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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
Broad Oak mum and care worker wins lottery prize
It was an exciting start to the weekend for one lucky Broad Oak resident after winning £30,000 in the People’s Postcode Lottery. Care worker for the elderly, Vicky Channing, 32, landed the prize when her postcode, TN21 8TN, was announced as a winner on Saturday 28th November. Vicky found out how much she’d won over... Read more
28th November
New tuition service for Primary School children
Lockdown has had a significant impact across all years of schooling, but no more so than at Primary School level, as young children find it much more difficult to concentrate and struggle with online teaching. According to the BBC news and Ofsted, children are roughly 3 months behind where they should be, with 44% of... Read more
26th November
Burwash based Indie band go global
Wild Horse, a Burwash based Indie band have been getting creative during lockdown. Unable to perform at live gigs, the boys have been going online to bring their music to their fans. In October they played on a Coastal Currents dedicated music showcase; performing their latest album live to an audience of over 10 thousand... Read more
26th November
Speak out against domestic abuse urges council
Wealden residents are being urged to speak out against all forms of domestic abuse as the number of recorded cases over 12 months exceeds 1,000 for the first time. From November 2019 to October 2020, Sussex Police received 1,037 reports of domestic abuse, which is a 4.5% increase compared to the same period last year.... Read more
24th November
Your chance to win a free-range turkey!
We’re giving you the chance to win a delicious oven-ready, free-range bronze turkey that has been reared and prepared locally for you by J & R Sheffield Turkeys in Vines Cross, near Horam. The winner will receive a turkey that will easily feed at least six people with leftovers for turkey sandwiches. Collection will be... Read more
17th November
Mixed emotions as new look Heathfield Christmas lights switched on.
Social media posts have long aired the disappointment felt by many at the ritual turning on of the Heathfield Christmas lights. The tastefully positioned, somewhat sublty lit trees, have provoked ridicule at best, and stronger words at worst. But, this year there is good news! The Heathfield & Waldron Parish Council have funded additional decorations... Read more
13th November
Brave Dallington resident who worked undercover against the Gestapo
This week, I am glimpsing into the life of Arthur Breen – husband of french resistance fighter Michele Breen, who I wrote about before, having seen their interesting gravestone in Dallington churchyard. I say glimpsing because in World War Two, Arthur was a member of the SOE – the Special Operations Executive – and information... Read more
12th November
Frogheath Landscapes and Wealden Works pull together to help school leavers.
Frogheath Landscapes is no stranger to apprenticeships, the award winning, Burwash Weald based company regularly takes on apprentices to work in their busy landscaping business. They recently struck it lucky with Harrison Tamkin, who came their way via Wealden Works, a local charity offering young people help finding employment. The charity annually supports 40 young... Read more
10th November
#shoplocal for Christmas gifts, it’s never been easier!
With a new lockdown just started and Christmas not far off, local traders are looking for ways to encourage people to #shoplocal and buy their Christmas presents from them, rather than larger online retailers. With much of the High St closed and popular markets, like the one in Heathfield cancelled, traders and crafts people were... Read more
9th November
Vines Cross turkey farm has the perfect solution for smaller gatherings
Vines Cross turkey farmers JR Sheffield are gearing up for a busy Christmas with their butchers reporting footfall across the year up 50 percent compared to last year. But press reports that turkeys are being starved or being put on a reduced diet so they fit a potentially smaller Christmas gathering are totally unfounded says... Read more
5th November
The diminutive heroine buried in Dallington
The epitaph on a fairly recent gravestone in Dallington Churchyard has always interested me and I knew it would make a great research project – the brief detail hinted at such an amazing life. Claude Michele Wattebled de Ducla was born outside Bordeaux in 1922. When France was occupied in 1940, Michele was being educated... Read more
4th November
Heathfield Young Farmers join in ‘pass the welly’ fundraiser
Sussex Young Farmers Clubs is taking part in a national Give it Some YFC Welly Relay to help raise urgent funds to help secure its future. One of their Junior clubs is Heathfield YFC, who will also be participating in this fundraising event. Sussex Young Farmers Club is always keen to see younger members (and... Read more
29th October
Heathfield photographer adds more credentials to her name
Award-winning Heathfield photographer Sarah Tate has added another accolade to her collection after being appointed as a judge for her industry’s prestigious awards. Her confirmation as a judge followed on from last year’s news that Sarah had been named a Fellow of the industry’s most prestigious body – The Master Photographers’ Association. Sarah has had... Read more
25th October
Bumper harvest at Off the Line Vineyard!
We are lucky to have lots of excellent vineyards around Heathfield and this harvest time has been a good one. One of our favorites, Off the Line Vineyard is delighted to announce that it has been a bumper harvest this year. The quality of the fruit was exceptional and yields good. The weather has been... Read more
22nd October
Amazing woman who fought for women’s rights buried in Brightling
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about the brave Arctic explorer Benjamin Leigh-Smith, whose wooden leaping board grave marker I came across in Brightling Churchyard. I also researched the life of Benjamin’s sister Barbara, who is buried next to her brother. Barbara Bodichon was one of the founders of the UK suffrage movement which... Read more
22nd October
Covid 19 shuts Cross in Hand Primary School
Parents were shocked to find out this morning that Cross in Hand CEP School was shutting for two weeks after a member of staff tested positive for Covid 19. The school is a popular local primary on the outskirts of Heathfield, East Sussex. It is the first local school to have had to shut completely.... Read more
20th October
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
Family soap entrepreneur shines in regional awards
Sussex-based soap and luxury products manufacturer Christina May is celebrating this month after winning the Family Business category of Institute of Directors London & South Director of The Year Awards and being a finalist in the Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2020. In the IoD awards Managing Director Oliver Butts beat hundreds of other companies to... Read more
14th October
New Music Bunnies, pre-school activity comes to Heathfield
When Valarie’s husband relocated to Heathfield for work, she had to bid farewell to rural Somerset, and settle into the East Sussex town. A mother to two small children, she decided to follow her dream to run sensory inspired classes for pre-school children. “After months of lockdown isolation I think it really is a good... Read more
8th October
Incredible story of intrepid explorer buried in Brightling
On a recent trip to Brightling Church, I came across the ‘leaping board’ grave of Benjamin Leigh-Smith. The line ‘Five times he sailed the Arctic Sea and for his Country’s good, braved countless hardships and perils’ caught my eye. And so it was interesting to discover that ‘He was one of the most intrepid explorers... Read more
7th October
Would you know where to start if you had to arrange a funeral?
At age 53 I am incredibly fortunate to have never had to arrange a funeral. So when I was invited to step through the doors of Wealden Funerals I took the opportunity to pose some of the questions that people might normally not want to ask. Once inside, a black and white photo on the... Read more
1st October
Confirmed COVID-19 case in Cross in Hand
A local primary school is thought to be the first in the Heathfield area to have a confirmed COVID-19 case among pupils. Public Health England says that there has been a single confirmed case at Cross In Hand School Primary School and appropriate advice has been given. The Public Health England spokesperson was not able... Read more
24th September
Tragedy of train crash in Mayfield
No one expected tragedy to strike when they boarded the 8.18am London train from Eastbourne on Wednesday 1st September 1897. The train was made up of the engine (the ‘Bonchurch’) and was coupled to five passenger carriages and a milk van. The train was unusually busy that day as discounted tickets to London were... Read more
22nd September
Heathfield boy with severe peanut allergy involved in pioneering trials
A Heathfield Community College student who is severely allergic to peanut is giving hope to others with nut allergies after taking part in a successful trial. James Redman, 12, can now safely tolerate seven peanuts thanks to a ground-breaking trial at Evelina London Children’s Hospital. James, from Heathfield, was diagnosed with a severe peanut allergy... Read more
15th September
Heathfield failed by inadequate broadband provision
Despite the welcome announcement from ESCC of new funding from central Government to help those out of work and support business growth in East Sussex, The Heathfield News was shocked to learn that anyone moving to Heathfield, business or residential, is unable to connect a new account to fibre broadband. BT has confirmed that the... Read more
11th September
Win a wonderful collection of soaps
Here’s your chance to win a wonderful collection of products courtesy of local, award-winning business The English Soap Company. The prize includes soaps fragranced with Honey and Camomile, English Lavendar, Lily of The Valley and Briar Rose. There is also a White Jasmine and Sandalwood pure soy candle and a luxurious coconut handsoap for the... Read more
10th September
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
Carricks Brook staff help residents enjoy sports day
The pandemic has been challenging for the staff and residents of Carricks Brook, a small, family run care home in Dallington for adults with autism and challenging behaviours. But, the staff have worked hard to successfully adapt daily life to ensure that the residents can still lead happy and fulfilling lives. This summer the residents... Read more
3rd September
Historian uncovers Old Heathfield Russian connection
This is the first in a series of articles kindly written by local historian, Hellingly resident and author of ‘Here Dead We Lie’ Nicola Walker Whenever I’ve been wandering around the graveyard at All Saints Church, Old Heathfield looking for war graves or sometimes family, I’ve often noticed this gravestone and wondered about the story... Read more
2nd September
DIY expert realises dream with Heathfield shop
Six months after taking ownership of his first shop, Chris Cook hasn’t looked back and the business is going from strength to strength. Chris struck up a relationship with the owner of Balcombes DIY in Hailsham Road, Heathfield, and then one day went home and told his partner that he would love to own the... Read more
27th August
New platform gives artisan food and drink producers opportunity to connect with customers differently
A Burwash entrepreneur has launched a virtual multi-brand store to help artisan food and drinks ‘makers’ flourish and discerning shoppers to discover, learn about and purchase mouth-watering products made with passion. The MeltedInside.com platform welcomes and features makers from across the UK selling everything from seaweed seasoning produced in Yorkshire by SeaGrown to South American-style... Read more
24th August
New art gallery launches in Mayfield
A sculptor has transformed one of two flats he bought on Fir Toll Road in Mayfield into an art gallery. Richard Field has gathered what he describes as an ‘incredible’ collection of sculptures and art for the grand opening of Melford Gallery on Friday 21st August. For more details see our What’s On page. Many... Read more
20th August
Tips to reduce water use, keep cool and keep safe from fire
South East Water, the NHS and East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service have all issued heatwave advice. South East Water is asking customers keep using tap water for drinking, hygiene and cooking only as the heatwave continues. The company has seen record-breaking demand for water which has outstripped how much can be pumped through its... Read more
11th August
Lucky Nellie rescued by off duty Heathfield firefighter
Local woman Sophie Strevens and her son were out walking in Darches Wood with their young Border Collie Nellie, who enjoys a swim especially in this hot weather. After a few minutes of playing in the water Nellie, the collie, got caught in a thick bramble vine which wrapped itself around her tail. She couldn’t... Read more
9th August
Time to enjoy the Cuckoo Trail and a wine tour and tasting at Off the Line Vineyard
A perfect opportunity to enjoy award winning rosé wines produced in Off the Line Vineyard, Hellingly, East Sussex. During August you can visit this, state of the art vineyard, find out more about the wine with a tasting and enjoy a self-guided walk. Wine is available by the glass, and the cellar door shop offers sales... Read more
7th August
From rat race to Rushlake Green – a year in the life of a first-time village shop owner
For first-time shop owner Tony, his inaugural year in retail is one that he will never forget and a time that presented more challenges than he could have ever imagined. Tony purchased Rushlake Green Villages Stores last July in order to fulfil his dream of returning to the country and escaping the London rat race.... Read more
6th August
Win Circus tickets
We have teamed up with East Sussex School of Circus Arts to offer one lucky reader and their family a free group ticket for one of their shows at the end of August. The Free ticket is for 1 area only (1 Circle) and can accomodate up to 5 people. To enter just email... Read more
5th August
Cross in Hand plane crash kills pilot
Emergency service vehicles were seen rushing soon after 11am to the scene of a plane crash that has resulted in the death of the pilot. He has not yet been named. According to Sussex Police, the light aircraft crashed near Cross in Hand, Heathfield, on Tuesday morning (August 4). Emergency services were called to... Read more
4th August
Sussex soap company reaches finals of Great British Entrepreneur Awards
A Sussex soap manufacturer has been shortlisted in the Family Business category of the 2020 Great British Entrepreneur Awards. Christina May Ltd, best known for its English Soap Company brand, is one of just four companies shortlisted from across the South East region in the prestigious awards which received some 2,600 entries. Christina May manufactures... Read more
3rd August
Eat out to help out in August
The Wheel in Burwash Weald have confirmed that they will be running this offer in August. Available Monday to Wednesday and includes children as well. You will receive 50% (up-to £10 off) off your meal per person, soft drinks can also be included. Weekday opening hours 12-3/6-9 Booking for the scheme is advised as space... Read more
30th July
Disappointment for Heathfield Bonfire Society
The Heathfield and District Bonfire Society has worked extremely hard since it was formed in 2018, and lots of fundraising culminated in their first event last year when they brought the bonfire tradition to Heathfield. 2020 should have been the second event, however as Steve Thomas, Chairman explained: “It is with sadness that the members... Read more
30th July
Sewing skills used to raise vital funds for hospice
A Hellingly woman has used her sewing skills to raise around £2,000 for the hospice that cared for her father Ron. Debbie Scott, who started off making scrub bags for nurses before trying to make masks, didn’t dream that she would end up raising so much money and making some 600 of them. She explains:... Read more
29th July
Time for 18-25 year olds to take back financial control urges Cranwell Wealth Solutions
Young people in the 18-25 year old age group have experienced testing times of late – with the lasting effect of the 2008 financial crash, unattainable housing, higher tuition fees and Brexit all playing their part. Now, with the enormous impact of Covid-19 on their further education and employment prospects, this generation face tough times... Read more
24th July
Players give new courts at Cross in Hand thumbs up
Tennis enthusiasts from the Heathfield area were celebrating on Saturday when three new state-of-the-art clay courts were unveiled at Cross in Hand Tennis Club. The refurbished courts more than double the number of all-weather courts at the club and mean tennis can be played safely all year round. Before the refurbishment work players and coaches... Read more
22nd July
Hughes Solicitors welcomes new Partner to the firm
Heathfield’s leading firm of solicitors has strengthened its property expertise with the addition of another highly experienced professional. Matthew Sabine joins Hughes Solicitors as a Partner and Head of the Residential Property team. He specialises in freehold and leasehold sales, purchases, re-mortgaging properties, deeds of variation, lease extensions, deeds of easement, transfers of equity, newbuilds... Read more
22nd July
Free Rein Horse Rescue and supporters fight back
It’s been a tough time recently for the Burwash based, Free Rein Horse charity, as it fell victim to some unpleasant trolling on social media. Claire Gerrard founder of Free Rein Horse rescue explained : ” Unfortunately we have had some negative comments made about the charity online, we felt this to be misleading and... Read more
21st July
Rushlake Green Post Office recognised for service during Covid-19 pandemic
The team at Rushlake Green Post Office is celebrating after reaching the finals of the Community Engagement category at the Post Office’s ‘We’re Stronger Together’ regional awards for the South East region. The awards recognise the efforts made by postmasters across the region to keep branches open during the Covid-19 pandemic and serving their local... Read more
17th July
Plenty of time to enter Sussex Young Musician of the Year 2020
There’s still plenty of time to enter the 2020 Sussex Young Musician of the Year, with the closing date not until Sunday 30th August 2020. Open to musicians aged between 18 and 26 years old, who have a connection to Sussex (residential and/or educational) and are embarking or intending to embark on a professional career... Read more
13th July
Free initial conversation
Heathfield Counsellor Karen Thirtle is offering an initial phone contact session for free. Lasting approximately 30 minutes, this initial conversation helps to see whether counselling is appropriate and likely to be helpful for your problems. Karen has been a Psychotherapeutic Counsellor since 1996, working in the private sector and in the NHS. For more information... Read more
9th July