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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 lauched 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
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