If you are on the internet, the parish council would urge you to sign up to the My Wealden Alerts at https://my.wealden.gov.uk/en. You would then be notified via the weekly Wealden update (at the bottom of the email) of any new planning applications in your area. In addition to this the parish council will try its upmost to inform residents of new application as they arrive via its website. However, this does by no means cover the many residents who are not on the internet, so we would please ask everyone to spread the word as new applications are submitted.
Planning notification letters from Wealden DC have stopped
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!
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!
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
Notifications to be discussed at 7th April 2026 HDPC meeting
WD/2026/0262/LDE for WILDERNESS WOOD, MAIN ROAD, HADLOW DOWN, TN22 4HJ
Erection of Structure (known as the Meeting House)/
Link to documents: Planning Register – Wealden District Council
WD/2025/2429/FR for DRAKES HEAD DEN, LAND SE OF PIGSFOOT FARM, BRICK KILN LANE, HADLOW DOWN
Demolition of existing approved buildings. Retrospective permission for stationing of a shipping container and temporary caravan for welfare purposes, and retention of stable building with two loose boxes. Installation of security fencing and stationing of one shipping container.
Link to documents: Planning Register – Wealden District Council
Agenda & reports for HDPC meeting 7th April 2026
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”