Member Directory
Recent News
Secretary of State praises Heathfield Community College on a recent visit
Secretary of State praise for “fantastic” College On Friday 1 December Heathfield Community College was honoured to host the Secretary of State for Education, Gillian Keegan at the College, alongside constituency MP Huw Merriman. The visit included a tour of the College, and some high-quality learning in a range of lessons, speaking to Year 7,... Read more
7th December
Hospice in the Weald celebrates a successful Christmas fundraiser
Hospice’s market raises Christmas cheer and welcome funds Festive live music, specialty crafts and produce galore, plus a twinkling Santa helped to raise Christmas cheer and thousands of pounds at Hospice in the Weald’s Christmas Market. The Hospice’s extensive landscaped gardens in Pembury were transformed into a winter village, with sparkling lights and decorations at... Read more
7th December
Win tickets to a new film production from Heathfield’s Skooch Media
The Presence of Snowgood is the latest film from Heathfield based production company Skooch Media. It’s a sequel to A Curious Tale screened back in 2021. The cast and crew are both experienced and new to the industry in a collaboration shot on location in and around East Sussex. The Heathfield News have two tickets... Read more
30th November
Vice-Chancellor talks of shock following discovery of problems at historic castle
Queen’s University, owners of Herstmonceux Castle, are facing a substantial financial burden following the discovery in early November of structural defects in the South facing gatehouse while roofing work was being carried out. Roofing contractors alerted the management of Herstmonceux Castle Estate to possible problems they spotted while carrying out repairs. A specialist structural survey... Read more
30th November
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
Seventeen recommendations made as a result of independent inquiry into David Fuller case
In December 2021, Heathfield man David Fuller, an electrical maintenance supervisor with Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, was convicted of the murders of Wendy Knell and Caroline Pierce in 1987. On his arrest, police officers conducted a search of his home address. This search uncovered printed photographs and video images, held on hidden computer... Read more
28th 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
Lightning Fibre bring back the icy fun to Eastbourne in December
Back for another year – Get your skates on as Feastival Events present Lightning Fibre’s Ice Rink, which returns even bigger and better than before! The rink will be open every day (except Christmas Day). It is a fully covered real ice rink, and will be situated outside of the Enterprise Centre and Eastbourne Railway Station with ample parking... Read more
2nd November
Don’t miss Heathfield’s Christmas ‘switch on’ and late night shopping on 24 November 2023
Heathfield’s Christmas ‘switch on’ This year the town will come alive with the annual Christmas Lighting Up Event on Friday 24th November 2023 from 3.45pm until 6.30pm at the Fire Station. There will be performances from: Punnetts Town Primary School, All Saints & St Richards Primary School, entertainment from Marco the Magician, Heathfield Community College,... Read more
2nd November
Turkey farm supports farming charity
JR Sheffield turkey farm in Vines Cross, near Heathfield, will be once again be supporting the charity FCN – The Farming Community Network. It’s a voluntary organisation and charity that supports farmers and families within the farming community through difficult times. Lucy Sheffield explains: “Since 2019 our lovely customers have given just over £400. People... Read more
26th October
Treatment of the month – what can you do to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, advice from Karen Kelly
As we age the skin naturally loses volume and elasticity, leading to the formation of folds and sagging. Commonly these will be in the most expressive parts of your face; around the nose and mouth. This loss of volume is due to diminishing Hyaluronic acid and Collagen. At Radiant, the clinic can offer a range... Read more
26th October
High drama for Off the Line as they get the 2023 harvest in
Although every year brings different challenges in the world of wine production. 2023 certainly dealt Off the Line Vineyard, in Hellingly, East Sussex some surprises. A double decker bus catching fire close to the vineyard entrance in the middle of harvest could certainly not have been predicted! This led to the vineyard being inaccessible by road... Read more
20th October
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
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
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
Hospice in the Weald Christmas Market
Hospice in the Weald Christmas Market is set to return this year and promises to be bigger and better than ever! From 10am until 4pm on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th November, the Hospice gardens will be transformed into a winter wonderland with sparkling lights, a wonderful Christmas market, games, crafts and performances by Women... Read more
5th 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
New ‘free’ exercise sessions coming to Heathfield parks, plus funding to support additional activity
Wealden District Council, in partnership with town and parish councils and through funding provided by East Sussex Public Health, will be launching the projects. The activity in Heathfield includes the delivery, by industry leaders Our Parks, of weekly, free-of-charge outdoor physical activity sessions. New exercise sessions, tailored for all abilities, will be available and delivered... Read more
27th September
Last Sunday’s fun run raises over 90k for Hospice in the Weald
More than 900 supporters came together for an inspirational Hospice Run From toddlers to seasoned pros, more than 900 people from across the community joined Hospice Run to raise an incredible £91,000 for Hospice in the Weald. Special guest Paralympian Will Bayley officially launched the event, held in Tunbridge Wells on Sunday 17 September, giving... Read more
21st September
Heathfield’s ‘national treasure’ Simon Hudson announces retirement.
Heathfield’s ‘national treasure’ Simon Hudson announces retirement. Simon Hudson has been the welcoming face of Waitrose Heathfield since its opening on 23 September 2015 but, after eight years’ of service Simon will finally say his goodbyes after he has worked his last day later this month. Regulars to the store will have enjoyed his customary... Read more
20th September
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
Bubbles and fun at Radiant Medical Aesthetics & Skin Clinic’s launch event last Saturday in Heathfield
Last Saturday 9 September saw the launch of a welcome new arrival to Heathfield’s High Street. Radiant Medical Aesthetics & Skin Clinic. Guests were welcomed to the new clinic with a glass of bubbly, a tour of the premisis, an introduction to the treatments and a goodie bag. The new venture is owned by Karen... Read more
14th 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
Heathfield woman has been fined and banned for failure to control her dogs
Hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of livestock are injured or killed by dogs every year in the South East. Although, most dog owners are responsible there are others who are not. A woman who repeatedly failed to keep her dogs under control, including around livestock, has been convicted at court. Livia Morvay, 65, of... Read more
4th 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
Herstmonceux Castle Estate awarded Quality Assured Visitor Attraction marque
Visit England has once again awarded their quality assurance marque to the Herstmonceux Castle Estate with an improved score that is nearly 10% higher compared to two years ago. The overall score increased from a 70% to 78% approval rating. The Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme (VAQAS) is a recognised accreditation covering a broad range... Read more
31st August
Heathfield’s popular French style market is back this Bank Holiday Monday!
Bank Holiday Monday 28 August 2023 Heathfield’s famous Anglo/French market Le Marché is taking place on August Bank Holiday Monday – as it has done for the past 26 years – it is the longest running Anglo/French market in the whole of the South East. This fantastic all day event draws visitors into the town... Read more
24th August
Davina McCall and Paralympian Will Bayley urge locals to support Hospice Run
TV presenter Davina McCall along with Paralympian Will Bayley are encouraging people of all ages to sign up to the iconic Hospice Run this September. This year’s Run promises to have something for everyone, with a new half marathon, and Hospice Heroes themed Family Fun Run, along with the classic 5km and 10km routes. TV... Read more
17th August
Heathfield Vets given accolade at BestUKVets Awards 2023
At a memorable Gala Awards Ceremony, the winners of the BestUKVets Awards 2023 were announced with Heathfield Vetsbeing named Best in County for East Sussex. In front of an audience of over 150 veterinary professionals in London, Heathfield Vets scooped the accolade having gathered outstanding feedback from their clients. The BestUKVets Awards celebrate vet practices... Read more
10th August
Heathfield Youth Centre receives funding for a major overhaul
Good news for the young people of Heathfield after the announcement of a major upgrade of facilities at the Youth Centre located next to the Co-op. The centre will undergo a major upgrade thanks to a funding share of more than £7 million of Government funding. The Youth Investment Fund will help East Sussex County... Read more
10th August
Cross-in-Hand Tennis Club Ladies Doubles pair triumph in international tournament
Cross-in-Hand Tennis Club ladies doubles pair Anne Oliver and Susan Groves were triumphant at the recent Seniors’ ITF (International Tennis Federation) Tournament held at Tunbridge Wells Lawn Tennis Club. Anne and Susan won the over 55 age group. Susan said: “Anne and I thoroughly enjoyed the competition and were thrilled with our achievement, particularly as... Read more
7th August
Rare opportunity to see behind the scenes at Wealden Crematorium
Wealden Crematorium will be hosting an open day event in August. Following on from the success of last year’s open day, another one will be held on the 16 August between 11am-3pm. The friendly crematorium staff will be offering guided tours to go behind-the-curtain and demystify the cremation process – everyone is welcome. The crematorium... Read more
3rd August
The story behind Baby Bank Hellingly – by founder Nicola Walker
In 2016 I finished full time work and decided that not keeping busy wasn’t an option for me. I resolved that every year I would start a new ‘volunteering’ challenge, and this is what I did. I ran a volunteer befriending team, helped set up a volunteer centre, redesigned and fitted a charity shop and... Read more
3rd 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 man sets off in September on running challenge
Sussex man Brett Saunders is running the length of Britain from John O’Groats to Land’s End, despite considering himself an ‘inexperienced runner’. Brett, 30, from Heathfield, East Sussex, will set off from the northernmost tip of Scotland in September. Brett is running for two charities, the epilepsy charity SUDEP Action and the British Heart Foundation. He... Read more
21st July
Celebrity antiques expert Charles Hanson invites locals to dust off heirlooms for charity valuation day
Find out what your family heirlooms gathering dust in the attic could be worth as TV’s very own antiques expert Charles Hanson hosts a special Valuation Day in Five Ashes. Whether it’s a family heirloom or a treasure found at your local charity shop, discover its secrets and value with Charles Hanson, supported by fellow... Read more
18th July
Horam Village Hall to benefit from local lottery
Horam Village Hall and Recreation Ground is delighted to be one of the causes for the Wealden Community Lottery, an exciting weekly lottery that raises money for good causes in Wealden District. All good causes supported by the lottery will benefit Wealden District and its residents. Play the lottery, support Horam Village Hall and Recreation... Read more
5th July
New bus route connects Heathfield to Brighton via Lewes and north to Tunbridge Wells
New 29A bus route announced as part of the improved Regency network. A new bus route has been announced connecting Heathfield with Uckfield, Lewes and Brighton and Crowborough and Tunbridge Wells to the north. The new route includes connections to the Universities of Sussex and Brighton. Brighton & Hove buses have announced that they are... Read more
3rd July
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
Families share how Hospice in the Weald for Children is bringing much needed support
Families share how Hospice in the Weald for Children is bringing much needed support This Children’s Hospice Week (19th-25th June), local families of children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions are sharing how Hospice in the Weald for Children is making a difference to their lives. Known for providing outstanding care for terminally ill adults and... Read more
23rd June
Need help finding and funding later life care?
Across the UK today 5.7 million people are carers* Looking after someone can be rewarding, but it can also make life challenging, both emotionally and financially. Here, Cranwell Wealth Solutions of Heathfield share some considerations. Check entitlements: Most people who own a home or have some savings are required to self-fund their care, so many... Read more
13th June
Skooch Media returns with a new film currently in production on location in East Sussex & Kent
Local Heathfield based production company Skooch Media is returing with a new film, currently in production across Sussex and Kent, the new film is The Presence of Snowgood. The film comes off the back of a movie short, ‘A Curious Tale‘, which was released in 2021, a classic ghost story set in the heart of... Read more
8th June
Cousins to walk beneath the stars to remember special mum and aunt
Cousins preparing to walk beneath the stars in memory of their special mum and aunt are encouraging others to join them in this year’s Moonlight Walk. Milli Sales (32) and Molly Smallcombe (22) will be among those taking part in the popular event on Saturday 17th June to raise funds for Hospice in the Weald.... Read more
1st June
