Uckfield Town News

UCKFIELD TOWN NEWS SEPTEMBER 11 2026

UCKFIELD TOWN MAYOR

A huge thank you to Uckfield Bonfire and Carnival Society for inviting me, Mims Davies MP, the Deputy Mayor and the Town Crier, to join their celebrations marking the start of the Sussex Bonfire season. The day began with the children's parade, and it was wonderful to see so many schools and youth groups taking part this year. The costumes were absolutely fantastic, and we were given the impossible task of judging them! It has never been so difficult to make a decision. Well done to everyone who took part – you were all amazing!  We were then invited to judge the Winnie the Pooh Art Competition @Pots of Love, and what a pleasure that was. There is so much artistic talent in our town. Congratulations to the winners in their categories: Lily DeMitri. Harper Agate, Esme Cromb, Ellie Driver. As evening fell, despite the restrictions in place this year, Uckfield Bonfire and Carnival Society put on a wonderful event, supported by 27 other bonfire societies and an incredible marching band from Romford. It was amazing to see Uckfield lit up with LED lights, torches, house lights and fairy lights. Thank you to everyone who came out to support them and help make the evening so special. Events of this scale don't happen by chance. They require months of planning and an enormous amount of work behind the scenes from dedicated volunteers throughout the year. A special thank you to everyone at Uckfield Bonfire and Carnival Society for your dedication, hard work and commitment.  The money you raise for local charities makes a real difference to our community, and your efforts are greatly appreciated. Karen

OPERA GALA

Opera Gala in Uckfield on Saturday September 19  in aid of Intergenerational Opera, a groundbreaking charity that brings together schoolchildren with professional musicians and older members of the community for joint music projects. Book here: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/GREV

COUNTRY MARKET - NUTLEY WAR MEMORIAL HALL

Sunday 11th October | 9 am–12 pm | Come along and enjoy a lovely Sunday morning at the Nutley War Memorial Hall 'Country Market'. There will be plenty to browse, tasty treats to discover and a wonderful atmosphere in the hall. Back by popular demand: 'The French Comté '! Our French cheese stall was a hit last time, and we're delighted to welcome them back! If you missed out before, this is your chance to stock up on some delicious French cheeses. Live singing from 11 am. Sit back, browse the stalls and enjoy live music from Kindred Voices, the wonderful Nutley-based singing group. There will be lots to discover, including. Unique handmade & local stalls. Clothing. Stationery, children's toys & crafts, local produce, home décor, jewellery, delicious food & sweet treats, dog treats, pottery…and plenty more! Free on-site parking and free entry!

KIDDIE CAPERS CHILDCARE

Our brand-new Uckfield Nursery & Preschool is opening soon and will welcome children aged 0–5 years – enquire today. No minimum booking required. All funding options accepted. Safe, nurturing and stimulating environment. Flexible childcare to suit your family's needs. Want to find out more? We'd love to hear from you. Call our friendly admissions team on: 01444 616680. Visit our website: Kiddie Capers Childcare

SPONSORING A TREE AT THE FESTIVAL

We are aware that some of you in town would like to sponsor a tree at the Festival but don't know how to go about it, therefore, please find details below... If you are a local (Uckfield & surrounding villages) organisation, community group, business, charity or individual, and would like to be part of the Festival of Christmas Trees by sponsoring a tree, please email Sarah at the address below to be added to the invite list. Invites will be sent out Wednesday, September 9. The Festival of Christmas Trees takes place over three days and welcomes over 6,500 visitors from far and wide. It's a great opportunity to not only join a wonderful, local event but also share with the community what you do and offer. Email Sarah at: [email protected] (If you've taken part previously you are already on the list so no need to email). Trees are offered on a first come, first served basis so we recommend getting in quick!

LONG TERM INVESTMENT IN WEALDEN LEISURE CENTRES

Long-term investment in Wealden’s leisure centres supports summer visitor numbers. Wealden’s leisure centres have been busy since the start of the school summer holidays, with Uckfield, Hailsham and Crowborough leisure centres welcoming thousands of residents through the doors. The figures show how valued these facilities are in the district. three people swimming in a pool which has lanes. With the recent hot weather, swimming has been particularly popular, with 11,297 pool visits recorded.  Gyms, group exercise classes and children’s holiday activities have also proved popular. Since the start of the school summer holidays, the three centres have recorded: A total of 24,799 visits. 8,254 gym visits.4,676 group exercise class attendances. An 8% increase in memberships compared with the same period last year. More than 219 fitness classes delivered every week. High attendance at children’s holiday activities. The figures demonstrate the important role Wealden’s leisure centres play in supporting health, wellbeing and social connection for people of all ages. Wealden District Council and its leisure operator, Freedom Leisure, have continued to invest in the facilities to meet the needs of local communities. At Uckfield Leisure Centre, a £300,000 refurbishment has delivered a new sports hall floor, fully refurbished gym, a dedicated indoor cycling studio and improvements to the swimming pool area. With a long-term lease secured at Uckfield Leisure Centre between East Sussex County Council and Wealden District Council, further investment has been secured through Sport England’s Swimming Pool Support Funding, which has enabled the installation of solar PV helping to reduce operating costs and improve the centre’s sustainability. Hailsham Leisure Centre has also benefited from £100,000 of investment from Freedom Leisure for swimming pool flume repairs and pool relining to safeguard the future of the pool, alongside Sport England funding for solar PV and swimming pool covers. Improvements at Crowborough Leisure Centre include a new sports hall floor and the introduction of HYROX functional indoor fitness. Wealden District Council continues to work with Freedom Leisure and partners to develop new opportunities for residents. These include an NHS pilot rehabilitation programme in partnership with Uckfield Community Hospital. Looking ahead, the centres will continue to offer a wide range of activities, including swimming lessons, fitness classes, junior programmes and specialist health initiatives. These include a new cancer rehabilitation programme at Hailsham Leisure Centre and the introduction of Stronger for Life sessions in Uckfield from September, delivered in partnership with the NHS and Active Sussex. Residents can find out more about activities, memberships and opening times at Uckfield, Hailsham and Crowborough leisure centres through Freedom Leisure.