We’re delighted to announce that HDCC will be running the Bar at this year’s Village Fayre – and we couldn’t be prouder to support our wonderful friends on the Village Fayre Committee!
The Village Fayre is one of the highlights of the year – a brilliant celebration of everything we love about Hadlow Down. It’s a joyful afternoon for all ages, a vital fundraiser for our village organisations, and a chance to come together as a community on our beautiful Playing Field.
As the project to build a new Community Centre continues to move forward, we’re excited about the future – and about being able to offer a fantastic space for events like the Fayre right at the heart of our village.
A huge thank you to everyone who makes this event possible – and a special shout-out to Guy Osborne for his invaluable help setting up the bar. We couldn’t do it without you, Guy!
Come find us at the bar on the day – we’ll be serving Harveys, Pimms, Prosecco, and more with a smile. We can’t wait to raise a glass with you!
Hadlow Down is at a critical turning point. Our current Village Hall and Sports Pavilion —much-loved but aging— are reaching the end of their life spans.
These buildings, the beating heart of local life, now struggle to meet the expectations and needs of our vibrant and diverse community. Their facilities are outdated, maintenance costs are rising, and crucially, accessibility—particularly for older residents—is severely limited. Parking is inadequate, and access routes are neither convenient nor inclusive at the current Village Hall.
This is not a matter of mere inconvenience; it is a barrier to community participation, wellbeing, and progress. If we are to truly serve the people of Hadlow Down, we must act decisively. We need a modern, multi-functional Community Centre, purpose-built at the Playing Field, where it can best support the entire village—from young families and professionals to elderly residents and local organisations. As outlined in our business plan, modern rural communities across the UK are embracing innovative, inclusive facilities designed for the future. Hadlow Down must not be left behind.
A Beacon for Community Cohesion
A new Community Centre is not just about replacing
buildings—it’s about reimagining what it means to live well in Hadlow Down.
This centre will serve as the cornerstone of village life, fostering belonging,
inclusion, and engagement for all.
A Hub for All Generations: The new space will support social groups, children’s activities, support services, and lifelong learning—all under one accessible roof. It will also champion health and sport for all ages, with indoor and outdoor areas designed for everything from gentle fitness and wellbeing sessions to team sports and active play for children and teens.
Safer, More Accessible Infrastructure: With properly designed entrances, level surfaces, and expanded parking, older residents and those with mobility challenges will finally be able to attend events and gatherings with ease and dignity.
A Stronger Local Economy: With flexible, modern facilities, we can support local businesses, encourage increased participation in events, and attract external event bookings—bringing fresh energy and funding to the community.
What the New Multi-Functional Facility Will Offer At the heart of this vision is a purpose-built facility that is responsive to real needs, both now and into the future. Here’s what Hadlow Down’s new Community Centre will provide:
🏡 Community Green Space and Outdoor Activities A thoughtfully designed environment will create a vital outdoor extension of the Centre:
An area for picnics, and café users positioned outside the centre commanding excellent views of the playing field and children’s play area.
Outdoor fitness classes, yoga sessions, and sports facilities.
A new children’s playground relocated away from the roadside and pollution, offering a safer, cleaner, and more visible space for children to play. It will be within clear sight of the main hall and café area, allowing parents to relax and supervise comfortably.
A welcoming environment for mindfulness, reflection, and informal socialising.
Secure bicycle parking to encourage visitors to cycle to the Centre, promoting sustainable transport and providing peace of mind with safe, accessible bike storage facilities.
The playing field will continue to warmly welcome dog walkers, who already make regular use of the space. With the addition of new facilities and enhanced surroundings, we hope it will become an even more appealing and inclusive destination for the whole community—including their four-legged companions.
☕ Coffee Hub and Mobile Workspace Supporting modern lifestyles, the Centre will feature:
A relaxed, welcoming café with indoor and outdoor seating.
High-speed internet and quiet zones for mobile working, studying, or casual meetings.
Regular events such as networking breakfasts, co-working days, and pop-up clinics.
🎭 Cultural, Educational and Creative Programmes A vibrant programme of activities will bring the new Centre to life:
A permanent base for Hadlow Down’s Drama and Variety Club, offering improved facilities for rehearsals, set-building, costume storage, and performances. With a modern stage area, lighting, and AV equipment, the new Centre will elevate the quality and ambition of our productions.
The Centre will also welcome productions and performances from neighbouring villages and amateur theatre groups, creating a thriving cultural exchange and giving residents access to more local entertainment and creative collaboration.
Educational workshops, talks, and arts classes for all ages—from painting and photography to crafts and creative writing.
Flexible gallery and exhibition space to showcase work by local artists, historians, and schools, helping to foster pride in local talent and heritage.
🎉 Flexible Event and Community Spaces The Centre’s modular indoor areas will:
Adapt for everything from small group meetings to large-scale celebrations.
Host weddings, fitness classes, markets, and charity fundraisers.
Offer modern AV and accessibility support for inclusive programming. In a new Community Centre, high-quality AV infrastructure makes the space much more versatile, supporting everything from fitness classes with music to professional presentations, film nights, hybrid meetings, and more.
The new building will continue to host much-loved regular activities such as dance classes and dog training sessions, with improved space, lighting, and acoustics to enhance the experience for both participants and instructors. These well-attended sessions are a testament to the active spirit of our village and will now benefit from better facilities and greater accessibility.
Health, Wellbeing and Social Impact A facility of this kind does more than just host events—it actively improves lives:
Mental Health: Spaces for social interaction reduce loneliness and boost wellbeing, especially for those living alone or new to the area.
Physical Health: Safe access, indoor fitness options, and outdoor trails will encourage regular activity.
Social Inclusion: With accessible design and a wide range of activities, no one is left behind—regardless of age, background, or mobility.
Sporting Access and Community Fitness: The addition of modern changing rooms in the new pavilion will bring our sporting facilities back in line with standards set by sporting bodies. This will not only rejuvenate grassroots sport in Hadlow Down but also attract junior football teams and youth leagues, encouraging active lifestyles from an early age and cementing the playing field’s role as a vibrant community sports venue.
The Vision: A Future-Ready Hadlow Down By redeveloping the Sport Pavilion and combining the Village Hall at the Playing Field, into a thriving community hub, we unlock the full potential of our village. This is not just about today—it’s about investing in tomorrow. The project reflects the most successful examples across the UK, such as those featured in our business plan, where rural communities have revitalised their social fabric through thoughtful, inclusive design.
The Centre will embody the values we hold dear:
Sustainability: Built with long-term environmental impact in mind.
Inclusion: Accessible for all ages and abilities.
Creativity and Culture: A canvas for local talent and shared experiences.
Health and Sport: With indoor activity spaces, outdoor playing fields and new changing facilities, the Centre will promote active lifestyles across all age groups—from children and teens to older adults.
And perhaps most excitingly, the new Community Centre
will flow directly into the beautiful green space of the Playing Field—a rare
and wonderful combination. Imagine the possibilities:
Parents relaxing with a coffee or drink from the café or bar while watching their children play safely in the fresh air just outside.
Events that naturally extend outdoors—summer fairs, open-air yoga, theatre and open- air cinema under the sky.
A seamless indoor-outdoor environment where health, leisure, and community connection thrive together.
This fusion of high-quality facilities and a stunning
natural setting makes Hadlow Down’s vision not only unique but truly
transformative.
A Call to Action This project represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make Hadlow Down stronger, healthier, and more united. It is not simply about bricks and mortar—it’s about creating a place where everyone feels they belong. Let’s build something extraordinary. Let’s build a Community Centre that reflects who we are—and who we want to be.
Share your support on our FB and Instagram Pages and help us bring this vision to life.
Having secured Planning Permission we are currently working hard to secure the funding to move forward. Thank you to all our residents who have so generously supported us to get to this stage.
We’re absolutely thrilled to share that Janet Tourell, one of our longest-serving trustees, has been awarded “Community Champion” by the Parish Council at this year’s Annual Assembly.
Janet’s dedication and passion for our community have made a lasting impact, and we couldn’t be prouder to see her recognised in this way.
The assembly itself was a vibrant and inspiring event — parishioners came together to review the Parish Plan, share their feedback, and offer fresh ideas for the future. A huge thank you to everyone who attended and contributed!
We were especially delighted by the strong support shown for the new Community Centre project 🙏🏻
Want to learn more or get involved? We’re always looking for new Community Champions. Drop us a message — we’d love to hear from you!
We’re delighted to invite you to our upcoming “Vintage Tea on the Terrace” – a charming afternoon of classic treats and community spirit, all in support of the Hadlow Down Community Centre.
Join us on Sunday 11th May at 3pm at Hadlow Down Playing Field, the future site of our new village hall and sports pavilion. Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea with freshly baked scones, jam and cream, a selection of homemade cakes, and plenty of tea – all for just £10 per person. (Children under 5 go free).
Bring your friends and neighbours, relax with a cup of tea, and soak up the atmosphere as we gather at the heart of our village to raise funds for a fantastic cause. Every penny raised goes directly towards building our new community centre – a space that will serve generations to come.
The Hadlow Down Parish Council invites all residents to attend the Annual Parish Assembly on Tuesday, 15th April at 7:00 PM. This is a key event where the priorities for our village will be reviewed, and it is a fantastic opportunity to get behind our project and show your support for Hadlow Down Community Centre (HDCC)!
We have been fortunate to receive great support from our local MP and Wealden District Council for the new Community Centre project. However, your feedback as parishioners is invaluable—as stakeholders and users of the facilities, your voices help shape how the centre evolves to best serve our community. We want to hear your thoughts and ideas, so please come along and share your views.
This year’s Assembly will focus on reviewing the Parish Community Plan—a crucial document that shapes the future of our village. What direction should Hadlow Down take? Key topics up for discussion include:
Where should future housing developments go?
How many new homes should we cater for?
What village assets do you value most?
Should the church be maintained or closed?
There are eight themes under review, and you can familiarize yourself with the current document ahead of the meeting by visiting this link. This is your meeting and your opportunity to help shape the future of our village and wider Parish.
At the end of the discussion, all attendees will be given eight votes (one per theme) to help determine the community’s priorities.
Additionally, we are pleased to welcome PCSO Sue Choppin from Sussex Police, who will provide valuable insights on community safety.
The Assembly will conclude with the Parish Council’s annual report, including an overview of the annual accounts, followed by a chance to mingle over light refreshments.
Your voice matters—don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference in Hadlow Down. Join us on 15th April and help shape the future of our village!
The Hadlow Down Spring Market on Saturday was a resounding success, bringing together the warmth and generosity of our village community. With a fantastic total of £860 raised, the event provided a significant boost to the Hadlow Down Community Centre fundraising efforts. Even more good news, a generous resident has fund matched this, doubling the amount raised to £1,720!
The atmosphere throughout the day was absolutely lovely. The café was as popular as ever, offering an array of beautiful home-baked cakes and snacks that were eagerly enjoyed by visitors. Our talented local bakers once again outdid themselves, creating a delicious spread that was both a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.
The stalls were a wonderful showcase of local creativity and craftsmanship. From preserves and local produce to jewelry, pressed flowers, original artwork, cards, and stationery, there was something for everyone. Shoppers also browsed through a delightful selection of handcrafted bags, beautiful clothing, and fine linens, making the market a treasure trove of unique finds.
The hall itself was bright and airy, with all the doors opened wide to welcome in the fresh spring air. Adding to the charm, posies of daffodils and camellias—freshly picked from the garden of our brilliant Jane Hissey—graced the windowsills, creating a cheerful and elegant display.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who came along, bought raffle tickets, and took the time to chat with us and their neighbours, old and new. Your support and presence made the event feel even more special.
A huge thank you goes to Janet Tourell for her superb organisation of the event. We are also deeply appreciative of our wonderful local volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes—baking, dressing tables, serving at the café, and making sure everything ran smoothly. The event simply wouldn’t have been possible without your dedication and hard work.
Looking to the Future: Help Us Build a New Community Centre
While the Spring Market was a fantastic success, our work is far from done. We are appealing to local businesses to join us in our mission to build a new Community Centre for Hadlow Down. Could you fund-match our local fundraising efforts? By partnering with us, you’ll not only be supporting an important village project but also gaining the opportunity to showcase your business and be part of creating a lasting legacy for Hadlow Down.
If you would like to support our cause or find out more about partnership opportunities, please get in touch with Sarah (sarahprall@btinternet.com). Together, we can continue to build a brighter future for our wonderful village.
Thank you once again for your generosity and community spirit—it truly makes all the difference. 💛
HDCC is set to transform our vital community spaces here in Hadlow Down with the introduction of a state-of-the-art Community Centre. Designed by MJB Architecture, this forthcoming facility promises to be a beacon of multi-functional design, catering to a diverse array of community needs.
A Thoughtfully Crafted Design
The new Community Centre is envisioned as a harmonious blend of modern functionality and aesthetic appeal. Nestled at the northern end of the village’s playing fields, adjacent to School Lane, the centre’s strategic location ensures both accessibility and minimal environmental impact. The design thoughtfully integrates the building into the natural landscape and leveraging the site’s natural topography to reduce visual prominence.
Key features of the design include:
Unified Structure: The centre consolidates various facilities into a single building envelope, optimizing space and resources.
Multi-Level Layout: Utilizing the site’s gentle incline, the design incorporates a two-storey section at the western end, seamlessly connecting to the playing fields and enhancing user experience.
Versatile Spaces: The facility boasts a spacious main hall, adaptable meeting rooms, modern changing facilities, and a replacement sports pavilion, ensuring it meets the varied demands of the community.
Dual-Purpose Design: The building combines the village hall space with a new sports pavilion, creating a hub for recreational, cultural, and educational activities. This multifunctional approach ensures opportunities for young and old alike, strengthening community engagement and well-being.
Community-Centric Planning
The journey to this design has been profoundly collaborative. Since 2011, a series of public consultations have been held, allowing residents to voice their aspirations and concerns. This inclusive approach ensured that the final design resonates with the community’s vision and needs.
Bob Lake, Chair of the Hadlow Down Community Centre Committee (HDCCC), emphasized the importance of this engagement, noting that the project has evolved through continuous dialogue with local residents and stakeholders.
Green Light for Development
The project has achieved a significant milestone through achieving of extant planning consent. This approval paves the way for the next phase: bringing the vision to life.
A Collective Call to Action
With an estimated build cost of £3 million, the realization of the Community Centre is a formidable yet achievable goal. Whilst currently working with our local authority, Wealden District Council, the Parish Council and other governmental bodies, HDCC is actively seeking additional support from local residents, businesses, and external funding sources to turn this dream into reality.
“This centre is more than just a building; it’s a testament to our village’s unity and forward-thinking spirit.” “We invite everyone to join us in this endeavor, ensuring that Hadlow Down continues to thrive for generations to come.”
Bob Lake, HDCC Chair
“I am delighted to support the plans for a new community centre in Hadlow Down. This facility will serve as a vital hub for local residents, fostering community spirit and providing much-needed amenities.
Rt. Hon. Nusrat Ghani, MP
How You Can Help
The success of this project hinges on collective effort. Whether through financial contributions, volunteering, or spreading the word, every bit of support brings the Community Centre closer to fruition. To get involved or learn more, email bob.lake@live.co.uk or visit the official project facebook page or find us on instagram
Together, let’s build a space that reflects the heart and soul of Hadlow Down.
We are thrilled to announce that Rt. Hon. Nusrat Ghani, MP for Sussex Weald, has pledged her support to the Hadlow Down Community Centre (HDCC) Trustees in our mission to build a new community centre here in Hadlow Down.
During a recent meeting, Ms. Ghani expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “I am delighted to support the plans for a new community centre in Hadlow Down. This facility will serve as a vital hub for local residents, fostering community spirit and providing much-needed amenities.”nusghani.org.uk
Ms. Ghani’s commitment to enhancing local infrastructure and supporting community initiatives is well-documented. Her backing provides significant momentum to our project, and we are grateful for her dedication to improving the quality of life in Hadlow Down.
A special thank you as well to Parish Council Chair, Michael Lunn, for his ongoing support and for joining us at this crucial meeting. Your dedication to the community is invaluable! 👏
Stay tuned for updates—together, we’re making this vision a reality! 💙 #HadlowDown #CommunitySpirit #BuildingForTheFuture #ThankYouNusratGhani #ThankYouMichaelLunn
Attention all wonderful residents of our lovely community! We are thrilled to remind you that the next HDCC Lottery Club draw is happening on 22nd March, and now is the perfect time to grab your tickets! 🎟️
By joining our Lottery Club, you’re not only in the running for fantastic cash prizes, but you’re also supporting our new Community Centre project. 💖 The total prize money will be a whopping 50% of the income raised for this draw! And here’s the best part: this amount will be shared amongst 3 lucky winners! 🤞🏆 The more members we have, the bigger and better the prizes—so let’s rally together!
50% of every ticket purchased helps us towards our fundraising goal. It’s a win-win! So, don’t miss out on your chance to help your local charity AND be in with a chance of winning some amazing cash prizes. 💰✨
Join us in this exciting journey, buy your ticket today, and let’s make a difference together! 💪💚
For more details on how to enter and support the HDCC, simply contact Janet jtourell@btinternet.com or click here for an application form.
Let’s do this, villagers! Good luck to everyone! 🌈✨
We warmly invite you to our Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Village Hall, taking place on 21st February at 7pm. This is a wonderful opportunity for you, our community members, to come together, share your thoughts, and hear about our progress and future plans.
As a small local charity, HDCC (Hadlow Down Community Centre) thrives on your support and participation. Your voice matters! The AGM is not only a chance to hear about our activities over the past year, but also to discuss exciting future plans and how you can get involved. We encourage all villagers to attend, as your insights and ideas are invaluable to our mission of serving the community.
We will be covering key topics, including our financial status, ongoing project status, and upcoming events. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to meet our team, ask questions, and connect with fellow villagers who care about our community’s wellbeing.
Your involvement is essential in ensuring the new Community Centre becomes a hub for social interaction, learning, and support for everyone in Hadlow Down. Together, we can strengthen our community bonds and create a welcoming space for all.
Refreshments will be provided, so come along to enjoy some good company while we update you on progress with our new centre! We can’t wait to see familiar faces and welcome new ones to our community gathering!
🌼 Together, we can make a meaningful impact. See you there! 🌼
With warm regards, The Hadlow Down Community Centre Team
