“We have dropped plans to host a small group of asylum seekers for a visit to the woods, due to threats from some groups and Individuals.”
Emily and Dan, Wilderness Woods
Spring Market Today!
Local Plan Deadline Extended
Your last chance to comment on the proposed “Local Plan” is approaching. The Local Plan will shape future Planning Policy in the District. Wealden District Council have extended the deadline for public comments –
“We are aware that a very small number of users have trouble accessing parts of our website, and particularly the consultation portal for the draft ‘Focused’ Wealden Local Plan. We can confirm that this issue has now been rectified and those users will now be able to access these pages.
However, we have taken the decision to further extend the consultation period for the local plan to allow for further comments until 5pm Monday 30 March 2026. Any responses received after this cannot be accepted.”
Link:https://www.wealden.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-policy/new-local-plan/
Holy Week Services
NHS Mobile Health Checks available to book
One You East Sussex with the support of Wealden District Council is delivering a further phase of the NHS health check roadshow.
Following the success of the previous roadshow’s, One You East Sussex will again be using its community outreach campervan, COLIN, to provide pre-bookable NHS health check appointments and free health advice in Wealden.
NHS health checks must be booked in advance. Spaces are limited and unlikely to be available on the day.
To make an appointment email hello@oneyoueastsussex.org.uk or call 01323 404600.
Health checks take between 30-40 minutes, and results will be discussed with residents on the day. Residents need the following criteria to be eligible for an NHS health check:
• Aged between 40-74.
• Are not currently prescribed blood pressure or cholesterol medications.
• Do not suffer from Diabetes OR Heart/Circulatory/Kidney conditions or previously suffered from any cardiovascular events.
• Be an East Sussex resident.
• Have not previously had an NHS health check in the last five years.
The Roadshow dates and locations are:
Tuesday 14th April – Station Rd East Car Park, Heathfield
Wednesday 15th April – Vicarage Lane Car Park, Hailsham
Tuesday 21st April – Luxford Car Park, Civic Approach, Uckfield
Wednesday 22nd April – Croft Rd Car Park, Crowborough
Wednesday 29th April – Polegate Town Council Car Park, Polegate
Tuesday 5th May – Vicarage Lane Car Park, Hailsham
Wednesday 6th May – Station Rd East Car Park, Heathfield
Tuesday 12th May – Croft Rd Car Park, Crowborough
Wednesday 13th May – Luxford Car Park, Civic Approach, Uckfield
Tuesday 19th May – Polegate Town Council Car Park, Polegate
Hattie Deacon, NHS health checks lead, One You East Sussex, said, “The Wealden Roadshow has been a huge success over the past couple of years. Each session has consistently booked up very quickly, reflecting the demand across all the communities in Wealden. Feedback from attendees has been positive, with many expressing gratitude for having access to such an important health service right on their doorstep. The convenient, accessible locations and the warm, welcoming environment have helped break down barriers to healthcare and encouraged more people to take proactive steps in looking after their health.”
Book Club, Latest Reveiw – Fly Wild Swans, My Mother, Myself and China
Members had previously enjoyed Jung Chang’s first book, Wild Swans (1991), the gripping account of the lives of three generations of women in her family, moving from the horrors of foot binding to their experiences of the Cultural Revolution. Fly Wild Swans, My Mother, Myself and China is a continuation of her story and a more reflective account of how she herself moved from indoctrination to intellectual freedom.
It opens with her family’s experiences at the hands the Revolutionary Guards. Even though her parents were committed communists and Party loyalists, they suffered with imprisonment and torture, and her father never recovered. We learn how children in school were brainwashed, sometimes turning against their own parents, and she herself was a fervent young revolutionary.
Continue reading “Book Club, Latest Reveiw – Fly Wild Swans, My Mother, Myself and China”
The Pantomime is Back!
After a break of a few years, the famous Hadlow Down Variety & Drama Club Pantomime is returning to the Village Hall — and we’re delighted to welcome it back!
This year’s production is “Dick Turpin”, promising a thoroughly entertaining evening in the grand tradition of panto. Expect plenty of laughs, a fabulous pantomime Dame… and keep an eye out for the pantomime horse!
Dandy highwayman Dick Turpin travels to York pursued by the villainous Judge Mental and his Bow Street Runners, Hand and Cuff.
In York he meets and falls in love with Maggie Micklegate of the Cock and Bull Inn, run by Doris Doolittle and her son Simon.
When Dick reveals he holds a pirate’s treasure map and offers to make them all rich, the adventure truly begins…
Will Judge Mental capture our hero, or will Dick escape once again?
Village Associations Annual General Meeting – All Welcome
The Hadlow Down Village Associations — Hadlow Down Village Hall, Hadlow Down Playing Field, Hadlow Down Village Fayre and Hadlow Down Community Centre — warmly invite residents to attend their Annual General Meeting at 7:30pm on 20th February in the Village Hall.
Come along to hear the Chair’s reports for 2025 and find out what has been achieved over the past year, as well as the plans and priorities for the year ahead.
All of these organisations are run by volunteers for the benefit of the whole community. Your support really matters, and the AGM is a great opportunity to learn more about what they do and how you might like to get involved.
Refreshments will be served and there will be time to chat informally afterwards.
We look forward to seeing you there.
New monthly Pop in and Craft sessions in the Village Hall
We’re pleased to share that a new Craft Group has started in the Village Hall — a relaxed and friendly space where everyone is welcome.
The sessions are free to attend, and each month two crafts are demonstrated. If you would like to join in, packs of supplies are provided for you to use during the session or take home and finish later — perfect for beginners as well as experienced crafters.
This month we’ll be making Raggy Dolls and focusing on upcycling projects, giving old fabrics and materials a new life.
The café kitchen will be open from 10:00am, serving brunch, tea and coffee, homemade soup and a roll, hot dogs, and plenty of delicious cakes. Even if crafting isn’t your thing, it’s a lovely place to pop in for a late breakfast or lunch with friends.
All proceeds from the café go directly to support HDCC
Why not pop in this Saturday from 10:00am and see what it’s all about?
For all upcoming dates, please check the calendar here.
🌼 Spring Market – Save the Date
Pop the date in your diary — our Spring Market will be held in the Village Hall on Saturday 28th March.
Please do come along and join us for a relaxed morning in good company. There will be a wonderful selection of local businesses, home produce, jams and handmade crafts, perfect for a browse or to pick up something special.
It’s also a great chance to catch up with friends and neighbours over a cuppa — with cakes and hot snacks available to keep you going.
The Spring Lottery will be drawn during the event… could you be our next winner?
Best of all, every purchase and every visit helps support our fundraising efforts to build a new Village Hall at the Playing Field. Your support really does make a difference.
We look forward to seeing you there!