Month: May 2025

Cuckoo Line Gala – Heathfield Tunnel Opening!!

Posted on by Mark Alger

CUCKOO LINE GALA – HEATHFIELD TUNNEL!

We’re delighted to announce that following an inspection, risk assessments and insurance being put in place, Wealden District Council has given the Spa Valley Railway the green light to open Heathfield Tunnel during our Cuckoo Line Gala!

An enormous amount of work has taken place behind the scenes to make this possible and to help support the Spa Valley Railway a small entry charge of £1 per adult and 50p per child will apply.
The tunnel will be open for people to walk through on Friday 13th, Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th June between 10:00 and 17:00 from the portal on Station Approach.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Spa Valley Railway would be delighted to hear from any willing volunteers that would like to help support the opening and be on hand at the tunnel between 09:30 and 17:30 each day open/close up, take payments and hand out information leaflets. Please contact Jonnie.Pay@spavalleyrailway.co.uk if this is something you’d like to help with.

Heathfield Farmers Market – Third Saturday of every Month

Posted on by Mark Alger

Stuck for something to do this Saturday?

Why not pop down to Heathfield Farmers’ Market, East Sussex for some great local products 👍🏻

CHEESE • SEAFOOD • CAKES • FRESH MEAT, FRUIT & VEGETABLES • PRESERVES • LOCAL CRAFTS • CAFE

They are open from 9am in the Co-op car park, Heathfield.

Can’t make it this Saturday? Don’t worry as they are a regular fixture in town on every third Saturday of each Month.

For enquiries about becoming a stallholder please email farmersmarket@heathfield.net

FREE Business Mentoring Sessions

Posted on by Mark Alger

Are You Facing Business Challenges, Strategic Decisions, or Growth Uncertainty?

Mark O’Neil from Kinetic Business Advice has sat exactly where you are—leading businesses through uncertainty, raising capital, building pipelines, and making tough decisions.

He offers more than theory and brings a unique blend of real-world experience and evidence-based mentoring that delivers tangible return on investment through insight, accountability, and practical action.

Complimentary Business Mentoring to Support Local Success

To support our local business community, Mark is offering a free 1-hour mentoring session—designed to unlock clarity and momentum. During this session, he’ll introduce you to SHIFT³: a proven, easy-to-apply framework that helps you solve problems, shape strategy, and accelerate growth.

What’s on Offer?

1. Free 1-Hour Mentoring Session Apply the SHIFT³ Matrix to a real challenge or opportunity. Whether you’re stuck on a problem, exploring new growth, or aiming to improve performance—this session is tailored to your specific business needs.

2. Chamber Member Exclusive: Extended Mentoring Support. As a valued Chamber member, you can access up to two additional hours of free mentoring (subject to availability). Ideal for those who want to dive deeper—developing a one-page action plan or exploring strategic issues in more detail.

Why Take Up This Offer?

· Gain a fresh, expert perspective on your business challenges.

· Walk away with practical strategies you can implement immediately.

· Benefit from mentoring that’s focused on real outcomes—not generic advice.

Prepare to be challenged. No sugar-coating—just honest, focused support. He’ll ask the tough questions, challenge assumptions, and help you take meaningful action with clarity and confidence. To book your free session, contact Mark at mark@kineticbusinessadvice.com

Two Tails Taproom return to Heathfield!!

Posted on by Mark Alger

After what feels like an absolute age, Two Tails Taproom return to their home at Union Church next weekend, 16th-18th May…and then every 3rd weekend until November…

As always, Colin and Deena will be serving only the finest local beers, wines and spirits plus a delicious selection of bar food and snacks from local independent producers…

They are dog and family friendly, with children welcome until 7pm…

For all updates, including future dates and details of featured beers, keep an eye on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/twotailstaproom

Two Tails Taproom

Lakeside Cafe & Bar celebrates their 15th Birthday

Posted on by Mark Alger

Lakeside Cafe & Bar are celebrating their 15th Birthday in June and are hosting a special party on Saturday 21st June…

There will be all the usual tasty treats plus fun, games and face-painting for all the family…

There will be live music from 7pm by local band, The Tannens…

Make sure you make a note of the date in your diaries. For more info please call the team on 01435 408015

Community Meeting leads to creation of a High Street Working Party

Posted on by Mark Alger

Around 20 people attended a special meeting in April to discuss the future of Heathfield High Street. Those present included Parish Councillors, representatives from Wealden District Council, a representative for Nusrat Ghani MP and a number of local businesses.

The need to keep free parking in the town was a recurring concern, as was footfall, vacant shop premises and Business Rates.

Many recent High Street initiatives were discussed, including the Quarterly ‘Small Business Saturday’, which encourages people to ‘Shop Local’ with a free prize draw for shoppers and generates around £12-15,000 for the local economy annually.

Both Chamber of Commerce Committee Members and Heathfield and Waldron Parish Councillors urged more traders to support each initiative, including the late night shopping event in the run up to Christmas.

As a result of the meeting, a High Street Working Party has now been formed, comprising representatives from the Chamber, Wealden District Council and Parish Council. It is hoped that this Committee will now focus on High Street growth and raising the town profile.

Would you like to be part of this exciting new opportunity to help your Community? If so, please email the Heathfield Chamber of Commerce at secretary@heathfieldchamber.co.uk