News & Events
Parish Pump for Heathfield
HISTORY OF HEATHFIELD
Charles Ryder who built the new Caffyns garage on the corner of the High Street and Tilsmore Road became chief officer of the Heathfield and Waldron Fire Brigade when it was formed in 1924. Two years later a fire station was built on Tilsmore corner (opposite the present location.) Several sites closet o the centre were also developed for new housing including Mutton Hall Hill and Collingwood Rise where Park Nurseries had been.
CRICKET
Heathfield Park Cricket Club has recently received a grant of £10,000 from the Awards for All programme. The award will go a substantial way towards meeting an ambitious plan to improve the club's resources and equipment, with particular focus on helping to develop junior cricketers. The club's objective is to acquire automated bowling equipment, two new sightscreens and a replacement wicket roller and plans to fund members through ECB coaching courses and also purchase of some new kit and equipment for use by junior members. The club provides training for junior cricketers and competition for Under 14 and Under 16 teams at its scenic ground in Old Heathfield. Adult teams compete in divisions two and seven of the Parker Building Supplies East Sussex Cricket League and friendlies are played on Sundays and Wednesdays. Club chairman, Maurice Locke is delighted: ‘This is fantastic news for the club. We provide an important resource for young cricketers in the area and it’s great to see our efforts rewarded with this grant. We already have some funds set aside for this project and we need to raise more to ensure we complete the whole programme.’
A FUN DOG SHOW
to raise funds for the First Heathfield Scout Group takes place at the Sheepsetting Lane Community Centre from 2pm tomorrow, Saturday. It costs £1 to enter each class and there are rosettes from first to sixth place and a best in show award. Classes include fancy dress for dog and owner, dog-owner lookalike, most obedient dog, most terrific trick, most adorable dog, prettiest eyes, best biscuit catcher, dress up challenge and dogstability challenge. There will be a barbecue, wellie throwing, raffle, sideshows and a bouncy castle too.
PERCH HILL
Open Gardens Weekend. TV gardener Sarah Raven opens her garden at Perch Hill tomorrow, Saturday, and Sunday. It costs £4 to get in. On both days visitors can wander around the gardens and enjoy tea, coffee and refreshments in this beautiful, hill-top nursery, garden tradestands and expert talks.
TWINNING ASSOCIATION
From Monday, a group from Normandy which is promoting the use of vehicles which do not use the internal combustion engine is crossing from France to Sussex using bicycles and a solar-powered boat. Association members have got involved in helping them this end as they approached our colleagues in Forges who said that they were sure that we would co-operate. We are liaising with the Sovereign Harbour Yacht Club and the Marina in Eastbourne and they will organise a reception for the intrepid sailors. They intend crossing on Monday but this is very dependent on the weather ie enough sun and not too much wind. The bicycle group – four cyclists and three handbikers plus an escort vehicle – will ride along the Avenue Verte in France on Friday then cross overnight from Dieppe to Newhaven. Some riders from the Cyclists Touring Club (Sussex Branch) will meet them there and guide them to Heathfield via the Cuckoo Trail. Once they get there a small reception has been organised for them in the State Hall to be attended by various dignitaries. If anyone is in the vicinity of the end of the Cuckoo Trail on Saturday afternoon it would be lovely if they could be given them a clap and a cheer as they wearily dismount. There is one difficulty – the timing is very problematic because we have no idea how long it will take them to ride from Newhaven. At the moment we are suggesting 2.30pm as a possible time of arrival but, of course, this may alter as the day progresses. If anyone would like more precise information please telephone Gill Temple towards the end of the Saturday morning 07759 270 242.
RA GROUP (The Wealden Cuckoos)
Meet at Benenden near the church (GR.809328) at 9.30am on Sunday for the next section of the High Weald LandscapeTrail. For details ring 01435 765485.
HISTORY SOCIETY
Members meet on June 19 at 7.30pm in the Ian Price Room, Heathfield Community Centre for a talk on the High Weald by Mr P Brooks. Entry £2.
SUMMER FETE
All Saints, Old Heathfield Summer fete will be held tomorrow, Saturday, from 2pm to 4pm at the church. Heathfield Silver Band will play and there will be stalls selling cream teas, books, plants, cakes, locally produced food, bric-a-brac, a tombola, toys, face painting, guess the weight of the lamb and a raffle. All proceeds to support the church.
BARN DANCE
In aid of the Bull River appeal for Heathfield Guides tomorrow, Saturday, evening at Horam village hall from 7pm to 10pm.
HEATHFIELD SILVER BAND
The band’s last engagement was at the Heathfield Show on May 24. A band of 26 musicians under the direction of Richard Sherlock entertained a very receptive audience. Tomorrow, Saturday, the band will perform at the All Saint’s Parish Church summer fete starting at 2pm. Come along for an enjoyable afternoon and a cream tea. On Sunday the band is playing at Eastbourne Bandstand starting at 3pm. Members are hoping the sun shines for both these events. They will be taking part in the Heathfield Carnival marching in the parade on June 28. Two other future engagements are Barcombe Flower Show on July 19 and Charleston Manor, West Dean from 2.30pm to 5.30pm on July 27. If you or your children would like to learn to play a brass instrument Anna (01435 812786) or Cheryl (01435 866242 would be pleased to hear from you. Tuition is free.
QUIZ NIGHT
Heathfield Park Cricket Club is having its popular quiz night on Sunday in the cricket pavilion, entry £1.50, cash prize and light snacks at half time. Doors open at 7pm for 8pm start.
