Hellingly and Horsebridge Village News

FUNDING IS NOW AVAILABLE for local community projects and organisations. Hellingly Parish Council offers grants to eligible non-profit groups that benefit parish residents. Find out more and apply via the Grant Scheme: https://hellingly-pc.gov.uk/news/hellingly-parish-council-grants-2026. Wealden District Councillors have local grant funding available for £250 to £5,000 through the Councillor Ward Budgets Scheme. Details can be found at https://www.wealden.gov.uk/councillors-and-committees/councillor-ward-budgets-scheme/.

 HELLINGLY LITTER PICKERS founder, Rebecca, says, “A little appreciation goes a long way.”

Sometimes the smallest gestures make the biggest impression, as she discovered this week.

While litter picking near Bulrush Lane, two young schoolgirls waiting at the bus stop actually crossed the road to tell her how much they appreciated her efforts to keep the area tidy. Such a thoughtful gesture from two youngsters absolutely made her day. Meanwhile, Chris has been busy tackling sections of the A271 at Herstmonceux and from Old Road towards the Jet Garage.

Douglas Bell was out very early one morning clearing the junction at Golden Cross, where the A22 meets the road towards Laughton. Having watched the litter gradually accumulate along his commute, he decided enough was enough. Four bags and a couple of discarded wheel trims later, he had made quite a difference.

Rebecca finally had the pleasure of meeting Douglas when delivering his new high-vis vest. They enjoyed a good chat and put the world to rights.

Her own travels included Park Road, New Road, Snowdrop Gardens, the Orbit estate footpath, Iris Close, Upper Horsebridge Road, London Road, the Cuckoo Trail and Burfield estate. Two glorious afternoons, four hours of litter picking and even a T-shirt in October.

The less glamorous discoveries this week included a dirty nappy, an enormous, exceptionally heavy dog poo bag and the usual endless supply of cans, bottles and sweet wrappers.

The notorious lay-by, however, appears to be behaving itself. Perhaps those hidden cameras are finally making the regular offenders nervous.

Gordon remains out of action following his fall. Everyone wishes him a speedy recovery. We need you back, Gordon.

 THE PEOPLE’S EMERGENCY BRIEFING comes to Hailsham Pavillion on Saturday 14 November at 2.30 with community discussion and 7.30pm screening only. Please book tickets £5 at the box office on 01323 841414 on the website or in person. For further details please see the Hailsham Column.

 HELLINGLY HUB CHRISTMAS FAIR hosted by Hellingly W.I. is on Saturday 21 November at The Hellingly Hub, The Drive, Hellingly from 10am to 3pm.

 HELLINGLY CHURCH RAMBLE is on Saturday 24 October meeting at 10am at Firle car park (behind the Ram Inn). A gentle circular walk across the Firle estate to Charleston farmhouse for refreshments with toilets and then continuing back round to Firle, ending up at The Ram pub for whoever wants a drink. Distance: about 5 miles with no stiles. Wear walking footwear.

 THE CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL will take place over the 11, 12 and 13 December. Friends of Hellingly Church are organising its sixth festival and are inviting any Business, Organisation or individual to sponsor a Christmas Tree. If you are, or know of anyone who may be interested, please contact Teresa Butler, Secretary to the Friends on email [email protected] or telephone 07724712213. Please keep this date free in your diary to go along for another enjoyable Christmas Tree Festival.

 OVER 55s YOUTH GROUP also known as the Young at Heart Social Club is held at Hellingly Community Hub every Monday, except bank holidays, from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Enjoy refreshments by donation, social time to make new friends, occasional guest speakers, bingo and quizzes, optional light exercise, crafts and boardgames and art group. No need to book, just turn up and choose a table to sit at. You will receive a warm welcome. And it is free.

 GIVE BLOOD on 13 November. If you are the giving type, book now at blood.co.uk and book your spot at the Hellingly Community Hub, The Drive, Hellingly. Your local donation centre. Daytime and evening appointments available. Do something amazing.