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
Be the singer you want to be with Maria Myatt vocal coach
Maria offers vocal coaching to everyone from beginners to advanced singers Maria started singing from a very young age. She studied Musical Theatre for 3 years and achieved a first-class honours degree. Straight after that, she was lucky enough to be offered a contract on a ship as a vocalist. Maria then sang at different... Read more
26th March
Student from Heathfield campaigns against cuts in Stagecoach bus service
Erin’s petition to halt changes in 51 bus frequency gains momentum Erin Wigham was very concerned when she saw the proposed change to the 51 bus timetable. The change to hourly from half-hourly was the source of her concern. Anyone who has used Stagecoach bus services will have experienced frequent cancellations and delays to their... Read more
20th March
We ask Heart and Home Property is now a good time to buy or sell your home?
Is this year a good time to buy or sell your home? As Spring is very much in the air, it’s traditionally the time that people get their homes ready to sell or set out to find a new home or both! We thought it would be a good idea to talk to property expert... Read more
13th March
Heathfield Community College scores highly for pupil happiness
Ofsted recognises the importance of ‘wellbeing’ as a factor for the choice of secondary schools Ofsted the education watchdog has recognised parents’ shifting focus towards a school’s ethos when choosing where their child should go for secondary. It plans to add a “wellbeing” category to its new inspection reports, which it is currently consulting on,... Read more
12th March
Help re-instate the freedom to study abroad for all
European Movement need your support to reclaim the study opportunities in Europe Lend your voice to the campaign to be part of the Erasmus Programme Although promises were made that the Erasmus Programme would not be shelved , unfortunately students now find themselves unable to be part of this EU funded programme and they are... Read more
11th March
Direct cremations explained by Wealden Funerals
Direct cremations, a simpler option, explained by Wealden Funerals There is another option to full on funeral services which is cost effective and simple – one company offering the Direct Cremation is Ashdown Direct Cremation service from Wealden Funerals. It’s a simple, affordable, and yet personal alternative to a traditional funeral service. Direct Cremations provide... Read more
6th March
East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service celebrates its 30th anniversary.
East Sussex WRAS celebrates 30th Anniversary Many people will have had to call on the services of the local charity East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service (WRAS) for help with caring for a wild animal in distress. They will know what an important job their volunteers do. This year the WRAS is celebrating its 30th anniversary.... Read more
3rd March
Heathfield man takes up new fundraising challenge for Chailey Hertiage Foundation
Leon takes on a new challenge to raise money for Chailey Heritage Foundation We covered the Three Peaks Hike and Cycle Challenge last year when a group of friends came together to support Matt Vince in his fundraiser to bring for Chailey Heritage Foundation. The campaign raised an amazing £45,000 in memory of Luna-Rose, Matt... Read more
27th February
Trevor Goldsmith’s death last Saturday 22 February is announced
The passing of Trevor Goldsmith Goldsmith & Allcorn has announced the death of Trevor Goldsmith: “It is with great sadness and a sense of relief to inform the community that Trevor Goldsmith passed away peacefully on Saturday morning.” Trevor’s legacy of selfless dedication and community spirit will forever be cherished by those whose lives he... Read more
25th February
Channel 4 wants YOU! Are you or do you know an undiscovered brainbox, read on…
Channel 4 are on the hunt for an undiscovered brainbox Do you have an undiscovered brainbox in your family lurking on the sofa? Because if you do – Channel 4 is about to launch a major new competition format show to spotlight the country’s undiscovered brainboxes. It is estimated that there are thousands of people in the... Read more
19th February
Heathfield’s Wealden Works goes from strength to strength
Last summer was the culmination of the long awaited move of Wealden Works into their beautifully refurbished premises on Station Road, Heathfield. Wealden Works is going from strength to strength – it is a unique employment programme dedicated to bridging the gap between education and employment for young people living in the area. Led by two local professionals,... Read more
12th February
Heathfield man wins culinary award
Shah Athar with his award at the ‘World’s Best Culinary Judges’ Local man wins culinary award Heathfield resident Shah Athar is a scientist turned chef and was recently named amongst the ‘World’s Best Culinary Judges’ alongside competitors from 23 countries. Originally working as a molecular biologist trying to find early detection of Mad Cow disease... Read more
6th February
Sussex Lund programme helps support eco-project at Heathfield Community College
This term, the Eco Representatives at Heathfield Community College, worked with the site team to develop an area of the school field. Known as ‘the mound’, it is an area of the field not used by students currently and so perfect for creating a habitat for wildlife. Supported by the Sussex Lund Programme grant In... Read more
30th January
Be aware of callers impersonating police officers
Suspicious incidents in Heathfield This month, officers have seen three incidents in Heathfield, involving elderly women being called by someone impersonating a Police Officer. The male had given a fake officer name, collar number and reference number, before proceeding to ask victims to withdraw large amounts of cash to ‘assist an investigation’. Fortunately, none of... Read more
27th January
Tough decisions ahead for East Sussex County Council as it attempts to balance the budget
THE USE of reserves and £13.5 million of savings could help deliver a balanced budget in a stark financial climate as East Sussex plans how it will spend £578.8 million on services in 2025/26. Proposals to balance budget to be presented next week Proposals for East Sussex County Council’s budget will be presented to Cabinet... Read more
23rd January
Heathfield Community Firestation needs you!
Heathfield Community Firestation are looking for someone to join their retained firefighter team The station has been pushing its recruitment drive over the past three weeks, they are looking for retained firefighters. Forget stereotypes and think about have got what it takes or want to find out if you have. “It has been great being... Read more
16th January
Cross-In-Hand school closes as burst water main causes interuptions in supply
Burst water main at Cross-in-Hand just outside Heathfield Early this morning, 15 January, many residents of Cross-In-Hand experienced low water pressure or no water at all. This had been caused by a burst main in the area, which South Eastern Water tried to fix as quickly as possible. To allow for the safe repair of... Read more
15th January
Cross-in-Hand development planning application rejected
Location of proposed Snatchells Farm development of 24 residential homes Cross-in-Hand development rejected We featured the proposed plans for this way back in 2021 when Heathfield resident Rory Graham, stage name – Rag ‘n’ Bone Man, appealed for support to oppose this development which was going to have a big impact on his home. The... Read more
9th January
New kiosk and conveniences get the go ahead on the Cuckoo Trail at Horam
Simulated view from the application to show view as approaching on Cuckoo Trail from Heathfield Direction New kiosk gets go ahead for construction on the old Horam station platform Today, 9 January 2025, at the Wealden Planning Committee South Meeting there was widespread support for the construction of this amenity. The application was made by... Read more
9th January
Ashdown Radio plans to bring Heathfield into their reach
Ashdown Radio plans expansion Many people are familiar with Ashdown Radio, but Heathfield residents don’t get a reliable reception for this popular local radio station. Ashdown Radio had hoped to increase the power at their Crowborough transmission site so it can be heard in Heathfield and surrounds back in 2023. However, it wasn’t viable (largely... Read more
8th January
Free numeracy courses that can really help those without GCSE Maths.
People aged 19 and over without a GCSE at grade C (or equivalent) in maths or who need to improve their maths skills are being reminded that innovative courses are available across the county until March 2025 to upskill maths knowledge. For many people not having maths GCSE can be a barrier to pursuing educational... Read more
19th December
Much loved Heathfield businesses announce closure
Changes for Cuckoo Hair and The Gentleman’s Club Barbers Cuckoo Hair has announced that the business will be closing. After much consideration and soul searching, the business owners Leanne and Alex have decided to close the doors of Cuckoo Hair and The Gentleman’s Club Barbers as you know it on Christmas eve. Leanne will continue... Read more
19th December
Orbit Homes to deliver 130 new affordable homes in East Sussex at Hellingly development
Orbit Homes to deliver 130 new affordable homes in East Sussex at Hellingly development Leading affordable housebuilder, Orbit Homes, is set to deliver 130 affordable homes in East Sussex as part of Swingate Park in Hellingly, Hailsham. Delivered in partnership with Taylor Wimpey, the development on New Road will include 26 Shared Ownership properties and... Read more
5th December
Melina Joy Opticians and guests bid farewell to its eponymous founder
Melina Joy Opticians has been in Heathfield High Street since the spring of 1992 and has developed into the excellent, professional practice that it is today over the last 32 years. Melina owned the company solely for the first sixteen years after which David, Catriona and Shirley became shareholders and then Directors in 2015. With... Read more
5th December
Support your High Street this Small Business Saturday
WIN A LUXURY CHRISTMAS HAMPER FROM CUCULO (WORTH £100) Celebrate Small Business Saturday this Saturday 7 December. Enjoy a day browsing the shops and pop into one of the many cafes/eateries for a coffee or glass of something and a bite to eat. All you need to do is… SHOP in Heathfield on Saturday 7th... Read more
5th December
Heathfield students excel in CREST science awards
British Science Association’s CREST Scheme inspires Heathfield’s young scientists Twenty three students recently received their certificates showing they completed their CREST award last year. Twenty of them completed the Bronze award, a STEM project that requires at least 10 hours of work. They did fantastically well to complete this with projects on – building a... Read more
28th November
Radiant Facial Rejuvenation aesthetics clinic celebrates recent win
Award winning for 2024 Karen Kelly owner & practitioner, is celebrating a recent win at the Health Care Beauty Business Awards UK where she took the crown for Patient Satisfaction 2024. She has also been a finalist for the following as well this year: Finalist ‘Best for Aesthetics’ in East Sussex 2024 Finalist ‘Best Aesthetic... Read more
21st November
Buy a whole fresh turkey and curry the leftovers after Christmas
JR Sheffield in Vines Cross, near Heathfield, has collaborated with BoOm Kitchen this year by giving away curry kits and encouraging people to make delicious turkey curries with their leftovers. The kits will also be available in the barn on turkey collection days. BoOm kitchen is the Sheffield family’s ‘go to’ curry kit and the... Read more
20th November
Heathfield students lobby Downing Street for change on behalf of young people
Heathfield students lobby for change in Downing Street Heathfield Community College has been very proud of a project it has been involved with for the past year which has the potential to make some real improvement in the lives of young people all over the country. Ten students from across older year groups have been... Read more
7th November
Antonio from Melina Joy Opticians discusses the importance of ‘Aural Health’
Melina Joy Opticians has been offering a hearing service to their clients for some time now. The resident audiologist, Antonio Vas Falcao, is sharing in this article the importance of ‘’Aural health’’ and the importance of early detection and intervention of hearing loss. People often fail to appreciate how much they rely on their hearing.... Read more
7th November
500 members and growing for new road safety group
A new social media group has been set up to try and improve safety on the A267 between Mayfield and Horam. To date the Facebook page, A267 – Road Safety Group has more than 500 members and the list is growing fast. It was started following the fatal crash on October 1 near the junction... Read more
25th October
Heathfield Community College raises funds for mental health
The whole College community came together on Friday 18 October for their inaugural Sponsored Walk and Run. Students from all year groups ran and walked the route joined by both teaching and support staff; Radio Heathfield provided a musical backdrop as students departed and returned to the College site and VI formers generously gave their... Read more
24th October
Heathfield Bonfire success in pictures
Thank you to the HDBS for the pictures which bring alive the flavour of ‘Bonfire’. This Sussex tradition is now celebrated in Heathfield alonside other societies across the Bonfire Season, and is a tribute to the dedication of all invoved. By all accounts it was a great night with a busy High Street, procession and... Read more
17th October
Chailey Heritage Foundation thanks Heathfield man and his team after an incredible fundraising success
A while back we were delighted to highlight the amazing fundraiser staged by Matt and his dedicated group of friends. The initial targets were smashed and in the end over 45k was raised – and The Heathfield News readers made generous donations too. The Chailey Heritage Foundation has now staged a very special Victory Parade... Read more
17th October
Hospice in the Weald is celebrating the vital role of charity shops during Hospice Care Week
Celebrating the vital role of charity shops this Hospice Care Week Hospice in the Weald is celebrating the vital role of its charity shops during Hospice Care Week 2024. The national campaign, from 7th -13th October, this year focuses on the contribution charity shops make to funding hospice services. Hospice in the Weald, which provides... Read more
10th October
Bonfire is back in Heathfield on Saturday 12 October
HDBS Bonfire Event 2024 – Saturday 12th October Heathfield & District Bonfire Society will be staging this year’s Heathfield Bonfire Night on Saturday 12th October! Taking to the streets with its spectacular torchlit procession, bringing together the local community and bonfire friends for a night of celebration.For all informtion about timings and closures go to: http://www.heathfieldbonfiresociety.co.uk/event-info/ Here... Read more
3rd October
Sandhurst beckons for scholarship award winning Heathfield student Daisy Pietroni
Heathfield Community College has received the fantastic news that Daisy Pietroni (Year 13) 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
25th September
Issues at Risingholme Court to be tackled by Sussex Weald MP Nusrat Ghani
Nusrat Ghani, MP for Sussex Weald, has convened a meeting with the property management company FirstPort regarding Risingholme Court in Heathfield. Risingholme Court residents have long suffered from poor service, high services charges of £8000 + p.a and thousands of pounds have been wiped off the value of their properties. A typical apartment bought for... Read more
10th September
Stellar success for Matt and his intrepid mates as they raise over 35k for Chailey Heritage Foundation
Success for Matt and his mates as they complete the Three Peaks Challenge We are delighted to report that the courageous Heathfield dad, Matt Vince and 12 of his mates have completed their gruelling Three Peaks Challenge to raise more than £35,000 for the Sussex charity which cared for his young daughter. Matt Vince, 33, said... Read more
29th August
Man arrested after reported indecent exposure on the Cuckoo Trail
Suspect arrested over indecent exposure incident The Cuckoo Trail is a popular 14 mile walking and cycling trail that runs though East Sussex on the old railway line and includes Heathfield, Horam, Hellingly and on towards Eastbourne. Last week there was a concerning report on social media from a female jogger of an incident when... Read more
27th August
A simpler booking system for Flexibus available for journeys from Heathfield
Flexibus is the East Sussex On-Demand Bus Service FLEXIBUS, East Sussex’s on-demand bus service, is now even more flexible with the introduction of one single zone. Passengers can book Flexibus trips to any destination within a 14-mile radius of their pick-up point within the new zone, which covers 90 per cent of the county as... Read more
23rd August
Le Marché anglo-french market is back this 26 August Bank Holiday Monday
Bank Holiday Monday 26 August 2024 Heathfield’s famous anglo-french market is taking place on August Bank Holiday Monday – as it has done for the past 27 years – it is the longest running market of its kind in the whole of the South East. FREE entertainment, FREE park & ride and FREE programme of... Read more
22nd August
Local man, who has never climbed a mountain, takes on the Three Peaks Challenge to raise funds for Chailey Heritage.
MATT Vince is one amazing man…Last year, he raised a staggering £25,000 for Chailey Heritage Foundation by running the Brighton Marathon in memory of his daughter, Luna-Rose. She sadly died in her sleep in October 2022 aged just three, having been born with a rare genetic condition. Matt, 33, from Heathfield, said: “Chailey Heritage Foundation... Read more
13th August
Fresh shopfront artwork brightens up Heathfield High Street
Heathfield is lucky to have a host of independent retailers, cafés and services all located on the vibrant High Street and Station Road. The town still has butchers, a greengrocer, an Italian speciality cheesemonger & wine merchant, a shoe shop, a homewares store, ladies clothes shops, a jewellers, a healthfood shop, a drycleaners,a selection of... Read more
13th August
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
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
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
