Crowborough News, June 2026, Issue 11

JUNE 2026 | ISSUE 11

YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FOR CROWBOROUGH AND SURROUNDING AREAS

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: LOCAL NEWS • EVENTS • FEATURES • MOTORING • SPORT

YOUR FREE COPY!

10,000 COPIES PRINTED EVERY MONTH

BOUNDARY WALK — P13

TOP CIVIC HONOUR FOR MATT — P14

‘CRAZY’ CHARLIE MACEY — P16

THOUSANDS CELEBRATE

RURAL LIFE AS

TEMPERATURES SOAR

BECOME A

FOSTER

CARER

For more

information

see page 11

lighthousefostering.co.uk

or call us today on

01424 320036

HEATHFIELD SHOW PICTURE SPECIAL — SEE PAGE 18

2 NEWS

JUNE 2026

Latest local news, visit: crowborough.news

WELCOME

This month I so wanted this column

to be a positive one — we had an

amazing celebration with Matt

Weston, after all (picture special —

see pages 14-15).

But I find I can’t avoid a significant

issue everyone should be concerned

about — the lack of transparency of

some publicly accountable bodies. I’m

talking about both the birthing unit

and the army camp.

Whatever you think about the

asylum seeker issue at the army

camp, what should appal all of

us is the secrecy with which the

Home Office managed it. Refusing

to engage with the community not

responding to other official bodies,

and now, seemingly backtracking on

its insistence that it would only use

the camp for 12 months.

Similarly, when health bosses

“temporarily” closed the birthing

centre in October, they said it

would re-open in May. Since then,

just silence. It’s good that our MP

is forcing the issue, but she really

shouldn’t have to — taxpayers have a

right to information about decisions

that will impact on them.

Whatever our opinions, both of

these situations should be completely

unacceptable from democratically

accountable bodies. It is shameful.

In other news history has been

made this month by Reform UK in the

local elections (see P13), hundreds

enjoyed our annual community

boundary walk (P17), we celebrate

with the Family2Family charity (P4),

and we applaud the heart-warming

response to tragedy in Nutley (P8).

Enjoy!

Iain Luxford, Editor

THE TEAM

IAIN LUXFORD — EDITOR

editor@crowborough.news

PAUL GIBSON — REGIONAL EDITOR

paul@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

JAKE HEASMAN — SPORTS REPORTER

editor@crowborough.news

DEAN COOK — PRODUCTION

design@magazineproduction.com

CONTACT

ADVERTISING SALES — 01892 577124

sales@crowborough.news

Council “short changing” Crowborough

with lack of family and youth services

CROWBOROUGH parents say they

are being “short-changed” by the

county council on family support

and youth services.

Young families and community

volunteers said while East Sussex

County Council has five youth hubs

and 11 family hubs — none are in the

Crowborough area.

The hubs run groups, courses and

activities for families, including dropin

play groups, parenting classes,

health, exercise and nutrition, as

well as a range of advice services. It’s

a similar situation for young people

where the youth hubs provide advice

as well as social activities.

And it’s not just a lack of centres.

A look at the weekly set of activities

for families in the High Weald

area reveals one Baby Group in

Crowborough — no Stay & Play

groups, no Music Groups, and

no Discovery Tots. Meanwhile

Heathfield has three groups during

the week while Uckfield has four.

The situation has angered one

young mum, Mel Smith. She said:

“I totally get that there are areas

where families have less so need

more support, but there seems to

be a perception that there’s no need

in Crowborough.

“Even if there is less need here,

it doesn’t mean there’s none. And

we pay our council tax for council

services like everyone else. And the

argument that family hubs are only

for deprived areas falls down when

you realise Lewes has one.”

Mum of two toddlers, Ms Smith

said the county council could not use

the excuse of no family hub building

for the lack of activities. “They have

a library building, they have school

buildings, we have a very affordable

community centre. There are plenty

of places they could run these advice

and activity groups.”

ESCC does run some activities at the

library, but these are also provided by

the library service across the county.

Equally frustrated is Bev Pashley

who runs the Artytime Scrapstore

in Jarvis Brook and has launched

a major fundraising campaign to

extend the store and create a new

youth and arts centre. Appealing

for support for that campaign she

said the need is very apparent.

“So Uckfield get more sessions

because they have a dedicated

venue for a family hub. While

Crowborough gets one.”

A retired voluntary youth worker,

whom Crowborough News has agreed

not to name, said the county council

was short-changing the town. She

said: “It’s shocking they provide

so little family and youth support

in a town like Crowborough. Not

everyone here is wealthy, there are

families facing real hardship who are

being overlooked.”

An East Sussex County Council

spokesperson said: “We remain

committed to working flexibly and

creatively to support families in

Crowborough and surrounding

rural communities, and we regularly

review how services are delivered

along with staffing and funding

challenges to ensure they meet local

Care home welcomes Chelsea

Pensioners for VE Day celebrations

needs in a sustainable way.

“The new Family Hubs guidance

refers to networks of Family Hubs

that are accessible to all, particularly

those in deprived communities

and we will continue to explore

options, working with our partners

in Crowborough, to find some shared

community space that we can use to

ensure that we are reaching into all of

our communities.”

She added the council delivered a

number of courses, workshops and

support groups from Grove House,

was “working closely” with the

Clued-Up service for young people,

and residents had access to “a range

of advice to support families” on the

Family Advice Line 01323 46 46 55.

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. © 2026: No part of this

newspaper may be reproduced in part or whole

without express permission of the editor.

A care home in Crowborough

stepped back in time to mark the

81st anniversary of VE Day.

As part of the festivities, Heather

View on Beacon Road, welcomed

retired veterans from the Chelsea

Pensioners, as well as residents and

relatives from four neighbouring

Care UK homes including Smyth

Lodge, Weald Heights, Bowes House

and Montfort Manor.

The home was transformed for

the occasion, with the Chelsea

Pensioners performing classic songs

as residents sang along, enjoying an

afternoon of reminiscence.

A special VE Day ploughman’s lunch

was served, followed by Victoria

sponge and scones with cream and

jam, bringing everyone together

and giving residents the chance to

share memories of wartime Britain.

Many also brought along personal

memorabilia, sparking conversations

about their experiences and the

stories behind treasured items.

Smyth Lodge resident Peter Ribbons,

87, said: “I have had a wonderful

day, and it has brought back many

memories. I have thoroughly enjoyed

meeting other veterans and talking

with the Chelsea Pensioners.”

Sadie Hudson, Home Manager

at Heather View, said: “We had a

wonderful time honouring VE Day

with residents, their families and the

Chelsea Pensioners.

“As a ‘Veteran Friendly Framework’-

accredited care home, fostering

meaningful connections and

encouraging residents — especially

veterans — to reminisce with the

local community is an important part

of life at Heather View. Our VE Day

celebrations provided the perfect

opportunity for everyone to share

their memories and reflect on the

sacrifices made during the war.

“I’d like to thank our neighbouring

homes for joining us and our team,

who worked so hard to make

the day special.”

Shaping People,

Building Tomorrow

Century Facades is a Tier 1 contractor based

in Kent, working with leading names including

Tide Construction, Mace, Sir Robert McAlpine

and McLaren on major projects across London

and the UK. Our rapid growth has seen us

ranked in the top 15 of the Kent MegaGrowth 50

for 2026 – and we’re just getting started.

We are now investing £250,000 in a dedicated

school leaver and graduate training programme,

focused on recruiting and developing talent

from the local area. Our aim is to provide

meaningful career opportunities in construction

while prioritising local individuals.

A key part of this initiative is our commitment

to supporting school leavers in achieving a

relevant university degree, with Century Facades

covering tuition fees. Through this programme,

we’re developing skilled professionals and

creating long-term career pathways for local

young people.

Shape your future with us

01732 317030

www.centuryfacades.co.uk

4 NEWS

JUNE 2026


Crowborough charity

honoured with The

King’s Award

A Crowborough based charity

committed to gifting clothing and

essential items to local children

in need, has received The King’s

Award for Voluntary Service at a

formal presentation.

Family2Family was presented

with the prestigious award on

behalf of the King by the Lord

Lieutenant of East Sussex, Andrew

Blackman, at a special ceremony at

Hendall Manor Barns.

The prestigious award is the

highest recognition given to

volunteer groups across the UK. The

ceremony and afternoon-tea brought

together volunteers, trustees, and

distinguished guests to celebrate the

exceptional contributions made by

the organisation.

Founded in 2018 as Baby2Baby,

Family2Family has grown over the

years to support children from 0-16

years through the redistribution of

clothing and essential items to those

in need across East Sussex.

Whilst the physical items provide

an immediate relief to the family’s

circumstances, the care in which

the items are presented ensures

recipients feel they have received a

gift in their time of need, which can

boost well being and mental health.

Over the past eight years, its

volunteers have contributed

thousands of hours to support

local families through its core

service and delivering initiatives

such as Bags4School, Gifts4Kids,

Beds4Kids and the recently launched

Family2Family Boutique where

anyone can access beautifully

presented baby clothing bundles for

an optional donation to the charity.

Founder, Hannah Powell, said:

“It’s a huge honour to see the charity

receive this recognition. Our work

would simply not be possible without

the commitment of our volunteers.

We know how precious our time is

and it’s always been incredible to see

people choosing to spend theirs to

give back to those who need us.

“The ceremony was a warm and

uplifting day; a real celebration of

community and friendships made

through a shared commitment to

Family2Family and what it stands for.”

The Lord-Lieutenant praised the

charity’s impact. Mr Blackman said:

“I’ve visited Family2Family and

I know it’s an organisation at the

heart of your community, and what

you do is to help your neighbours,

to help those who are most in need

in your community. It couldn’t be

an organisation more worthy of

acknowledgment and thanks.”

The King’s Award for Voluntary

Service recognises outstanding

work by local volunteer groups

to benefit their communities.

Equivalent to an MBE, it highlights

organisations that demonstrate

excellence in volunteering and

community support.

As part of the award, Family2Family

received a certificate signed

by His Majesty The King and a

commemorative crystal. The charity

founders will also be attending a royal

garden party later this spring.

For more information about

Family2Family and its work, visit

www.family2family.org.uk

Knife crime

consequences put

in the spotlight

PUPILS from Beacon Academy

have been given “powerful and

thought-provoking” talks about

knife crime from the founder of a

national charity who lost his son

to knife crime.

It was the second time Martin

Cosser, founder of the anti‐knife

crime organisation, Charlie’s

Promise, had been invited to

the Crowborough school and a

spokesperson said: “We were grateful

for the opportunity to hear his

important message once again.”

The sessions form part of the

school’s ongoing commitment to

supporting students’ wellbeing

and educating young people about

personal safety, social responsibility

and the real‐world consequences

of knife crime.

During his visit, Martin shared

the deeply moving story of his son,

Charlie Cosser, who tragically lost his

life to knife crime in 2023.

His presentation explored the

real‐life consequences of knife

crime for individuals, families and

communities, encouraging students

to think carefully about choices,

responsibility and speaking up if they

are concerned about others.

Martin encouraged students to

speak up if they are worried about

someone carrying a knife or blade. He

highlighted the importance of acting

early and explained how concerns

can be reported anonymously

through Crimestoppers or Fearless

on 0800 555 111 or via: https://

crimestoppers-uk.org/fearless/giveinformation-anonymously

To support the assemblies, drop‐in

sessions have been made available

for students who wish to talk

further, ask questions or share their

thoughts in a safe and supportive

environment. Any student who feels

affected by the issues discussed is

encouraged to speak to a member of

the Student Support team.

PE and Food Technology Teacher,

Miss Hilder, who organised the visit,

said: “Martin’s visit was a powerful

reminder of the impact education

can have. Hearing Charlie’s

story first‐hand encouraged our

students to reflect on choices and

consequences. We are incredibly

grateful to Martin for his ongoing

work to educate and protect

young people, and for returning to

Beacon Academy and sharing his

message once again.”

Beacon Academy said it is proud to

continue supporting the vital work

of Charlie’s Promise and confirmed

that the charity will be receiving

a donation from the funds raised

during this year’s sponsored walk.

This reflects our community’s shared

commitment to promoting safety,

responsibility and positive choices

for young people.

More closures for the A267

Scrapstore new look

AFTER weeks of road closures and

diversions, residents and motorists

wanting to use the A267 face yet

more disruption.

The road around Argos Hill was

closed for several weeks while a

major gas main was replaced, now

East Sussex Highways says it will be

carrying out “targeted carriageway

patching” and other works on the

road near Mark Cross.

The work, scheduled for 1 to

13 June. Will mean overnight

closures of the A267.

Balfour Beatty, the East Sussex

Highways contractor, said: “We

will be carrying out targeted

carriageway patching, carriageway

cover replacements, and road

marking refreshments, to

improve the overall condition of

the carriageway.”

The spokesperson said they would

be working from Danegate Road to

Catts Hill. “The road will be closed

to traffic while we are working from

8pm to 6am, with a signed diversion

route in place via Bunny Lane, the

A26 and the A22.”

The contractor warned there may

be some disruption for residents.

“For safety, access to properties

within the works area will need to

be limited and managed during our

working hours. If you need access,

please speak to the team on site as

arrangements and routes may change

as works progresses.

“There could be a delay while the

area is made safe for you to pass,

and your vehicle may be escorted by

site marshalls. This is for properties

with direct access within the closure

area only, and there will be no

through route.”

THE recently vandalised Jarvis

Brook Artytime Scrapstore is

getting a makeover.

Lily DiMitri, a local mural artist

offered to help so the wall looked

good ahead of the Jarvis Brook

Community Association fundraiser

fete on Bank Holiday Monday.

The fete was held raise funds

for the ambitious plans to extend

the scrapstore to form an art and

youth centre and also the skatepark

extension. Both have planning

permission but now need the

funds to build them.

Lily was helped by Jacob a local

resident and volunteer youth

leader with Crowborough Youth

Club and Charlie one of Artytime’s

youth volunteers.

Bev Pashley said: “The Artytime

team are very appreciative of their

time and effort. It’s nice to see some

people love where they live and want

to make it a difference.”

CASH OR AUCTION

in Association with Eastbourne Auctions Your Local Saleroom with the International Reputation

Bring items along for a FREE Friendly Advice

CASH OFFER or entry into our forthcoming Auction

For appointments visit Eastbourne Auctions website

or phone the Saleroom on 01323 431444 option 2-1-1

Gold & Silver at

RECORD HIGH PRICES

Sold for

£900

Sold for

£860

Sold for

£860

Sold for

£1,700

Sold for

£2,700

Sold for

£1,850

Sold for

£1,400

Bring any Coins, Silver and Jewellery

including Costume in ANY CONDITION

Let us Check it Out – It Could be You

Items Wanted

Sold for

£3,000

Sold for

£1,300

Gold and Silver Jewellery in any condition

Costume Jewellery • Watches working or not

Coins, Medals and Militaria • Wines & Spirits

Oriental items – even when chipped or damaged

Antiques & Collectables • Records • Vintage Hi-Fi

Stamps • Music related or sporting items

Any quirky items or unique items we can write about and promote on TV

CELEBRATING

Sold for

£1,050

Sponsoring

the weather

Eastbourne Auctions

www.eastbourneauction.com

Auction House, Finmere Road, Eastbourne BN22 8QL

FULL Probate and House Clearance Service in Operation

6 NEWS

JUNE 2026


Hotel plans for

Groombridge

Place shelved

BY IAIN LUXFORD

THE planned conversion of historic

Groombridge Place into a boutique

hotel has been scrapped.

The Pig hotels acquired the

Grade 1 listed 17th Century moated

manor house in early 2023 with

a view to transforming it into its

tenth Pig property.

The Initial plans for the house,

which was built in 1662, included

the creation of 40 bedrooms, but it

is thought the project has been held

up by planning rules and challenges

converting the historic property.

The CEO of The Pig Hotels, which

runs nine boutique hotels at locations

across the south of England took to

social media to confirm the decision.

Kevin Styles said: “They say the right

decisions are always the hardest to

make. And the news I am sharing

with you today is certainly up there!

“After huge amount of

consideration, we have decided

to accept a private offer for the

purchase of Groombridge Place — a

stunning Grade 1 listed property and

estate, on the border of Kent and

East Sussex, that we acquired in early

2023 with a view to turning it into

our tenth PIG.”

He said Groombridge Place was

“a truly magical place” and that

it had been “a privilege to be a

part of its story”.

He didn’t explain why the group had

decided to pull out of the project other

than to add: “The reality is, despite

fantastic support from the local

authority and planning teams, our

investment focus has evolved since

we first took it on.”

He continued: “Of course, there is

real sadness in letting Groombridge

Place go. Projects like this become

very personal, and many people

across our business and beyond have

poured time, energy and imagination

into it over the past few years.

The sale of the historic building,

which doubled as the Bennet family

home in the 2005 film Pride and

Prejudice featuring Keira Knightley,

will raise concerns about the

new owner’s plans.

However, Mr Styles said: “The

new buyer has expressed a deep

appreciation for Groombridge Place’s

unique heritage and is looking to

sensitively enhance and invest in the

iconic estate — we genuinely believe

now is the right time for us to be

handing over the guardianship of this

wonderful property to them.”

The moated manor house was built

in 1662 by barrister and architect

Philip Packer with the help of his

friend Christopher Wren. While

the elegant Georgian structure

dates to the 17th century, the

moat itself reaches back as far as

the 13th century.

The Pig Hotels describe themselves

as “a bunch of laid-back hotels

where the restaurant is at the heart

of the house”, and, at the time of

writing, were still showcasing the

Groombridge project on their website.

Grants to support wildlife, nature

and our unique landscape

New President for

Crowborough Probus

CROWBOROUGH groups and

organisations passionate about

wildlife and our local landscape

are being invited to apply

for a High Weald Nature and

Community Fund grant.

The High Weald is a patchwork

of rolling hills, ancient woodland,

winding lanes and scattered

farmsteads that has remained

remarkably unchanged since

medieval times. And Crowborough is

situated right in at the heart of it.

It is now called The High Weald

National Landscape and was

previously known as the High

Weald Area of Outstanding

Natural Beauty (AONB).

And the partnership body that

manages the area has launched new

funding grants to help local groups

improve their landscape, carry out a

wildlife project, or encourage more

people to connect with nature.

A spokesperson said: “Landscapes

like this need looking after. They

rely on communities, landowners

and volunteers to care for them

and safeguard them for future

generations. The good news is that

there is funding available to help

people support and help protect this

special place.”

The funding is open to charities,

community groups, churches, parish

councils and landowners across

the High Weald. Whether your idea

is big or small, if it supports the

landscape and local communities, it

could be eligible.

Grants of £500 to £20,000 are

available for projects that benefit

nature and people. This year, a total

of £300,000 is on offer.

Projects might include creating

community gardens, orchards

or allotments, restoring natural

habitats such as hedgerows or

ponds, supporting species through

installing bird and bat boxes, or

running activities that help people

connect with nature.

The deadline for initial enquiries

is 12 June 2026, and the final

deadline for applications is 13 July

2026, so there’s plenty of time to

develop your idea.

Since launching in 2017, the Nature

and Community Fund has supported

over 300 projects, awarding almost

£2 million across the High Weald.

It’s already making a real and

lasting difference.

NB: For 30 years, 15 local

authorities — through the High

Weald Joint Advisory Committee

(JAC) — have worked together to

care for the area: conserving and

enhancing the High Weald and

furthering public understanding and

enjoyment of it.

The High Weald National

Landscape Team is a small,

independent, specialist team

working day-to-day on behalf

of the JAC, Defra and Natural

England. Together, these bodies

form the High Weald National

Landscape Partnership.

THE Crowborough Probus Club

held its annual President’s Lunch

this month at the Spa Hotel in

Tunbridge Wells.

The annual event celebrated the

39th anniversary of the formation of

the Club and was also the handover to

the new incoming President.

Lunch began with a welcome by

outgoing President, Chris Rapley,

to the members and guests. It was

followed by words from Senior Past

President Roy Turner who gave a

toast to the committee and from Past

President Robin Streatfield who gave

a toast to past members.

Members enjoyed a quiz and a raffle

followed by the main business of

the day which was the handover of

the presidential chain of office from

outgoing President, Chris Rapley, to

incoming President, John Round.

Crowborough Probus Club is for

retired or semi-retired people. It

meets once a month at Crowborough

Rugby Club, for social drinks and

lunch, often followed by a speaker.

It is always pleased to welcome new

members. Contact: membership@

crowboroughprobus.org

Well done to the Rotherfield schoolchildren who have been busy designing posters to remind

dog walkers to clean up after their dogs. Their hard work is displayed around the Millenium

Green in the village.

Latest local news, visit: crowborough.news JUNE 2026 NEWS 7

Coffee house owners “blown

away” by public support

following anniversary disaster

BY IAIN LUXFORD

A village community rallied round

to help its local café celebrate its

first anniversary — despite being

almost destroyed by a lorry.

The popular Coffee House in Nutley

had been preparing to celebrate its

first birthday when disaster struck —

a lorry crashed into the building in the

early hours of the morning causing

extensive damage.

Emergency services shut the road

while the building was made safe and

one person was treated for minor

injuries. But it appeared the café’s

birthday plans had been scuppered.

However, in the face of adversity,

and with the village’s support, the

anniversary celebrations went ahead.

Hannah Jackson from the Coffee

House took to social media to thank

everyone for their support. She

wrote: “We honestly don’t know

where to begin. The last few days

have been the hardest since starting

our little Coffee House.

“To see something we’ve worked

so hard for damaged in such an

unexpected way has left me, Paige,

and the team utterly devastated.

“But what has happened since

has completely blown us away. The

love, kindness and support from

this village and beyond has been

overwhelming. From every message,

share and donation, to everyone who

gave up their time to help, we are

truly speechless.”

Hannah added that what was meant

to the café’s one year celebration

turned into something very

different — it became something

even more special.

“A huge thank you to all the mums

who rallied round and created such

an incredible fundraiser, to everyone

who came along, made cakes and

to Stew from for bringing his coffee

machine down to keep everyone

fuelled. You are all amazing.”

She said the hugs and kind words

from villagers had meant so much.

“If there’s one thing this has shown

us, it’s that we are surrounded by

the most incredible community. We

promise this isn’t the end of our story.

With hard work, A LOT of our famous

positivity and all of you lovely lot,

we’ll rebuild, come back stronger,

and be better than ever.

“From the bottom of our hearts,

thank you. We will never forget what

you’ve done for us.

Hannah, Paige and The

Coffee House Team!”

NHS bosses pledge to meet with campaigners

before birthing unit decision is made

Young people —

Crowborough Youth

Club needs you

THE search is on for young people

in Crowborough who want to get

involved in organising more youth

activities in the area.

The Crowborough Youth Club,

which is currently without a

permanent home, is trying to recruit

a youth panel — a group of youngsters

who want to be involved in planning

other activities their peers will enjoy.

The move follows the launch of

a new monthly disco which has

been set up for young people in

Crowborough and which begins on 13

June at the Jarvis Brook guide hut.

Thanks to a grant from

Crowborough Town Council and

Gareth Owen Williams Wealden

Councillor award — Crowborough

Youth Club in partnership with

Artytime are putting on the monthly

event for the youngsters of the

town. Local DJ Chris Prole will be

doing the music.

Although Crowborough Youth Club

currently has no fixed abode it has

Crowborough sisters

celebrate first year

of salon success

decided to do youth activities like this.

They are keen to support the Jarvis

Brook skatepark extension project so

entrance fee is a small donation.

Anybody interested in getting

involved in the youth panel should

email Crowborough youthclub@

gmail.com or bev@artytime.co.uk

HEALTH bosses have said no

decision will be made about

the future of Crowborough

birthing unit until after it has

met with campaigners fighting

to keep it open.

Nusrat Ghani, MP for Sussex Weald,

has welcomed confirmation from

Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS

Trust that a meeting between the

Trust, the NHS Kent and Medway ICB,

the NHS Surrey and Sussex ICB and

Friends of Crowborough Hospital will

take place over the coming weeks.

The MP had been angry at the

silence from the health trusts over the

future of the birthing centre which

was “temporarily” closed in October

with campaigners told it would

reopen in May.

At a meeting of the Maidstone &

Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust Board,

Ms Ghani where she advocated on

behalf of local mums and raised

their concerns. She also called for

a meeting between all relevant

NHS bodies and The Friends of

Crowborough Hospital to ensure

that feedback from local parents and

data which proves the need for the

Centre’s reopening is shared and

taken into account.

The Chief Executive of Maidstone

& Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust,

Miles Scott, confirmed that such

meeting would take place ahead of

any decisions about the Birthing

Centre’s future are made, and that

the Trust is willing to share their data

and collaborate on data gathered

by Nusrat and The Friends of

Crowborough Hospital.

Nusrat Ghani said: “Nothing about

the Crowborough Birthing Centre

should be closed. I continue to be

contacted by expectant mothers, who

were hoping to use the site from May,

but are not being given the option and

are being left in the dark about when

the service will reopen.

“We need transparency about how

decisions about the Centre’s future

are being made and I am pleased that

I have secured a confirmation from

the Trust to hold a meeting with me

and The Friends of Crowborough

Hospital to ensure that local parents

and our best-in-class midwives are

appropriately represented and get the

answers they deserve.”

Ms Ghani said she was “hugely

grateful” to all the mums who met

with her recently to share their stories

and to everyone who has contributed

to her petition, which gathered over

4,000 entries.

She added: “Please rest assured

that I will be sharing this data with

the Trust again and continue to put a

strong case forward for the centre’s

prompt reopening. I will continue to

hold the Trust to account to ensure

that the meeting does take place,

that the Trust’s data is thoroughly

examined and that our data is taken

into account when any decisions

are being made.”

SISTERS who were celebrating

the first anniversary of their hair

and beauty salon were paid a

visit by the mayor.

Sisters Amy Battell and Frankie

Battell, founders of Afrodite Hair &

Beauty Salon Ltd, celebrated the first

birthday of their Crowborough salon

— their first permanent premises.

After nine years of mobile working

across Uckfield, Maresfield, Lewes

and surrounding areas, the sisters

opened their salon in Connors

Yard in May 2025.

The birthday celebration

welcomed clients, local businesses,

family and friends for an afternoon

of mini treatment demonstrations,

games, food, drinks and goodie bags.

Guests included Crowborough

Mayor Councillor Natalie Whittle

and Sue Todd from the Crowborough

& District Chamber of Commerce.

Amy’s partner, DJ Lacon Plumbing

& Heating, alongside RB Electrical

&Renewables Ltd and Source One

Services, were recognised for

helping transform the empty unit

into the salon it is today.

The sisters also thanked their

family, local suppliers and

community supporters who have

helped them throughout their first

year in business premises. “We’ve

built more than a salon,” said Amy.

“We’ve built a community.”

8 NEWS

JUNE 2026


Food waste collection will

“improve dramatically”

THE new food waste collection

in Crowborough has had a few

teething problems but waste

bosses are confident it will

“improve dramatically”.

The food waste collection service

was introduced at the end of March

across the whole of the area covered

by the East Sussex Joint Waste

Partnership — a partnership of

councils including our own Wealden

District Council.

Councillors were told at a meeting of

the Waste Partnership that in the first

week that the whole scheme operated

more than 162 tonnes of food waste

had been collected.

Shaun Barnes, the council

officer responsible for managing

the contract, told the meeting:

“Collections commenced over

a phased process; eight rounds

started on the 30th March, the other

remaining nine rounds started

on the 13th of April. Data at the

moment is fairly new.

“In the week commencing the 13th

of April, when all 17 rounds were

collected, we collected 162.8 tonnes of

food waste, which works out at about

one kilogramme per household.”

And it was estimated that between

50 to 60 per cent of households across

the area had participated.

The councils contractor, Biffa,

has bought 20 new food waste

vehicles and taken on new staff to

service the routes.

All councils were required to have

a food waste scheme in place by the

end of March, and funding has come

from the Government.

Councillors said they had received

complaints from residents about

missed food waste collections and

missing containers.

Biffa representative Trevor Elliott

said the focus had been the new staff

learning the routes; getting used to

the methodology of the collections;

and how to operate the vehicles.

“We have had some teething

problems with the vehicles, which

has not helped us and caused

delays in certain areas. But the

troops are working tirelessly to

ensure where we are.”

He added: “Next week is more

about getting into the details. The

supervisory team and management

team are not focused so much on

the completion, it is more about

finessing the service. So I am

expecting it to improve dramatically

beyond next week.”

Pine Grove

Pictures —

June movies

Supporting students

through exam season

at Beacon Academy

STUDENTS from Crowborough’s

Beacon Academy taking their GCSE,

A-Level and other exams, have

once again been treated to free

pre-exam breakfast.

The aim of the breakfasts is to

support students throughout the

exam season in a calm, positive and

welcoming environment. Available

each morning during the formal

exam period, the provision supports

students in Years 11 and 13, ensuring

they are well fed, hydrated and fully

supported before their exams begin.

Breakfasts and pre‐exam snacks are

organised by the school’s Year 11 and

Sixth Form teams, with departmental

staff and members of the Senior

Leadership Team also present to offer

encouragement, reassurance and

answer any last‐minute questions.

A spokesperson for the academy

said: “Students benefit not only from

nutritious food but also from the

opportunity to revise together and

receive support from staff and peers.”

Students are offered a range of

healthy options including pastries,

yoghurt, fresh fruit and breakfast

bars, alongside tea, coffee, juice

or water. Additional snacks and

refreshments are provided to

support Year 13 students during

the exam period.

The spokesperson said the

academy wanted to thank community

groups for helping to make it

possible. “The Academy extends its

sincere thanks to The Rotary Club

of Crowborough for their generous

£300 donation, which has made a

significant contribution to this year’s

provision. We’re also grateful to

Crowborough Community Pantry

for supplying baked goods, and to

Chartwells, the school’s catering

partner, for donating fresh fruit

and bottled water.

“Further thanks go to the Morrisons

Crowborough Community

Champion, who has supported the

initiative by setting up a donation

trolley in store to collect essential

items for students. The Academy

appreciates all donations received

from the local community.”

Celebrating Sussex Day

THE culture and heritage of our

historic county will be celebrated in

Crowborough this month.

Sussex Day, celebrated on 16 June

each year, is a dedicated day to

honour the heritage, traditions and

folklore of Sussex.

Crowborough Town Council is

hosting a family event to mark

the event from 3.30pm to 6.30pm.

The free event will include various

activities and refreshments for

families to enjoy. The Town Crier

will also be attending to read the

Sussex Charter.

Similar events will be taking

place at towns, villages and local

communities across both East

Drink driving pensioner

banned for three years

A Crowborough pensioner is among

the latest motorists to be convicted

in court following Sussex Police’s

Christmas crackdown on drink

and drug-driving.

Franes Fisher, 79, retired, of Forest

Dene, Jarvis Brook, was arrested in

Crowborough Hill, Crowborough,

on 30 December and charged with

driving with 46 micrograms of alcohol

per 100ml breath.

At Brighton Magistrates’ Court

in April, she was disqualified from

driving for 36 months. She was also

fined £438, and ordered to pay £85

and west Sussex.

First held in 2006, Sussex Day falls

on St. Richard’s Day, commemorating

the patron saint of Sussex, Richard

of Chichester, and often features the

raising of the Sussex flag, community

events, and local festivities.

It serves to celebrate the unique

identity of both East and West Sussex,

promoting its traditions, folklore, and

natural beauty.

The day is also a reminder of

the county’s long history, from

its prehistoric roots and ancient

kingdom status to its role as a

“frontline” county during times of

conflict, encapsulated in the local

motto “We wun’t be druv”.

costs and a £175 victim surcharge.

A total of 279 people were arrested

during the Sussex Police operation,

which ran from 1 December to 1

January. Of these, so far 76 have

been convicted.

A spokesperson for Sussex Police

said: “In keeping with previous

years, we will continue to publicly

identify anyone convicted of drink

or drug-driving as part of this

campaign to raise awareness of

the issue and to act as a deterrent

to others from committing

the same offence.”

WONKA (12 JUNE)

A poor and naive Willy Wonka

has ambitions to open a chocolate

shop, to celebrate and share the

wonderful recipes that his mother

created. Coerced into staying at a

boarding house and working for free

at the owner’s launderette, Wonka

befriends Noodle, one of many

orphans who are effectively enslaved

to the owner. This injustice further

inspires him to fulfil his dreams and

liberate his new friends. However,

in a city renowned for its chocolate,

he soon discovers that the industry

is run by a cartel of three greedy

chocolatiers, who bribe a chocoholic

police chief into enforcing strict rules

that prohibit any new producers

entering the market.

Director: Paul King. Stars:

Timothée Chalamet, Calah Lane,

Gustave Die, Murray McArthur

This is a special “Charity Night”

event and all profits will go to local

good causes. There will be a raffle

and a cocktail bar in addition to our

normal bar. Tickets are limited, so

please purchase in advance to make

sure you don’t miss this spectacle.

ANOTHER ROUND (18 JUNE)

This Danish comedy drama follows

four bored high school teacher

friends who decide that their lives

would be improved by maintaining

a constant level of alcohol in their

blood. At first the experiment

goes well but as their alcohol

consumption goes up, the benefits

go down. It’s not just a story about

alcohol but also about mid-life crises,

families and friendships. In Danish,

with English subtitles.

Director: Thomas Vinterberg.

Stars: Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Bo

Larsen, Magnus Millang

www.pinegrovepictures.org.uk/films


Rogue roofer jailed for

conning residents

THE owner of a Crowborough

roofing company who carried

out unnecessary, overpriced and

substandard work on homes in East

Sussex has been jailed.

Anthony O’Driscoll, 44, of Hever

Road, Edenbridge, who traded as

TNR Roofing out of Eridge Road in

Crowborough was sentenced to more

than five years in custody when he

appeared at Lewes Crown Court on

Thursday, April 16, having plead guilty

to four offences.

Investigations by East Sussex County

Council’s Trading Standards team

found that O’Driscoll overcharged

two homeowners in Eastbourne

demanding £8,000 and £43,000, and

charged a Tunbridge Wells resident

£13,000 for work that should have

cost a lot less.

The court heard how he also carried

out work at a home in Crowborough

to a poor standard, charging the

resident £24,500.

O’Driscoll’s offences breached

a Criminal Behaviour Order put

in place after a conviction in 2021

for involvement in a network of

rogue roofers conning people

in South London.

Sentencing him to 61 months in

prison, HHJ Mooney said O’Driscoll’s

offences showed fundamental greed

and callous disregard and that the

Criminal Behaviour Order in place had

had no effect on him.

A Proceeds of Crime Act

investigation has begun and a

Confiscation Hearing is likely to take

place later this year.

Paul Davison, Enforcement and

Investigations Manager for East

Sussex Trading Standards, said:

“Despite being subject to a Criminal

Behaviour Order, O’Driscoll continued

to defraud hard-working residents,

charging them excessive prices for

poor quality and unnecessary work.

“I hope his conviction sends a

message to other unscrupulous

traders that we will do everything we

can to protect our resident and will

take all necessary action to stop rogue

traders operating in our county.

“To avoid being a victim of rogue

traders, residents should never agree

on the doorstep to have work carried

out,” Mr Davison added. “Always use a

reputable trader, preferably someone

who has been recommended by a

friend or relative, take time before

making a decision and get several

written quotes before agreeing to have

any work done.”

Anyone with concerns can contact

the Citizens Advice Consumer Service

on 03454 040506.

The hills will be alive in

Rotherfield this month

Von Trapp Children — Team Broadway

AMATEUR dramatics group The

Rotherfield Players is celebrating its

50th anniversary with a production

of The Sound of Music.

The production has a large cast

with 25 adults and 14 children, aged

from 7 to 15 starring as the Von Trapp

family and postulant nuns. The show

will be performing seven times at

Rotherfield Village Hall on 6, 7, 11,

12 and 13 June.

Kate Organ, 59, is directing the

show, having directed 13 major

productions for The Rotherfield

Players, including their previous

Von Trapp Children — Team Hollywood

production of The Sound of Music

in 2012. Kate said it has been both

challenging and rewarding directing

the production.

“We have a cast with ages ranging

from 7 to 87 years old — there is no

other ‘team sport’ where you can get

this mix of ages working together

and, more importantly, having fun

together. Managing rehearsals for

this range of people is a challenge, but

one that I love as it makes for a more

authentic production compared to

one where everyone is of similar age.”

There are two teams of children

performing as the Von Trapp family —

Team Hollywood, which is performing

at 2pm on Saturday 6 and 7 June, and

7.30pm on Thursday 11 and Saturday

13 June, and Team Broadway, which

is performing at 7.30pm on Saturday 6

June and Friday 12 June, and at 2pm on

Saturday 13 June.

The Sound of Music is taking place

6-7 June and 11-13 June at Rotherfield

Village Hall. Tickets can be purchased

from The Rotherfield Players website

(www.rotherfieldplayers.co.uk/

box_office) or by visiting Rotherfield

St Martin office.

Trusted, respectful and caring

every step of the way

Led by Stephen Tester, a trusted name

for over 30 years, Stephen Tester Funeral

Directors believes every goodbye should

be personal and true to the life it honours.

That belief guides everything we do.

Alongside traditional services, we arrange

unattended cremations, provide our

Beacon House Chapel for reflection and

farewells, and offer pre-paid funerals

through Golden Charter.

At every step, you’ll be supported by

Stephen, Kim, Roy, and our dedicated

team, offering kindness, understanding,

and quiet reassurance whenever you

need it.

Whether you’d like to visit our chapel,

meet us at Beacon House, or speak

somewhere more familiar, we are here

for you, 24 hours a day.

01892 577166

www.stephentesterifd.co.uk

Beacon House Park Road Crowborough TN6 2QX

10 NEWS

JUNE 2026


A glimpse into the

world that inspired

Winnie-the-Pooh

MORE than 600 visitors were given

a rare glimpse into the world of

AA Milne, Christopher Robin, and

Winnie-the-Pooh with a special twoday

garden opening of Cotchford

Farm near Hartfield.

The privately owned 16th Century

farmhouse is where the much-loved

stories about Winnie-the-Pooh were

created. It opened its gardens to the

public for a special event as part

of the 2026 celebrations to mark

the 100th birthday of the world’s

most famous bear.

Visitors got the chance to view

a previously unseen sketch of

Winnie-the-Pooh by illustrator

Ernest Howard Shepard, which is

one of nine rare sketches has been

bought by Neil Reed, the owner

of Pooh Corner in Hartfield and

an Ambassador for The Ashdown

Forest Foundation.

Among those visitors was

Winnie-the-Pooh fan Eleanor

who, with her family, travels up

to the Ashdown Forest every year

to visit various locations on the

Ashdown Forest. She said it was

“amazing” to visit the gardens

where Christopher Robin and his

friends had played.

Neil Reed had a ‘Pop Up Pooh

Corner’ at the event which included

letters written by AA Milne and his

wife Daphne at Cotchford Farm.

There will also be Pooh bears for sale.

Ashdown Forest CEO Mark

Pearson said: “It’s a very special year

celebrating 100 years of Winniethe-Pooh,

and we are thrilled that

Cotchford Farm is featuring in

these celebrations.

“All funds from this event will

support The Ashdown Forest

Foundation, the charitable arm

of the Conservators of Ashdown

Forest tasked with raising funds

to ensure the best possible future

for the Forest.”

Such was the popularity

of the ticketed event that a

second open weekend is being

planned for September.


Army camp — four more

years of asylum seekers?

COUNCILLORS are demanding

an “urgent explanation” from

Government after discovering

papers which show it is considering

using Crowborough Army Camp

for to house asylum seekers for

longer than promised.

Wealden District Council has

uncovered details in court papers

revealing that two government

departments have agreed between

themselves to allow the camp the

option to remain open until 2030.

This is despite repeated promises

from the government and the

Home Office Minister Alex Norris MP

that the camp was only temporary

and would be open for no longer

than 12 months. The Home Office

told Crowborough News, “no decision

has been made.”

Leader of the council, Councillor

Rachel Millward said, “Everyone

round here is wearily familiar with

the Home Office’s inability to make

a decision. People whose lives are

directly affected by that are left

guessing. Why can’t the minister

have the courage to tell it how it is

and outline a plan, instead of hidden

conversations behind closed doors?

“The entire project has been

disastrously handled by the Home

Office with a shocking lack of

communication. We struggle to

understand how the Home Office can

justify such poor mismanagement.

“Asylum seekers deserve to be

treated with dignity and humanity,

not left in unsuitable temporary

accommodation with inadequate

support and no transparency

for either residents or the local

community. We have asked

the Minister Alex Norris for an

urgent explanation.”

The Home Office remained

tight-lipped when we asked about

the papers. A spokesperson said:

“We will continue to do whatever

it takes to fix the broken asylum

system we inherited by removing

the incentives drawing illegal

migrants to the UK and increasing

removals of those with no

right to be here.

“We will close all asylum hotels by

the end of this parliament and are

moving asylum seekers into more

suitable accommodation. No decision

has been made to extend the use of

the Crowborough site.”

The spokesperson said the

Home Office would not comment

further while Judicial Review

proceedings were on-going.

Diamond year of

celebrating for W.I.

CELEBRATING 60 years of

inspiring local women, Rotherfield

Women’s Institute (Evening Group)

concluded its diamond anniversary

year of events on this month with

the unveiling of a bench sited at the

Rotherfield Millennium Green.

In true WI style, there was

a gorgeous homemade cake,

baked especially for the occasion,

fizz, laughter and, thank

goodness, sunshine!

A number of WI members

attended, together with Stephen

Hall, Chairman of the Millennium

Green Trustees and Glenys Jones,

from Tester & Jones Funeral Services,

who arranged for and donated the

inscribed bench plaque.

This event concluded a year of

celebrations which kicked off with

an afternoon tea party for 60 guests

last July. Some older traditions were

revived during the year, including

pancake races and marching in the

Rotherfield and Mark Cross Bonfire

Society procession.

For the latter, as their 60th year

anniversary coincided with 110th

year anniversary of the national

WI, the Rotherfield ladies dressed

as suffragettes, the founders of the

WI movement, in their distinctive

purple and green, and were

elated to win first prize for Best

Dressed Walking Group!

The Rotherfield WI meets monthly,

usually the third Monday of the

month, 7.30 pm for 7.45pm start, in

the Rotherfield Village Hall. There

is a programme of varied speakers

arranged throughout the year and

a number of interest groups such

as crafting, book clubs, theatre and

bowling. Potential new members are

welcome to come along to meetings

and find out more about what the

WI can offer — it’s not just jam

and Jerusalem!

Happy

birthday

Sir David!

THEY’VE been at it again! The

marvellous Sewing Crow-Bees

& Yarn Bombers latest postbox

topper is a wonderful tribute

to the great man, Sir David

Attenborough. The centenarian is

a legendary British broadcaster,

natural historian, and writer who

has spent over 70 years educating

the world about the natural

planet. He celebrated his 100th

birthday on 8 May.

Lighthouse Fostering is continuing its search

for compassionate new foster carers to join its

growing network of dedicated carers across

East Sussex, all supported from its new office in

Heathfield.

This reflects Lighthouse’s ongoing commitment to

strengthening support for foster carers throughout the

county and ensuring that vulnerable children can access

safe, stable, and nurturing homes close to their

communities.

For more than ten years, Lighthouse Fostering has

provided carers with dedicated 24/7 support, specialist

training, competitive financial packages, and an

experienced team that ensures no foster carer ever faces

challenges alone.

Our new East Sussex office means we now offer even

more local, hands-on support to the remarkable people

who open their homes and their hearts to children in

need.

Right now, children across East Sussex urgently need

caring foster families. If you have a spare bedroom and

the desire to make a real difference, you could help

transform a child’s future.

Whether you are ready to begin your fostering journey,

thinking of transferring agency or simply want to find

out more, Lighthouse Fostering is here to guide and

support you every step of the way.

For more details visit our website

lighthousefostering.co.uk or call us

on 01424 320036.

12 NEWS

JUNE 2026


Water bosses quit

THE bosses of South East Water

have resigned following a damning

report into major supply issues that

left tens of thousands of homes,

including households across

Ashdown Forest, in Crowborough

and Jarvis Brook, without

drinking water.

Independent non-executive chair

Chris Train, stepped down after the

report described the firm’s leadership

as an “unaccountable clique”.

Despite initially refusing to quit, the

company’s Chief Executive, David

Hinton, finally resigned a week later.

Mr Hinton, who earned £460,000

last year has previously blamed

climate change and other external

factors for the company’s failings.

But the report from the House of

Commons Environment Committee

said it had “no confidence” in the chief

executive and board of the company

criticising a “clear pattern of blaming

factors outside of their control”.

More than 300,000 customers had

been hit by several water outages

since 2020, including a two-week

stoppage before Christmas last

year that forced 30,000 households

to turn to bottled water for all their

needs, the MPs said.

The company had also ignored

calls from sector regulators over

the past four years to invest in and

maintain infrastructure, they added.

The committee said executives

should have “factored these into

their long-term plans” and that they

had “failed to sufficiently plan for

critical periods”.

And the MPs added that chief

executive David Hinton and the

company’s board had failed to

address “multiple and ongoing

failures”. In their highly critical

report MPs accused SEW of poor

leadership, weak governance

and a culture where nobody was

held accountable.

South East Water (SEW) said

new leadership was needed

to “oversee a critical period of

positive, transformative change

for the company”.

Lisa Clement, interim SEW

independent non-executive

chair, said: “The company’s focus

remains on delivering engineering

and operational changes that will

strengthen the resilience of SEW’s

network and transform the company

for the benefit of customers and

local communities.”

Mr Train joined SEW in 2022,

announcing at the time he and the

company were planning to “further

improve customer satisfaction

levels”. He has more than 38 years’

experience in the energy, utilities,

regulation and infrastructure sectors,

according to the government.

SEW said David Hinton had decided

to step down but would remain in

post “to allow an orderly transition

over the summer period”.

“He feels his position has become

an increasing distraction from

South East Water’s most important

priority, which is to deliver a resilient

water supply for its customers,”

the company said.

Responding to the MPs’ report, SEW

said it plans to double investment into

the water supply network serving

Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, and

Berkshire over the next five years.

“The board and executive team

reiterate their unreserved apology to

those customers impacted by recent

operational failures, and the resulting

loss of public trust in the company

and its services,” it added.

Bills for SEW customers increased

by 7% from April, bringing the

average yearly bill to £324 for 2026/27

— up from £303 the year before.

Another new

defibrillator

installed

CROWBOROUGH Community

First Responders have installed

another potentially life-saving

defibrillator in the town.

The new unit has been installed on

Millbrook Road near Pellings Rise and

half of the funding has come from

Crowborough Town Council.

The units cost around £1,300 to

supply and around £175 each per

year to maintain. As a charity,

Crowborough Community First

Responders own 38 units costing

around £6,650 per year to maintain.

Fundraising in memory

of popular Crowborough

landlord tops £18,000

FUNDRAISERS at the Bricklayers

Arms have now raised more

than £18,000 for Crowborough

Community First Responders.

The amount raised by the pub

in the past two and a half years

for the Bill Stephen Memorial

Fund now stands at £18,455.40.

That money is being used to fund

defibrillators at locations around the

Crowborough area.

The Bill Stephen Memorial Fund

was set up by Bill’s wife, Dawn. The

couple took over the pub in 2008.

Sadly Bill suffered a cardiac arrest in

2023 and died.

Since then Dawn has been

raising funds in his memory and

the fundraising has so far paid for

numerous defibrillators — the first

one of which was installed at the

These are funded fully by donations.

For more information visit

www.crowborough-cfr.co.uk

Bricklayers Arms in Whitehill Road.

Dawn’s hard work raising funds

for The Bill Stephen Memorial Fund

was recognised by the BBC Make A

Difference Awards 2024, winning

The Great Neighbour Award. She

is President of The Crowborough

Community First Responders — a

team of trained volunteers who work

in partnership with the South East

Coast Ambulance Service NHS Trust

to attend emergency 999 calls in the

area — and has since qualified as a

First Responder.

On Facebook she wrote: “A huge

heartfelt thank you to everyone who

has help raise these monies by either

donations or supporting events we’ve

held in relation to this. We are blown

away by the love and support you

have shown since losing Bill.”

Greggs opens its doors

in Crowborough

THE new Greggs at the

Crowborough’s Morrisons petrol

station has been officially opened.

Representatives from Motor

Fuel Group, which owns the site,

Morrisons and Greggs were on hand

as Sadie Hudson, manager of the

neighbouring Heather View Care

Home cut the ribbon.

A previous planning proposal to

open a Burger King in the extended

building was withdrawn after

opposition from the local community

about traffic, noise, litter and antisocial

behaviour.

The Greggs has opened apparently

without needing planning permission.

A spokesperson for Wealden District

Council said: “The council has not

received a planning application for

Spa Valley Railway reopens

after bridge installation

THE Spa Valley Railway has fully

reopened this month following

the successful installation of a new

bridge at Broom Lane.

This upgrade, which was the

subject of a major fund-raising

campaign, means trains can

continue to travel safely along the

five-mile route from Tunbridge

Wells to Eridge, with stops at the

intermediate stations of High Rocks

and Groombridge.

Jonnie Pay, General Manager at the

railway, expressed his excitement

about resuming full operations: “We

are so excited to be opening again

after only being able to offer a limited

service between Tunbridge Wells

West and High Rocks stations while

a Greggs at this site. That does not

necessarily mean that one is required.

“Whether planning permission is

needed depends on the precise way

the Greggs element operates within

the new bridge was installed.

“The new bridge with installation

has cost £500,000. We want to thank

the existing petrol filling station shop.

The previous Burger King proposal

involved a different form of operation

and was considered on its own

planning merits.”

our supporters and volunteers

without whom we would not have

been able to complete this project

which was vital to ensure the railway

was able to stay open for all to enjoy

into the future.

“We have two years to pay the

remainder of the money owed for

this project and hope that people

visit us to help us raise the additional

money required or donate on our

fundraising page.”

To celebrate the reopening

passengers were able to enjoy

unlimited train travel all day during

the opening weekend. Children

aged 15 travelled free of charge

when accompanied by a full

fare-paying adult.


Beating the Bounds

to keep community

tradition alive

MORE than 250 walkers kept a

Crowborough tradition alive this

month by “beating the bounds”.

The town’s annual Boundary

Walk has become one of the most

traditional and enjoyable community

events in Crowborough’s calendar

and is based on an ancient custom of

“beating the bounds”.

Essentially the event is a walk

around the traditional boundary of

the town, the route of which adds up

to about 10 miles.

When maps were rare, it was usual

for members of the community to

walk the boundaries of the parish.

On Rogation Day, the parish priest,

together with church wardens, would

lead a procession of walkers.

Armed with birch or willow

boughs, the processional walkers

would beat the parish boundary

markers and priests would

pray for the protection of the

harvest to come. The ceremony

had an important purpose —

checking and remembering the

boundary was a way of preventing

encroachment by neighbours.

The Crowborough Boundary Walk,

which always starts at Goldsmiths

Recreation Ground takes in some

terrific views of the magnificent

countryside around the town across

the High Weald and also south to

the South Downs.

The most popular spot on the

route, however, is at about 3 miles

where town council officers offer

encouragement and, perhaps

more importantly, free Mars bars

to participants.

Crowborough Town Council—Boundary Walk Map

Start/ Finish

Mile Marker

First Aid

Chocolate

8

9

1

2

7

3

6

4

5

14 NEWS

JUNE 2026


Crowborough’s

Olympic Champion

gets top civic honour

HUNDREDS of people turned

out to celebrate Crowborough’s

double gold medal winning

Olympic Champion, Matt Weston,

being awarded the Freedom

of Crowborough.

The hastily arranged event,

organised in just 48 hours to take

advantage of a gap in Matt’s hectic

schedule, was held in the sunshine

at Goldsmith’s Running Track — the

track where he trains when he is back

in his home town.

Matt arrived on an open-topped

Land Rover bus to cheers and

union flag waving from the crowd

who had gathered to be part of an

historic event.

As well as town councillors,

Crowborough Veterans, and Matt’s

parents Tom and Alison Weston,

the event was also attended by the

Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex,

Andrew Blackman.

Also among the VIPs were Phil

and Ellie Lear. Phil, who runs Vision

Taekwondo in Crowborough, was the

trainer who supported Matt getting

his black belt in the sport.

Although the event was informal

and there was a proper party

atmosphere, nonetheless the award of

the “freedom” was a formal process.

After a short speech, in which she

praised Matt’s “extraordinary” gold

medal achievements at the Winter

Olympics skeleton event, and thanked

him for being such an inspiration

for the town and its young people,

the Mayor of Crowborough formally

proposed that Matt be awarded the

Freedom of Crowborough. The

town councillors unanimously and

vocally voted “yes”.

It’s the first time in 37 years that the

civic honour has been awarded. The

last time it was given to the Queen’s

Regiment in 1989 and there was a

parade through town and a parachute

display at Goldsmiths.

Receiving the award in a framed

scroll, a delighted Matt thanked

everyone for coming to the event

at such short notice, and said it was

“amazing” to have such support from

his home town. He said: “I want to

say a massive thank you to everyone

for this honour — and all for being a

professional penguin!”

He thanked his Crowborough

friends and family for their unstinting

support and said: “It has taken a lot of

dedication, not just from me, to get to

this point, and I am hugely proud to

be here today.”

He joked: “I’m really glad the

town council all said yes in that

vote…it would have been really

awkward if not!”

From the small stage, Matt then

popped the cork on a bottle of

champagne and sprayed the delighted

crowd with its contents.

And after a couple of media

interviews, the champion, who made

British Olympic history winning

two golds at a Winter Olympics,

then spent almost a couple of hours

meeting local people, letting people

see his medals, signing shirts, union

flags, and posing for photos and

selfies. His only concern was that

he might get in trouble for signing

the school shirts that children were

asking him to do.

Matt, who is now European, World,

and Olympic Skeleton Champion,

only waved goodbye after he had

given his autograph to the very last

person waiting to meet him. He

left the event on the open topped

Land Rover again, accompanied

by members of Crowborough’s

Beaver Scouts who ran alongside

cheering him on.

One member of the crowd,

John Edwards, said it had been a

wonderful moment for him and his

grandchildren. “Today has been

wonderful. This is what community

is all about. It has been great to see

so many people celebrating and

enjoying themselves.

“And what a great person Matt is. So

down to earth, and so lovely to spend

so much time with the kids. This has

been a memorable day. Well done to

Matt and everyone involved.”


16 BACK IN THE DAY

JUNE 2026


Charlie Macey Jnr —

Crowborough legend

“Charlie boy is sightly mad, Charlie boy is

crazy, Charlie boy is hopping mad, that’s

poor Charlie Macey.”

THROUGHOUT history

Crowborough has been home to

many notable characters, but few, if

any, can match the eccentricity and

exploits of one Charlie Macey Jnr.

For Charlie, who was assistant

professional and professional at

Crowborough Beacon Golf Club

for 33 years, became famous for

his extraordinary and outlandish

fundraising stunts and challenges.

Take, for example setting the

world record for “the longest hole

in golf” when he and friends teed off

from Crowborough and played shot

after shot through the East Sussex

countryside before holing out at

the 18th in Eastbourne — one very

long hole of golf. And then there

was the “race” along 60 miles of

Hadrian’s Wall pitting golfers against

a team of archers.

But he didn’t restrict his escapades

to golf. He completed several

“walking backwards” challenges

including the 51 miles from

Westminster to Brighton, was a

ballroom dancing champion, and

raced the train down Snowdon in

Wales — a race which he won.

Add to this the fact that he held

the pogo-stick world record — more

than 12,000 jumps — until 2011,

and you have one very wonderful

individual indeed.

I am grateful to Phil Parker and

Crowborough Beacon Golf Club for

the more detailed explanations of

Charlie’s endeavours which follow.

They are excerpts taken from the

book published in 2020 to mark the

125th anniversary of the club.

BACKGROUND

Charles Allan Macey Jnr., (9th

January 1914 — 9th August 1993)

served Crowborough Beacon Golf

Club as Assistant Professional and

Professional for 33 years. Young

Charlie assisted his father from 1928

until the early years of the Second

World War until Charlie Senior finally

retired in 1941. There was no break

in the family connection and Nellie

Macey looked after the shop in both

world wars, becoming honorary Pro.

UNIQUE TEACHING METHOD

Charlie Jnr had a novel teaching

method. He used to line up the juniors

and have them swinging to Strauss

waltzes played on the gramophone.

His ideas were published in a

1957 golf instruction book ‘Golf

through rhythm’.

THE LONGEST HOLE IN GOLF

In August 1959, Charlie and the De

La Warr Club participated in the

World’s Longest Hole in aid of the Golf

Foundation. Five club members G.

Donald, F. Cuttall, J. Bailey, R. Meaney

and Charlie played from the 1st hole

at Crowborough Beacon across the

Weald of Sussex, over the South

Downs and finally holed out in the 18th

hole at Eastbourne Downs Golf Club.

896 teed shots were recorded

(including a free drop from a cow

pat), 60 lost golf balls, 37.1 miles

registered on the surveyor’s wheel

and the time taken was 16 hours 15

minutes. 47 fields were crossed, 14

roads, 2 railways, the river Cuckmere

and the South Downs. The players

were soaked to the skin, crippled

by blisters and one had the seat of

his trousers removed entirely by

a vicious dog.

MORE GOLFING ADVENTURES

Far more gentle, and for a wartime

charity, Charlie also played 12 rounds

in a day (949 strokes) taking 15 hours

or 4.4 strokes a hole. On another

occasion, using only a hollow plastic

ball Charlie took 341 for 18 holes.

Out in 165, back in 176, Charlie’s best

holes were eights at the 13th and 17th.

The 5th and 7th each required 27

strokes but the maximum distance of

the airstream ball was only 10 yards.

This was in response to a wager by a

member who thought it couldn’t be

done in under 300 strokes.

HADRIAN’S WALL

By way of variety he organised a team

of golfers against local archers along

60 miles of Hadrian’s Wall to raise

money for Guide Dogs for the Blind

and Crowborough Hospital.

WALKING BACKWARDS

By way of variation, he walked

backwards from Crowborough to

Lewes in just under four hours. He

also completed 50 miles from Margate

to Maidstone, and covered the 51

miles from Westminster to Brighton

Aquarium in 11 hours 45 minutes.

POGO STICK WORLD RECORD

Charlie would do anything for charity.

A wager was laid with odds of 20-1 that

he couldn’t keep bobbing up and down

for 1,000 jumps or half an hour on a

pogo stick. The parquet floor of the

Bricklayers Arms was pitted with

12,000 indentations as he bounced on

the spring-loaded pole for 95 minutes.

The following is an extract from the

Guinness Book of Weird records:

“In December 1953 Charlie set out

to make 1,000 consecutive pogo hops

in order to win a £1 bet. Instead he

pogoed 12,000 times starting in the

street at Crowborough but, when it

started to rain, moving indoors to a

pub where he covered about seven

miles bouncing around the tiny

wooden floored room, all the while

singing his theme song “Charlie boy

is sightly mad, Charlie boy is crazy,

Charlie boy is hopping mad, that’s

poor Charlie Macey.”

The event features in a Pathé news

video: https://www.britishpathe.

com/video/pogo-stick. This record

stood until 2011.

MORE CROSS-COUNTRY GOLF

In 1959, like his father before him,

Charlie was made an Honorary

member of the Club, retiring from

the position of professional in 1961. A

few years later, in the winter of 1964,

Charlie was up to his old tricks again.

He organised another expedition of

cross-country golfing; this time from

the golf course in Forest Row to the

18th hole of the Crowborough Beacon

Golf Course — only this time, the

golfers would have adversaries in the

form of two experienced archers.

Thus, a few days after Christmas

Day in 1964, a group of men quietly

assembled in the thick snow at

Forest Row and began their duel.

The golfers got the match started,

driving red-painted golf balls through

the snowy sky and the archers,

Crowborough residents Trevor Scott

and Trevor Hopkinson, returned fire

from their quivers.

Without a break in play, the men

pressed on through the snow and

made it to the Crowborough club.

There was only a difference of

19 shots between the teams. The

Beacon’s professional golfer, David

White, had the honour of putting the

18th, for the archers, it fell to Trevor

Scott to burst the balloon attached to

the flag with one last arrow.

The archers were declared the

winners, firing their way from start

to finish in 84 shots and only 12 lost

arrows, against the golfers 102 shots

and 30 lost balls. The match did have a

serious side, though — proceeds from

the game all went to the Friends of

Hellingly Hospital.

AND THERE’S MORE!

If all that is not enough, how about

racing the railway train down

Snowdon and winning, playing the

most northerly course in the world in

Lapland, driving off the crest of Mont

Blanc and getting knee deep trying

to propel red balls in the Matterhorn

snows — Charlie did it all.

Then there was Charlie the

champion ballroom dancer. His

medals and certificates for tripping

the light fantastic with wife Ruby are

in the Club’s archive.

THE FINAL CHAPTER

Charlie Macey was a wonderful

human being who put himself last

and others first — which may explain

why he liked walking backwards! He

finally retired from the Golf Club in

1975 and then worked in the local area

as a postman. He died in 1993 and in

his will left £10,000 to the Club which

was put to good use in renovating

the Macey Room as a committee

room and various other works

around the Clubhouse.


History made at local

government elections

IT WAS an historic local election day

in East Sussex which saw a massive

rise in popularity for Reform UK

and the collapse of the Conservative

Party in the county.

And it was a result that was reflected

in the Crowborough vote too — both

of the Conservative Crowborough

seats were won by Reform.

After 25 years of being the dominant

political party in the county, the

Conservatives went into the vote

on 7 May holding 22 seats of the 50

on the county council. By the end

of counting the following day, they

would have only three.

Conversely Reform UK, which had

only two seats ahead of polling day,

claimed 22. There was also good news

for the LibDems, who increased their

seats from 11 to 13, and the Green

Party which now has 11 seats, up from

the six it previously held.

It was bad day for Labour who went

into the election holding five seats,

and at the end of counting had not

secured a single seat.

The vote means no one party

achieved the 26 seats needed

to control East Sussex County

Council and all its committees.

The Conservatives had been

running the authority as a minority

administration in recent years.

It will now be down to negotiations

between the various parties to decide

whether Reform can take charge

at ESCC. If they do, they take on a

council which has a budget deficit

of more than £50million and was

only able to set a budget for 2026/27

with the agreement of a multimillion

pound bail out loan from

the Government.

THE LOCAL RESULTS IN FULL

CROWBOROUGH NORTH AND

JARVIS BROOK (REFORM WIN)

• Catherine Fielding — Reform —

1,804 (elected)

• Nigel Fox — Green — 427

• Bev Johnstone — Liberal

Democrat — 1,414

• Elizabeth Towey —

Conservative — 1,120

CROWBOROUGH SOUTH AND

ST JOHN’S (REFORM WIN)

• Alison Arthur — Liberal

Democrat — 1,166

• Martyn Everitt — Green — 376

• Sarah Jury — Reform —

1,742 (elected)

• Neil Waller — Independent — 282

• Andrew Wilson —


NEIGHBOURING DIVISIONS

FOREST ROW AND

GROOMBRIDGE (GREEN WIN)

• Edward Butler — Conservative — 1,163

• Julia Chowaniec —

Liberal Democrat — 278

• Andrew Joad — Reform — 1,091

• Georgia Taylor — Green —

1,863 (elected)

HEATHFIELD AND MAYFIELD

(REFORM WIN)

• Anne Blake-Coggins —

Liberal Democrat — 403

• Teresa Blaxland —


• Jessika Hulbert — Green — 1,222

• Steve Taylor — Labour Party — 177

• Andy Woolley — Reform —

1,480 (elected)

MARESFIELD AND

BUXTED (GREEN WIN)

• Christina Coleman — Green —

1,754 (elected)

• Roy Galley — Conservative — 1,752

• Gary Johnson — Reform — 1,371

• Tim Murray — Liberal Dem. — 380

WEALDEN EAST (REFORM WIN)

• Bob Bowdler — Conservative — 1,378

• Laurence Keeley — Independent — 129

• Tracey Lovewell —

Liberal Dem. — 452

• Velvet Mason — Green — 1,072

• Stephen Potts — Reform —

1,925 (elected)

• Barry Simons — Labour — 171

WEALDEN NORTH EAST

(CONSERVATIVE WIN)

• Michael Barrett — Reform — 1,037

• Serena Gadd — Independent — 321

• Michael Lunn — Conservative —

1,457 (elected)

• Ben Sherlock — Green — 652

• Barbara Taylor — Liberal Dem. — 451

• James Walker — Labour — 259.

REFORM UK’s county councillors in

East Sussex, now the largest group

on East Sussex County Council have

elected a leader. They have named

long-time parish councillor and the

newly-elected county councillor for

Heathfield and Mayfield, Andrew

Woolley as leader.

In a statement included

in the press release, Cllr

Woolley said: “We have

22 seats, and we are under

no illusions about what that means.

Forming an administration will

require the genuine support of others,

and we are seeking that in good faith.

“We have already reached out to the

other groups. We are not asking them

to abandon their identities or their

principles. We are asking whether

we can find sufficient common

ground — on the roads, the finances,

the quality of care — to work together

for the people of East Sussex. We

believe we can, and we will continue

making that case.”

As Crowborough News was going

to press no deals between parties

had been struck to form any majority

coalition so Reform UK will lead a

minority administration — meaning

they are the largest party but not

enough to have a majority. The

Conservatives stressed there were

no deals and they would decide on

a case-by-case basis whether they

would support Reform

Here for you, when it matters most

Your local independent funeral director – Supporting families for over 20 years in Crowborough, and all its surrounding villages.

We can take your call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. From the first phone call to after the funeral service, we will be by your side.

We offer funerals to suit every budget including direct cremations.

We are proud and active members of SAIF, (The National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors),

and adhere to their strict Code of Practice – so you can always be sure of our care and professionalism.

After a funeral has taken place, our families benefit from our friendly and dedicated Bereavement Group,

and bereavement support through SAIF Care, if required.

Golden Charter pre-paid Funeral Plans.

Tester & Jones Funeral Services, London Road, Crowborough, East Sussex TN6 2TT

t: 01892 611811 (24 hours) e: information@testerandjones.co.uk

www.testerandjones.co.uk

18 NEWS

JUNE 2026


Rural life celebrated

in record-breaking

sunshine

THOUSANDS of people flocked to

the Heathfield Show on what was

the hottest day of the year.

Cloud-free skies and sweltering

temperatures were the backdrop to

this year’s event held at Tottingworth

Farm in Heathfield.

The huge one day show is in its 79th

year and showcases and celebrates

rural life in Sussex and Kent with

some of the best livestock, equestrian

displays, showjumping, local produce

and hands-on farming.

Hundreds of different animals and

farmers competed across a vast array

of livestock categories for cattle,

sheep, pigs, and horses, and the show

also featured displays of vintage

tractors and farm machinery, and a

sheep dog display.

In the main ring families were

able to enjoy the Shetland Pony

Grand National and an astonishing

display of equestrianism by OG

Performance horses.

With temperatures reaching 30ºC

the show also featured arts and crafts,

tradestands, live music, food, an

education zone, a farmers’ market,

and country ways displays.

Latest local news, visit: crowborough.news JUNE 2026 CROWBOROUGH TOWN COUNCIL 19

Crowborough Town Council update

Crowborough Town Council is working hard to protect the services and facilities that matter most to our

community — and to make sure residents are kept up to date on what’s happening in the town. From health

services and transport to civic awards and local planning, here’s the latest news.

Events Update

THANKS to everyone who came

out to celebrate Matt Weston — our

double gold winning Olympian

who was awarded the FREEDOM OF

THE TOWN on 1st May. Our events

team only had four days to plan and

carry out this event, but it all came

together and this historic moment

was marked in style

The annual Boundary Walk took

place on 10 May. Thanks to everyone

who came along — we had over 250

walkers join us, and it was great to see

everyone out, enjoying the beautiful

Crowborough countryside.

Sussex Day (16th of June 2026)

celebrates the county’s rich heritage

and culture, and we’re holding a

Sussex Day celebration, 3.30 6.30pm

at Chapel Green, Crowborough. It’s

an afternoon of fun for all the family.

The Town Crier will read the Sussex

Charter and there will be a range of

activities including fairground rides,

Punch and Judy shows, the Tractor

Time show (brought by Applause) as

well as live entertainment from local

schools and groups.

The 2026 CrowFest line-up has

Youth Ambassador Board

— Application Deadline

THE Youth Ambassador Board is

made up of young people (year

9,10,11 or 12 at school) who live

in Crowborough (or within three

miles) giving them a chance to make

a difference in the town.

There are seven ambassadors in

total — four young people elected via

Beacon Academy and three from any

been finalised and we’re excited to

announce; our headline act will be

local favourites… The Varlies.

Get ready for an unforgettable day of

live music, festival vibes and summer

fun at Goldsmiths Recreation Ground

on Saturday 11 July

Keep your eyes on our social media

pages and website for updates on all

our community and civic events!

secondary school in the area, co-opted

by a panel of councillors.

Applications for co-option

are now open with closing date

of 22 June 2026.

To find out more, you can

visit our website:

www.crowboroughtowncouncil.

gov.uk/about-us/youthambassador-board/,

give us a call

on 01892 652 907, or email deputy@

crowboroughtowncouncil.gov.uk

Wolfe Pavilion Update — Next Steps —

Design, Planning, Permits & Biodiversity

THE redevelopment of

Crowborough’s Wolfe Pavilion is

moving forward steadily — working

to an expected construction

start this Autumn!

Here’s a quick look at what is

happening behind the scenes:

• Smart design tweaks: Recent

structural checks revealed the

existing pitched roof has twisted

trusses and is unsound. It will be

replaced with a shorter, sturdier

design. We have also refined

the kitchen and toilet layouts for

better daily use.

• Better accessibility: The external

seating area is being redesigned

into a gentle slope, ensuring

smooth wheelchair access

straight into the café.

• Detailed structural, mechanical,

and electrical drawings

and finalized architectural

plans now complete.

• Because we share the space

with wildlife, the project team is

currently waiting on mandatory

bat emergence surveys. One is

complete, and a second will take

place later this month.

• If no bat activity is found, the

planning application will go in

early June, with a decision expected

by late July. Building Regulations

approval will also be submitted

soon, taking about six weeks.

• Final hurdles: Once planning

is approved, it will take another

8-10 weeks to clear standard

pre-construction conditions with

Wealden District Council.

• Updated architectural drawings

will be shared with stakeholders for

final comments very soon and the

tender pack will be drawn up

This project is a major investment

in our town, and we can’t wait to

deliver a more accessible, sustainable,

and friendly space for everyone in

Crowborough to enjoy.

Annual Statutory Meeting

AT our Annual Statutory Meeting

(ASM) in May, the mayor,

Councillor Natalie Whittle

was elected for another term

in office and Councillor Peter

Bucklitsch was elected deputy

mayor. We wish them well in

their appointments.

At Crowborough Town Council

we have six council committees.

At the ASM, all councillors chose

the committees that they will be

joining, and the chairperson for each

committee chosen.

Allotments and Cemetries

— Councillor Matthew Street —

Overseeing the management and

maintenance of the Town Council’s

cemeteries, burial grounds, and

allotments, while monitoring related

strategic matters and recommending

revisions where necessary. It

also promotes health and safety

compliance through risk assessments

and manages relevant leases

and agreements.

Communications and Events

— Councillor Matthew Street —

Overseeing the Town Council’s

communications and events

strategy, organising community

and civic events that promote

Crowborough and enhance

residents’ and visitors’ enjoyment

of the town. It also manages public

communications, oversees the

events arena at Eridge Field, and

considers applications for civic and

commemorative awards.

Environment — Councillor

Christopher Grose — Overseeing

highways, transport, and

environmental matters, responding

to consultations and implementing

improvements to the appearance

and sustainability of the town. It is

also responsible for maintaining

public amenities and infrastructure,

managing CCTV and crime

prevention initiatives, supporting

public transport, and overseeing

the council’s amenity land

and green spaces.

Finance, Personnel and General

Purposes — Councillor Neil

Waller — Overseeing financial

planning, corporate management,

administrative services, and

democratic functions, ensuring

effective governance and compliance

with standing orders and financial

procedures. It also supports the Town

Clerk in staffing matters.

Planning and Development

— Councillor Richard Jury

— Overseeing planning and

development matters, reviewing

planning applications, appeals,

consultations, and enforcement

issues while making representations

to relevant authorities. It also works

with councils and developers to

encourage appropriate housing,

sustainable and environmentally

conscious development, economic

growth, and advises on matters such

as licensing and street naming.

Sport and Recreation — Councillor

Kay Moss — Overseeing sport and,

recreation, matters, ensuring the

maintenance and improvement

of the Town Council’s recreation

grounds and amenity areas for

community enjoyment. It also works

with local groups, organisations,

and camping and caravan bodies to

support and enhance recreational

facilities across the town.

NEXT MEETINGS

Monday 1st June — Planning and Development Committee

Tuesday 16th June — Communications & Events Committee

Monday 22nd June — Planning and Development Committee

Tuesday 23rd June — Full Council Meeting

Tuesday 30th June — Allotment and Cemeteries Committee

All meetings are held at Pine Grove Council Offices and are

open to the public. Check our website for timings.

CROWBOROUGH TOWN COUNCIL

Council Offices, Pine Grove, Crowborough, TN6 1DH

Telephone: 01892 652907

Email: info@crowboroughtowncouncil.gov.uk

Website: www.crowboroughtowncouncil.gov.uk

Facebook: @crowboroughtowncouncil

X: @CrowboroughTC • Instagram: @CrowboroughTownCouncil

20 PUZZLES

JUNE 2026


PUZZLES

WORDSEARCH

Fabrics

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.

ACRYLIC

ANGORA

BAIZE

BOMBAZINE

BROCADE

CANVAS

CHINTZ

ERMINE

GAUZE

LACE

LEATHER

LINEN

MOIRE

NEEDLECORD

PLAID

SERGE

SILK

VOILE

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

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.

Check-box

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

A

CODEWORD

12 3 10 10 25 11 1 8 19 3 23 2 20 18

23 25 20 5 5 25 20

22 4 11 3 24 17 17 5 15 20 11 9 25 26

13 22 26 3 26 22 3

1 6 20 15 3 8 4 13 24 20 26 5 23

4 20 4 22 1 10 5 1 14

4 13 20 20 8 1 13 21 4 5 7 17 25

25 13 11 5 5 13 20 20

24 1 3 12 20 16 4

25 21 22 13 25 23

P E N I M R E P C A P C P

B L J Y J E E Z I A B T W

G C A O G H Q B L A C E B

V A C I I T N F Y Z I O O

W P O E D A C O R B M J E

Z B D Y W E L B C B M M A

M T E R W L S V A O P X S

C Q N S O G R Z I U D N X

I X S I E C I R Q U V W C

V F S H H N E A N G O R A

O S P A E C E L A K J R E

I V A Q V D I U D V L G P

L H Y S H N Z G I E R I J

E J V Y E E A U O E E U S

P T O N H Y R C S C A N L

26 20 20 16 22 24 20 11

13 1 10 11 3 23

H

1 20 4

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

A

24 1 3 18 7

1 1 17 17 22 4 4

8 13 5 11 5 25 10 13 8 11 3 9 26 20

5 24 26 20 20 26 1

11 20 21 1 24 17 15 5 11 11 7 3 23 10

M

M

H

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

Across

1 Despise (6)

4 Women (6)

9 Alongside each other (7)

10 Shorten, curtail (7)

11 Lining of the stomach

of a ruminant used

as food (5)

12 Scarper (5)

14 Limited periods

of time (5)

15 Discontinue (5)

17 Bring dishonour

upon (5)

18 Casual tops (1-6)

20 Consider in detail (7)

21 Very frightened (6)

22 Niche or alcove (6)

Down

1 Scarcity (6)

2 Thin Mexican

pancake (8)

3 Relative magnitude (5)

5 Female stage

performer (7)

6 Decorated with

frosting (4)

CROSSWORD

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

9

11

14

8

10

12 13

15 16

18 19

20

21 22

7 Shriek (6)

8 Ill-fated (4-7)

13 Member of one’s family (8)

14 Flat area in a series

of slopes (7)

15 Juicy fruit, such as

lemon, orange, etc (6)

16 Precious stones (6)

17 Platform (5)

19 Polynesian rain dance (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

5 9 6 8

3 2 5 9

8 6 1 3 9

1 4 2 7 5

9 3 7 4

7 8 5 2

8 9

17

SOLUTIONS

1 8 2 3 7 4 6 9 5

7 6 4 8 9 5 1 3 2

9 3 5 2 6 1 8 7 4

6 9 1 4 2 7 5 8 3

2 7 3 5 8 9 4 6 1

4 5 8 6 1 3 9 2 7

3 2 6 1 4 8 7 5 9

5 4 7 9 3 6 2 1 8

8 1 9 7 5 2 3 4 6

8 9

SUDOKU

Z I G G U R A T J I N X E D

N U E O O U E

S C R I M P P O W E R F U L

H S L I L S I

A B E W I T C H M E L O N

C 1 E C S A G4

O A Q

C H E E T A H V C O Y P U

5 9 6 8

U H R O O H E E

M3 A2 I Z E K C H5 A9

G R I N

U V 8 S6 H1 U3N 9 A E C

L E E K S M E R M A I D Y

A A P P S C C

1 4 2 7 5

T H O R O U G H T R I F L E

O9 3 M L E E7 4 L A

R7 E V A M8 P 5W O R R2

Y I N G

© Puzzle Press Ltd (www.puzzlepress.co.uk)

CODEWORD

D E T E S T L A D I E S

E O C S C C C

A B R E A S T T E R

R T L A B R I D G E

T R I P E R E A

H L C S C R A M

L T E R M S E

C E A S E O L J

I R S S H A M E

T S H I R T S T T W

R U A E X A M I N E

U L C D G V L

S C A R E D R E C E S S

CROSSWORD

P E N I M R E P C A P C P

B L J Y J E E Z I A B T W

G C A O G H Q B L A C E B

V A C I I T N F Y Z I O O

W P O E D A C O R B M J E

Z B D Y W E L B C B M M A

M T E R W L S V A O P X S

C Q N S O G R Z I U D N X

I X S I E C I R Q U V W C

V F S H H N E A N G O R A

O S P A E C E L A K J R E

I V A Q V D I U D V L G P

L H Y S H N Z G I E R I J

E J V Y E E A U O E E U S

P T O N H Y R C S C A N L

WORDSEARCH

Latest local news, visit: crowborough.news JUNE 2026 ADVERTORIAL 21

Do I need Lasting

Powers of Attorney?

BY SARAH STRONG, PARTNER

AND HEAD OF PRIVATE CLIENT,

COOPERBURNETT LLP

LASTING Powers of Attorney (LPAs)

are legal documents which allow

you to appoint one or more people

(your attorneys) to make decisions

on your behalf, if you were to lose

capacity in the future. You are

also able to choose replacement

attorneys, if appropriate, who

would be able to step in and act if

your attorneys were not able to.

There are two types of LPA — one

dealing with your health and welfare

and one dealing with your property

and financial affairs.

Under the LPA for health and

welfare, your attorneys can make

decisions about your medical care,

your daily needs, moving into

a care home and life sustaining

medical treatment. This LPA can

only be used if you are unable to

make and communicate these

decisions yourself.

It is becoming increasingly

A D V E R T I S E R P R O M O T I O N

common for care homes and

nursing homes to want to see an

LPA for health and welfare in

place, before allowing someone to

become a resident.

The LPA for property and financial

affairs enables your attorneys

to make decisions about, and

manage, your bank accounts and

investments, pensions and benefits,

and paying your bills. It will also

allow your attorneys to sell your

property if required.

This LPA (once registered with the

Office of the Public Guardian) can

also be used by your attorneys, under

your authority, whilst you retain

capacity, which can be useful if you

would like them to deal with a certain

asset or transaction for you.

When acting for you, your attorneys

must always act in your best interests

and must abide by the principles of

the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

Many people mistakenly believe

they do not need to put LPAs in place:

“I’m still fairly young, it’s something I

only need to do once I become elderly.”

It is not just the elderly that are at

risk of losing capacity by developing

dementia. You could have an

accident, stroke or illness at anytime

that could render you unable to make

your own decisions. You must have

capacity at the time of setting up an

LPA, if you wait until it is needed it

may be too late.

“My family will be able to take care of

things if something happens to me.”

Many people assume that their

spouse or civil partner, or perhaps

their children, will automatically

be able to deal with their affairs

if they were to lose capacity. This

is not the case.

Without an LPA, no one has the

legal right to act on your behalf. If you

have an LPA this means that someone

you trust and have chosen will be able

to quickly and easily step in and act

for you. If you were to lose capacity

without having LPAs in place, your

friends or relatives would have to

apply to the Court of Protection to be

appointed as your deputy.

This would then enable them

to manage your affairs and make

decisions for you. The person (or

people) applying to the Court may not

be the person that you would choose

to act for you if you had the capacity

to do so. The deputyship application

process is lengthy, time consuming

and expensive and is best avoided by

putting LPAs in place whilst you have

the ability to do so.

“All of my assets are in joint names, so I

don’t need an LPA.”

If one account holder were to lose

capacity, then the banks can freeze

accounts, which would prevent the

other holder being able to access

funds. If you own any properties

jointly with another person, then

these cannot be sold without the

consent of both owners.

“I have an Enduring Power of Attorney

in place that I set up years ago, so I

don’t need LPAs.”

Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPAs)

were replaced by LPAs in 2007. Any

EPAs signed before then are still

valid, but these only relate to property

and financial matters and do not

cover health and welfare decisions.

As EPAs are becoming less common,

banks and financial institutions are

less familiar with them, and this

can cause problems when attorneys

try to use them.

Having LPAs in place gives you

the peace of mind that you have

chosen who you would want

to make decisions for you and

reduces the stress your loved ones

might otherwise face at an already

difficult time.

If you wish to discuss this further,

please do not hesitate to contact Sarah

Strong by email: shs@cooperburnett.

com or tel: 01892 515022.

This article is not intended as legal

advice that can be relied upon.

CooperBurnett LLP

Napier House, 14-16 Mount

Ephraim Road, Tunbridge

Wells, Kent TN1 1EE

www.cooperburnett.com

01892 515022

Fundraising fete for Jarvis Brook

THE sun was shining on Jarvis Brook

fundraisers on Bank Holiday Monday.

The Jarvis Brook Community Association fete

took place on the hottest day of the year to raise

money for the ambitious projects to expand

the skatepark and also create a new youth

and arts centre.

Bev Pashley said: “It was lovely to see so

many people support the fete — especially 1st

Crowborough scouts who stepped in at short

notice to run the BBQ.

“We are grateful to St Michael’s and St

Richard’s churches, DJ Chris Prole, artist

Lily Di Mitri as well as the Artytime and JBCA

volunteers all helping to raise funds for the

skatepark and Scrapstore extension to create an

art and youth centre.

“Lots of stall holders came along to raise

funds for their good causes. Such a lovely

community atmosphere.”

HARNESSING THE STRENGTHS

OF PRINT ADVERTISING!

While digital ads may disappear

from view as soon as the user

scrolls past them, newspaper

ads have a longer lifespan.

While digital ads may

disappear from view as soon

as the user scrolls past them,

newspaper ads have a longer

lifespan.

Many people keep newspapers

around for days or even weeks,

providing extended exposure

for the advertised products or

services.

Many people keep newspapers

around for days or even weeks,

providing extended exposure for the

advertised products or services.

our recent survey shows an

average of 2.1 readers see each

copy, which means more than

25,000 will see this ad.

Our recent survey shows an average

of 2.1 readers see each copy, which

means around 22,000 will see this ad.

Your business could be missing

out on this huge audience.

Your business could be missing out

on this huge audience.

To make sure your business

appears in Bexhill’s favourite

newspaper, email our team on

sales@regionalmediagroup.

co.uk to get a quote.

To make sure your business appears

in Crowborough’s favourite newspaper,

email our team on sales@

crowborough.news to get a quote.

22 REGULARS

JUNE 2026


BY THE MAYOR OF CROWBOROUGH, CLLR NATALIE WHITTLE

A YEAR IN REVIEW

Councillor Natalie Whittle

IT has been a tremendous honour

to serve as Mayor of Crowborough

and to represent our town over the

past year. Throughout my time in

office, I have had the privilege of

meeting so many dedicated residents,

volunteers, businesses and community

organisations who work tirelessly to

make Crowborough such a special

place to live. It would be remis not

to acknowledge the issue that has

overwhelmingly shadowed my term

of office, namely the use of the Army

Training Camp by the Home Office to

house asylum seekers.

One of the greatest joys of this role has

been attending the many community

events that showcase the spirit and

generosity of our town. I was delighted

to open the Jarvis Brook Fundraising

Fete, support the Crowborough Hospital

Fete, and attend the Crowborough

Business Fair, where local businesses

came together to celebrate enterprise

and community partnership. It was

also wonderful to join residents at the

Crowborough Arts Open Studios and to

see the remarkable creativity and talent

within our community.

Supporting our young people has been

particularly rewarding. I enjoyed visiting

Ashdown Primary School to speak

with Year 3 pupils about the history of

Crowborough and the role of the Town

Council. I was also proud to work with

the Jarvis Brook Girl Guides during their

civic debating evening and to celebrate

milestones including 60 years of Guiding

in East Sussex and 50 years of the Guide

Hall in Jarvis Brook.

This year has also highlighted the

importance of community wellbeing

and sustainability. From attending the

Repair Café’s third birthday celebrations

to supporting Macmillan Coffee Morning

events and Care Home Open Week, I

have seen first-hand how Crowborough

residents continue to support one

another with kindness and compassion.

Alongside these community events,

Crowborough Town Council has

continued to make significant progress

on important projects and priorities.

The Council has advanced its long-term

Business Plan, strengthened support for

local recreation and green spaces, and

responded positively to opportunities

to enhance and protect our natural

environment, including woodland

areas linked to the Ghyll Nature

Reserve. Work has also continued

to support community facilities,

events and partnerships that benefit

residents of all ages.

As Mayor, I remain incredibly proud of

what our town has achieved together.

Crowborough is a welcoming, caring and

ambitious community, and I would like

to thank everyone who has contributed

to making this such a successful and

memorable year. Finally, I would like

to thank my fellow councillors at

Crowborough Town Council for having

faith in me an supporting me for another

term of office. I look forward to seeing

everyone out and about in the town over

the next 12 months.

ASHDOWN FOREST with Beth Morgan

CELEBRATING WINNIE-THE-POOH’S CENTENARY

Summer is finally here, and this

month will see a hive of activity on

Ashdown Forest.

We recently welcomed a new group

of young people who are passionate

about a career in conservation. The

Forest’s new Next Generation

Conservation Group is a monthly

scheme for 18–25-year-olds, designed

to help new conservationists make

the leap from a personal passion or

qualification to employment. The group

offers field experience, networking

opportunities, and technical data skills

to give candidates a competitive edge

when it comes to applying for jobs in the

notoriously competitive conservation

sector. The group is led by Nature

Conservation and Engagement Officer

Mollie Matthews, and is supported

by the James Adler Memorial Fund,

which is managed by The Ashdown

Forest Foundation.

The Forest’s annual Nightjar survey

also takes place this month, with over

50 volunteers heading out on two

evenings to carry out the count. Last

year there were 90 recorded, an 11%

increase on the previous year — let’s

hope this year will be even better!

Keeping feet and paws on the paths and

off the open heathland will help keep

their ground nests safe and undisturbed.

Listen out for the Nightjars’ unique

‘churring’ call as they hunt for insects at

dawn and dusk — it truly is a remarkable,

otherworldly sound!

Surveys of our resident butterfly

populations also continue to take place

this month, as well as a survey in the

Forest’s woodlands of non-native,

invasive Rhododendron shrubs. The

results of the latter will help inform

the Forest’s ongoing management plan

to ensure optimum habitats for our

native species.

Our Conservation and weekend

Ranger volunteers are busy this

month with various tasks including

bracken whipping, removal of invasive

Himalayan Balsam, barrier installation,

and the replacement of gates in the

grazing enclosure on the South Chase.

If you would like to join them in their

endeavours, check out the ‘Volunteer

with us’ page on the Forest’s website

(ashdownforest.org). Meanwhile, the

Forest’s Countryside team are carrying

out infrastructure instalments, car park

surfacing and repairs, as well as repairs

to rides across the Forest.

Visitors to the Forest can take part in a

number of events this month, including

free guided Nightjar walks with Forest

Wardens, Kari and Ellie. Weekly ‘Heath

walks’ also take place every Wednesday

at 10am, starting from various locations

across the Forest. Check out the

‘What’s On’ page on the website for

more information.

THE BIG ONE HUNDRED

Tickets were made available on 26th

May for a very special event taking

place at the Ashdown Forest Centre

on 18th & 19th July. The weekend

marks the beginning of a services

of celebrations for the centenary of

Winnie-the-Pooh. Audiences are invited

to immerse themselves in nature on an

‘Explorer Day’.

In a programme developed by

creatives Trigger, visitors to the

Explorer Days will be invited to learn

more about nature and the Forest by

becoming explorers and collecting

stamps for their explorer packs by

embarking on an eclectic programme

of nature-based activities including

crafts, games and workshops. Along the

way, visitors will get the opportunity

to spot, feed and interact with the

Forest’s newest inhabitant — a giant,

mythical puppet creature inspired by

the landscape of Ashdown Forest and

the special species of animals and plants

that live here.

Marking 100 years of A.A. Milne’s

beloved Pooh stories, the giant puppet

and explorer activities will also tour

to Hailsham town centre on 26th July,

Sheffield Park and Garden on 1st August,

Uckfield’s Weald on the Field on 8th

August and Herstmonceux Castle on

22nd-23rd August. Tickets are free but

must be booked in advance.

Visit www.thebigonehundred.co.uk for

more information.

Latest local news, visit: crowborough.news JUNE 2026 REGULARS 23

U3A with Brian Child

THE CROWBOROUGH U3A

MUSICAL AFTERNOON

Crowborough U3A is one of the busiest

in the country with more than 700

members and 85 different interest

groups. This month Brian puts the focus

on the music appreciation groups, and

also the music playing groups. And then

there’s a special event to enjoy this

month:

The Crowborough U3A has many

aspects, one of which is music. Our

musical groups cover,

JAZZ APPRECIATION

Status: Active

Monthly on Monday afternoons

14:00-16:15

4th Monday of the month.

MUSIC APPRECIATION

Status: Waiting list

On Wednesday afternoons

2nd Wednesday of the month

ROCK, BLUES AND POP

Status: Active

Monthly on Monday afternoons

14:00-16:15

2nd Monday of the month.

When clashing with bank holidays an

alternative date is found in that month

if possible.

Then we have the musicians:

UKULELE

Status: Active

Fortnightly on Friday afternoons

2nd & 4th Friday of the month.

FOLK MUSIC

Status: Active

Monthly on Wednesdays 11:00-13:00

3rd Wednesday of the month.

RECORDER GROUP

Status: Active

On Thursday afternoons

2nd + 4th Thursday of the month.

SINGING FOR PLEASURE

Status: Active

Weekly on Wednesday afternoons

13:30-15:30.

SEA SHANTIES

Status: Active

Fortnightly on Tuesday afternoons

1st and 3rd. Tuesday of the month.

The Musicians will be performing on

Thursday afternoon at 2.00pm. 18th

June at our monthly meeting at the

Crowborough Community Centre.

All the groups and their leaders are

volunteers. As well as the normal

sessions they perform for local clubs, care

homes and schools along with festivals

and shows and entertaining our peers.

Our U3A puts on shows for Jazz, Rock

and Blues and the latest was the Folk

show. All of which have been a success.

Many of our local musicians have

joined the groups as it gives them the

chance to carry on doing what they love

and passing on their skills to others.

Not only is music the food of love but it

keeps the mind active.

The joy of mastering an instrument

and bringing joy to others has no real

comparison. I am very proud of our

U3A and the smiles and laughter they

bring to each other and to others who

interact with us.

VMA FITNESS with Ellie Lear

HEALTH AND FITNESS:

SUMMER FITNESS HABITS

vmafitness.co.uk

HOW ARE YOUR SUMMER

FITNESS PLANS? HAVE YOU

BEEN MORE ACTIVE IN THE

SUMMER WEATHER?

SUMMER offers the perfect opportunity

for people of all ages to focus on their

health and wellbeing. The warmer

weather encourages outdoor activity,

healthier eating habits, and a renewed

sense of energy that can positively

impact both physical and mental health.

Get the kids in the park after school,

grab a few friends for a game of

rounders on a Saturday afternoon

or head out to the forest for a family

walk. There are so many free and local

opportunities to get you moving and

create positive family habits.

Regular exercise during the summer

months can improve heart health,

strengthen muscles, boost energy

levels, and reduce stress. Activities

such as walking, cycling, swimming,

and jogging become far more enjoyable

when the sun is shining and parks and

green spaces are full of life. Even simple

activities like gardening or taking an

evening stroll can make a meaningful

difference to overall fitness.

Health experts recommend at least 30

minutes of moderate exercise most days

of the week. Summer makes this goal

easier to achieve, as lighter evenings

provide extra time for outdoor recreation

after work or school.

Staying healthy in summer is not just

about exercise. Hydration is equally

important, especially during periods

of hot weather.

Drinking plenty of water throughout

the day helps the body regulate

temperature and maintain energy

levels. Fresh seasonal fruits such as

strawberries, watermelon, peaches,

and berries are also excellent choices,

providing vitamins and natural hydration

while supporting a balanced diet.

For those looking to stay active,

setting realistic goals can help maintain

motivation. Joining a local fitness

class, walking with friends, or using

community sports facilities are excellent

ways to keep exercise enjoyable and

social. We have so many great clubs and

fitness facilities in our town, I am sure

you will find one to suit you.

Ultimately, summer provides an ideal

chance to embrace healthier routines.

By combining regular activity, nutritious

food, and proper hydration, you can

enjoy the season while improving

both their physical fitness and mental

wellbeing. Small lifestyle changes made

during the summer months can often

lead to long-term healthy habits that

continue throughout the year.

24 SPORT

JUNE 2026


New Era Begins for

Crowborough Cricket Club

BY EMILY ADISON

THERE is a renewed sense of

optimism around Crowborough

Cricket Club this season, with new

players arriving at the club, an

exciting youth coaching restructure

underway, and plans progressing

for a brand-new clubhouse

expected to be ready for the

2027 campaign.

The Town Council has agreed plans

with the club, and building of the

new sports building in the Wolfe

recreation Ground is expected to be

completed in the off season ready for

use next year.

In addition to the sporting facilities,

the new clubhouse will feature

a community cafe, providing

much needed welfare facilities

for families watching sporting

events at the Wolfe.

The club has also announced

a new sponsor partnership with

Royal Cars Private Hire, providing

another positive step forward as

Crowborough CC looks to strengthen

both on and off the field. Club officials

hope the combination of fresh talent,

improved facilities, and investment in

youth development will help lay the

foundations for long-term success.

Crowborough 2nd XI v Linden Park

ON THE PITCH

However, despite the excitement

surrounding the club’s future,

Crowborough’s 1st XI has endured

a difficult opening to their league

campaign after suffering back-toback

defeats against Willingdon

Cricket Club and Battle Cricket Club.

Both Willingdon and Battle were

relegated from the league above,

so a more challenging start to the

season could not have been imagined

for captain Paul Langton as he led

his team onto the field for the first

time on 9th May.

Crowborough 1st XI 224 for 6

(40 overs). Willingdon 1st XI 226

all out (38.3 overs). Willingdon

win by two runs.

The season began in agonising

fashion at the Wolfe Recreation

Ground, where Boro fell just three

runs short of what would have

been a tremendous victory against

Willingdon in a thrilling contest.

After being asked to field first,

Crowborough’s bowlers produced

an impressive display, with skipper

Langton and fellow spinner

Mushtaq Khan sharing nine wickets

between them. Langton returned

excellent figures of 4-24, while Khan

ripped through the middle and

lower order with 5-50 to keep the

visitors within reach.

Chasing the target, Crowborough

looked to be in contention throughout

thanks largely to a determined

unbeaten innings from Dan Foden,

who carried his bat for 64 not out.

Supported ably by the middle

order, and in particular a fine 39

not out from bowling hero Khan,

Crowborough crept towards the

required total of 227. Requiring four

runs off the last ball, Foden swept

into the deep, but straight to a fielder.

A run was scrambled, but the single

ended any hope of victory and the

Crows finished on 224/6.

Battle 1st XI 223 for 4 (24.1 overs).

Crowborough 1st XI 222 all out (39.3

overs). Battle win by seven wickets.

The second round of fixtures proved

equally frustrating as the 1st XI

travelled to face Battle on Saturday,

16 May. The Boro batsmen posted a

competitive total of 222 all out, which

appeared to give the side a strong

platform to secure their first win of

the campaign. Manoj Subramanian

scored a run a ball 70, and was well

supported by Matt ‘Moley’ Cole who

finished on 41. Unfortunately for

Crowborough, Battle CC play at one

of the smallest grounds in Sussex, and

Dan Foden 64 not out v Willingdon

the Battle lineup knew exactly how to

score runs on their Home Patch.

Crowborough’s bowlers struggled

to contain the hosts, who launched

a blistering run chase and reached

their target in just 24 overs for the loss

of only three wickets.

The 1st XI will now look to regroup

quickly as they aim to get their season

up and running when they host Iden

CC at the Wolfe.

CROWBOROUGH 2ND XI

Fortune did not favour the 2nd XI

also. Despite an excellent bowling

display by the bowlers against Linden

Park, who were restricted to just 146

all out at Hawkenbury, Crowborough

were skittled for just 82 in response.

Captain Andy Wilkes noted that

the pitch, whilst not playing well,

did the same for both teams, and

Linden Park deserved their victory.

Player recruitment at the club has

strengthened the 2’s, and Wilkes

will look to gather momentum with

the next league.

The club invites cricket lovers,

young and old, to get involved. The

Boro are always looking for new

players, volunteers, coaches and

supporters, so please come along

down to the Wolfe and join in the fun!

Young Crowborough umpires

represent the south east

BY VICKY WAYMAN

CROWBOROUGH young umpires

Harvey Holman and George Lawson

were chosen to officiate at the

National In2s Club and Schools

hockey finals in Essex.

Selected to represent the Southeast

they were unfazed by the crowds

and the high stakes, umpiring with

confidence across the two days.

Umpires selected from across the

entire country came to the Old

Loughtonians event.

George, a Year 10 student at Bennett

Memorial School was appointed to

umpire the clubs U12 girls bronze

medal match between Surbiton

and the medal winning Clifton.

Harvey studying in Year 12 at Beacon

Academy took the playoff between

York and North Stafford.

It was a great week for Harvey

who named Southeast winner

of Umpire of the Year. The fastprogressing

official has grown

from umpiring friendly seven

a sides matches to adult league

matches and even a Men’s Ones

friendly this summer. He will now

compete for the National crown

at the England Hockey Awards in

Leicester on June 6th.

OFF THE PITCH

Excitingly Crowborough are the

regional winner of Emerging Club of

the Year and hope to make it third time

lucky as they also head to Leicester to

compete for the National title.

It was a fulfilling season for the

club which saw promotions for the

Men’s Twos and the Women’s Twos,

while finishing second wasn’t quite

enough to secure the Men’s Ones two

promotions in a row.

Coaches Amanda Catling and

Justin Singleton had been on

fine form, getting teams to their

peak levels while the successful

captains Harry and Jethro Hook

and Josie Mitchell can reflect on a

job well done.

The club also tried trialled walking

hockey with the help of Beacon

Academy, offered outreach coaching

to Primary Schools, increased

sustainability with a second hand

store and donated to the local

foodbank. The club hope to continue

on this trajectory next season with

digital media content creator Bethy

Catling spearheading the club’s

higher profile.

Completing the roster was Vicky

Dennett, who was the Southeast

winner of the Area volunteer of

the year for her work with Sussex

Young Umpires and with junior

hockey tournaments.

Latest local news, visit: crowborough.news JUNE 2026 SPORT 25

Crowborough Athletic

— volunteers wanted

and welcomed

BY ABI GARETY

CROWBOROUGH’S community

football club is calling on locals to

lend a hand — and keep grassroots

football thriving.

Crowborough Athletic FC isn’t just

a football club — it’s the beating heart

of a community.

From the youngest grassroots

players to senior football, the

club offers opportunities for

people of all ages, abilities, and

ambitions to develop their skills,

grow in confidence, and proudly

represent their town.

Since earning promotion to the

Isthmian South East Division (Step

4 of the FA National League System)

in September, the Men’s First Team

have adapted impressively, holding

their own at this higher level.

Alongside them, the newly

established Women’s First Team

continue to make great strides, while

the club’s thriving youth and girls’

sections grow stronger each season.

From our youngest players taking

their first kicks to our dedicated girls’

squads and mixed youth teams, more

young players than ever are wearing

the Crowborough shirt. With a clear

pathway from youth football through

to senior level, local talent has every

chance to progress and shine.

But what really sets Crowborough

Athletic FC apart is the community

that sustains it. Like so many

grassroots clubs, it thrives on the

energy and commitment of its

volunteers — and right now, the call is

out for more people to get involved.

The club is looking for Matchday

Stewards (in the stadium and

car park) from 1:30pm, with free

match entry included, as well

as help with morning stadium

preparation before games.

Volunteers with DIY skills are also

needed for simple maintenance

and painting jobs around the

ground and clubhouse, alongside

roles for a Turnstile Assistant

(1:30–3:30pm), a cleaner, and kitchen

helpers on match days.

Even Freddie, the club’s muchloved

mascot, lends a paw by helping

with the raffle and chasing footballs

around the pitch — a reminder

that everyone, in their own way,

can play a part.

All of Crowborough Athletic

FC’s managers and coaches are

volunteers too, supported to gain

their FA qualifications and nurture

young players in a positive, inclusive

environment. The philosophy is

simple: football should be fun,

friendly, and open to everyone —

whatever their background or ability.

Anyone keen to get involved

can email cafcsec@outlook.com.

For Crowborough Athletic FC,

community spirit doesn’t just fill

the stands — it keeps the whole club

moving forward.

Pickleball — Crowborough

ahead of the game

BY MIG BENNETT

A sport once considered a niche

pastime has exploded into one of the

world’s fastest-growing activities —

and local residents can now pick up

a paddle and give pickleball a try.

Combining elements of tennis,

badminton and table tennis,

pickleball has become a global

phenomenon thanks to its simple

rules, social atmosphere and

accessibility for all ages. From parks

in the United States to leisure centres

across Europe courts are filling up

with enthusiastic newcomers eager to

join the craze.

Now the sport is steadily

gaining momentum across the

UK. What makes pickleball so

appealing is its unique balance of

competitiveness and fun.

Played on a court about half the

size of tennis and using lightweight

paddles and a plastic ball, the game

is easy to learn but surprisingly

addictive. Matches are fast-paced,

energetic and packed with laughter —

making it ideal for families, retirees,

young adults and anyone looking for

a new way to stay active.

Health experts praise the sport

for its physical and mental benefits.

Pickleball improves balance,

coordination and cardiovascular

fitness without placing excessive

strain on the body. Its social

nature helps combat isolation and

encourages people to stay connected

within their communities. It’s

increasingly looking like the game

could become a major fixture in

community recreation across East

Sussex and Kent.

At Crowborough Tennis and

Squash Club two dedicated outdoor

pickleball courts have seen 50 or

so new members join in the social

mix in sessions which are an almost

daily occurrence.

“People are often surprised

by how quickly they fall in love

with pickleball,” said one club

member, who admits to the sport

having become something of an

addiction. “You don’t need expensive

equipment or years of training.

Within minutes, you are rallying

and enjoying yourself. With a bit

more experience you can learn the

nuances of the game (including the

‘dink’ shot) and become a deft player.

I find myself out on court at least

three times a week!”

With many people searching for

healthier lifestyles and more social

hobbies, pickleball offers a timely

opportunity to get moving, meet

new people and enjoy friendly

competition close to home.

As the sport continues its

remarkable rise around the

world Crowborough already has

the “sensation that is Pickleball”

on its doorstep.

The Stoolball season is underway and what a start for the Beacon Academy Teams. The

Crowborough school’s Year 8 teams secured a fantastic 1st and 2nd place at the Wealden

tournament, with some incredible wins.

At Rotherfield FC’s end of season awards the honours included: Callum Ridley — Players’ Player of the Year; Jack Turner — Manager’s Player of

the Year; and a special award for Robin Paige in recognition of his 40 years with the club.

Well done to Beacon Academy’s Under 13 girls football team. The school said it is “very

proud” of the team which made it into the last 16 of the National Cup for new teams. Although

they lost to a strong Patcham High School team a spokesperson for the school said “we can

hold our heads high and be proud of the results throughout the season”.

26 SPORT

JUNE 2026


From left: Sylvia Billcliff, Lady Captain Angela

Fry & Irene Toyne Winners of the greensomes

Getting into the swing of

spring at Beacon Golf Club

A round-up of competitions and

results from competitions that have

taken place at Crowborough Beacon

Golf Club so far this spring.

BRING AND WIN

The ladies celebrated their first

major competition of the year with

the Bring and Win. This individual

stableford attracted 32 ladies who

all brought a gift of either a plant

or bottle as a prize which Christine

Olliver as the winner had first choice

of. She scored 34 points and was 2

points ahead of a trio of ladies all

scoring 32 points.

NIGHT GOLF

Almost in darkness 60 players

took to the fairways to play under

a starry sky in a “Night Golf”

competition. Wearing head torches

and playing with LED balls the

players were guided around a

shortened 9 holes which were

lit up with illuminated course

markers and flagsticks. Playing a

Texas scramble in teams of 4, the

winners with net 15 were Amanda

Parker, Ben Parker, Jonathan

Powel, Shaun Turner.

LORD BRASSEY CUP

The Lord Brassey Cup foursomes

scratch competition took place

with 11 pairs of the elite golfers

taking part. Paul Mugridge and

Graham Smith were the winners

with a fantastic gross score of

1 under par 70.

ARTHUR STONE CUP

The first Junior competition of the

season saw a fantastic performance

from Jake Hampson, whose winning

score of 39 points, narrowly edged

out Callum Cavie with 38 points to

take the trophy. Third place went to

Miles Davis who scored 35 points.

EASTER FAYRE

The Ladies played their Easter Fayre

Competition. The winners of this

pressured “Yellow Ball” competition

were Penny Tyrrell, Marion Sandwell

and Anita Amies.

THE MASTERS BEACON

To coincide with the US Masters

golf competition, and for the second

year, the club staged The Masters

Beacon par 3 competition. Scores

were very close at the top. However,

Paul Kemp, took the honours

with 35 points.

THE BEACON SHIELD

The second junior competition

attracted 16 players young golfers.

On a course shortened to 16 holes on

the day, the overall winner was Alfie

Gilder with 33 points.

THE SURVIVORS BOWL

The Survivors Bowl took place with

75 men playing a medal round. The

leading four scores from this round

qualified to the matchplay stage which

was played the following day. This

traditional Easter competition saw Neil

Rogers come through as the leading

qualifier from the medal round. Over

all conditions were extremely tough

with the leading score being nett 72.

Congratulations to Jonny Oversby-

Powell who prevailed in the traditional

weekend knock out stages. A hard

fought final against Oliver Timson

saw Jonny 3 up at the turn with Oliver

fighting back to all square through

13. There was some great golf after

that, with both players making further

birdies and finishing level after 18.

Jonny held his nerve to win the match

on the 19th hole. Commiserations to

Oliver after a very hard fought match.

IZZARD SMITH TROPHY

36 ladies played in the Izzard Smith

Trophy competition. The format was

Ryesomes and the ladies were drawn

for partners on a high/low basis at the

Ladies dinner the night before. Debbie

Hill and Janine Slade were victorious

with a brilliant score of 42 points.

CORONATION FOURSOMES

Six pairs played in the Ladies

Coronation Foursomes R&A

Rotary golfers tee off for charity

CROWBOROUGH Rotary’s 6th

Annual Charity Golf Day took place

in May at Crowborough Beacon

Golf Club. The event hosted 48

keen golfers and showcased the

generosity of the local community.

A spokesperson said: “We are very

grateful to Crowborough Beacon Golf

Club for its outstanding support and

hospitality. They helped the day run

seamlessly and provided the perfect

setting for this now annual event.

“Our thanks also go not just to all

the golfers who took part with such

enthusiasm but also to our sponsors

and supporters, whose generosity

continues to make this fundraiser

possible year after year. Thanks too

to Crowborough Mayor, Natalie

Whittle who joined us for the prize

giving dinner.”

All proceeds from the day will

support Taylor Made Dreams, a

charity dedicated to helping children

with life‐limiting illnesses fulfil their

dreams. The golfers were joined by

Suzi Mitchell, CEO of Taylor Made

Dreams who shared the deeply

personal story behind the charity.

It was created following the early

loss of her son, Taylor, whose

courage and imagination inspired

the development of bucket dreams,

sibling support, and a wide range of

services that now help families across

Crowborough and the Southeast.

TEAM WINNER — CROWBOROUGH

ROTARY CHARITY SHIELD

1st place — Mirox Development with

an impressive 126 points. 2nd place —

Ashdown Birdies with 118 points.

INDIVIDUAL WINNERS

UNDER‐18S HANDICAP SECTION

1st place — Fin Adams on a great

score of 40 points. 2nd place — Lee

Adams close behind on 38 points.

Qualifier. Sara Young and Debbie

Hill took the honours with 37 points

beating Anita Amies and Vicky

McLean on countback. Sara and

Debbie will go onto play in the area

final at Haywards Heath in August.

VICE PRESIDENTS CUP

A huge field took part in the Vice

Presidents Cup. Tom Robson

was victorious with a winning

score of 37 points.

TEAM RUMBLE

10 teams of three ladies played a

Team Rumble format. The winners

with a score of 92 points were Brenda

Humphrey, Ezzie Massey & Vanessa

Barrington-Johnson.

1-2-3 TEAM COMPETITION

An early shotgun start saw 20

teams of 4 play in the 1-2-3 Team

Competition. The winners with a

score of 90 points were Andrew

MacKellow, Matthew Martin, Neil

Rogers & Steven Watton.

DIAMOND JUBILEE CUP

A huge field of 47 ladies entered

the ERII Diamond Jubilee Cup

stableford competition. Tricia

Edwards took the trophy with a score

of 42 points narrowly beating Janine

Slade on Countback.

CENTENARY CUP

Eleven juniors played in the

Centenary cup. Finlay Hillman

was the winner in this Stableford

format and took the trophy with a

great score of 37 points. Jacob Aston

was the runner up with 33 points

18 AND OVER

HANDICAP SECTION

1st place — John Kay with an

outstanding 43 points. 2nd place —

Sue Todd with a fantastic score just a

point below on 42.

PUTTING GREEN CHALLENGE

Winner — Lee Adams on an

incredibly low score of just

14 over 9 holes.

LONGEST DRIVE &

NEAREST THE PIN

George Beal — Longest Drive, by a

clear margin on the 18th hole. Russell

Harding — Nearest to the Pin in 2 on

the 8th hole. Gary Gatt — Nearest to

the Pin on the 13th hole.

and Sam Burgess took third place

with 31 points.

BERNARD KERR CUP

The popular Bernard Kerr Cup mixed

greensomes competition took place

with 14 pairs taking part. With an

excellent 45 points the trophy was

awarded to Bruce Parsons & Lynne

Collett. Husband wife wife Richard

and Janine Slade playing their first

mixed competition were the runners

up with 42 points.

LADIES SPRING MEETING

The Ladies held their Spring Meeting

with two competitions — an individual

stableford in the morning followed by

a 9-hole greensomes in the afternoon.

48 ladies entered the Stableford

competition and continuing her

winning streak Tricia Edwards took

the top spot in the silver division

with an amazing score of 39 points.

The afternoon competition saw 20

pairs taking part. The winners were

Sylvia Bilcliff and Irene Toyne with a

fabulous score of 21. The prizegiving

also included the of the Spring Meeting

medal silver and bronze divisions.

Tricia Edwards took the prize for the

Silver division with an excellent score

of net 68. The bronze division medal

was won by Sandra Munt with net 74.

HOSPITAL CUP

A huge field of 90 men take part in the

Hospital Cup. Once again there was a

tie at the top with both Craig Harman

and Gavin Bentley scoring net 69.

Following a countback Craig was the

winner with Gavin having to settle

for second place.

Rotary Golf — Taylor-Made Dreams

Latest local news, visit: crowborough.news JUNE 2026 SPORT 27

Crows women celebrate

remarkable successes

BY ABI GARETY

WITH the men’s first team taking

a well-earned rest following a

demanding campaign at Step 4 level,

our full attention this month turns

towards the end of our women’s and

girls’ season, and what an incredible

season it has been for the Crows.

In their very first campaign

representing the club, our women’s

team have exceeded all expectations

and firmly established themselves

as one of the success stories of the

season. Finishing league runners

up and earning promotion to Sussex

County Women and Girls Football

League Premiership

(SCWGFL Premiership) — Across

the season, the side played 18 league

matches, winning 11, drawing 3, and

losing just 5. Those numbers alone

tell the story of a hugely competitive

and resilient team, but the form

shown throughout the second half

of the season elevated the group to

another level entirely.

An outstanding 11-match unbeaten

league run became the foundation of

their campaign, while six consecutive

victories, including five clean

sheets in a row, demonstrated the

consistency, organisation, and belief

that developed within the squad as

the season progressed. For a side that

was newly formed and then moved

up a division just before the season

began, the achievements become

even more remarkable.

From the first whistle of the season

to the final run-in, the players have

represented the club superbly.

Their commitment and willingness

to continually improve has been

evident every single week, and they

have laid foundations that promise

an exciting future for women’s

football at the club.

Special congratulations must also

go to coaches Mark and Gary, whose

dedication behind the scenes has

been exceptional. Building a new

side is never easy, but the countless

hours spent organising, coaching,

supporting, and driving standards

forward have paid off in spectacular

fashion. Their commitment to

developing not just a successful

team, but a positive and inclusive

environment for players to thrive in,

deserves enormous recognition.

What has perhaps been most

exciting throughout the season is

that the growth does not stop with

the senior side. Across the club, our

girls’ teams continue to thrive and

prove that the pathway being built

for female footballers is becoming

stronger with every passing season.

Our U13 Cats have enjoyed a truly

unforgettable campaign. Completing

the league season unbeaten,

they finished top of the table and

secured promotion to the SCWGFL

Premiership, an outstanding

achievement that reflects both their

quality and consistency throughout

the year. Their season finished by

coming runners up in the SCWGFL

Challenge Cup Final losing only in

penalties at 5 to 4.

The success has not stopped there.

Our U13 Bobcats have also produced

a brilliant season and currently sit

second in the league with games

still remaining. They have already

lifted silverware after being crowned

Crowborough & District League Cup

winners following a superb victory

over Uckfield Grasshoppers in the

final. Their progress throughout

the year has been fantastic to watch

and reflects the strength developing

within the age group.

Meanwhile, the U12 Tigers finished

joint top of their SCWGFL league

and were unfortunate to narrowly

miss out on promotion following a

closely fought play-off defeat. While

disappointing in the moment, the

campaign as a whole showed just how

competitive and talented this young

side has become, and there is little

doubt that their development will

continue moving forward.

That progression is now feeding

directly into even more exciting

opportunities next season. The club

Jarvis Brook FC already looking

ahead as season ends

BY JOSH ALLCORN

AS another season comes to a close,

planning is already well underway

at Jarvis Brook Football Club both

on and off the pitch as we prepare

for the 2026/27 campaign.

Our leadership group is keen to get

a head start and ensure the club is in

the strongest possible position ahead

of the new season. While the dust has

only just settled on the last campaign,

there is already plenty of hard work

taking place behind the scenes to

continue driving the club forward.

One of the highlights of the past

month was our senior club awards

night, where players, coaches,

volunteers and supporters came

together to reflect on the season across

our First Team, Reserves, Veterans

and Under-23 sides. It was a fantastic

evening celebrating the commitment,

effort and achievements shown

throughout the year.

Congratulations go to all of this

year’s award winners. The 1st team

winners are as follows:

• Players’ Player of the

Year: Jimmy Hoy

• Captain’s Player of the Year:

Victor Penfold

• Top Goalscorer: Liam Edwards

• Supporters’ Player of the Year:

Freddie Holman

• Young Player of the

Year: Ashton Miles

The evening was a great opportunity

to recognise the people who make the

club what it is and to celebrate another

season of progress and togetherness at

Jarvis Brook FC.

Photo credit, Luke Hawkes


will continue to provide football for

girls across multiple age groups from

our Wildcats to U15s. Competitions in

the SCWGFL Premiership, and Kent

Girls and Ladies Football Leagues will

see for a thrilling new season.

Alongside those teams, we are

also proud to launch a brand new

U14 Junior Premier League side in

collaboration with EMC Academy.

Operating within an academy-level

environment, the programme

will provide players with access to

UEFA-qualified coaches and the

opportunity to compete at a higher

level of football. While all of our

teams are coached to a high standard,

the addition of the JPL pathway

represents another significant step

As part of our continued

development, we are also pleased

to announce the launch of our new

commercial opportunities page

on the club website. With the club

continuing on an upward trajectory,

we are inviting local businesses

and organisations to partner with

us and become part of our journey

moving forward.

More information can be found

here: https://jarvisbrookfc.co.uk/

partner-with-jarvis-brook-fc-bepart-of-our-future

forward in the opportunities available

to female players at the club.

The growth across the women’s

and girls’ section has been incredible

to witness over the past year. From

senior football to youth development,

the club continues to build an

environment that is inclusive,

ambitious, progressive, and

committed to giving female players

the platform they deserve within this

wonderful game.

The future of women’s and girls’

football at Crowborough Athletic

looks incredibly bright, and everyone

connected with the club should

feel enormously proud of what has

already been achieved, while being

excited for what is still to come.

PARTNER WITH

JARVIS BROOK FC

While preparations continue for the

new senior season, our junior sides

are still very much in action, with a

number of age groups taking part in

local tournaments and fiestas over

the coming weeks.

We are also looking forward

to hosting our own tournament

weekend on the 6th and 7th

June. It is always a brilliant

occasion for players, coaches,

families and supporters alike,

and a fantastic showcase of the

community spirit and values that

our club stands for.

We hope to see plenty of people

there supporting and enjoying

what promises to be another great

weekend for Jarvis Brook FC.

Jimmy Hoy

Victor Penfold

Liam Edwards

Freddie Holman

28 SPORT

JUNE 2026


Sport

Final game

defeat for Boro

CRFC v Cranbrook. Photo, Denys Clarke

BY RICK HOWE

BORO 18 — 26 CRANBROOK

CROWBOROUGH welcomed

Cranbrook to Steel Cross for the

final game of the season. In the end,

it would be a simple matter of which

side wanted to win the most.

Crowborough, comfortably

cemented in 7th position, where no

result would make any positional

difference, were forced to make

several alterations to the line-up

that narrowly lost to Heathfield the

previous week, due to injury and endof-season

unavailability.

By contrast, Cranbrook had to win

and then rely upon Park House to

beat their local Beccahamian rivals,

to avoid relegation. Cranbrook had

a relatively lacklustre first half of

the season, and appeared to have

recruited during the winter break.

As the Cranbrook side ran onto

the pitch the front five appeared to

have been hewn from huge lumps

of granite, dwarfing the diminutive

‘Boro pack. The visitors’ tactics would

soon become evident.

From the kick off, Cranbrook played

the game tight, retaining possession,

and taking route one, with the big

boys driving straight into the ‘Boro

defence. Without possession, this

was going to be a long afternoon for

the home side.

To emphasise that, the ‘Brook

pack crossed over twice in the first

ten minutes to record a 0-12 lead

— starting what was beginning to

look like an ominous afternoon for

the ‘Boro boys.

Jared Hermann pulled back

three after an indiscretion, but

Cranbrook retained the initiative,

with Crowborough desperately

needing to regroup and break the

visitors’ stranglehold over their setpiece

possession.

But desire and hope were eclipsed

when a ‘Brook penalty was placed

into touch on the ‘Boro 5 metre line.

From the lineout, Cranbrook set up

the maul and the drive. ‘Boro were

prepared for the drive as the defence

piled in, only for Brook to take the

ball at the back of the maul to blast

over for the score, which was well

converted. 3-19.

Crowborough were still to win and

control any meaningful ball, from

which they could stretch and tire the

gargantuan ‘Brook pack. With halftime

approaching and the scoreline

looking as though it was getting

away from the home side, quick

possession was whipped wide by Ed

Croft to Jared Hermann, who put

width on the pass.

With such little quality ball in

the first half, this opportunity to

move the ball wide was laboured

CRFC v Cranbrook. Photo, Denys Clarke

and pedestrian, and by rights

should have been snuffed out as the

touchline approached.

With Will Pitman and Gus Weir

getting squeezed in the tramlines,

Pitman dummied to Weir and slid

through the narrowest of gaps to

cross over to give the home side hope

as half-time approached. The kick

was pulled. 8-19 at half time

The big Cranbrook pack had still

to be tested for stamina, and as the

second half commenced, so ‘Boro

applied the expansive tactics that

would expose the big boy’s fitness.

It was Gus Weir who was first on

the second half score sheet when

he finished off a neat, complete

team try, out wide on the left for an

unconverted score. 13-19.

In recent matches, Crowborough

have gone behind before then playing

tiring and anxious, catch-up rugby.

Having got within six points, a lapse

in defence saw ‘Brook put a penalty

into touch on the ‘Boro 5 metre line.

Knowing what was coming next,

‘Boro set up the block to the drive,

and with additional support leaving

gaps around the edge, the ‘Brook

needed no second invitation and

skipped over in the corner for a well

converted try. 13-26

Desperate to get back onto the

scoring trail, ‘Boro attacked down

the right through Bate and Jarvis, but

the touchline came to the defence

of the visitors as Jarvis was bundled

into touch. From the restart, a

dropped ball was recovered by ‘Boro

and moved left to Mason Rosier in

the centre, who with Weir outside

providing the supporting overlap,

cut inside to score the final points of

the match with ‘Boro falling short of

the losing bonus point at 18-26, and

with Cranbrook waiting anxiously for

the result at Park House that would

determine in which division they

would be playing next season.

It would be a tense hour before the

news would arrive that Park House

had secured a narrow win over

Beccahamians, sadly condemning

Cranbrook to Kent League Div 2

rugby next season.

Minis shine in

the sunshine

THE sun shone brightly for Boro’s

annual Minis Festival. The club

welcomed over 800 children from

all over Kent and Sussex and were

also happy to welcome some

teams flying in from Guernsey. A

spokesperson thanked sponsors

and the “happy band of volunteers

who never fail to show exactly what

makes our club great”.

CRFC flying the flag

for Walking Rugby

BY GRAHAM CALLARD

FOR the second year running,

CRFC fielded a full team of seven

WR players to Seaford’s one-day

Walking Rugby social tournament

held at their ground by the sea.

Five other teams participated

— Burgess Hill, Barns Green

and three Seaford teams, SWR1,

SWR2 and a selection of Seaford’s

1st Team players.

Crowborough’s opening game

against SWR1 proved an encouraging

start and was particularly evenly

matched. After two seven-minute

halves, the score was SWR 2 / CRFC

1 (James Kay scored), with much

of the game being played in the

opponent’s half.

In the second match against

Seaford, WR2 teams were reduced

to 6 a side as Seaford were a

person short; however, the score

was the same with a 2:1 (David

Price) win for SWR2.

The third game against Burgess

Hill was a 3:1 (Andy Posnett) victory

to BHWR again, with Crowborough

having much of the ball but

unable to convert this advantage

to a match win.

The 4th game was a good game

for Crowborough against a mixed

selection of mainly 1st 15 players


from Seaford and ended up as a 3:3

draw (David Price, Andy Posnett,

David Beale ‘Dobby’ scoring). The

game was fast and fun with good ball

handling by Crowborough, but speedwise,

the team was showing signs of

slowing after 8 halves.

The last game against Barnes Green

was again down to 6 aside due to the

opponents being a team member

short, following a WR League

competition the day before, taking

its toll on team members available

and some no shows. Final score

5:1 (James Kay)

At the conclusion, Seaford hosted

a very welcome buffet lunch in

their clubhouse and tournament

coordinator, Andrew Cambridge,

thanked all visiting teams. The overall

victory went to Burgess Hill.

CRFC Team — Peter Morris,

James Kay, Dobby Beale, David

Price, Nigel Owen, Andrew

Posnett, Chris Morgan

Crowborough News, June 2026, Issue 11

Transform your PDFs into Flipbooks and boost your revenue!

Delete template?

Save as template ?