Category: News

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What Does Hadlow Down Mean to You?

The Hadlow Down Community Association warmly invites residents of all ages to take part in our 2027 Village Calendar Photography Competition.

This year’s theme is:

“What Does Hadlow Down Mean to You?”

Perhaps it’s a misty lane at dawn, the cricket field in summer, ancient hedgerows bursting with cow parsley, a treasured pet, favourite view, community gathering, garden gate or quiet woodland path. Maybe it’s simply the people who make this village feel like home.

We would love to see Hadlow Down through your eyes.

Entry is completely free and open to everyone, with three age categories:

  • 5–10 years
  • 11–17 years
  • Over 18s

Winning photographs will be featured in the Hadlow Down Village Calendar 2027, with winners announced at the Art Exhibition in St Mark’s Church on Saturday 11th July 2026.

Entries open on 25th April 2026 and close on 1st July 2026.

To request an entry form please email: hadlowdown@mail.com

Whether you’re a keen photographer or simply enjoy capturing moments on your phone, we encourage everyone to have a go. Sometimes the simplest images tell the richest stories.

We very much look forward to seeing your photographs — and celebrating the beauty, character and spirit of our small but mighty village.

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Hadlow Down Arts and Craft Exhibition

An exciting opportunity to view the work of some of our Hadlow Down and East Sussex artists

The Hadlow Down Community Association is proud to bring you a wonderful new community event this summer — the Hadlow Down Arts & Crafts Exhibition in beautiful St Mark’s Church.

Join us for our Opening Evening with Cheese & Wine on Friday 10th July 2026, before the exhibition opens to all visitors on Saturday 11th July.

We can’t wait to celebrate and showcase the extraordinary creativity that exists right here within our community — artists, makers, craftspeople, photographers, textile artists, ceramicists, painters and creatives of every kind.

And what better setting could there be than St Mark’s itself? One of Sussex’s most enchanting Arts & Crafts churches, filled with beautiful handcrafted details, rich textures and a spirit of artistry woven into its very fabric. From its warm timber interior and finely worked stone to the thoughtful craftsmanship and gentle light that fills the building, St Mark’s feels like the perfect home for an exhibition celebrating making, creativity and community.

This event is about bringing people together, championing local talent and filling the heart of the village with colour, imagination and inspiration.

For more details, or to express an interest in exhibiting your work, please email:

hadlowdown@mail.com

We very much look forward to hearing from you — and to creating something truly special together.

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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/