In January 2002 the band reached a new low point and was not only struggling for players, but was once again in need of a new conductor and some new ideas. Mrs Frankie Lulham, a music teacher, who had been the bands drum-kit player for over a decade volunteered to lead the band. She was duly elected as the band’s first lady bandmaster and her dedication to the band was total. Frankie rallied the band and with her leadership it was decided in 2003 and 2004 to try its hand at contesting again, after an absence for over 25 years. Venues were Folkestone, Eastbourne and Ringmer where the quartets faired better than the band as a whole.

Frankie always set her targets high and with incredible hard work the band raised over £20,000 to realise its dream of extending and refurbishing the practice room with toilet facilities and a kitchen area. Without the unfailing commitment to Heathfield Silver Band of Mr Mostyn Cornford, Treasurer for 26 years and Percussionist for 28 years so far, who designed the extension and then proceeded to build it with the help of many loyal members the band room would still be very small and have no toilet. Mr Cornford put in more than 700 working hours over two years on the band room during the time of the refurbishment. This amount of dedication is unbelievable and deserves a medal. Mr Ted Lee who has played with Heathfield Band for over 50 years and has been the Librarian for most of those years, has once again painted the interior of the band room, along with willing helpers.

On Saturday 3rd September 2005, the band celebrated the grand opening of their vastly improved band room in Alexandra Road, which had undergone dramatic changes. Mr David Dimbleby performed the opening ceremonial cutting of the ribbon and wished the band good fortune in the future.