Jobs
Recent News
Council offers simple steps to keep warm and well this winter
OLDER and vulnerable residents in East Sussex are urged to take action to ensure they don’t become a victim of cold weather this winter. As the cold weather begins to bite, county public health chiefs have issued the appeal to over 65s and people with long-term health conditions who are especially vulnerable to the effects... Read more
18th January
Heathfield Tavern taken over by award-winning pub group
Heathfield residents have welcomed the news that The Heathfield Tavern has been taken over by Ridley Inns who run two other pubs in East Sussex. Ridley Inns say that The Heathfield Tavern will have elements of both The Highlands Inn in Uckfield and The Cock Inn in Ringmer with an emphasis on great food and... Read more
17th January
Headteacher warns of increasing pressure on school services for students in East Sussex
A recent survey conducted by ‘Worth Less?’ has gained fresh insight into the state of England’s schools and academies since the introduction of the new National Funding Formula (NFF). The organisation represents over 60 Local Authorities and Boroughs with a reach to several million families. The survey of unprecedented size and scope has gained the... Read more
14th January
Countdown to primary school application deadline
If you haven’t yet applied for a place for your child to attend a state primary school this September – don’t worry, it’s not too late. An East Sussex County Council spokesman said: “Parents have until 11.59pm on Tuesday, January 15 to apply for a school place for their child starting in September 2019. While... Read more
13th January
Local councils appoint Biffa to provide waste collection and street cleansing services
A new waste, recycling, beach and street cleaning contract will start in Hastings, Rother and Wealden from the end of June this year. Biffa has been appointed to provide waste and recycling collection services to all households in these areas and to provide street cleaning in the Rother and Wealden areas. Hastings will be providing... Read more
10th January
As 2019 kicks off, Paul Wilson shares his thoughts on the local housing market
A recent survey showed that East Sussex has some of the most expensive postcodes outside of London, but could that mean that property is over priced and hard to sell? We asked Paul Wilson of Rowland Gorringe for his perspective on the market as we enter 2019. This is what he had to say: If... Read more
9th January
Local businesses back a new boxing skills course for young people
Hannah Joy, the Youth Worker at Kings Church Heathfield got in touch with us to let us know about a new fitness activity starting up in Heathfield. Working alongside Charlotte Scott, she has been preparing a Youth Boxing course, which starts on Thursday 10 January at State Hall in Heathfield. The course will focus on fitness... Read more
8th 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
Council takes a stand against single-use plastics
Wealden District Council has approved a three part action plan to take a stand against single-use plastics. “Like many others, I was shocked to see the destruction plastic pollution is causing to marine wildlife on TV programmes like the BBC’s Blue Planet,” said Councillor Roy Galley, Wealden Cabinet member for Waste Management. “We have a... Read more
27th December
Heathfield Students benefit from successful trial of a mentoring scheme by local businesses
We recently featured the Wealden Works Awards in early December, an event to celebrate the achievements of young people who had left school and needed support to get into work. It is great to report that we have more positive news, this time about another initiative that is helping young people in the Heathfield area.... Read more
18th December
WIN Italian Panettone and delicious Moscato wine from Cuculo
Perhaps after reading our tempting feature on paring food and wine for Christmas, you fancy trying something different like a delicious glass of Moscato wine with a slice of Panettone the traditional Italian cake served at Christmas, there are many different sorts to choose from depending on your taste: raisin and candied peel, chocolate, lemon... Read more
18th December
Isenhurst Health Club rowers win podium places at national championships
Rowers from Isenhurst Health Club Cross In Hand picked up a series of medals at the weekend at this year’s British Indoor Rowing Championships that took place at the Leigh Valley VeloPark, East London. Two teams, headed up by Personal Trainers Alex Purcell and Louis Chavannes, received silver and bronze in the 4000m mixed relay.... Read more
12th December
With so many festive foods on offer, how do you choose the right wine?
We asked this question to wine expert James McNab, of Cuculo Cheese and Wine in Heathfield, and he gave us lots of helpful advice and ideas for festive drinks. “Choosing the right wine can be tricky, especially as turkey has both light meat and the darker more flavoursome leg and thigh meat, and breaking with... Read more
12th December
Make sure the funeral company you choose really is local
A Heathfield funeral director is warning people to “read the small print” and check whether the company they are considering using is part of a national chain or they could end up paying more than they need to. Andy Kirk of Axell-Eames Funeral Services in Heathfield High Street welcomes the recent independent scrutiny from the... Read more
12th December
Roger Daltrey shows his support for young people at the Wealden Works Awards
Last Tuesday night December 4, over 150 people attended Wealden Works Annual Awards event, at a packed Heathfield Youth Centre, to celebrate local young people’s achievements. The evening began with Councillor Rupert Simmons, Chairman of the Heathfield Partnership Trust welcoming guests, who included Chris Hardy, Chairman of the Wealden District Council, Ambassador – Roger Daltrey,... Read more
10th December
Win the new Call the Midwife board game this Christmas!
Multi-award-winning hit BBC TV show, Call the Midwife, has become a board game. It has been devised by board game expert, Rachel Lowe for the show’s producers, Neal Street Productions. We are lucky enough to have one to give away in this Christmas Competition. Set around the familiar TV locations in Poplar, London, players become... Read more
7th December
Law firm to take over former Nat West Bank building in Heathfield
Solicitors H & R Hughes have purchased the Nat West building in Heathfield High Street and will see the team relocate from premises near the roundabout. Rod Hughes told The Heathfield News: “Contrary to local rumours we are not planning to open a Weatherspoons or Pizza Express but rather, following refurbishment, we hope it will... Read more
5th December
Hundreds flock to fire station for carols and festive light illumination
Several hundred children, parents and community representatives turned up on Friday for carols, mince pies, mulled wine and the illumination of the town’s lights. The choir was provided by Cross in Hand Primary School whose pupils donned Santa hats while singing traditional carols next to one of the fire engines. Cllr Andy Wooley had the... Read more
2nd December
High street roadworks finish early
Traders and local residents breathed a collective sigh of relief today when the roadworks scheme in Heathfield town centre finished – two days ahead of schedule. Some businesses say they suffered significant losses during the closure and diversions have caused traffic chaos in the surrounding area. Many of the traders joined in The Heathfield News’... Read more
28th November
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
“Don’t forget about us” an appeal by Heathfield businesses
Three weeks into the closure of Heathfield High Street, the impact on businesses is just being felt. The Heathfield News launched a #shopheathfield campaign and initially the community rallied in support of the traders in the High Street. This was much appreciated explains James from Cuculo: “We felt very well supported by the community and... Read more
23rd November
Win a real tree and lights from Catsfield Christmas Tree Farm
Here’s your chance to win a real festive fir tree and a set of lights courtesy of Catsfield Christmas Tree Farm, near Battle. Catsfield Christmas Tree Farm is a long-established and award-winning grower and retailer based near Battle, East Sussex. You can choose your tree in the plantation until the end of November and then... Read more
22nd November
Heathfield Community College announces Apple Distinguished School Award
Heathfield Community College has worked with iPads integrated into learning for quite a while now. So it is no surprise to hear that the school has been recognised as an Apple Distinguished School for 2018–2021. This is down to its innovative approach to curriculum design – implementing the iPad as a tool to support both... Read more
21st November
Ronit Furst, eyewear with a difference, comes to Heathfield
Heathfield was the first town to be visited by the eye wear designer Ronit Furst, on her recent tour of the UK,when she popped in to see Melina Joy Opticians. They have been stocking the eponymous brand, since it rose to fame, after being worn on TV by GBBO’s Pru Leith. Ronit Furst has a... Read more
15th 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
Heathfield students push creativity in the world of pop promos
Last week all students in year 7 at Heathfield Community College took part in an exciting range of activities melding creativity with the iPad. Every student had the opportunity to learn new skills in 3 key areas, Music, Photography and Video. In Music, students created remixes of Can’t Stop the Feeling by Justin Timberlake, learning... Read more
14th November
Win a KellyBronze turkey
Here’s your chance to win a delicious free range 5kg KellyBronze turkey from Badgers Mead Farm in Five Ashes. The Champion family has been farming at Badgers Mead Farm, between Heathfield and Mayfield, East Sussex, for 35 years. After 20 years as a successful sheep and cattle farmer, Nev Champion turned to poultry and became... Read more
12th November
Axell-Eames partners with Young at Heart to sponsor community club place
Do you know an elderly person living in the Heathfield area who might benefit from a free place at an inter-generational community club? Axell-Eames, the local, independent funeral directors has agreed to sponsor a place within the Young at Heart community club for a deserving elderly person to participate for free, once a month, for... Read more
7th November
Act now to combat winter flu risk
PEOPLE at risk of flu are being urged to take advantage of the free vaccination available on the NHS – before winter kicks in. The flu jab, which is available to people aged 65 years and older, pregnant women and people with long-term health conditions, offers the best protection against the disease and any related... Read more
7th November
No end in sight of austerity for the people of East Sussex
Theresa May announced that the end of austerity was” in sight” at the recent Conservative Party Conference on October 3 2018; so Sussex residents may now be wondering what she meant, after the East Sussex County Council leader Cllr Keith Glazier, explained the recent ‘core offer’: “We’d all like to provide more than a core service... Read more
6th November
Change happens – manage your finances to face change head on
Change happens in every aspect of our lives. As the years go by, marriages take place, children are born, careers take twists and turns, we move home and events out of our control such as government policies and sadly the death of loved ones all have an impact on our lives. Change is a fact... Read more
5th November
Coaching programme at Cross in Hand set to launch
Cross in Hand Tennis Club has welcomed a new partnership with Elevate Tennis Coaching that will see the launch of a new coaching programme for children and adults. The new programme will see three professional, qualified coaches working at the club to offer private and group lessons to all ages and standards. Club Chairman Chris... Read more
4th November
Heathfield Cadets take part in National World War 1 Battlefield tour
Four Cadets and two instructors from Heathfield have just returned from a fascinating World War 1 Battlefield tour with Cadets from across the country. The cadets made an early start on Friday 26th of October travelling from a camp in Kent that was originally built in 1916 to house troops waiting to go to France.... Read more
31st October
East Sussex charity celebrates over 30 years’ supporting unpaid carers
The Association of Carers, which provides volunteer-led support to unpaid carers throughout East Sussex, hosted a series of parties during October to mark 30 years of the charity helping to make a difference. This included a party at Holy Cross Priory, Heathfield, where volunteers, carers and cared-for people came together to enjoy afternoon tea alongside... Read more
26th October
Badgers Mead apprentice is top of the class at Plumpton
A teenager working at Badgers Mead Farm in Five Ashes, near Mayfield, has been named Learner of the Year by his college. Leo Smith, 19, from Rotherfield, joined Badgers Mead as an apprentice three years ago after leaving school at 16. Since then he has been studying for a Level 2 Diploma Traineeship in Agriculture... Read more
20th October
A revealing trip to the optician
Getting older can throw up lots of challenges, not least keeping on top of eye health, and ensuring good vision for all occasions. As part of The Heathfield News’s new goal to get more hands on with our members, one of the team visited Pople & Broad for a full sight test and eye examination.... Read more
18th October
Alissa wins first half marathon
A mother of four from Bodle Street Green has won her first half marathon at the age of 41. Alissa Ellis, a member of Hailsham Harriers, was the first woman over the line at the Bournemouth Half Marathon on 7th October in an incredible time of 1hr 24 minutes and 25 seconds. Alissa admits her... Read more
17th October
Frustrated traders walk out of High Street road works meeting
Yesterday’s meeting of business owners at the State Hall, Heathfield, confirmed that rescheduling the closure of the Heathfield High Street in November was not an option. The meeting was run by the Heathfield Partnership with East Sussex Highways and Cllr Rupert Simmons (East Sussex County Council) there for questions. At one point, a business owner... Read more
16th October
Heathfield hosts hilly marathon
Sunday 7th October 2018 saw the 6th Annual Sussex Marathon set off from the Community Centre in Heathfield. Described as ‘possibly the hilliest marathon/half marathon on tarmac’ it attracts top runners who want to conquer the hills of Heathfield and surrounding villages. The course doesn’t pull any punches heading down Ghyll Road, Sandy Cross Lane,... Read more
11th October
Mounting concern from local businesses over the closure of Heathfield High Street in November
Local businesses in Heathfield are bracing themselves for challenging times, ahead of the scheduled November closure of the main road through the town. During this time the High Street will become a ‘no through’ road for all traffic, while the road is reconstructed and street lighting replaced, for the whole of the month. The work,... Read more
10th October
Why it’s more important than ever to plan for your retirement
Retirement is an enormous subject – it’s also fairly alarming to know that many of us working today may not be eligible for a state pension until we’re 70 and research suggests we may even need to save £525,000 for an annual income of £26,000. It seems the more prepared we can be the better.... Read more
9th October
October is all about Draco but there’s no Harry Potter in sight!
One of the regular and easy ways to take part in watching the universe is too look for meteors. Science can use them to survey the content of the solar system, technology can use them to build and test strange radio equipment and the rest of us can enjoy the free show. If you ever... Read more
2nd October
Heathfield girl’s singing talent leads to cathedral appointment
The singing talent of a Heathfield girl has earned her the honour of becoming Dean’s Chorister at a school linked with one of the country’s most famous cathedrals. Chorister Annenora Benians was appointed Dean’s Chorister for Salisbury Cathedral’s girls’ choir last Sunday (23 September) in a special Evensong at which new choristers were admitted and... Read more
29th September
HCC Head to take part in London protest Friday 28 September
As reported on BBC TV news last night, this Friday 28 September, the Heathfield Community College , Headteacher, Ms Barlow, will be joining hundreds of other Headteachers from across the country in support of a mass event intended to gain much improved funding for all schools. A recent letter to parents, from Mr Richard Karn, Chair... Read more
27th September
Harriers Hellingly 10k road race success
Hailsham Harriers held the 34th John Faulds Hellingly 10k Road race this month which formed part of the Sussex Grand Prix series and included runners from many of the clubs and unattached runners throughout Sussex . The full house entry of 300 runners including 35 Harriers was reached before the day and earlier grey cloudy... Read more
27th September
‘Time out in the woods’ with Lucy’s Little Forest School
Lucy’s Little Forest School is located in the magical Wilderness Wood, Hadlow Down, East Sussex. So near to Heathfield, yet you may not have discovered this tucked away, Hidden Gem of 60 acres consisting of predominantly chestnut trees. This is the home for all their woodland based activities for children and adults. But, Lucy’s is about... Read more
26th September
Do your bit during National Re-cycling Week
Wealden District Council residents are some of the best re-cyclers in East Sussex according to the council. Wealden residents are being thanked for the difference they make during National Recycle Week and every other week of the year. National Recycle Week, the national recycling campaign, runs from 25 September – 1 October. The theme of... Read more
25th September
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
Burwash shop fire, quick thinking averts a disaster.
In the early hours of Wednesday, 12 September a fire was spotted at the rear of the Burwash Londis Village Store; fortunately there was no loss of life and the incident was contained by the Fire Service. We received this eye witness account from Burwash resident, Wendy Woolgar, whose house is directly behind the store, ... Read more
17th September