Author: Sarah Prall

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Can You Spare an Hour or two to Help Raise the Marquee?

It really is the heart of the Big Village Party. Before the music starts, before the bunting flutters and the burgers sizzle, there’s one very important job to do…

Putting up the marquee!

Every year it’s one of those wonderful community moments where neighbours come together, sleeves are rolled up, laughter is shared and, in just a few  hours, the Playing Field is transformed into the centre of our village celebration.

This year we need a few more willing hands.

If you’re free this Thursday at 3pm, we’d love to see you at the Playing Field, School Lane. No specialist skills are needed – just enthusiasm, sensible footwear and a willingness to muck in. Whether you can stay for half an hour or the whole afternoon, every pair of hands makes a real difference.

The Big Village Party is organised entirely by volunteers. The more people who help with the set-up, the quicker it’s done and the sooner we can all stand back and admire what’s been achieved together.

If you’ve ever enjoyed the Village Party, this is a wonderful way to give something back and become part of making it happen.

📍 Playing Field, School Lane
🕒 Thursday, 3pm

We genuinely can’t do it without you. Come along and help us raise the roof on another fantastic Hadlow Down Big Village Party! 🎪

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Big Village Party This Saturday!

There’s something rather special about a summer afternoon when the whole village comes together.

On Saturday 4th July, the Playing Field will once again be filled with music, laughter, good food and familiar faces as we celebrate our
Hadlow Down Big Village Party.

Whether you’re planning to dance in front of the stage, catch up with neighbours over tea and homemade cake, enjoy a burger from the BBQ, or simply relax with a drink and listen to some fantastic live music, there’s something for everyone. We’re delighted to welcome performances from Phoenix Fires, INDI and Midnight Cannonball, promising an afternoon packed with great entertainment.

Bring a chair or a picnic blanket, gather your friends and family, and come and enjoy one of the highlights of our village summer. New residents, old friends and visitors alike are all assured of a warm Hadlow Down welcome.

Free entry • Saturday 4th July • 2pm–6pm
Hadlow Down Playing Field, School Lane

We can’t wait to see you there!

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Celebrate May Day at Wilderness Wood 🌸

Welcome the beauty of spring with a joyful community gathering at Wilderness Wood!

Do come along on Saturday 2nd May from 4pm for the annual May Day celebration set in the heart of the woodland. There’ll be something for everyone to enjoy, including a traditional woodland procession, delicious pop-up food, a bar, music, and plenty of dancing to bring in the season in style.

This special event is open to Hadlow Down parishioners of all ages, so bring along family and friends, dress for “Spring” and be part of this cheerful springtime tradition.

What to expect:

  • 🌿 Woodland Procession from 4pm
  • 🍴 Pop-up Food from 5pm
  • 🍻 Bar from 5pm
  • 🎶 Music & Dancing from 5pm

This is a free event, but please bring cash for food, bar and musicians.
RSVP to Emily at emilyanddan@wildernesswood.org to let them know you’re coming, so they know how many people to expect.

Here’s to celebrating spring together!

 

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Race Night is back!

🏇 Race Night is Coming – Book Your Tickets Now! 🏇

Get ready for a fantastic evening of fun, laughter and friendly competition at our upcoming Race Night in support of HDCC (Hadlow Down Community Centre)!

Gather your friends and book a table for eight, or come along in a smaller group – we’ll happily seat you with others and create a lively table for everyone. It’s all about enjoying a great community night together.

Your £15 ticket includes a delicious two-course meal (with a vegetarian option available on request) and access to the bar, plus all the excitement of the races!

Ways to Join the Fun

🐎 Buy a Horse
For just £10, you can become a proud racehorse owner for the evening! Cheer on your horse and see if it gallops to victory.

🏆 Sponsor a Race
With a donation of £50 or more, you can sponsor one of the eight races and even name the race – a great way to support the event.

🎟 Place Your Bets
Our fun tote betting system will be running throughout the night. Proceeds will be shared between the winning ticket holders and HDCC, so everyone has a chance to win while supporting the Community Centre.

With great food, a lively bar, plenty of cheering, and lots of laughs, Race Night promises to be a wonderful evening for the whole community.

📞 To buy tickets, sponsor a race, or purchase a horse, please contact Bob 01825 830857 bob.lake@live.co.uk

Don’t miss out – book your tickets now and join us for a brilliant night at the races! 🏇🎉

 

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Saturday Morning Craft and Cafe in the Village Hall

The Village Hall will soon be buzzing with creativity, conversation and the comforting smell of fresh coffee as we launch a new monthly Pop-Up Craft Session in support of HDCC (Hadlow Down Community Centre).

Held once a month, on Saturdays, these relaxed and friendly mornings are a wonderful opportunity for villagers and visitors alike to come together, learn something new and enjoy a little time with neighbours and friends. Keep an eye on the Village Calendar for upcoming dates.

On Saturday 11th April from 10am to 1pm, the Village Hall will open its doors for a morning of crafting, creativity and community spirit. Whether you’re an experienced maker or simply curious to try something new, everyone is welcome.

This month’s pop-up session features two lovely creative workshops:

  • A free calligraphy class with Jan Trimmer, perfect for learning the elegant art of beautiful lettering.
  • A paper piercing class with Adrienna Landa-Font, where you can discover how to create delicate designs and make your own beautiful handmade cards.

Both sessions are relaxed, welcoming and suitable for beginners, so don’t worry if you’ve never tried these crafts before.

And of course, crafting is even better with good food! The Village Hall kitchen will be open throughout the morning, serving:

  • Hot bacon rolls, tea and coffee for breakfast
  • Delicious homemade soup and a roll for lunch

So whether you’d like to learn a new craft, meet friends, support the Community Centre, or simply pop in for breakfast or lunch, we would love to see you there.

Come along, bring a friend, and enjoy a warm village morning together.
All are welcome – just drop in!

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Join Us for a Great British Evening of Food & Fun at The New Inn!

Get ready for a night of classic comfort food, community spirit, and a touch of friendly competition! On Friday 24th April, from 7pm, The New Inn.

We’re inviting you to come along and enjoy a delicious traditional meal—choose between hearty pie and mash or classic bangers and mash—followed by a good old-fashioned pudding. Once you’re well fed, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test with our “Good Old Blighty” quiz!

Gather your friends and form a team of four to compete for bragging rights. With only 8 team slots available, spaces are limited, so be sure to book early to avoid disappointment.

Event Details:

  • 👥 Teams of 4 required
  • 🎟️ Tickets: £15 per person (includes meal and quiz entry)
  • 📍 Limited to 8 teams — book now!

All proceeds from the evening will go in support of St. Mark’s Church.

This event is being brought to you by HDCA (Hadlow Down Community Association.)
For all enquiries and to book your place, please contact Dee Hogg deniecehogg508@gmail.com

We look forward to seeing you there for a fantastic evening of food, fun, and friendly rivalry!

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A Statement From Wilderness Wood

“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

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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/