Community

Local employer Carricks Brook & Oakdown House offer positive support for staff experiencing the menopause

Oakdown House and Carricks Brook invest lots of resources into their staff team – they appreciate their staff are at the centre of providing great support, so it’s important that they look after them. Both carehomes get really great feedback from their teams and use this to further improve what they offer, so that the... Read more

17th October

Little Brooke Cattery in Heathfield closes

The Little Brooke Cattery in Heathfield has closed its doors. After years of frustrating delays with their planning application the owner Mandy Papps has reached a brick wall with the licensing department as planning is needed before the licence can be granted. So they have had to close. Mandy Papps, Little Brooke Cattery owner commented:... Read more

11th October

DofE Award thrives at Heathfield Community College as students go for Gold!

The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme is thriving at Heathfield Community College with large numbers signing up for Bronze and a high rate of completion through to Silver and Gold. Ms Barlow said: “Thanks to the hard work and commitment of a range of staff, as well as the support of their parents and the... Read more

11th October

Heathfield & Firs Surgery in crisis

The Heathfield & Firs Surgery has announced in a Facebook Post that it will no longer be taking on new patients and that from 3 October 2022 there will be no new patient registrations. This will be in place for at least a year. They also announced that they will be closed on Wednesdays in... Read more

5th October

Affordable homes form part of the new developments off the Burwash Road and Newick Lane.

One of the largest developments currently underway in Heathfield is the area being developed on the left hand side as you leave Heathfield in the direction of Broad Oak. The land being developed stretches down Newick Lane. Properties for private sale are available on Rightmove starting at around £500k up to well over a million.... Read more

28th September

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

Heathfield’s Banksy of crochet art is unmasked.

Mystery of crochet ‘Queen’ is solved. Throughout the past year the people of Heathfield have enjoyed the monthly surprise of creatively decorated post boxes. These adornments have featured Le Marche, Ukraine, Queen’s Jubilee and now her death. Often quirky and humourous the anonymous creator has worked in total secrecy to install the toppers during the... Read more

15th September

Protecting your business from the unexpected

Most people will insure what they consider to be the essentials, their car, their phone, their holiday, their home. However, surprisingly few business owners will apply the same logic to their company and fail to take out the protections necessary to guard against the worst happening. Stephen Palmer of Cranwell Wealth Solutions discusses the right... Read more

16th August

Full Fibre Broadband reaches more homes in Heathfield as Lightning Fibre launches their local network for over 5000 homes and businesses.

Local, independent Full Fibre network builder, operator and ISP Lightning Fibre Limited has launched its hotly anticipated, symmetric full fibre network across Heathfield for 5,000 more homes and businesses. Wealden Cabinet member for economic development, Councillor Roy Galley, cut the ribbon on the new powered cabinet on Station Road, and commented that “Rural areas have... Read more

29th July

Could you be jeopardising your financial goals with a short-term focus?

Short-termism is something that’s hard-wired into our DNA, and we can be constantly guilty of it, in many areas of our lives. This was perfectly demonstrated back in the early 1970s with The Stanford Marshmallow Experiment which involved placing subjects – children aged 3-5 – alone in a room and presenting them with a simple... Read more

26th July

Heathfield College celebrates pupils with an Honours Awards Evening

For the first time in three years, Heathfield Community College was able to host in person the Honours Awards Evening which celebrates the achievements of the students across the College over the course of the academic year. Parents/Carers and families mixed over refreshments to the sound of students musical performances at the start of the... Read more

21st July

Improvements planned for Cuckoo Trail

A new, three-year strategy has been adopted for the Cuckoo Trail and outlines a number of exciting proposals for the 11-mile long stretch between Polegate and Heathfield. Improvements will look to make more of the trail’s railway heritage, develop hubs along the trail, use it as a cycling ‘spine’ route, repair and renew the trail’s... Read more

14th July

Heathfield law firm receives glowing feedback in assessment

The team at Hughes Solicitors has received exceptional feedback after the firm’s annual reassessment for the Lexcel Practice Management Standard accreditation, a legal practice quality mark awarded by The Law Society for outstanding client care, compliance and practice management. After the assessor had completed their assessment at the offices in Heathfield, they commented: ‘Lexcel continues... Read more

7th July

Heathfield student wins Sussex Public Speaking Competition

Heathfield Community College was represented at the Old Market in Brighton on Wednesday 29 June for the Speakers Trust Sussex Speak Out final, a regional Public Speaking Competition held by the national recognised charity working with young people to become “effective communicators and to use their voices to effect change” . Hivda Aydogan and Adam... Read more

2nd July

A new look is coming soon for Melina Joy Opticians

Melina Joy Opticians was established in 1992.  In this time, it has undergone quite a few changes, the practice has increased in services and staff enormously and has also undergone a few refurbishments.  The last one was, believe it or not, 10 years ago in 2012. And they are at it again!  They like to... Read more

30th June

Melina Joy Opticians launches the new, revolutionary Adlens system.

Have you ever craved a pair of glasses that can allow you to effortlessly switch between three different focal zones? If the answer is yes then Adlens could be the breakthough in eyewear you have been seeking. Melina, Founder of Melina Joy Opticians, describes them as a “gamechanger, they are working very well in practice... Read more

9th June

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

Heathfield Students ponder the eternal question ‘How can Boris Johnson be our Prime Minister?’

Heathfield Community College Year 10 students, who have applied to be prefects, attended an all day workshop to grow their public speaking skills. The workshop was led by Janie Shepherd from @SpeakersTrust www.speakerstrust.org A large group enjoyed training and input and by the end ALL of them gave a short, self-penned speech to the rest... Read more

12th May

Heathfield students aim for the stars in a Gallactic Challenge.

Galactic Challenge Champions On Saturday 23 April, 12 Year 8 Heathfield Community College students took part in the UK Space Design Competition Galactic Challenge held at Bede’s Senior School, Upper Dicker, East Sussex.  The students had an exciting day working as part of a dynamic team creating a proposal for the design, development and construction... Read more

27th April

Win a family ticket to the Heathfield Agricultural Show (28th May 2022)

Here’s your chance to with a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) worth £34 for this year’s Heathfield Agricultural Show. All you have to do is email suzi@theheathfieldnews.co.uk and say what you are most looking forward to at this year’s event. Or you can comment on the post about the competition on our Facebook page. Closing... Read more

26th April

Lightning Fibre sponsors the Heathfield Agricultural Show 2022, and extends Full Fibre network to Broad Oak.

Local broadband provider Lightning Fibre is proud to take over the Heathfield Show Hedgerow board signage sponsorship which has, for the past two decades, been sponsored by Freeman Forman Estate Agents. Lightning Fibre have also agreed, as part of their new partnership, to connect their Full Fibre broadband network to the Showground, delivering up to... Read more

13th April

75th anniversary prize of £500 for Champion of Champions at Heathfield Agricultural Show

The Heathfield Agricultural Show is back! It has a new look and lots planned to celebrate the 75th anniversary this year. The new logo was designed by Dani McTurk of Apatite Design, winner of the Heathfield Agricultural Show Logo Design Competition. She beat 15 other entrants to be selected and the show organisers are now... Read more

7th April

Local businesses support Heathfield students through a mentoring scheme

Local businesses give valuable support for a student mentoring scheme Heathfield Community College believes that when it comes to careers every child’s aspiration and destination should be valued. Whether they choose to pursue university, apprenticeship, employment or further training, one of the best ways to understand a role or an industry is to speak to... Read more

6th April

The importance of setting and planning your personal goals

Stephen Palmer of Cranwell Wealth Solutions discusses setting your personal goals and how to achieve them. What do you see when you think of your future? Will you be living in East Sussex or the Seychelles? Will you retire early or run a thriving business? Having clear goals in your head is one thing, visualising... Read more

16th March

Awards for Heathfield Youth Drama Group

There was much success for the Heathfield Youth Drama group at last month’s Southern Counties Drama Festival held at the Barn Theatre Oxted Surrey. The Group performed Gosforths Fete by Alan Ayckbourn, extracts from Bouncers by John Godber, Shakers by John Godber  Jane Thornton and Arabian Nights by Dominic Cooke. There were 14 teams involved and a... Read more

15th March

Wealden Talking News free service for the visually impaired.

Huw Merriman, local MP visits the Wealden Talking News studio. Local MP, Huw Merriman, visited the Wealden Talking News studio to support the charity’s efforts to bounce back from the loss of listeners caused by the pandemic. Mr Merriman, accompanied by former Wealden District Council Chair, Cllr Pam Doodes, toured the studio and later contributed... Read more

8th March

Melina Joy Opticians celebrates its 30th Anniversary in Heathfield

“Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you…” Spring is on its way! At Last! And Melina Joy Opticians celebrates its 30th anniversary this month! Melina set the practice up in 1992 with just the support of her business partner Tom and his wife, Jackie. Several refurbs, additions and changes later, they are now a... Read more

3rd March

Newly rebranded Ashdown Radio has extended and improved its reach to Heathfield and Cross in Hand.

Uckfield FM is rebranding as Ashdown Radio and its reach is extended to better reception in Heathfield and Cross in Hand. Recently the radio station’s project to bring its programmes to the people of Crowborough and to those living in the surrounding area, has been completed and its broadcasts can now be heard loud and... Read more

24th February

Use it or lose it: How tax allowances can help future-proof the finances of those in their 20s and 30s

Stephen Palmer of Cranwell Wealth Solutions reviews how to make the best of your tax allowances. When you’re setting goals for the future, it can be hard to find a path from where you are now to where you want to be, but the biggest steps taken in life often begin with small steps in... Read more

16th February

Shop well at Heathfield & Waldron markets

Shop Well at Heathfield & Waldron Markets Over the past year, farmers’ markets and antique/craft fairs have grown in popularity across Wealden as people re-discover this timeless way of shopping.   Here, we are fortunate to have two local markets: Heathfield Farmers’ Market on the third Saturday of every month; and Waldron Community Market on... Read more

15th February

Heathfield & District School Pastors set to benefit from Wealden grant.

Almost £300,000 in community grants and funding has been approved by Wealden District Council this week. Organisations set to benefit from a share of £20,000 in funding through the council’s Small Grants Award for 2022/23 include Heathfield & District School Pastors, Coleman’s Hatch Cricket Club, Frant Parish Friendship Group Speakers, Hailsham Horticultural Society, Crowborough Community... Read more

10th February

Love Heathfield – all you need for Valentine’s on the High Street

All you need for Valentine’s on the High Street. A host of Valentine’s Ideas for gifts and dining Heathfield town centre is brimming with independent shops offering a wide range of goods and services. When it comes to Valentine’s Day gift ideas you need look no further. We have trawled the shops to find our... Read more

2nd February

Bringing Spanish language and culture alive at Heathfield Community College

Heathfield Community College students have been bringing Spanish language and culture alive. Following in the footsteps of the successful Wider Curriculum Day that was offered to French students in November, the Year 8 Spanish Language and Culture Day continued this journey on Friday, 21st January, providing a similarly exciting and valuable experience for our Spanish... Read more

1st February

Heathfield High Street development voted on at today’s planning meeting.

Outline planning permission for the development WD/2018/1083/MAO, which would include ten flats and twelve retail units on the site of 14-30 High Street, Heathfield, East Sussex, was the first item on the agenda at today’s Wealden Planning Committee Meeting. The proposed development was hotly debated by the local councillors in attendence, as they sought reassurances... Read more

12th January

Trader plans to fight for right to stay

After 36 years of trading in Heathfield High Street the owner of the Sapphire Star (formerly Mr India) says he is very upset at the prospect of having to close his business. Mr Hena Akther Chawdhury says traders face losing their businesses and customers but hopes that his 20 year lease will give him the... Read more

6th January

Heathfield woman wins Mentor of the Year at the Sussex Apprenticeship Awards 2021

Horizontal rain and all that a coastal town can throw at you in the bad weather department, did not dint the enthusiasm of apprentices, businesses and training providers at this year’s 2021 Sussex Apprenticeship Awards. The Brighton Hilton Metropole was the setting for the awards dinner and ceremony. The awards were created to recognize the... Read more

14th December

‘Santa needs you’-AR trail game comes to Heathfield.

This December-have fun with your kids tracking down the Heathfield Christmas Trail. This Christmas, local families will be able to track down Christmas themed animals in ‘Santa needs you’ an augmented reality trail game running in Heathfield now. Participation is free and a perfect way to get some exercise, occupy the kids and explore our... Read more

2nd December

Increased support for Heathfield Farmers’Market and others in Wealden.

Heathfield Farmers’ Market goes from strength to strength. Over the past year, Wealden farmers’ markets and craft fairs have grown in popularity as people rediscover this way of shopping amid the pandemic – and stallholders and councillors are hoping it’s a trend that will continue. In Heathfield we are lucky to have a thriving market,... Read more

30th November

All you need to know about ethical vitamins.

Our health is top of mind for many of us, and keeping healthy in the Winter months has taken on a whole new significance in light of the pandemic. Supplements and healthy eating are two ways to look after your welbeing. When it comes to vitamins they are not all created equal. This informative chart... Read more

25th November

Don’t bin it – repair it instead!

This way you’ll save money and help the environment by reducing landfill and unnecessary replacement costs and airmiles for new products. All repairs are carried out for free by our experts many of whom make a living from their skills and yet give up their time to help the community. Donations are welcome. They are important... Read more

18th November

Live Theatre is Back at Heathfield!

Live theatre is back on stage at Heathfield Community College This week after two long years the students at Heathfield Community College were so glad to finally be back on the stage. MTI’s All Together Now gave the school the chance to be part of a global event with over 5,000 performances produced by 2,500... Read more

18th November

Sophia (7), winner of the Parish Council competition, will switch on the Heathfield lights this Friday 19 November 2021

Winning entry to the Parish Council’s colouring competition The winner of the Parish Council’s colouring competition is Sophia Eyles (age 7), the two runners up were Mia Jeremy and George Alexander, a big well done to all the children who took part in the competition. Sophia will be switching on the Heathfield lights this Friday... Read more

17th November

Live streaming brings the First World War alive for Heathfield Community College students.

A week of Remembrance at Heathfield Community College This week to commemorate Remembrance Day 2021, students at Heathfield Community College took take part in workshops provided by the National Archives on Monday 8th November. Live-streaming brings World War One Alive for Healthfield Community College Students The one-hour workshop took place during the school day with a... Read more

11th November

Wealden’s High Streets flourish as people shop locally

High streets across Wealden market towns and villages are bucking national trends and recovering well from the pandemic, say local experts. With larger towns and cities continuing to struggle with reduced footfall and empty premises, Wealden’s smaller market towns and villages such as Uckfield, Heathfield and Mayfield have benefited from the strong support of their... Read more

27th October

Success for Heathfield Community College, as named – Apple Distinguished School

Heathfield Community College has been recognised as an Apple Distinguished School for 2021–2024 for its continued approach to evidence informed use of technology within learning that supports students and teachers to develop innovative, creative and personalised learning experiences. Apple Distinguished Schools are centres of innovation, leadership, and educational excellence. They use Apple technology to connect... Read more

12th October

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

What is the new Health and Social Care Tax?

As many are aware the government recently announced an extra tax to fund social care in England and help the NHS recover after the pandemic. This will be funded by employees, employers and the self-employed all paying 1.25p more in the pound for National Insurance (NI) from April 2022. But from April 2023, National Insurance... Read more

17th September

CCTV installed at Tower Recreation Ground in Heathfield

After many months of complaints – Heathfield & Waldron Parish Council have listened to residents’ concerns over anti-social behaviour at the Tower Rec in Heathfield and have installed CCTV to help alleviate the problems.  The pictures will feed direct to the police at their monitoring room in Lewes.  Following the council’s request the police are... Read more

14th September