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Recent News
VE Day commemoration at Rushlake Green a huge success
Several hundred people joined in the VE day event at Rushlake Green on 8th May enjoying church bell ringing, live music, parades, artwork, dance displays, beacon lighting and fireworks. There was also a BBQ at The Horse and Groom pub and cakes made by volunteer bakers. Victory in Europe Day marks the end of the Second... Read more
12th May
Another milestone is reached in the progress of the construction of the new Wealden Sports Hub
Major milestone reached with topping out ceremony The milestone was marked by a topping out ceremony at the site earlier this week with Wealden district councillors, Councillor Rachel Millward and Councillor Kelvin Williams fitting the final roof tile. The ceremony was also attended by the main contractor Sunninghill Construction, and the contract administrators Pick Everard,... Read more
8th May
Heathfield Runners – Anniversary Charity Raffle for Macmillan Cancer Support & Cancer Research UK
Celebrating 40 Years of Running Together Heathfield Runners – Anniversary Charity Raffle for Macmillan Cancer Support & Cancer Research UK This June, the Heathfield Runners celebrate 40 years – four decades of miles, friendship, memories and community spirit. As they celebrate this incredible milestone at their 10k event on 15 June 2025, they are also... Read more
8th May
Visit to Heathfield College from Mims Davies MP, Shadow Minister for Women
Visit to College from Mims Davies MP (East Grinsted and Uckfield ) L.Caroline Barlow, Headteacher R.Mims Davies Shadow Cabinet Minister for Women with shared oversight for Equalities and Co-Chair of the APPG for Men and Boys. Students from Heathfield were pleased last week to host a discussion with Mims Davies, visiting college further to meeting... Read more
8th May
Herstmonceux Castle showcases its plans for the future
Recovery after the sudden unplanned closure Since the snap closure in 2023 it has been a challenging time for the 600 acre Herstmonceux Estate and Bader College which is housed within the castle. However, as the light at the end of the tunnel comes into view, the hope is that the completion of the three... Read more
1st May
Stacey Solomon’s ‘Sort Your Life Out’ is looking for locals to take part
Do you need help transforming your home? I hope you don’t mind us reaching out – we are currently casting the next series of the popular BAFTA-nominated BBC show Sort Your Life Out with Stacey Solomon, and we are looking for families and shared households in the local area to take part. Would you be... Read more
29th April
The Heathfield News announces a partnership with Wealden Talking News
The Heathfield News is delighted to announce a partnership with Wealden Talking News, who are based in Heathfield. THN is pleased to be able to make all of the news and features published available to the WTN free of charge The Wealden Talking News operates out of a studio in Heathfield Talking news started in... Read more
28th April
Local MP confirms investment in water management in Hellingly. But, warns more needs to be done.
Meeting to bring key stakeholders together in Hellingly Nusrat Ghani, MP for Sussex Weald, joined Hellingly Parish Council at a recent stakeholder forum in Hellingly to discuss progress made on works to prevent flooding and sewage overspills that have been causing issues to local residents for several years. Since the severe incidents in January 2023, Nusrat has... Read more
24th April
Hospice in the Weald supporters are both inspired by and running in the London Marathon
Memories of loved ones will keep Hospice runners moving as they take on London Marathon 2025 Cherished memories of loved ones will inspire many runners as they take on the London Marathon on Sunday, we have already featured James from Melina Joy Opticians and Leon from Heathfield who are all running this weekend for different... Read more
24th April
Heathfield Chamber of Commerce hosts meeting about future of the High Street
Around 20 people attended a special meeting of the Heathfield Chamber of Commerce last Friday to discuss the future of the high street. Those present included councillors, representatives from Wealden District Council, a representative for Nusrat Ghani MP and a number of local businesses. The need to keep free parking in the town was a... Read more
20th April
A new community initiative ‘Scrap to the Future’ launches in Heathfield
‘Scrap To The Future’ comes to Heathfield A few months ago, some like-minded individuals gathered to share ideas with a desire to encourage sustainability, reduce waste and provide a way to engage the community. They held a few meetings hoping to set up a Scrapstore to collect and sell unwanted materials that could be used to... Read more
17th April
Over 60s invited to join in VE Day Celebrations with Young at Heart
YOUNG AT HEART TO CELEBRATE VE DAY Young At Heart is an intergenerational community interest company based at Heathfield Park Cricket Club. Designed to combat loneliness and isolation of senior members of the local community, what makes them unique is the social interaction between pre-school and primary aged children with the elderly. Members can attend... Read more
16th April
Wealden Funeral Services share some ideas for alternative funeral celebrations
Funerals can be as personal as you want, reflecting the life of the loved one “When we think of funerals here in Wealden, alternative funerals stand out in our memories. A traditional image might come to mind: a hearse, a church or crematorium, and perhaps a wake at the local pub, but times are changing,... Read more
14th April
New local businesses get a boost at the Heathfield Agricultural Show
Heathfield Show Promotes New Businesses The New Enterprise Zone is back at the Heathfield Agricultural Show The HAS is keen to support new, local businesses and over the last 10 years, the New Enterprise Zone has enabled more than 100 new startups to promote their businesses at the Show by way of a FREE trade... Read more
10th April
Herstmonceux Castle announces opening of new holiday apartments
An exciting new holiday experience in the heart of Sussex’s scenic countryside Herstmonceux Castle Estate, an historic and picturesque venue nestled within 300 acres of stunning countryside in East Sussex, has announced the launch of a new holiday apartments initiative, offering 35 self-catering holiday units. These AA 3-star apartments, available now for booking from April... Read more
8th April
Great British Spring Clean kicks off!
Nusrat Ghani, MP for Sussex Weald, is supporting this year’s ‘Great British Spring Clean’ campaign and is encouraging local residents to take part and help clean our shared spaces. The Great British Spring Clean is an annual event organised by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy and it is the UK’s largest mass-action environmental campaign. The Great British Spring... Read more
3rd April
Hospice in the Weald – Open Gardens Season 2025
Hospice in the Weald – Open Gardens Season 2025 Explore some of the best-kept secret gardens in West Kent and East Sussex, which are opening their gates this spring and summer to raise funds for Hospice in the Weald. During the season over thirty gardens across the community are available for you to visit. Take... Read more
3rd April
Tara Goldsmith raises over £500 in memory of her grandad
The granddaughter of a Heathfield businessman who dedicated much of his time to helping others has completed a dog walking challenge in his memory. Tara Goldsmith completed the 62k March Dog Walking Challenge for Dementia UK in memory of her grandfather Trevor Goldsmith who passed away recently. Trevor died aged 77 after suffering from dementia... Read more
3rd April
Local optometrist, James Miller, takes on the London Marathon for charity
James from Melina Joy Opticians takes on the London Marathon Melina Joy optometrist, James Miller, is taking on the challenge of running the London marathon on Sunday 27th April to raise funds for a local charity called Wealden Talking Newspapers, who are based justdown the High Street from the practice in Heathfield. It is a... Read more
1st April
Don’t miss your opportunity for a free health check
Free health checks in Wealden One You East Sussex provides a free holistic lifestyle service for residents of East Sussex, helping people make simple changes that can lead to a longer, healthier, and happier life. The service helps residents to lose weight, be smoke free, move more, eat well and drink less. The service also... Read more
31st March
We campaigned they listened!
Stagecoach announces some concessions Last week we featured Erin’s campaign, we spoke to a local councillor Anne Cross and the Press Office at Stagecoach to get their comments. Lots of you signed her petition. Now it is encouraging to hear this comment from Stagecoach this week. It doesn’t fully address her concerns but it signals... Read more
27th March
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
Planning begins for the major changes coming with Local Government Reorganisation
Plans for local government changes are moving quickly Plans for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in East Sussex will take a step forward next week, as six local councils will come together at their Cabinet and Full Council meetings to discuss progress. In February, the government wrote to local authorities – including those in East Sussex... Read more
18th 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
Exciting plans for Off the Line Vineyard under new ownership
New owners of Off the Line Vineyard It was announced recently that the co-founders of Off the Line Vineyard in Hellingly – Anne-Marie Tynan and Kristina Studzinski were handing over their share of the vineyard, after 10 years, to a new duo Rachel & Rohen. Rachel is not a stranger to English wine as she... 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
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
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
Mobile phone dangers highlighted in road safety campaign
A HARD-hitting campaign has been launched to help tackle the growing problem of drivers using their mobile phone behind the wheel. The campaign, launched by East Sussex County Council, West Sussex County Council and Brighton & Hove City Council, highlights the serious consequences of using a phone while driving with the strapline ‘one second of... Read more
20th 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
County Council launch appeal to encourage people to become childminders
A NEW campaign encouraging people to consider becoming childminders has been launched by the county council. The ‘Do something big – work with small children’ campaign aims to highlight the benefits of childminding as a career. The campaign is supporting the Government’s ‘Be part of something big’ initiative to promote early years careers. Childminding can... Read more
18th 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
Herstmonceux’s new Estate Director looks ahead to a new year at the castle
Interview with Dean Pascall, Estate Director – Videographer: Jack White – Nordarktis Visitors will be welcomed back from April 2025 “Herstmonceux Estate has faced a number of challenges recently with the unexpected closure of the castle and grounds to visitors from late 2023. I am looking forward to welcoming everyone back in April 2025, “... Read more
5th 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
“Nobody Left Behind” – Sussex Police hosts Domestic Abuse Conference
Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne, Victim Support and West Sussex County Council’s Domestic Abuse Team hosted a dedicated domestic abuse conference at The Amex in Brighton earlier this week. The theme for the conference was ‘Nobody Left Behind’. The 300+ attendees included service providers, survivors and those wanting to learn more about how... 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
Queens’s University and Bader College confirm an ongoing commitment to the legacy of the Herstmonceux Science Centre.
Update from Queen’s University and Bader College In response to recent concerns regarding the future of the Herstmonceux Science Centre site, Queen’s University and Bader College would like to reassure the community of their shared commitment to upholding the site’s legacy as a hub for scientific literacy, education, and public outreach. The University recognizes the... 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
Hospice tree recycling campaign grows and raises vital funds
Hospice in the Weald’s popular Christmas tree recycling scheme has once again proven to be a festive success, raising an incredible £57,675 to support local hospice care. This year’s campaign saw an impressive 2,595 trees collected across the week commencing January 12th, thanks to the efforts of 120 volunteers and 54 vans. The scheme, which... 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
Wealden Community Lottery hits another milestone
The Wealden Community Lottery has raised £100K for local good causes and the central fund combined. Over the past 18 months, a total of £100K has been raised for good causes and the central fund combined which has had 3,603 winners, totalling combined cash prizes of £14,700 and a total of 10,809 free tickets have... 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
