News
Heathfield Students ponder the eternal question ‘How can Boris Johnson be our Prime Minister?’
Heathfield Community College Year 10 students, who have applied to be prefects, attended an all day workshop to grow their public speaking skills. The workshop was led by Janie Shepherd from @SpeakersTrust www.speakerstrust.org A large group enjoyed training and input and by the end ALL of them gave a short, self-penned speech to the rest... Read more
12th May
Sussex soap manufacturer heads to Glasgow for FSB national finals
Waldron-based business The English Soap Company will be heading to Glasgow on 19th May for the UK Final of the FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards after being named Family Business of the Year in the South East. As well as winning the Family Business category in the South East Awards, the English Soap Company was... Read more
11th May
Proposed waste collection and street cleansing industrial action update.
Wealden District Council has been informed by its waste collection and street cleansing contractor, Biffa, that members of their workforce belonging to the GMB union intend to take strike action from Monday 2nd May over pay. Whilst Biffa continue to negotiate with the GMB union and the staff involved to reach a fair settlement, this action... Read more
28th April
Heathfield students aim for the stars in a Gallactic Challenge.
Galactic Challenge Champions On Saturday 23 April, 12 Year 8 Heathfield Community College students took part in the UK Space Design Competition Galactic Challenge held at Bede’s Senior School, Upper Dicker, East Sussex. The students had an exciting day working as part of a dynamic team creating a proposal for the design, development and construction... Read more
27th April
Who is the ‘quiet hero’ in your community?
Sussex-based artisan food and drink online marketplace MeltedInside.com is on the hunt for a ‘Quiet Hero’ to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The winner will receive an amazing prize for themselves and the person who nominates them will also win a prize. The winning Quiet Hero will be awarded a MeltedInside.com gift voucher to the... Read more
25th April
Make or break! Talented local ballet dancer appeals for help.
Burwash based, George Stevens is a pre-professional elite ballet pupil at White Lodge, The Royal Ballet School. This fiercely competititive ballet school is where future stars are born. Only 15 boys a year are accepted to this world famous school, and whilst studying there he has danced in Royal Ballet Company productions, The Nutcracker, Sleeping... Read more
13th April
Lightning Fibre sponsors the Heathfield Agricultural Show 2022, and extends Full Fibre network to Broad Oak.
Local broadband provider Lightning Fibre is proud to take over the Heathfield Show Hedgerow board signage sponsorship which has, for the past two decades, been sponsored by Freeman Forman Estate Agents. Lightning Fibre have also agreed, as part of their new partnership, to connect their Full Fibre broadband network to the Showground, delivering up to... Read more
13th April
Tribute paid to great-grandfather killed in Cross-in-Hand collision
The family of a man who sadly died following a collision on the A276 near Heathfield have paid tribute to him. Derek ‘Dinky’ Doo, 82, from Heathfield was involved in the collision involving a single vehicle just before 3.25pm on Tuesday, March 22. His family said: “Dinky was a much loved father, grandfather and great-grandfather... Read more
7th April
75th anniversary prize of £500 for Champion of Champions at Heathfield Agricultural Show
The Heathfield Agricultural Show is back! It has a new look and lots planned to celebrate the 75th anniversary this year. The new logo was designed by Dani McTurk of Apatite Design, winner of the Heathfield Agricultural Show Logo Design Competition. She beat 15 other entrants to be selected and the show organisers are now... Read more
7th April
Local businesses support Heathfield students through a mentoring scheme
Local businesses give valuable support for a student mentoring scheme Heathfield Community College believes that when it comes to careers every child’s aspiration and destination should be valued. Whether they choose to pursue university, apprenticeship, employment or further training, one of the best ways to understand a role or an industry is to speak to... Read more
6th April
Landowners fined for failing to check Tree Preservation Orders
Wealden District Council prosecuted the landowners of the site in The Drive, Hellingly, after trees were cut down in 2018 despite them being subject to Tree Preservation Orders. The landowners said they were unaware of the Tree Preservation Orders in place which protected the woodland and trees and claimed the trees were a danger to... Read more
6th April
Waste carriers targeted in fly-tipping operation
MORE THAN 50 vehicles were stopped and checked as part of a clampdown on fly-tipping blighting the district. In a bid to combat the crime, which costs Rother District Council more than £67,000 a year, Environmental Health Officers led a multi-agency operation with the commercial vehicle unit and the neighbourhood policing team from Sussex Police.... Read more
5th April
Blackboys School enjoy a visit from Wealden councillors
Blackboys Primary School welcomed Wealden District Council’s chairman Councillor Ron Reed and ward Councillor Ann Newton to a ‘golden assembly’. The councillors spoke to Years 5 and 6 about the work the council does within the district and their roles within the authority. During the assembly children asked questions about littering, road safety and the... Read more
23rd March
Awards for Heathfield Youth Drama Group
There was much success for the Heathfield Youth Drama group at last month’s Southern Counties Drama Festival held at the Barn Theatre Oxted Surrey. The Group performed Gosforths Fete by Alan Ayckbourn, extracts from Bouncers by John Godber, Shakers by John Godber Jane Thornton and Arabian Nights by Dominic Cooke. There were 14 teams involved and a... Read more
15th March
Girlguiding volunteers needed to inspire next generation of girls and young women
Have you ever been a member of Girlguiding and dropped out due to further education or to raise a family or even just wanted a change in life or have you never been involved before? Are you looking for a new challenge or would like to try something different? There may be just the opportunity... Read more
14th March
Wealden Council Tax rebate available to help many with increased energy costs.
It would be difficult not to have noticed the increased publicity around increasing energy costs, so it will be some relief to learn that thousands of households across Wealden are set to receive a £150 Council Tax rebate to help with rising energy costs. Council Tax rebate available for thousands of Wealden residents Residents living... Read more
9th March
Wealden Talking News free service for the visually impaired.
Huw Merriman, local MP visits the Wealden Talking News studio. Local MP, Huw Merriman, visited the Wealden Talking News studio to support the charity’s efforts to bounce back from the loss of listeners caused by the pandemic. Mr Merriman, accompanied by former Wealden District Council Chair, Cllr Pam Doodes, toured the studio and later contributed... Read more
8th March
New mortgage offering from Cranwell Wealth Solutions
Cranwell Wealth Solutions, which has Financial Planning branches in Heathfield and Uckfield high streets, is delighted to announce the launch of a mortgage division. The new division is being headed up by the incredibly talented Matthew Ticehurst. Matthew started his career in financial services with HSBC back in 2006. Since then, he has held a... Read more
4th March
Melina Joy Opticians celebrates its 30th Anniversary in Heathfield
“Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you…” Spring is on its way! At Last! And Melina Joy Opticians celebrates its 30th anniversary this month! Melina set the practice up in 1992 with just the support of her business partner Tom and his wife, Jackie. Several refurbs, additions and changes later, they are now a... Read more
3rd March
Pledge made to continue lobbying government over ‘unacceptable’ housing targets
Wealden District Council has passed a motion setting out a renewed pledge to continue lobbying the government to reduce the number of new homes it expects the council to provide in the coming years. It follows on from various meetings between Wealden leaders and senior government ministers and officials to press the point that while... Read more
2nd March
Newly rebranded Ashdown Radio has extended and improved its reach to Heathfield and Cross in Hand.
Uckfield FM is rebranding as Ashdown Radio and its reach is extended to better reception in Heathfield and Cross in Hand. Recently the radio station’s project to bring its programmes to the people of Crowborough and to those living in the surrounding area, has been completed and its broadcasts can now be heard loud and... Read more
24th February
Charity receives cheque from Wealden Crematorium 
The Children with Cancer Fund at Polegate has been presented with a £15,000 cheque from Wealden Crematorium. The money was donated to the charity’s co-founder Chris Downton after staff at the Horam facility nominated CWCF to receive a share of funds raised through the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management’s recycling metal scheme. The crematorium... Read more
24th February
Shop well at Heathfield & Waldron markets
Shop Well at Heathfield & Waldron Markets Over the past year, farmers’ markets and antique/craft fairs have grown in popularity across Wealden as people re-discover this timeless way of shopping. Here, we are fortunate to have two local markets: Heathfield Farmers’ Market on the third Saturday of every month; and Waldron Community Market on... Read more
15th February
Heathfield & District School Pastors set to benefit from Wealden grant.
Almost £300,000 in community grants and funding has been approved by Wealden District Council this week. Organisations set to benefit from a share of £20,000 in funding through the council’s Small Grants Award for 2022/23 include Heathfield & District School Pastors, Coleman’s Hatch Cricket Club, Frant Parish Friendship Group Speakers, Hailsham Horticultural Society, Crowborough Community... Read more
10th February
Horam Village Hall sets a green example
Horam Village Hall is becoming a shining example for premises that are aiming to be climate positive and making the most of available funding. A Tesla battery has recently been connected to the building’s solar panels along with a new hot water cylinder, better insulation, new windows and LED lighting. Secretary Leigh Ellen explains: “The... Read more
10th February
Bringing Spanish language and culture alive at Heathfield Community College
Heathfield Community College students have been bringing Spanish language and culture alive. Following in the footsteps of the successful Wider Curriculum Day that was offered to French students in November, the Year 8 Spanish Language and Culture Day continued this journey on Friday, 21st January, providing a similarly exciting and valuable experience for our Spanish... Read more
1st February
Hospice in the Weald appoints new chief executive
Hospice in the Weald, which provides care completely free of charge for terminally ill patients and their loved ones across West Kent and northern East Sussex, has announced the appointment of Nick Farthing as Chief Executive. Nick, who has been Acting Chief Executive for the last nine months, has held various leadership roles at the... Read more
27th January
Marquess plants apple tree to mark Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
Hospice in the Weald welcomed the Marquess of Abergavenny DL as guest of honour at a tree planting ceremony held at Cottage Hospice in Five Ashes, Mayfield, on Friday 14th January to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Lord Abergavenny, representing the East Sussex Lieutenancy, was joined by long-standing Hospice supporter Sonia Burt to plant a... Read more
19th January
Free courses start for Wealden residents
Free courses start for Wealden residents From managing stress and anxiety to maths, easy-hand sewing to get ready for work, and afternoon tea baking to practical money management, Street Learning FREE courses return this January 2022 for Wealden residents. Street Learning is a partnership project providing access to a range of free courses designed to... Read more
18th January
Heathfield High Street development voted on at today’s planning meeting.
Outline planning permission for the development WD/2018/1083/MAO, which would include ten flats and twelve retail units on the site of 14-30 High Street, Heathfield, East Sussex, was the first item on the agenda at today’s Wealden Planning Committee Meeting. The proposed development was hotly debated by the local councillors in attendence, as they sought reassurances... Read more
12th January
Chancellor meets Wealden council leader
Wealden District Council leader Bob Standley met with Rishi Sunak the Chancellor of the Exchequer last week. The Chancellor was visiting various sites in Sussex on Thursday 6 January and Councillor Standley said he was pleased to have the opportunity to meet with him together with Nus Ghani, Wealden’s MP. After the meeting Councillor Standley... Read more
12th January
Trader plans to fight for right to stay
After 36 years of trading in Heathfield High Street the owner of the Sapphire Star (formerly Mr India) says he is very upset at the prospect of having to close his business. Mr Hena Akther Chawdhury says traders face losing their businesses and customers but hopes that his 20 year lease will give him the... Read more
6th January
A Christmas message from Wealden council leaders
As 2021 draws to a close and the Covid-19 pandemic continues to affect every aspect of day to day life, Wealden District Council’s leader and chief executive are wishing all residents a merry Christmas after another difficult year. Councillor Bob Standley, the council leader, and chief executive Trevor Scott have also highlighted the work and... Read more
23rd December
Oakdown House residents celebrate the benefits of their new spa pool.
Oakdown House spa pool opens for residents. After successfully raising more than £35,000, Oakdown House is thrilled to be able to offer residents the opportunity to use their newly opened swim spa pool at the home. The home which is located in Burwash Common, supports up to 45 residents with learning and physical disabilities. The... Read more
16th December
Heathfield woman wins Mentor of the Year at the Sussex Apprenticeship Awards 2021
Horizontal rain and all that a coastal town can throw at you in the bad weather department, did not dint the enthusiasm of apprentices, businesses and training providers at this year’s 2021 Sussex Apprenticeship Awards. The Brighton Hilton Metropole was the setting for the awards dinner and ceremony. The awards were created to recognize the... Read more
14th December
Local companies make their mark in Rural Business Awards
A Waldron company and a Burwash company have won in different categories of the prestigious Rural Business Awards. The English Soap Company, based in Waldron, won the Best Rural Innovation category while Burwash artisan Food and Drink Platform MeltedInside.com was named best Rural Retail Business at the regional finals of the Rural Business Awards in... Read more
7th December
‘Santa needs you’-AR trail game comes to Heathfield.
This December-have fun with your kids tracking down the Heathfield Christmas Trail. This Christmas, local families will be able to track down Christmas themed animals in ‘Santa needs you’ an augmented reality trail game running in Heathfield now. Participation is free and a perfect way to get some exercise, occupy the kids and explore our... Read more
2nd December
Increased support for Heathfield Farmers’Market and others in Wealden.
Heathfield Farmers’ Market goes from strength to strength. Over the past year, Wealden farmers’ markets and craft fairs have grown in popularity as people rediscover this way of shopping amid the pandemic – and stallholders and councillors are hoping it’s a trend that will continue. In Heathfield we are lucky to have a thriving market,... Read more
30th November
Heathfield woman in final of ‘Mentor of the Year’ at #SussexApprenticeshipAwards
Reaching the finals of the Sussex Apprenticeship Awards came as a bit of a shock to Anna White, in the main because she hadn’t entered the awards and had no idea that a former apprentice of hers had nominated her for ‘Mentor of the Year’. Anna has been mentoring apprentices in Public Relations and Digital... Read more
29th November
Electric vehicle charging points roll out as council endorses COP26 strategy
A roll-out of electric vehicle charging points across the district will soon be underway as Wealden council also endorsed progress made at the recent COP26 conference. The momentum of the EV charging initiative was revealed at Wealden District Council’s Full Council meeting on Wednesday when the authority backed a motion endorsing the government’s Net Zero... Read more
25th November
Heathfield traders launch new loyalty scheme
Heathfield is all lit up for the launch of the Christmas loyalty scheme. Friday 19 November was the start of the festive season in Heathfield, East Sussex. Unlike last year with the restrictions, this year everyone has been able to rally together to make Christmas 2021 a really good one for the residents and traders... Read more
23rd November
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
