Horam
An international company had its very first beginnings in this small village. In 1946 Jack Wood and Ian Howie founded the Merrydown wine and cider company and began operating it from within Merrydown Cottage in Horam. As the business grew, they had up to 130 people working for them, and they produced around 35,000 bottles a day. Interestingly, the cider they made originated from their time in a German prison camp.
During the Second World War, Horam was the first village in the local area to be hit by bombs and doodlebugs. On the 16th June 1944 Riverdale Nursery was hit, followed by Streeton Nursery on the 17th July.
Horam features a particularly interesting site called Horam Manor Farm. It consists of a cluster of traditional barns and cartlodges and offers a wide range of different habitats across its land including open grassland, meadows, ancient woodland, streams and Tudor hammer ponds. It is beautiful to wander around on a sunny day. Due to the wide diversity of habitats, it is part of the Countryside Stewardship programme which helps with the maintenance and management of the various environments. As well as the nature trails, Horam Manor Farm offers a small museum and courtyard, riding stables, peaceful fishing spots and a lovely cafe.
Horam is ideally located for a ride along the Cuckoo trail or a visit to the Hidden Springs Vineyard or the golf club. For the more adventurous visitors it also has a local campsite so you will have plenty of time to explore all the beauty and nature Horam has to offer.
Upcoming Events
Recent News
Nus Ghani opens new exercise path in Horam
Following more than two years of fundraising by the management committee a new 1km exercise path has been opened at Horam Recreation Ground. Phase 1 – the loop around the perimeter of the top field is now complete and has been officially opened by MP Nus Ghani. A large crowd came to witness the ribbon... Read more
17th October
The English Soap Company launches new Wintertide range
Waldron-based The English Soap Company has launched a new collection to smooth the journey into winter with festive fragrances and products to help keep the skin clean and nourished as the weather turns colder and brisker. The Wintertide Collection includes four fragrances: Frankincense and Myrrh; Winter Solstice; Polar Lights and Nordic Pine. There are candles,... Read more
18th September
Horam facility receives grant for pathway
The local community and wildlife will benefit after the GAP – Get Active Pathway at Horam Recreation Ground – received grants from The Veolia Environmental Trust, Horam Parish Council, Biffa Award, Pro Eco and Lodge Group Care UK Ltd. Local MP Nus Ghani comes along to support the start of the pathway constructionLeft to Right:... Read more
18th 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
Did you take part in 1950s dialect survey?
snork – neighspeckles – frecklessquall – screamflintermouse – bat Maybe if you’re not from round these parts you will recognisemash/mass/soak/scald/brew – tea polly-wag/pot-noddles/penny-wagtails/bull-head – tadpoles Horam Village Hall is excited be working with Dialect and Heritage Project, a National Lottery fundedproject based at the Leeds Archive of Vernacular Culture with five partner museums across the... Read more
21st May
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
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
Horam homebrew shop set to shine on Small Business Saturday
Almost Off Grid based in Horam been chosen as one of 100 impressive small businesses from across the UK to mark the official count down to this year’s Small Business Saturday UK. Almost Off Grid Home Brew Shop, founded by Bev and Andy Toogood in 2016, was selected to be part of the campaign’s prestigious... Read more
14th September
Heathfield based business launches vegan food truck – Plant Power Grub
Mobile food trucks have become increasingly popular since the pandemic. These agile trailers can serve in the open air and pop up in spots where there may not be an established restaurant or pub. Seeing an opportunity and fancying a change of focus Ginette Shepard, singer, alternative health therapist and ex-hairdresser, set up Plant Power... Read more
22nd July
U Vinyl records opening in Horam – satisfy your passion for music
In 2015, Karl decided to set up a business buying and selling vinyl records. As a collector himself since a child, music has always been a true passion. Back then, vinyl was not as popular as it is today and it felt like a huge risk to take. Initially Karl sold records on eBay, mainly,... Read more
27th April
Local charity celebrates breakthrough in brain tumour treatment
The father of a young man diagnosed at the age of 20 months with a medulloblastoma brain tumour has welcomed the news that scientists have found a new way to starve cancerous brain tumour cells of energy in order to prevent further growth. Breakthough Discovery at Queen Mary University, London The findings by Professor Silvia... Read more
21st April
Home brewing kit sales surge during lockdown
A home brew kit business based in Horam is reporting record-breaking sales during lockdown with people having more time for hobbies and trying new things. Bev and Andy Toogood of AlmostOffGrid.com are seeing a huge increase in the demand for home brewing kits, ingredients and equipment. Their online shop, which was launched in October 2016,... Read more
30th November
Renters on the move in East Sussex face huge challenge to find property
During the last few months, the housing market has been one of the many things that have seen unpredictable change during the lockdown and coronavirus period, particularly with lettings. Many estate agents are urgently looking for properties to let out and to sell while, in contrast, the demand for people wanting to rent or buy... Read more
20th October
Secret scandal surrounding local fishmonger
The Horam war memorial lists ‘R Felgate’ among its WW1 fallen. When war broke out, Roland Felgate enlisted in Eastbourne into the Royal Sussex Regiment and died around the 14th July 1916 aged 21. His body was never recovered and his name appears on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. But Roland’s last name was not... Read more
9th September
Care home manager was “overwhelmed with help” after coronavirus took hold
The manager of a Horam care home says she has been overwhelmed by support from the public when COVID 19 struck. In an exclusive interview with The Heathfield News, Cynthia Viloria spoke of the huge sense of loss following the death of seven residents of Millcroft Care Home in Vines Cross Road. Three members of... Read more
15th May
Wednesday sees several local businesses welcome customers back
After nearly two months of being closed, Trading4U owner Chris Macklin opened his doors to customers on Wednesday morning. Chris said: “I’ve had lots of calls from people asking when we will be reopening which was nice. “I was really keen to open but we needed to make sure everything was safe and secure for... Read more
13th May
Opportunity for florist to take over Horam business
After two years of trading as Cuckoo Flower Company, in Horam, the shop recently closed. There is now an excellent opportunity for someone with relevant experience to take over this ready made business. Owner Geoff Morphew set up the business from scratch – re-fitting the shop and developing the brand including a website and popular Facebook page. Unfortunately, the ongoing... Read more
1st September
The Great Out-tours celebrate selection as a finalist in the Rural Business Awards Final 2019
Horam based, business The Great Out-tours has been shortlisted in two categories of the prestigious Rural Business Awards 2019/20: South East Best Rural Professional Services Business and the Best Rural Recreational or Outdoor Pursuits Business categories of the Rural Business Awards 2019/20. “It is thrilling to be selected as a finalist for the South East region, just... Read more
23rd July
New crematorium to hold open day on 15th June
Excitement is building among local businesses and residents about the state-of-the-art crematorium in Horam, developed and run by Wealden District Crematorium, which will welcome the public to an open day on 15th June from 11am to 3pm. Shorter journey times for families and mourners is just one of the many benefits the new facility offers... Read more
29th May
Wine Festival launches, Saturday 1st June 2019 at Hidden Spring, Horam
It’s all go at Hidden Spring Vineyard, Horam, East Sussex. Not only have they just been awarded a silver medal at the 2019 International Wine Challenge for their Bacchus (2017); but they are hosting the first Sussex Weald Festival of Wine on Saturday, June 1st. Five outstanding Sussex vineyards have united to create a FESTIVAL OF WINE a... Read more
29th May
On your bike! Rental scheme comes to the Cuckoo Trail
Countrybike comes to the Cuckoo Trail this week following the success of the Ashdown Forest cycle hire scheme. The app-based cycle rental company, set up by husband and wife team, Tim and Suzy Seddon in 2017, aims to make the Wealden countryside more accessible to its residents and visitors. The Cuckoo Trail hire scheme is... Read more
1st May
Hidden Spring Vineyard celebrates the bottling of their 2018 vintage wines
Chris and David of Horam based, Hidden Spring are celebrating the first onsite bottling of their wines; although grapes have been grown on the site since 1986, historically the wines were actually made elsewhere. But, this year five wines have been bottled from grapes from the Hidden Spring Vineyard. There are two still white... Read more
9th April
Horam based Great Out-tours goes nationwide with its nature focused learning franchise
The Great Out-Tours, based in Horam, recently celebrated the launch of its national, nature based learning, franchise business. The first cohort of franchisees attended a two day induction training at Woodside, Environmental Education Centre, Horam. This first group came from as far afield as Nottingham, Bristol and North Somerset, and as local as the Ashdown... Read more
29th March
You don’t have to spend a fortune on Mother’s Day to show your mum you care
Mother’s Day is fast approaching but it’s not too late to arrange something to show how much you appreciate your mum – and there are lots of things you can do even if you are on a tight budget. The obvious choice is taking your mother to lunch but many restaurants like The Heathfield Tavern... Read more
22nd March
A taste of tapas comes to Hidden Spring Vineyard
Horam Home Kitchen has been working with Hidden Spring Vineyard in Horam, for a while now, creating pop up events at the vineyard and catering for group bookings. The latest venture is two nights of tapas on 12 and 13 April, served in the intimate setting of the vineyard’s tasting room, with the stunning view... Read more
6th March
Horam crematorium to open in March
Wealden’s Chairman Councillor Chris Hardy laid the final stone in Wealden’s new Crematorium at a ceremony to mark the completion of the building’s structure, while local business are gearing up to help mourners with ther needs. District and Parish Council representatives gathered with the site team responsible for delivering the £5 million project. These include... Read more
22nd January
Christmas collection for homeless had brilliant response
A Heathfield woman says she has been astounded by the support for her campaign to collect for the area’s homeless. In previous years Sam Keylock has collected items from family and friends but this year she joined forces with her friend Lara Young from Eastbourne. With people offering to help when they saw the appeal,... Read more
2nd January
Win a Cuckoo Flower Co. wreath making workshop
The talented, creative florists at the Cuckoo Flower Company, Horam are kindly giving away one of their Christmas Wreath Making Workshops (worth £35 and taking place December 8th) for one lucky reader of The Heathfield News. So, if you fancy getting creative this December here is your chance. Ana O’Kill from the Cuckoo Flower Co,... Read more
28th November
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
Crystal Vintage rocking glamour in Horam and beyond.
Chloe la Fay has spent years building up an expansive collection of globally sourced vintage clothing from the 1920s-to the 80s with a heavy lean towards the 1970s. Her concept is called Crystal Vintage and includes exquisite gowns for special occasions, from highly collectable labels such as Chanel, Dior or Ossie Clark, to unique trend and fashion... Read more
21st September
Horam boy appeals to drug company to reduce price of life-saving medicine
A Horam mother has described her poorly son not having access to a ‘miracle’ drug that can prevent the worsening of his cystic fibrosis as ‘heartbreaking’. Christina Walker is mother to eight-year-old Luis who was diagnosed with the devastating condition when he was just a few weeks old. Last week Luis, who goes to Maynards... Read more
22nd August
Warm weather is boosting house sales says local agent
The warm weather is good for property sales – that’s the verdict of estate agents and chartered surveyors Samuel and Son. The company, which has offices in Heathfield and Horam, says it has seen a significant increase in people wanting to view properties since the sunny spell began. Director Andrew Samuel said: “Traditionally things start... Read more
6th August
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
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
Sussex based after school club launches nationwide franchise opportunity
The Great Out-tours activities and after school clubs are well known to parents around Heathfield whose children have benefited from the hugely popular after clubs run by ‘Farmer John’ (John Brooksbank). Children have bottle fed lambs, mingled with pigmy goats, built fires and crafted charming gifts for their parents and been generally inspired by the... Read more
21st March
Don’t plan your wedding until you have read these top tips from wedding planner Carol Nyahasha
To create the perfect wedding day, it is important to be organised and to plan meticulously and methodically. If you are concerned about where to start and what you need to do, read our 15 step guide bought to you by Carol from Lily & Lavender Events, an event planning, styling and hire company based... Read more
13th March
Discover the hidden stars of English Wine in Sussex
Living in the Heathfield area, we are surprisingly close to many excellent vineyards, like Hidden Spring, Horam and Off the Line Vineyard in Hellingly, Davenport in Rotherfield, the Bluebell Vineyard Estate in Uckfield, Fox & Fox in Mayfield and Ridgeview in Ditchling to name but a few. They are all part of the wine making... Read more
22nd February
Last minute ideas for Valentine’s Day
Don't be in the doghouse this February 14th! It's not too late to get planning that romantic evening. To help, we have rung around some of our favourite eateries to find out who has a spare table, and you will find listed below some great options. Prices vary from £25 to £50 a... Read more
7th February
Heathfield and District Volunteer Centre needs new Chair to take helm in 2018
In the second of our news features on the amazing volunteers that help to provide vital services to the people of Heathfield and surrounding villages; we are finding out about the HDVC in an interview with their Chair of Trustees, Ann Kenward. The Heathfield and District Volunteer Centre was set up about 18 months ago... Read more
18th January
Heathfield Chamber launches new group to support local businesses
This Tuesday sees the launch of a new monthly forum for business owners in Heathfield and surrounding area. Run by Heathfield Chamber of Commerce, the first meeting will be on Tuesday 16th January between 7am-8:30am in the Tasting Room at Hidden Spring Vineyard. After the first meeting the group will meet monthly on the third... Read more
14th January
Crematorium in Horam to open later this year
Local businesses such as florists, funeral homes and pubs should all benefit from the new crematorium in Horam that should be open by late 2018. Wealden District Council wanted to provide a crematorium and garden of remembrance within the District to offer a local service for bereaved families. Work started on the site on 19th... Read more
11th January
Can you help with this WW1 local history project?
Inspired by the experiences of her great grandfather, Ernest David Pratt, who was captured and held for two years in Germany as a World War One POW, and the loss of her great, great uncle, named on the Cade St Memorial, Nicky Walker is researching the names of all fallen soldiers from local War Memorials. ... Read more
9th January
Success for a Groundbreaking Skills Programme for Adults with Profound Learning and Physical Difficulties
Burwash and Dallington based care homes, Oakdown House and Carricks Brook have successfully introduced a ground-breaking initiative for adults with profound learning and physical disabilities. Residents work individually or together supporting each other on DIY projects like this one to build a bird table. John Brooksbank, from The Great Out-tours, the man behind this project... Read more
11th December
Housing still in short supply says Heathfield estate agent
The multiple new developments underway and about to start will not solve Heathfield’s housing problems particularly for first-time buyers and downsizers, according to Paul Wilson of Rowland Gorringe. “Too many people want houses at the lower end of the market and there is a real demand for apartments and two to three bed properties. We... Read more
8th December
Deck the Halls – essential style for your festive home
This Winter trends are heavy on greenery and metallics, which translate easily into festive floral decorations for the home. Eucalyptus is king and brings a huge variety of leaf shapes which paired with its heavy resin and cleansing woody aroma are perfect when combined with pine. The colour palette is : everything green, rose gold,... Read more
7th December
Beautiful refillable candle from Cuckoo Flower Co to be won
The Cuckoo Flower Co have produced a beautiful range of exclusive, scented candles (£11.95 each) with fragrances inspired by Christmas Fireside, Spiced Orange, Frankincense and Jasmin, and Lime,Basil and Mandarin. The only problem is which one to choose. But don’t worry because they offer a refilling service (£7.50) which means you can try a different... Read more
6th December
