Crowborough News, September 2025, Issue 02

SEPTEMBER 2025 | ISSUE 02

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SEPTEMBER 2025 | ISSUE 02

YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FOR CROWBOROUGH AND SURROUNDING AREAS

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4 NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2025

Latest local news, visit: crowborough.news

WELCOME

NEVER in my wildest dreams would

I have anticipated the flood of

positivity that followed the launch

of the first ever Crowborough News

newspaper on 1 August.

Thank you so much to the many

hundreds of people who had

kind words to say about our new

community project. And that’s

what Crowborough News is all

about — informing our community,

celebrating our community, and

bringing together our community.

Many thanks also to the advertisers

who are supporting us — without that

support we wouldn’t be able to cover

the print and production costs.

So here is the second edition —

and once again packed with news,

features and sport, that we hope you

will enjoy. We have exciting news

about an ambitious plan for a new

arts and youth centre in Jarvis Brook,

we’ve looked back at the hospital fete

and ahead at this month’s bonfire

and carnival event. And we celebrate

with the hard-working Beacon

students who have received their

A-Level and GCSE results in the past

couple of weeks.

We’re pleased to welcome a new

regular column from our Mayor, Cllr

Natalie Whittle, which joins the usual

contributions from the U3A, some

of our sports teams, VMA fitness,

and Babylon Eco.

We want Crowborough News to be

a newspaper in which you recognise

your friends and neighbours, you

read about events you’ve attended,

or you find out something new about

the place in which we live.

Please contact me with any news,

questions, ideas, or suggestions —

especially if you’d like to advertise!

editor@crowborough.news

Iain Luxford, Editor

THE TEAM

IAIN LUXFORD — EDITOR


PAUL GIBSON — REGIONAL EDITOR

paul@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

JAKE HEASMAN — SPORTS REPORTER


DEAN COOK — PRODUCTION

dean@magazineproduction.com

CONTACT

ADVERTISING SALES — 01892 577124

sales@crowborough.news

Crowborough News is a publication by Regional

Media Group Ltd, a company registered in

England and Wales number: 13746177. We have

taken care to ensure that the information in this

newspaper is correct. Neither the publisher,

nor contributors can take responsibility for loss

or damage resulting from errors or omissions.

Crowborough News does not endorse the

accuracy of the advertisements or the quality of

the products/services being advertised.

Information provided by businesses and

community organisations are provided directly

by their own representatives; please direct any

queries or comments regarding content directly

to the organisation. Any opinion or views

expressed within this publication are solely

those of the author. © 2025: No part of this

newspaper may be reproduced in part or whole

without express permission of the editor.

Plan for new art and

youth centre

BY IAIN LUXFORD

A crowdfunding project is set to be

launched for a major new art and

youth centre in Jarvis Brook.

The ambitious £300,000 project

will see the transformation of the

existing small community Scrapstore

building in the Jarvis Brook

Recreation Ground into a vibrant

community venue where people can

meet new friends, learn new skills,

and take part in activities.

The scheme is the brainchild of Bev

Pashley, who runs the community

interest company Artytime. This

collects arts and crafts materials

from local individuals, businesses

and organisations, which otherwise

would go in the bin, and provides

them for the community to use

for art and craft projects. Artytime

already works with various schools,

nurseries, care homes, church

and youth groups.

Her plan is to treble the size of the

existing scrapstore, where she keeps

all the art and craft materials for

people to use, and add rooms for the

youth club, workshops, meetings, and

community activities for members of

the community and local artists.

She said: “My vision is to run all sorts

of creative sessions and groups that

get people involved, not just with art,

but learning all sorts of new skills.

For example we know from talking

to young people that many of them

want to learn how to cook.”

Bev has planning permission

for the extension of the

scrapstore, which is only 12

square metres, into a proper

community venue which

will be 47 square metres.

She’s now trying to raise

the money to get the project

off the ground.

“We’ve spoken to the National

Lottery who have been here to

visit, and we’re in close contact

with the town council, the district

council and the county council. This

is a lot of money to raise and we really

need some proper backers — as well

as community support.”

Bev, who has already created a

Monday night youth club with the

support of the Crowborough Social

Club, a crochet and craft group which

meets at Jarvis Brook Social Club,

and a sewing circle, is passionate

about community projects that bring

people together.

She said: “I love Jarvis Brook, and

I’m a big believer in community. For

me it’s the people that make Jarvis

Brook special. I come from Yorkshire

where everybody talks to each other

and looks out for each other. It’s the

Bev Pashley

same here in Crowborough.

“This is the biggest ward in

Crowborough and has the most

children. I really want this

new centre to be for the

whole community.

It’s not just about art and craft, it’s

also about bringing people together,

giving people a greater sense of

belonging and purpose.”

Artytime is part of Green Transition

Crowborough, a community

organisation that promotes local

action to address climate change and

encourage sustainability. It’s a group

of eco-enthusiasts with a passion for

Crowborough who believe taking

small actions will cumulatively make

a real difference. It also includes other

groups like the Crowborough Pantry

and the Crowborough Repair Café, as

well as others.

On the Monday morning

Crowborough News spoke

with Bev, various people —

young and older — visited

the scrapstore to get

materials for art, creative

or sewing projects. “We

have rescued materials that

otherwise would have gone in

the rubbish. We weigh everything

in and in the past six months we’ve

collected 1.5 tonnes.”

The small scrapstore is bursting

at the seams with fabrics and

other creative materials. “This is just

a store — it’s obviously too small to

do anything else with. But if we can

extend and create a new centre, I

think it will be a real asset for the

community and for generations to

come.” Bev added.

But raising the money will not

be easy. “I know it’s ambitious but

I’m passionate about this place the

people here and if you don’t try,

you’ll never know!”

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6 NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2025


Investigation following

charging point blaze

Garage shop

to expand

BY IAIN LUXFORD

AN investigation into how a vehicle

fire started at a Crowborough pub

car park has begun.

The company which installed the

electric vehicle charging points

in the car park of the Blue Anchor

pub in Beacon Road, has also

offered apologies and reassurance

about their safety.

Fire crews from Crowborough

and Uckfield and an environmental

protection unit were called to the pub

where an electric van, which had

been using one of the charging points,

went up in flames. It was thought to

be an electric VW Transporter.

The vehicle was still plugged

into the charging station and it

took firefighters using breathing

apparatus some time to fully

extinguish the flames. Fortunately

no-one was hurt in the incident.

Following the blaze numerous

comments were made on social

media about the safety of electric

vehicles and the charging points.

The company, Osprey, said in a

statement: “Our charging points

are installed to the highest safety

standards. The vehicle manufacturer

has launched a full investigation

into the incident, to which we are

giving our support. It is too early

in the investigation to venture an

explanation for the vehicle fire.”

The spokesperson said that

firefighters had been able to turn

off the power easily, and a service

engineer attended the site shortly

afterwards to assess the damage and

ensure the site was safe. The charging

points will not be returned to use until

further inspections have taken place.

“The safety of our customers, the

public, and the staff at our locations

remains our absolute priority. Ahead

of the chargers being returned to

service, a qualified independent

service engineer will carry out all

necessary inspections, testing, and

risk assessments in accordance

with applicable health and safety

regulations and industry best

practice, to ensure the continued

safety of the site.”

The company also apologised

to local residents and to the pub,

and offered reassurance about

the safety of charging points. “We

are aware of the distress that the

vehicle fire will have caused local

residents and hope this provides

reassurance. Electric vehicle fires

are rare, occurring at the lowest

rate of any type of vehicle (based on

insurance analysis).”

The incident took place in the car

park of the popular 18th Century pub

which has previously been awarded

a gold in the Beautiful South Awards

Scheme. Fortunately the fire was

far enough away for the building

to be untouched.

The manager of the pub, Amy, said

it was grateful to all the messages of

support it had received. On social

media she said: “I am truly sorry

for any distress this has caused my

neighbours. Thank you again for

everyone’s kind words and support.

I have always tried to work and

be part of the community and I’m

sorry something outside my control

has let you down.”

THE shop at the Morrisons’ petrol

station in Crowborough is set to

double in size after expansion

proposals were given the thumbs

up by planners.

Wealden District Council has

approved the plans for the site in

Beacon Road which will see the

current jet wash bays removed

and replaced with four new

parking spaces.

The existing shop will be doubled

in size — taking up the space

currently used for the air and

vacuum machines, which will be

removed. The existing drive-in car

wash will be retained.

A previous proposal had suggested

removing the drive-in car wash and

replacing it with four new jet wash

bays. However, concerns were

raised about the noise impact this

might have on the neighbouring

Heather View Care Home.

The revised plans, which were

approved recently remove the

jetwash bays completely. And

extra section of hedging will be

planted between the forecourt and

the road footpath.

Plan for

Crowborough’s

empty former

police station

THE former police station in

Crowborough could be set to get a

new lease of life.

A planning application has been

submitted to turn the empty building

on the corner of Crowborough Hill

and North Beeches Road into a fourbedroomed

house.

The plans also involve the

demolition of the flat-roof extension

to the building, and two new houses

built on land behind and beside

the building. These would be a

four-bedroomed house and a threebedroomed

chalet bungalow.

An existing row of garages will be

removed and the applicant says each

of the three new houses will have

two parking spaces on the site. The

proposal has also been designed

to involve minimal alterations to

the original building, to allow the

design of the neo-Georgian Building

to be retained.

More details are available on the

Wealden District Council website.

Planning number: WD/2025/1433/F.

Happy birthday Repair Café!

THE Crowborough Repair Café

has celebrated its third year

of saving broken household

items from the bin.

In those three years, the volunteer

repairers have seen 1,070 items — and

successfully repaired 89 per cent of

them. Those items have included

clothing, tools, jewellery, clocks,

watches, and electrical devices.

Part of Green Transition

Crowborough, the Repair Café

is held every month on the first

Saturday in the month. It’s at The

Ashdown School site in Herne

Road from 10am.

To celebrate the 3rd anniversary,

the chair and vice chair of Green

Transition Crowborough, Mike

Coyne and Susanna Wray, toasted the

volunteers at a special event attended

by the Crowborough Mayor, Cllr

Natalie Whittle.

Thanking everyone involved, Mike

said: “When we started this three

years ago, who would have thought

we would be where we are now;

it’s wonderful.”

Cllr Whittle added her thanks and

congratulations. She said: “Yes, this

is about making a more sustainable

Crowborough, but it’s also been

wonderful for the community and

bringing people together.”

The Repair Café’s aim is to breathe

new life into broken items and save

them from being thrown away.

Have you seen the wonderful postbox toppers created Sewing Crow-Bees & Yarn Bombers?

They’re designed to celebrate the contribution of voluntary groups and volunteers in our

community. Brilliant stuff!

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8 NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2025


Mayor, Cllr Natalie Whittle and fete organiser, Anthony Shaw

Hundreds pack

hospital fete

fund-raiser

WORDS AND PICTURES

BY IAIN LUXFORD

ON a cloudless summer’s day

hundreds of people turned out

for the annual Crowborough

Hospital Summer Fete.

The community event, a key

fund-raiser for the Friends of

Crowborough Hospital, took place in

the hospital buildings and grounds

on Bank Holiday Monday. It was

officially opened by the mayor, Cllr

Natalie Whittle.

So popular is the annual event

that people were queueing down

Southview Road ahead of the

opening at 2pm.

Weeks of planning by more than

80 volunteers, led by fete organiser

Anthony Shaw, had gone into

preparation for the event which

featured more than 50 stalls.

Toys, entertainment, activities,

books, puzzles, clothes, tombolas,

refreshments, and so much

more, all featured.

Anthony said the fund-raising target

would be more than £15,000 which

will be used to support care and

improve facilities at the hospital in

Southview Road.

Latest local news, visit: crowborough.news SEPTEMBER 2025 NEWS 9

Town council seeks

community input on Wolfe

Rec Pavilion revamp

PLANS for a“much-needed” new

pavilion for the Wolfe Recreation

Ground in Crowborough are being

drawn up — and the town council

wants you to have a say.

The council, which is the trustee for

the Wolfe Recreation Trust, says it has

a “bold and transformative vision”

for the pavilion which is boarded

up and badly in need of repair. The

new building, it says will provide a

“high quality space for sport, leisure,

and local events”.

And it says: “community voices

will play a vital role in shaping the

final vision for the Wolfe Pavilion,

reinforcing its role as a space

built for all.”

Mayor, Cllr Natalie Whittle added:

“The Wolfe Pavilion project is just

part of the town council’s continued

commitment to improve local

recreation grounds and open spaces.

The pavilion is a key community asset

which we are eager to bring back into

use as soon as possible.”

The Wolfe Recreation Ground

Trust, a registered charity, exists to

maintain the Wolfe Recreation

Ground in Crowborough for the

benefit of local residents. The land

was gifted to the town by Emma Sarah

Wolfe in 1910.

Today, the site includes children’s

play areas, free-use tennis and multiuse

courts, and football and cricket

pitches, with facilities actively used by

local clubs including Crowborough

Cricket Club and Crowborough

Athletic Football Club Juniors.

Councillor Kay Moss, who has

been overseeing the project closely

since day one, said: “I look forward

to seeing the plans drawn up so far,

becoming a reality with the possible

help with funding from Wealden

District Council”.

Over the next three months

detailed proposals for the pavilion

building which will form the basis

of a planning application. As well

as providing changing facilities

the new building will include a

refreshment kiosk.

The town council is funding these

stages of the pavilion redevelopment

project using Community

Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds. This

is money collected from developers

when new housing or commercial

developments are built and has to

be invested in local infrastructure,

such as parks, schools, roads, and

community facilities.

The council wants to get ideas

and feedback as many people as

possible so is exploring a range of

engagement opportunities. These

could include appearances at the

farmers’ market, repair café, popup

consultation stalls, and digital

outreach via local websites and

social media groups.

Put your best foot

forward for Hospice

in the Weald

WHETHER you’re a seasoned

runner or just a gentle ambler

Hospice in the Weald needs you!

The charity, which provides free

of charge to patients with a terminal

illness in West Kent and northern

East Sussex, is urging people to sign

up for its annual fund-raising run.

The event, a key fund-raiser for

the hospice and now in its 19th year,

takes place on 21 September on the

Lower Cricket Ground in Tunbridge

Wells. Last year’s event saw more

than 1,000 people taking part, raising

more than £77,000.

And it involves categories for

“athletes” of all ages and abilities.

Firstly there’s a Family Fun Run

with a “hospice heroes” theme.

Children are encouraged to dress

up as their favourite super hero as

they dodge the water. Then there’s

the 5k, and the 10k for runners who

like more of a challenge that takes

in some of the Tunbridge Wells

landmarks. Finally, there’s the more

challenging half-marathon.

Among those already signed up to

take part is eight-year-old Vinnie,

who will take on his very first 5K in

memory of his nanny, who he lost at

the Hospice when he was just a baby.

Although too young to remember

his nanny, but he visits the Pembury

hospice often, always lighting a

candle in her memory.

To help other families going

through similar experiences, Vinnie

decided to start fundraising. Inspired

by a family friend, Micky, who ran

the Paddock Wood Half Marathon,

Vinnie set himself the challenge of

running a mile. Having achieved

that, he has now set his fundraising

sights on the 5k.

A spokesperson for Hospice in the

Weald urged everyone to sign up to

join in what is always an amazing

day. “The day is about more than

just walking or running — there is an

amazing event atmosphere, with live

music to provide motivation. And

it’s so much more than a race — it’s

a moment to honour, reflect, and

remember. Every runner has their

own reason for taking part, and we’ll

be marking a special moment during

the event to collectively remember

those we’ve lost.”

Visit the events section of Hospice

in the Weald website to find out

about the route details, answers to

questions you may have, explore

payment and fundraising options,

and to register for the event.

https://www.hospiceintheweald.

org.uk/events/hospice-run-2025/

GP patients’ survey — how

did our surgeries do?

A local GP surgery is amongst the

best in Sussex when it comes to

patient satisfaction, according to

the findings of a national survey.

The Groombridge and Hartfield

Medical group was rated third

in the whole of the county with a

remarkable 81 per cent of patients

describing it as “very good”. A

total of 96 per cent of patients

said it was either “very good”

or “fairly good”.

In Crowborough town centre The

Beacon Surgery was rated “very

good” or “fairly good” by 86 per cent

of its patients, while 82 per cent said

the same about Saxonbury House

Surgery. At the Brook Health Centre

68 per cent of patients said it was

either “very good” or “fairly good”.

However, both Saxonbury House

and The Brook ranked below the

national average for the “very

good” rating. Saxonbury’s “very

good” rating was 37 per cent, while

it was 39 per cent at The Brook.

England’s average for “very good”

was 44 per cent.

The annual GP Patient Survey

shows how patients feel about the

service at their GP practice, allowing

them to have a say on their care,

while also giving a GP practice an

insight into how it can improve

patient experience.

It was carried out by IPSOS on

behalf NHS England between

January and March. The results, now

published, show 700,000 patients

across England took part and across

the country 75 per cent gave their

surgery one of the “good” ratings. 44

per cent of these said their GP was

“very good” and a further 31 per cent

said it was “fairly good”.

The survey covers the whole

range of services provided by

GP practices, from the ease of

booking an appointment, the

quality of service, experience

during appointments, and general

health questions.

• At Groombridge & Hartfield 307

survey forms were issued and 48

per cent were completed. 96 per

cent gave their surgery one of the

“good” ratings. 81 per cent said the

surgery was “very good”, 15 per

cent “fairly good”.

• Beacon Surgery issued 267 surveys

and 42 per cent were completed.

86 per cent gave their surgery one

of the “good” ratings. 59 per cent

rated the surgery as “very good”, a

further 27 per cent “fairly good”.

• Saxonbury House issued 250

surveys and 44 per cent were

completed. 82 per cent gave their

surgery one of the “good” ratings.

37 per cent rated the surgery

“very good”, a further 45 per


• The Brook Health Centre issued

314 surveys and 36 per cent were

completed. 68 per cent gave their

surgery one of the “good” ratings.

39 per cent rated the centre

“very good”, a further 29 per


Crowborough Marks 80th

Anniversary of VJ-Day

ON Friday, 15th August 2025,

the Garden of Remembrance

was the setting for a poignant

service commemorating the 80th

anniversary of VJ-Day, Victory

over Japan, marking the end of the

Second World War.

A large crowd gathered from

11:40am, with the Town Mayor,

Cllr. Natalie Whittle, welcoming

attendees at 11:55am. Her address

recalled the historic events of

August 1945, followed by a reading

from David Harris reflecting on the

sacrifice, resilience, and courage of

those who served.

The ceremony featured The Last

Post, participating in the national

two minutes’ silence, the laying of

wreaths, the Kohima Epitaph, the

National Anthem, and a retiring

prayer. Wreaths were placed before

the Union Flag-draped table before

being moved to the War Memorial.

Organised by the Crowborough

& District Veterans’ Support

Association, the event drew an

excellent turnout, with residents,

veterans, and civic leaders

united in remembrance and

gratitude for those who secured

peace and freedom.

10 NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2025


Council approves 14 new homes

despite Crowborough objections

A former day care centre will be

demolished to make way for 14 new

homes in Crowborough, despite the

town council calling for the plans

to be thrown out.

Wealden District Council (WDC)

has signalled the green light to

the housing development at the

site of a previous day centre for

adults with learning difficulties

in Southview Close and opposite

Crowborough Hospital.

WDC agreed a revised plan for the

site, which has seen the number of

proposed new houses reduced from

19 to 14. But it has also set more than

30 planning conditions relating to

the development.

The decision was made in spite

of 50 letters of objection sent by

neighbouring residents, and

on-going opposition from the

town council. It had criticised the

scheme as overdevelopment and

said there was “wholly inadequate

parking provision”.

Crowborough Town Council also

raised concerns about road safety

for pedestrians and the knock-on

effect there could be on parking at

the hospital, as well as access for

emergency services. Residents

objections covered a wide range of

issues but included similar concerns

about the hospital, overdevelopment

of the site, parking and overlooking.

The former day care was declared

surplus to operational needs by

East Sussex County Council (ESCC)

in 2022. It had moved the services

for adults with learning difficulties

to Hookstead in 2016. Ironically,

Hookstead was the centre earmarked

for closure in ESCC’s budget

cuts earlier this year and it was only

saved following an 11th hour u-turn.

In its response to the planning

application ESCC’s Highways

department said 14 new homes

would normally require 29 parking

spaces. While this development

would be five short of that, it said

the good public transport access

meant it had no objection — as long as

improvements were made to the two

nearest bus stops.

In considering both sides, the WDC

planning officer said the site was

within the development boundary

for Crowborough and was not

overdevelopment. Additionally, the

officer said, WDC was 788 short in

the number of new properties it is

required to identify in the next five

years. It has 6,328 new dwellings on

identified sites — falling short of the

7,116 required under the National

Planning Policy Framework.

The officer added the developer

had responded to concerns raised

by the council and residents

about the design, appearance and

layout of the scheme.

The officer concluded: “The

development of the site for 14

dwellings represents a density of 25

dwellings per hectare, which is not

unreasonable in this sustainable

location, making efficient use of land.

“In this instance, while the

objections to the proposal have

been noted, the development site is

located within a defined development

boundary where development is

supported. Similarly, the contribution

of 14 additional dwellings to the

Council’s housing land supply also

holds significant weight.”

Walking festival celebrates the High Weald

THE High Weald Walking

Festival kicks off this month

and promises dozens of walks to

take part in and “new routes and

experiences for all.”

Now in its 8th year, the High Weald

Walking Festival has planned new

routes and experiences to help more

people discover the beauty and

history of the High Weald’s national

landscape. The festival is free and

runs from 13th-21st September 2025.

In 2024, the festival attracted over

600 walkers from across the High

Weald, the UK and abroad. This

year’s festival programme is now

available and has been expanded

and designed to enable every level

of walker to experience the High

Weald’s landscape.

Of the 59 walks in the programme

of events, nine are in or

around Crowborough and the

Ashdown Forest.

A spokesperson for the festival

said: “The High Weald’s 2,500km

of public rights of way give you a

great opportunity to explore ancient

forests, great estates and incredible

views but this year, some of the

walks take a closer look at life in

the High Weald.

“In ‘A Walk with a Poet’ awardwinning

poet Jemma Borg shares

how the High Weald has inspired

her work on a walk in Mayfield,

while Sussex naturalist, Michael

Blencowe, leads a family wildlife

walk on Ashdown Forest exploring

the rare habitat and species of

lowland heathland.”

For people without cars, there are

an increased number of walks that

can be accessed by train or bus. For

those who’d prefer a shorter walk,

festival organisers have teamed up

with East Sussex Health Walks (The

Conservation Volunteers - TCV),

Sussex Wildlife Trust and Bedgebury

National Pinetum for a series of

wellbeing walks of about 1-1.5 hours

that are both accessible and social.

The High Weald National

Landscape runs this event with

help from a long list of partners,

not least local Ramblers’ Groups

who are integral to organising

the event. The walks are led by

Crowborough News invited our mayor, Cllr Natalie Whittle, to write a monthly column highlighting the work, activities and events she is doing in our Crowborough community.

“Honoured” to be mayor of such a wonderful town

knowledgeable guides from partners

across the region.

Lucy Bowyer, Community

Engagement Officer, High Weald

National Landscape Partnership said:

“With nearly 60 guided walks in the

programme plus a self-guided walk

programme, it really is a great year

to get out with experienced guides

to explore the High Weald’s history,

nature and landscape, no matter your

previous walking experience.”

Most walks are run on a ‘turn up on

the day’ basis. Due to popularity and

available space a number of walks

will require pre-booking. Check the

website for details.

The full programme and FAQs are

available on the website at www.

highwealdwalks.org or follow

latest updates on www.facebook.

com/HighWealdNL

I was elected Mayor in May

2025, and I am slowing getting

into the groove of my Mayoral

duties. Highlights have been

meeting people by going out

about into the town and wider

Sussex communities when I am

invited to events.

I am so blown away by the

enthusiasm people have for our

town, and as Mayor, I get to witness

it first-hand. Amongst the highpoints

were celebrating 40 years in business

for K&M in Jarvis Brook who spent

a Saturday raising funds for our

amazing First Responders, by

hosting a wonderful fun day and

mini car show.

In August, the Crowborough Repair

Café celebrated their 3rd Birthday.

The volunteers there has kept over

a thousand items out of landfill in

those three years. Both these events

had at their heart, a giving back to the

community at their core and these

are just a couple of examples of our

people giving back.

Everywhere I look, I see people

supporting others. Just take a

moment to see what’s going on all

around in Crowborough. People

are picking litter and cleaning road

signs to make the town look better;

first responders turn out day or night

when people are at their most in

need. Volunteers provide thousands

of hours of community support

through local clubs and societies.

Local sports clubs and uniformed

organisations just wouldn’t exist

without volunteers.

Coming up in September is the

annual Crowborough Bonfire &

Carnival Society Carnival which

could not exist without their

volunteers. The motto for the

Society is “We Burn For Good”.

Please, remember your pennies to

drop into collection buckets at the

Carnival this year to help support

the good causes the bonfire society is

raising funds for.

With that thought, I’d be grateful

if you remember to spare some

change for my charities this year;

Family2Family and Guiding in Jarvis

Brook and Crowborough, when

you attend events run by the Town

Council over the next year. Both

organisations rely on volunteers and

do such amazing things.

Remember to take a look around

you and just see how many people

are giving of their time to support

Crowborough in a thousand different

ways. We are so lucky to have

such a vibrant community, I am

honoured to say I am Mayor of such a

wonderful town.


It’s time for Sussex Bonfire!

BY IAIN LUXFORD

DARKER evenings, morning mists,

and leaves turning golden brown

herald the annual changing of the

seasons as warm summer days give

way to autumn. In Crowborough

and various other East Sussex

communities, of course, they also

mean another thing — Bonfire

Season is about to begin.

While many towns and cities up

and down the country traditionally

celebrate Bonfire Night in early

November, in Sussex there’s an

unmatched enthusiasm and tradition

for the festivities - and it’s not just

about Guy Fawkes. In Crowborough

the special day will be 13 September.

Many of the towns and villages

across the county have Bonfire

Societies and from early September

through to the end of November

there will be fund-raising costumed

torchlit processions and bonfires in

various towns with societies visiting

each other to take part. Each event is

different but the torchlit processions

are common, and most societies

use the occasion to fund-raise for

local community groups. Pipers,

drummers, marching bands and

dancers will all join in.

Many of the societies dress up

in period costumes or smugglers

outfits. You might see Henry VIII

and his Tudor court sharing the same

procession as French revolutionaries

or native Americans. In some towns

the procession is joined by carnival

floats from local organisations.

Most Sussex Bonfire Societies today

have two costumes, one of which

is the traditional hooped patterned

jumper. Each society wears their own

colours and stripes.

Bonfire societies from all around

Sussex join in with a march through

the streets and as well as the torchlit

processions, 17 burning crosses

symbolise the lives of those who

died at the stake.

As with any tradition that goes back

into the mists of time, the origins of

Sussex Bonfire is not simple, and not

always clear. Of course, across the

UK 5 November celebrates the failure

of Guy Fawkes Gunpowder Plot to

blow up Parliament in 1605, but the

Sussex Bonfire traditions go back

further as they also commemorate

the execution of a group of 17

Protestant martyrs who were burned

to death on flaming pyres in Lewes

between 1555 and 1557 on the orders

of Queen Mary I.

Following the failure of Guy Fawkes’

plot in January 1606 James I passed

The Thanksgiving Act to celebrate

its failure of the Gunpowder Plot

and his deliverance from danger.

Called the Observance of Fifth

November Act 1605, it required all

church ministers to hold a special

service of thanksgiving annually on

5th November, during which the text

of the Act was to be read out loud.

Everyone was required to attend. The

tradition grew of marking the day

with the ringing of church bells and

bonfires. Fireworks and artillery-fire

were also included in some of the

earliest celebrations (as recorded in

1660 by parliamentarian and diarist

Samuel Pepys). This Act remained in

force until 1859.

Many current day Sussex Bonfire

Societies were officially established

after the repeal of the Act in 1859.

Lewes Borough Bonfire Society,

however, was founded in 1853 and

Battle, for example, can trace its

history back to 1646.

Whilst nowadays the dates of some

Sussex Bonfire Society processions

are determined by gaps in the

calendar, some also have historical

root and meaning. Lewes always

marks 5th November, the date of

the Gunpowder Plot, the parade in

Hastings always falls on a Saturday

around 14th October, the date of the

Battle of Hastings in 1066. Mayfield

has its event in September because

their four martyrs met their fate on

24th September 1556.

There are some who think the

Sussex Bonfire tradition goes back

even further than the Protestant

martyrs and then Guy Fawkes. Some

say it began in times when rural farm

workers had little or no wages during

the autumn and winter months. It

was common for workers to go from

house to house asking the residents

for food or money.

Because what they were doing was

essentially begging, it was illegal. To

avoid repercussions it was customary

to either dress up in costume or to use

charcoal or scorched cork to blacken

their faces. This way the revellers

were free to cause mischief and

mayhem without fear of recognition

and punishment.

But whatever the origins of the

Sussex Bonfire tradition the local

events have become a perfect

opportunity for communities to get

together, celebrate and raise money

for local causes. While there will

be bonfires, torchlit processions

and a variety of other events every

weekend from September to the end

of November, our most local events

will be on the following dates:

6th September — Uckfield

13th September — Crowborough

20th September — Mayfield

4th October — Rotherfield

12 NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2025


Does Crowborough need

its own banking hub?

Nursrat Ghani at the recent launch of Hailsham’s Banking Hub

THE MP for Crowborough wants

to hear from local residents about

banking services in the area and

whether she should lobby providers

for a local banking hub.

Nusrat Ghani, Sussex Weald MP,

said she has been receiving letters

and emails about bank branch

closures and residents are obviously

concerned about access to in-person

advice and services.

Just last month the Crowborough

Branch of Santander closed in the

High Street. Although the bank has

set up a drop in service on Fridays

at the community centre it is only

for advice and support, there are no

financial services.

“Adequate” Sussex Police

criticised in inspection report

SUSSEX Police has been told

it must improve the way it

investigates crime.

The finding is one of a number of

issues raised in the report by HM

Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire

& Rescue Services (HMICFRS).

The report found the force

did not have enough capacity to

make sure it progressed a large

number of open serious crime

investigations. Only one in 20

victim-based crimes dealt with by

Sussex Police in the year ending

30 June 2024 resulted in a charge

or court summons.

The inspectorate found Sussex

Police to be “adequate” in most areas

of policing, adding it was pleased

with improvements made in the past

year. The force was rated “good”

for its responses to the public and

“adequate” in eight other areas of

policing, including preventing crime

Many Post Office branches have

stepped up to provide a greater range

of banking services, enabling 99%

of banks’ personal customers, and

95% of banks’ business customers

to withdraw cash, deposit cash and

cheques, and make balance enquiries

at their counters across a network of

more than 11,500 branches.

Nusrat has recently welcomed

the newly established banking

hub in Hailsham, which has been

operating since March and was

the first of its kind to open in East

Sussex. It is a key community facility

for local residents and she is keen

to ensure that communities across

the constituency can benefit from

and protecting vulnerable people.

However, the inspection team

found the force must improve how

it investigates crime, to ensure

it consistently achieves more

acceptable outcomes for victims. It

said the force needed to make sure

investigations were progressed

in a timely manner and to an

appropriate outcome.

Chief Constable Jo Shiner said

the force was “operating in a

challenging financial environment”

and was “committed to delivering

an outstanding service to the

people of Sussex”.

She said: “I welcome this report and

am proud of the positive changes that

have been made, and acknowledged

by HMICFRS, since the previous

inspection in 2023.

“These ratings put us as one of

the stronger performing forces

in England and Wales, and one

similar provision.

A banking hub is similar to a

traditional bank branch where

a private space is also available

for customers to speak to their

bank representatives about more

complicated financial matters. The

space is often shared by multiple

providers, providing service on a

specific day of the week.

She has invited all local residents

to complete a short survey on

her website to help inform her

about local preferences, ahead

of making representations

to Link and Cash Access UK

who recommend and deliver

banking hubs. To share your

views, go to: www.nusghani.org.

uk/bankinghubs.

Nusrat said: “Access to banking

services is essential for everyone

across the country, and especially

in rural areas such as Sussex Weald.

In light of many banks deciding

to close their local branches, it is

important that those who are unable

to access online banking retain

the opportunity to access face-toface

assistance.

“I am pleased that Hailsham was the

first location in East Sussex to have

secured a banking hub, which is a

much welcome and well used facility.

However, I appreciate that not all

residents can travel to Hailsham and

I am keen to ensure that other towns

and villages have the opportunity to

benefit from a similar service within

their community.”

of the most improved over the

last two years.

“The inspection is also stricter

and more rigorous than before,

and so to achieve the same ratings

in many areas — particularly with

limited investment — is a sign

of success and testament to the

hard work of our officers and staff

across the county.

“As a force, we are very open to

feedback and are continuously

looking for opportunities to

learn and improve. Many of the

recommendations made in the

report have already been identified

through our own internal review

process, and improvement plans

are well underway.

“We will continue working

alongside HMICFRS to accelerate and

embed these plans to ensure we are

delivering the best possible service

for the people of Sussex.”

Council pledges

more climate

change action

despite facing

abolition

A new Climate Change Strategy

reaffirms Wealden District

Council’s commitment to becoming

a carbon neutral district and

embedding climate action across

all areas of council activity.

And this, it says, will be the legacy

of climate change action it leaves as it

faces abolition in the reorganisation

of local government.

Recently named by a pressure

group as in the top four councils

nationally for its response to climate

change, the district council has now

agreed a new strategy to underline

its determination to do its bit on

climate change.

The strategy and action plan

sets out in detail what the council

can do in its own operations and

housing, what it can influence in

others in the district, and how it

will resource those changes with

council staff time, and voluntary

and professional groups. It also

highlights the climate change

fund, which is money the council

has allocated to the action plan.

Cllr Paul Coleshill, the lead

councillor for Climate Change,

said, “One of the most positive

things about this policy is the way

the council is working smarter to

make every penny count. Every

department, every decision, is

checked to see whether an action

or decision can improve the

council’s response to climate change

and save money.

“When we repair a council house,

can we make it better insulated at

little extra cost? When we build a

council waste depot, can we put solar

panels on the roof to provide that

depot with electricity, and make it

greener and cheaper?”

“We are going to be putting solar

panels on swimming pools, car parks

and wherever we can on council

homes. We are funding Sussex

Wildlife Trust to rewild and to help

every river in Wealden.”

Cllr Coleshill added the council

had asked people in Wealden

what they wanted to see and

were working with local groups

on renewable energy, waste

reduction and recycling. He said

the council’s plan would also

protect ancient woodlands and

require builders to produce low

carbon impact homes.

“Last year we were placed middle

rank in local councils responding

to climate change — 55th. This

year as we started to draw our

climate change policy into council

thinking we moved to fourth among

district councils.

“One of the legacies of Wealden

District Council — when it is

abolished over the next couple

of years — will be this plan, these

actions and the schemes we

set up with voluntary agencies,

which will pass to the successor

authority. We hope they will

be willing to continue our

high standards.”

The strategy builds on the

council’s original 2019 Climate

Emergency Plan and reflects

the progress made, as well as

the evolving national policy

landscape, local priorities and

community input. The strategy

sets out a clear framework for

reducing emissions, enhancing

climate resilience, and

supporting sustainable growth

across the district.

The strategy sets out six key

priorities to tackle climate change

and build a more sustainable

future for Wealden.

At its core is a commitment to

carbon neutrality, with the council

aiming for net zero emissions

across its own operations while also

supporting wider decarbonisation

across the district.

Sustainable transport is another

major focus, with plans to encourage

active travel, expand electric vehicle

infrastructure, and promote lowcarbon

travel options. The strategy

also prioritises energy efficiency,

aiming to improve the performance

of council buildings and help

residents and businesses reduce

their energy use.

Nature and biodiversity will be

enhanced through investment

in green spaces, tree planting,

and nature-based solutions

that help the district adapt to

climate impacts. The council

will also focus on supporting

community-led action, working

closely with local groups and

residents to raise awareness and

empower them to take part in

local climate initiatives. To ensure

accountability, the strategy includes

a commitment to transparent

monitoring, with a clear framework

in place to track progress and report

openly to the public.


A soldier’s WWI

postcards found

— can you find his

family?

Council-built business

units aim to boost

Crowborough’s economy

THE owner of family postcards sent

home to Crowborough by a soldier

in the First World War is trying to

reunite them with the family.

Gus Lindsay has contacted

Crowborough News keen to track

down any relatives of Arthur and

Gladys (Page?) which were sent

home from the front by Arthur to

their home address at Brooklands

Cottages in St John’s.

Mr Lindsay, who lives in Stirling

in Scotland, said he bought the

seven postcards on eBay 20 years

ago. “I forgot I had them until they

fell from a book the other day. They

were sent from the front to St John’s,

Crowborough, between 1915 and

1919 from a Soldier called Arthur.”

He has tried using social media and

the local history group to track the

family down, but without success.

“I’m happy to post them, and I

don’t want anything for them; it

would just be good to get them back

where they belong.”

Contact: gusferyindlas@gmail.com

if you can help.

NEW business units are set to

be completed in a bid to attract

businesses and boost local

employment in Crowborough.

To meet the growing employment

demands in the town, eight

employment units have been built

on the Wealden Business Park

at Farningham Road to provide

business opportunities in the area

and accommodate local growth.

The units, due to complete next

month, are for businesses looking

to expand or relocate and have been

created by Wealden District Council.

The units have been designed to

offer modern and flexible spaces

with high levels of insulation,

solar panels with battery storage,

EV charge points, roller shutters

plus generous parking and

turning space. They can also be

adapted to add in mezzanine

floors to give extra levels inside the

unit if needed.

All units are suitable for a wide

range of business types, including

light manufacturing, storage and

distribution, and general commercial

use — excluding the motor trade.

Councillor Kelvin Williams,

Wealden’s lead councillor for Public

Health and Asset Management,

said: “We’re looking forward to the

completion of our latest employment

units in Crowborough which has

been an exciting project in the North

of the district.

“The purpose-built spaces have

been designed to support the growth

of local businesses with modern,

flexible, and energy-efficient

facilities which have good transport

links to Surrey and London. These

have been built to the highest

standards and are ready to meet

the needs of today’s industrial and

commercial landscape.”

Office & Industrial Property Available

Refurbished Industrial Unit

Millbrook Business Park

CROWBOROUGH

Ideal Small Business

Lonsdale Gardens

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Delightful Rural Setting

Priory Park Business Centre

WITHYHAM

New recovered & insulated roof.

Ground floor 1,106 sq ft.

1st floor offices - 3 rooms - 824 sq ft.

Overall 1,930 sq ft.

New lease - rent £14,250 pa.

Delightful office - 246 sq ft.

999 year lease from 2005.

Service charge incs. power & maintenance.

Long leasehold £67,500 or offer.

Viewing Recommended.

Choice of character suites.

From 120 to 800 sq ft.

Rents from £2,700 to £8,000 pa.

VAT & service charge payable.

Viewing Strongly Recommended.

Commercial Surveyors, Estate Agents & Valuers

Tel: 01825 76 44 88

Email: info@lawsoncommercial.co.uk.

Website: www.lawsoncommercial.co.uk

14 NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2025


Students honoured for

determination and resilience

at Beacon Academy

THE headteacher of Beacon

Academy paid tribute to the hard

work and determination of the

school’s students as they picked up

their GCSE and A-Level results.

And the school certainly has

a bumper set of results to be

celebrating. More than 30 students

achieved at least one grade 9 in their

GCSE results — with grade 7 being the

equivalent of the old A grade.

While proud of all the

achievements, the school singled out

Daniel Herman and Anna Cloughly,

who got an astonishing eight and six

grade 9s respectively. There were

also a large number of pupils who

achieved multiple grade 8s and 9s.

With A-Levels it was a similar

story. Among the impressive results,

Elliott Linscott received three A*s,

while there were two A*s and an

A for Evie Hobson, Katie Hudson,

and Joel Street.

Headteacher Keith Slattery

said after the GCSE results were

published: “We are so proud of

the outstanding achievements of

our students in this year’s GCSE

examinations. Their results reflect

not only academic excellence but

also the determination, positivity

and resilience that define this

exceptional year group.”

He said their achievements were

“well-earned” and in a message to

students he added “your future is

full of exciting possibilities — believe

in yourself and all that you can

achieve. Embrace the opportunities

ahead, stay curious, and continue

to strive for excellence. You have

already accomplished so much, keep

moving forward with confidence

and that passion.”

GCSE performances

highlighted by the school:

Daniel Hermann: 8 grade 9 results

Anna Cloughley: 6 grade 9 results

In addition, the following students

achieved 7+ (or equivalent) in all of

their subjects. They also achieved

many of their subjects at the very

highest grades 9/8:

Henry Stubbings: 5 Grade

9 and 4 Grade 8

Immy Smart: 5 Grade 9 and 3 Grade 8

Jacob Smith: 4 Grade 9 and 5 Grade 8

Emily Carden: 4 Grade

9 and 4 Grade 8

Anna Ivaldi: 3 Grade 9 and 5 Grade 8

Ruby King: 3 Grade 9 and 5 Grade 8

Mr Slattery said the school was

also delighted to celebrate the

achievements of its Year 13 cohort,

whose commitment and effort had

been rewarded with strong results

in their A Level and vocational

qualifications.

“As our Year 13 students close this

chapter of their time at school, we

want to take a moment to celebrate

everything they have achieved, and

more importantly, the amazing

people they have become. This is not

just about grades or exams; it is about

the challenges they have faced and

overcome, the determination they

have shown, and the maturity they

have developed along the way.

“Our students have worked

incredibly hard across all their

subjects. Whether they are

off to university, starting an

apprenticeship, or entering the

world of work, each student

leaves with experiences that have

shaped who they are — resilient,

independent, and ready for what

comes next. These results tell stories

of determination, goals reached, and

obstacles overcome.”

Mr Slattery added that he wanted

to thank the families, staff, and

everyone in the school community

who had supported the students

throughout their journey.

“This success is the result of a

collective effort. Behind every

student are the incredible teachers,

supportive families, and dedicated

staff who have been there to

encourage, guide, and cheer them

on every step of the way. We are

deeply grateful for the unwavering

encouragement and belief in our

students’ potential.”

A-Level highlighted performances

(alphabetical):

Jasmine Austin: Dist.* Dist. B —

progressing into employment

Emily Baker: Dist.* Dist.* B B —

progressing to the University of

Exeter to study International Business

and Modern Languages

Celeste Barrett: A* Dist. Dist. B C —

progressing to Leiden University to

study International Justice

Alisha Child: Dist.* Dist.* B B with

an A* at EPQ — progressing to the

University of Liverpool to study

Ancient History

Leo Child: A* A A with a B

at EPQ — progressing to the

University of Liverpool to study

Accounting and Finance

Morgan Coysten: Dist.* Dist.* B

— progressing to the University of

Warwick to study Film Studies

Ethan Dowson: Dist.* Dist.*

C — progressing to the

University of Sheffield to study

Environmental Science

Jacob Dowson: Dist.* Dist.* B —


Phoebe Elliott: Dist.* Dist.* B —

progressing to Loughborough

University to study Media

and Communications

Millie Evans: A* A B —

progressing to Royal Holloway,

University of London to study Law

with Criminology

Arthur Glynn: Dist.* Dist.* B — taking

a gap year before progressing to the

University of Exeter to study Media

and Communications

Evie Hobson: A* A* A — progressing

to the University of Sussex to

study Psychology

Grace Holmwood: Dist.* Dist.* C

C — progressing to the University of

Exeter to study History

Katie Hudson: A* A* A — progressing

to the University of Sussex

to study Physics

Nat Hunt: A A A — progressing to

the University of Exeter to study

Economics and Finance

Eleanor Jarman: Dist.* Dist.* B —

taking a gap year

Elliott Linscott: A* A* A* with

a B at EPQ — progressing to the

University of Bristol to study

Mechanical Engineering

Benjamin Pearce: A A A with an A* at

EPQ — progressing to the University

of Cambridge to study History

Morgan Phillips: A* A A —

progressing to Durham University

to study Finance

Elsa Ridley: Dist.* Dist.* B —


Freyja Sarre: A* Dist. Dist. B —

progressing to the University of Leeds

to study Childhood Studies

Harley Smith: A A A — progressing

to the University of Reading

to study Zoology

Joel Street: A* A* A — progressing

to Durham University to study

Economics with Management.


Beacon’s 70th anniversary

BEACON Academy — now one of

the best performing schools in

the country* — will be celebrating

its 70th anniversary this month.

Former Crowborough Parish and

Wealden District councillor, John

Bailey, was one of its very first

pupils. He recalls those very early

day when the boys did metalwork,

the girls did needlework, and if

it rained at lunchtime, ballroom

dancing was the indoor option…

“On the 6th September 2025 it will

be 70 years since Crowborough

County Secondary Modern School

now Beacon Academy was opened

to its first cohort of student on the 6th

September 1955. The official opening

by the then Minister of Education,

Sir David Eccles took place on

29th June 1956.

“The pupils who, including myself,

had failed their 11 plus examination,

which meant they could not go

to Skinners Grammar School in

Tunbridge Wells, were therefore the

first to attend the first year of the new

school. The school was an impressive

building with facilities we had

not seen before.

“The first cohort of pupils consisted

of 550 who came from such schools

as Whitehill Crowborough, Sir Henry

Fermor Crowborough, Rotherfield

and Groombridge where up until 1955

they had taken their elementary and

secondary education.

“There were

22 teaching staff

and several had

transferred to the new

school. For example

Miss Griffiths, Mr

Spence, Mr Ward

and Mr J.A.Club

came from Sir Henry

Fermor Church of

England School.

“The first headmaster

was Mr John Pennington. The

deputy head was Miss Churchill.

The staff included Mrs L Parker,

Mr T Dunn, Mr M Beamish, Miss

D.F.T.Cummant, Miss Harvey,

Mr Ralph Sands, Mr J Knott, Miss

D.G.Shannon, Mr Jeffrey Lee, K

Laughton, M.R. Ingham, L.H.Moore,

Vera Bensusan and B.E.Weali.

There were two male teachers

with surname Lee, so they were

often referred to as English Lee

and woodwork Lee. Mr Mckerrow

taught metalwork.

“The School, which was local

authority controlled, had 4 houses.

Innes (Red), Neville (Blue), Sackville

(Green), and Ashdown (Yellow). The

school adopted a streamed system

A, B and C. Most students left before

taking O Levels.

“So,

therefore,

what was

taught between the age of eleven and

fifteen (which was the school-leaving

age until 1972); included English,

maths, history, geography, rural

science, art and religious education.

Girls also did domestic science and

needlework. Boys did technical

drawing, woodwork and metalwork.

“Music and drama lessons were

included, songs were sung, recorders

played and plays acted. Physical

Education included the usual team

games and sports day activities. If the

weather was wet ballroom dancing

would provide an alternative activity

in the main hall.

“Night School, which was open

to the public also provided further

opportunities, included most of

the practical subjects including

typing. Most students left at 15

and were able to find several

employment opportunities in the late

1950’s and 1960’s.

“I first worked as a Grocer’s assistant

under Mr Tickner at Butler’s High

Class Grocers, then Gilridge Fruit

Farm, and then Donald Beale Estate

Agents before joining the Royal

Marines in 1961. Some others also

joined HM Forces or the Merchant

Navy. Several of us continued our

Education in the Forces and when

we left obtaining degrees and

professional qualifications part-time

whilst working.

“I wonder how many of those first

intake of pupils are still alive (81 years

or older) and live in Crowborough,

Rotherfield or the surrounding area?”

*Based on 2024 GCSE results.

Beacon Academy was one of only

two schools in East Sussex to be rated

in the Government’s “well above

average” category.

16 NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2025


Twist in Myrtle Road

planning battle

Crowborough’s

knotty weed

problem

Myrtle Road planning battle

IT looks like Crowborough Town

Council and dozens of local

residents will lose their battle

against plans to build new houses in

the back garden of a Crowborough

house — even though they may have

thought they had won.

Earlier this week planning

inspectors threw out the controversial

plans to build six new homes in a

back garden of Kingsmead in Myrtle

Road described as a “haven” for a

number of animals — but there’s a

twist in the story.

Crowborough News has checked

planning listings and can reveal that

a separate but very similar plan for

the same site, by the same developer,

for five instead of six houses is still

under consideration — and the

Wealden District Council planning

officer is recommending it be

conditionally approved.

More than 80 letters had objected

to the original proposals to build

the six new homes on a site behind

Kingsmead, and Crowborough

Town Council, a consultee on the

plans, had also objected. For the

second application 91 objections

had been received, and the town

council has stood by its opposition

to the proposals.

Among the concerns raised by the

objectors were overdevelopment

of the site, increased traffic, loss of

wildlife habitat, harm to protected

species, and overlooking.

The new plan is for five houses

behind Kingsmead — two

3-bedroomed, three 4-bedroomed —

with access to this new development

from an extension to Valley Road.

The town council said there was

significant wildlife activity on the site,

including various different species,

including protected mammals.

It added that while the plans had

been reduced in size from six new

houses to five, it still believed it to be

“overdevelopment of the site”.

But in the latest officer’s report

recommending conditional approval,

the WDC planning officer said there

had been no objections to the revised

plans raised by the WDC Biodiversity

officer, the WDC tree officer, the

WDC Housing officer, or East

Sussex highways.

Addressing concerns raised, the

officer said as the site was a private

back garden it was “inaccurate

to refer to it as woodland for the

purposes of planning policy”.

And as the trees on site had no

preservation orders, the owner was

free to cut them down. The officer

said: “It cannot be considered a

green open space.”

The WDC officer also pointed to the

shortfall of land for housing, the need

for new homes, and the fact that the

site is within Crowborough’s defined

development boundary. And it was

the officer’s conclusion that “overall

the amenity of Kingsmead would not

be adversely affected.”

When it blocked the original plan

last year — resulting in the planning

appeal — WDC said the proposed

development — because of its scale

and layout — would result in the

destruction of protected species

and their habitats with no suitable

avoidance or mitigation secured.

It would also result in significant

adverse impacts on the residential

amenities of the adjacent occupiers

through loss outlook, privacy and

sunlight, WDC said.

But now it appears to be happy

with the plans subject to a section

106 agreement with the developer,

Asprey Homes, an updated survey for

badgers, a full “arboricultural method

statement” and steps to ensure

badger habitat connectivity.

In recommending the conditional

approval, the officer says: “In this

case, the proposal has been assessed

and no concerns have been raised

in terms of sustainability, highway

safety, arboriculture, drainage or

visual amenity.

“Previously identified impacts

on protected species have been

resolved by a reduction in quantum

and suitable conditions can secure

mitigation for on-site protections

during the construction phase and

permeability during occupation.

Ultimately, the LPA is confident

Natural England would be likely to

issue a licence for the development to

proceed in an appropriate manner.

“When considered in the round,

the identified drawbacks of the

proposal are limited and would not

significantly and demonstrably

outweigh the benefits, which

ultimately combine to further the

planning system’s goal of achieving

sustainable development. The

substantial objections from residents

are noted but all issues raised can

be suitably addressed through the

recommended conditions. It is

also noted there are no objections

from the technical consultees.

Accordingly, the recommendation

is to grant conditional

planning permission.”

CROWBOROUGH is among the

worst areas in East Sussex for the

invasive Japanese knotweed plant.

Using the latest data from an online

Environet has identified the 2025

hotspots — and Crowborough is

in the top five.

There have already been 616

verified sightings in East Sussex this

year — almost one occurrence per

square mile. Hove and Hastings

top the list with 43 incidences each,

followed by Brighton with 38. St

Leonards and Crowborough round

out the top five with 36 and 31

sightings, respectively.

Introduced to the UK from Japan

as an ornamental plant, Japanese

knotweed is now considered a serious

weed due to its ability to spread

rapidly and damage structures.

The map, now populated with

over 100,000 known instances of

the UK’s most invasive plant, is

updated throughout the year with

new verified sightings. It provides

a comprehensive online record of

Japanese knotweed in the country.

Members of the public can use

the map to check the number of

sightings near their postcodes and

gauge the level of risk posed to their

homes. They can also contribute

to the heatmap by reporting

knotweed infestations and attaching

a photograph of the plant for

verification by experts.

Emily Grant, director of Environet,

said: “By mapping verified

sightings, we’re helping people

understand the level of risk in their

local area and encouraging early

identification and treatment.

“Vigilance is the best way to protect

your property from Japanese

knotweed, making sure you tackle it

as early as possible before it becomes

well established.”

Japanese knotweed first arrived in

the UK during the Victorian era in

a box of plant specimens delivered

to Kew Gardens. It poses serious

problems for homeowners, with

roots that can grow up to three metres

deep and spread up to seven metres

horizontally, emerging through

cracks in concrete, tarmac driveways,

pathways, drains, and cavity walls.

Rare eagles

return to Sussex

TWO white-tailed eagles have

fledged from a wild nest in Sussex

250 years after they were hunted to

extinction in the south of England.

And with a third chick fledging

from a nest in Dorset — it’s a record

year for the species. The precise

location of the nest in Sussex is being

kept confidential.

White-tailed eagles — Britain’s

largest bird of prey — were hunted

to extinction in the south of England

in the 18th Century but a total of six

have now fledged since the start of a

reintroduction programme in 2019,

using birds transported from Scotland

and released under licence on

the Isle of Wight.

White-tailed eagles are Britain’s

largest birds of prey with a wingspan

of up to 2.5 metres and were once

widespread across England. Human

persecution caused their extinction,

with the last pair breeding in southern

England in 1780.

A single male chick — G834 — fledged

from parents G463 and G466, which

were released in 2020 and paired up in

Dorset in 2023.

Forestry England said it was their

first successful breeding attempt

and “made more remarkable by

the fact that the male adult bird has

only one leg” after losing the other

four years ago.

Two female chicks — G841 and G842

— were the offspring of G405 and G471

in Sussex — also released in 2020. The

same pair bred in 2023 and 2024.

All of the chicks are fitted with

satellite tags so the project team can

track their progress.

Forestry England project officer

Steve Egerton-Read said: “We have

been patiently monitoring these nests

for many months and hoping they

would be successful. It is always such

an exciting time but also incredibly

nerve wracking.

“Returning lost species like the whitetailed

eagle is a key part of Forestry

England’s approach to restoring

biodiversity and helping nature to

recover. We hope that in years to come

these iconic birds will become a much

more common sight, inspiring future

generations and deepening their

connection with nature.”


New look for skatepark

THE Jarvis Brook skatepark has had

a makeover thanks to local artists

and young people.

Artytime took over the park

to give it a fresh look as well as

to inspire the next generation

of artists in Crowborough. Two

professional artists used the skate

park as their canvas and had some

help from young people on their

summer holiday.

Bev Pashley, founder of Artytime,

said: “Opportunities like this

encourage kids to take a chance.

We have had lots of kids who are

scared of getting art wrong but it

doesn’t matter.”

Despite the artists taking the lead on

the design, members of the clubs that

Artytime run had their say on what

type of art they would like to see and

Bev said that the younger generations

wanted to see a more environmental

and ‘eco’ style of art.

Artytime was founded in 2014 to

provide a creative space for young

people in Crowborough and it has

supported the Jarvis Brook Skatepark

by providing safety equipment and

five skateboards. It is a Community

Interest Company whose mission is

to bring arts and craft to all ages and

abilities. It runs creative workshops

and sessions as well as training

people to deliver them.

Lilly Demitri, one of the artists, said:

“When you can inspire other people

to do what you do it is amazing.

Art is something to share and it is a

gift to people.”

The skate park received a special

visit from the Deputy Mayor Paul

Gollard who got stuck in and helped

the team to try and finish the project.

Lilly said: “We have a responsibility

to inspire kids for the future and art is

so powerful in doing this.”

Artytime also have plans to

expand their scrap store, which

is located next to the skatepark,

where members of the community

can donate unwanted art supplies

for others to use.

We will have a

Sussex Mayor

PLANS for a powerful decisionmaking

Mayor of Sussex have

been given the green light by

the Government.

Council leaders have welcomed

approval of their plans to collaborate

in a single strategic authority for

Sussex with a directly elected mayor.

The government has agreed to move

forward with a Mayoral Combined

County Authority (MCCA) and

confirmed the first mayoral election

will take place in May 2026.

The new MCCA will bring together

all upper tier local councils across

Sussex (East Sussex County Council,

West Sussex County Council, and

Brighton & Hove City Council) to

operate across the region while, while

existing councils will continue to

deliver day-to-day services.

It is separate from, and not to be

confused with, the on-going review

of how local councils should be

structured in East Sussex which

is known as local government

re-organisation.

The Devolution Bill (2025)

outlines how significant powers,

and funding will move down from

central government to a local level,

where decisions can be shaped

with and by the people who live

and work here. Including some of

the things that impact residents

the most — including transport,

housing, jobs, economic growth,

and public safety.

Keith Glazier, leader of East Sussex

County Council, said: “I believe that

everyone in Sussex could benefit

from our areas working together

and with an elected mayor on some

of the biggest issues ahead, such

as jobs, transport, housing and

the environment.”

BHCC Council Leader Bella Sankey

said: “This is an historic and exciting

moment for our region. Brighton

and Sussex already has so much

to offer but devolution will unlock

powers and funding that will drive

economic growth and investment in

infrastructure, affordable housing,

and job creation — things all parts of

the region want to see.

“Too many people are in

insecure housing, unrewarding

work, or struggling to access the

support they need. We’re also

facing a climate emergency that

demands urgent action.

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18 REGULARS

SEPTEMBER 2025


GARDENING TIPS with Rachael Collins from Babylon Eco Centre

HOW TO DEVELOP YOUR OWN

SUSTAINABLE GARDEN

FOLLOWING on from last month’s

article, I’m focussing on how you can

create your own sustainable garden

that doesn’t deplete natural resources

or harm the environment but actively

increases biodiversity and the health of

the eco system. The easy part thing is

that we can do less!

Don’t use pesticides as they destroy

aphids, wiping out a food source for birds,

ladybirds, and native wildlife. Pesticides

leach into the wider environment

affecting other creatures, the soil and

ground water. Weeds are (mostly)

native wildflowers and have value to our

wildlife including bees and butterflies

and a huge range of other insects, birds

and mammals. Don’t use fungicide as

there are a huge number of beneficial

fungal organisms living on plants and

in soil which help break down dead

and decaying matter and turn it into

nutrient rich soil.

We don’t need to keep our gardens

really tidy either. Leave fallen leaves and

dead flowers as they’ll return to the soil

and provide habitat for overwintering

insects and animals. Only mow the

lawn area you need to be short and let

an area grow long. Dandelions, daisies,

clover, and ajuga should be a source of

celebration when they appear in a lawn

and a nettle patch is a wonderful habitat

for butterflies.

LEARN ABOUT

YOUR GARDEN.

Learning about your soil enables you to

grow plants with minimal input. If you

have sandy, acidic, free draining soil,

avoid water hungry plants and focus

on mediterranean varieties. If you are

in a heavy clay area, use rubble mixed

with soil to increase the range of plants

you can grow. On the corner of our

greenhouse we have an exposed site

with high light levels and shallow soil.

This is similar to environments where

grasses and prairie plants thrive — so

this is what we planted.

LEARN ABOUT YOU

What do you want from your garden?

Do you want to grow food or is

your space purely ornamental? Be

realistic about the time you have for

maintenance and you’ll have a garden

you want to spend time in rather than

feeling overwhelmed by.

LEARN ABOUT PLANTS

When buying plants find out where they

are from and how much carbon it takes

to produce them.

Try to buy from local, British nurseries

who don’t use chemicals or peat and

are reusing and reducing their plastic.

Babylon is one but ‘Plant Fair Roadshows’

are another good way of accessing others.

Try to make sure plants are useful

as well as beautiful. Are your plants

providing food for pollinating insects or

habitat for wildlife? Are they improving

the soil? Plants don’t have to be native

to be sustainable. Climate change

means that the resilient plants we

have now aren’t the same as the plants

we had years ago.

PROVIDE VARIED HABITATS

Habitats which encourage wildlife into

our gardens can be as simple as long

grass, log stacks, sandy or rocky piles

or dead hedges. It’s not just about

providing nectar for bees (which is

great!) but also about providing habitats

for a wide range of creatures to shelter,

forage, and breed. Use what you already

have instead of bringing in new material.

Like a forest, a sustainable garden

has lots of levels, with ground cover,

herbaceous perennials, a shrub layer, a

canopy layer and climbers.

DOING AND BUYING LESS

Sometimes just sitting back and being

patient helps our gardens evolve into a

self-supporting ecosystem. Rather than

squashing or spraying aphids when

you see them on a plant, remember

these are food for ladybirds, hoverfly

and birds who will move in to control

them. Minimal disturbance to the soil

is ideal so move away from digging

Rachael Collins

over boarders and veg beds and instead

try mulching. Homemade compost has

the lowest environmental impact and

it’s free!

Observe how water moves through

your garden, where it can be collected

and stored. Is there water available for

insects, birds and mammals to drink? A

very small pond the size of a half barrel

can attract wildlife and some butterflies

prefer to drink from muddy puddles!

I hope I have given you some ideas

about how to develop your own

sustainable garden.

VMA FITNESS

CROWBOROUGH DUO HELPS

TOWN TUNE IN TO MINDFULNESS

vmafitness.co.uk

PHILIP & ELLIE LEAR are the team

that run VMA Fitness in the centre of

Crowborough. The centre runs a wide

range of classes to help people keep

fit and active including Taekwon-Do,

kettlebells, fitness kickboxing, fitness

yoga, and body blast. But they’re also

serious about mental health. So this

month they are encouraging us to think

about mindfulness and how it can help

us in the fast-paced modern world.

This month we are focusing

on mindfulness. Philip Lear is a

qualified Solution Focused Therapy

Hypnotherapist, he studied at Within

Sight, Brighton University and also with

the world renowned Jacquin Hypnosis.

As well as hypnotherapy, Phil is also a

mindset and meditation coach.

According to Jon Kabat-Zinn

mindfulness is defined as “paying

attention in a particular way, on

purpose, in the present moment, and

non-judgmentally.”

Based on published studies the

benefits to mindfulness include:

• Memory improvement, faster

reaction times and mental/physical

stamina increases.

• Mindfulness improves mood and

quality of life in chronic pain.

• Mindfulness reduces addictive and

self-destructive behaviour.

• Mindfulness is at least as good as

medication or counselling for the

treatment of clinical-level depression.

In life we operate many times in

automatic mode, this means without

even thinking about it we just do it.

This is based on habits that have been

formed over time that mean your brain

is wired to complete tasks without

requiring to use any effort to think about

it. How many times have you driven

somewhere whilst thinking of something

else and wondered how you managed to

get there so quickly?

Being mindful means being fully

present and aware of everything around

you as well as yourself. Good tests of

mindfulness are to stir a cup of tea the

other way or brush your teeth with

your less dominant hand, this means

you have to actually think about what

you are doing.

Bringing yourself into the present

moment can become healing as you fully

accept where you are and what you are

doing rather than allowing your mind

to wander into the future where it can

create worry, fear and anxiety about

something that has a strong likeliness

of not happening.

These are the questions you can

ask yourself in the present moment

using your senses:

• Visual — What do I see around me?

• Auditory — What do I hear?

• Kinaesthetic — What do I feel?

• Gustatory — What do I taste?

• Olfactory — What do I smell?

Here is an exercise you can work on. Go

for a walk and take it all in, the feeling

of the steps, the transfer of your body

weight, the feeling of the breeze or the

sun on your face. What do you notice?

What sounds can you hear? The trees,

birds, people? What do you smell? Now

start the breathing exercise from last

month and now notice how you feel.

It’s good practice to write down your

thoughts afterwards and then as you

practice more notice the improvements.


Café pledges improvements after

poor food hygiene inspection

WILL’S Café and Grill in

Crowborough has been told it must

make “major improvements” to its

food safety standards.

The cafe in the Broadway has been

given a one-star food hygiene rating,

the second lowest, following an

inspection by environmental health

officers on June 4, 2025.

The owners of the family-run

business told the Crowborough

News they only took over the café

in February and had been working

hard to improve it — investing in new

equipment, new bins, and repairing

areas highlighted by the inspector.

The manager, Mo Nazeer, insisted

the inspection rating was not about

food — it had followed overloaded

bins, broken steps, used oil that

hadn’t been collected, and a broken

microwave. All had been sorted.

He was confident the inspection

rating would now increase. “She was

right, and I’m not fighting it. But we

have worked hard and are doing our

best to improve. I believe we are much

improved. We may not get a five next

time, but it will be a four.”

According to the Wealden District

Council website the district has almost

1,500 outlets that are subject to food

hygiene inspections. At April 2025

only two had the one-star rating.

There were no zero star ratings, and

most, 970, have the top five-star “very

good” assessment.

Will’s Café rating means that “major

improvement” is required in terms of

the restaurant’s food hygiene.

The inspection result will come as

a surprise to the seven reviewers on

Trip Advisor who all rated the café

either “excellent” or “good”. This

gives the café an average Trip Advisor

score of 4.6. Some of the positive

comments included: “Delicious,

nicely presented. Lovely friendly staff

— felt very welcome” and “I cannot

speak more highly of this fantastic

café restaurant. Visited, for the first

time, with family after various word

of mouth recommendations and we

were not disappointed.”

The cafe and grill, which serves

breakfasts, and burgers, but also

coffees, cakes, and pastries was

judged on three categories: hygienic

handling of food, cleanliness

and condition of facilities, and

management of food safety.

These assessments covered how

food is prepared, cooked, reheated,

cooled, and stored, as well as the

cleanliness of the premises, and the

management systems in place to

ensure food is safe to eat.

The inspection was carried out by

food safety officers at Wealden District

Council and the results are published

by the Food Standards Agency.

The food safety officer found the

restaurant needed improvement in all

three categories.

Improvements are necessary in

hygienic food handling — how the café

handles food including preparation,

cooking, re-heating, cooling and

storage — and also in the cleanliness

and condition of the building.

But the most serious concerns were

raised about the management of food

safety. This includes making sure

there are checks in place to ensure

that food sold or served is safe to

eat, evidence that staff know about

food safety, and that the food safety

officer has confidence that standards

will be maintained in future.

The café has been told this needs

“major improvement”.

The Food Standards Agency

says businesses which are given

low ratings must make urgent or

major improvements to hygiene

standards and that the district council

has several enforcement options

available as well as giving advice

and guidance to make sure these

improvements are made.

According to the Wealden District

Council website all food businesses

are routinely and regularly inspected,

without appointments, and a food

hygiene rating awarded on the

standards seen at that time. The

Food Hygiene Rating System (FHRS)

provides information to the public

about the hygiene standards so they

can make a choice about where they

eat. All ratings are published on the

Food Standards Agency website.

Door stickers are provided, but

there is currently no requirement to

display these. In addition to routine

inspections, visits are undertaken

because of complaints by members

of the public either concerning

unsatisfactory premises.

The council says: “Food businesses

scoring 0-2 will receive more attention

and support to continue to raise

standards. This means that inspectors

will make compliance checks within

three months of the initial inspection.

If significant improvements have

not been made officers will take

enforcement action.”

For details of the FSA inspection

visit: https://ratings.food.gov.uk/

business/1738919/wills-cafe-andgrill-crowborough

U3A

CROWBOROUGH U3A THRIVES

WITH OVER 700 MEMBERS

Crowborough u3a was founded in 2006

and is one of the busiest in the country.

It has more than 700 members with 80

enthusiastic interest and activity groups

meeting monthly, fortnightly and some

weekly, in the homes of members, or in

hired venues.

Those interest groups range

from Archeology to Wine — with

a vast array of others in between,

including: bird watching, local history,

photography, sea shanties, Spanish,

croquet and many more.

u3a is for those people no longer in

full-time employment. It gives people

the opportunity to meet people, make

new friends, learn new skills, share

knowledge, and continue learning

and being active.

u3a stands for the ‘University of

the Third Age’ and is an international

movement. Don’t let the word

‘university’ put you off. The ethos

is that people learn from and with

each other, not for qualification but

the joy of learning. The ‘third age’

refers to the time when we are no

longer in full-time employment or

have parental responsibilities. No

qualifications are required and there

are no age limits.

Visit: https://crowborough.u3asite.uk/

welcome/ for more information

CREATIVE WRITING

GROUP 1

Creative Writing Group 1 was

established at the formation of

Crowborough U3A in 2006. It

is a small friendly mixed group

currently with seven members.

All of whom started out with little

or no previous writing experience

but wanting to try ‘Something

new’. One of the wider concepts

of the U3A.

The aim of the group is for members

to write creatively and as such adopts

a relaxed approach to prescribed

structures of English grammar.

At the start of the year a list of titles

is compiled from suggestions by the

group. (Either Poetry of Prose.) One

is selected for each month. These

become the monthly assignment for

each of the members, as everyone

writes a piece using the same title. These

contributions are pre-prepared and

presented at the meetings. And it never

ceases to surprise the variations and

originality that is created individually

from the one title,

We meet on the second Wednesday of

the month at 2:00 p.m.’

Here are a couple of poems from two

of our members.

SUSSEX

Dear pilgrim will you come with me

Up Bo Peep lane to see the sea.

To see the sky. Oh wondrous place.

The gentle breeze upon your face.

The view, the air, but there’s much more

To glorious Sussex we adore.

So east we’ll trek along the Downs

Via Cuckmere Haven we are bound

For Seven Sisters proud and bright.

That symbol of our fight for right.

And if your heart is not yet filled

I’ll now transport you through the Weald.

King’s Standing, is a place to be.

Wild heath abounds. Just wander, free.

Or take the children to the place

Where like Pooh their sticks can race.

A country pub could end our day.

So many here along way.

It’s nothing less. A place complete.

Sussex. Sussex. Holistic treat.

Peter Jeffery

CROWBOROUGH RIDES HIGH

You need to look up to Crowborough

Despite all its troubles and ills.

Yes you have to look up to Crowborough.

It’s on top of long and steep hills.

I know ‘cos I’m a new biker

Decked out in genuine lycra.

Inspired by Gold medals

I’m churning those pedals.

But it’s harder than being a hiker.

It’s always downhill to begin with.

When you’re fresh, energetic, full of vim.

But on the way home

From wherever you roam.

There’s a big hill and the prospect is grim.

So if I’m asked about Crowborough.

Coin a phrase that would sum up the town.

In more ways than one

When all’s said and done.

It’s always more up than it’s down.

Anon.

20 NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2025


Contractor for school

redevelopment set

to be appointed

A building contractor who will

oversee the multi-million pound

redevelopment of a school in

Crowborough will be appointed

later this month.

Acre Wood Academy, formerly

Grove Park School, is being

transformed in a £17million project to

bring both the primary and secondary

school buildings on to the same site.

The school in Church Road for

children with special educational

needs and disabilities. Church Road

has been closed to traffic during

August while what appears to be

preliminary works involving UK

Power Networks and the access to the

school site are carried out.

On 25 September, East Sussex

County Council is expected to select

a contractor for the bold scheme

which is planned for completion in

September 2027.

The school, which provides for

pupils aged 4–19 with a wide range

of special educational needs, has

become part of London South East

Academies Trust (LSEAT) and has

described the move as “the start

of a new era”.

The school’s secondary and sixth

form classes currently take place at

Beacon Academy. While secondary

provision will move to Church Road,

the current arrangement would

continue for sixth formers.

East Sussex County Council says

the redevelopment will provide “a

purpose-built, new school building

for Secondary Education of pupils

with special educational needs

and disabilities.”

The investment comes following

a big leap in the number of

young people in the county with

special educational needs. The

numbers of school aged children

and young people aged 4-19 in East

Sussex with an Education, Health,

and Care Plan (EHCP) has been rising

steeply in recent years, from 3,126

in 2018-19 to 3,494 in 2021-22, an

increase of 12%.

As a result of the rise in numbers

of pupils with an EHCP, particularly

those with Profound and Multiple

Learning Difficulties (PMLD), pupil

numbers at Grove Park School

(now Acre Wood Academy), the

only special school in the north

of the county, had also increased

significantly — up 33 per cent in

the last 10 years.

The new school building will

accommodate up to 60 pupils,

including two classrooms for

students with Profound Multiple

Learning Difficulties. The site will

provide 28 additional car parking

spaces and the new secondary

school building will be linked to the

existing primary school by a covered

canopy walkway.

An earlier version of the proposal,

which was put out to consultation

in 2023, would also have seen sixth

formers brought on to the Church

Road site but this was dropped

due to “budgetary constraints and

challenging site conditions”.

Workers criticise

South East Water

WATER company workers have

blasted their bosses’ decision to

introduce a hosepipe ban across

Sussex as “utterly shambolic”.

In July South East Water announced

a hosepipe ban in Sussex following

the ‘driest spring since 1893’. It

said ‘record-breaking demand’ for

drinking water has put ‘significant’

pressure on supplies.

But the GMB Union has criticised

the move saying the company

should do more to fix leaks and

prevent the need for bans. Gary

Carter, GMB National Officer, said:

“South East lost more than 100

million litres of water through leaks

every single day last year - missing

even their own awful target of 80

million litres a day.

“GMB members at South East Water

graft as hard as they can to keep

things on track, but with little in the

way of investment the infrastructure

they’re working with just isn’t up to

it. For South East Water to impose a

hosepipe now is utterly shambolic.”

Temporary restrictions mean

customers cannot use hosepipes

for watering their gardens, washing

cars, windows and patios, or filling

swimming and paddling pools

Responding to the Union’s

criticism South East Water’s Head

of Water Resources, Nick Price,

said the company shared their

customers’ frustrations.

“With the Met Office reports

showing that spring 2025 was the

driest in the south east region

since 1893, and with further warm

temperatures and continued high

demand expected throughout the

summer, we need to implement

a hosepipe ban to protect our

water resources.

“We know we have to play our part

too. Although our leakage is reducing,

we know we still have a way to go,

which is why we have 70 teams across

our supply area, actively finding leaks

and fixing them, which is the highest

number of repair teams we have had.

Mr Price added: “We spend around

£40 million a year on finding and

fixing leaks across our network.

In the last year, we have found

and fixed over 18,000 leaks on

our network and a further 6,000

customer-side leaks. This is around a

12 per cent increase on the previous

year. Over the next five years, our

overall level of investment has more

than doubled, which will allow us to

replace and upgrade a larger part of

our supply network.”

Ploughing match set for

80th anniversary

THE annual Crowborough and

District Ploughing Match will be held

at Hamsell Wood Farm in Eridge

later this month and this year will be

its 80th anniversary.

Organised by the Crowborough and

District Ploughing Match Society, the

show on 24 September will have the

usual tractor and horse ploughing

running in addition to the domestic,

floral and children’s classes. Alongside

the following additional attractions

there will be a fun dog show, a running

threshing machine, steam ploughs,

gun dog trials, and trade stands.

There will be an auction towards the

end of the day of all of the domestic

and floral classes, to raise funds for

the society, and bar and refreshments

on the ground. Parking at the show

is free, entry costs £7.50 and children

under 16 go free.

Pictured: Graeme Pratt organiser of the Motts Mill scarecrow competition with one of last

year’s entries.

As we move through the summer the residents of Motts Mill are starting to turn

their attention to their annual scarecrow display. Now in its eighteenth year, the

scarecrows will be on display during September. Walk or drive from Groombridge

pumping station through Motts Mill to enjoy.


Crowborough lifesavers

give England the

golden touch

LIFESAVING stars from

Crowborough have

scooped individual medals

and helped England to

Commonwealth Gold.

Four members of Beacon

Lifesaving Club: Henry

Russell-Ross, Ben Browning,

Isla Lawson, and Ben Cusselle,

were part of the England team

that took part in the recent

Commonwealth Lifesaving

Championships in Swansea.

They took on athletes from

across the globe including

Australia, South Africa,

Canada, Mauritius and

Singapore the atmosphere was

electric from the start.

The success started on day

one of competition at the

Wales National Pool. In the

development team Henry

Russell-Ross won gold in

the 200m obstacles with an

amazing personal best and

club record, going even faster

than he did in the heats to race

ahead of the opposition.

Ben Browning teamed up

with Asier Lopez (Crawley

Town LSC) to snatch bronze in

the Line Throw.

Isla Lawson raced to silver

with the development girls

in the 4x50m Obstacle relay.

Henry and Ben matched them

for silver in the boys 4x50m

Obstacle relay.

There was more success on

day two of the championships.

Henry secured another new

club record and a silver in the

200 Super Lifesaver, while Ben

claimed a personal best and

his first individual medal in

the 50m manikin carry. Both

these athletes then helped

England secure a silver in the

4x50m manikin carry relay,

along with Ben Cusselle who

also took his first medal of

the championships in the

National Carry Relay.

The final day started with

the dry and wet Simulated

Emergency Response

Competition (SERC). In the wet

SERC teams of four lifesavers

respond to a scenario they

haven’t seen before, applying

their knowledge and skills

to manage the situation

effectively. This competition

focuses on initiative,

judgment, and teamwork in a

realistic emergency.

The wet SERC is always

fiercely contested, but the

England Development Team

rose to the challenge and

successfully defended its title

from two years ago — claiming

the top spot once again!

Beacon’s Henry Russell-Ross

played a key part in both the

team gold from Canada in 2023

and again this year.

Meanwhile Ben Cusselle

took gold and is the new

commonwealth champion

in the dryside SERC. He also

secured a silver medal for

swimming the heats of the

National 4x50m medley relay.

Ben Browning was part

of the winning quartet on

the development 4 x 50m

medley relay and another gold

for team England.

Isla Lawson took home a

silver medal swimming in

the development 4 x 50m

medley relay with the rest

of her team. At just 16, she is

one of the youngest members

of the England team and

came away from her first

championships with two

commonwealth medals.

Henry Russell-Ross also

took home another individual

bronze medal in the 100m

rescue medley with a stunning

swim and a 3 second PB.

To top it all off, Team

England made history by

finishing first in both the

National and Development

Isla Lawson

categories — a feat that’s never

been done before!

Beacon and England Coach,

Ben Stevens, said: “In 2019

we won the national team

competition in Leeds, then

COVID happened. Six years

later, we returned with one

goal in mind — and we did it.

Claiming the championship

once again but going one

better by winning the National

and Development titles.

“I couldn’t have asked for a

better team to work alongside.

The energy, the teamwork,

the determination — this team

didn’t just show up, they won

the champs. I’m so proud to

be part of such an incredible

group. The athletes from our

club went above and beyond,

with new PB’s, medals and

new friends from across the

Commonwealth — I am a

very proud coach!”

A trusted name

for over 30 years

For over 30 years, Stephen has served Crowborough and the surrounding communities

with care, compassion and respect. Today, these values are at the heart of Stephen Tester

Funeral Directors, whose gentle approach and trusted reputation reflect a belief that

caring for families is a privilege.

As members of SAIF, we uphold the highest

standards. Our thoughtfully designed

premises include a welcoming chapel for

intimate services or quiet gatherings – a

calm space to say goodbye in your own way.

Stephen, general manager Kim Eastwood

and funeral director Roy Bastin are here

to guide and support you at every step,

offering reassurance whenever you need us,

24 hours a day.

www.stephentesterifd.co.uk

Beacon House Park Road Crowborough TN6 2QX

01892 577166

6 7 3 5 1 9 4 8 2

22 NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2025


PUZZLES

WORDSEARCH

Rocks and Minerals

Can you find all the listed words hidden in the grid below?

They may run either forwards or backwards, horizontally,

vertically or diagonally, but always in a straight line.

AGATE

ARKOSE

BASALT

CHALCEDONY

CHERT

COAL

EMERY

JET

ONYX

PLUMBAGO

RUTILE

SANIDINE

SCHIST

SOAPSTONE

TUFF

URALITE

VESUVIANITE

ZINC

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

ROOF

CODEWORD

Each letter of the alphabet has a different number. Substitute numbers

for letters to make words that will complete the puzzle. The letters at

the side and the check-box below the grid may help you keep track.

23 7 5 1 3 3 1 11 4 6 14 6 23 1

3 3 1 7 4 26 24

7 11 4 6 9 1 12 6 7 1 24 14 4 1

24 24 6 14 3 8 21 21

14 15 1 20 1 3 23 7 16 17 24 17 21 2

6 19 26 24 16 15

1 1 3 6 1 4 24 23 17 19 6 1 20

24 17 22 3 6 7 24 6

23 4 14 15 8 3 7 24 9 6 12 25 23

1 8 1 1 23 25

10 4 8 6 9 7 24 23 26 25 6 21 1 14

A N T

4 4 17 26 7 17 7 23

9 7 22 1 24 6 24 18 9 4 1 24 13 7

1 22 1 7 12 6 24

5 3 17 18 1 14 14 17 3 25 17 7 3 22

Check-box

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

Panels Frame/Panels Conversions Replacements Cork Spray

Z E R U C D E E M F C O A

M P F B A S G A T I F F G

U A W N O E L L P A Q O U

E D X K O W A D Q Z G R R

T R R T F S O A D A S A A

I A R Z A C C A B I J Y L

N Z R B O H P M F Z X F I

A V M N E A U J F F K X T

I Q Y R Y L S T X J U Y E

V X T R P C P O S Q Y T K

U J E T C E R U T I L E E

S M E N I D I N A S H B B

E R I F B O D A P Y Z C S

V Z K T E N O T S P A O S

Z Q V S A Y H V Q V V L I

A

T

N

N

O

P

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S

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V

W

X

Y

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Across

1 Former name of Ho

Chi Minh City (6)

7 ABC (8)

8 At the summit of (4)

10 Song or hymn of

mourning (6)

11 Savoury taste

experience (4)

12 List of contents

of a book (5)

13 Deal with in a

routine way (7)

17 Receptacle used

by smokers (7)

19 Strong, lightweight

wood (5)

21 Establishments where

alcoholic drinks

are served (4)

23 Distributor of

playing cards (6)

25 State parliament

of Russia (4)

26 Animal or plant that

lives in or on a host (8)

27 Remained (6)

Down

1 Nazi emblem (8)

2 Material effigy

worshipped as a god (4)

3 Devoid of clothing (5)

4 Arrogant or

presumptuous person (7)

CROSSWORD

1 2 3 4 5 6

8 9

7

10 11

12 13 14 15

17 18 19

16

21 22 23 24

26

5 Extremely quick (4)

6 Game associated with

Wimbledon (6)

9 Father or mother (6)

14 Maddened (6)

15 Sheath for a sword,

dagger or bayonet (8)

16 Box in the garden in

which children play (7)

18 Sailor (6)

20 Projecting edge

of a roof (5)

22 Chair (4)

24 Deep red gemstone (4)

SUDOKU CHALLENGE

Place a number (from 1 to 9 inclusive) into each square in

such a way that every digit appears once in each horizontal

row, each vertical column and each box of nine squares.

1 4 2

9 7

8 6

7 8 9

2 8 4 3 1

5 3 2

5 3

4 1

7 6 2

Conservatory

Roof Solutions

www.roofx.uk

0800 00 33 55

20

27

SOLUTIONS

25

7 9 6 3 2 1 8 4 5

4 3 5 7 8 6 1 2 9

8 2 1 4 9 5 7 3 6

9 5 4 1 6 3 2 7 8

2 6 8 9 4 7 3 5 1

3 1 7 8 5 2 6 9 4

5 8 2 6 7 4 9 1 3

1 4 9 2 3 8 5 6 7

6 7 3 5 1 9 4 8 2

7 6 2

SUDOKU

T A P E R R E Q U T E

A Q U E G E N S U E

K E W T X N M Y

E E R U N T O E W

T S K B R A N G H T

U B

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D E N N U E N Z A

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I S I R R E A U C N

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S E R A O O I V 1 C 4N X2

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N O D R I A N I

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F L I L E D E5 A 3 G I N

P4 1R © Puzzle Press Ltd (www.puzzlepress.co.uk)

CODEWORD

S A I G O N U F T

W D A L P H A B E T

A T O P K S S N

S L A M E N T T A N G

T R D A I

I N D E X P R O C E S S

K N S T R C

A S H T R A Y B A L S A

E N E Z B

B A R S D E A L E R B

M E P V D U M A

P A R A S I T E B R

N T T S T A Y E D

CROSSWORD

Z E R U C D E E M F C O A

M P F B A S G A T I F F G

U A W N O E L L P A Q O U

E D X K O W A D Q Z G R R

T R R T F S O A D A S A A

I A R Z A C C A B I J Y L

N Z R B O H P M F Z X F I

A V M N E A U J F F K X T

I Q Y R Y L S T X J U Y E

V X T R P C P O S Q Y T K

U J E T C E R U T I L E E

S M E N I D I N A S H B B

E R I F B O D A P Y Z C S

V Z K T E N O T S P A O S

Z Q V S A Y H V Q V V L I

WORDSEARCH


Designer tackles ultra

challenge to raise

money for hospice

BY JACOB WHITE

A DIGITAL designer for a

Crowborough-based bathroom

products manufacturer is preparing

to take on a gruelling 57km walk to

raise money for charity in memory

of his late mother.

Chris Hill, 39, is in the final

stages of his training for the South

Coast Ultra Challenge 2025 which

takes place across the weekend

of Saturday, September 6 and

Sunday, September 7.

The event, which will see Chris

walk 57km, will begin just outside

of Eastbourne following the South

Downs Way, passing Cuckmere

Haven before reaching Hove.

Every step Chris takes will see

him raise much needed funds for

Eastbourne-based charity St. Wilfrid’s

Hospice which gave end of life care

to his mother Lynn who passed

away last year.

Speaking about the importance

of the St. Wilfrid’s Hospice, Chris

said: “My mother sadly passed away

in October 2024 after a year-long

battle with cancer. As her condition

worsened it became clear that she

needed end of life care, and this is

where St. Wilfrid’s Hospice came in to

care for her several times a day in the

few weeks prior to her passing.’

“Not only did they offer exceptional

care for my mother at home to make

her as comfortable and pain free as

possible, but their compassionate

support made an unimaginable

situation slightly more bearable

for my father and I. St. Wilfrid’s

Celebrating older people

STREET dancing, sangria and

accessible sport are some of

the events taking place across

East Sussex as part of the largest

celebration of older people the

county has ever seen.

The Full of Life Festival is a

programme of activities taking

place in September and October

celebrating the role older people play

in our communities.

More than 80 free and paid-for

activities for the 50-plus age group

will be taking place over the next

two months to mark International

Older People’s Day on October

1 - the largest programme of

events since the initiative was

established 18 years ago.

The programme has been

designed by the county council

with the support of East Sussex

Seniors’ Association (ESSA) to help

older people in the county to make

connections, understand how best

to look after themselves and provide

a range of activities that can boost

health and well-being.

Chris in training

It features age friendly activities

ranging from nature sessions,

dancing, and art workshops to film

screenings, walks, and singalongs.

Events to encourage healthy ageing

include weekly wellbeing talks,

seated exercise sessions, and

chair-based yoga.

Lin Neeve, Chair of East Sussex

Seniors’ Association, said: “The

events on offer through the Full of

Life programme are all designed

to help people stay physically,

emotionally and socially active as

they get older, and there really is

something for everyone.

“I also would encourage residents

to consider getting involved in their

local forum and becoming a voice

for older people. By being part of a

forum you can stay connected with

your community, take part in social

activities and learn more about health

and care services.”

Activities are taking place in

locations across East Sussex. In

Crowborough there’s yoga for

seniors, a walking football taster,

Hospice relies on donations from

the public so that care can be

provided to those with a life-limiting

diagnosis” he added.

St Wilfrid’s Hospice provides

support for people with any lifelimiting

illness towards the end of

their life, as well as their families

and carers, at the hospice or the

patient’s home.

Although, partly funded by the

NHS, around 70% of the charity’s

funding is from donations from

the local community, often as part

of fundraisers to ensure care is

free of charge.

Chris who works for Imex Ceramics

UK based at Sybron Way admits the

challenge ahead of him is novel to

him and says prior to the training he

had not undertaken serious walking.

Now, with his walking boots and

backpack firmly on, he says: “I am

completely throwing myself in at

the deep end, but that’s what makes

it more challenging and fun. I have

loved every minute of training — it

has generally gone well apart from a

few blisters and muscle aches along

the way, which I have learnt how to

manage, the body has held up well.”

To read more about Chris’

fundraising journey, and to donate to

his fundraising efforts for St. Wilfrid’s

Hospice, visit: www.justgiving.com/

page/chris-hill-44

and a movie. People can view the

full programme and find out more

information about events taking

place in their area at www.eastsussex.

gov.uk/olderpeoplesday.

Full of Life event booklets, with

the full listings of all the events

and activities taking place, will be

available to pick up from mid-August

at libraries, council buildings and

leisure centres.

New ground sponsor for

Jarvis Brook’s historic season

JARVIS Brook Football Club

are playing their first season

in senior football in a newly

named sportsground — thanks to

sponsorship from a local business.

Tester & Jones Funeral Services in

Crowborough has signed a significant

sponsorship agreement with the club

— resulting in its ground in Palesgate

Lane officially being named The

Tester & Jones Sportsground for the

next two years.

The sponsorship deal comes after a

hugely successful 2024/2025 season

for Jarvis Brook FC, which saw the

club promoted to Division One of

the Southern Combination Football

League — marking a move into

senior football for the first time in the

club’s history!

Glenys Jones from Tester &

Jones said: “We are so pleased

to sponsor Jarvis Brook Football

Club. Like us, they are in the heart

of the Crowborough community

and have been for many years. We

look forward to attending matches,

especially with the excitement

of being in senior football for the

coming season.”

Tester & Jones’ owners, Chairman

Tennis club accolades

celebrated with

presidential visit

CROWBOROUGH Tennis and

Squash Club is officially Sussex

Tennis Club of the Year — and one of

the best in the country.

To mark this success it welcomed

the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA)

President, Sandi Procter, and Alison

Cash (Tennis Sussex Board Member

and mum of Wimbledon Doubles

Champion, Julian Cash) to the club.

The visit was to congratulate the

club in Church Road not only on

Glenys Jones,

Willy Brunsdon

and Josh Allcorn

Willy Brunsdon and Managing

Director Glenys Jones, were delighted

to shake hands on the deal with

Jarvis Brook FC’s new Chairman,

Josh Allcorn, who said: “We thank

Willy and Glenys for their generous

sponsorship for the naming rights

to our ground. Not only does this

help over 80 men’s players fulfil

their dreams of playing senior

football but also provides a pathway

for our 350 junior players to have

something to work towards in the

future. This generous sponsorship

contributes hugely to the work

going into developing our ground

over this summer.”

Jarvis Brook FC can trace its history

back nearly 130 years — with the first

ever recorded match being a 1-1 draw

at home to Rotherfield St Denys on 25

September 1897. Since then, the Club

has grown to include not only Senior

Football but Mini Soccer and Youth

Football teams as well.

And the season has started pretty

well for the club! At the time of going

to press, the newly promoted Jarvis

Brook FC are top of the Southern

Combination League Division One

having won three and drawn one.

being named Sussex Tennis Club of

the Year, but also being awarded the

runners-up spot for the national LTA

Club of the Year.

The two VIP visitors were able

to see for themselves the busy

atmosphere at the club with squash

and racketball in full swing indoors,

and tennis, pickleball, and a padel

tournament (hosted by AJ from CTA

Sussex) taking centre stage on the

outside courts.

24 SPORT

SEPTEMBER 2025


Anyone for…

padel or pickle?

BY IAIN LUXFORD

There’s a sporting revolution

taking place across the UK, and it’s

happening here in Crowborough.

At tennis and sporting clubs across

the nation two new racket sports are

getting more and more people out of

their armchairs and on to a court.

They are Padel and Pickleball, and

spotting the potential of both of these

sports, Crowborough Tennis and

Squash Club (CTSC) installed courts

for both last year. So popular have

these two variations of traditional

tennis become, that it is proving to be

a very wise decision indeed.

I decided to see for myself what all

the fuss is about. I also took along

my 19-year-old daughter, Jess, who

is both significantly fitter and more

photogenic than me. I am grateful to

Andrew Simmons, the secretary of

the CTSC, who took time out of his

schedule to explain and introduce

the two new sports to us, and to

club’s head coach, AJ, who gave us a

beginners’ session on padel.

PADEL (PADEL TENNIS)

I was sitting on the terrace of a sports

club in Spain about five years ago

when four people walked past me

carrying odd-shaped rackets which

looked like something you would play

swingball with in the back garden.

They headed for an intriguing outdoor

court with perspex walls which was

part tennis court, part squash court. It

was my first introduction to padel.

Hugely popular in Spain, South

America, and across the world, padel

is now growing at rapid rate in the

UK. In 2019 there were approximately

50 courts in the UK, now there are

about 4,000. It is thought to have been

invented by a Mexican in 1969 after

he transformed his squash court to

incorporate elements of tennis and to

stop balls from disappearing into his

neighbour’s garden.

It’s played on a court enclosed by

perspex and, although there are

obviously a number of rules, you

basically can use the walls (as in

squash) in the game. Normally played

in doubles it’s a much smaller court

than tennis. The numerical scoring is

the same as in tennis.

Andrew said: “Padel is not so taxing

as tennis as the court is smaller and

so there’s less ground to cover, and

it’s a simpler game. That’s why it

appeals to so many people. Anyone

can play it — as with any racket

sports you just need good hand eye

co-ordination. It’s a very accessible

and sociable sport, but it can also be

very competitive.”

The Crowborough club became one

of the first in this area to install the

two padel courts last year. “The idea

came about after people came back

from holiday having seen padel being

played. We decided to stick our toe

in the water and give it a go. We were

nervous because, as with anything,

there are no certainties. But we have

not looked back.”

PICKLE (PICKLEBALL)

Pickleball was invented in 1965 in the

US by three friends who were looking

for a game that their kids could play

together. Combining badminton nets,

table tennis bats and a wiffle ball, the

three men created the sport which is

very popular in the USA.

According to the UK’s Lawn Tennis

Association (LTA) pickleball clubs

started to form in the UK around

2011 and the sport has continued to

grow ever-since. It’s estimated that in

2023 there are around 270 pickleball

venues and 7000 players in the UK,

with the game only expected to grow

further in the coming years.

One of its biggest fans is the former

grand slam professional Andre

Agassi. He is quoted as saying: “I

never thought I would say this, but

as long as I can walk, I’m playing

pickleball. I can’t wait to get back

out on the court.”

Played on a smaller court (similar to

badminton size), pickleball uses bats

more like table tennis than rackets,

and a perforated “air flow” ball.

Its scoring is much more like

badminton. This all combines to

make it much more suitable and

accessible to people of all ages.

Andrew said: “The people trying

padel tend to be people who

are racket sport curious — not

necessarily tennis players. Pickleball

tends to be tennis players trying

something new.” He added that padel

and pickleball were at very different

stages in their journey in the UK.

Pickleball is much newer on the

scene. But between them they have

widened the demographic of the club

and made it busier.

And that’s great news for a properly

community focussed club — named

by the LTA as the best in Sussex.

Membership has risen from about

380 to now around 500. Andrew said:

“There’s a bit of a public perception

that tennis clubs are a bit exclusive,

and some can be. But not here.

We pride ourselves on being a

friendly club, very open, not at all

pretentious, and welcoming.

The club, as well as having

memberships, is also pay and play

— and this has seen a huge increase

in the past couple of years. And it’s

also not just about tennis, padel and

pickleball. It also offers squash,

racketball, table tennis, as well as

pilates and dance classes.

“We were super happy to be

awarded best tennis club in Sussex.

We see it as just rewards for all the

hard work we’ve put in over the past

couple of years. We want to make this

one of the ‘go to’ sporting venues in

this area.” Andrew said.

And what of the future? Are these

just fads, or are padel and pickleball

here to stay. Andrew said: “I don’t

have a crystal ball but the growth in

the number of padel courts, the fact

it has been embraced so positively by

the LTA, and its popularity, mean it

will have longevity. Pickleball is less

easy to say. They are at very different

stages of their journey. Of course,

only time will tell.”

So what was my verdict? Well, I

can see the appeal of both padel

and pickleball — and think I could

easily become addicted to padel. It’s

a super sociable game which can be

played by all ages. It was an easy sport

to pick up, did not punish my ageing

and unfit legs, got my heart beating,

and was, most of all, a lot of fun. And

I think anything that can broaden the

appeal of racket sports and get more

people active has got to be a good

thing. Nice one Crowborough Tennis

& Squash Club — I’ll be back.

Latest local news, visit: crowborough.news SEPTEMBER 2025 SPORT 25

Battling on — both on and off the field

BY PAUL LANGTON

OFF THE FIELD — Crowborough

Cricket Club are no strangers to

adversity — and this season has tested

their mettle more than most, both on

and off the pitch.

After a strong promotion from

Division 8 East last year, the club

now finds itself in a fight for survival

in Division 7 East. Life in the higher

league has been anything but easy,

not least because of the loss of several

key players, including a number of

Afghan refugees who played vital roles

in both the first and second teams

in recent years.

Player recruitment and retention

has proven difficult, a problem made

worse by the club’s off-field challenges.

Most pressing among these is the state

of the facilities.

The heart of the club — its old

clubhouse — was condemned in

2019. Since then, Crowborough have

operated without basic amenities like

changing rooms, an indoor space

to serve teas, or even a bar to raise

vital funds. Instead, a single shipping

container now serves as the club’s only

storage and changing area.

These limitations have had a knockon

effect. With little opportunity to

fundraise, essential investments

— such as new nets and training

equipment — have taken a back seat.

Yet, the club continues to run thanks

to a small band of dedicated volunteers

who prepare the pitch and wicket

week in, week out.

Despite everything, CCC remains a

valuable hub for the community. Each

Friday evening from 5-7pm, the club

runs hugely popular sessions at the

Wolfe Recreation Ground for young

cricketers, with Dynamos (ages 8-11)

and All Stars (ages 5–8) taking part for

just a couple of pounds each. These

Skipper Paul Langton hits the winning runs

sessions are joyful, inclusive, and

a testament to the passion of those

keeping the club alive.

And the good news is, that fighting

spirit may soon be rewarded.

Crowborough Town Council has

announced bold and transformative

plans for the Wolfe Pavilion Project

— a long-awaited redevelopment that

could breathe new life into both the

cricket club and the wider community.

Club Chairman Daniel Foden

welcomed the news: “The club has

done amazingly well to continue to

have two teams competing in the

league with such a lack of facilities.

But with the exciting new Wolfe Sports

Pavilion on the horizon and support

from the council, we are incredibly

excited for the club’s future and

welcome any players of all abilities,

ages and gender to come down on

Sunday 31st August for our Charity

Club Day to say hello.”

ON THE FIELD — The season has

been a rollercoaster, to say the least.

After starting with back-to-back

wins — a dream beginning in their

new division — a run of four straight

defeats brought the team crashing

back down to earth.

Still, the side has shown grit and

character, notching two wins in

their next three games, including a

home victory over Newhaven CC to

complete an unlikely double over the

promotion contenders.

Yet with two teams facing relegation

from the 10-club league, Crowborough

currently sit second from bottom.

That made last weekend’s clash with

fellow strugglers Bexhill 2nd XI a door-die

encounter.

On a breezy, overcast afternoon

at the Wolfe Rec, the visitors posted

208/7 — a competitive total. CCC’s

reply got off to a rocky start at 10/1, but

the side dug deep. A gutsy chase saw

them home with just two runs needed

in the final over, clinching a massive

win and cutting the gap to safety to

just two points.

With three matches left — including

a potentially decisive home fixture on

August 30 — the battle to stay up is far

from over. But if Crowborough’s spirit

this season has shown anything, it’s

that you can’t count them out.

Whether you’re a seasoned player,

new to cricket, or just keen to support a

local club at the heart of its community,

Crowborough Cricket Club would

love to hear from you. Get in touch via

Facebook or drop them an email at

Crowboroughcricket@gmail.com

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26 SPORT SEPTEMBER 2025


Crowborough’s

hidden thrills:

The Bull Track’s

secret to community

and courage

BY JAKE HEASMAN

TUCKED away in the countryside

is a Crowborough venue that we

only realised existed when we were

taking part in this year’s boundary

walk. But it turns out this place is

rightly popular with young people

— in fact people of all ages — and

is also well know outside of the

town. Praised in various reviews

as “awesome” one visitor even

described it as “a true gem of a

venue”. But have you ever heard of

the Bull Track?

The Bull Track is a freeride and

downhill MTB bike park. Essentially,

it’s a mountain biker’s dream.

Situated in Palesgate Lane it’s

popular for races and was built by

local riders as a progressive bike

park for all abilities. It has an active

and welcoming community who are

always creating new lines and jumps.

Visiting riders are told by the

iBikeRide website to “expect,

freeride, dirt jumps, wooden drops,

big jumps, step up mulch, pump

track and more. There are several

lines with berms, jumps, doubles,

and shore. Most of it is rollable so

progression for all abilities built it.

There are also a set of dirt jumps.”

We sent reporter Jake Heasman to

find out more...

When people hear about

Crowborough Mountain Bike Club

and The Bull Track, they might think

of terrifying jumps and riders tearing

round courses trying to beat their

personal best. Although these are

important parts of the club and track’s

DNA, Alvar, the manager of the track,

wants it to be a place where people

can “just be themselves and not have

any rules stopping them having fun”.

And with a name like The Bull

Track, you might have a picture

in your head that the members of

Crowborough Mountain Bike Club

might be scary. This could not be any

further away from the truth as Alvar

described the group as ‘friendly,

welcoming and fun’.

So why a mountain bike club in

a town where, although it is pretty

hilly, does not have any mountains

surrounding it?

Alvar said: “I would have loved to

have had this as a kid and I have had

a few people who tell me that it has

changed their son’s life because of

getting into mountain biking.

“They now have good friends and

riding is good for the soul.”

Being active is incredibly important

and for a sport to have such a huge

impact on the lives of some of the

young people of Crowborough, the

future is looking bright for the young

people of the town.

The Bull Track has had its fair share

of high profile riders since it opened

18 years ago including Downhill

World Cup winner, Rob Warner.

For Alvar though, it is not all about

having the best of the best racing

round the courses.

He said: “The sense of community

and the people are what makes the

club and track special and excel.”

The club runs various events

to encourage more people to get

involved in the sport and create

that ‘community feeling’ with

Jams being important family

events which include a BBQ,

competitions and stalls.

Alvar said: “Mountain biking is a

good hobby which helps keep people

fit and like a lot of these things, it is

not just about the sport side of it, it is

the social side as well as we all share

similar interests.”

Due to the sheer number of people

who use the track, Alvar added that

the riders themselves are more than

willing to put in the hard yards to

ensure the courses are in the best

condition possible.

Despite The Bull Track closing for

winter to ensure riders safety, Alvar

said that he has lots of people who

ask to use the track still due to how

much they love the sport and having

a space locally to ride their bike and

challenge themselves.

For those of you who are braver

than me and want to dip your toe

into mountain biking, Alvar gave

some advice as he said: “Come up to

the track and just try it and see how

welcoming it is.

“Do not be shy that you are a novice

as everyone starts somewhere but

make sure you are comfortable

on a bike first.”

But don’t just listen to Alvar — the

wider biking community obviously

loves this place. With more than 3,000

followers on Facebook the Bull Track

has 100 per cent positive reviews from

people who have visited.

Here’s a selection of just some

of the comments and reviews

people have made.

Sam Bryan-Merrett — “Beautiful

setting and awesome track,

people, scene and vibes. I will

definitely be back soon.”

Dominic Moon — “Awesome place

with plenty of lines for novice and

experienced riders alike. Easy to

park and stress free you’ll need a

few minutes to get orientated, and

all day to really get to grips with the

place. Food onsite is also a plus but

pure heaven for those looking for a

good days riding and to be challenged

at every turn!”

Jim Philpott-Saunders —

“Awesome, full stop.”

Harry Molloy — “Go see for

yourself... A true gem of a venue in

the south east! This is where the fun

begins and never ends at any level

of mountain biking... run by super

friendly riders!”

Scott David Macfarlane —

“Fantastic place to ride, so much

to do with so many lines and

varying jumps, with friendly

people. Top day out.”

The Bull Track and the club are

open on a Wednesday as well as a

Saturday and Sunday.

Latest local news, visit: crowborough.news SEPTEMBER 2025 SPORT 27

Sport

A month of highs, lows, and

early lessons for the Crows

WORDS BY ABI GERATY

PHOTOS BY LUKE HAWKES

THE opening weeks of our season

brought everything football can

offer — drama, frustration, relief,

disappointment, and hope.

Between the FA Cup preliminary

rounds and our long-awaited start

in the league, the Crows faced five

competitive matches in just two

weeks. It was a demanding start that

tested the squad both physically

and mentally, and while not every

result went our way, the spirit of the

club shone through.

FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round —

Punjab United (A) 2-2

POTM: Steve Smith

The campaign began on the road

in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary

against Punjab United. Expectations

were high, but by half-time the

mood was sobering. Two goals

down and staring at an early exit,

the Crows needed a response. And

respond they did. In the second half,

goals from Smith and Goldsmith

dragged us level. At this early stage

in the competition, a draw meant

a replay, and it also meant our first

competitive outing at the Charles

Century Community Stadium would

come sooner than expected.

FA Cup Extra Preliminary Replay —

Punjab United (H) 3-2

POTM: Alfie Lambden

Just three days later, Punjab made

the return journey to Crowborough,

and this time the Crows made sure

the story had a different ending. A

determined home performance saw us

refuse to let the tie slip away. Samuel-

Smikle and Forster struck to bring

us level, and with the game finely

balanced, it was Alfie Lambden who

settled the contest in the 63rd minute.

His decisive finish secured a 3-2 victory

and our place in the next round.

League Opener —

Broadbridge Heath (A) 5-1

POTM: Marcus Goldsmith

The joy of cup success was quickly

balanced by the reality of league

football. Four days after the

Punjab replay, we travelled to

Broadbridge Heath for our first

match in the league following

promotion. Unfortunately,

circumstances were against us.

Injuries, early suspensions, and

even some pre-planned holidays

left the squad stretched. Against

a strong Broadbridge Heath side,

these setbacks proved costly. The

Crows fell to a heavy 5-1 defeat,

with Goldsmith finding the net in

the second half to salvage some

pride. It was a tough introduction

to the league and a reminder of the

challenges that lie ahead.

First Home League Match —

Hassocks (H) 3-1

POTM: Nelson Ajayi

Football always offers a chance

for redemption, and that chance

came quickly. Three days after the

Broadbridge Heath defeat, the Crows

welcomed Hassocks to the Charles

Century Community Stadium. The

fixture carried added weight, as

Hassocks were last season’s league

champions, pipping us to the title in

a fierce battle that fostered a healthy

rivalry. This was a game the Crows

knew they had to win, both for

points and for pride—and the players

delivered. After going behind, Forster

levelled with a sharp finish before

Samuel-Smikle and Hopkinson added

goals to secure a convincing 3-1 victory.

The win was not just important for the

table; it was a statement of intent and

a message to old rivals that the Crows

remain a force to be reckoned with.

History being made at Jarvis Brook FC

WORDS BY CARL BERWICK

AFTER a 126 year wait, senior

football has arrived at Jarvis Brook.

Three years of planning battles,

funding applications, fundraising

and finishing in a promotion place

had finally paid off and the Brook is

now a step 6 team.

There was plenty plenty to do off the

pitch with floodlighting and fencing

installations starting in late July,

however as ever with the club, a small

but dedicated group of committee

members, supporters and players all

got together and worked long into the

evenings to get us ready for senior

football, while the coaching team got

the team ready.

ON THE PITCH

SCFL Division One Saturday 10th

August — Selsey v JBFC

POTM Jimmy Hoy

Our first match was a long trip down

to Selsey, a squad made up mainly

of local players who had got us

promoted, mixed with some exciting

new talent all took to the field, eager

to see what awaited. The usual superb

preparation from Jacob Baldwin,

paid dividends with the Brook finding

themselves Four goals up in the first

twenty-five minutes, eventually

winning the game 5-1, Jimmy Hoy

scoring a hat trick. What a start to

Division One life!

SCFL Division One Saturday

17th August — JBFC V

Dorking Wanderers B

POTM Freddie Holman

Our first ever home game as a senior

football club followed as we welcomed

Dorking Wanderers B to the Tester

and Jones Sportsground. The off field

hard work had paid off and the Brook

were ready! Over 160 attended and

witnessed a professional performance

with the Brook winning 2-0, Jimmy

Hoy and Connor Edmunds on

the scoresheet.

SCFL Division One Tuesday 19th

August — Ringmer v JBFC

POTM Captain George Holman

Game three saw the Brook head down

to fellow promoted side Ringmer,

FA Cup Preliminary Round —

Deal Town (H) 0-1

POTM: Harrison Mayhew

The fifth and final fixture of a

frantic fortnight saw the return of

the FA Cup. This time Deal Town

were the visitors, and the Crows

looked to extend their cup journey.

Unfortunately, the game never

quite clicked. An early defensive

mistake gifted Deal a simple finish,

and from that point onward the

visitors held firm.

REFLECTIONS ON A

DEMANDING START

By August 16th, the Crows had

already played five competitive

matches. It was a relentless start,

and the results reflected both the

promise and the challenges of this

new chapter. The comeback against

Punjab United, the first home victory

in the replay, and the statement

win against Hassocks all showed

the resilience and quality within the

squad. At the same time, the heavy

defeat to Broadbridge Heath and the

cup exit to Deal Town underlined the

areas where improvement is needed.

This early run of fixtures has given

the management and players plenty

to consider. The squad has been tested

by injuries and absences, yet character

has already been shown. With the

league campaign now fully underway,

the focus turns to building consistency

and momentum. The road ahead is

long, but with the support of the fans

at the Charles Century Community

Stadium, the Crows are determined to

make this season one to remember.

another fantastic away performance

and another clean sheet followed

as the Brook controlled the game

from the first minute, winning the

game 0-2, with goals from Ronnie

Austin and Buster Hoy

How will we look back on August?

A fantastic start to the season has the

Brook top of division one, with two

more games over the bank holiday

weekend away to Billingshurst and

at home on the Monday to Worthing

United 11am, while our new U23 team

head to the field to play under lights

at JBFC for the first time in the clubs

history as they take on Whitehawk on

Thursday 21st August

As we look back on the month to

date, we can be immensely proud

of what has been achieved by so

many people, a feat that most had

said was impossible. The team and

the club have stepped forward and

raised the bar on and off the field.

The Brook are a senior football club

and are more than holding their own.

Bring on September!

Open Events are the perfect opportunity for you to come

in and see the college surroundings and facilities, meet our

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Tuesday 14th October

Thursday 20th November

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Wednesday 15th October


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Thursday 16th October


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Crowborough News, September 2025, Issue 02

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