Community
Making Space Work: How you can be smart with hired lockable storage
Making space work: How hired lockable storage can simplify life For many households, the crunch for space arrives suddenly—guests at Christmas, a ‘For Sale’ sign out front, or a hobby collection that’s quietly taken over a spare room. Renting secure, lockable storage isn’t only for people between homes; it’s a flexible tool for taking back... Read more
11th November
Turkey makes the perfect centrepiece this festive season
Go traditional and keep a turkey at the centre of your table If the turkey is the star of Christmas lunch, it deserves a proper supporting cast. J&R Sheffield Turkeys, based at Foords Farm, Vines Cross, Heathfield (TN21 9EX), have been rearing their birds the old-fashioned way since the 1950s — plenty of space, fresh... Read more
6th November
A267 safety push: Heathfield voices mark tragic anniversary with action
Heathfield voices mark tragic anniversary with action Heathfield, Cross in Hand and surrounding villages are keeping up pressure for safer roads a year on from the Mayfield Flat fatal crash. On 1 October 2025, residents marked the anniversary of the collision at Mayfield Flat, Cross in Hand, where a northbound waste tanker and a southbound... Read more
1st October
Wealden Council Rejects “One East Sussex” Proposal, Citing Risks for Local Communities
Wealden Council Rejects “One East Sussex” Over Fears of Lost Local Connection Wealden District Council’s Cabinet has confirmed it cannot support the proposal for a single “One East Sussex” authority, warning it would be too large, too remote, and financially unsound to serve local residents effectively. The plan, which suggested replacing the county’s existing structure... Read more
25th September
Let our local MP Nus Ghani know your thoughts on whether a banking hub is a good idea
The impact of local bank closures and local sentiment Nusrat Ghani, MP for Sussex Weald, is inviting local residents to share their views on access to banking services across the constituency. In Heathfield alone, we have seen the evaporation of banking services with all of the major banks leaving the town over the past ten years.... Read more
7th August
South East Water have announced that they are restricting the use of hosepipes for customers in Kent and Sussex and it is enforceable from 18 July.
South East Water have announced that they are restricting the use of hosepipes for customers in Kent and Sussex. The announcement read:“Demand for water is the highest we have ever seen for this time of year, reaching 680 million litres on 30 June 2025. This is 105 million litres of water a day more than the... Read more
17th July
Wealden Funeral Services share some ideas for alternative funeral celebrations
Funerals can be as personal as you want, reflecting the life of the loved one “When we think of funerals here in Wealden, alternative funerals stand out in our memories. A traditional image might come to mind: a hearse, a church or crematorium, and perhaps a wake at the local pub, but times are changing,... Read more
14th April
Cross-In-Hand school closes as burst water main causes interuptions in supply
Burst water main at Cross-in-Hand just outside Heathfield Early this morning, 15 January, many residents of Cross-In-Hand experienced low water pressure or no water at all. This had been caused by a burst main in the area, which South Eastern Water tried to fix as quickly as possible. To allow for the safe repair of... Read more
15th January
Cross-in-Hand development planning application rejected
Location of proposed Snatchells Farm development of 24 residential homes Cross-in-Hand development rejected We featured the proposed plans for this way back in 2021 when Heathfield resident Rory Graham, stage name – Rag ‘n’ Bone Man, appealed for support to oppose this development which was going to have a big impact on his home. The... Read more
9th January
Fatal accident on A267 at Cross-in-Hand prompts renewed calls for review
A man has sadly died following a serious collision on the A267 at Cross in Hand. The incident was widely reported by passers by and on Heathfield Community social media. The Heathfield and Waldron Parish Council have voiced their intention to bring about change to the road safety. “We have continued to push ESCC for... Read more
3rd October
Sadness as John W Groombridge announces it will cease trading
Keith O’Regan has announced that after 73 years of business, John W Groombridge will cease trading on the 28th of September 2024. This popular motorcycle retailler has been a beacon for enthusiasts at its Cross in Hand store. Keith commented: “I know many people are shocked and saddened by this news, none more than myself... Read more
27th September
Discover the best of English wine on our door step in a new Sussex wine trail
Twelve local vineyards are joining forces with Wealden District Council to unveil a wine trail open to the public this summer. Some of which are literally on our doorstep – Off the Line which is adjacent to the Cuckoo Trail in Hellingly, Hidden Spring in Horam and Beacon Down at Cross in Hand are all... Read more
30th May
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
Tribute paid to great-grandfather killed in Cross-in-Hand collision
The family of a man who sadly died following a collision on the A276 near Heathfield have paid tribute to him. Derek ‘Dinky’ Doo, 82, from Heathfield was involved in the collision involving a single vehicle just before 3.25pm on Tuesday, March 22. His family said: “Dinky was a much loved father, grandfather and great-grandfather... Read more
7th April
Who is the special link between Cross-in-Hand, Waldron and Harrods?
Did you know that Cross-in-Hand and Waldron have a link with the luxury London department store Harrods? Charles Digby Harrod was born in Whitechapel in 1841. His father Charles Henry Harrod was a grocer and tea dealer and had opened a Harrod’s shop in Stepney but later speculatively rented premises in the up and coming... Read more
15th April
Investigation reveals probable cause of Cross in Hand plane crash
The 65 year-old pilot of a small plane that crashed at Cross in Hand airfield in August last year probably suffered from a cardiac arrest shortly after take off an AAIB investigation has revealed. The Rans S6-116 aircraft took off on 4th August from Bradley’s Lawn airstrip in Cross in Hand. Witnesses then saw the... Read more
5th March
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
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
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
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
Kyan’s mission to improve hospital wards for children
A mother from Cross in Hand says she is overwhelmed by the response after starting a fundraiser called ‘Kyan’s Kipling Make Over Mission’ to decorate the Hastings hospital ward where her son gets treatment. In just a two weeks Lia Higgs’ £4,000 target has been smashed and the fund that will transform parts of Kipling... Read more
18th February
Healthy half-term activities that won’t break the bank
Christmas celebrations seem like only yesterday and for many parents half-term has arrived incredibly quickly. Right now you are probably wondering how to keep the children occupied and off their gadgets without spending too much or travelling very far. Fortunately the weather forecast looks promising, so the kids can get outside in the fresh air.... Read more
13th February
Cross in Hand Tennis Club has triumphant summer season
Players from Cross in Hand Tennis Club have proved they are some of the best in the area after coming top in the Horam League this year. At the Horam League finals held at Horsted Keynes Tennis Club recently the ladies doubles team of Andrea Law and Suzi Christie beat a pair from Crowborough in... Read more
21st August
Come and try tennis for free on May 12th
It’s back and bigger than ever! The Nature Valley Big Tennis Weekend is heading to Cross in Hand Tennis Club on May 12th. It’s a free-of -charge day for all the family to get on court. There are mini-tennis sessions, family time, free play, cardio tennis and numerous other kinds of activities to get involved... Read more
29th April
Winner of tennis competition announced
Congratulations to Maria Sendra-Garcia who was the lucky winner of our competition to win a year’s membership to the area’s top tennis club and a private coaching lesson from Elevate Tennis. Maria correctly answered the question: ‘who was the 2018 Wimbledon ladies singles champion?’ which she posted on Facebook. Maria’s brother is very keen to... Read more
10th April
You don’t have to spend a fortune on Mother’s Day to show your mum you care
Mother’s Day is fast approaching but it’s not too late to arrange something to show how much you appreciate your mum – and there are lots of things you can do even if you are on a tight budget. The obvious choice is taking your mother to lunch but many restaurants like The Heathfield Tavern... Read more
22nd March
Win a free membership to Cross in Hand Tennis Club – and a free tennis lesson!
A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that playing racket sports significantly reduces the risk of death from heart disease. But there are many other reasons to start playing tennis such as giving you a full body work out, reducing the risk of heart attack, improving your stamina, improving muscle tone... Read more
1st March
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
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
Local athletes to raise the bar for Air Ambulance
Back for its fourth year, Pick It Up Put It Down is set to once again bring tough workouts and live music to Cross in Hand to raise money for the Kent Surrey Sussex Air Ambulance Trust (KSS Air Ambulance). Saturday the 11th August sees Heathfield and Waldron Rugby Club re-open the doors to the... Read more
24th July
10% Early Bird Discount on South Coast Tennis Camps
South Coast Tennis are offering 10% off for all Tennis & Multisports Summer Camps booked before 10th of July 2018. Go online and register to book using the code summer10. South Coast Summer Holiday tennis and Multisports Camps run from July 23 until 24th of August at Cross in Hand. Suitable for children aged 5-16.... Read more
3rd July
Get your kids on the road to Wimbledon with tennis camps this Summer
We are lucky in Heathfield to be able to easily enjoy the tennis tournament nearby at Eastbourne. Sadly Wimbledon is that bit further, and much more difficult to get tickets for, so most children will only be able to enjoy the TV coverage. But, if this has fired them up with enthusiasm for the sport... Read more
2nd July
Heathfield primary school rated OUTSTANDING
Following on from the Church SIAMS inspection before half term, Cross in Hand Primary School has been judged to be an OUTSTANDING Church of England Primary School. The school explained that it was thrilled because the goal posts have been moved since the last inspection and it’s much harder to get the very top judgement.... Read more
20th June
Dust off your tennis racquets and come to Cross in Hand’s open day
With tennis fever just around the corner Cross in Hand Tennis Club is holding an open afternoon and evening event on Friday 20th July in a bid to encourage more adults to discover the delights of tennis.. The event will run from 4 to 9pm and it’s a chance to meet members and join in... Read more
18th June
New book remembers the WW1 fallen from the Heathfield area
A while back we publicised Nicola’s quest for information about the fallen soldiers named on the war memorials in Heathfield, Broad Oak and Punnetts Town. After months of painstaking reseach she has now completed and published her book. In it she researches the names of all of the soldiers who are named on the World... Read more
12th June
Winning streak for Cross in Hand Tennis Club
Cross in Hand tennis teams are on a winning streak with three convincing victories in the last few days. As part of the Wilson Sandford Tennis Sussex Summer Doubles Leagues 2018, Cross in Hand ladies competed on Sunday at home on the clay courts against Sussex County Lawn Tennis Club winning 4-0. The Cross in... Read more
15th May
Wins all round for Cross in Hand Tennis Club
Cross in Hand players had a triumphant weekend of tennis with men’s and women’s teams winning their matches and a junior player winning a tournament. On Sunday the ladies’ second team took on Billingshurst at Cross in Hand on the clay. The four ladies from Cross in Hand pulled off a terrific 3-1 victory against... Read more
5th February
Anyone for tennis? Make 2018 the year to give it a try
Cross-in-Hand Tennis Club is calling for people to pick up a racquet and give tennis a go for the first time this year. The club is also appealing for players who once played to a high standard and haven’t played for a while to dust off their racquets. There is no waiting list and players... Read more
18th January
Sussex rowers win medals at indoor rowing championships
Rowers from Sussex picked up a series of medals this weekend at the British Indoor Rowing Championships that took place at the Leigh Valley VeloPark in East London. Personal Trainer Alex Purcell organised 21 teams of four made up from athletes in and around the Heathfield area including members of Isenhurst Health Club Cross In... Read more
15th December
Isenhurst has everything you need for your fitness and wellbeing
Isenhurst Health Club Cross-In-Hand first opened its doors 22 years ago. Local businessman Steve Butler and his father turned what was the Isenhurst Social Club behind the petrol station in Cross In Hand into the health and fitness club is it... Read more
11th December
