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Recent News
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
Organisations in Wealden receive funding to help tackle inequalities in physical activity
Six organisations have received grant awards to support physical activity projects within Wealden and improve health and wellbeing outcomes. The funding has come from East Sussex Public Health and was awarded to Wealden District Council as part of the Tackling Inequalities Through Physical Activity programme. The aim is to enable partners to develop a placed-based... Read more
28th November
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
Fourth annual Sussex Christmas tree fling takes place this Sunday
With distances edging towards the world record each year, Catsfield Christmas Tree Farm will be hosting its fourth Christmas tree flinging competition. Last year, both previous male and female winning distances were smashed. James Gardiner of Hailsham threw his tree a distance of 10.56 metres – 1.5 metres longer than the previous record. The women’s... Read more
14th 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
Motorists warned to stay alert to avoid deer collisions
AS the nights draw in, motorists in East Sussex are being urged to be #DeerAware and avoid collisions with animals on rural roads. There are estimated to be more than 74,000 deer-related traffic collisions across the UK every year, and that risk increases during mating season which runs throughout November. As part of its #DeerAware... Read more
31st October
Happy Paws Grotto Comes to Fairfield House Veterinary Practice
A local veterinary practice has come up with a great festive idea to raise money for St Wilfrid’s Hospice. The tail-wagging festive event will be held at Fairfield House Veterinary Practice in Uckfield and enables pet owners to bring their dogs along to meet Santa. On 24th November, from 10am to 1pm, you can take... Read more
31st October
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
Wealden leaders call on government for help with housing emergency and planning law reforms
Wealden council leaders have written to the deputy prime minister and housing minister calling for help to solve the housing crisis across the district and opposing planned reforms to planning laws. Leader Rachel Millward, Alliance for Wealden (Green), and deputy-leader James Partridge, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat) have written to Angela Rayner and Matthew Pennycook... Read more
24th 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
Hospice in the Weald Christmas Market 23-24 November
Christmas Market Hospice in the Weald Saturday 23rd – Sunday 24th November Save the date in your diary as Hospice in the Weald’s Christmas Market heralds the start of the festive season. Taking place on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th November within the Hospice grounds in Pembury. Saturday opening and closing times are 10.00am to... Read more
24th October
Local dangerous driver who caused a collision while over alcohol and drugs limits convicted
A dangerous driver from Broad Oak, who caused a collision while over the alcohol and drugs limit has been disqualified. Elliott Leonard-Diss drove in a reckless manner between Uckfield and Hailsham. He was recorded overtaking and undertaking in a prolonged period of poor driving. Eventually he lost control of a silver Mercedes and crashed into... Read more
23rd 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
Fatal accident on A267 at Cross-in-Hand prompts renewed calls for review
A man has sadly died following a serious collision on the A267 at Cross in Hand. The incident was widely reported by passers by and on Heathfield Community social media. The Heathfield and Waldron Parish Council have voiced their intention to bring about change to the road safety. “We have continued to push ESCC for... Read more
3rd October
Sadness as John W Groombridge announces it will cease trading
Keith O’Regan has announced that after 73 years of business, John W Groombridge will cease trading on the 28th of September 2024. This popular motorcycle retailler has been a beacon for enthusiasts at its Cross in Hand store. Keith commented: “I know many people are shocked and saddened by this news, none more than myself... Read more
27th September
Continued investment by Wealden in People Matter helping Heathfield Kings Church support job seekers
Wealden District Council have funded £10,000 annually to The People Matter Trust from 2022 to 2025 through the Community Grants Programme. This funding supports employment training and coaching for long-term unemployed individuals in Hailsham and expands advisory services to Crowborough. Over the past three months, People Matter has delivered support sessions in Hailsham library, All... Read more
26th September
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
New parking fine scam hitting East Sussex motorists
MOTORISTS are being warned not to fall foul of a new text scam conning people into paying fake parking fines. A number of East Sussex residents have reported receiving text messages containing a link to what looks like the council website asking them to settle an unpaid parking fine. East Sussex County Council, which is... Read more
19th 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
Don’t forget to vote on the use of the Horam Neighborhood Plan on 26 September
Horam Neighbourhood Plan – Regulation 18 – Decision Statement – Issued 13th August 2024 Horam Parish Council have received the Decision Statement for the Neighbourhood Plan from Wealden District Council. The referendum on the Horam Neighbourhood Plan will take place on Thursday 26th September.The Polling Station at Horam Village Hall will be open from 7.00... Read more
9th 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
Open day hosted at Wealden Crematorium
Wealden Crematorium’s Open Day was held in July this year to give visitors the chance to see the state-of-the-art crematorium alongside its gardens in full bloom. The Wealden District Council-owned facility – just south of Horam – opened its doors once again to encourage residents across East Sussex and beyond to meet the friendly and... Read more
21st August
Wealden is first local authority to receive gold award for wellbeing
Less than a year after achieving the silver status for the Wellbeing at Work award, Wealden District Council has achieved gold status in the award and is the first local authority to do so. The Wellbeing at Work Award scheme was launched in August 2021 and recognises employers’ commitment to supporting employee wellbeing through an... Read more
13th 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
Future of Herstmonceux Observatory Science Centre uncertain after recent announcement
It has been a difficult time for the Herstmonceux Castle Estate, issues with the castle building have led to the prolonged closure of the university and popular events venue and plans for significant building works are underway. During this difficult time the owners of the estate ‘Bader College’ have made a difficult decision and announced... Read more
6th August
Wealden partners with The Conservation Volunteers to deliver free Green Gym sessions and health walks
Wealden District Council has recently partnered with The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) to deliver a series of health and wellbeing focused conservation activities. From July, TCV will begin delivering weekly guided health walks and Green Gym sessions along the Cuckoo Trail, completely free for residents to join and get involved in. The programme of activities will... Read more
31st July
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
East Sussex Fire Authority wants your views on the future of Mayfield On Call Community Fire Station
Information events are being held as part of a consultation by East Sussex Fire Authority on future options for Mayfield On Call Fire Station. The consultation opened on 5 July 2024 and runs until 27 September, with the findings considered at a Fire Authority meeting in December 2024. The full Options Appraisal was presented to... Read more
25th July
Daring skydivers raise money for Hospice in the Weald
Daring skydivers raise money for Hospice in the Weald Seventeen intrepid fundraisers from teenagers to an especially intrepid octogenarian took to sunny skies on Sunday 16 June, skydiving from a height of 12,000 feet in aid of Hospice in the Weald. Accompanied in tandem with an experienced skydiver, all had different motivations for jumping. From those who had skydiving... Read more
18th July
No change for Sussex Weald or Bexhill & Battle but Heathfield Community College ex-student wins Hastings
Post election, residents of Heathfield and surrounding villages are not looking at any change in the colour of the party representing them. Unlike the national trend, the area will continue to be represented by the Conservative candidates who have been re-elected. Nus Ghani for Sussex Weald with 34.1% of the vote, a reduction of 29.6%... Read more
8th July
Herstmonceux Castle welcomes visitors to the gardens and cafe this Summer.
Herstmonceux Castle, a Scheduled Monument and Grade 1 listed manor house, is undergoing an assessment of repairs needed to the outside walls. This popular event venue and gardens located in Herstmonceux is also the home of Bader College, which delivers degree level education to students enrolled at Queen’s University at Kingston, in Ontario, Canada. Following... Read more
5th July
Local school celebrates being awarded an Outstanding rating from OFSTED
Burwash Church of England Primary School has announced that OFSTED has awarded the School an OUTSTANDING rating, following an inspection on 23rd/ 24th April 2024. The Inspectors’ Report praises the ethos of the school, here are just a few of the comments made highlighting the school’s achievements: The school’s “vision of ‘Caring Children Loving Learning’... Read more
25th June
Blowing the whistle on domestic abuse
With the 2024 Euro Football Championship underway, football fans across the continent will be eagerly watching their screens, hoping for good results. Major sporting events (and national football tournaments in particular) can create excitement and stir passion amongst fans. Sussex Police is well aware that losing key matches will, unfortunately, lead to huge disappointment which can... Read more
20th June
Vital advice for keeping your dog safe this summer
Surviving Summer: We have got together with Kathy Hobson, Dog First Aid Sussex to devise some helpful advice on keeping your dog healthy during hot weathere. Tips for keeping your dog cool during the summer months Now that the weather is warming up your dogs will probably be panting and trying their best to keep... Read more
20th June
Hospice in the Weald for Children makes all the difference for families: Children’s Hospice Week (17th-23rd June)
Trusted team at Hospice in the Weald for Children makes all the difference for families: Children’s Hospice Week (17th-23rd June) This Children’s Hospice Week (17-23 June), Hospice in the Weald is celebrating the inspirational children and families it supports and the difference its specialist staff make. There are 99,000 children in the UK living with... Read more
17th June
Nus Ghani hangs in there and Huw Merriman quits. Here’s a rundown of everyone who is throwing their hats in the ring for 4 July General Election
A wide range of candidates to choose from Heathfield and the surrounding villages straddle two electroral seats – Bexhill & Battle and Sussex Weald (previously Wealden). Nus Ghani is standing for re-election in the newly formed Sussex Weald constituency (Crowborough, Heathfield and Hailsham) alongside nine other candidates. And now that Huw Merriman is not seeking... Read more
13th June
Horam Recreation Ground launches phase two cycle track crowdfunder
A local group in Horam are running a Crowdfunder campaign to raise some funding for a pumptrack at Horam Recreation Ground. On Sunday 2 June Davina’s Big Sussex Bike Ride left Uckfield with Horam Recreation Ground as a pit stop, this allowed the cyclists to see the newly installed all-weather path around the recreation which... Read more
13th June
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
