Uckfield Town News

SOUTH BROCKWELLS FARM

South Brockwell’s Farm has announced the closure of its Farm Shop after a major theft on November 6, 2026. For over twenty years while I have been a community correspondent for the Sussex Express, South Brockwell’s Farm has been a bastion of our community, and the Farm Shop too; they teach in our local schools, run a well-supported equestrian club, and invite local schoolchildren to lambing, sheep racing, and many other out-of-school activities. Their annual Asparagus crop is well renowned for its superb taste and quality, with customers purchasing this gem of a vegetable from as far away as London. The Wells family have always put the community first. I can recall vividly the vast acreage of pick-your-own sunflowers allowing parents of children to have their photographs taken in the sunflowers. This is what I call community spirit. So how did it all unfold? This is the breaking news on social media. ‘A heartbreaking Announcement from the Wells Family. It is with absolute devastation that we have to announce the immediate closure of South Brockwells Farm Shop following last night’s break-in and the theft of all our fresh and frozen stock, along with essential equipment. Sadly, there will be no November or December openings. We have been left without our butchery equipment, and the damage caused is simply not something we can recover from. After more than 30 years as an independent, entirely self-funded business, this has brought our journey to a deeply painful and abrupt end. We are completely heartbroken. What has been a lifelong labour of love, built through years of hard work, dedication and determination, has been taken from us in one devastating night. We would like to thank every single one of you for your custom, friendship and loyal support over the years. You have been so much more than customers, and we hope you understand just how much your support has meant to our family. With broken hearts, thank you for being part of our journey. The Wells Family. South Brockwells Farm. THERE IS NOW HOPE: We are genuinely blown away and so taken aback by the love, kindness and friendship every single one of you has shown us. It’s all still so raw for us as a family, and we’re still in disbelief at how, in the space of just 20 minutes, our lives changed so dramatically. What has been such a worrying, sad and heartbreaking time has been made a little bit easier knowing how many wonderful people we have in our corner. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kind donations, messages and offers of help. It truly means more than you’ll ever know. When the time is right, we will sit down as a family and think about how we can move forward and hopefully carry on, but for now, we’re just trying to process everything that’s happened. Thank you for standing by us and showing us so much kindness when we need it most.”  It just shows how the community has reacted on social media: Over 1,000 likes. 271 positive comments and 100 shares to different platforms 

The Wells Family wrote: “Following so many messages from our wonderful friends and customers asking us to set up a GoFundMe, we are reaching out with broken hearts to ask for your help. After a devastating break-in and the theft of all our stock and essential butchery equipment, our family-run farm shop has been brought to a standstill. After more than 30 years of hard work, our fully self-funded family business is facing its hardest battle yet. We simply cannot afford to rebuild alone. Every donation, no matter how small, will help us fight to reopen our doors and save something our family has dedicated so many years to building. If you cannot donate, please share our story. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for all your kindness and support. “ The Wells Family, South Brockwell’s Farm

UCKFIELD TOWN MAYOR REMEMBRANCE

‘There is no greater honour as Town Mayor than to represent our town at its annual Remembrance Services. Today, Ian, the Deputy Mayor and I had the privilege of attending two particularly poignant services, both of which remind us of the courage, sacrifice and selflessness of those who gave their lives for our freedom. The first service was held at the Highlands Inn in memory of Flight Lieutenant Eugene G. A. Seghers, who lost his life in July 1944 when he bravely diverted a V1 flying bomb away from Ridgewood, preventing it from exploding in Uckfield. My sincere thanks to Cllr Duncan Bennett for organising this service once again and for his heartfelt and moving address. At 2.15pm, I joined the parade alongside Deputy Mayor Spike Mayhew and our MP, Mims Davies.Standing alongside our Armed Forces veterans and cadets, and listening to the names of those from Uckfield who lost their lives in the First World War, Second World War and Afghanistan, was incredibly moving and humbling. This year's Royal British Legion theme was 'Families', reflecting on the impact of war not only on those who serve, but also on the loved ones and families left behind. Father Michael delivered a beautiful and thought-provoking sermon on this subject. It was wonderful to see so many people taking part in the procession and Holy Cross Church filled with people of all ages, including Rainbows, Beavers, Cubs, Brownies, Scouts, Guides and fellow community representatives. It was a real reflection of the strength and spirit of our community. My heartfelt thanks to our Town Clerk, Lynne Ireland, Father John and everyone involved in organising today's services and making them so special. Perhaps more than ever, it is important that we come together to remember the extraordinary sacrifices made by so many to protect the peace and freedom we enjoy today. We must never take that freedom for granted. We will remember them.’

BISHOPS BUTCHERS 100 YEARS

A century on Uckfield’s High Street.100 years of Bishop the Butchers and a celebration we’d love you to be part of! Join us on Friday, December 4th for late-night shopping as we celebrate 100 years in business, from 1926 to 2026. We’ll be open until 9 pm, with delicious hog roast rolls, BBQ favourites and festive drinks available to buy throughout the evening. Come hungry, bring the family and enjoy a friendly Bishop’s welcome as we mark this very special milestone. To everyone who has supported Bishop’s over the years, thank you. Every visit, every order and every recommendation has helped keep a traditional local butcher at the heart of our town. Whether you’ve been coming in for decades or are visiting for the first time, we’d love to celebrate with you. “For all the meat you need to eat, you’ll find Bishop’s hard to beat.”