Jobs
Recent News
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
New Parish Council Chairman talks to The Heathfield News
Mike Robinson is the new Chairman of Heathfield and Waldron Parish Council. We interviewed Mike recently to find out a little more about him, his role and priorities since taking over three months ago. Tell us about yourself? I am 71 years old and moved to Heathfield from London 11 years ago. I am an... Read more
9th July
High street business re-opens safely
As lockdown restrictions ease Cranwell Wealth Solutions’ Uckfield and Heathfield high street branches are now open and welcoming both planned and impromptu visits from the public. Both branches are open Monday to Friday, 9am until 4.30pm. Like other businesses, the safety of the Cranwell team and those who visit is the company’s number one priority. ... Read more
7th July
Stylist gets ready to hit the road*
A mobile stylist from Five Ashes is gearing up to re-connect with customers in their own homes for the first time in many months. She will be wearing full PPE and adhering to the new rules since the coronavirus outbreak to keep herself and customers safe. *Amy has been busy practising wearing her PPE by... Read more
2nd July
The Wheel and other pubs are reopening this weekend
Pubs and restaurants have suffered more than most businesses. Ordered to shut down with little notice, stock had to be thrown away and beer went bad. Some tried delivery or takeaway services, but it was hard. However, as the 4th of July approaches when pubs can reopen, publicans are cautiously optimistic. We spoke to Sam... Read more
2nd July
Heathfield’s opticians are open for business
Heathfield’s opticians are open for business, both Melina Joy Opticians and Pople and Broad are taking bookings for appointments. Although, the ‘new normal’ requires some adjustment to what you may have been familiar with; and it is always best to call in advance to discuss your needs, and to find out what services are on... Read more
1st July
Offers from Style Perfection Mobile Hairdressing
Mobile hairdresser Amy Gorringe has two offers running at the moment. 10% off to all new customers for cut and blowdries or any colour service only. 30% off hair tape extensions until 31st July 2020 To book or speak to Amy about any service call or text 07876 828857 or visit her listing for more... Read more
30th June
Jo Shiner to take up top police role
Jo Shiner is set to become Sussex Police‘s first female chief constable when she starts the job on July 11, following a unanimous decision by the Police and Crime Panel to approve the appointment by Katy Bourne, Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner. “I am incredibly proud and privileged to have been given the opportunity to... Read more
30th June
Las Bodegas rebrands as Wellbrook Wines, with all the same great wines and service.
Specialist wine importer Las Bodegas, lept into action as soon as the lockdown started. Being a specialist wholesale importer they found that their on trade restaurant and wine business clients had almost completely dried up. Not to be daunted by this they leafleted the local area and started a wine delivery service – bringing their... Read more
30th June
iPad learning comes into its own at Heathfield Community College during lockdown
With Heathfield Community College expanding its provision for some student years, we wondered how the college had coped with lockdown. We heard from headteacher Caroline Barlow: “Community is born from adversity and while we believe that our sense of community at the college has always been strong, it has certainly been tested and strengthened in... Read more
26th June
Apprentices sought by Frogheath Landscapes
A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join an award winning garden landscaping team based in Burwash Weald, East Sussex (including the Association of Professional Landscapers Supreme Winner in 2013 and again in 2016, RHS Chelsea Gold medal winners in 2014 and 2015 and Gold medal winner at RHS Hampton Court in 2015). The opening is... Read more
22nd June
Call for nominations for community awards supported by Rowland Gorringe
The Heathfield News has got together with local estate agent Rowland Gorring to launch a quest to find local people or businesses who have gone ‘above and beyond’ to help the community. Even before the pandemic we reported on selfless acts of kindness, undertaken to benefit the community by individuals and groups. We interviewed Terry,... Read more
22nd June
Local home improvement company weathers the Coronavirus storm
County – The Home Improvers is one of the many local companies that had to react quickly to the situation it faced after the lockdown in March. Company Chairman Mike Evans explains: “It has been a crazy few months for everyone. In our 38-plus years in business we haven’t experienced anything quite like this before,... Read more
21st June
Off the Line Vineyard celebrates English Wine Week with a virtual tour and tasting 26 & 27 June 2020
Join Off the Line Vineyard to celebrate English Wine Week! This year English Wine Week runs from Saturday 20 June to Sunday 28 June and Off the Line Vineyard, in Horam are offering a special virtual tour and tasting experience so that you can enjoy the vineyard and taste their three rosés with your household... Read more
17th June
Don’t miss the deadline for £2.6 million of support for Wealden businesses
Wealden businesses that were not eligible for Covid-19 Small Business or Retail Hospitality and Leisure Grants have until Friday 19 June to apply for the Council’s new Discretionary Business Grant. This support is geared towards helping small businesses not eligible for other support because they do not pay business rates. Typical enterprises which can be... Read more
15th June
New hope for help for small businesses in Rother
Many businesses like B&Bs, holiday lets and micro businesses have failed to qualify for any of the government help made available to others. This has impacted on these small businesses, who often operate with quite precarious finances; or for whom the income generated serves as a retirement income, or vital additional income to supplement other... Read more
11th June
Hailsham Harriers win Covid Cup challenge
Four clubs, 220 runners (55 from each club), 14 days and one goal – to see which club could run the most miles and win the Covid Cup. Runners had to be quick off the mark to put their names forward for the Hailsham Harriers team as the club lockdown relay the week before had... Read more
10th June
Is yours one of the 1.6 million unclaimed pension pots worth £19.4 billion?
Have you exhausted your list of lockdown chores yet? Research published in May 2020 from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) suggests that tracking down old pensions might be one task worth adding. Here Cranwell Wealth Solutions of Uckfield and Heathfield explains how many pensions are currently being left unclaimed. According to the ABI, there... Read more
5th June
New rural crime team to be operated out of Heathfield
Good news for our rural community – Sussex Police has launched a new rural crime team, whose overall aim, is to crack down on unlawful behaviour in isolated communities. The team was launched on Monday June 1st, and has been made possible with the precept increase, as acquired by Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Katy... Read more
3rd June
Army Cadet Force receives Queen’s Award while cadets find ways to cope with lockdown
Sussex Army Cadet Force (ACF) has today been given the distinction of being awarded with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS). The QAVS is the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK to recognise outstanding work done in their own communities by their volunteers. It was created in 2002 to... Read more
2nd June
More retailers to reopen shortly, in and around Heathfield
Heathfield High Street has recently seen several stores reopen in the last week, Trading4U and the Heathfield Ironmongers are two of note. The newly published government list has now opened the way for many more to reopen after June 15th. Shops will all be subject to social distancing rules and will incorporate protective measures to... Read more
26th May
Churches Together set up a community support service in Heathfield
Churches Together in Heathfield have set up a Coronavirus support service called Happy to Help, and have taken more than 230 calls since starting. Callers ringing the Happy to Help hotline are matched with a church volunteer. Volunteers have been busy picking up prescriptions, running errands and getting shopping for people who are self-isolating. Church... Read more
24th May
Riding challenge reins in more than £1,000 for charity
A six-year-old schoolgirl has amazed her family, friends, classmates and the local community by using her riding skills to raise money for the NHS. With her business being under ‘lock down’ and far too many horses and ponies to be exercised by one person at Ghyll Park Equestrian, owner Sally Ann Dale came up with... Read more
22nd May
Quick fixes and advice from Cuckoo Hair
Cuckoo Hair may be temporarily closed but they are busy supporting their clients through out this challenging time. For many, not being able to have their regular salon visit is tough. Leanne, co-owner of Cuckoo Hair is offering complimentary consultations over the phone to give advice on how best to handle hair and scalp maintenance,... Read more
18th May
Care home manager was “overwhelmed with help” after coronavirus took hold
The manager of a Horam care home says she has been overwhelmed by support from the public when COVID 19 struck. In an exclusive interview with The Heathfield News, Cynthia Viloria spoke of the huge sense of loss following the death of seven residents of Millcroft Care Home in Vines Cross Road. Three members of... Read more
15th May
#englishwinenight kicks off in the South East this Friday
We are lucky enough to be surrounded by excellent vineyards, and lockdown has given many of us the opportunity to explore these delicious wines, made right on our doorstep. In a response to this surge of support #EnglishWineNight was launched with the aim of bringing this new community of wine lovers together in Friday night... Read more
14th May
Wednesday sees several local businesses welcome customers back
After nearly two months of being closed, Trading4U owner Chris Macklin opened his doors to customers on Wednesday morning. Chris said: “I’ve had lots of calls from people asking when we will be reopening which was nice. “I was really keen to open but we needed to make sure everything was safe and secure for... Read more
13th May
Time to get your entries in, as the Heathfield Show goes virtual
One of the area’s biggest and most well-attended events would normally be just around the corner, the showground at Tottingworth Farm would be sporting marquees, show arenas and trade stands in preparation for The Heathfield Show at the end of May. But sadly, not his year. Along with a great many events affected by the... Read more
13th May
Tennis club starts fundraising to improve facilities
Cross in Hand Tennis Club has launched a campaign to raise funds for improvements and take the first steps towards becoming a local centre of excellence for the sport. Immediate plans include replacing three of the club’s astro courts, which were old and slippery, and laying three all-weather, state-of-the-art, artificial-clay courts. After several years of... Read more
11th May
Ideas for celebrating VE Day 75 at home
The May Bank Holiday was moved this year to encourage three days of celebrations to mark VE Day 75, over the weekend of 8th to 10th May. The Coronavirus lockdown has had a big impact on this, with most events cancelled. But, don’t dispair you can still join in from home, to mark this significant... Read more
6th May
Schoolgirl is Irish dancing around Heathfield to raise money for the NHS
Alice, aged 10, and a Y5 pupil at Punnetts Town Comunity Primary School, is fundraising money for the NHS. She is a regular competitor at the national Irish Dancing Feis competitions, and has several medals and trophies on her mantelpiece. “I saw that the NHS needed more equipment to help poorly people, which gave me... Read more
5th May
Heathfield trampoline park could close without Government support
A Heathfield business which is one of the largest employers in the town is facing an uncertain future due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Urban Jump Trampoline Park, on Ghyll Road Industrial Estate, was formally closed on 23rd March in line with the UK Government mandate. Because the park is so large and its ‘rateable value’... Read more
4th May
Firefighters express concern over inconsiderate bonfires during pandemic
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is asking members of the public to consider their neighbours’ health and urging them to not light bonfires. With the majority of people at home all day, garden bonfires are becoming more common. However burning garden waste can mean smoke drifts into other people’s gardens and homes. People also... Read more
30th April
Heathfield Community College en route to Ofsted ‘outstanding’
Heathfield Community College is feeling optimistic – they have a real sense that making Ofsted ‘outstanding’ is within their grasp. The college was inspected just before the school closures, when parents, pupils and teachers lives were turned upside down. The results were delayed and although Ofsted are not publishing reports on their website until schools... Read more
29th April
New white wines added to Las Bodegas wine delivery service
Las Bodegas have added two delicious whites to their wine list – a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and a Pinot Grigio. Tasting notes below. Click on the button below for the full list of wines and spirits on offer. FREE delivery for all orders of 12 bottles or more. Call 01435 874... Read more
24th April
What to do if you have a dental emergency
During the pandemic, all Dental Surgeries are closed. Dentistry requires a very special sort of PPE, because of the aerosol generating nature of treatment, and there would appear to be a shortage of this type of PPE. But this is of no consolation to anyone wih a dental emergency. The Dental practices we called, were... Read more
23rd April
Local community comes together to support key workers and the NHS
Businesses and individuals around the Heathfield area are using their spare time to find ways to help support those working on the front line. The Heathfield News has been made aware of many initiatives, and there are some included below. Most would be grateful for more support, so please go ahead and volunteer or donate... Read more
20th April
Guy is king of the castle during lockdown
It’s the time of year when Herstmonceux Castle and Grounds are at their most colourful with displays of daffodils, tulips, magnolias and primroses. Normally there would be hundreds of visitors walking around the estate, people attending special events like Easter egg hunts and others enjoying the tearoom and tours of the castle. But as a... Read more
15th April
Award winning wine importer launches delivery service for Heathfield area
Mayfield based, Las Bodegas, is the UK’s leading importer of wines from South America. They also stock an impressive selection of wines from Spain and France. Normally, they supply exclusively to independent wine shops and restaurant trade customers; but the recent crisis, which has seen restaurants closed, has challenged the business to think about a... Read more
15th April
Great offers on South American Wines from £40 for a mixed case of six
You are in for a real treat. Delicious, South American Wines, normally only available to trade customers, but now on offer for local delivery or drive-thru collection. All you need to know, including price lists, is below or call 01435 874 772 or email sales@lasbodegas.co.uk – they are really helpful! Available to over 18s only.... Read more
15th April
Two weeks FREE kids’ online activity from The Great Out-tours
Having got through Easter, but with no sign of schools returning after the break; parents now find themselves effectively home schooling. Finding things to do with young children can be a challenge – LOOK NO FURTHER you can make use of the twice weekly, nature themed activities from The Great Out-tours. Each practical activity is... Read more
14th April
“Our amazing, valued workers – making a difference” life at Oakdown House, Adult Care
Sue Fletcher, a member of staff at Oakdown House, contacted us because she wanted to let people know that during this difficult time, carers and support staff are working harder than ever to keep vunerable people safe at places like Oakdown House, a centre for adults with severe learning difficulties in Burwash Common. This is... Read more
14th April
New rules for funerals during pandemic must be followed
Restrictions and guidance on gatherings are having a huge impact on the way funerals can be conducted – presenting both emotional and logistical challenges for mourners, funeral directors and funeral venues. Jeremy Field, Managing Director of CPJ Field, explains: “Funerals are about giving people emotional and physical support and the new rules are incompatible with... Read more
14th April
Alice makes plea to the public after grandfather’s death
The devastated granddaughter of a 77-year old man who died recently of coronavirus says she is determined to make more people aware of the seriousness of the disease following her loss. Alice Tripp’s grandfather Alan Varney, who lived in Brighton, was self isolating and healthy when he had a fall at his home which resulted... Read more
11th April
Cuckoo Hair talk about coping with the salon closure and the challenges ahead
“The day we closed the salon was one of the most devastating moments we have ever had to experience. It was heartbreaking. After having worked so hard to build up the business, we were in shock at having to put it on pause; plus the challenge and responsibility of trying to look after the brilliant... Read more
9th April
Foodbank service to launch for Heathfield and nearby villages
A Burwash Common woman has been recognised for her efforts to help the local community. Jilly Wingfield, a Co-op Member Pioneer for Heathfield and Horam, was awarded a certificate for her work in the community. She is currently helping to set up a foodbank in Heathfield, under the umbrella of the Hailsham Foodbank, which will... Read more
8th April
The Great Out-tours goes indoors and online
Popular, nature inspired, educational business The Great Out-tours www.thegreatout-tours.com was recently shaken by the closing down of all schools, and the cancelling of all after school club activities. Always one to rise to a challenge, Founder, John Brooksbank has sprung into action and over the past two weeks has worked long days and nights to... Read more
7th April
Heathfield solicitors busy with enquiries during pandemic
While many businesses in the Heathfield area have been busy moving to delivery or on-line business models, the town’s solicitors have been quietly working to keep people’s legal paperwork flowing. With solicitors who carry out will writing being designated as key workers, Hughes Solicitors has been finding ways to make sure the team can continue... Read more
7th April