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
East Sussex teen Eliza named finalist in Global Youth Awards 2025
Ticehurst Teen Eliza Named Finalist in Global Youth Awards 2025 A talented young singer from Ticehurst has been named among the 39 finalists for the Global Youth Awards 2025, which celebrate inspiring young changemakers from 15 countries. Eliza, 17, a music performance student at Bexhill College, will perform her original song live at the awards... Read more
7th 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
Knitted Poppy Display Brightens Heathfield with Community Spirit
Knitted Poppy Display Brightens Heathfield with Community Spirit Heathfield’s Union Church has been transformed into a sea of colour, with more than 7,000 hand-knitted and crocheted poppies now draping the church railings and lining the High Street. The community-led project began with a simple Facebook post from Reverend Vicky Martin and local organiser Tracy Williams,... Read more
6th November
Local residents asked to feedback on the Stagecoach bus route with any comments on current service
Have you noticed any change to the 51 Bus Service? Local residents asked to share feedback Cllr Anne Cross has reported an update after the recent presentation of the petition to East Sussex County Council over ongoing issues with the Stagecoach 51 bus route, which serves Heathfield, Five Ashes and Mayfield. this includes a new... Read more
5th November
Getting around Heathfield made easy with Cuckmere Buses
Getting around Heathfield made easy with Cuckmere Buses If you live in or around Heathfield, you’ve probably seen the cheerful green and yellow minibuses of Cuckmere Buses out and about. What you might not know is that this long-running service has been part of Sussex life since 1976 — started by local people who simply... Read more
29th October
Volunteers Needed to Keep Heathfield Fitness Classes Running
Volunteers Needed to Keep Heathfield Fitness Classes Running Free outdoor exercise classes in Heathfield could come to a halt unless more locals step forward to train as volunteer instructors. The Our Parks initiative — which has brought Bootcamp, HiiT, and circuit sessions to green spaces across Wealden — was originally funded by East Sussex Public... Read more
23rd October
Heathfield Community College Raises Over £4,000 in Rain-Soaked Sponsored Walk and Run
Heathfield Community College Raises Over £4,000 in Rain-Soaked Sponsored Walk and Run The spirit of Heathfield shone through the drizzle earlier this month as students, teachers, and staff from Heathfield Community College laced up for their annual Sponsored Walk and Run on October 3rd. Despite the rain, the turnout was strong and the mood even... Read more
22nd October
White Feather Funerals Marks Five Years of Service to the Community
White Feather Funerals Marks Five Years of Service to the Community This month marks five years since White Feather Funerals first opened its doors in Heathfield, offering care and support to local families through some of life’s hardest moments. In a message reflecting on the milestone, the team expressed gratitude to the community, saying they... Read more
15th October
Support to Help Wealden Businesses Grow and Thrive
Support to Help Wealden Businesses Grow and Thrive Small and medium-sized businesses across Wealden can now access expert, one-to-one support through the Ambition to Action programme — a new initiative helping local enterprises build resilience, boost productivity, and plan for sustainable growth. Run by Oxford Innovation and managed by East Sussex County Council, the programme... Read more
8th 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
Community petition over Stagecoach 51 Service heads to County Hall
Community Petition Over Stagecoach 51 Service Heads to County Hall Heathfield, East Sussex – A petition calling for improvements to the Stagecoach 51 bus service will be considered by East Sussex County Council (ESCC) on Monday 8th September at 9am, when the Lead Member for Transport, Cllr Claire Dowling, addresses the matter at County Hall,... Read more
2nd September
Heathfield College Sixth Form delivers outstanding results
Heathfield Sixth Form celebrates ‘A’ Level results Through phenomenal hard work, commitment, and exceptional partnership with their teachers, Year 13 have secured fantastic outcomes this year matching some of the best ever results from the College, consolidating the outstanding legacy of outcomes at Heathfield 6th Form. Students are now able to take up places on some... Read more
14th August
Sussex Six local produce initiative is launched
Sussex Six Campaign is launched in Wealden More than 60 local taste makers in the Wealden food and drink industry came together at Gun Brewery and Taproom in Gun Hill this week to launch the Sussex Six Campaign in Wealden, urging people in the district to eat and buy local produce. Local hospitality encouraged... Read more
23rd July
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
How do you choose the right music for a funeral?
Choosing the right music for a funeral can be a challenge Lucy Atabey from White Feather Funerals has shared some thoughts with us on the importance and significance of music at a funeral. Music evokes memories with just an intro or a blast of a chorus and can perfectly reflect the person whose life you... Read more
1st June
Local MP hosts Sussex Weald Farmer’s Forum
Nusrat Ghani, MP for Sussex Weald, hosted the Sussex Weald Farmers’ Forum 2025 on Friday 16th May in Five Ashes near Mayfield, bringing together farmers from across the constituency as well as a range of local stakeholders. Nusrat has been inundated with requests for support from local farmers regarding matters including rural crime, animal welfare, access... Read more
22nd May
Young at Heart and Frogheath Landscapes are celebrating their contribution to a Chelsea Silver-Gilt Medal garden
Generations Unite In Planting For Chelsea Flower Show At Young At Heart Young At Heart, an intergenerational community interest company in Heathfield, is celebrating success at Chelsea Flower Show. Frogheath Landscapes, who built Zoe Claymore’s The Wildlife Trusts British Rainforest Garden supports Young At Heart’s Green Fingers Project and director Steve Moody, had just the... Read more
22nd May
Radio Teleswitch meter change leaves residents confused with the next steps to take
Energy meter change leaves residents confused with the next steps to take Local residents may want to draw their attention to the incoming news on their energy meter switches. Due to recent changes, it is crucial that everyone checks their energy meters since it could lead to losing heating or facing higher energy bills in... Read more
18th May
The Heathfield News announces a partnership with Wealden Talking News
The Heathfield News is delighted to announce a partnership with Wealden Talking News, who are based in Heathfield. THN is pleased to be able to make all of the news and features published available to the WTN free of charge The Wealden Talking News operates out of a studio in Heathfield Talking news started in... Read more
28th April
Hospice in the Weald supporters are both inspired by and running in the London Marathon
Memories of loved ones will keep Hospice runners moving as they take on London Marathon 2025 Cherished memories of loved ones will inspire many runners as they take on the London Marathon on Sunday, we have already featured James from Melina Joy Opticians and Leon from Heathfield who are all running this weekend for different... Read more
24th April
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
Student from Heathfield campaigns against cuts in Stagecoach bus service
Erin’s petition to halt changes in 51 bus frequency gains momentum Erin Wigham was very concerned when she saw the proposed change to the 51 bus timetable. The change to hourly from half-hourly was the source of her concern. Anyone who has used Stagecoach bus services will have experienced frequent cancellations and delays to their... Read more
20th March
We ask Heart and Home Property is now a good time to buy or sell your home?
Is this year a good time to buy or sell your home? As Spring is very much in the air, it’s traditionally the time that people get their homes ready to sell or set out to find a new home or both! We thought it would be a good idea to talk to property expert... Read more
13th March
Help re-instate the freedom to study abroad for all
European Movement need your support to reclaim the study opportunities in Europe Lend your voice to the campaign to be part of the Erasmus Programme Although promises were made that the Erasmus Programme would not be shelved , unfortunately students now find themselves unable to be part of this EU funded programme and they are... Read more
11th March
Channel 4 wants YOU! Are you or do you know an undiscovered brainbox, read on…
Channel 4 are on the hunt for an undiscovered brainbox Do you have an undiscovered brainbox in your family lurking on the sofa? Because if you do – Channel 4 is about to launch a major new competition format show to spotlight the country’s undiscovered brainboxes. It is estimated that there are thousands of people in the... Read more
19th February
County Council launch appeal to encourage people to become childminders
A NEW campaign encouraging people to consider becoming childminders has been launched by the county council. The ‘Do something big – work with small children’ campaign aims to highlight the benefits of childminding as a career. The campaign is supporting the Government’s ‘Be part of something big’ initiative to promote early years careers. Childminding can... Read more
18th February
Tough decisions ahead for East Sussex County Council as it attempts to balance the budget
THE USE of reserves and £13.5 million of savings could help deliver a balanced budget in a stark financial climate as East Sussex plans how it will spend £578.8 million on services in 2025/26. Proposals to balance budget to be presented next week Proposals for East Sussex County Council’s budget will be presented to Cabinet... Read more
23rd January
A simpler booking system for Flexibus available for journeys from Heathfield
Flexibus is the East Sussex On-Demand Bus Service FLEXIBUS, East Sussex’s on-demand bus service, is now even more flexible with the introduction of one single zone. Passengers can book Flexibus trips to any destination within a 14-mile radius of their pick-up point within the new zone, which covers 90 per cent of the county as... Read more
23rd August
Nus Ghani hangs in there and Huw Merriman quits. Here’s a rundown of everyone who is throwing their hats in the ring for 4 July General Election
A wide range of candidates to choose from Heathfield and the surrounding villages straddle two electroral seats – Bexhill & Battle and Sussex Weald (previously Wealden). Nus Ghani is standing for re-election in the newly formed Sussex Weald constituency (Crowborough, Heathfield and Hailsham) alongside nine other candidates. And now that Huw Merriman is not seeking... Read more
13th June
Now’s the time to return those overdue library books as the annual amnesty is announced
Have you held on to a book just that bit too long and never got around to returning it? Now you can hide your shame and return them penalty free until the end of March. RESIDENTS are being urged to check their homes for overdue books as East Sussex Library Service launches its annual amnesty.... Read more
15th February
National Apprenticeship Week – a good time for students and employers to think about the opportunities
APPRENTICESHIPS in East Sussex will be given a boost this week as East Sussex County Council supports National Apprenticeship Week, which runs from February 5 to February 11. National Apprenticeship WeekAs well as highlighting the national campaign, the county council is reminding small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) about the support available to assist with... Read more
8th February
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
Jayne Torvill makes a guest appearance at Young at Heart Community Club in Heathfield
Young at Heart Community Club, based in Heathfield were delighted to welcome Olympic gold medal winner – ice dancer Jayne Torvill OBE last Tuesday to talk to the children of All Saints’ & St Richard’s Church of England Primary School who were brilliant with their questions! Other activity on the day included cherryspringstudio who kindly... Read more
2nd October
Why men should think about a career in care – we spoke to Sue Fletcher from Oakdown House to find out more
We spoke to Sue Fletcher, Oakdown House – a care home for adults with challenging learning and physical disabilities, about the opportunities for male carers at Oakdown and their sister home Carricks Brook. She is keen to see more men coming into caring as she explained below: “Statistically there are a lot less men working... Read more
1st May
Wealden Works supports students at HCC for an Employability Workshop
On 9th March 2023 the Year 9 students from Heathfield Community College engaged in a number of workshops all centred around Employability Skills: Finance, Business, Oracy and Finance. In Finance students learnt about different salaries for different jobs, discussed what they thought of these salaries and whether they were fair and learnt about the tax... Read more
16th March
Healthy Walks are looking for new leaders so they can grow the Heathfield Group. Can you help?
Health Walks is a successful programme of walking for health benefits both mental & physical and it runs at lots of locations around the county including Heathfield. The group which runs on a Wednesdays is too big to take any new walkers, but they would like to run another one. Lorna Neville, Leader & Organiser,... Read more
2nd February
Don’t forget that Coronation weekend street parties need permission for any road closures
The Coronation of His Majesty The King will take place on the morning of Saturday May 6 and is set to be one of the most significant events of the year. The Coronation ceremony will see His Majesty King Charles III crowned alongside The Queen Consort, followed by a celebration concert held the following day... Read more
2nd February
Heathfield Youth Drama’s Oliver Jr racks up another success!
Last week the aspiring actors from the Heathfield Youth Drama Group put on their Christmas production of Oliver Jr. This classic take on the story of Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens, is very much a musical with the key elements of the much loved story incorporated in it. The sell out performance over four nights... Read more
7th December
A peek ‘behind the curtain’ at Wealden Crematorium
Next week there is the opportunity to ‘go behind the curtain’ at Wealden Crematorium. The public will be welcomed with an open day at the Wealden District Council-run facility on Wednesday 5th October between 11am-3pm. Opened in 2019, the crematorium in Horam is set within 30 acres of beautiful landscaped grounds surrounded by wildflower meadows... Read more
28th September
Flaming torches and fireworks marked the start of the Heathfield Jubilee celebrations.
Heathfield Jubilee celebrations 2022 It’s difficult to beat the drama of flaming torches and the lighting of a traditional beacon. Residents of Heathfield were treated to a wonderful Jubilee celebration last Thursday 2 June to mark the start of the Queen’s Jubilee long weekend. Heathfield & District Bonfire Society (HDBS) worked closely with Heathfield &... Read more
8th June
Oakdown House and Carricks Brook raise awareness of Learning Disability Awareness Week.
Every year in June Mencap organise ‘Learning Disability Awareness Week’. The week gives people the chance to find out more about what it means to live with a learning disability. Sadly, people with a learning disability are twice as likely to experience mental health problems due to many factors including discrimination and social isolation. By... Read more
30th May
Heathfield Community College unveils The Chris Gully Memorial
College unveils the Chris Gully Memorial As many people will be aware Chris Gully was a member of the Heathfield Community College for over 22 years and a much respected Head of Science. Many students passed through his classroom, many staff developed their career alongside him, many parents will also know him well, both as... Read more
26th May
Will this new apprenticeship scheme be real help for vulnerable residents?
People of all ages and situations have found the last two years extremely challenging. A time when, just not having a roof over your head was inconceivable, and our quality of life was defined 100% by our home environment. It is encouraging to see a new scheme that might tackle some of these challenges being... Read more
7th October
Lakedown taproom with sublime views opening in Burwash
Tucked away in an idyllic corner of Burwash lies the Lakedown Taproom. Housed in the fisherman’s lodge with views extending over the lakes you will find the perfect spot to enjoy a range of delicious ales from Lakedown Brewing Company, their microbrewery. There is space both indoors and out, and an online booking system to... Read more
24th August
Finding a job that works for parents
Having children is fantastic but sometimes it does feel as though having a family and a career is nearly impossible. The challenge of finding a job that works with being a parent can often seem insurmountable. The great thing about a career in care is that there are hundreds of avenues to follow. And from... Read more
17th August
Heathfield production company start filming in East Sussex locations for new TV short
Heathfield based production company Skooch Media has been popping up all over East Sussex whilst filming scenes for its new film ‘A Curious Tale’. A ghost story loosely based on an old english mystery novel about the finding of a Crown which in turn is protected by its supernatural guardian, William Hagar. Story synopsis Pete... Read more
22nd June
Last Call for entries to the Heathfield ‘virtual’ Show
Never too young to start having fun learning how to milk a cow Virtual Heathfield Show This major agricultural event in Heathfield has been one of the most visible casualties in the rural calendar. So this year, no worrying about the weather incase we are knee deep in mud or alternatively roasting in the open... Read more
24th May
Isenhurst Health and Fitness is open and welcoming members at Cross in Hand
It really has been quite a year for all leisure, gyms and health clubs, but with the doors to Cross in Hand Isenhurst Health Club now firmly back open, the teams are excited to be welcoming back members. Due to the Government’s latest Covid-19 guidelines, the gyms and swimming pools are open and operating, but... Read more
11th May
Joy at new freedoms for local care homes – Oakdown House and Carricks Brook
Everyone, everywhere is talking about ‘the end of lockdown’, this too is the topic of conversation at two local residential homes for adults with learning disabilities. The prospect of freedom and ‘normality’ is exciting but staff and residents of both Oakdown House and Carricks Brook are moving forward with caution, keeping everyone safe is still... Read more
29th April
