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AAH JULY 2025

COVER STORY

ABOUT US

Our July 2025 cover features Ed Wheatley, who plays the B-flat bass tuba in the Horsham Borough Band. Ed is pictured in Band uniform at St Mary’s Parish Church in Horsham, where HBB celebrated its 125th anniversary with a special concert on Saturday 24 May. We arrived at the church early, having arranged a 30-minute window for photos of the Band and conductor Will Wilkins before the concert. Photographer Alan Wright took some great shots of the wonderful guest soloist Tom Hutchinson too, as well as the newest member of the Band, cornet player Liz Franklin-Kitchen. However, editor Ben felt that as one of the Borough Band’s longest-serving members, Ed Wheatley was a worthy cover star. Alan’s final touch was to erase the back of the organist, which could be seen on the left side of the original shot. Other contenders included Dawn Meadows and Dan Andrews at Andrews Meadows, teen actor Graci Hanlon-Field and the aforementioned cornet player Tom Hutchinson.

ADVERTISING

As a free magazine, AAH is grateful to the support of all its advertisers. If you’d like to find out more about promoting your business in AAH, please contact Ben (preferably email). We offer every 6th advert free, like a cafe. We also design adverts for free, if you need help!

ADVERT RATES (PER MONTH/EDITION)

EIGHTH PAGE: £60 + VAT

QUARTER PAGE: £115 + VAT

HALF PAGE: £195 + VAT

FULL PAGE: £340 + VAT

DOUBLE PAGE: £575 + VAT

EDITORIAL/ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES

Ben Morris

editor@aahorsham.co.uk

advertising@aahorsham.co.uk (01903) 892899

2 Viney Close, Ashington, RH20 3PT

AUGUST 2025 AAH MAGAZINE

The August 2025 edition will be online on Friday 1 August at www.aahorsham.co.uk with printed copies distributed from Saturday 2 August.

NEWS ROUND-UP

New consultation on Millais School’s future and details of the Loxwood Joust.

COMMUNITY

Local churches come together for flower festival at St Mary’s in Horsham.

FOOD

A town pub has been re-branded as The Rock Craft House, with a new menu too.

MUSIC

The Horsham Borough Band celebrates its 125th anniversary with a special concert.

Astro-photographer Claire Bradshaw takes remarkable images of deep space.

SPORT

Henfield Leisure Centre has opened two new courts dedicated to padel.

Actor Graci Hanlon-Field has been offered a place at the National Youth Theatre.

BUSINESS

Andrews Meadows is a new, independent veterinary practice in Horsham.

The Horsham and Crawley Counselling group celebrates its 10th anniversary.

AAH is an independent magazine founded in 2011. It is owned by Ben Morris, a life-long resident of the District.

Editor: BEN MORRIS editor@aahorsham.co.uk (01903) 892899

2 Viney Close, Ashington, RH20 3PT

Photographer: ALAN WRIGHT

alanwrightphotography.co.uk 07747 617387

Alan works for AAH on a freelance basis and can be booked for all kinds of commercial work.

DISTRIBUTION

We deliver directly to 5,500 homes in the Horsham District with a further 6,500 placed in our bespoke, spring-loaded stands.

DOOR-TO-DOOR:

Delivery team: Jacquie Paterson, Jill Shuker, Tom Thorne, Oliver Matson, Charlie Merchant, Alec Baker, Walker family, Ben Raymond, Matthew Down, Browning family, Katie Drysdale, Madison Scott, Chapman family, Palmer family, Butcher family, Jackie Fisher.

SPRING-LOADED STANDS

Horsham: Swan Walk x 2 (M&S and D&D Cafe), Henry Adams, At Home Estate Agents, CratesLocal (all in the Carfax), Gwyn’s Bakery, Johansson’s Cafe (Bishopric), Horsham Bedding Centre (Medwin Walk), John Lewis, Pavilions in the Park, Horsham Rail Station, Horsham FC, New House Farm, New Street Butchers, Holbrook Club, Steban’s Salon.

Village Stands: Newbridge Nurseries, The Bridge (BBH) CoCos’ Salon & Beeson House (Southwater), Billingshurst Leisure Centre & Coco’s Salon (Billingshurst), Bluecoat Sports Centre (Christ’s Hospital), Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens (Lower Beeding), Warnham Village Stores, Slinfold Golf Club, Mannings Heath Golf Club, The Milk Churn (Rudgwick), Meadow Stores (Thakeham), Golden Plaice (Ashington), Rusper Village Stores, Roffey News, Roffey Park, The Bakery (Partridge Green), Henfield Leisure Centre, Steyning Leisure Centre and Cobblestone Walk (Steyning), Spring Gardens Nursery (Washington), Chanctonbury Leisure Centre, Joanna’s Tearooms (Storrington), Knepp Wilding Kitchen & Shop (Dial Post), The Clubhouse (Kilnwood Vale).

Supermarkets: AAH is available at Tesco Extra in Broadbridge Heath & Sainsbury’s Horsham, through Self Select Distribution.

EDITOR’S NOTES

REFLECTING ON THE RISE OF DIVE-BOMBING

SEAGULLS

I’ve been wary of seagulls ever since an incident about a decade ago.

When my youngest son was at primary school, he would take part in an annual concert in Covent Garden. We would always arrive early, just as traders in the Apple Market were setting up, then explore the city afterwards. One year, we strolled down to Westminster and Big Ben. I remember it well, as my son was photographed by several tourists. He was ahead of me, kicking the autumnal leaves along Victoria Embankment, wearing a scruffy school uniform and a knitted baker boy cap. I can only assume that the tourists thought him to be a mischievous street urchin, out picking a pocket or two for Fagin.

I had just enough cash for two hot dogs from a street vendor near Westminster Pier. I placed my hot dog down on the embankment wall for a second to squirt ketchup in my son’s roll, only for an opportunistic gull to swoop down and make off with my entire sausage. My son found it hilarious, revelling in the sight of the gull chomping down on the pork and fried onions as it hovered over the river. He still brings it up at every family barbecue, as if the same gull will strike again as I’m turning the sizzling sausages. I couldn’t afford another hot dog and – stood with a soggy roll and a few measly onions – made a hopeful plea to the grinning vendor, who had stood by and watched the scene unfold without a word. But my appeal fell on deaf ears. I suppose if he served a free hot dog to every tourist dumb enough to fall victim to a seagull, he wouldn’t have much of a business…

Memories of that day returned in June, during a short break to Norway (I must have been enticed by those Joanna Lumley adverts!) During a boat trip on a fjord, the captain requested that passengers refrain from eating their own food on deck as it attracts birds, and instead take advantage of the boat’s own hospitality. One American (they’re everywhere!) ignored his advice, attributing it to another effort to absorb more of his Yankee dollars, and tucked into his own packed lunch. Alas, there was a quiet sense of communal delight when a seagull swooped down and made off with his sandwich, literally as he was about to take his first bite. Unlike my thieving seagull in London though, the initial joy this Norwegian gull experienced was no doubt quashed upon the realisation that it was filled with peanut butter and jelly.

This all happened some 700 miles away from home in what is a seagull’s natural territory, namely coastal areas, lakes and wetlands. That’s fine, as people living close to water are accustomed to the gull’s ways. They’re used to having guano splatters under their window ledges or dripping down the heads of local statues, and seeing children crying as one makes off with their mint-choc chip Cornetto. But evidence suggests that gulls are increasingly nesting in urban areas, bringing them into contact with city people, who have read about birds and other such creatures in books, but never seen one in the flesh.

Therefore, there has been an increase in incidents of ‘dive-bombing’, which is usually a defensive measure that occurs when people

inadvertently wander too close to a nest. Last year, residents in the Cornish town of Liskeard received a letter from Royal Mail apologising for late mail, explaining that its delivery workers were being hampered by dive-bombing seagulls. Other incidents have been more concerning. In 2015, seagulls attacked and killed a Yorkshire terrier in a garden in Newquay. In 2019, it was reported that a seagull swooped down and took a pet chihuahua in Devon. There have been reports of people being knocked down and even hospitalised by gulls too.

It seems that, like pigeons, seagulls adapt to a wide range of habitats, bringing them into close contact with humans. I was reminded of this during a visit to my son’s school in Steyning this week. I was surprised to see a seagull and three chicks on the roof above the entrance, near a nest that had been built around pipes and vents. The encroachment of seagulls inland is largely attributed to readily available food sources, and where better for opportunistic scavengers than a secondary school, where they can tuck into food scraps left daily by hundreds of children? However, this could potentially lead to conflict and there have already been instances at other schools where children have been confronted by dive-bombing gulls.

Perhaps we should look to Wales for the answer? One school in Porthmadog deployed falcons to drive gulls out of town. Would that put an end to snack-stealing seagulls? Perhaps...at least until hawks discover for themselves just how tasty hot dogs are…

EXPERIENCE

Leonardslee Family Nights

26 & 27 July

Kick off the summer holidays with two magical evenings as the gardens come alive after hours! Expect live music, immersive entertainment, circus workshops, and family fun beneath the setting sun – all included in the price of your ticket.

Tickets from £7.60* | Limited tickets available Free parking for this event | Save with a family ticket*

1000ft inflatable obstacle course!

22-25 August 2025

This summer, take on the Labyrinth Challenge a thrilling 1,000ft inflatable adventure packed with over 34 unique obstacles across 5 epic zones. From bouncing to climbing, sliding to sprinting, it’s the ultimate test of courage, stamina and fun.

Tickets from £10.15 | Book with confidence – free ticket changes until 31 July 2025*

BOOK YOUR SUMMER ADVENTURE

Adventure, discovery and family magic await...

Soak up the sunshine, breathe in the beauty and explore a world of wonder at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens this summer. Set in the heart of the West Sussex countryside, the Grade I listed gardens burst into life with colour, activity and joy – offering unforge ttable experiences for all ages.

From tranquil garden walks and magical woodland trails to adrenaline-fuelled adventures and after-hours fun, there’s something new to discover every week this summer.

BECOME A MEMBER AND ENJOY THE MAGIC ALL YEAR ROUND

With a membership, you’ll unlock a year of inspiration, exploration and exclusive benefits:

• Unlimited entry all year round

• Discounts to events including The Labyrinth Challenge & Family Nights

• Free tickets to Leonardslee Lights*

• Free members garden tour

• 25% off two guest tickets with every visit

• Monthly member offers

• Free parking

*Ts & Cs apply

LOCAL NEWS

MONTHLY ROUND-UP OF WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE DISTRICT

West Sussex County Council has opened a new consultation on proposals to make Millais School in Horsham co-educational.

Millais has been a single-sex school since 1951, when it was called Horsham Secondary School for Girls, before being in honour of painter John Everett Millais in 1976. In 2020, nearby Forest School (formerly an all-boys’ school) became co-educational and WSCC has pushed for Millais to follow suit.

In March 2025, after two consultations on the

Enjoy an Audience with Lord Ian Botham at The Capitol on Friday 5 September, 7.30pm. The former England cricket captain was one of the most impactful all-rounders of his generation with 14 centuries and 383 wickets in a career that spanned over 15 years. The 1981 Ashes, which England won 3-1, have become known as Botham’s Ashes for his starring performances. In 2007, Botham was knighted for his services to cricket and charity. Join Lord Ian as he discusses his amazing career and everything in between. Tickets cost from £32 with VIP options available. thecapitolhorsham.com

proposal, it was announced that Millais would welcome boys for the first time, despite the objection of the board of governors. Now, following a review of the process surrounding the second stage of consultation, the County Council has cancelled this decision.

In a statement, WSCC said: ‘Getting the right decision on the future of secondary education opportunities for young people and securing the best education outcomes across the Horsham area is important to the council.’

Sky News Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt will be celebrating the paperback release of his book, No One Got Cracked Over The Head For No Reason, with a talk at Waterstones in Horsham on Friday 8 August, 6 – 7.30pm. The book draws on some of the most harrowing stories that Martin – who lives in Horsham – has covered over the past 30 years. It also considers the relationship between the press and police, and the changing nature of crime reporting. Tickets to the talk and signing cost £5 (£14 to include a copy of the book) from Waterstones. waterstones.com/bookshops/horsham

So, it has opened a full consultation on plans to accept boys and girls in Year 7 from September 2026 and each year thereafter. Views can be submitted until midnight on 18 July 2025. Once the deadline has passed, the designated Cabinet Member will decide whether to proceed with the change of status to a co-educational. It is hoped a decision will be made by the end of July. Millais school has welcomed the new consultation. yourvoice.westsussex.gov.uk/millais

The Fred Woods Big Band presents The Picnic on the Square at Horsham Cricket and Sports Club, Cricket Field Road, on Sunday 17 August, 2 – 7pm. One of the longest surviving big bands in Sussex, the Fred Woods Big Band formed in Horsham over 45 years ago and still meets regularly, playing jazz standards by the likes of Duke Ellington and John Coltrane. The picnic is hosted by Ryan Canter Club, with proceeds going to the Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity. The bar and kitchen will be open throughout the day. Tickets £15 in advance (£20 OTD) from the club or email keith@ryanvehicles.com

AAH News is available in audio format in association with Roundabout Talking News. horsham.mytn.uk

©MILLAIS SCHOOL

Horsham District Council hosted an awards evening at Slinfold Golf and Country Club on 4 June, recognising the contribution of local volunteers. Held during National Volunteers’ Week, there were eight award categories, celebrating individuals and groups making a positive difference across the District. Winners were Sonia Fox, Family Support Work (Biggest Heart), Henfield and District Self Help Group Volunteers (Dream Team); Mike Draper, Samaritans of Horsham and Crawley (Long Service); Joy Carter, Sussex Green Living (Outstanding Contribution); Mark Bensusan, Conversation Starter Project CIC (Permanent

Smile); Denis Shakesheff, Samaritans of Horsham and Crawley (Trustee of the Year); Oscar Arnold and Henry Parker, Storrington and Sullington Wardens (Young Volunteer); Fiona Tilston-Jones, Citizens Advice in West Sussex (Special Recognition).

Awards were presented by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant Professor Jane Longmore and The High Sheriff of West Sussex, Dr Timothy Fooks. Also in attendance were HDC Chairman Cllr Tony Bevis, Vice Chairman Cllr Joanne Knowles and Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, Cllr Sam Raby. horsham.gov.uk/voluntary-sector-support

Steyning Museum marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day by opening a new exhibition. ‘Bunker’ explores how Britain braced itself for conflict, not only in the Second World War, but in the years that followed. The exhibition reveals the hidden defences in the Sussex landscape, from Second World War resistance bases to Cold War observation bunkers. Highlights include air raid shelters that kept people in Steyning and Upper Beeding safe, and the story of the Wiston Auxiliary Unit, a covert group of local men trained in guerrilla warfare. The exhibition is now open and runs throughout the year. Admission free. steyningmuseum.org.uk

A new sustainable Woodpecker Bridge has been built at Warnham Local Nature Reserve. The bridge is double the width of the previous structure, improving accessibility for visitors using buggies, wheelchairs and mobility scooters. It is made from recycled plastic, which as well as being environmentally friendly, also avoids some negative aspects of wooden bridges, including slippery surfaces and rotting. The project was supported by The Friends of Warnham Local Nature Reserve through a substantial funding contribution. Officers from HDC, as well as Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Culture and Leisure Cllr David Skipp, joined Friends of WLNR at the opening. warnhamnaturereservefriends.org.uk

VOLUNTEERS AT SLINFOLD GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

The finals of the Horsham Battle of the Bands competition will be held in the Human Nature Garden, Horsham Park on the weekend of 26 – 27 July, with doors opening at 12pm on both days. There will be competitions for Cover Acts (from 1pm) and Original Bands (4pm) on the Saturday and Acoustic Originals on Sunday from 1pm. There will also be live sets from 2024 winners Not Right Here (Originals), Bonejaw (Covers) and Lee Martin (Acoustic). The BOTB competition, sponsored by Woodstock IT, offers prizes to category winners. horshambotb.weebly.com

Organised by Horsham District Council and Food Rocks Markets,

Friday Lates is held every Friday from 6 – 8pm at the Carfax Bandstand. July’s line-up includes a Country Night with Made in Tennessee (4 July), The Wonderful West End (11 July), Abba Night (18 July) and Pride Night with Crawley LGBTQ (25 July). In August, enjoy a Bachata and Salsa Night (1 August), The Almost Elvis Band (8 August), Reggae Night (15 August), Red Hot Chilli Peppers tribute (22 August) and Dhol Collective (30 August). horsham.gov.uk/ community/events-in-horsham-district

West Sussex

Philharmonic Choir

hold an afternoon concert at St Mary’s Parish Church, Causeway, Horsham, on Saturday 12 July, 5pm. Sea Fever features a selection of sea-themed music including works by Charles Villiers Stanford, Hubert Parry and Herbert Sumsion, with the audience invited to join the choir for drinks to celebrate the season finale. Tickets £18. westsussexphilharmonicchoir.org.uk

Shipley Arts Festival continues with Silver Strings in Concert at St Andrew’s Church, Nuthurst, on Sunday 27 July, 7pm. Young players in the String Academy perform alongside professional musicians. The programme includes Vaughan Williams’ Five Variants of Dives and Lazarus and Alexandra Handel performing Handel’s Let the Bright Seraphim. Tickets £22. bmglive.com

Horsham rockers

Rogue Awakening have released a new single, Remain Untamed. As well as racking up thousands of streams online, the song has been played on BBC Introducing. Rogue Awakening, fronted by Kimberley Voice, will perform at Guilfest on 6 July with more gigs planned for the summer. Rogue Awakening

The Capitol has announced the cast of its festive pantomime, Robin Hood, which runs from 22 November – 4 January 2026.

Mark Irwin leads the cast as the legendary outlaw, joining Horsham after a long and successful run in The Choir of Man. Georgia Bradshaw, known for roles in Bat out of Hell, Sunset Boulevard and Dreamgirls, joins the cast as Maid Marian, with seasoned West End performer Gina Murray as the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham. Returning by popular demand, Emma Lindars (above) reprises her role as a good-hearted Fairy, while the Merry

Men include Jack North as lovable Little John. Katie Pritchard brings award-winning comedic flair to Friar Tuck, while panto favourite James Camp returns for a fourth year, making his debut as a Dame. Rounding off the cast is West End regular Will Jennings (Les Misérables, The Mousetrap) as the devious Guy of Gisbourne. In recent years, The Capitol has earned a reputation for presenting outstanding family pantomimes, featuring spectacular production values and West End-calibre performers. Tickets are now available from thecapitolhorsham.com

Songbuilders will hold a Build an Opera workshop at Sullington Manor on Monday 4 – Friday 8 August, 9.30am – 4pm. During the workshop, children aged 9 – 15 will create a new piece of musical theatre at the beautiful barn, at the foot of the South Downs. Youngsters designs sets, costumes and props, as well as write music and songs, culminating in a family-friendly performance. The workshop is run by Mark Bradbury, Director of West Sussex Youth Choirs, composer Christopher Hussey and artist Anna Grey. songbuilders.co.uk

The Shelley Memorial Project hosts an evening of poetry at St Margaret’s Church, Warnham on Saturday 2 August, 7pm (doors 6.30pm). Held at the church where Percy Bysshe Shelley was baptised, the event features performances from award-winning poets and musicians Sasha Dugdale, John McCullough, Barry Smith and Linda Kelsall-Barnett. The winning poems from the Shelley Memorial Project 2025 International Poetry Competition will also be announced, with presentations made by Joe Bunn, Bard of Worthing (inset). Tickets from ‘We Got Tickets Sounds Poetic’ or email shelleymemorialproject@btinternet.com

We have over 25 years’ experience in organising group trips to the theatre, local and national attractions and short breaks.

We ensure a hassle free experience, with someone always on hand to offer guidance, with discounts on tickets to nationwide attractions. Our programme takes in West End theatres, stately homes, palaces and gardens, river cruises, steam train rides and afternoon teas.

For our short breaks, we visit beautiful towns and cities, as well as an annual trip to continental Christmas Markets.

Our upcoming trips include:

ELVIS EVOLUTION

Thursday 24 July. A new kind of experience by Layered Reality, the UK’s leading immersive specialists, celebrating the life of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Pick-up 4pm, Dorking Halls. Offer Price £95

TOP HAT: THE MUSICAL AT CHICHESTER Monday 18 August. Visit historic Chichester, famed for its Cathedral, then enjoy Irving Berlin’s much-loved musical. Pick-ups: Dorking Halls, North Holmwood, Capel and Hop Oast. Offer Price £75

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Homes England has released its latest proposal for a new neighbourhood at West of Ifield, ahead of the submission of a planning application to Horsham District Council, which is expected soon. The development is being proposed on greenfield land which lies within the Horsham District, yet is adjacent to the Crawley ward of Ifield. Crawley Borough Council have previously raised concerns over infrastructure pressures caused by the development and the environmental impact on Ifield Brook Meadows. The proposal includes 3000 houses, 35% of which will be affordable homes. Community facilities include a primary school providing 630 places (including reception/nursery year), secondary school, primary healthcare facility and recreation facilities. A neighbourhood centre and four distinct character areas would create opportunities for living, working and leisure, with up to 2,800 jobs created from the development. A network of green spaces and other open spaces have been woven into the plans, while the first part of the new Crawley Western Multi-Modal Corridor is designed to lessen the impact of added traffic on Rusper Road.

Many local residents have fought the proposals and fear that Homes England, a government agency, will eventually build up to 10,000 homes on the land to the West of Ifield, bringing Horsham and Crawley much closer together.

Fenella Maitland-Smith, Chair of Save West of Ifield, said: ‘By submitting a speculative application, Homes England are bypassing the core intention of the Government’s National Planning Policy Framework – that the planning system is plan-led, not developer-led – and bypassing the proper professional expert scrutiny of a government planning inspector. Homes England is behaving exactly like the worst developers in ignoring the planning system. Surely, we have the right to expect a government agency to do better?’

HDC’s latest draft Local Plan allocated West of Ifield suitable for development. However, a government planning inspector rejected the Local Plan in April 2025, currently leaving HDC without one. westofifield.commonplace.is

Saxon Weald opened the redeveloped Cobblers Court in Slinfold in June.

Previously known as The Cobblers, the site has replaced 17 outdated bedsits with shared bathroom facilities with 12 modern flats for affordable rent. The re-opening event saw Corinna Bishopp deliver her first public address as Saxon Weald’s new Chief Executive. To mark the occasion, Saxon Weald presented a cheque to Slinfold CE Primary School, while building firm Sunninghill generously extended the same support to the local village hall. saxonweald.com

Loxwood Joust at Loxwood Meadow, RH14 0AL, returns for three weekends on 2 – 17 August, 10am – 6pm. New features for this year’s Joust include a leather-craft workshop, where visitors can learn the ancient skill of leather-working and make a coin pouch, card wallet, glasses case or a riveted axe frog. The Witch Wood, in a dark corner of the Enchanted Woodland, sees witches casting spells, stories and supernatural surprises, while a new Talking Wall speaks in riddles and rhymes, revealing clues, mischief and messages to passers-by.

For the first time, camping is available across all three weekends, with campervan pitches now alongside tent spots.

Traditional highlights include epic jousting tournaments, birds of prey and the clashing steel of warriors in the Fighting Pit. In the Royal Quarter, guests can try their hand at archery and axe-throwing, while young adventurers can train to become knights.

Day tickets start from £8 and weekend passes from £45, with all information (including costs of banquets, workshops, camping, etc) at loxwoodjoust.co.uk

Care starts at home

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Whatever your support needs, visits from your Care Professional will give you and your loved ones peace of mind, knowing that you are being supported at home.

Call us on 01403 248227 / 01444 227708

Email enquiries admin.horsham@homeinstead.co.uk

Scrumptious Sussex is a light-hearted lunch-time event at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens on Sunday 20 July, 10.30am – 2pm. History Events presents this unique event focusing on local history, food, drink and fun, provided by four of the County’s funniest foodie figures. These include Ian Dowding (chef, writer and originator of the Banoffi Pie), Dr Janet Pennington (who provides illustrated talks on Sussex history), Paul Lowe (chef and entertainer) and writer and teacher Kevin Newman (author of Little History of Sussex). Tickets £29.50 to include lunch with the hosts and entrance to gardens. l Kevin Newman hosts a children’s history workshop at Leonardslee on Wednesday 23 July, at 10.30am. All Creatures Great & Sussex offers an unusual take on the animals and wildlife featured in the County’s history. There’s a fun quiz before children make a creature from their favourite story. leonardsleegardens.co.uk

The Sussex Steam Rally is held at Parham Park, Pulborough, RH20 4HR on the weekend of 12 – 13 July, 9am – 5pm. Expect a range of steam traction engines and vintage vehicles, as well as trade stalls, local crafts, a traditional funfair, displays of buses, tractors, cars, bikes and motorcycles, as well as steam-powered demonstrations. For tickets visit sussexsteamrally.co.uk

Visit our website www.homeinstead.co.uk/horsham

Horsham District Council is seeking the views of local people on the ‘Better Billingshurst’ Community Fund and Investment Programme. HDC has been working with Billingshurst Parish Council and local community groups to create a list of potential improvements in the village. The short-list of projects includes improved community meeting places, improved playing pitch surfaces, better facilities at Jubilee Fields (such as a new pavilion and changing facilities), sustainable travel improvements for pedestrians and cyclists, and new play areas for children. Earlier this year, councillors at Horsham

District Council agreed to spend some £2.5m to deliver infrastructure enhancements for Billingshurst, with the Council putting up £1m and the other £1.5m coming from contributions from housing developments in the Parish over recent years. Cllr Paul Berry, Chairman of Billingshurst Parish Council said: ‘The Parish Council welcomes the realisation that Billingshurst’s infrastructure has not kept up with the significant number of houses that the parish has had to accommodate in recent times.’ A public consultation opened on 23 June and closes on 21 July. To contribute, visit horsham.gov.uk/betterbillingshurst

The Ashington Festival will be held on the village Recreation Ground on Saturday 16 August, from 1pm. Arena acts start at 1.30pm and include the Wheel2Wheel BMX Display Team and ferret racing from Ferret World. Daytime entertainment includes Tom Foolery, The Jacquie Young Band, Ashington Musical Theatre Society singing songs from the musicals, and Fiona Harrison singing songs from the 1940s. The evening’s live music programme includes classic hits from Legend Has It and Tracy Quinn (Shania Twain tribute) before fireworks at 10pm. There will be a variety of food stalls, a licensed bar, ice cream, dog show, car show, stalls selling crafts, cakes, plants and more, as well as a car boot sale. Harris’s Funfair provide rides for children, with additional rides available for teenagers. ashingtonfestival.co.uk

Horsham District Council is inviting local employers looking to recruit new staff to book a stand at the Jobs and Skills Fair at the Drill Hall, Denne Road, Horsham, on Saturday 27 September, 10am – 2pm. The event is expected to welcome hundreds of local jobseekers, providing them with the opportunity to meet employers with current or future vacancies and find out about training opportunities. Fill in the online registration form by 25 July at https://forms.horsham.gov.uk/service/ ECO_JobsFairBusinessExpressionOfInterest

As part of national Love Parks Week, Horsham District Council is encouraging everyone to enjoy local parks and green spaces. Love Parks Week is celebrated from Saturday 26 –Wednesday 30 July, 9.30am – 4pm.

The Council will be supporting the national Keep Britain Tidy campaign by offering a programme of activities at several of its most attractive and popular green spaces. Children and families can participate in a range of free or low-cost activities including nature-themed arts and crafts where you can make a miniature garden and create bird wood cookies, try circus skills or take part in garden games, nature quizzes and trails. The Fabularium live theatre team (left) will be telling tales set to music too.

Venues are: Bennetts Field (26 July); Fletchers Croft, Steyning (27 July); Leechpool Woods (28 July); Henfield Common (29 July); Southwater Country Park (30 July). Pre-booking essential. horsham.gov.uk/loveparksweek

Nearly 700 people took to the streets of Horsham on the night of 7 June for the St Catherine’s Hospice Midnight Walk. Walkers took on a distance of 2, 7, 13 or 20 miles, starting and finishing at The Bridge Leisure Centre, with routes going through the town centre. The charity’s flagship fundraiser, which has already raised more than £110,000, saw people don face paint, light-up boppers and orange tutus before stepping out on their own or as part of a team. Many posted tributes on a memory wall along the walk. stch.org.uk/events

Broadbridge Heath Football Club is welcoming players as it looks to expand its provision of women’s and girls’ football. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, the club is offering an opportunity to improve your skills and make friends in a supportive environment. Energetic and enthusiastic players without much experience are welcome to join the team, which will play in the Sussex County Women’s League. BBH FC also have girls’ teams at U14, U13, U12 and U7 level. Email broadbridgeheathwomengirls@gmail.com

Horsham Walking Football Club will begin sessions on Saturdays at the Holbrook Club, North Heath Lane, Horsham, from 2 August. Walking football is aimed primarily at players aged 45 or over but all are welcome to come along and get involved. Players often stay for a coffee afterwards, so the club offers a chance to meet people and socialise while also keeping active. To get involved, just turn up for 10am. For more details email info@horshamwalkingfootball.org

Specialists in Carpet, Vinyl and Lvt for over 20 years

Compass Pools by Waterstream is to open a new purpose-built headquarters in Coolham. As well as a redesigned office space, the site includes a dedicated pool and a facility to house the production of Compass Pools’ signature Pool Pods. Sustainability plays a key role with features including rainwater harvesting for toilet flushes, rooftop solar panels, an air source heating system, LED lighting and EV charging points. Compass Pools is the UK’s leading luxury pool brand. compass-pools.co.uk

Barrington James, a global life sciences recruitment firm, is to relocate its UK headquarters from The Galleria, Crawley to a newly-developed space at Parkside, Horsham. With over 250 employees worldwide, with 120 based in the UK, the relocation positions the company as one of the largest employers in Horsham and a long-term contributor to the District’s economic landscape. Founded in 2003, Barrington James works with leading pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device companies, sourcing specialised talent across critical functions such as clinical research and medical affairs. The company is expected to complete the move in August. barringtonjames.com

Two water tanks have been installed at Old Barn Nurseries in Dial Post. Water is collected from the roof of the garden centre (one of four owned by Tates of Sussex) and fed to tanks, each capable of storing 100,000 litres of grey water, which is ideal for plants. It is part of a growing initiative across the company to adopt greener practices by reducing its reliance on mains water. Director Benjamin Tate and Nursery Manager Michael Esposito are pictured inspecting the storage tanks. tatesofsussex.co.uk

Definition Aesthetics & Academy has opened a new clinic and training academy at Old House Mews, London Road, Horsham. Following the continued success of its flagship Crawley clinic, the Horsham site brings treatments and aesthetics training to a wider West Sussex audience. Founded by aesthetics nurse and former beauty therapist Laura Price (pictured above, far right), Definition Aesthetics has grown into a leading clinic and academy, delivering confidenceboosting results to clients. The on-site Academy supports the next generation of beauty and aesthetics professionals through professional training and CPD-accredited aesthetic courses and mentorship. definitionaesthetics.com

INNOVATORS LEAD TECH REVOLUTION

If you haven’t heard of Red River, don’t worry.

Because despite building game-changing tech used across the globe (and with more than £450m flowing through their platforms each year), Red River is quietly getting on with it all from its Horsham base.

Founded back in 2008 by Simon Pringle and Kieren Johnstone, Red River started small. Two people, one big idea, and a shared belief that software should be powerful, humancentered and built with integrity. Fast forward to the present, they’ve grown into a thriving software company with around 30 employees worldwide, including a team at Springfield House in the heart of Horsham.

Red River is in good company in Horsham, with Creative Assembly – a multi-award winning games studio –also choosing the town to grow in. This just goes to show that Horsham hums with digital energy. There’s an appetite in the town for smart, creative innovation, and Red River is helping to lead the charge.

So, what exactly do they do?

Red River builds custom digital platforms for numerous sectors including aerospace, aviation, logistics, health, finance, and even funerals. Their systems are used by global clients in over 100 countries, across industries where efficiency and reliability matter. Think Airbus, Nuffield Health, Veolia, the NHS… the kind of businesses where the tech behind the scenes needs to be rock-solid and easy to scale.

As well as attracting big names, Red River works in close partnership with many companies in the Horsham District and surrounding areas. Its core focus is to work with high growth companies who are transitioning to tech focused, industry-leading businesses. One of Red River’s most fascinating ventures is SekerTech, a funeral industry SaaS platform that helps funeral directors manage everything from the first call to aftercare. The eFD platform was designed and built by Red River. It streamlines admin and frees up time so directors can focus on what really matters: supporting families.

It’s tech that serves people at their most human moments, and that’s something Red River cares about.

They don’t stop there, either. Red River has also helped to found Tech Native, an initiative to tackle the UK’s digital skills shortage head-on. Whether it’s running robotics clubs in schools, offering T-Level placements, or partnering with the University of Chichester on apprenticeships, they’re building the future of tech from the ground up.

And while they’re not ones to shout about it, it’s worth mentioning that co-founder Simon Pringle and Red River have picked up a few industry awards along the way, recognition for the way Red River leads with purpose and passion, not just code.

So, next time someone tells you that nothing exciting happens in Horsham, feel free to politely disagree. Because behind an unassuming door in Springfield House, a quietly brilliant team is building platforms that power industries, solve real-world problems, and shape the future of work.

Red River might be Horsham’s best-kept tech secret, but it won’t stay that way for long. Get in touch to find out what they can do for you. www.river.red email:

0344 8802357

HEAVEN SCENT

COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER FOR FLOWER FESTIVAL

St Mary’s Church in the Causeway, Horsham, hosted a flower festival on 19 – 22 June.

About 40 displays were placed around the historic church, with contributions from local flower arrangers, churches, schools and clubs. The festival has traditionally been an annual feature of the St Mary’s calendar. However, it was not held in 2024, so for this year’s event, the organisers collaborated with two other town churches.

Angie Hyde, Secretary of Holy Trinity Horsham, said: ‘The team at St Mary’s has always done a fantastic job in organising the flower festival. However, it was becoming increasingly difficult to find enough people to make arrangements. There are only so many flower clubs and arrangers out there, and some need to be gently cajoled into helping out at such events! So, St Mary’s reached out to Holy Trinity and St John the Evangelist RC, and

we’ve helped spread the word among our own congregations. Several others churches added their support by contributing arrangements, including Brighton Road Baptists, London Road Methodists, St Mark’s and St Margaret’s in Warnham.

‘As a NADFAS demonstrator and a member of Warnham Flower Club, I was happy to be involved, contributing an arrangement of my own and helping others with their displays if needed too. It has been a wonderful thing to be a part of, as it has brought the community together. I’m sure that we will continue to collaborate in future, especially as we have learned a lot from this year’s event. I’m confident it can become even better and hopefully we can encourage more people to make arrangements in future.’

FREE BOWLS IN HORSHAM PARK

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Come along to free taster sessions. Every Monday, 6.30pm – 8.30pm, every Saturday 11 – 1pm, every Tuesday 10 – 12. For details, call 07305 078877 or visit our website at horshamparkbowlsclub.co.uk

CAROL STALLEY, ANGIE HYDE AND IRENE INNES AT ST MARY’S CHURCH (©AAH/ALAN WRIGHT) DISPLAY BY QEII SILVER JUBILEE SCHOOL

POET’S CORNER

St Mary’s Church has been hosting flower festivals for more than 60 years and traditionally arrangements are set to a theme. This year’s inspiration came from For the Beauty of the Earth, a hymn composed by John Rutter.

The hymn’s content provided scope for a wide variety of arrangements, with some featuring land animals and insects to symbolise the ‘beauty of the earth’, some incorporating birds and butterflies to represent the ‘beauty of the skies’, while others were based on references to ‘hills and vales’ or the ‘moon and stars’

‘My arrangement around the pulpit symbolises love, joy, peace and the divine gifts of the Holy Spirit.’

Carol Stalley, one of the St Mary’s organisers, said: ‘Several years ago, we selected a hymn called Let All The World in Every Corner Sing as our theme for the festival. People liked the concept and it inspired some excellent arrangements. So, this year, we chose my favourite hymn, For the Beauty of the Earth. To ensure good variety, we assigned a line or segment of the hymn to each of the flower arrangers. Some needed to be quite broad, so the children of St Mary’s CE Primary School

For further information about life at Broadbridge Park, or to RSVP to one of our upcoming events, please get in touch.

Whether you enjoy afternoon tea with family, getting creative with arts and crafts, or relaxing with a book, there’s something for everyone.

Broadbridge Park is a purposebuilt luxury care home in the desirable location of Broadbridge Heath in Horsham, offering high quality nursing, residential and dementia care. Life at Broadbridge Park is centred around our residents, their needs and wishes. We pride ourselves on a home filled with comfort and a touch of luxury, with care that comes from a genuine interest in people. All bedrooms are en suite and our home boasts facilities including stunning wheelchair accessible landscaped gardens, a cinema, hair salon, and a large bistro café that’s perfect for enjoying one of our many activities, or to catch up with loved ones over a hot drink.

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Dementia Café

Every Tuesday, 2pm – 4pm

A welcoming and supportive event for carers and those living with dementia. Whether you need information or just a friendly chat and advice, we’re here for you.

High Tea at Three

Every 1st Weds of the month, 3.00pm – 4.00pm

We’d love to welcome the community to join us for high tea each month. Enjoy complimentary tea and coffee alongside sweet treats freshly prepared by our Head Chef.

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were given the theme of ‘animals’ and they produced a vibrant, colourful display. The pupils have really enjoyed bringing their families into the church and showing them their part of the arrangement. The pupils at QEII Silver Jubilee School in Horsham created a display on insects, filling and decorating planters during visits to The Butterfly Project. We’ll be donating these to local alms houses when the festival ends.’

‘We tried to give experienced arrangers more challenging themes, perhaps focusing on a continent or an abstract part of the hymn. Several displays utilise prominent church features too, including a beautiful arrangement by Warnham Evening Flower Club around the font. My arrangement is based around the pulpit (opposite) with a variety of flowers and doves to symbolise love, joy, peace and the divine gifts of the Holy Spirit.’

TREE OF LIGHT

One of the most thoughtful arrangements came courtesy of Judy Brinkworth. Judy has been on the festival committee for more than a decade and this year helped organise the event alongside Carol and Nigel Stalley, Jo Benson and Sue Keegan from St Mary’s, as well as Angie from Holy Trinity and Irene Innes from St John’s.

For her arrangement, Judy took inspiration from a line in the hymn about ‘friends above’. She said: ‘I thought it was an opportunity for people to think about loved ones that they’ve lost by making a tree of remembrance. My grandson made the frame and we made labels in the shape of doves, hearts and stars for visitors to write messages to friends or relatives above. They could pray for them too, if they wished to. The arrangement incorporates some lighting elements, so it added something different to the festival.’

St John’s Church took inspiration from the ‘moon and stars of night’ for its floral arrangement. This included a crescent moon and origami stars, and was one of

in 1990, Shaws Glass has been proudly based in Horsham for 34

VINTAGE AFTERNOON TEA IN THE LESLIE ROOM AND (RIGHT) AN ARRANGEMENT BY AMANDA BURGESS (©AAH/AW)

DOORS

many displays demonstrating a sustainable ethos. Irene Innes of St John’s said: ‘Before the festival, we held a workshop on sustainability and tried to incorporate eco-friendly methods into the event. We have moved away from using floral foam as it contributes to micro-plastic pollution. Instead, the team at St Mary’s has made coir bags (growing bags made using natural fibres) for the arrangements and flowers at the end of pews.’

COMMUNITY PRIDE

The event relied on the support of many local business, with sponsors making small yet important contributions to the displays. The organising committee also relied on the support of volunteers, who not only worked on

arrangements but helped steward and serve refreshments. Although entry was free, donations were welcomed and split between The Fabric Fund at St Mary’s and Holy Trinity churches, with 10% going to Horsham Matters, a Christian charity that aims to relieve hardship in the town and district.

In addition to the flowers, pupils of St Mary’s CE Primary School enjoyed dancing around the maypole in the Causeway on 19 June, while there were musical recitals throughout the weekend on the church’s Father Willis organ. Vintage Afternoon Tea was served in the Leslie Room, a welcome addition to the usual Bethany Café. The festival ended with a Closing Celebration Concert, but for Revd Canon Lisa Barnett, Horsham Parish Team Rector, the highlight came earlier in proceedings…

‘It was wonderful visiting the church on Tuesday and Wednesday, just prior to the opening service. All of the flower arrangers were working on their displays and you could see them helping one another with presentation and placement. There is a wonderful sense of community to the festival and of course, the church looks even more beautiful when it’s bursting with colour.’

WORDS: Ben Morris

LAYOUT: Oliver Matson (Bohunt School)

PHOTOS: Alan Wright

Further information:

To find out more about St Mary’s, including services and events, visit stmaryshorsham.org.uk

‘FRIENDS ABOVE’ BY JUDY BRINKWORTH (©AAH/AW) ANGIE HYDE WITH HER ARRANGEMENT (©AAH/AW)

M yenomkrowfuoy

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If you’re remortgaging, downsizing or buying your first home, let us help you find the mortgage that will work for you. Whatever it is you need, we have your needs at our core.

In so many areas, we rely on experts to point us in the right direction. If your car breaks down, you see a mechanic. If a tooth aches, you go to the dentist. The same should be true of our finances. Why wouldn’t we ask the experts and make sure they’re being managed effectively?

We understand that everyone’s finances are unique. So we strive to offer a long-term, relationship-based service that focuses on what you need, as well as what motivates and inspires you. It’s this holistic approach that means we can then find solutions that work well together and match your attitude to risk.

Knowing that your investments are being managed by seasoned professionals and that your worries are our concern can be a huge relief. You can also relax in the knowledge that we’ll be here to support and guide you on every step of your financial journey. We want to know you and your finances inside out – and keep it that way. After all, we’ve learnt from experience that the best wealth management service comes via thorough

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and the value may fall as well as rise. You might get back less than you invested.

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If you’d like us to help you make the most of your hardearned savings, give us a call. We’d like to get to know you.

Enjoying the Sun Safely at Specsavers Horsham

Isn’t it great to finally see the sun? As usual, we can’t wait to get outside and make the most of the weather and longer summer evenings.

However, did you know that prolonged UV exposure from the sun can potentially lead to long term issues with your vision and health? So, Specsavers Horsham is here to help keep your eyes safe this summer. We all know that time outdoors is essential to our health and wellbeing. But how can we best strike a balance between being responsible in the sun, while still enjoying its benefits?

Understanding UV Risks

Without proper protection, prolonged UV exposure can cause certain eye conditions. In the short term, these can include temporary conditions such as photokeratitis or ‘sunburn of the eye’, which presents as redness, irritation, blurred vision and a gritty feeling behind the eyes. Long term UV exposure can increase the risk of specific eye conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration, as well as some types of eyelid cancer. But there are ways to identify signs of UV damage...

Horsham’s optical director Amar Jogia says: ‘You should monitor your eyes for physical changes, such as lumps on eyelids or irregular pigments in the eye. If anything doesn’t look right, feel right, or hasn’t been there before, the safest thing is to get it checked out, especially if you’ve got a family history of melanoma. One of the best ways of keeping on top of your eye health is having an eye test every two years. In addition to a test, for £5 Specsavers Horsham can use optical coherence tomography (OCT) technology to take 3D images of the back of the eye, helping identify areas of potential concern.’

Fashion and Safety

When buying a new pair of sunglasses, there’s more to consider than just the style – it’s also important to think about how well they will protect your eyes from UV damage.

Amar says: ‘You should be choosing sunglasses that have UVA and UVB protection and ideally glasses which are polarised for glare protection. For those who need vision correction while enjoying the sun, Specsavers Horsham has a huge variety of styles,

shapes and designer choices, which can all be made safe using our sun protection lens options. We can provide a specific varifocal design to enhance your driving vision and dashboard clarity. Specsavers ‘Superdrive’ lens is available as a polarised option to get rid of distracting glare from light reflective surfaces such as water on the road, and making the clarity of vision much sharper. Better still, our 2-for-1 offer means you can take advantage of sunglasses in your second pair.

‘Specsavers now also offer mirrored lenses on most of our glasses. These lenses offer the same full protection as our other sunglasses and can be polarised with a mirrored finish.’

Vision and Value

We should all be protecting our vision, whether it’s for a day at the beach or a walk around the block. Let us help you and your eyes this summer. Head to Specsavers Horsham for more information on all our sun protection ranges.

Specsavers Horsham is offering AAH readers £10 off this summer (*on Mirrored or Polarised tints, as part of the 2-4-1 offer). Just take along your copy or use the voucher below!

Specsavers Horsham offer a wide selection of sunglasses that have UVA and UVB protection

SHAKING IT

HISTORIC PUB REBRANDED AS THE ROCK CRAFT HOUSE

A Victorian pub in the heart of Horsham has been given a new identity.

The Brewhouse & Kitchen, on the corner of East Street and Denne Road, has been rebranded as The Rock Craft House. It is one of three out of the 21 pubs owned by B&K to have been rebranded as a Craft House Pub, along with The Branksome in Bournemouth and The Hoxton Hound in London.

Matt Preisinger, Marketing Manager, said: ‘Brewhouse and Kitchen pubs traditionally have their own on-site brewing facilities, which allows us to brew unique craft beers and establish a contemporary identity for the brand. This format has served us well, but with the Horsham pub, we had an opportunity to do something else. We thought long and hard about what a contemporary pub looks

like, as there are many different kinds now, from gastropubs to traditional pubs and microbreweries. With The Rock, we decided to take away on-site brewing to open up the interior space, while also updating the wonderful rear garden.

‘Our Craft House pubs have a fresh menu too, with a selection of smash burgers, crunchy fried chicken burgers and veggie burgers to appeal to a younger demographic. We have maintained some classics too, including braised steak and ale pie and beer-battered fish and chips, with everything is made using fresh ingredients, offering customers great value for money. Lots of diners have given very positive reviews, with some saying that we serve the best burgers and cocktails in town.’

NOD TO HISTORY

The pub was first opened circa 1844 and was included in Henry Burstow’s book from the era, Reminiscences of Horsham For many years it was called The Horse & Groom, but was later renamed The Tut ‘n’ Shive. In 2010, Japanese restaurant Wabi opened on the site, but it closed following a devastating fire in 2014. Brewhouse & Kitchen opened in September 2018. It has now been rebranded The Rock Craft House in homage to The Rock Brewery of Brighton, which once owned the pub. Painted wall signs have remained visible on the side of the building since about 1912.

Today, the pub is managed by Horsham resident Alex Marshall, who is being supported by Brewhouse and Kitchen as he studies for a Level 4 (equivalent to a foundation degree) apprenticeship in Hospitality Management.

Alex said: ‘Horsham is a wonderful location for food and drink, with an exciting mix of established brands and independent eateries, particularly in East Street. At a time when other High Streets are struggling, Horsham seems to be thriving, and we’re delighted to be a part of it.’

ZOMBIE COCKTAILS

The pub offers a carefully-crafted menu of small batch beers, including its own APA and IPA. Favourites from Brewhouse Brewing Co have remained, including Legend Craft Lager, Iron Craft Pilsner and Juicy Crush cider, whilst there are also guest beers.

There is an exciting cocktail and spritz menu too, including a few theatrical additions, most notably Zombie, a cocktail whose origins are attributed to Donn Beach, who opened a Polynesian style bar in Hollywood in the 1930s and is known as the founding father of ‘tiki style’. A Happy Days promotion is run on weekdays until 6pm, offering pints for £3.50, with two cocktails for £14 Monday to Thursday. The Rock is also working with local suppliers, with Horsham Coffee Roaster providing speciality beans.

The food menu has been given a ‘Smash’ makeover and has plenty of appeal to younger diners. Smash Burgers, made with 100% British rib and chuck beef patties, include the

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Crafthouse Signature for £12. There is a range of Crunchy Fried Chicken Burgers too, also served in a brioche bun, and sharing dishes including Korean Fried Chicken and Dirty Waffle Fries. On Sundays, the pub serves roast dinners with crispy roast potatoes and home-made Yorkshire pudding, with early week offers available too.

WORDS: Ben Morris

PHOTOS: Alan Wright

Further information: 38 East Street, Horsham, RH12 1HL Email: therock@crafthousepubs.com Tel: (01403) 788140 www.therockhorsham.com

ALEX MARSHALL (©AAH/AW)

JASMINE STREET (©AAH/AW)

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Boco (’bo-co’): Old West Sussex dialect meaning ‘lots of’/’much.’ From French, ‘Beaucoup’.

From taking on our Clip ‘n Climb arena, getting involved with fun activities in our holiday camp, or trying a new sport or activity, there’s fun for everyone at The Bridge Leisure Centre this Summer!

MARCHING ON HORSHAM BOROUGH BAND CELEBRATE 125 YEARS

HORSHAM BOROUGH BAND, CONDUCTED BY WILL WILKINS (©AAH/ALAN WRIGHT)

The Horsham Borough Band held a special concert at St Mary’s Parish Church in May to celebrate its 125th anniversary.

In recent years, the Band has hit new heights under Musical Director Will Wilkins, coming first in the London and Southern Counties Area contest in 2024 – its best result for nearly 50 years. For May’s anniversary concert, the Band invited previous members and local dignitaries to attend. They enjoyed a varied programme that included outstanding performances by guest soloist Tom Hutchinson, the principal cornet player of the Cory Band.

TITANIC EFFORT

Many brass bands were founded in industrial towns and villages, and were particularly prevalent in mining communities. They often enjoyed the support of employers, as they promoted discipline and community spirit amongst workers. Many defunct companies

now survive only in the names of their former bands, such as Black Dyke Mills. Horsham’s Band didn’t have quite the same industrial roots, but towards the end of Queen Victoria’s reign, brass bands were being established across the nation. The core instruments were cornets, flugelhorns, tenor horns, baritone horns, euphoniums, trombones and tubas, as well as percussion instruments, such as drums and cymbals.

The Horsham Recreation Silver Band was founded in 1900 and made its first appearance in the town in 1903, though it had already performed in Cowfold to mark the Coronation of King Edward VII in June 1902. Tradesman and historian William Albery was among its founder members. Following his death in 1950, his extensive collection of local posters – many of which promoted the Band’s concerts – was donated to Horsham Museum and Art Gallery.

During its concerts, the Band raised money for good causes both home and abroad, including a 1912 performance for the Titanic Disaster Fund, which raised £20. That same year, following a merger with the Horsham Town Band, the Horsham Borough Silver Band was formed. It wasn’t until 1974 that it dropped the ‘Silver’ from its name. During the First World War, many of its players were called up for service, but the Band trained younger musicians to step in and continued to hold

concerts, raising money for relief funds. By the 1930s, it had earned a reputation as one of the finest brass bands south of London and was the first outside of the north of England to play live on the BBC. For one of these requisitions, they were asked to play at 2am, as the concert was transmitted live to Canada. However, the band has always maintained a close connection to the town too and still performs regularly at the Carfax Bandstand, Park Podium and at local Christmas concerts.

ALL ABOUT THE BASS

Horsham also competes at brass band competitions and its success in recent years has helped elevate the level of musicianship. The London and the South East Region of the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain is divided into five sections, like the English Football League. Horsham is one of 14 bands currently in the First Section, the second tier of regional brass band playing.

Much like football, Bands can be promoted or relegated depending on performances, with cumulative results from the last three years deciding who goes up and down. Having

‘Being promoted to the Championship would be a wonderful achievement for us as a Band.’

been promoted to the First Section in 2020, the Band came first in the London and Southern Counties Area contest in 2024, playing against 16 other bands across a region stretching from Cambridge to Hampshire. This meant it was able to compete at the National Finals, held at Cheltenham in September 2024, achieving a creditable fourth place against all the other First Section winners across the country. This year, Horsham came fifth in the Regionals, putting it in pole position for promotion to the Championship section in 2026.

Ed Wheatley is one of the longest serving members of the Band, having joined in 1988. Having previously played euphonium and baritone horn, he now plays a B-flat bass tuba and has seen a gradual improvement in standards. He said: ‘Being involved in competitions helps to focus the mind. The

HORNET PLAYER LIZ FRANKLIN-KITCHEN (©AAH/ALAN WRIGHT)

Association chooses one piece of music to perform, usually around 20 minutes long, and every Band in the section plays that same piece. For a couple of months before the contest, we practice it almost exclusively during rehearsals. As we have enjoyed some success in recent years, we have attracted some of the better players from the area, and a level of competition ensures players regularly attend rehearsals to make sure they don’t lose their place in the Band.’

‘At the Regional competition next spring, we know that if we finish in the top five, we will have a great chance of being promoted to the Championship section, which will be a wonderful achievement for us both as individual players and as a collective Band.’

UNDER PRESSURE

The players attribute much of the Band’s progress to the influence of MD William Wilkins. Will played the euphonium in the Northamptonshire County Youth Brass Band before studying music at the University of Southampton, where he conducted several bands and orchestras, including the brass band. He now works in Hove but continues to play for Bournemouth Concert Brass. He has conducted Horsham Borough Band since 2022 and is now pushing it towards the Championship.

He said: ‘We are currently in a position where we are challenging for a place in the top tier, which brings some nice pressure. However, I think that the quality of the Band and competition results are two different things. It would be lovely if

The Best Local Produce

New House Farm is located in a beautifully renovated 16th century barn in the rural outskirts of Horsham. Our locally-sourced produce includes fruit & veg, bread, meats, cheeses, a wide range of Sussex beers, spirits and wine, and hand-made local arts and crafts.

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MUSICAL DIRECTOR WILL WILKINS (©AAH/AW)

Conductor - Sean Bui

COUNTIES SOUTHERN

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

we could reach the highest section, but if it doesn’t happen, the things that are great about the Band will still be great. I feel we have improved in recent years as we have a stable group of players who enjoy coming together to play each week. With this consistency, it is easier to gradually introduce new players when required.’

The latest member is Liz Franklin-Kitchen, a former opera singer (as Elisabeth Meister) who plays 2nd cornet. Liz said: ‘I played the cornet and trombone in youth bands and orchestras, but singing took over and I became a professional soprano. I was a principal singer at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden and performed as a soloist all around the world. It came to a tragic end after an accident, and I couldn’t sing at that level any longer. So, I needed a new creative outlet. As I live in Guildford, I searched online for local First Section bands and read about Horsham Borough Band. I saw that Tom Hutchinson was the guest soloist at the anniversary concert and must confess to being a huge fan! So, I went to rehearsals and the Band was very welcoming. Having the chance to perform alongside Tom has been a real honour too.’

BRASS IN POCKET

Tom demonstrated his talent on cornet as a teenager, performing solos with the National Youth Brass Band before being invited to join the world-famous Dyke Band. After graduating from the Royal Northern College of Music and spending four years with Dyke, he joined the Cory Band – arguably the finest brass band in the world – on principal cornet. Since 2010, he has helped Cory win four British Open titles, three European titles and also won the Band’s Player of the Year award on three occasions. He is also Professor of Cornet at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and has toured the world.

Tom said: ‘I’m lucky, as my passion has given me a career and taken me to many countries including Japan, Australia and America. One of my highlights with The Cory Band was playing at The Big Feastival, at a farm owned by Blur bassist Alex James. We also recorded an album of Britpop classics as brass instrumentals, although one critic labelled it ‘brit-flop!’ It was an honour to be invited to play with Horsham Borough Band. As well as performing four solos during the evening, I enjoyed learning other pieces in the programme – some of which have important associations with the town –and play them alongside the Band.’

The 125th anniversary concert included Blencathra, a march inspired by the Lake District. It was composed by William Rimmer in the same year the Band was founded and performed by the Horsham Borough Band precisely 100 years earlier. Pandora, composed by French flautist Eugène Damaré, is one of the most famous works for cornet and was the first of four wonderful solos from Tom. Others were given their moment in the spotlight too, with trombonists Dan Godsmark, Edward Loveday and Paddy Sears taking centre stage on Trevor Sharp’s Blades of Toledo, while Paul Lovett Cooper’s work Fire in the Blood featured solos by Derek Price (cornet) and Martin Smith (euphonium). Another piece, Beneath the Crooked Spire, was inspired by St Mary’s Parish Church and written by David Woods.

While the high standard of the Band means that several players live outside the District, many are locally based, helping to maintain connections with the town and surrounding area. The Band was proud to be part of the Coronation Big Lunch party in Cranleigh in 2024, and performed at the annual HDC Civic Service at St Mary’s last October. Their next local appearance will be at the Horsham Park Bandstand on Sunday 20 July, from 2 – 4pm.

Town resident Andy Hartley, who joined the Band over 20 years ago and plays flugel horn, says that a varied programme helps maintain interest. ‘The competitions are wonderful, but rehearsing the same piece of music twice a week for several months can become monotonous, so it’s nice to play at local venues and perform a wider repertoire. We also have an annual trip to Devon for a music festival, enjoying Cornish pasties and a tipple or two along the way. It’s always a great weekend, as we watch Brassed Off on the coach, which fuels camaraderie in the Band.’

Currently, the Band rehearse at a purpose-built hall in Cranleigh, which used to host the now-defunct Cranleigh Brass Band. Having put itself in a strong position to gain promotion to the Championship, the Band is arguably stronger than ever been. However, percussionist Geoff Clarke says there is scope for improvement.

He said: ‘We regularly have over 20 players at rehearsals, which is a testament to our strength. However, one slight regret is that we haven’t yet managed to establish a junior band, to nurture talent and feed musicians into the main band. We did used to have one, but it requires a huge commitment from players and it wasn’t sustainable. It is something we would love to do again, if the right structure and support was in place.’

WORDS: Ben Morris

PHOTOS: Alan Wright

Further information: For news and upcoming events, visit www.horshamboroughband.co.uk

We’ll answer your questions, make sure you’re fully informed and that you know your options. And if you do need to make changes, a revised Will costs only £159.00 Plus VAT

TOM HUTCHINSON, GUEST SOLOIST AT ST MARY’S CHURCH (©AAH/AW)

Nymans

Arts & Crafts Movement

Sat 19 Jul – Sun 26 Oct: 11am–4pm

Delve a little deeper into the Arts & Crafts movement, as told through a selection of special pieces from the historic collection at Standen. From exploring intricate detail in craftsmanship, to the wider social impact, the exhibition explores the eclectic influences and social ideology that made this movement so powerful and unique. Last entry to the house is at 3.30pm. Exhibition included in general admission.

nationaltrust.org.uk/standen

Messel

Sat 14 Jun – Sun 26 Oct: 11am–3.30pm

An exhibition exploring the creativity of Oliver Messel, theatre designer for stage and screen, and master of illusion and make-believe. From interior design to theatre props and film work, Oliver Messel’s life in design was influenced by a childhood spent at Nymans. He became Britain’s leading stage designer of the mid twentieth century with his lavish designs. Normal admission applies.

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STAR POWER

ASTRO-PHOTOGRAPHER CLAIRE BRADSHAW EXPLORES SPACE

Claire Bradshaw is an astro-photographer, science communicator and Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. Using telescopes in her garden, Claire captures galaxies, nebulae, stars and cosmic wonders light-years away, bringing them to life in photographic form. AAH met her to find out more...

Claire, where does your passion for astronomy come from?

As a child, I was fascinated by space: the sun, moon, planets, solar system and the stars in the night sky. Physics was my favourite subject at school and I studied it at A level too. However, mathematics is important in academic physics and that was something I struggled with. All these years later, I provide online education as an e-learning developer and one of the things I try to do is structure the course so that everyone can understand it. I leave calculus to the mathematicians and focus on astronomy. Hopefully that way, I can inspire others to embrace the subject.

‘My interest is deep space, capturing galaxies, black holes and nebulas, which are clouds of gas and dust in space.’

How did you become an astro-photographer?

I never let the academic side hold me back and continued to enjoy astronomy as a hobbyist, becoming a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. My interest in astro-photography developed alongside my scientific studies. However, as I was raising children with my former partner, I didn’t have the time or money to invest in expensive telescopic lenses that could capture pictures of deep space, so initially I used a basic digital SLR camera. One day, a friend called me seeking advice for someone interested in astro-photography.

They asked me what equipment I would buy if I had the money, and I reeled off details of cameras, lenses, telescopes, filters and star trackers. Two weeks later, all this equipment arrived at my front door. It transpired that my friend had won some money and had bought everything I needed. I’ll be forever grateful as this kick-started my career as an astrophotographer.

Do you focus on one aspect of space?

In the same way that you have photographers who specialists in cityscapes or landscapes, and others adopting different techniques for wildlife or sports, there are many fields of astro-photography. My interest is deep space, capturing galaxies, black holes and phenomena such as nebulae, which are clouds of gas and dust in space. Some prefer planetary photography, capturing the sun, moon and planets within our solar system, the Milky Way. When shooting planets, photographers rely on a technique called ‘lucky imaging’ to overcome atmospheric interference. When you look

CLAIRE BRADSHAW, AN ASTRO-PHOTOGRAPHER FROM HORSHAM (©AAH/ALAN WRIGHT)

PLEIADES IN THE TAURUS CONSTELLATION AND (RIGHT) MESSIER 63 OR SUNFLOWER GALAXY

closely at the sun or a planet through a telescope, you will see they are not static objects; they are always moving. It’s like a swimming pool, which looks still and blue from far away, but as you get closer, you see that the water is moving, causing ripples and reflecting light. Capturing a clear, concise image is very difficult, so by taking hundreds or even thousands of images, astro-photographers use ‘lucky imaging’, saving the best ones and discarding the rest to give them incredible pictures of Saturn’s rings or Jupiter’s Great Red Spot.

What does deep space offer a photographer? One of my favourite photos is of the Andromeda galaxy. There are three galaxies in

our ‘Local Group’ which include the Milky Way, Triangulum (or Messier 33) and Andromeda (Messier 31). Andromeda is a bigger galaxy than ours, with a trillion stars compared to about 400 billion in the Milky Way. These are numbers that are difficult to grasp, and one of the challenges I have is conveying that sense of scale. It’s extremely hard to express the size of space in comparison to Earth. For example, if our sun was 22cm wide, the Earth would be just 2mm wide, and there are far bigger stars out there than the sun.

How do you capture nebulae? With nebulae, you are trying to capture elements such as hydrogen, oxygen and sulphur that are invisible to the naked eye.

Most people will recognise the Orion constellation in the night sky, but around Orion’s belt is The Horsehead Nebula, which can only be seen through a telescope. It has the shape of a horse’s head and makes for great photographs. Images of nebulae also reveal stars that are not visible to human eyes, and they all have different levels of brightness. A bright spot indicates a new star, whilst older stars turn orange or red. By using specialist photography filters, the ionised hydrogen gas reveals itself as an orangey hue, while the oxygen is represented as blue and the sulphur as a deep red colour, creating a beautiful contrast.

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(© CLAIRE BRADSHAW)

What is the process behind your final photographs and fine art prints?

This is difficult to explain, as I realised when I exhibited at a local art fair as a member of Horsham Artists. To compile a complete image, I set up my telescopes to focus on a single point in the night sky – a nebula, for example – then I track it with precision as the Earth rotates. Every five minutes, the camera takes an image, which is stored digitally. This process is repeated for several hours or sometimes longer, taking 12 photos every hour. The software has sensors which alert you to changes in the weather conditions, which can delay a shoot too. I use narrowband filters to take three different images every time, capturing the hydrogen, oxygen and sulphur gases individually. So, after several hours, it all adds up to a lot of images! However, the software is able to take all the shots and layer them together, like a digital sandwich, giving you the best overall image of this one spot in the universe, capturing a snapshot in time. It’s fascinating to think that the Horsehead Nebula is 1,375 light years away, so what we are seeing on Earth is light from the 7th Century. The sky is a museum of time and nothing ever happens all at once.

‘There is a degree of exploration in what we do, as we are amateur astronomers too.’

How much is done in post-production?

There is a lot to do before a photo is finished. Firstly, it’s important to remove satellites, as Elon Musk’s SpaceX alone operates over 7,000. The processing software combines images taken by each filter, then aligns and compresses them to create a black and white image. The computer software doesn’t understand a histogram, which is the graphical representation of the tonal distribution of an image. So, an astro-photographer uses a histogram to reveal the true colours of those faint celestial details, such as the gases in a dust cloud. This is the most exciting part of the process, when the images reveal their beauty.

How do you know where to point the camera?

There is a worldwide astronomical community that communicates on social media. One amateur astronomer in Japan, Koichi Itagaki, specialises in discovering supernovas, scouring galaxies in search of signs of exploding stars. When he finds a new one, he tells the world and we all try to photograph it. There is always a race to find something new as advanced equipment – such as the Vera C Rubin Observatory in Chile – uncovers the secrets of the universe. So, there is a degree of exploration in what we do, as

HORSEHEAD NEBULA, PART OF THE ORION CONSTELLATION (© CLAIRE BRADSHAW)

we are amateur astronomers too. Many women are interested in astronomy and to help promote this, I contributed to a book, We Reach for the Sky, highlighting women in STEM subjects.

Where do you go to set up telescopes?

People assume I go on the South Downs, but I work solely from the back garden of my Horsham home. When I came to view the house, I was only interested in the garden. I went outside with a compass and worked out the position of Polaris, the Pole Star, and knew it was the right house for me. During the night, the Earth rotates in a certain direction and the location of my garden offers a clear view of everything above, with little light pollution from the surrounding properties. There’s always a glow on the horizon, which is Gatwick Airport, but I remove this with filters.

You also give talks on space and astro-photography…

People need to connect to my images in some way, otherwise they won’t find them interesting, so that is what I try to do. I don’t worry much about the physics behind it, as I don’t understand all of it myself. Instead, I focus on how to shoot space and try to bring it to life for adults and children with an interest in space. We look up to a night sky and see a sprinkling of bright stars, but delve deeper and there are even more wondrous shapes and colours. If you can tell a story about space in a way people understand, then you’ve achieved your goal, which is to spread knowledge and inspire others to further our understanding of space.

WORDS: Ben Morris

PHOTOS: Alan Wright

Further information:

You can buy fine art prints of Claire’s work at astronomywithclaire.co.uk Horsham Astronomy Group (HoAG) can be found on Facebook.

PADELSTEAM

PADEL COURTS OPEN AT HENFIELD LEISURE CENTRE

Padel is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, with David Beckham and French President Emmanuel Macron amongst its fans. AAH visited Henfield Leisure Centre, where two purpose-built courts have opened, to find out more…

A little about padel…

Padel is a relatively recent invention, reputedly born when a wealthy couple created a rudimentary version of the game and built a court at their home in Acapulco, Mexico. It is a racquet sport that has similarities to tennis, in that players stand on either side of a court divided by a net. It adopts the tennis scoring system too. However, courts are enclosed by walls, which players can use to return the ball, much like in squash.

Dan West, Padel Coach at Henfield, said: ‘While it incorporates aspects of squash and tennis, padel is a slower game, which helps with playability. The balls look like tennis balls, but are softer and slightly smaller, so they cannot

be hit as quickly. Solid racquets without strings are used too, to limit the velocity of shots, and players serve underarm, which encourages longer rallies and makes it a great game for people of all ages.’

The courts at Henfield…

Padel can be played as a singles game, with courts that are 20m long and 6m wide, surrounded by a wall 4m high. However, the doubles version of the game is more popular,

and the two courts built at Henfield are both designed for pairs. The courts have the same length but are 10m wide, with walls made of toughened glass to withstand the impact of balls. Although the courts have been built outside, they are covered with a roof and include lighting, so they can be used throughout the year.

Simon Thompson, Manager of Henfield Leisure Centre, said: ‘We worked with Padel Tech, the UK’s premier padel court provider, on the design and build. Padel courts require a certain grade of artificial grass that gives both good bounce and grip. One of the great things about padel is that you can knock the ball around the court easily, which encourages players of all ages and abilities, which isn’t so easy to do with tennis. So, we’ve had people over the age of 80 on the court, enjoying the game, and have racquets and balls that we’re happy to lend to new players. At the same time, padel can be extremely competitive and players often work up a real sweat as they charge around the court.’

A gentle introduction…

To encourage people to try the game, the coaches have already provided 300 hours of free tuition. Those booking a court for the first time still benefit from free guidance from padel coach Dan, as part of an introductory offer. Dan first played the game when a friend’s family built a court at their holiday home in Spain. As a proficient squash player and coach, Dan took to the game quickly and soon rose through the ranks to become captain of Sussex. When Henfield Leisure Centre needed someone to run its new courts, he answered the call.

Dan said: ‘Although it’s difficult to be very good at padel, it is relatively easy to learn the fundamentals of the game. In recent years, padel’s popularity has boomed. Lockdown helped as people sought outside activities and ever since then, courts have been popping up. However, many of them are at private health and sports clubs and we offer a more affordable option. We have also been encouraging mixed sessions, with seven or eight players rotating on the court, so they can meet people while learning a new game. This has encouraged smaller groups to form amongst players of a similar ability. So, now we run mixed sessions for beginners, immediate and advanced players, as well as offering individual coaching to help people focus on a particular shot.’

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We have a vastly experienced Service Manager in Keith Avey and one of the country’s best technicians and diagnostic experts in Kevin Riddles. On four occasions we’ve topped the JD Power customer satisfaction surveys for Alfa Romeo.

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Heart of the Community…

The leisure centre first opened in 1990, when it was known as Henfield and District Sports Association. Rather than being operated by a specialist enterprise, which manages the facilities in partnership with a local authority, Henfield is run by a committee of trustees comprised entirely of volunteers from the community. In 2014, the trustees decided to transform it into a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and renamed it Henfield Leisure Centre. As a CIO, the centre is able to recognise the needs of the community and swiftly implement changes to its facilities.

Simon Thompson said: ‘That is one advantage of being a CIO. If there’s demand for children’s karate or Zumba classes, we can introduce them quickly. Another nice aspect of being a community facility is that we get to know our members and it has the feel of a friendly, safe place. In recent years, we have introduced Bump-to-Baby groups, with post-natal and ante-natal courses and drop-ins, as well as toddler groups, so that expectant and new mothers can meet. As the children get older, they can enjoy Sharky’s soft play area while parents, grandparents, relatives and carers keep watch from the café. We have breakfast and after-school clubs for primary school pupils too, and as they progress to secondary school, we offer junior weights, trampolining and gymnastics, so they maintain an affiliation. One of the disadvantages of being a CIO is that when it comes to significant investment, we have to find money ourselves, be it through grants or fundraising. However, the community has always been generous with its support, as they know we put the money back into the facilities that they use.’

The need for padel…

Next to the new courts are two wooden benches, in memory of two long-serving trustees. Conway Thorns was a village man who was involved in running several

Monday – Thursday 8.30am – 5pm Friday 8.30am – 4pm | Saturday 8.30am – 12pm

PADEL USES SOLID RACQUETS AND SOFTER BALLS TO ENCOURAGE MORE SOCIAL GAMES

sports clubs, while Robert Mohamed was the man whose drive inspired the introduction of padel. Robert had fallen in love with the game while on holiday and enthusiastically introduced the concept to the committee. Sadly, he didn’t live to see his idea come to fruition.

Simon said: ‘After the pandemic, costs were rising across the board. You can raise prices a little, but we’ve always strived to be affordable and accessible to all and we know everyone feels the pinch. So, we wanted to introduce something new to generate revenue and entice people to the leisure centre. We looked at padel and secured a grant from Horsham District Council’s Rural England Prosperity Fund and loans from LTA (Lawn Tennis Association) and CAF (Charities Aid Foundation). The project cost about £300,000, which we contributed to by holding quiz nights and other events, while staff including Deputy Manager Sam Eastman raised £8000 by completing the Three Peaks Challenge. We also secured court sponsorship from two local businesses: Foster & Co and Golden Barn Garage.

‘To ensure water neutrality, we installed a rainwater harvesting system, feeding water from the roof into tanks, which is used to flush the toilets. This was funded by the Southern Water Business Partnership Fund, which also funded the refurbishment of the washrooms. It was a long road to get padel up and running in Henfield, but we are one of the first venues in the Horsham District to host the game and the response has been fantastic. It’s great to see people of all ages embracing both the health and social benefits of the game.’

WORDS: Ben Morris

PHOTOS: Alan Wright

Hear Better, Feel Better

The Horsham Hearing Centre is the longest established dedicated Hearing Centre in Horsham. Opened in 1995 by husband and wife team of Audiologists, Julie and Jonathan Ormerod, the couple still run the centre today and offer their clients unrivalled expertise and experience in dealing with hearing problems.

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Situated in a 500-year-old building opposite the Horsham Library, The Horsham Hearing Centre offers a complete Hearing Care service. Call us or call in today to book a priority appointment.

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There are many different hearing aids available with different styles, features and cosmetic solutions that can enhance your daily life. Modern hearing instruments are designed to provide clear, crisp sound enhancement so that you can hear and understand better. We offer both ‘in-the-ear’ aids, custom-made to fit perfectly, and ‘behind-the-ear’ hearing aids, including the most popular style, the Receiver-In-Canal (RIC).

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The Horsham Hearing Centre, 22 Worthing Road (opposite the library), Horsham, RH12 1SL www.hearcentres.com | horsham@hearcentres.com

TENNIS IS ACE

WALKING AND WHEELCHAIR TENNIS AT THE HOLBROOK

Padel might be the racquet sport in vogue, but there is still plenty of demand for tennis.

At the Holbrook Club in Horsham, a group meets weekly to enjoy a slower version of the game. The Walking and Wheelchair tennis sessions, held every Thursday at 12pm, adopt the same rules as tennis, but players are prohibited from running and jumping. Softer balls are used too, while a double-bounce rule allows wheelchair users to compete.

The sessions were launched after Horsham resident Cassie Dowd contacted Horsham District Council, looking for a club that could accommodated a wheelchair user. Cassie said: ‘I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in my 30s and was looking for an activity to stay active and bring down my cholesterol levels. I contacted the Horsham District Wellbeing team to discuss options and mentioned that I used to play tennis at school. The Wellbeing team contacted Paul Taylor, Sports Development Officer at HDC, and he was determined to set up a group for wheelchair users and others.’

‘They also provide a wheelchair that I can use, which I’m very grateful for. In an ideal world, it would be a top-of-the-range wheelchair designed for sports, but they are expensive and the one provided still allows me to join in. Plus, gives me a good cardio work-out! As we use slower balls and a two-bounce rule, I can return the ball and keep a rally going. There’s a great social side to the group too. My mum joins me most weeks and I have made good friends here too.’

POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT

The sessions have been held since November 2023 and are run by Mike Costa, an accredited Level 4 LTA coach. Mike also runs the Holbrook Club’s successful tennis programme, as well as coaching at other sports clubs, including Rusper. Thanks to three modern outdoor courts and its indoor courts, the Holbrook Club has a vibrant tennis section, with about 100 juniors and 70 adults. Mike promotes a positive atmosphere and his coaching contributes to a friendly atmosphere.

Mike said: ‘With the various clubs I’m involved with, I try to meet the aspirations of those who want to compete in tournaments and reach County squads, as well as those who just want to improve their hand/eye co-ordination and maintain a good level of fitness. It’s not all about winning Wimbledon! We have a good retention rate because of the positive environment that we create and that’s the same with our Walking session.’

‘Tennis is a very healthy pursuit, especially for those who may not feel comfortable in a gym environment. You don’t realise just how much running you are doing either, as you’re too busy having fun and competing. Our Thursday sessions include a light warm-up and some coaching work, helping players to improve their technique. Then, we play friendly games and rotate to create a sociable atmosphere. Some of the regulars even meet for tennis and other activities outside of these sessions, which is a very healthy outcome.’

CLUB

SOCIAL SESSIONS

The walking version of the game is especially good for people who have suffered a stroke or have undergone surgery and need gentle exercise to help with rehabilitation. As the sessions are held indoors, they can be held all year round and the smaller courts mean there’s not as much ground to cover.

Stephanie Barton from Horsham is one of the regulars. She said: ‘I hadn’t played tennis for 25 years before joining the group along with my son Ben, who has a mental health illness. Ben is a much better player than I am and could join a club, but he likes it here as he feels safe. Mike is an excellent coach and knows exactly how to give him encouragement. I love the sessions too, as it’s a chance to spend time with Ben and meet new people. It’s a very sociable group and I have become good friends with some of the other players. We are here for different reasons, but enjoy each other’s company. I’m not a great player by any means, but it’s still satisfying when you play a good shot or volley a winner from the net!’

WORDS: Ben Morris

PHOTOS: Alan Wright

Further information:

Sessions at held at The Holbrook Club on Thursdays, from 12 –1pm.

Call Mike Costa on 07944 775262. A promotional video, filmed by Cassie’s husband Peter, can be found on Horsham District Council’s Facebook page, via an online search for ‘Walking Tennis Horsham’.

Understanding the new Renters’ Reform Bill

The Renters’ Reform Bill has been making headlines lately and many landlords are wondering what it means for them.

At its core, the Bill is about creating a fairer and more balanced rental market, for both tenants and landlords. One of the key changes is the planned removal of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions, which will mean landlords must provide a valid reason when seeking possession of a property. While that might sound daunting, it also comes with improvements to the existing grounds for reclaiming a property, helping ensure that landlords can still manage their properties effectively and regain possession when needed.

Another significant shift is the move toward open-ended tenancies, giving tenants more security while encouraging longer term

lets, something many landlords actually prefer. The Bill also proposes a clearer, more regulated approach to rent increases, alongside the introduction of a national Property Portal and a new Ombudsman to help resolve disputes. These measures are designed to raise standards, promote transparency and make things smoother for landlords who are doing the right thing.

The focus is on creating a more professional, consistent rental market, where expectations are clear and communication is key.

As with any big change, it can feel a little overwhelming at first, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Working with a knowledgeable letting agent means you’ll be guided through the updates with expert advice, ensuring you stay compliant while continuing to run a successful, stress-free rental portfolio. With the right support, these changes don’t need to be seen as a challenge but as a chance to grow with confidence in a modernised market.

The Bill is currently awaiting the Report Stage in the House of Lords. This is expected to take place between 1st - 15th July 2025 but a final date for the Bill to be passed is still unknown.

DRAMATIC FLAIR

HORSHAM ACTOR HEADING TO NATIONAL YOUTH THEATRE

Graci Hanlon-Field from Horsham has been offered a place at the National Youth Theatre (NYT), whose alumni include Daniel Day-Lewis and Helen Mirren. As a neurodivergent actor who stands over six feet tall, Graci is not your average 14-year-old performer...

What was your first experience on stage?

When I was four-years-old, I took part in a show at Trafalgar Community Infant School. We had to dance like bluebirds, but while everybody else was flapping their arms, I performed a strange, interpretive dance. It was very embarrassing for my mum, but friends still remember my bluebird! From a young age, I loved being on stage.

Did you join local theatre groups?

I attended Guildford School of Acting (GSA) when I was still at primary school, as they run introductory courses in acting, dancing and singing. Later, I joined Stagecoach Performing Arts School and Southwick Players. I also joined JN Theatre Group in Horsham, run by

Gael Johnson and Michael Neilson. They are guiding me through LAMDA acting exams and I recently received a Distinction in Grade 5.

What was your first taste of screen acting?

My mum found me an agent who got me a small role in a mini-series called Pistol, a biographical drama about the Sex Pistols, directed by Danny Boyle. We were filming a Christmas scene during a heatwave and I remember everyone sweating in Christmas jumpers. Although there were cigarettes and alcohol on set, as it was about a punk band, all the children were safeguarded and I loved it! They needed someone to throw cake in the face of Anson Boon, who played Johnny Rotten. I put my hand up and was so glad I did, as I got to play a bigger role and chatted to Danny Boyle. It was the most fun I’d ever had.

You have also appeared on the big screen? I appear in the 2022 film, Matilda the Musical, as a girl at the circus. It was filmed while Covid regulations were still in place and we had to be tested twice a day at Shepperton Studios.

I thought I would get out of school during the week’s filming, but they organised daily classes for all the children in the production. Because they couldn’t film scenes involving hundreds of people, they filmed many of the extras using green screen technology and multiplied us to create an audience. In one scene, there are four of me in the crowd!

Has acting impacting your studies?

For the past few years, I have been home educated. When we went into lockdown, I found that I enjoyed online learning, so we made the decision to continue that way. Last year, I sat my GCSE exam in Food Preparation and Nutrition and was awarded a 7 (equivalent to an A in the old grading system). As a Year 9 student, I am taking my Sociology exam this year and in Year 10 plan to sit exams for English Language, English Literature and Film Studies, with the rest completed in Year 11. Even though I am neurodivergent and have autism and ADHD, it has not held me back and my experiences have inspired me to help others who are neurodivergent.

What can you do to help?

In the UK, we have an Education, Health and Care Plan (ECHP) that is supposed to provide specific support to all children or young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and cover their education. However, if a SEND pupil cannot access the right school for their needs and instead opts to learn at home, none of that financial support is available. Although my mum has done a fantastic job as a single parent, this lack of support has made the last few years challenging. I would like to campaign for changes to the system.

‘High-profile actors such as David Tennant have

presented workshops for members of the NYT.’

You are tall for your age. How has this impacted on acting opportunities?

I am 6’1”, which is tall for a 14-year-old girl. I feel that I have missed out on some roles because of my height, as I might not fit into a scene with other girls my age who look much younger. However, I’m delighted that the National Youth Theatre looked beyond that and took me for who I am. I hope my height can become a positive in future, as it puts me in the frame for a wider range of roles. Miranda Hart is somebody I look up to, as she has used her height to her advantage and demonstrated how it can create great comedy.

Extra-Gordon inary

A Day in the Life of a School Dog

Hi, my name is Gordon! I am the school therapy dog at Southwater Junior Academy This month, I want to tell you about how we prioritise wellbeing across our community.

We have 3 amazing Academy Values: Kindness - Resilience - Working Hard. I’m good at demonstrating these, but so are all the pupils and the staff.

Kindness: When children need that extra bit of help, the adults in school are always there. The children are great at supporting each other too. Sometimes, they get a special award and receive a golden ticket to join HT for Hot Choc Friday! Kindness involves showing compassion, empathy and generosity to others. I support them and let them tickle me too!

Resilience: Sometimes, children find themselves going through a tough time. They need the knowledge and skills to bounce back. I can help them by offering a paw on their lap.

Working hard: The children here know how to show dedication, effort and perseverance in pursuing their goals. They embrace challenges and learn from their mistakes without any sense of embarrassment. They deserve a round of a-paws!

Come along to our Summer Fair on Saturday 5 July; 12 – 4pm. Visit our

What’s the process for NYT selection?

You have to be 14 to audition, so I didn’t wait long before trying. We travelled to Poole for an audition day and I took part in theatrical workshops. I also had to perform a monologue, choosing an extract from The Visit, a play by brilliant Welsh writer Sian Owen, which meant using a Welsh accent. It was a gamble, but it paid off. I also had to give an interpretation of a fairytale, alongside other actors auditioning. My group presented a twist on Goldilocks and the Three Bears, casting Goldilocks as an upper-class girl with a dark side and the bears as a working-class family, with a plot that took a sinister turn. I had to wait a few months for the NYT’s reply, and it arrived on my mum’s birthday. It was the best possible present!

How will the NYT help you?

It is a huge step forward in terms of my training and visibility in the industry. It is not like a school or club, so once you are in, you are in. I will be a member until I turn 30. Initially, I’ll attend three hours of workshops and courses a week, but perhaps more important are the opportunities it presents. Recently, NYT members had the chance to meet Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo during filming for Wicked, while high-profile actors such as David Tennant have presented NYT workshops. Just being involved puts you on the radar for casting directors.

Is it hard to get in?

It is much like getting into a high-profile sports team, in that many people try but only a limited number of spaces are available. I’m lucky to have got in first time, as some people have auditioned on multiple occasions. Some of that is down to luck, as it depends on what they are looking for. Rejection is not necessarily a reflection on you; you just have to keep going.

What’s coming up next?

I am auditioning for roles and also helping Southwick Players with upcoming productions. When I’m 16, I won’t need the performance license required for child performers, so I hope new opportunities will arise. At 18, I can apply to join the REP Company at NYT, which involves more intensive training. Right now, I’m just grateful to have the chance to join the NYT and to thank those who have helped and inspired me. Firstly, my family, especially my mum, gran and grandad, but

also the GSA Saturday School, Southwick Players, Gael and Mike at JN Theatre Group and Mark Bradbury at West Sussex Youth Choir, as well as drama friends who have been supportive.

What about the future?

I enjoy writing too and am working on my own sitcom. The hardest part is creating characters that people relate to, like in Gavin and Stacey, where you remember characters more than storylines. I would also like to highlight other people with neurodivergent differences, such as autism and ADHD, to make sure they are better represented in the industry.

WORDS: Ben Morris

PHOTOS: Alan Wright

For more about the National Youth Theatre visit www.nyt.org.uk

Our appropriately named on-site café and bar with its thoughtfully created Breakfast and Seasonal Menus offers a selection of hot and cold options for your indulgence.

Many of our cakes and sweet treats are handmade on site Locally sourced ingredients feature throughout our menus including local craft bakers’ breads and burgers from our very own beef herd.

Not feeling hungry? From the bar we provide a generous choice of soft drinks, draught and bottled beers, premium spirits and a wide selection of wines all to be enjoyed overlooking our beautiful Sumners Lake Find a comfortable spot outside on the upper or lower decking and take in the scenery or cosy up in our Safari Tent and enjoy the war mth and crackle of log-bur ning stoves.

Current Opening times: Monday to Sunday 9am to 4pm Food Service: 9am to 3pm

Tel: 01403 732539

INDIE SPIRIT

LOCAL VETS OPEN NEW INDEPENDENT PRACTICE

Andrews Meadows, a new independent veterinary practice, has opened in Horsham. AAH visited the purpose-built facility on the Graylands Estate to meet founders Dawn Meadows and Dan Andrews, as well as a few furry friends…

STARTING OUT

Dan and Dawn both studied at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in London before embarking on different career paths in animal care. Dan took an RVC post-graduate course in cardiology, gaining qualifications to perform heart surgery and other advanced treatments for dogs and cats. Dawn took further qualifications in orthopaedic operations, specialising in fractures, joint diseases, developmental deformities and non-routine soft tissue operations.

When it came to launching a new veterinary practice, the wide-ranging qualifications and skills they had gained complemented one another perfectly. Dan said: ‘I celebrated a

significant birthday two years ago and felt that if I didn’t start my own practice soon, it would never happen. I had worked at an independent practice for many years and missed the feeling it gave me, so wanted to start a small practice that forged a personal connection with clients once again. Dawn was the ideal business partner, as she’s a hugely experienced and skilled vet in her own right, with surgical expertise that complements my medicinal and cardiology background, giving us a broad base to build from. We met for a coffee and discussed the idea of a business and from there, things progressed quickly.’

HONEST OPINION

Creating the friendly aura of an independent practice was key. Dan has previously worked at Sears Croft Veterinary Surgery in Faygate, now owned by Medivet. After resigning as a partner, he stayed on as an employee,

leaving last summer to establish his own practice. Dawn has worked at a small practice in the Herefordshire town of Ross-on-Wye and spent a year as a dairy cattle specialist in New Zealand. In 2012, after the arrival of her first child, Dawn joined Sears Croft, where she met Dan. Five years later, she left the practice and spent several years working as a peripatetic vet, providing specialist surgery while balancing family commitments.

Dawn said: ‘Being a peripatetic vet meant that I worked with many different practices in Sussex and across the south east. A “first opinion” practice – a general veterinary practice that provides primary care for animals – can’t always perform surgical operations and that was my field of expertise.

I stayed in touch with Dan and sometimes sent him an X-ray if I needed a second opinion. With our new business, we want it to be more of a general practice with additional services, treating cats, dogs and other animals too.

‘Previously, we have worked with exotic specialists who treat chickens, parrots, tortoises and all kinds of animals. While we are not exotic specialists, we have been exposed to many treatments and can speak with a degree of experience. Often, a client just needs an honest opinion on whether something can be treated or not, which we can usually provide. If an animal needs treatment beyond what we offer, we have friends and colleagues to refer them to.’

LITTLE TOUCHES

Turning an idea into fruition wasn’t easy. The practice needed to be big enough to accommodate a reception area and kennels, as well as consultation and treatment rooms with space for x-ray and ultrasound equipment. It also needed plenty of free parking outside, so clients could walk or carry their pets inside with relative ease. After an extensive search, Dan and Dawn found a unit with potential on the Graylands Estate on Langhurstwood Road.

Dan said: ‘The unit was derelict, with external walls unfit for purpose and a lack of proper insulation. There were problems that a simple refurbishment couldn’t resolve, so it needed partially rebuilding. This took longer than anticipated and we were here seven days a week for several months, doing as much of the work as possible ourselves. One positive aspect of this was that we had a blank canvas to work from. We cut paper to different sizes to formulate our concept and the architect was quite complimentary about our plans, only moving the positioning of the corridor.’

‘Some dog breeds with short, flat faces can struggle for air. BOAS surgery helps them to breathe more easily.’

‘It was a steep learning curve, as we didn’t appreciate the parameters involved in a commercial build. We had to learn about things like compliance for disabled toilets – something we hadn’t ever considered! Having invested our own money and taken out loans to make it possible, we tried to keep costs down. So, it was painful when we unearthed drainage issues which meant laying 105-metres of new pipes.

We’re proud to be recognised for our excellence in care, winning more awards than any other provider in the last three years. If you’re considering a care home, call 01403 582462 or visit careuk.com/skylark-house Trusted to care Skylark House care home Horsham

DAN PERFORMS AN ULTRASOUND

Things kept going against us, but the silver lining is we now have a facility built to modern standards which will future-proof the business. We have also been able to implement small touches that make a big difference, based on our experiences at other practices. We recognised that many animals, especially dogs, don’t like stepping on to scales. So, our scales are sunk into the ground to make them level with the floor, so dogs are not even aware of it. We also fitted non-slip floors and clients appreciate these little things.’

LIKE A BOAS

Much of the day-to-day work is comprised of general practice services, including vaccinations for dogs, cats and rabbits, neutering of cats and dogs, and dental disease treatments, with dental radiography available too. When it comes to treating animals, there’s not much the two lead practitioners haven’t seen before. Dan even relates one story where he treated a tarantula with a fractured leg.

Andrews Meadows can also perform cruciate surgery and luxating patella surgery, as well as BOAS, thoracic and cancer surgery. They can also investigate the majority of medicine and cardiology cases, with modern equipment including digital radiography, a human-quality ultrasound machine and endoscopes for examining the digestive and respiratory tracts.

Dawn said: ‘We do a lot of BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome), which helps breeds such as French bulldogs and pugs breath more easily. Because they have short, flat faces, they struggle for air, particularly in hot weather, and BOAS surgery helps them breathe a lot better. As a cardiologist, Dan serves on the heart testing panel for dogs too. This involves conducting a physical examination to listen for abnormal sounds, which can help to identify animals genetically predisposed to heart disease.’

Dale Jannels Director impactsf

Helping children on to the ladder

With house prices remaining high and mortgage affordability rules tighter than ever, many first-time buyers are turning to the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ to help them on to the property ladder. In fact, family support has become one of the biggest sources of first-time buyer deposits in the UK.

The most common ways parents can support children in buying their first home are:

1) Gifting a Deposit. This is one of the most common and effective ways parents support first-time buyers. A gifted deposit is when money is given, not loaned, to help cover the deposit on a property. Most lenders prefer the deposit to come from a close relative. This includes parents, siblings and grandparents, etc. Lenders must verify where the money is coming from and ensure it meets anti-money laundering (AML) checks. Gifts over a certain threshold may also have inheritance tax implications if the donor dies within seven years.

2) Guarantor Mortgage. This allows a parent to back their child’s mortgage using their own income or assets. This can help the child borrow more or access better terms. The guarantor must cover repayments if the buyer falls behind. It’s a legally binding commitment and carries financial risk. Fewer lenders offer this type of product today and legal advice is usually required.

3) Joint Borrower, Sole Proprietor Mortgages. These allow parents to be on the mortgage (helping with affordability) without being on the property’s title deeds - often useful to avoid second-home stamp duty charges. The parents’ income and age are factored in, as are credit issues or liabilities. The property remains solely in the child’s name.

4) Using Family Savings. Offset or Family Assist Mortgages are specialist mortgages allow parents to support their children by linking savings to the mortgage as a form of security or interest offset. Funds may be locked in for several years. Parents retain ownership of their savings, unlike a gifted deposit.

Helping a child buy their first home is a significant decision, emotionally and financially. Whether it’s gifting a deposit or exploring family-based mortgage solutions, it’s important to understand all the implications. Always seek professional advice before committing.

‘He can also issue certification which helps owners and breeders to identify healthy animals from others with defective genes.’

INDEPENDENT SPIRIT

Unlike many modern veterinary practices, particularly those owned by private equity firms, Dan and Dawn make house visits. While the majority of patients are best served at the practice itself, there are occasions when this may not be possible, such as for end-of-life care for a family pet.

Dan said: ‘When it is time to let an animal go, some clients like us to visit their family home. It can be a more comfortable way for a beloved

‘We

those days when most of us knew our GP and vets by their first name.’

pet to depart, in a familiar environment, surrounded by the people they love. It doesn’t make our job any easier though and in my experience, the more you get to know an owner and their pet, the harder it is at the end. Home visits were something many independent practices used to offer, before they were taken over by larger companies. We want to move back towards those traditional services.’

‘There was a time when most of us called their GP by their first name and a vet would treat a pet during its entire life, getting to know the owners too. Despite all of the fancy equipment we have, I think that is what people care about the most. Far more important than any kind of ultrasound machine is that you go through thick and thin together, and develop a close relationship.’

WORDS: Ben Morris PHOTOS: Alan Wright

Further information: Call (01403) 472094 www.andrewsmeadowsvets.co.uk Andrews Meadows Vets

FINAL WORD

COUNSELLING SERVICE CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY

Rachel Gardiner-Hill

Rachel is Lead Director of Horsham and Crawley Counselling Group, a CIC based in the old Railway Mission Chapel in Oakhill Road, Horsham. The group recently celebrated its ten-year milestone as a counselling service with birthday tea.

Faced with unexpected closure in 2015, a small group of the existing counsellors took a leap of faith by embracing the challenge to form a notfor-profit Community Interest Company (CIC), to ensure the service was not lost.

Ten years on, the group now provides openended, low-cost counselling support to adults, children and young people in Horsham, Crawley and the surrounding villages, as well as employee counselling, wellbeing sessions and mental health talks.

It’s a fantastic achievement for us to have reached out 10th anniversary, against all the odds. At the start, we were faced with eviction from our premises, but thanks to an extraordinary philanthropic gesture by someone who believed we could succeed, our building was purchased by them to ensure our survival. This was the start of our amazing journey.

‘We are committed to keeping our fees as low as possible.’

The CIC model allowed the counsellors to take back control of the business and be involved in responsive, collaborative decision making about the service’s future and how we grow and develop. Navigating this journey was a very steep learning curve for everyone, but everyone in the team has brought additional skills and

strengths to the table, alongside their clinical and administrative expertise. We couldn’t have done it without them, or the dedication of the Board Directors, support from our Small Business Consultant and our Clinical Supervisors. We have gone from strength to strength, and having started with a team of seven counsellors, we now number 37. In 2020, we were proud to be a recipient of a WISE Award for outstanding leadership in a social enterprise by women.

The original group strongly believed that the covenant on the Chapel – that the building always be used to support the community –should be honoured. So, they gave hundreds of hours of their time to make that happen. This has continued to this day, with our team giving their time freely to meet with clients every week. The covenant also stipulates that no alcohol is consumed on the premises and the baptismal pool still sits under one of our counselling rooms! The Railway Mission was a temperance mission who looked after workers building the London to Brighton railway line and we value our strong connection to history in Horsham through this building.

Every year, we support adults, children and young people, as well as the employees of our

local councils and businesses, with counselling and mental health talks. We offer help with a wide range of mental health issues, as well as supporting those who just want to change something in their lives. Our local businesses have recognised the value in meeting their corporate social responsibilities by working with a community-based not for profit service cost effectively, while promoting the mental wellbeing of their employees at the same time.

The Community Interest Company model allowed us to really engage with what it takes to run a counselling service as a business and not be funding dependent. We’ve learned such a lot along the way. We remain committed to keeping our counselling fees as low as we can, and currently 80% of our fee income comes from clients who pay our lowest fee rate.

We are now working hard to replenish our hardship funds, which supports clients who are struggling financially as the cost-of-living bites once again. We’ll be reaching out for support from our local philanthropists and communities who have done a fantastic job in supporting us with donations in the past. There are many challenges ahead, but we remain committed to supporting our local communities.

If you, your family or your employees need support, we’re here to help.’

‘If you’d like to know more about us or show your support for our Hardship Fund, visit: www.hccounselling.org.uk or email enquiries@hccounselling.org.uk

RAILWAY MISSION CHAPEL, CIRCA 1865

HORSHAM & CRAWLEY COUNSELLING GROUP VOLUNTEERS