Community
Heathfield Chamber celebrates festive season at Hidden Spring Vineyard
Heathfield Chamber celebrates festive season at Hidden Spring Vineyard What a fantastic evening it was as members of the Heathfield Chamber of Commerce came together to celebrate the festive season at the beautiful Hidden Spring Vineyard. The Christmas networking event was well attended and provided a welcome opportunity for local businesses to relax, connect and... Read more
12th December
Horam Community Steps Up Again: Phase 3 of the Recreation Ground Pathway
Horam Community Steps Up Again: Phase 3 of the Recreation Ground Pathway Horam residents are once again being asked to lend their support to the ongoing transformation of the village recreation ground. After the success of the upper field path completed in 2023 and the pump track that opened last month, attention now turns to... 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Don’t forget to vote on the use of the Horam Neighborhood Plan on 26 September
Horam Neighbourhood Plan – Regulation 18 – Decision Statement – Issued 13th August 2024 Horam Parish Council have received the Decision Statement for the Neighbourhood Plan from Wealden District Council. The referendum on the Horam Neighbourhood Plan will take place on Thursday 26th September.The Polling Station at Horam Village Hall will be open from 7.00... Read more
9th September
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
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
Horam Recreation Ground launches phase two cycle track crowdfunder
A local group in Horam are running a Crowdfunder campaign to raise some funding for a pumptrack at Horam Recreation Ground. On Sunday 2 June Davina’s Big Sussex Bike Ride left Uckfield with Horam Recreation Ground as a pit stop, this allowed the cyclists to see the newly installed all-weather path around the recreation which... Read more
13th 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
Popular All Dressed Up Fancy Dress in Horam announces closure
All Dressed Up announce closure Many retailers have struggled since COVID, with the popularity of online shopping taking off there has been a serious impact on local shops. Small independent High Street shops, the life blood of local High Streets, have been hit by multiple factors like the knock on affect of the pandemic and... Read more
2nd May
Nus Ghani opens new exercise path in Horam
Following more than two years of fundraising by the management committee a new 1km exercise path has been opened at Horam Recreation Ground. Phase 1 – the loop around the perimeter of the top field is now complete and has been officially opened by MP Nus Ghani. A large crowd came to witness the ribbon... Read more
17th October
The English Soap Company launches new Wintertide range
Waldron-based The English Soap Company has launched a new collection to smooth the journey into winter with festive fragrances and products to help keep the skin clean and nourished as the weather turns colder and brisker. The Wintertide Collection includes four fragrances: Frankincense and Myrrh; Winter Solstice; Polar Lights and Nordic Pine. There are candles,... Read more
18th September
Horam facility receives grant for pathway
The local community and wildlife will benefit after the GAP – Get Active Pathway at Horam Recreation Ground – received grants from The Veolia Environmental Trust, Horam Parish Council, Biffa Award, Pro Eco and Lodge Group Care UK Ltd. Local MP Nus Ghani comes along to support the start of the pathway constructionLeft to Right:... Read more
18th 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
Did you take part in 1950s dialect survey?
snork – neighspeckles – frecklessquall – screamflintermouse – bat Maybe if you’re not from round these parts you will recognisemash/mass/soak/scald/brew – tea polly-wag/pot-noddles/penny-wagtails/bull-head – tadpoles Horam Village Hall is excited be working with Dialect and Heritage Project, a National Lottery fundedproject based at the Leeds Archive of Vernacular Culture with five partner museums across the... Read more
21st May
Charity receives cheque from Wealden Crematorium 
The Children with Cancer Fund at Polegate has been presented with a £15,000 cheque from Wealden Crematorium. The money was donated to the charity’s co-founder Chris Downton after staff at the Horam facility nominated CWCF to receive a share of funds raised through the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management’s recycling metal scheme. The crematorium... Read more
24th February
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
Horam homebrew shop set to shine on Small Business Saturday
Almost Off Grid based in Horam been chosen as one of 100 impressive small businesses from across the UK to mark the official count down to this year’s Small Business Saturday UK. Almost Off Grid Home Brew Shop, founded by Bev and Andy Toogood in 2016, was selected to be part of the campaign’s prestigious... Read more
14th September
Heathfield based business launches vegan food truck – Plant Power Grub
Mobile food trucks have become increasingly popular since the pandemic. These agile trailers can serve in the open air and pop up in spots where there may not be an established restaurant or pub. Seeing an opportunity and fancying a change of focus Ginette Shepard, singer, alternative health therapist and ex-hairdresser, set up Plant Power... Read more
22nd July
U Vinyl records opening in Horam – satisfy your passion for music
In 2015, Karl decided to set up a business buying and selling vinyl records. As a collector himself since a child, music has always been a true passion. Back then, vinyl was not as popular as it is today and it felt like a huge risk to take. Initially Karl sold records on eBay, mainly,... Read more
27th April
Local charity celebrates breakthrough in brain tumour treatment
The father of a young man diagnosed at the age of 20 months with a medulloblastoma brain tumour has welcomed the news that scientists have found a new way to starve cancerous brain tumour cells of energy in order to prevent further growth. Breakthough Discovery at Queen Mary University, London The findings by Professor Silvia... Read more
21st April
Home brewing kit sales surge during lockdown
A home brew kit business based in Horam is reporting record-breaking sales during lockdown with people having more time for hobbies and trying new things. Bev and Andy Toogood of AlmostOffGrid.com are seeing a huge increase in the demand for home brewing kits, ingredients and equipment. Their online shop, which was launched in October 2016,... Read more
30th November
Renters on the move in East Sussex face huge challenge to find property
During the last few months, the housing market has been one of the many things that have seen unpredictable change during the lockdown and coronavirus period, particularly with lettings. Many estate agents are urgently looking for properties to let out and to sell while, in contrast, the demand for people wanting to rent or buy... Read more
20th October
Secret scandal surrounding local fishmonger
The Horam war memorial lists ‘R Felgate’ among its WW1 fallen. When war broke out, Roland Felgate enlisted in Eastbourne into the Royal Sussex Regiment and died around the 14th July 1916 aged 21. His body was never recovered and his name appears on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. But Roland’s last name was not... Read more
9th September
Care home manager was “overwhelmed with help” after coronavirus took hold
The manager of a Horam care home says she has been overwhelmed by support from the public when COVID 19 struck. In an exclusive interview with The Heathfield News, Cynthia Viloria spoke of the huge sense of loss following the death of seven residents of Millcroft Care Home in Vines Cross Road. Three members of... Read more
15th May
Wednesday sees several local businesses welcome customers back
After nearly two months of being closed, Trading4U owner Chris Macklin opened his doors to customers on Wednesday morning. Chris said: “I’ve had lots of calls from people asking when we will be reopening which was nice. “I was really keen to open but we needed to make sure everything was safe and secure for... Read more
13th May
Opportunity for florist to take over Horam business
After two years of trading as Cuckoo Flower Company, in Horam, the shop recently closed. There is now an excellent opportunity for someone with relevant experience to take over this ready made business. Owner Geoff Morphew set up the business from scratch – re-fitting the shop and developing the brand including a website and popular Facebook page. Unfortunately, the ongoing... Read more
1st September
The Great Out-tours celebrate selection as a finalist in the Rural Business Awards Final 2019
Horam based, business The Great Out-tours has been shortlisted in two categories of the prestigious Rural Business Awards 2019/20: South East Best Rural Professional Services Business and the Best Rural Recreational or Outdoor Pursuits Business categories of the Rural Business Awards 2019/20. “It is thrilling to be selected as a finalist for the South East region, just... Read more
23rd July
New crematorium to hold open day on 15th June
Excitement is building among local businesses and residents about the state-of-the-art crematorium in Horam, developed and run by Wealden District Crematorium, which will welcome the public to an open day on 15th June from 11am to 3pm. Shorter journey times for families and mourners is just one of the many benefits the new facility offers... Read more
29th May
Wine Festival launches, Saturday 1st June 2019 at Hidden Spring, Horam
It’s all go at Hidden Spring Vineyard, Horam, East Sussex. Not only have they just been awarded a silver medal at the 2019 International Wine Challenge for their Bacchus (2017); but they are hosting the first Sussex Weald Festival of Wine on Saturday, June 1st. Five outstanding Sussex vineyards have united to create a FESTIVAL OF WINE a... Read more
29th May
On your bike! Rental scheme comes to the Cuckoo Trail
Countrybike comes to the Cuckoo Trail this week following the success of the Ashdown Forest cycle hire scheme. The app-based cycle rental company, set up by husband and wife team, Tim and Suzy Seddon in 2017, aims to make the Wealden countryside more accessible to its residents and visitors. The Cuckoo Trail hire scheme is... Read more
1st May
Hidden Spring Vineyard celebrates the bottling of their 2018 vintage wines
Chris and David of Horam based, Hidden Spring are celebrating the first onsite bottling of their wines; although grapes have been grown on the site since 1986, historically the wines were actually made elsewhere. But, this year five wines have been bottled from grapes from the Hidden Spring Vineyard. There are two still white... Read more
9th April
Horam based Great Out-tours goes nationwide with its nature focused learning franchise
The Great Out-Tours, based in Horam, recently celebrated the launch of its national, nature based learning, franchise business. The first cohort of franchisees attended a two day induction training at Woodside, Environmental Education Centre, Horam. This first group came from as far afield as Nottingham, Bristol and North Somerset, and as local as the Ashdown... Read more
29th March
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
A taste of tapas comes to Hidden Spring Vineyard
Horam Home Kitchen has been working with Hidden Spring Vineyard in Horam, for a while now, creating pop up events at the vineyard and catering for group bookings. The latest venture is two nights of tapas on 12 and 13 April, served in the intimate setting of the vineyard’s tasting room, with the stunning view... Read more
6th March
Horam crematorium to open in March
Wealden’s Chairman Councillor Chris Hardy laid the final stone in Wealden’s new Crematorium at a ceremony to mark the completion of the building’s structure, while local business are gearing up to help mourners with ther needs. District and Parish Council representatives gathered with the site team responsible for delivering the £5 million project. These include... Read more
22nd January
Christmas collection for homeless had brilliant response
A Heathfield woman says she has been astounded by the support for her campaign to collect for the area’s homeless. In previous years Sam Keylock has collected items from family and friends but this year she joined forces with her friend Lara Young from Eastbourne. With people offering to help when they saw the appeal,... Read more
2nd January
Win a Cuckoo Flower Co. wreath making workshop
The talented, creative florists at the Cuckoo Flower Company, Horam are kindly giving away one of their Christmas Wreath Making Workshops (worth £35 and taking place December 8th) for one lucky reader of The Heathfield News. So, if you fancy getting creative this December here is your chance. Ana O’Kill from the Cuckoo Flower Co,... Read more
28th November
Local boxer Brandon Davies squares up for his first professional fight in London
After graduating from Heathfield Community College in 2015, local lad Brandon Davies had only one thing on his mind. His goal was to make it in the world of professional boxing. Brandon lives in Horam and from the age of 14 he began to develop an interest and aptitude for boxing. Encouraged by his Dad... Read more
14th November
Crystal Vintage rocking glamour in Horam and beyond.
Chloe la Fay has spent years building up an expansive collection of globally sourced vintage clothing from the 1920s-to the 80s with a heavy lean towards the 1970s. Her concept is called Crystal Vintage and includes exquisite gowns for special occasions, from highly collectable labels such as Chanel, Dior or Ossie Clark, to unique trend and fashion... Read more
21st September
Horam boy appeals to drug company to reduce price of life-saving medicine
A Horam mother has described her poorly son not having access to a ‘miracle’ drug that can prevent the worsening of his cystic fibrosis as ‘heartbreaking’. Christina Walker is mother to eight-year-old Luis who was diagnosed with the devastating condition when he was just a few weeks old. Last week Luis, who goes to Maynards... Read more
22nd August
Warm weather is boosting house sales says local agent
The warm weather is good for property sales – that’s the verdict of estate agents and chartered surveyors Samuel and Son. The company, which has offices in Heathfield and Horam, says it has seen a significant increase in people wanting to view properties since the sunny spell began. Director Andrew Samuel said: “Traditionally things start... Read more
6th August
Horam mum set to bike across India for charity
A mum of three from Horam plans to cycle across India in an effort to raise money for cancer charities. Natalia Price-Cabrera, a Pilates instructor, plans to take part in a 450km ride with ‘Women v Cancer’ through rural Rajasthan. Funds raised by Women V Cancer will be divided equally between three important charities: Breast... Read more
18th July
