Sports
Hospice in the Weald Moonlight Walk 2025
The Hospice on the Weald annual Moonlight Walk is back, so time to join hundreds of other motivated people for a memorable evening of walking, socialising, music and memories. This year the event is being held on 14th June and will see the introduction of some exciting new routes, alongside the familiar thirteen, eight and... Read more
6th March
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
New sports facility in Hellingly gets go ahead
Full planning permission for the development of a new sports hub facility in Hellingly has been given the green light. The new sports hub includes two full size floodlit artificial pitches, two multi-use games areas (containing four dual floodlit tennis/netball courts), two padel tennis courts, skate park, play facilities and a sports building providing changing... Read more
5th February
Davina McCall and Paralympian Will Bayley urge locals to support Hospice Run
TV presenter Davina McCall along with Paralympian Will Bayley are encouraging people of all ages to sign up to the iconic Hospice Run this September. This year’s Run promises to have something for everyone, with a new half marathon, and Hospice Heroes themed Family Fun Run, along with the classic 5km and 10km routes. TV... Read more
17th August
Cross-in-Hand Tennis Club Ladies Doubles pair triumph in international tournament
Cross-in-Hand Tennis Club ladies doubles pair Anne Oliver and Susan Groves were triumphant at the recent Seniors’ ITF (International Tennis Federation) Tournament held at Tunbridge Wells Lawn Tennis Club. Anne and Susan won the over 55 age group. Susan said: “Anne and I thoroughly enjoyed the competition and were thrilled with our achievement, particularly as... Read more
7th August
Heathfield man sets off in September on running challenge
Sussex man Brett Saunders is running the length of Britain from John O’Groats to Land’s End, despite considering himself an ‘inexperienced runner’. Brett, 30, from Heathfield, East Sussex, will set off from the northernmost tip of Scotland in September. Brett is running for two charities, the epilepsy charity SUDEP Action and the British Heart Foundation. He... Read more
21st July
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
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
Cross in Hand wins against The Green and Seaford
Cross in Hand Ladies first team had a convincing win over St Leonard’s The Green on Sunday without dropping a set. The match was played at home on Cross in Hand’s artificial clay courts in cold but bright, sunny conditions. The win takes the Cross in Hand team to the top of Division 2. First... Read more
2nd February
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
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
Hailsham Harriers win Covid Cup challenge
Four clubs, 220 runners (55 from each club), 14 days and one goal – to see which club could run the most miles and win the Covid Cup. Runners had to be quick off the mark to put their names forward for the Hailsham Harriers team as the club lockdown relay the week before had... Read more
10th June
Tennis club starts fundraising to improve facilities
Cross in Hand Tennis Club has launched a campaign to raise funds for improvements and take the first steps towards becoming a local centre of excellence for the sport. Immediate plans include replacing three of the club’s astro courts, which were old and slippery, and laying three all-weather, state-of-the-art, artificial-clay courts. After several years of... Read more
11th May
Dallington woman first female to finish Heathfield race
Heathfield Park was the place to be on the morning of Sunday 26th January for the 4th event in the East Sussex Cross Country League. Runners were not only faced with the usual muddy, hilly conditions but had to contend, or should we say jump, a raging river …ok a stream – before hurdling a... Read more
4th February
Field archers flock to Heathfield Park for international contest
Heathfield Park and Adrian Caddy Archery recently hosted the town’s first international field archery competition. The competition was part of the Finals Series and one of the five field archery tournaments run by multi-championship title holder Tony Weston, founder and proprietor of The Archery Company. Competitors came from as far away as The Netherlands. Tony... Read more
15th October
Herstmonceux loses out in 11 goal thriller
The ESFL curtain raiser saw Herstmonceux 1st team defeated by a strong Hollington side who will definitely be one of the teams to beat this season. On a bright afternoon, with conditions perfect for football, the ‘Ceux travelled to Hastings sporting the new white and black strip courtesy of Littlewood who are continuing their sponsorship... Read more
9th September
Local organisations can benefit from Wealden District Council’s Grants, see how to apply before 2019 deadline
Last year several local groups received small grants from Wealden Council to assist with community projects and services. Groups in the Heathfield area included: The Warbleton Brass Band and the Heathfield Silver Band who received funds to help provide tuition and instruments for young people wanting to join the band. The Hellingly Hound Dogs American... Read more
5th September
Archery – an activity with multiple benefits for everyone
I have watched various forms of archery and tried things like air rifle shooting but never thought this very ancient activity would be something I would enjoy or be strong enough to do. An hour or so and a ‘taster’ session with the highly experienced Adrian Caddy who runs ACA certainly changed my mind. We... Read more
29th August
Cross in Hand Tennis Club has triumphant summer season
Players from Cross in Hand Tennis Club have proved they are some of the best in the area after coming top in the Horam League this year. At the Horam League finals held at Horsted Keynes Tennis Club recently the ladies doubles team of Andrea Law and Suzi Christie beat a pair from Crowborough in... Read more
21st August
Rita’s quest for the Multiple Sclerosis Trust
Heathfield woman Rita Dingwall has completed her mission of cycling from London to Amsterdam in order to raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis Trust. Rita, 63, an Equine Practice Manager, completed the fundraiser on June 28th on board her beloved bike Evie. This quest, however, is not unknown to Rita and Evie. Flashback to June... Read more
22nd July
Herstmonceux’s draw against competitive Seaford
An action-packed game on the 3G pitch at Seaford leisure centre saw Herstmonceux hold 5-5 last night, after going into an early 3-0 lead. The game was split into three 30-minute blocks, so this could definitely be classed as a game of 3 halves, as both sides took turns to hold the ascendancy. Manager Gaz... Read more
16th July
Seaford too strong for improving Herstmonceux
A dominant Seaford 1st team brought Herstmonceux back down to earth on Saturday, but manager Gaz Newton was satisfied with the continuing progress made by his side. The key to this game was the Southern Combination side’s sustained possession, and for the first 15 minutes the home side struggled to find a way into the... Read more
8th July
Herstmonceux dig deep to salvage a draw against Mile Oak
Herstmonceux produced a battling performance against Southern Combination opponents to secure an impressive 3-3 draw at Lime Cross on Saturday. In almost tropical conditions, Herstmonceux made the perfect start after five minutes when Callum Holles drove a 20 yard free kick into the bottom corner to put the home team 1-0 up. This stung Mile... Read more
1st July
Matt’s mission to help African family
Local Heathfield man Matt Rayner, a student, 24, has succeeded in completing a 100km Jurassic Ultra Challenge to raise money for a poverty stricken family in Uganda. Incredible fortitude, courage and commitment from Matt and his amazing support duo of Mum, Allison Caffyn and girlfriend Izzy Jordan saw him cross the finish line after a... Read more
26th June
Herstmonceux FC off to a flying start
Herstmonceux signalled they will be a force to be reckoned with this season by defeating Littlehampton FC by 3 goals to 1 at The Sportsfield on Saturday. After absorbing some early pressure from the home side, Herstmonceux took the lead after eight minutes. Good work on the right wing from Ade Fermin culminated with a... Read more
25th June
If you love horses – make sure you come along to The Heathfield Show
The Heathfield Show has built up a brilliant reputation over the past few decades as a first- class venue attracting top class exhibitors and serious competitors There are 90 horse classes over the day with almost 600 entries each year. Classes start early in the morning with six dedicated equine rings showing horses and ponies... Read more
24th May
Herstmonceux FC loses in tense encounter
Herstmonceux FC took on Willingdon in the Eastbourne FA Cup final at Hailsham Town last Friday, and were narrowly edged out 2-0 in a tense encounter. A furious opening 15 minutes saw Liam Nulty hit the post for the ‘Ceux after lobbing the goalkeeper, and Henry Richards saw a speculative attempt just miss the target... Read more
15th May
Dance studio wins multiple medals at local dance festival
Performing arts school, East Sussex Dance Studios celebrated success at the weekend at the annual South Downs Dance Festival, South Chailey. Students of the school that has branches in Heathfield, Ticehurst as well as newly opened Marks Cross, were awarded 20 gold medals, 24 trophies, 11 silvers, 6 bronzes with two special adjudicator awards going... Read more
6th May
Come and try tennis for free on May 12th
It’s back and bigger than ever! The Nature Valley Big Tennis Weekend is heading to Cross in Hand Tennis Club on May 12th. It’s a free-of -charge day for all the family to get on court. There are mini-tennis sessions, family time, free play, cardio tennis and numerous other kinds of activities to get involved... Read more
29th April
Win a free membership to Cross in Hand Tennis Club – and a free tennis lesson!
A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that playing racket sports significantly reduces the risk of death from heart disease. But there are many other reasons to start playing tennis such as giving you a full body work out, reducing the risk of heart attack, improving your stamina, improving muscle tone... Read more
1st March
Local businesses back a new boxing skills course for young people
Hannah Joy, the Youth Worker at Kings Church Heathfield got in touch with us to let us know about a new fitness activity starting up in Heathfield. Working alongside Charlotte Scott, she has been preparing a Youth Boxing course, which starts on Thursday 10 January at State Hall in Heathfield. The course will focus on fitness... Read more
8th January
Isenhurst Health Club rowers win podium places at national championships
Rowers from Isenhurst Health Club Cross In Hand picked up a series of medals at the weekend at this year’s British Indoor Rowing Championships that took place at the Leigh Valley VeloPark, East London. Two teams, headed up by Personal Trainers Alex Purcell and Louis Chavannes, received silver and bronze in the 4000m mixed relay.... Read more
12th December
Local boxer Brandon Davies squares up for his first professional fight in London
After graduating from Heathfield Community College in 2015, local lad Brandon Davies had only one thing on his mind. His goal was to make it in the world of professional boxing. Brandon lives in Horam and from the age of 14 he began to develop an interest and aptitude for boxing. Encouraged by his Dad... Read more
14th November
Coaching programme at Cross in Hand set to launch
Cross in Hand Tennis Club has welcomed a new partnership with Elevate Tennis Coaching that will see the launch of a new coaching programme for children and adults. The new programme will see three professional, qualified coaches working at the club to offer private and group lessons to all ages and standards. Club Chairman Chris... Read more
4th November
Alissa wins first half marathon
A mother of four from Bodle Street Green has won her first half marathon at the age of 41. Alissa Ellis, a member of Hailsham Harriers, was the first woman over the line at the Bournemouth Half Marathon on 7th October in an incredible time of 1hr 24 minutes and 25 seconds. Alissa admits her... Read more
17th October
Heathfield hosts hilly marathon
Sunday 7th October 2018 saw the 6th Annual Sussex Marathon set off from the Community Centre in Heathfield. Described as ‘possibly the hilliest marathon/half marathon on tarmac’ it attracts top runners who want to conquer the hills of Heathfield and surrounding villages. The course doesn’t pull any punches heading down Ghyll Road, Sandy Cross Lane,... Read more
11th October
Harriers Hellingly 10k road race success
Hailsham Harriers held the 34th John Faulds Hellingly 10k Road race this month which formed part of the Sussex Grand Prix series and included runners from many of the clubs and unattached runners throughout Sussex . The full house entry of 300 runners including 35 Harriers was reached before the day and earlier grey cloudy... Read more
27th September
Shock last minute donation reaches target for new defibrilator!
Team Leader, Theo Parfitt, from the Heathfield and Waldron Responders, set himself a challenge back in February to take part in the 2018 Great North Run to try and raise £1500 to site another Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) in the local community. This is the first time Theo has ever attempted to undertake any form... Read more
13th September
Local athletes to raise the bar for Air Ambulance
Back for its fourth year, Pick It Up Put It Down is set to once again bring tough workouts and live music to Cross in Hand to raise money for the Kent Surrey Sussex Air Ambulance Trust (KSS Air Ambulance). Saturday the 11th August sees Heathfield and Waldron Rugby Club re-open the doors to the... Read more
24th July
Horam mum set to bike across India for charity
A mum of three from Horam plans to cycle across India in an effort to raise money for cancer charities. Natalia Price-Cabrera, a Pilates instructor, plans to take part in a 450km ride with ‘Women v Cancer’ through rural Rajasthan. Funds raised by Women V Cancer will be divided equally between three important charities: Breast... Read more
18th July
Race for Life raises over £1,000 for CRUK
A recent fundraiser for Cancer Research UK was held on Friday 29th June at 3.30pm at All Saints’ & St. Richard’s CofE School in Old Heathfield. All the children and some siblings from the school were sponsored to take part in the ‘race’. There was lots of entertainment on the day with a bouncy castle, ice cream... Read more
17th July
Golfing day raises over £1,000 for Heathfield & Waldron Responders
Responders are volunteer members of the community, trained by the Ambulance Service, to respond to emergency calls through the 999 system, in conjunction with the Ambulance Service. They provide immediate care to patients in their area and are mobilised to 999 calls by Ambulance Control. Responders are a part of, and live in, their local... Read more
10th July
Get your kids on the road to Wimbledon with tennis camps this Summer
We are lucky in Heathfield to be able to easily enjoy the tennis tournament nearby at Eastbourne. Sadly Wimbledon is that bit further, and much more difficult to get tickets for, so most children will only be able to enjoy the TV coverage. But, if this has fired them up with enthusiasm for the sport... Read more
2nd July
Heathfield boy hopes to play for England
A Heathfield teenager is on his way to fulfilling a dream of playing table tennis for England. Fraser Kent, age 15, from Punnetts Town, started playing at Broad Oak Table Tennis Club aged just eight. Nicky, his Mother who represented Devon at table tennis in her youth, took him along to a training session and... Read more
25th June
Dust off your tennis racquets and come to Cross in Hand’s open day
With tennis fever just around the corner Cross in Hand Tennis Club is holding an open afternoon and evening event on Friday 20th July in a bid to encourage more adults to discover the delights of tennis.. The event will run from 4 to 9pm and it’s a chance to meet members and join in... Read more
18th June
Southcoast Badminton comes to Heathfield
South Coast Badminton is here! A newly formed club run by GB Badminton Olympian Heather Olver and conditioning coach David Gover (from Go:vers Gym) is coming to Heathfield. Starting this Friday 15 June, the club will offer an adult club night and a junior eight-week course that will run into a junior club night. ADULT... Read more
12th June
Winning streak for Cross in Hand Tennis Club
Cross in Hand tennis teams are on a winning streak with three convincing victories in the last few days. As part of the Wilson Sandford Tennis Sussex Summer Doubles Leagues 2018, Cross in Hand ladies competed on Sunday at home on the clay courts against Sussex County Lawn Tennis Club winning 4-0. The Cross in... Read more
15th May
Dance school goes from strength to strength
Just four years after taking over the helm at East Sussex Dance Studios former professional dancers Jenna Crescenzo and her sister Carys-Mari Hedges are celebrating some major successes. Several students have been accepted into world-class institutions and the school won an incredible 28 medals in a recent competition and over 300 in three years. Former... Read more
9th March
Mayfield mums run their first half marathon for Cuckoo for Cancer
Mayfield residents Nikki Lee-Billinghurst, Lizzie Young, Lucy Jervis, Alanna Golden and Emma Allchorne raised an incredible £1,300 in sponsorship for running the Brighton half marathon on Sunday 25th February 2018. The ladies have been training together since May last year with short distance runs to fit around busy work schedules and their children’s school hours.... Read more
1st March
