Heathfield
Home to Olympic gold medallist Jayne Torvill, England rugby international Joe Marler, former Doctor Who Tom Baker, guitarist Fred Frith and international badminton player Heather Olver, this small town hides a dark past.
In 1415 discontent was rife throughout the country so Jack Cade decided to take a stand. He roused the men of Kent ‘to correct public abuses and to remove evil counsellors’. An army of 20,000 rallied in Blackheath and fought the King’s men in Sevenoaks. Flush with triumph, the men degenerated into a murderous rob and Cade’s dream with them. He tried again at Rochester, but it was hopeless. In desperation he fled for Heathfield and hid on a local farm. But one fateful day he poked his head out at the top of Cade Street and was captured. He was dead before he reached London. His corpse was dragged through the Capital, decapitated, disembowelled and quartered. Portions were exhibited throughout the country. On the far side of Cade Street stands the Cade Stone, our most famous monument, which reads ‘Near this spot was slain the notorious rebel Jack Cade by Alexander Iden, Sheriff of Kent, AD1450. His body was carried to London and his head fixed upon London Bridge. This is the success of all rebels and this fortune chanceth ever to traitors’.
Heathfield also sports a mansion that dates back to the seventeenth century and contains a memorial named the Gibraltar Tower in commemoration of Lieutenant General George Eliott who was ennobled as Lord Heathfield for his role at the siege of Gibraltar.
On the edge of the parish stands Braylsham Castle, a modern house built in 1993 in imitation of a moated Medieval manor house, complete with working drawbridge.
Heathfield is a lively town with annual events such as the Cuckoo Fair, the Heathfield Show and Le Marché.
Upcoming Events
Recent News
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
Sandhurst army scholarship for Heathfield Community College student
Heathfield Community College has received the fantastic news that Amy Washington-Thurston (Y13) has been awarded an Army Officer sixth form scholarship. This means she has been recognised as possessing exceptional leadership potential and following her studies has secured a place to train as an Army officer at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. This prestigious award... Read more
28th November
English Woodlands, Cross-in-Hand, has just become 100% employee-owned following its sale to a newly created Employee Ownership Trust.
English Woodlands, the Sussex tree nursery, has just become 100% employee-owned following its sale to a newly created Employee Ownership Trust. English woodland in Cross in Hand has announced that the business will become an employee-owned company, founder Michael Hardcastle said “We wanted to safeguard the independence of English Woodlands for the future whilst acknowledging... Read more
21st November
Best value way to buy a turkey this Christmas
Every year at this time the NFU’s #BuyMyTurkey Day pops up, families are encouraged to buy British, buy local and buy a whole turkey this Christmas to get the best value for their money. Turkey producers across the country are taking to social media to show off their farm fresh turkeys and urge the public... Read more
18th November
Lightning fibre scoop ISPA award
Lightning Fibre has been named as the ‘Best Consumer ISP with fewer than 50,000 customers’ by the Internet Service Providers’ Association at the 2023 ISPA awards. ISPA recognises outstanding excellence in the ISP industry and celebrates 25 Years. The ISPA Awards acknowledge the best and brightest in the industry, and the winners represent the pinnacle of innovation... Read more
16th November
Heathfield Community College celebrates Parliament Week
Politics in Parliament Week Although the news coming out of Westminster this week has been unexpected and bewildering at best. It is as important as ever that our young people understand how politics works and that they are not put off by all of the negative news frequently shared about politicians. Young people are the... Read more
16th November
Master of Wine, Michael Palij comes to Heathfield to host a special Italian fine wine tasting at Cuculo Cheese & Wine
An exclusive wine event in Heathfield This Saturday will be a very special opportunity for lovers of fine wine. When, one of the world’s few Masters Of Wine, Michael Palij will be hosting a special tasting at Cuculo, High Street, Heathfield, East Sussex to showcase wines coming from a fascinating selection of Italy’s most famous... Read more
8th November
Heathfield Community College re-opens after shock vandalism
Over the weekend Heathfield Community College in Heathfield, East Sussex was subject to trespassers in the early hours of Sunday morning. As a result, there was significant damage to school property across the site. The damage was physical and potentially put students at risk of harm. Parents received email communication to confirm the impact of... Read more
17th October
Simon launches his new community initiative
We recently reported on the retirement from Waitrose of Simon Hudson, a hugely popular character – the community’s fondness was borne out in the huge engagement our Facebook post generated reaching over 30,000 people with over 500 people wishing him all the best for the future. Simon thanked every single one of the wellwishers. What... Read more
9th October
Jayne Torvill makes a guest appearance at Young at Heart Community Club in Heathfield
Young at Heart Community Club, based in Heathfield were delighted to welcome Olympic gold medal winner – ice dancer Jayne Torvill OBE last Tuesday to talk to the children of All Saints’ & St Richard’s Church of England Primary School who were brilliant with their questions! Other activity on the day included cherryspringstudio who kindly... Read more
2nd October
Heathfield Community College celebrates students’ achievements at awards event
On a sunny September evening last week, parents, staff and students gathered to celebrate the achievements of the students of Heathfield Community College over the course of 2022-23. Award certificates were presented to a number of students in each year group. These include ‘Honours’ for Effort and Progress and ‘Excellence’ awards for individual subjects as... Read more
27th September
Win £100 of treatment at Heathfield’s newest aesthetics clinic – Radiant
Only two days to go until the opening of Radiant, the new Medical Aesthetics and Skin Clinic, at 64 Heathfield High Street, and to celebrate they are launching an amazing prize draw competition. How to enter: Take a look at the T&Cs but to enter message Radiant’s Facebook or Instagram pages with your name and... Read more
7th September
Le Marché’s French and English traders drew huge crowds to Heathfield on Bank Holiday Monday
Bank Holiday Monday 28 August saw the popular Le Marché back in Heathfield, East Sussex. This annual Anglo-French market event is a combination of superb entertainment and 110 French and English stalls. This year’s market was blessed with fine weather which drew huge and happy crowds to the 26th Anglo/French market in Heathfield. The event... Read more
31st August
Heathfield residents and shop workers mourn loss of popular resident
Heathfield resident Rosemary Westacott passed away unexpectedly on July 11, 2023. Rosemary was a popular and well-known figure in and around the town; a valued friend to many and a much-loved mother. She lived in Ridgeway Court on Mutton Hall Hill. Rosemary, 83, moved to Heathfield several years ago and helped out at Cuculo as... Read more
1st August
Heathfield Community College: Good, great, Outstanding: a “vibrant and nurturing school…where pupils flourish”.
Heathfield Community College: Good, great, Outstanding: a “vibrant and nurturing school…where pupils flourish”. Senior leaders at Heathfield Community College have expressed appreciation to the community for the collaborative work that has led to all areas of the College being rated as Good, “great” or Outstanding, following the publication of the latest inspection report. Following a... Read more
29th June
This year’s Heathfield Show is all set to be a great day out
This year’s Heathfield Show is one of the area’s biggest and most well-attended events and it is just around the corner, the show ground is packed full of stalls and entertainment and it is set to be better than ever. It’s a real look at country life. The Heathfield Agricultural Show, which takes place on Saturday... Read more
23rd May
Erin Denness joins Hughes Solicitors to lead the residential property team
We are delighted to announce that Erin Denness will be joining the team in Heathfield as a partner and head of our residential property department. Erin is a senior solicitor with over 15 years of experience in handling all types of residential property matters both for individuals and corporate clients. She joins Hughes Solicitors from... Read more
23rd May
The New Enterprise Zone – a showcase for start-up businesses at The Heathfield Show
Supporting new businesses in and around Heathfield The Heathfield Agricultural Show was the pioneer of an initiative, back in 2015, to offer businesses, that have started trading since the last Show, an opportunity to have a complimentary trade stand at the Heathfield Agricultural Show. This popular formula for allocating these stands has been copied by... Read more
16th May
Win Heathfield Show VIP Member tickets for a family of four
Here’s your chance to win VIP Member family tickets (2 adults and 2 children) for this year’s Heathfield Agricultural Show on 27 May 2023 at Tottingworth Showground, Broad Oak near Heathfield, East Sussex. You will receive two adult and two junior members passes which give you access the the Members Area with catering, ringside seating... Read more
8th May
Clean sweep for the independents in both Heathfield North & South elections
As we recently reported, Heathfield North and South wards were being contested in yesterday’s May 4 local elections, by independent candidates who were taking on the incumbent Conservative councillors. It has just been announced that both Mike Gadd (Heathfield North) and Kevin Benton (Heathfield South) were elected with large majorities. Mike Gadd (Heathfield South) received... Read more
5th May
Heathfield Community College celebrates a wider curriculum day exploring career and further education options
All of Year 10 were fantastically engaged this week during their Wider Curriculum Day which marks the launch of their focussed support on progression paths after Year 11. The day was split into two parts: travelling to Eastbourne Sports Park for https://www.bigfuturesshow.org.uk/ The Big Futures Careers Fair, which is the largest employability, skills and job... Read more
2nd May
Independents try to wrest control from the Tories in both Heathfield South and North in the local elections May 4
The local Wealden Council election on May 4 will see three independent candidates join in the battle to win in both Heathfield North & South. Kevin Benton takes on Conservative Tom Guyton-Day in Heathfield South and Mike Gadd and Mian Naz take on Ray Cade, Conservative, David Newman, Labour in Heathfield North. Heathfield is a... Read more
27th April
Tributes paid to dedicated, long-serving councillor
TRIBUTES have been paid following the death of a long-serving county councillor who died at the age of 70. Cllr Rupert Simmons, who represented the Heathfield and Mayfield division and served as a Cabinet member responsible for economy, died on Monday, April 17. Paying tribute to his friend and colleague, Council Leader Cllr Keith Glazier... Read more
18th April
Police appeal for information on whereabouts of Heathfield man
Do you know the whereabouts of Louis Sawyer? Detectives from Sussex Police who are investigating the theft of a car and subsequent road traffic collision in January 2023 would like to speak to the 26 year old from Heathfield. Louis Sawyer is believed to have information which could assist the police with their investigation. He... Read more
11th April
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
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
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
When certain catalysts occur in life, they can really change your direction.
Meet Sam Collins of Cranwell Wealth Solutions. He talks about family life and offers some financial tips for all. Cranwell Wealth Solutions, a local wealth advising practice based on the high street in Heathfield, is delighted to announce a new appointment to the team. Sam Collins recently joined the business as a Financial Planner. Here... Read more
16th 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
Bonus Family? Why a blended family needs a will
It is increasingly common for couples to marry while one or both have children from a previous relationship, and the couple may then go on to have children of their own. The Swedish drama on Netflix Bonus Family provides a light-hearted exploration of the complexities of joining two families together, highlighting the emotional and logistical challenges. All... Read more
12th 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
Twelve ideas for Christmas from Cuculo!
Cuculo is brimming with gift ideas for the festive season. This year they are making it easy for you, so James & Cinzia have trawled the shelves to pick out some of the best gift ideas for lovers of food and wine. There is everything from chocolate Santas to fine wines and something for every... Read more
30th November
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
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
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
Local employer Carricks Brook & Oakdown House offer positive support for staff experiencing the menopause
Oakdown House and Carricks Brook invest lots of resources into their staff team – they appreciate their staff are at the centre of providing great support, so it’s important that they look after them. Both carehomes get really great feedback from their teams and use this to further improve what they offer, so that the... Read more
17th 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
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
