Community

Heathfield students out in force at Brighton Marathon

Sunday’s Brighton Marathon saw Heathfield students up bright and early this weekend. 40 students and 4 staff spent the day volunteering at the 2021 Brighton Marathon, running the water station at Mile 10.5. Students worked hard stacking and filling over 8000 cups as well as providing consistent encouragement and motivation to runners over five hours... Read more

13th September

Logo design competition for The Heathfield Show

The pandemic resulted in two years of the Heathfield Show being lost. But 2022 will see this hugely popular show bounce back – bigger and better, ready to celebrate its 75th anniversary. The Show Council have not been inactive during the past two years of cancelled shows. They have ploughed ahead in moving the Show... Read more

13th September

August Bank Holiday events welcome record crowds

East Sussex residents were spoilt for choice over the end of August Bank Holiday weekend with three amazing events to choose from – Le Marche in Heathfield, The Festival of Transport in Hellingly and the Medieval Festival at Herstmonceux. Organisers were relieved that the events could go ahead this year after all of them had... Read more

9th September

Flooding nightmare continues for Heathfield residents

The residents of Wren Close, Heathfield, are now living with the buzz of dehumidifiers five weeks on from their homes being devastated on 25th July. Meanwhile an investigation into the cause of flooding in Heathfield following the heavy rain has been launched. As part of its duty under the Flood and Water Management Act, East... Read more

2nd September

Need help with your will and estate planning? Keyte Legal can help.

Will writing and estate planning are sensitive areas of the law and require careful handling. A specialist company established in this area is Keyte Legal – located in Heathfield, it is a family run and female led business headed up by MD Eloise Keyte. The business is just over two years old and has gone... Read more

25th 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 Community College ‘A’ Level exam success

Students collecting A Level results this year experienced their Sixth Form studies in undeniably unprecedented circumstances, including three national lockdowns. For the second year running, Heathfield Community College students had exams were cancelled, final grades were instead based on assessments by teachers following guidance from exam boards. Despite this students are celebrating excellent ‘A’ Level... Read more

11th August

Highways team steps in to reduce flood risk

HIGHWAYS teams came to the rescue to help prevent homes from further flooding after efforts to trace the owner of a blocked culvert stalled. Homes in Wren Close, Heathfield were flooded after torrential downpours on Sunday, July 25, with fire crews having to be called in to help. Checks carried out by East Sussex Highways... Read more

29th July

When do you need a financial adviser?

Financial advice is something we all need at one point or another, but are we really using the advice of financial experts to the full? With today’s complex family set ups, the huge rise in small businesses entrepreneurs and the longer life expectancy many of us enjoy, the role of a financial planner has become... Read more

19th July

Death announced of well-known Heathfield GP

It is with great sadness that the family of Dr Kenneth Chambler known as Bop by the family announces his passing after a brief illness, on June 2nd, 2021 at the age of 93. Bop passed away peacefully at hospital in Eastbourne, East Sussex, UK and will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 68... Read more

15th July

Wildflowers bloom alongside East Sussex roads

Roadsides across the county are bursting with colour following an increase in the number of designated wildlife verges which include sites Heathfield, Burwash and Brightling. Thirty-six new wildlife verges have been declared by East Sussex Highways over the last year, protecting a further 37 miles of natural habitat and providing a haven for wildflowers and... Read more

14th July

A good friend, kind and trustworthy – New research reveals how Brits in the Southeast would like to be remembered

The last year has been a difficult one for all of us, with the changing world brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic encouraging many of us to reassess our own personal circumstances and change our outlook on life. New research released by CPJ Field – the UK’s oldest funeral directors and 10th generation family run business... Read more

24th June

Heathfield traders on alert after shoplifter spotted

Yesterday , June 23 on Heathfield High Street, East Sussex – a member of staff at Trading4U became suspicious when the shop detection system went off as a customer left the store. The quick witted Asssitant Manager, David Katt approached the woman and asked her if she might have a security tagged item in her... Read more

24th June

Public speaking is a big hit at Heathfield Community College

Many adults find public speaking a challenging prospect. School age pupils even more so. To help give students valuable experience the school organised for Speakers For Schools to lead a day long workshop. It was hoped that this would scaffold Year 10 students’ response to public speaking into preparing and presenting in front of their... Read more

23rd June

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

Heathfield business fairs well after opening its high street doors just weeks before the first national lockdown in March 2020

Cranwell Wealth Solutions is a financial planning practice with branches in Heathfield and Uckfield. What makes them different is while many businesses are moving online and away from our high streets, Cranwell has a passion for investing in retail space along our much-valued high streets. This not only provides a convenient place to welcome clients,... Read more

16th June

Melina Joy Opticians is changing the way it does things

Melina Joy Opticians, on Heathfield High Street, opened their doors in 1992 – at the core of the practice there has always been exceptional patient care and it remains so to this day. It has continued to invest heavily in the very best equipment and has three outstanding consulting rooms with the latest technology including... Read more

16th June

Vaccinations opened up to 23 year olds amid fears of a surge of cases in Wealden.

In the latest figures published yesterday it notes that there were 64 new COVID-19 cases reported in East Sussex in the latest available 7-day period as published by GOV.UK on Sunday 13 June 2021 at 4pm. That’s up from 46 when last reported. Numbers are increasing Area Rate per 100,000 population East Sussex 12 South... Read more

14th June

Heathfield Youth Drama are back with a splash!

Heathfield Youth Drama Group making a splash After months of drama by Zoom Heathfield Youth Drama are now properly back in action. You can only begin to imagine how challenging socially distanced remote theatre was for the tutors and young actors. Desperate to get back out there performing. The club’s first production, since Covid struck, is Aladdin which will be on stage, outside at the... Read more

10th June

Your chance to win some food for your pet

Here’s your chance to win either a bag of quality cat food or a bag of quality dog food from The Pet Food Shop Heathfield. The cat food is worth £35.00 and the dog food is worth £27.50. All you have to do is like and share the post about the competion on The Heathfield News... Read more

8th June

Four Hundred and Forty One…

We hear from Independent Candidate Kevin Benton who took part in the District Council By-election on 6th May 2021 441 is a number that will for ever be embedded in my mind, it is the number of voters who had trustand voted for me in the ward of Heathfield South in May this year.I extend... Read more

3rd June

Rotary Club treats families to the ‘big top’

Everyone loves the Circus, especially children. When John Lawson’s Circus arrived at Hellingly recently, the members of Heathfield & Waldron Rotary Club decided that after such a difficult year it would be good to treat children and carers to a visit. It was hoped to bring some light relief to some of those most disadvantaged... Read more

3rd June

Heathfield Farmers’ Market is back

After being closed for several months the Heathfield Farmers’ Market will be back in the Co-op car park in the High Street on Saturday 19th June from 9am to 12.30pm. There will be lots of lovely fresh produce available including meat, game, fruit, vegetables, cakes, Indian specialities and also fresh flowers and plants.  There are... Read more

2nd June

Heathfield Community College is bursting with creativity #EduArtsFest

Celebrating Creativity at Heathfield Community College #EduArtsFest Along with schools all over the country, on 28 May 2021 Heathfield Community College is celebrating the vital role of the arts and the fantastic work created by children and young people. This event will be hosted on a bespoke page of the college website and will join... Read more

28th May

An update from Wealden Funeral Services – your local independent funeral directors

As we hopefully come out of this COVID pandemic and look to the future we thought it was time to update the people of Heathfield and surrounding villages with changes that are taking place locally with regard to funerals and with us as well. The good news is that, as a whole, the number of... Read more

13th 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

First independent candidate in Heathfield by-elections for decades

Local authorities in East and West Sussex have polls taking place on May 6th which include county council elections. The UK Government previously postponed elections scheduled for 2020 due to Covid-19. The Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner election will take place on the same day. There are vacancies in four Wards on Wealden District Council:... Read more

4th 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

The Pet Food Shop celebrates 50 years in Heathfield

Tucked away off Station Road, in Station Approach, The Pet Food Shop in Heathfield is a treasure trove of everything to do with pets and a place where you can be sure to find the best quality food for your furry friends. The Pet Food Shop is celebrating 50 years of trading this month and... Read more

26th April

Are you one of the many women missing out on £1,000s of state pension?

Here Stephen Palmer of Cranwell Wealth Solutions, a local Uckfeld and Heathfield financial planning practice, explains who should check their state pension to find out if they are owed far more. Who should check? Back in October 2020 Martin Lewis highlighted an issue of under payments of state pension that will affect many women. The... Read more

21st April

Time capsule to mark opening of new development for older people in Heathfield

This week, Abbeyfield South Downs is launching a time capsule initiative to celebrate the opening of its affordable rental development Holdenhurst – and is inviting the local Heathfield community to get involved. The time capsule will be buried under a Monkey Puzzle tree on the Holdenhurst site on Mill Road in May. It will include... Read more

13th April

Covid 19 vaccine programme stalls at 50+

The rapid rollout of the vaccination programme has slowed down and appears stuck on 50+ for the time being. This stall is in part due to the fact that second vaccinations are now taking place which is preventing the next group from being called. If you want to find out more it is important not... Read more

12th April

This Easter Churches Together produce a virtual Walk of Witness for Good Friday.

This Easter, with many restrictions still in place, the combined churches of Heathfield and District have created a ‘Churches Together in Heathfield Good Friday Walk of Witness’. It is usually held in Heathfield High Street, but it has gone online this year and will be a virtual wander around the local churches. You can enjoy... Read more

30th March

Good news for Heathfield as broadband provider confirms roll out in town

Full Fibre network operator and ISP Lightning Fibre Limited has confirmed a multi-million pound project to bring its new full fibre network to over 14,000 additional homes and businesses in Heathfield and Hailsham. The company has confirmed that works have already begun in both towns. Work is already underway in Eastbourne and Hastings, and Lightning... Read more

22nd March

Over 50s being Covid 19 vaccinated now, amid concerns as lack of supply may cause a slow down

People in the Heathfield area aged 50+ are able to book their vaccinations via the National NHS Vaccination system. It is very straightforward, you follow the link, input details and you will then be offered vaccination dates and locations. You do not need an invitation from your Doctor’s Surgery. Most people are allocated a vaccination... Read more

18th March

Proctors Chemists in Heathfield are now offering Covid 19 tests

ADULTS in East Sussex who have to leave home for work or caring duties can now book a symptom-free lateral flow Covid-19 test. In Heathfield, both Proctors Chemists on Station Road and on the High St are offering bookable tests. You can find out more information about symptom-free testing and book an appointment at www.eastsussex.gov.uk/communitytesting Anyone... Read more

11th March

97 percent of HCC parents consent to testing, headeacher reveals

Heathfield Community College students finally returned this week to teaching on site with nearly all parents (97 percent) giving consent to testing. In other areas of the country, parents have been reluctant or slow to give consent with some worried about the possibility of false results. “After another period of remote learning and national restrictions,... Read more

11th March

Sussex maize growers share expertise at e-workshop

Sussex farmers shared their experiences of innovative methods of protecting water quality through farming, at a workshop held by South East Water on 18 February. Three growers from farms in Heathfield, Hailsham and Haywards Heath are taking part in water company-funded trials to understand how growing rows of grass in-between maize crops can prevent soil... Read more

25th February

Looking for a job. Have you considered working with vulnerable adults?

One of the ‘A’ Level students enjoying the garden with one of the residents. If you have been impacted during the pandemic by job loss then read on. Oakdown House have gained many new staff over the past year, quite a few have found themselves furloughed or without work, and have decided to give a... Read more

15th February

Local MP appeals to over 70s to book their Covid jab now.

With one week remaining to vaccinate the first four priority groups of residents in Heathfield and surrounding villages, local MP Huw Merriman, has urged residents to ensure they don’t miss out. Calling the vaccination, the ‘gateway’ for the entire area to return to normality, the MP has also hit out at anti-vaccination groups for ‘putting... Read more

10th February

All you need to know about Covid 19 scam messages

It is sad to say that there are a number of scams in circulation relating to the COVID-19 vaccination programme. The ones circulating in the last few days are produced to look like an official confirmation of a vaccination appointment, it would be easy to mistake this for a genuine communication. See below an example... Read more

28th January

Covid 19 vaccine frustration set to improve for Heathfield

Before Christmas, while many in other areas were getting their call for the vaccine, patients in Heathfield were left wondering when their turn would come. Patients from the High Street and Firs Surgery only started to receive their vaccinations last week. Without a local centre administering the vaccine, the over 80s were forced to make... Read more

26th January

How to manage Covid-19 business debt

UK businesses borrowed five times more from banks between January and August 2020 than in the whole of 2019 (according to EY Item Club1 – a leading UK economic forecasting group). Over that eight-month period, new borrowings (net of repayments) totalled £43.8bn, compared to the £8.8bn of 2019. And it is small businesses who have... Read more

26th January

Heathfield College pupils bring festive cheer to care homes

“I think it’s safe to say that this year has been a tough one for everyone. However, residents in care homes are among the people who have been most negatively affected by The Virus Who Shall Not Be Named, and so students at Heathfield Community College have taken it upon themselves to try, in their... Read more

7th December

Family carpet firm boosts retail operation in Heathfield

Pennells Carpets, the local, independent carpet and flooring company is moving its entire retail operation to Heathfield. For many years Pennells Carpets has had retail outlets in both Uckfield and Heathfield. Now the family run business has chosen to focus on Heathfield where it has been successfully trading since 1982. The company’s warehousing will be... Read more

7th December

#shoplocal for Christmas gifts, it’s never been easier!

With a new lockdown just started and Christmas not far off, local traders are looking for ways to encourage people to #shoplocal and buy their Christmas presents from them, rather than larger online retailers. With much of the High St closed and popular markets, like the one in Heathfield cancelled, traders and crafts people were... Read more

9th November

New Music Bunnies, pre-school activity comes to Heathfield

When Valarie’s husband relocated to Heathfield for work, she had to bid farewell to rural Somerset, and settle into the East Sussex town. A mother to two small children, she decided to follow her dream to run sensory inspired classes for pre-school children. “After months of lockdown isolation I think it really is a good... Read more

8th October

Would you know where to start if you had to arrange a funeral?

At age 53 I am incredibly fortunate to have never had to arrange a funeral. So when I was invited to step through the doors of Wealden Funerals I took the opportunity to pose some of the questions that people might normally not want to ask. Once inside, a black and white photo on the... Read more

1st October

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

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