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.
We thought you might like an update on what
we’ve been doing since the Village Poll.
But
first—THANK YOU.
We’ve been genuinely overwhelmed by your
enthusiasm, engagement, and turnout. 42% of residents came out to vote—an
extraordinary result in the world of village polls and referendums. It’s a
clear sign of just how deeply Hadlow Down cares about its shared spaces and its
future.
Your voices have been heard. Together, we’re
shaping a vision for a new Community Centre at the Playing Field—a place that
will stand at the heart of village life for generations to come.
A Place Rooted in Landscape and Belonging
Set in the beautiful open landscape of the Playing Field, the new Community Centre will sit comfortably in its surroundings—framed by trees, open sky, and the hum of everyday village life. Imagine arriving to a space that feels both welcoming and uplifting: light-filled rooms, a café terrace alive with conversation, and flexible spaces for movement, creativity, and celebration. With improved accessibility and parking, everyone—from those with pushchairs and wheelchairs—will be able to enjoy the building with ease. The flexible design means more opportunities for fitness, sport, and wellbeing activities. And at its heart, the café and community hub will become a daily meeting place—a space to reconnect, relax, and belong.
“This isn’t just about a building. It’s about creating a shared experience—a place where life happens, where stories are exchanged, and where our community continues to grow stronger together.”
Where We Are Now
The village has voted in favour of releasing
the economic value of the old hall site and borrowing up to £250,000 from the
Public Works Loans Board. The Parish Council has now confirmed this decision—an
important milestone in bringing our shared vision to life.
We’re now preparing our application to
Wealden District Council for match funding. If successful, this will provide up
to £1 million in seed funding, opening the door to even greater opportunities,
including major grants such as the National Lottery.
How You Can Help
We’re currently raising funds for our
technical package—the detailed architectural and mechanical drawings we need
before going out to tender. This is a vital step in turning ideas into action.
Be a Local Hero: Help us fund the technical design phase that will unlock the next stage of our new Community Centre.
Donate: via JustGiving (scan the barcode below) Contact: Jules for more information on how you can help be a founding partner – jscltd01@gmail.com Join the Team: Get in touch with Sarah or Mandy to be part of our fundraising group – sarahprall@btinternet.com, mandy.chapman45@gmail.com
Every contribution—large or small—makes a
difference a difference.
Let’s Build Something Extraordinary
This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create something truly meaningful for Hadlow Down. It’s not just about bricks and mortar—it’s about connection, creativity, and community. Let’s build a place that reflects who we are—and who we aspire to be. Let’s build something extraordinary.
After the positive outcome of the recent parish poll, we’re more determined than ever to keep up the momentum and secure vital funding from Wealden District Council. While that work is underway, we know how much our community enjoys coming together for local events – and this one promises to be a real treat!
We’re
inviting you to join us for a special fundraising Sunday Lunch and Games on
Sunday 12th October at 1pm in the Village Hall. It’s the perfect way to kick
off autumn: delicious food, lively company, and plenty of fun.
On the
menu:
Hearty beef casserole with dumplings
Tender chicken in white wine
A tasty vegetarian option
Tickets:
£15 per adult
£7.50 per child (under 16)
👉 Pre-booking is essential!
Please call 07795 451976 to reserve your tickets.
Bring your appetite, your family, and your friends – every ticket sold and every laugh shared over lunch brings us one step closer to our fundraising goal. Let’s make this another memorable village event together.
On behalf of the HDCC committee, I would like to thank everyone who took part in the recent parish council poll.
The result is a clear and exciting mandate: the community has voted in favour of investing in the future of our village through our development of a new community centre. This is an important and historic moment for our local infrastructure, and one that will benefit generations to come.
We know from speaking to you on the doorstep and at our pop-up surgeries that this decision was not taken lightly. Many of you have considered carefully what you want for our lovely village, weighing the costs and the opportunities. We remain fully committed to listening to your feedback and addressing concerns as we move forward together. We also recognise that not everyone supports the project, and we respect the views of those who will find this result disappointing.
With this community endorsement, we can now work confidently with the Parish Council and Wealden to secure the Community Led Infrastructure Funds that are vital to our fundraising strategy. This will also strengthen our bids to major funders such as the National Lottery, enabling us to take the project forward in earnest.
We are deeply grateful to all who took the time to vote, to our supporters, and to our brilliant team of volunteers, committee members, and trustees whose energy and commitment have brought us to this milestone. Special thanks also go to the Parish Council for ensuring that this important decision was put to the community in a democratic way, and to the Parish Clerk for her hard work in organising the poll and reporting the result.
This is a big step forward for our village, and we are excited to continue this journey with you.
Bob Lake Chair, HDCC
📢 Parish Poll Results
– In Case You Missed Them!
We know some of you may not have seen the Parish Poll
results when they were first released, so we wanted to share them with you
again.
A total of 268 votes were received — a 42%
response rate, with zero spoilt votes.
🗳️ Count Results
Question 1: Do you agree in the Parish Council realising an economic value from the old village hall to help pay for the new community centre at the Playing Field? ➡️ Yes – 166 votes (62%) ➡️ No – 102 votes (38%)
Question 2: Do you agree for the Parish Council to apply to the Public Works Loan Board
(PWLB) for a loan, limited up to £250,000, to assist in achieving a new
community centre at the playing field?
➡️ Yes – 153
votes (57%)
➡️ No – 115
votes (43%)
🙏 A huge thank you
to everyone who engaged with the poll, attended the public meeting, and came
out to vote. Although the poll was organised and held by the Parish Council, HDCC
is delighted by the enthusiasm and level of support shown by the community.
We are now actively engaging with Wealden District
Council to secure Community Led Infrastructure funding. We’ll be sure to
keep you updated on our progress every step of the way.
💙 Thank you for
supporting your community centre project!
Today is more than just a parish poll. It is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Hadlow Down. In 1965, villagers came together with vision and determination to build the hall we still use today. That hall has served us well for nearly 60 years — but now it is our turn to leave a legacy.
Our village is already extraordinary. We see it in the joy of the Village Fayre and Bonfire Celebrations, in the creativity of our drama productions, in the generosity of our fundraising events and seasonal markets. We see it in the spirit of our lovely primary school, the welcome and warmth of The New Inn, the creativity of Wilderness Wood, and the care we show for one another through local groups and charities like the TN22 Club. This spirit of togetherness is what makes Hadlow Down so special.
But
spirit needs a home. A place that brings people together, that lifts us up,
that matches the ambition and heart of our village. This poll is about giving
shape to that future.
We know this project might not feel, at first, like it is for everyone. But we are committed to ensuring it serves the whole community. Many of you have shared exciting ideas — from how we could enhance access to healthcare services to providing space for more essential amenities right here in the village. We’ve listened, we agree, and with your support we will move forward with your best interests at the heart of our plans.
Please, don’t let today pass by. Whether you are for or against the proposals, make your voice heard. Every single vote counts — and your choice will be part of the story we tell in decades to come.
📌 Vote today between 3pm and 9pm at the Village Hall.
Don’t forget to bring your ID.
This is our chance to build something lasting. Let’s seize it together.
