News
Toiletries manufacturer wins first national business award
Waldron-based brand The English Soap Company is celebrating after winning The Department of International Trade Exporter of the Year Award in the prestigious Business Champion Awards 2023.The Business Champion Awards attract entries from the best innovators, leaders and entrepreneurs in the country. The judges for the Exporter category were looking for a business that operates... Read more
31st March
Pixel Dash FREE coding,craft and activity clubs come to HEATHFIELD this Easter
In conjunction with East Sussex County Council this Easter, Educraft are providing a free 2-day game design and coding club for children and young people aged 8 to 14 who receive benefit-related free school meals.Children who attend will experience sessions on video game design, coding and a range of craft making activities, physical exercise and... Read more
28th March
JJ Carpentry Service helps to warm up the homeless
JJ Carpentry Services, a carpentry and building company based in Heathfield, East Sussex, recently fitted a new kitchen for a customer who kindly agreed that the old kitchen units could be donated to a local charity in need. In these challenging times, the company wanted to help a local cause by offering free fitting and improvements,... Read more
23rd March
Could the extended government support for childcare give the property market a much-needed boost?
Matthew Ticehurst from Cranwell Wealth Solutions offers his take on the news that was announced this week in the spring budget. “The much-needed announcements to childcare changes in the spring budget might just increase affordability for mortgage applications,” says Matthew Ticehurst, Mortgage Adviser of Cranwell Wealth Solutions who are based locally in Heathfield. Matthew has... Read more
17th March
Wealden Works supports students at HCC for an Employability Workshop
On 9th March 2023 the Year 9 students from Heathfield Community College engaged in a number of workshops all centred around Employability Skills: Finance, Business, Oracy and Finance. In Finance students learnt about different salaries for different jobs, discussed what they thought of these salaries and whether they were fair and learnt about the tax... Read more
16th March
Become a Friend of Herstmonceux Castle Estate
Herstmonceux Castle Estate has launched a new supporter network that includes a range of benefits. Markeiting Coordinator Barry Howse explains: “The Herstmonceux Castle Estate is a special place for many of our visitors. As such, we have launched a new supporter network and we hope that everyone who joins it will be unified by a... Read more
14th March
Hospice in the Weald for Children launches to lighten the load for families
More help is at hand for children and young people with life-threatening and life-limiting illness and their families in the Heathfield area and beyond, with the launch of Hospice in the Weald for Children. Known for providing outstanding care for terminally ill adults and their loved ones, Hospice in the Weald has now, for the... Read more
9th March
Lewes FC marks International Women’s Day with sponsorship announcement
Two Sussex organisations with local roots and global reach are celebrating International Women’s Day with the announcement of a sponsorship deal and the start of a long-term relationship. The English Soap Company has agreed to sponsor three Lewes FC players (Frankie Angel #32, Jamie Rita #15 and Zoe Smith #17) and the manager of the... Read more
7th March
Heathfield Community College impresses the Rotary Club on a recent visit
On 28 February, the College welcomed a group of 11 Heathfield and Waldron Rotarians with President Mark Garnett for a morning on site. In a visit they described as “enlightening” and “impressive” the guests were welcomed by Chair of Governors Richard Karn over coffee and biscuits, before an address from Headteacher Caroline Barlow about the... Read more
5th March
Wealden High Street initiative comes to Heathfield
From an enchanting mermaid gliding through the streets to a shopping dance display, there’s something for all the family in towns across Wealden this month in an initiative to promote Wealden’s high streets and encourage support for local retailers. The wide range of fun, free street theatre events will take place in Polegate, Crowborough, Hailsham,... Read more
5th March
Heathfield District Bonfire Society celebrates fundraising for The Scouts and Hospice In The Weald
Heathfield District Bonfire Society The popular Heathfield District Bonfire Society, are easy to recognise at events in their stripey green, white and black jumpers. Since their inception a few years ago the society has gone from strength to strength and brought bonfire back to Heathfield with a regular annual event. Last year’s event raised a... Read more
17th February
Taylor Wimpey receives planning approval for 370 homes in Hellingly
Taylor Wimpey South Thames has been given planning permission to build 370 homes on agricultural land in Hellingly. Planning consent has been granted for 351 new one, two, three and four bedroom homes, as well as 19 additional self-build plots in the village of Hellingly, with construction work anticipated to begin in this spring. The... Read more
13th February
Heathfield’s science students get to rub shoulders with top UK scientists at Brighton’s Science Live!
GCSE Science Live! at Brighton Dome Heathfield Community College Year 10 and 11 Triple Science students were able to attend GCSE Science Live at Brighton Dome last week and witnessed 4 of Britain’s top scientists at the cutting edge of their field. The scientists showed the passion and enthusiasm they had for science. Including top... Read more
8th February
Healthy Walks are looking for new leaders so they can grow the Heathfield Group. Can you help?
Health Walks is a successful programme of walking for health benefits both mental & physical and it runs at lots of locations around the county including Heathfield. The group which runs on a Wednesdays is too big to take any new walkers, but they would like to run another one. Lorna Neville, Leader & Organiser,... Read more
2nd February
Don’t forget that Coronation weekend street parties need permission for any road closures
The Coronation of His Majesty The King will take place on the morning of Saturday May 6 and is set to be one of the most significant events of the year. The Coronation ceremony will see His Majesty King Charles III crowned alongside The Queen Consort, followed by a celebration concert held the following day... Read more
2nd February
Developer’s plans for Heathfield Carwash site refused
Today’s Wealden Planning Committee South was in session, 26 January 2023, to review a range of local development plans. One plan which was up for review again is the proposal to develop the popular Heathfield Carwash site on the Burwash Road. The developer wants to create a new housing development of four three bedroom houses.... Read more
26th January
Ayo Awotona leads empowerment session for female students at Heathfield Community College
Becoming a Better Version of Yourself – Ayo Awotona Despite an arduous three hour journey, true to her reputation the visiting speaker Ayo Awotona arrived at Heathfield Community College last week full of energy and enthusiasm to speak to Year 9 and 10 girls. Her work is based around female empowerment and self-esteem. Her focus... Read more
25th January
Friends of Tinkers Hatch celebrate after successful fundraiser
Tinkers Hatch is a Residential Care home within Heathfield, it caters for adults over the age of 18 with Learning Difficulties. It is situated in New Pond Hill in Cross in Hand and has been in existence since 1984. Friends of Tinkers Hatch started fundraising last year in 2022, they raised funds by holding various events... Read more
25th January
Benefits drop-in day coming to Heathfield 24 January
The benefits system can often seem daunting and many people fail to claim for the support that they are entiltled to, don’t miss out on this opportunity to speak to experts about the help available. Residents living in Wealden are invited to a benefits drop-in session in Heathfield on Tuesday 24 January. The event is... Read more
19th January
NEW GRANT FUNDING FOR HEATHFIELD RE-WILDING PROJECT
Sussex Lund 2022 Grant funding for College Eco Re-Wilding Project Heathfield Community College is delighted to share that they have been granted funding up to £10,000 for an exciting re-wilding project that will be student led and develop an AONB-species-rich educational showcase. The College is set amongst some of the most beautiful countryside in the... Read more
9th December
Heathfield Youth Drama’s Oliver Jr racks up another success!
Last week the aspiring actors from the Heathfield Youth Drama Group put on their Christmas production of Oliver Jr. This classic take on the story of Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens, is very much a musical with the key elements of the much loved story incorporated in it. The sell out performance over four nights... Read more
7th December
Autumn Statement comments from Cranwell Wealth Solutions
Sam Collins Cranwell Wealth Solution’s new Financial Adviser’s take on Thursday’s autumn statement: “This statement was always going to include some tough measures in relation to personal finance. “Stand out points include the threshold for additional rate of tax cut significantly, big reductions in capital gains allowance and dividend allowances over the next couple of... Read more
18th November
Heathfield gets festive this Friday 18 November
The festive season kicks off early this year in Heathfield when the town’s lights will be switched on and shops open until 8pm. Heathfield’s traditional tree, outside the fire station, will be illuminated at 5pm on Friday 18 November when there will be entertainment and the Cake & Wine Club Choir. You can enjoy the... Read more
17th November
Hospice in the Weald brings festive cheer with Christmas Market
Hospice in the Weald has announced it will be bringing tidings of joy at the end of November with its annual traditional Christmas Market. Held at the Hospice in Pembury, from 10am-4pm on Saturday 26th– Sunday 27th November, over 40 stalls beneath marquees in the beautiful gardens will offer a range of gifts to buy,... Read more
16th November
Soap company reaches finals of two business awards
The English Soap Company is celebrating after multiple shortlistings in both the Sussex Business Awards 2022 and The Made in South East Awards 2022. In the Sussex Business Awards the company has been shortlisted in the Medium Business of the Year and the Business Growth categories and Managing Director Oliver Butts is a finalist in... Read more
2nd November
Local turkey farmer crowned Britain’s Fittest Female Farmer over 40
Vines Cross turkey farmer Lucy Sheffield has been named one of Britain’s Fittest Farmers 2022. Lucy of Foords Farm travelled to Essex to take part in the Farmers Weekly’s run Britain’s Fittest Farmer competition. The competition is held yearly to help raise awareness of physical and mental health within the farming industry. This year Farmers... Read more
31st October
Athletes urged to gear up for Sussex tree throwing championship
Catsfield Christmas Tree Farm owner Clive Collins is reminding competitive sportsmen and women from across Sussex that now is the time to start training for the 2022 Sussex Christmas Tree Throwing Championships. The event is scheduled for 3pm on Sunday 20th November at Catsfield Christmas Tree Farm near Battle, East Sussex. It’s the second year... Read more
25th October
Heathfield students celebrate their global connections through the Global Social Leaders initiative.
Last week 9 students from Heathfield Community College gathered together to retell experiences of their international summer adventures. They told of connections they had made with teenagers from around the world: from China, Hong Kong, Australia, Africa, Japan and across Europe. The conversations and adventures happened courtesy of a social change project, enabled by the... Read more
19th October
How to keep financial control during the cost-of-living crisis
Financially speaking, this year has been difficult for households across a range of income brackets. The cost of living has risen exponentially as inflation has soared, energy bills have sky-rocketed and interest rates continue to rise. Meanwhile, investment markets have been choppy, causing additional stress for those planning their financial future. It’s during hard times... Read more
11th October
Little Brooke Cattery in Heathfield closes
The Little Brooke Cattery in Heathfield has closed its doors. After years of frustrating delays with their planning application the owner Mandy Papps has reached a brick wall with the licensing department as planning is needed before the licence can be granted. So they have had to close. Mandy Papps, Little Brooke Cattery owner commented:... Read more
11th October
DofE Award thrives at Heathfield Community College as students go for Gold!
The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme is thriving at Heathfield Community College with large numbers signing up for Bronze and a high rate of completion through to Silver and Gold. Ms Barlow said: “Thanks to the hard work and commitment of a range of staff, as well as the support of their parents and the... Read more
11th October
Heathfield & Firs Surgery in crisis
The Heathfield & Firs Surgery has announced in a Facebook Post that it will no longer be taking on new patients and that from 3 October 2022 there will be no new patient registrations. This will be in place for at least a year. They also announced that they will be closed on Wednesdays in... Read more
5th October
Hospice’s Starlight Stroll set to illuminate Tunbridge Wells
Come together for an evening of reflection to walk, share memories and remember loved ones at Hospice in the Weald’s annual Starlight Stroll on Saturday 15th October. Gather with family and friends to join hundreds of walkers, starting out from Hospice in the Weald, Pembury, on the 6-mile walk which meanders through the beautiful Dunorlan... Read more
4th October
Affordable homes form part of the new developments off the Burwash Road and Newick Lane.
One of the largest developments currently underway in Heathfield is the area being developed on the left hand side as you leave Heathfield in the direction of Broad Oak. The land being developed stretches down Newick Lane. Properties for private sale are available on Rightmove starting at around £500k up to well over a million.... Read more
28th September
A peek ‘behind the curtain’ at Wealden Crematorium
Next week there is the opportunity to ‘go behind the curtain’ at Wealden Crematorium. The public will be welcomed with an open day at the Wealden District Council-run facility on Wednesday 5th October between 11am-3pm. Opened in 2019, the crematorium in Horam is set within 30 acres of beautiful landscaped grounds surrounded by wildflower meadows... Read more
28th September
Sun shines and drums roll as hundreds take part in Hospice Run
From first time families to seasoned running pros – and even a determined supporter on crutches – more than 500 local people turned out to take part in Hospice Run in Tunbridge Wells on Sunday (18th). Warm sunshine and the stirring sounds of the Old School Samba drums helped runners on their way as they... Read more
21st September
Heathfield’s Banksy of crochet art is unmasked.
Mystery of crochet ‘Queen’ is solved. Throughout the past year the people of Heathfield have enjoyed the monthly surprise of creatively decorated post boxes. These adornments have featured Le Marche, Ukraine, Queen’s Jubilee and now her death. Often quirky and humourous the anonymous creator has worked in total secrecy to install the toppers during the... Read more
15th September
Proclamation of the new King in Hailsham yesterday.
Chairman of Wealden District Council Councillor Ron Reed read the proclamation at the War Memorial in Hailsham High Street at 4pm on Sunday 11 September. The event was attended by civic dignitaries including the deputy lord-lieutenant Amanda Hamblin and council leader Councillor Ann Newton.The district proclamation followed the proclamation at St James’ Palace on Saturday... Read more
12th September
‘Benefits Day’ was great success for pensioners
A focused Benefits Day helped pensioners within Wealden claim and receive funding and benefits. The event, on 31 August, was hosted at Wealden District Council offices’ reception in Vicarage Lane between 9am-5pm with officers on hand to assist eligible residents make applications for the Household Support Fund, Council Tax Energy Rebate and Discretionary Energy Rebate.... Read more
8th September
Last chance to apply for the £150 fuel payment from Wealden
Have you had your £150 fuel payment from Wealden Council yet? If you are in Council Tax band A-D then you qualify and in some cases E rate payers can also get the grant. The money will be paid direct to your bank account so will be helpful in covering increased fuel costs. The deadline... Read more
17th August
Sussex soap business shortlisted in Lloyds Bank awards
Sussex-based The English Soap Company has made the finals of The Lloyds Bank British Business Excellence Awards. The prestigious, national awards celebrate innovation, success and resilience of British business including entrepreneurs, micro, SMEs and mid-market – right up to the FTSE 100. It is the first time The English Soap Company has entered the awards... Read more
4th August
Full Fibre Broadband reaches more homes in Heathfield as Lightning Fibre launches their local network for over 5000 homes and businesses.
Local, independent Full Fibre network builder, operator and ISP Lightning Fibre Limited has launched its hotly anticipated, symmetric full fibre network across Heathfield for 5,000 more homes and businesses. Wealden Cabinet member for economic development, Councillor Roy Galley, cut the ribbon on the new powered cabinet on Station Road, and commented that “Rural areas have... Read more
29th July
Heathfield College celebrates pupils with an Honours Awards Evening
For the first time in three years, Heathfield Community College was able to host in person the Honours Awards Evening which celebrates the achievements of the students across the College over the course of the academic year. Parents/Carers and families mixed over refreshments to the sound of students musical performances at the start of the... Read more
21st July
Improvements planned for Cuckoo Trail
A new, three-year strategy has been adopted for the Cuckoo Trail and outlines a number of exciting proposals for the 11-mile long stretch between Polegate and Heathfield. Improvements will look to make more of the trail’s railway heritage, develop hubs along the trail, use it as a cycling ‘spine’ route, repair and renew the trail’s... Read more
14th July
Heathfield law firm receives glowing feedback in assessment
The team at Hughes Solicitors has received exceptional feedback after the firm’s annual reassessment for the Lexcel Practice Management Standard accreditation, a legal practice quality mark awarded by The Law Society for outstanding client care, compliance and practice management. After the assessor had completed their assessment at the offices in Heathfield, they commented: ‘Lexcel continues... Read more
7th July
Chance to have your say on 370 new homes in Hellingly
Taylor Wimpey is inviting local residents to have their say on proposals for a new residential development on land to the west of Park Farm, New Road, Hellingly during a public exhibition today (5th July) 2022. Outline planning permission was granted by Wealden District Council on April 2021, for up to 370 new homes on... Read more
5th July
Heathfield student wins Sussex Public Speaking Competition
Heathfield Community College was represented at the Old Market in Brighton on Wednesday 29 June for the Speakers Trust Sussex Speak Out final, a regional Public Speaking Competition held by the national recognised charity working with young people to become “effective communicators and to use their voices to effect change” . Hivda Aydogan and Adam... Read more
2nd July
A new look is coming soon for Melina Joy Opticians
Melina Joy Opticians was established in 1992. In this time, it has undergone quite a few changes, the practice has increased in services and staff enormously and has also undergone a few refurbishments. The last one was, believe it or not, 10 years ago in 2012. And they are at it again! They like to... Read more
30th June
Hundreds celebrate the lives of loved ones in Hospice’s Magical Moonlight Walk
Hundreds of supporters put their best foot forward to complete Hospice in the Weald’s beautiful eight-mile Moonlight Walk on Saturday raising in excess of £22,000. Moonlight Walk, kindly sponsored by Savills, is an opportunity for families and friends to come together to remember loved ones, with many of the 350 walkers wearing memorial stars which... Read more
30th June
Heathfield students reach for the stars.
Year 7 at Heathfield Community College was given the opportunity last week to take learning of Space a little further; (to infinity and) beyond in the classroom. Pupils were joined by Alex, Ashley and Jazz who are studying and working in the Physics department at the University of Sussex. The Physics department provide a large... Read more
23rd June
