One of our wonderful Hadlow Down Community Centre Trustees, Mandy Chapman has embarked on an extraordinary journey, cycling from Dover to Istanbul.
Having been diagnosed with Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR), she’s turning a deeply personal challenge into something positive by raising funds for Polymyalgia charities whilst also supporting our campaign to build Hadlow Down’s new Village Hall and Community Centre.
It takes courage, determination and no small amount of grit to contemplate a journey of this scale. Every mile pedalled will help raise awareness of PMR, while also bringing us a little closer to creating a modern, accessible community hub for future generations of Hadlow Down.
We’re enormously proud to have such an inspiring trustee on our team and know the whole village will join us in wishing her and Mark safe travels.
The project team behind the proposed new Community Centre at the
Playing Field continues to make steady progress as we work to secure the
funding required to deliver Phase 1 – the new hall.
Our application to Wealden District Council for £200,000 through
the Community Led Infrastructure Fund (CLIF) was submitted in December, and we
are pleased to report that initial feedback has been positive. In addition, we
have applied for further support through the Community Infrastructure Levy
(CIL), seeking to bring the total contribution to £500,000, which would match
the funds raised by the village. This application is scheduled to be considered
at the Council’s July meeting.
We are also in the final stages of preparing our Stage 1
application to the National Lottery and anticipate submitting this by the end
of May.
The project team continues to work closely with the Advisory
Committee, which includes representatives from the Parish Council, Playing
Field Trustees, and members of the public. This committee plays a vital role in
reviewing and scrutinising the project as it develops. It is also actively
monitoring project risks, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in the
Middle East, and ensuring that appropriate mitigation measures are considered
and implemented wherever possible.
On the fundraising front, our dedicated local team has once again
delivered excellent results at the Spring Market. At the time of writing, we
are also looking forward to Race Night on 9th May, which promises to be another
enjoyable and successful community event.
Finally, three of our Trustees recently met with Ian Parker, Chair
of Mayfield Parish Council, and Chris Lilly, who has been leading the
development of the new Community Centre at Court Meadow. This was a valuable
opportunity to learn from their experience and to share contacts and insights
that may help support our own project.
As we move into the next phase of the project, we would welcome
additional support from within our community. We know that many residents have
valuable professional skills and experience that could make a meaningful
difference. In particular, we would be keen to hear from anyone with experience
in construction or building projects, as well as those with expertise in
financial oversight or governance. This does not require joining a committee or
making a long-term commitment—practical, ad hoc input would be greatly
appreciated. If you feel you may be able to assist, we would be very pleased to
hear from you.
We remain grateful for the continued support of the community as we progress this important initiative.
We do hope you can join us for the HDCC Spring Market. Held in the Village Hall 10-2 this Saturday, 28th March. Local Produce, Crafts, Raffle, Lottery Draw and Cafe… Your support means everything to our wonderful team of Volunteers and Fundraisers.
Can’t make it in person?
If you would like to make a donation you can do so by scanning the QR Code which will take you to our Just Giving page. THANK YOU
As we look forward to celebrating Village Halls Week, we’re
taking a moment to reflect on the history of community spaces in Hadlow Down —
and the important role they have played in village life for more than a
century.
Hadlow Down’s first “village hall” was not a hall at all, but a large wooden building known locally as the Red Triangle Hut. Originally owned by the YMCA and erected on land donated by the Eridge Estate, it opened on 8 June 1921 and was officially opened by Princess Marie Louise, Queen Victoria’s last grandchild. From the very beginning it became the beating heart of village life.
Princess Marie Louise Opening the Red Triangle Hut, 8th June 1921
The Hut hosted everything from parties, concerts and wedding receptions to club meetings and community gatherings. The Horticultural Society, the British Legion, drama groups, social clubs and many others all met there, making it a lively and much-loved focal point for the village.
By the 1960s the building was beginning to show its age, and in 1965 the Red Triangle Hut was replaced by the village hall we know today, continuing the tradition of bringing people together for events, performances and celebrations.
More than 100 years after the opening of the Hut, the spirit behind it remains the same. As we celebrate Village Halls Week, we’re reminded that these spaces are at the heart of rural communities — and why our work to build a new Community Centre for Hadlow Down is so important for the generations to come.
One of our absolute favourite events, save the date…May 9th
All the details to follow,… Sponsor Races, Buy Horses and join us for supper. There will be a bar and a brilliant atmosphere. Best of all you will be supporting our fundraising for the New Community Centre. See you there!
We were delighted to see a flurry of new lottery memberships in December — thank you all so much for supporting us in this way. Every ticket really does make a difference to our village Community Centre project.
Our next draw will take place at the Spring Market, and the prize fund is already building nicely:
1st Prize: £188
2nd Prize: £141
3rd Prize: £47
There is still time for you to enter — the cut-off date for this draw is 16 March, so why not join and help us grow the prize fund together?
The lottery is open to anyone aged 18 or over. Best of all, while you have the chance to win, your ticket is also helping raise funds for the new Village Hall and Sports Pavilion. 50% of funds raised go into prizes and 50% directly supports the new community centre.
Tickets cost just £12 per year, and once you have joined you will automatically be entered into all three of our 2026 seasonal draws.
HDCC warmly invites all villagers to attend our Annual General Meeting on Thursday 20 February at 7:30pm in the Village Hall.
At the meeting we will report on our progress over the past year, share updates on current projects, and outline our plans for the months ahead. Your interest and involvement are vital to the continued success of our community, and we very much hope you will join us.
As this is a combined AGM, you will also hear reports from our fellow village organisations: the Playing Field Committee, the Village Hall Committee and the Village Fayre Committee — a valuable opportunity to hear how each group contributes to village life and how they work together for the benefit of everyone.
We are always looking to strengthen our team with your invaluable skills and enthusiasm, and this is a wonderful opportunity to make a real difference to life in our village. The rewards of being involved in a large community project are considerable — from new friendships to the satisfaction of seeing ideas become reality.
We know it can feel intimidating being “new”, but please be assured you will receive a warm welcome and will be able to add value from day one. If you have ever considered becoming more involved locally, whether as a committee member or Trustee, now is the perfect time to get involved.
Refreshments will be served, with time afterwards to chat informally.
The Parish Poll — and your support throughout — has had a significant impact on our fundraising efforts, which we’ll say more about shortly. In the lead-up to the poll, our volunteers and Trustees held pop-up surgeries, delivered leaflets, and spent time chatting with many of you on your doorsteps. We were genuinely overwhelmed by the level of engagement, the thoughtful feedback, and the many constructive suggestions you shared with us. Thank you to everyone who took the time to get involved.
Since the poll, our volunteers have continued to work tirelessly. Highlights include the brilliant Christmas Market , a vibrant event enjoyed by the whole community and an important source of local fundraising. Alongside this, the team has been busy preparing our matched funding application to Wealden District Council, and hosting a Christmas event for partners and volunteers to recognise and celebrate what we’ve achieved together this year.
From seasonal markets to pop-up surgeries, these activities are about more than fundraising alone. They help us build collaboration, strengthen relationships, and grow momentum for the project. By bringing diverse groups together, we remain focused on creating lasting, positive partnerships. Each interaction reinforces the power of community spirit — and shows what we can achieve when we work together.
More on fundraising – a major step forward
Thanks to your support in the Parish Poll, we have reached an important milestone in our fundraising journey. By voting in favour of the Parish Council raising funds through the Public Works Loan Board, and enabling the realisation of the value of the land on which the existing village hall stands, you have helped unlock a significant opportunity for our project.
As a direct result, HDCC has now approached Wealden District Council to apply for matched funding. If our bid is successful, we could find ourselves having raised up to £1 million towards our overall £3 million fundraising target — a hugely encouraging and tangible step forward.
Thank you to everyone who took part and voted in favour. Your support has not only moved the project on in real terms, but has also strengthened our case with major funders.
Alongside this momentum, Trustees are now in the early stages of applying to the National Lottery for further funding. We will continue to keep you updated as these exciting next steps develop.
An Update from the HDCC Trustees
“Since the Parish Poll in September, the trustees of HDCC have been working hard behind the scenes to turn the community’s clear support into real progress — and we want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has encouraged us along the way.
With your backing, we have been focusing on some important foundations. We have been carefully updating our business plan to ensure it is robust, realistic, and ready to support the next stages of the project. At the same time, we have been working closely and positively with the Parish Council and the Playing Field Trustees to agree the terms of a lease for land at the Playing Field, where we plan to build the new community centre and car park.
Alongside this, trustees have been preparing a detailed match-funding application to Wealden District Council — a key step towards securing the funding needed to move the project forward. We have also been looking into appropriate insurance cover, ensuring that everything is in place as we prepare for delivery.
This work may not always be visible, but it is essential — and it brings us closer to the moment we can finally begin building a new Village Hall for everyone to enjoy.
We would love for you to be part of the next chapter. If you have professional skills, experience, or time you could offer — or if you’d simply like to support us and join the team — we would be delighted to hear from you. Together, we can secure the remaining funding and turn this long-held ambition into a welcoming, modern community space for all.
Thank you again for your continued support — it truly makes a difference.”
The HDCC Trustees
Get involved – now is the perfect time
Now is a fantastic time to get involved. As the project gathers momentum, we are actively looking for professionals who can offer skills and experience to help us move into the next phase.
In particular, we would welcome support in:
Financial governance
Project management
Building and construction expertise
Fundraising (which is critical at this stage)
Volunteering is widely recognised as both life-enhancing and deeply fulfilling, and this is a rare opportunity to contribute to something that will benefit the whole village for generations to come. This is a special community, and your expertise really could make all the difference to the success of the project.
Imagine the possibilities when we bring this ambition to life — and be part of the team that makes it happen.
If you’d like to get involved, please contact Bob, Mandy, or Sarah to start a conversation. Bob Lake bob.lake@live.co.uk mandy.chapman45@gmail.com Sarah Prall Sarahprall@btinternet.com
Christmas in Hadlow Down has always been about
community—neighbours looking out for one another, sharing traditions, and
supporting the places that bring us together. This year, the Hadlow Down
Village Lottery offers a simple way to give a festive gift that is warm,
meaningful, and directly supports the future of our village.
The lottery was created in 2014 as a way for residents to
play an active part in raising funds for a much-needed new Community
Centre/Village Hall. What began modestly has grown steadily, with prize amounts
rising as more people have joined. The very first draw in June 2014 offered a
£100 first prize. Since then, first prizes have reached as high as £204, with
recent draws averaging around £160. Three draws take place each year: Spring,
Summer, and Autumn at the Christmas Market.
A single lottery number costs £12 per year. Members can hold
multiple numbers, though entries are limited to 12 per entrant. Every ticket
contributes directly to the Community Centre project while offering the fun of
a potential win.
To date, the lottery has raised just under £10,000 towards the new Community Centre—an achievement made possible entirely by the commitment of residents and their friends and family. We extend sincere thanks to everyone who has taken part since the beginning. Your belief in the project motivates us to continue working towards realising the new centre for the whole village.
This Christmas, consider joining the lottery yourself—or
giving a lottery number as a gift. It’s an easy, thoughtful present for
friends, family, or neighbours, and it brings a little anticipation throughout
the year. If one of your recipients wins, it becomes an even better surprise.
By taking part, you’re not just giving a gift. You’re
helping build the future heart of Hadlow Down.
For more information about joining the lottery please
contact Janet –jtourell@btinternet.com
for all the terms and conditions please visit our lottery
pages on our website in the “Fundraising” pages www.newvillagehall.co.uk
A Final Word — A
Gift for the Future
As we look toward Christmas, a season that always draws
Hadlow Down a little closer together, it’s impossible not to think about the
spaces that shape our shared life. HDCC plans to build somewhere that feels
alive, welcoming, and built with care. Our new Community Centre aspires to be
not just a structure, but a warm, beating heart for generations to come.
Imagine a place where conversations spark, where ideas
gather, where memories are made—a place that feels crafted, cherished,
unmistakably ours. This is what we are building together. And it is why
every contribution, no matter the size, carries such meaning.
For those who told us during the village poll that you
wanted to help, for those who stopped us in the lane or at the market to say “I
believe in this,” there could be no better moment than now. Christmas is, after
all, a season of giving—not just gifts wrapped in paper, but gifts that shape
the future.
If you’ve been considering making a donation, please know
that this is a perfect time. Your support today becomes a legacy for tomorrow—a
place your children, your neighbours, and your future selves will gather in,
benefit from, and enjoy.
To make a contribution, or simply to talk about how you might help, please contact Bob at bob.lake@live.co.uk
Or scan the QR code
A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who has stood with us so far. Together, let’s create something truly beautiful for Hadlow Down—something that will stand, shine, and serve long after this Christmas has passed.
