cheer and welcome funds Festive live music, specialty crafts and produce galore, plus a twinkling Santa helped to raise Christmas cheer and thousands of pounds at Hospice in the Weald’s Christmas Market. The Hospice’s extensive landscaped gardens in Pembury were transformed into a winter village, with sparkling lights and decorations at... Read more

7th December

Vice-Chancellor talks of shock following discovery of problems at historic castle

Queen’s University, owners of Herstmonceux Castle, are facing a substantial financial burden following the discovery in early November of structural defects in the South facing gatehouse while roofing work was being carried out. Roofing contractors alerted the management of Herstmonceux Castle Estate to possible problems they spotted while carrying out repairs. A specialist structural survey... Read more

30th November

Heathfield man takes on the competitive world of dog sledding

In a country that falls apart the moment it snows, it’s a bit of a surprise to find a Gold Medal Champion ‘musher’ living in Heathfield. Matt Hodgson has been racing Sleddogs for nearly 20 years. It all started with Alaskan Malamutes and then moved on to Canadian Eskimo Dogs, of which he still has... Read more

29th November

Seventeen recommendations made as a result of independent inquiry into David Fuller case

In December 2021, Heathfield man David Fuller, an electrical maintenance supervisor with Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, was convicted of the murders of Wendy Knell and Caroline Pierce in 1987. On his arrest, police officers conducted a search of his home address. This search uncovered printed photographs and video images, held on hidden computer... Read more

28th November