Community

New kiosk and conveniences get the go ahead on the Cuckoo Trail at Horam

Simulated view from the application to show view as approaching on Cuckoo Trail from Heathfield Direction New kiosk gets go ahead for construction on the old Horam station platform Today, 9 January 2025, at the Wealden Planning Committee South Meeting there was widespread support for the construction of this amenity. The application was made by... Read more

9th January

Ashdown Radio plans to bring Heathfield into their reach

Ashdown Radio plans expansion Many people are familiar with Ashdown Radio, but Heathfield residents don’t get a reliable reception for this popular local radio station. Ashdown Radio had hoped to increase the power at their Crowborough transmission site so it can be heard in Heathfield and surrounds back in 2023. However, it wasn’t viable (largely... Read more

8th January

Free numeracy courses that can really help those without GCSE Maths.

People aged 19 and over without a GCSE at grade C (or equivalent) in maths or who need to improve their maths skills are being reminded that innovative courses are available across the county until March 2025 to upskill maths knowledge. For many people not having maths GCSE can be a barrier to pursuing educational... Read more

19th December

Much loved Heathfield businesses announce closure

Changes for Cuckoo Hair and The Gentleman’s Club Barbers Cuckoo Hair has announced that the business will be closing. After much consideration and soul searching, the business owners Leanne and Alex have decided to close the doors of Cuckoo Hair and The Gentleman’s Club Barbers as you know it on Christmas eve. Leanne will continue... Read more

19th December

Orbit Homes to deliver 130 new affordable homes in East Sussex at Hellingly development

Orbit Homes to deliver 130 new affordable homes in East Sussex at Hellingly development Leading affordable housebuilder, Orbit Homes, is set to deliver 130 affordable homes in East Sussex as part of Swingate Park in Hellingly, Hailsham. Delivered in partnership with Taylor Wimpey, the development on New Road will include 26 Shared Ownership properties and... Read more

5th December

Melina Joy Opticians and guests bid farewell to its eponymous founder

Melina Joy Opticians has been in Heathfield High Street since the spring of 1992 and has developed into the excellent, professional practice that it is today over the last 32 years.  Melina owned the company solely for the first sixteen years after which David, Catriona and Shirley became shareholders and then Directors in 2015.  With... Read more

5th December

Support your High Street this Small Business Saturday

WIN A LUXURY CHRISTMAS HAMPER FROM CUCULO (WORTH £100) Celebrate Small Business Saturday this Saturday 7 December. Enjoy a day browsing the shops and pop into one of the many cafes/eateries for a coffee or glass of something and a bite to eat. All you need to do is… SHOP in Heathfield on Saturday 7th... Read more

5th December

Heathfield students excel in CREST science awards

British Science Association’s CREST Scheme inspires Heathfield’s young scientists Twenty three students recently received their certificates showing they completed their CREST award last year.  Twenty of them completed the Bronze award, a STEM project that requires at least 10 hours of work. They did fantastically well to complete this with projects on – building a... Read more

28th November

Radiant Facial Rejuvenation aesthetics clinic celebrates recent win

Award winning for 2024 Karen Kelly owner & practitioner, is celebrating a recent win at the Health Care Beauty Business Awards UK where she took the crown for Patient Satisfaction 2024. She has also been a finalist for the following as well this year: Finalist ‘Best for Aesthetics’ in East Sussex 2024 Finalist ‘Best Aesthetic... Read more

21st November

Buy a whole fresh turkey and curry the leftovers after Christmas

JR Sheffield in Vines Cross, near Heathfield, has collaborated with BoOm Kitchen this year by giving away curry kits and encouraging people to make delicious turkey curries with their leftovers. The kits will also be available in the barn on turkey collection days. BoOm kitchen is the Sheffield family’s ‘go to’ curry kit and the... Read more

20th November

Heathfield students lobby Downing Street for change on behalf of young people

Heathfield students lobby for change in Downing Street Heathfield Community College has been very proud of a project it has been involved with for the past year which has the potential to make some real improvement in the lives of young people all over the country. Ten students from across older year groups have been... Read more

7th November

Antonio from Melina Joy Opticians discusses the importance of ‘Aural Health’

Melina Joy Opticians has been offering a hearing service to their clients for some time now. The resident audiologist, Antonio Vas Falcao, is sharing in this article the importance of ‘’Aural health’’ and the importance of early detection and intervention of hearing loss. People often fail to appreciate how much they rely on their hearing.... Read more

7th November

500 members and growing for new road safety group

A new social media group has been set up to try and improve safety on the A267 between Mayfield and Horam. To date the Facebook page, A267 – Road Safety Group has more than 500 members and the list is growing fast. It was started following the fatal crash on October 1 near the junction... Read more

25th October

Heathfield Community College raises funds for mental health

The whole College community came together on Friday 18 October for their inaugural Sponsored Walk and Run. Students from all year groups ran and walked the route joined by both teaching and support staff; Radio Heathfield provided a musical backdrop as students departed and returned to the College site and VI formers generously gave their... Read more

24th October

Heathfield Bonfire success in pictures

Thank you to the HDBS for the pictures which bring alive the flavour of ‘Bonfire’. This Sussex tradition is now celebrated in Heathfield alonside other societies across the Bonfire Season, and is a tribute to the dedication of all invoved. By all accounts it was a great night with a busy High Street, procession and... Read more

17th October

Chailey Heritage Foundation thanks Heathfield man and his team after an incredible fundraising success

A while back we were delighted to highlight the amazing fundraiser staged by Matt and his dedicated group of friends. The initial targets were smashed and in the end over 45k was raised – and The Heathfield News readers made generous donations too. The Chailey Heritage Foundation has now staged a very special Victory Parade... Read more

17th October

Hospice in the Weald is celebrating the vital role of charity shops during Hospice Care Week

Celebrating the vital role of charity shops this Hospice Care Week Hospice in the Weald is celebrating the vital role of its charity shops during Hospice Care Week 2024. The national campaign, from 7th -13th October, this year focuses on the contribution charity shops make to funding hospice services. Hospice in the Weald, which provides... Read more

10th October

Bonfire is back in Heathfield on Saturday 12 October

HDBS Bonfire Event 2024 – Saturday 12th October Heathfield & District Bonfire Society will be staging this year’s Heathfield Bonfire Night on Saturday 12th October! Taking to the streets with its spectacular torchlit procession, bringing together the local community and bonfire friends for a night of celebration.For all informtion about timings and closures go to: http://www.heathfieldbonfiresociety.co.uk/event-info/ Here... Read more

3rd October

Sandhurst beckons for scholarship award winning Heathfield student Daisy Pietroni

Heathfield Community College has received the fantastic news that Daisy Pietroni (Year 13) has been awarded an Army Officer sixth form scholarship. This means she has been recognised as possessing exceptional leadership potential and following her studies has secured a place to train as an Army officer at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. This prestigious award... Read more

25th September

Issues at Risingholme Court to be tackled by Sussex Weald MP Nusrat Ghani

Nusrat Ghani, MP for Sussex Weald, has convened a meeting with the property management company FirstPort regarding Risingholme Court in Heathfield. Risingholme Court residents have long suffered from poor service, high services charges of £8000 + p.a and thousands of pounds have been wiped off the value of their properties. A typical apartment bought for... Read more

10th September

Stellar success for Matt and his intrepid mates as they raise over 35k for Chailey Heritage Foundation

Success for Matt and his mates as they complete the Three Peaks Challenge We are delighted to report that the courageous Heathfield dad, Matt Vince and 12 of his mates have completed their gruelling Three Peaks Challenge to raise more than £35,000 for the Sussex charity which cared for his young daughter. Matt Vince, 33, said... Read more

29th August

Man arrested after reported indecent exposure on the Cuckoo Trail

Suspect arrested over indecent exposure incident The Cuckoo Trail is a popular 14 mile walking and cycling trail that runs though East Sussex on the old railway line and includes Heathfield, Horam, Hellingly and on towards Eastbourne. Last week there was a concerning report on social media from a female jogger of an incident when... Read more

27th August

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

Le Marché anglo-french market is back this 26 August Bank Holiday Monday

Bank Holiday Monday 26 August 2024 Heathfield’s famous anglo-french market is taking place on August Bank Holiday Monday – as it has done for the past 27 years – it is the longest running market of its kind in the whole of the South East. FREE entertainment, FREE park & ride and FREE programme of... Read more

22nd August

Local man, who has never climbed a mountain, takes on the Three Peaks Challenge to raise funds for Chailey Heritage.

MATT Vince is one amazing man…Last year, he raised a staggering £25,000 for Chailey Heritage Foundation by running the Brighton Marathon in memory of his daughter, Luna-Rose. She sadly died in her sleep in October 2022 aged just three, having been born with a rare genetic condition. Matt, 33, from Heathfield, said: “Chailey Heritage Foundation... Read more

13th August

Fresh shopfront artwork brightens up Heathfield High Street

Heathfield is lucky to have a host of independent retailers, cafés and services all located on the vibrant High Street and Station Road. The town still has butchers, a greengrocer, an Italian speciality cheesemonger & wine merchant, a shoe shop, a homewares store, ladies clothes shops, a jewellers, a healthfood shop, a drycleaners,a selection of... Read more

13th August

New funding for enhancement of green spaces in Wealden

Community Spaces Grants Programme helps to fund improvements at local rural green spaces within the district Sometimes a little goes a long way. It’s always worth applying for grants as the recent benefactors of funding from Wealden District Council’s Community Spaces Grants programme have discovered. Seven projects have been allocated support towards initiatives to help... Read more

31st July

Heathfield Vets voices concern over latest stray dog policy

Concern over new council stray dog policy A change in policy means that members of the public can no longer take stray dogs to their local vets and have the vet notify the council to arrange collection via Animal Warden Ltd. Anyone finding a stray dog is now responsible for contacting the Animal Wardens Ltd... Read more

5th June

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

Melina Joy announces taking a back seat and moving on to pastures new!

After 33 years as founder and Managing Director of Melina Joy Opticians, Melina will be transitioning to pastures new next spring, April 2025. Melina opened the doors of the practice 31st March 1992 and started a brand-new business. There wasn’t an Opticians on the site previously and there were no previous records brought from another... Read more

30th May

The Heathfield show is back, this Saturday enjoy a packed day of competitions, stalls & stands and entertainment.

The Heathfield Show prides itself on the variety of entertainment on offer to visitors on Show Day This year’s Heathfield Show will again be supported by a host of sponsors LISTED HERE including Lightning Fibre who will be supplying the wi-fi for a second year. The show is a huge community effort with many volunteers... Read more

23rd May

Demolition makes way for state-of-the-art youth hub

A new, purpose-built, accessible and energy efficient youth centre has moved a step closer to becoming a reality with the demolition of the original Heathfield facility. The demolition will make way for a spacious, two-storey youth centre on the High Street that will serve the needs of the community for years to come. The scheme... Read more

23rd May

Oakfield Estate Agents announce take over of Rowland Gorringe

Oakfield Estate Agents has acquired independent local operator Rowland Gorringe. And, with immediate effect, it will be taking over the company’s offices in Lewes, Uckfield and Heathfield. All three locations are in East Sussex, where Oakfield has had a presence since the mid-1990s. It runs branches across Hastings, Eastbourne and Bexhill-on-Sea, having started off with just one small site in Hastings, established by... Read more

20th May

Cycle repair stations on Cuckoo Trail replaced by council

Cycle tools recently stolen from along the Cuckoo Trail, on the outskirts of Heathfield, have been replaced by Wealden District Council. Two new bike repair stations, consisting of giant air pumps and a stand with a series of tools including tyre levers, screw drivers and allen keys, were recently installed in the Polegate and Heathfield... Read more

16th May

The Green Party takes its turn for the leadership of Wealden District Council

Following on from last year’s defeat of the long standing Conservative majority control of Wealden Council, Rachel Millward, Green Party Councillor for Hartfield ward, takes over from Liberal Democrat James Partridge to be the first Green Party leader of Wealden District Council, Sussex. This is in line with the agreement made when they formed The Alliance for Wealden last year.... Read more

15th May

Heathfield’s shopping loyalty scheme goes from strength to strength

Have you got your Think Heathfield loyalty card, or if you are a trader have you signed up to the scheme? Heathfield is known for the variety of independent retailers and services on offer in the High St and surrounding streets, but without local support business can find it hard. With this in mind the... Read more

14th May

Heathfield students excel in the International Chemistry Olympiad

“The competition is the 56th International Chemistry Olympiad 2024, UK Round 1. “I open the competition to all year 13 A level chemistry students, but only recommend students who are grade A/A* standard due to the challenging nature of the competition. Especially as the competition date falls when the students are studying for/sitting mock exams... Read more

9th May

Radiant clinic expands to offer new treatments

When Karen opened Radiant Facial Rejuvenation Skin Clinic in Heathfield last year she was also able to bring together a group of talented practitioners specialising in a range of aesthetic treatments. This week we are going to introduce Rosanna Zeitlin a permanent make-up specialist. She can help create an effortless look which minimises the use... Read more

2nd May

Ginny finishes first marathon in memory of grandson George

A Heathfield grandmother whose grandson was stillborn has raised thousands of pounds to help other grieving families by running her first marathon. Ginny Ryan, 47, was determined to raise the £2,800 to pay for a Abi Cooling cot following the death or her grandson George on 20th February 2023. She made and sold lots of... Read more

25th April

Free outdoor arts programme comes to Heathfield this Saturday 27 April

Streets of Heathfield, Heathfield Streets of Wealden returns for another year with a variety of artists and performances, coming to Heathfield High Street throughout April and May! The events will take place in Heathfield and Hailsham and Uckfield on the last two Saturdays in April and May from 11.20-2.30 in the centre of town.. There... Read more

25th April

Cranwell reaches special milestone

Steve Palmer, Founder of Cranwell Wealth Solutions in Heathfield reflects on 10 years of being in business. “For 10 years we’ve been privileged to be by the side of our much-valued clients, often in the moments that matter most to them. “As we reached our 10-year anniversary it has been fascinating to look back over... Read more

25th April

Don’t miss tomorrow’s planning event in Heathfield

Heathfield residents have the chance of a face to face meeting about the Wealden Draft Plan tomorrow at Heathfield Community Centre in Sheepsetting Lane between 2pm and 8pm. The event is part of an eight-week public consultation that started on March 2024 regarding the recently agreed Wealden Draft Local Plan. The Draft Local Plan Regulation... Read more

16th April

White Feather Funerals invites you to an open day to experience its unique and caring approach

White Feather Funerals is an independent female led Funeral Home in the heart of Heathfield. It offers a truly personal service at what is usually an emotional and very difficult time, with one point of contact from the moment you call, to the day of the funeral and beyond. White Feather Funerals enables what is... Read more

9th April

Learn more about hospice care on a visit to Hospice in the Weald, Five Ashes near Heathfield at the Open Day 21 March

‘Cottage Hospice’ Open Day Anyone interested in what goes on in a hospice are being invited to discover what happens at Hospice in the Weald’s ‘Cottage Hospice’ in Five Ashes near Heathfield. It might be that you are considering options for yourself or a loved one and just getting more informed could help you make... Read more

7th March

Lightning Fibre confirm change of ownership as services continue as before

New ownership announced There have been some suggestions that Lightning Fibre is having financial difficulties but this recent statement confirms they remain trading and committed to bringing full fibre to the South East. They have already built up a good customer base in Eastbourne, Heathfield, Broad Oak, Hastings and St Leonards and will continue to... Read more

1st March

Heathfield Community College students go in search of history!

Heathfield Community College’s History A Level students recently had the opportunity to develop their historical knowledge and skills on the English Civil War in a trip to the National Army Museum and The National Archives in London. The Students were able to see armour and artefacts relating to the Civil War, including the armour and... Read more

29th February

Golfing fundraiser for St Wilfred’s Hospice announced by PRG and 4GOLF

PRG Marketing Communications and 4GOLF will be swinging into action this March to support the St Wilfrid’s Hospice 50:50 Challenge. St Wilfrid’s Hospice offers end of life care to the people of East Sussex including Heathfield. On Thursday 21st March, PRG’s amateur golfer, Ashley Chapman, and 4GOLF’s resident pro golfer, Mark Packard, will be taking on... Read more

22nd February

Are you passionate about rural crafts and the ways of the countryside?

The Country Ways area of the Heathfield Show showcases heritage crafts by local craftsmen and women who display centuries-old skills associated with the countryside. The Heathfield Show organisers are looking for a focused, committed volunteer with a keen interest in heritage crafts to assist them with this interesting, educational and vital section of the Show.... Read more

21st February

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

New president announced for The Heathfield Show and trade stand reservations are now open

A new president for The Heathfield Show was announced in December and January sees the opening of the booking window for trade stands. A new Show President for the Heathfield Show The Marquess of Abergavenny lives at Eridge Park, near Tunbridge Wells with his wife and daughter.Eridge is a fully diverse estate including offices, shops... Read more

18th January