AAH (All About Horsham) Magazine May 2025

AAH MAY 2025

COVER STORY

Our May 2025 cover features Rupert Toovey, Chairman of Toovey’s Antique & Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers in Washington. The obvious thing to do was to place Rupert behind the auctioneer’s rostrum with a gavel in hand. However, we had already taken such a photo with Nick Toovey, who regularly presides over auctions. So, photographer Alan took several pictures of Rupert in different parts of the auction room, but it was tricky to find a suitable backdrop in the bustling showroom, with furniture being moved for collection. We had better luck with this shot in Reception, although a couple of framed pictures on the wall had to magically disappear to make way for the AAH logo!

Local Plan rejected by government inspector and St Mary’s Church hosts flower festival

WILDLIFE

The Knepp Wildland Foundation has helped revive the fortunes of the white stork

Katy Edgington rediscovered a passion for painting after suffering a brain tumour

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.

Other cover contenders included Laura Vaughan-Hirsch of Knepp Wildland Foundation (you can just make out a stork in the tree), Grahame Moss of Southwater Watersports, and Valerie Watkinson at Peter Christian Outfitters in Partridge Green.

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!

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EDITORIAL/ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES

Ben Morris editor@aahorsham.co.uk advertising@aahorsham.co.uk (01903) 892899

2 Viney Close, Ashington, RH20 3PT

JUNE 2025 AAH MAGAZINE

The June 2025 edition will be published online on Sunday 1 June at www.aahorsham.co.uk

Printed copies distributed from Monday 2 June.

FASHION

Peter Christian has opened a traditional gentlemen’s outfitters in Partridge Green

Southwater Watersports offers a range of paddle sports at the Country Park

Horsham Wargaming Club enjoy playing Warhammer and other board games

Toovey’s Auctioneers in Washington celebrates its 40th anniversary

The family of PC Malcolm Palmer pay tribute to Horsham’s Caped Crusader

Sarah Evans highlights how Rites for Girls helps young women through adolescence

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, Crates Local (all 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) Supermarkets: AAH is available at Tesco. Extra in Broadbridge Heath & Sainsbury’s Horsham.

AAH AT KNEPP!

A wonderful AAH stand, made from wooden pallets by Lily’s Cottage Upcycling, is now in place at Knepp Wilding Kitchen & Shop in Dial Post. It is our 43rd pick-up stand in the Horsham District.

EDITOR’S NOTES

HDC TACKLES THE GROWING PROBLEM OF LITTERING

It can’t have escaped anyone’s attention just how much litter there is on the side of the District’s roads.

Perhaps I’ve just become more aware of it as I’ve got older and grumpier, but it seems to me that (a) more people are littering and (b) less people are clearing it up. With regard to the first point, I was northbound on the A24, on a late-night pick-up run to Gatwick, when a car carrying three young men pulled out in front of me at Buck Barn. They had stopped at a fast-food restaurant known for its golden arches logo. Called McDonald’s. Before reaching Southwater, one of the occupants opened a window and tossed out a crumpled brown paper bag. I couldn’t pick him out in a line-up, but I’d have a reasonable chance of identifying the culprit by his throw. It was like a basketball lob, with a graceful flick of the wrist producing an arched litter toss.

A couple of things crossed my mind. Firstly, I was staggered at how quickly teenage boys can devour a box of nuggets and French fries, as they had barely left the drive-through. I also wondered if the litterer would have disposed of his rubbish in this manner had he been alone. I allowed some concession, as I believe that a good number of us go through a stage in our late teens when we are...how should I put this absolute morons. We try smoking and act like we’ve done it before; we get a mate’s older brother to buy a bottle of cider then pretend we like it; we break the speed limit within days of passing our driving test and try to convince our parents that the data from the black box is wrong; and we toss the remnants of late-night

takeaways out of the car window. Basically, we do all the things that we drew warning posters about when we were seven-years-old.

National Highways recently carried out a survey on littering, releasing its findings in March. Highways found that 31% of people aged 18 - 24 admitted to discarding litter on the roadside in the past year. Of those, 22% confess to littering out of habit, while 13% justified their actions by claiming “everyone does it”. Some 20% say that they intentionally discard biodegradable items to feed wildlife, which sounds like the kind of excuse you hear on Police Interceptors. If I can cut some slack for littering teens, I cannot make the same excuses for the 24% of people aged 25 - 34 who admit to littering. They don’t have teenage angst and naivety as a defence for idiocy.

One of the more striking statistics is that 10% of drivers don’t think that those who collect litter from roadsides are taking any risks with their lives. Those 10% presumably didn’t encounter the litter collectors that have been working along the A24 around Broadbridge Heath. While mobile warnings were in place, some motorists ignored these signs and maintained high speeds. One or two around me were possibly exceeding the usual 60mph limit (apparently unaware that the bridge near Highwood is a favourite spot for mobile cameras) as workers cleared the verges of Costa cups, Monster cans and other trash.

For a while, this area has been something of a dumping ground, with rubbish from the nearby retail parks, fast food outlets (this is actually

a timely spot for a steady eating litterbug to dispose of their McDonald’s trash) and garage forecourt purchases creating an eye-sore.

A couple of miles further north, more roadside rubbish has been unattractively exposed by arborists clearing hedgerows for the development of the Mowbray estate. Understandably, it’s not in their remit to clear rubbish as well as green waste, so it gets left behind and can’t have done wonders for house sales. It can’t have done much for Horsham’s otherwise hard-won and largely deserved reputation as a nice place to live either, as the A24 is the gateway to several new estates under development around town.

Horsham District Council has decided to take firm action and in addition to recent roadside clearances, is asking motorists and residents to help it reduce levels of littering, particularly in key problem areas (see News, page 9). However, the problem of clearing rubbish shouldn’t be left solely to local authorities and motorists with dash-cams. Should we not all take more responsibility for the areas we live in and enjoy? Why you might never have littered in your life, would you pick up a discarded can of Coke or an empty packet of crisps? Many of us seem to have an irrational anxiety about germs and bacteria that excuses stepping over litter we didn’t drop.

Hundreds volunteered to join The Great British Spring Clean, organised by Keep Britain Tidy at the end of March. It’s a wonderful scheme, but wouldn’t it be even better if we cared for more than just a week?

Open Morning, Saturday 10th May

At Farlington, we believe in helping every child reach further – in learning, in confidence, in life. As Horsham’s only co-educational independent school and nursery for ages 6 months to 18 years, we inspire bright futures with our unique environment, excellent teaching and strong values. Come and see how we nurture individuality and opportunity whilst building a supportive community

LOCAL NEWS

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

Horsham District Council has criticised the ‘maverick decision’ of a government-appointed Planning Inspector to recommend the refusal and withdrawal of the Local Plan

The Local Plan is the main planning document for the Horsham District and outlines how the Council aims to meet its social, economic and environmental needs for the next 10-15 years, as well as identifying potential sites for new housing developments. It is the view of Planning Inspector Luke Fleming that Horsham District Council should be looking to provide significantly more houses. This contrasts to the views of many local people who argue that the demands for new housing being placed on the

Horsham District are already too high.

One bone of contention is water supply. HDC says that since 2021, the delivery of new housing has been severely restricted by the legal requirement for all new developments to be water neutral, to prevent further damage to the environment and important wildlife sites, such as RSPB Pulborough Brooks (above).

To help deliver water neutral development, Horsham has led on developing the Sussex North Offsetting Water Strategy (SNOWS) scheme, which has already been accepted by the Planning Inspectors for Chichester and Crawley’s Local Plans.

However, Mr Fleming has written to the Council

to say that he does not accept its strategy and considers that more should have been done to find water solutions that would significantly increase the number of homes being delivered in the District.

The Council strongly disagrees with his conclusions and has written a letter of complaint to the Planning Inspectorate.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Martin Boffey, said: ‘This is a maverick decision that helps no one. Bearing in mind the need for the Council to carry out local government reorganisation at the same time, there is no realistic prospect of doing what’s been asked of us.’

horsham.gov.uk/planning/local-plan

Cllr Tony Bevis was elected Chairman of Horsham District Council for the civic year 2025/26 at the Council’s Annual General Meeting on 23 April. Cllr Joanne Knowles was appointed Vice Chairman. The AGM was held at HDC’s new offices in Albery House, Springfield Road, Horsham. The town centre location will see the Council operate from a more carbon efficient building, in line with its corporate aims of becoming carbon neutral by 2030. It is taking a 25-year lease on the building, formerly occupied by Creative Assembly.

The Big Gig 2025 will be held at Horsham Sports Club, Cricket Field Road, Horsham, on Saturday 21 June, 1 – 10pm. This family live music event features some of the finest tribute acts around including The Tour of the Eras (Taylor Swift tribute by Hannah Jenkins, pictured), The Almost Elvis Band, Tribute to Dua Lipa by Courtnay Reddy and Tony as Robbie Williams. There will also be festival activities and stalls, street food, specialist drinks tents and a licensed bar. horshamsportsclub.com/events/ the-big-gig-2025/

Horsham District Council is asking motorists and residents to help it reduce roadside littering. The Council faces an ongoing battle with litter, with a key problem area being the A264 between Southwater and Horsham. Litter on roadsides not only blights the environment, but its clearance comes at a cost to taxpayers while putting waste collection crews at risk. The public can report incidents (with Dash Cam footage if possible) at horsham.gov.uk/waste-recycling-and-bins/ litter-and-street-cleaning/litter

Horsham District Council has been inviting residents, businesses and visitors to share their views on suggested improvements to the Bishopric, Worthing Road and Carfax areas of the town centre. The Council is preparing to make a significant investment to improve the Bishopric (pictured) in the next two years, and hopes to secure grant funding to contribute to changes in the Carfax at a later date. The improvements are aimed at creating a better environment for active travel, encouraging people to walk and cycle more. As well as improving safety for pedestrians, cyclists and those who are mobility impaired, more plants and trees will create an urban green space. The concepts also consider ideas to support street markets and outdoor events. A survey on the improvements was held from 9 - 30 April (apologies readers, but HDC’s announcement was only made on 8 April, so we couldn’t publish in advance).

The King’s Arms in the Bishopric, Horsham, is investing £1,000 towards its Community Garden after being named as a finalist in the Community Hero category at the Great British Pub Awards. The prize money was provided by sponsors Coca-Cola and will be used to fund gardening efforts that bring the community together and restore green spaces. The King’s Arms was also a finalist in the Best Pub for Dogs category in 2023, making it the only pub in Sussex to have reached the finals twice. kingsarmshorsham.com

HC-One’s Oakhill House Care Home in Eady Close, Highlands Road, Horsham held an Open Day on Wednesday 16 April to celebrate the re-opening of Cedar, an 11-bed community for nursing and dementia care services, which had been closed for several years. The community features refreshed bedrooms, a communal area and a supportive environment for residents, who also benefit from a wellbeing programme and use of a minibus for excursions. hc-one.co.uk/carehomes/oakhill-house

Slinfold Golf and Country Club hosts Mind, Body & Soul on Saturday 10 – Friday 23 May. Coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Week, sessions will be delivered by the club’s health, fitness and golf experts, as well as specialist local businesses. They are available for members and non-members of all abilities to join. The fortnight-long event features new experiences including a breath workshop, golf mind factor teaching, an ice bath session and a sound bath. Book at Reception, call (01403) 791154 or email reception@slinfoldclub.co.uk

A Flower Festival will be held at St Mary’s Church, Causeway, Horsham, on Thursday 19 – Sunday 22 June. Flower arrangers from local churches and other organisations will be contributing to a spectacular floral display, with a theme of For the Beauty of the Earth. Free entry. Donations to the Parish Fabric Fund, with 10% going to Horsham Matters. During the festival, St Mary’s Church will be hosting Vintage Afternoon Tea for £20. Book at stmaryshorsham.org.uk

Warnham Open Gardens is held on the weekend of 14 – 15 June. At least 12 gardens and the village allotments will be open over the weekend (not all will be open both days). Programmes £7 (U12s free) and provide entry to all gardens on both days. They will be available from St Margaret’s Church and Warnham Park on the day or in advance from Warnham Village Shop. Proceeds to St Margaret’s Church.

The National Amateur Gardening Show will take place at the South of England Showground, Ardingly on 12 - 13 July. Held in conjunction with Amateur Gardening magazine, the event caters to all levels of gardeners and all garden sizes. Activities include English wine tasting, artisan food stalls and talks by experts including Charlie Dimmock. amateurgardening.com/nationalamateur-gardening-show/

Storrington Flower Club meets at Sullington Parish Hall, RH20 3PP on the fourth Wednesday of every month (except August & December) at 2pm. Talks for the spring and summer seasons include Jennifer Thompson’s Flowers in Rhyme on 28 May, Helen Hare’s Travelling Down Under on 25 June, Lucinda Knapman’s More Fabulous Flowers on 23 July and Ellouise Hasler Stott’s Autumn Leaves on 24 September. Visitors welcome (£8 on the door). Call Chrissy Desmond on (01903) 742102.

A new book, Short Walks Made Easy: South Downs has been curated by Ordnance Survey. Written by Fiona Barltrop, an outdoor writer and photographer, it features 10 leisurely walks featuring the finest viewpoints and historical locations on the Downs, including castle ruins at Bramber and the picturesque hills surrounding Amberley. Walks include simplified mapping, profiles, directions and photography. Priced £8.99. shop.ordnancesurvey.co.uk

ST MARY’S FLOWER FESTIVAL (©AAH/TP)

HAODS will be performing

Terry Pratchett’s Wyrd Sisters with original music at the Barns Green Village Hall on Wednesday 28 –Saturday 31 May, at 7pm (with an added matinee on the Saturday at 2pm). Loosely based on Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Wyrd Sisters is packed full of Pratchett’s trademark chaos, satire and wit. The play has been adapted by his closest writing partner, Stephen Briggs, with Andrew Donovan writing music especially for the production. Tickets £15 (£8 students) from bit.ly/wyrdsis

Petworth House and Park hosts a specially curated selection of J.M.W Turner’s artistic studies on 21 June – 16 November. The rarely seen works in the Turner’s Vision at Petworth exhibition give a fascinating insight into Turner’s methods and celebrate an extraordinary landscape seen through the eyes of Britain’s most renowned artist, to mark the 250th anniversary of his birth. Entry £10 (normal admission to Petworth House also applies). nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/petworth

l His Grace the Duke of Norfolk will speak at the Petworth Area Churches Together Spring Lecture at St. Mary’s Parish Church, Petworth, on Friday 16 May, 7.30pm. The Duke of Arundel Castle is Britain’s most senior Lay Roman Catholic. He is also Earl Marshal of England, organising state ceremonies, including royal coronations, funerals and the state opening of Parliament. Free entry. Wine and canapés. petworthareachurchestogether.com

Barns Green Players present West End Lights and Hollywood Nights at Barns Green Village Hall, Muntham Drive, RH13 0PT, on 9 – 10 and 16 – 17 May, at 8pm (doors 7pm). The evening features music from shows including The Greatest Showman, Six, Hamilton, Les Misérables and Chicago, with the hall equipped with a sound system and lighting rigs. Tables seat eight people and the audience can bring their own food, although drinks must be purchased from the licensed bar. Tickets £15. barnsgreenplayers.co.uk

Lumos Live present a Coldplay and Fleetwood Mac Candlelight Experience at Leonardsleee Lakes and Gardens, Lower Beeding, on Friday 27 June, 7pm (music from 8.30pm). The string trio bring the sound of the two popular bands to life, set against the stunning backdrop of the Grade-I listed gardens. Lumos Live have partnered with spectacular locations and churches across the UK to deliver a magical experience. The will be a bar and a pizza truck from Leonati Catering. Tickets £25. leonardsleegardens.co.uk

Sun 15th June | 12pm - 5pm

TRIPADVISOR & GOOGLE

THE POND AT PETWORTH HOUSE WHICH INSPIRED TURNER (©MICHAEL COLE)

Mobile Curtain & Blind Showroom

l Made to Measure curtains and 7-day express curtain service available.

l Choose and buy curtains in your own home

l Friendly service with no obligation to buy

l Bespoke products at competitive prices

l Design and technical advice

l Vast range of contemporary & traditional fabrics

l Awnings, canopies, poles, tracks & soft furnishings

l All kinds of blinds and shutters

l Professional fitting & installation

Bad Girls Groove perform at The Shelley Arms, Old Guildford Road, Broadbridge Heath, on Sunday 13 July. Bad Girls Groove are a five-piece band fronted by three female singers, performing funk, R&B and blues classics. There will be a BBQ from midday with live music from 4 – 7pm. Held in memory of Julie Bolt, with funds raised going to the local branch of MNDA. badgirlsgroove.com

The Bernardi Music Group presents A Concert for Esteem at Sedgwick Park House, Horsham, on Friday 9 May, 6 - 9.30pm. This enchanting evening of classical music is held in support of Sussex youth charity Esteem. The Stradivarius Piano Trio will be joined by the talented musicians of the String Academy, performing pieces including Debussy’s Piano Trio and Piazzolla’s Four Seasons. The exclusive event also features portraits by artist Svetlana Cameron. Tickets £35 from bernardimusicgroup.com/events/

Christ’s Hospital

Choral Society present A Celebration of Summer at The Court Room, Christ’s Hospital School, on Saturday 7 June, 7.30pm. The concert includes Serenade to Music by Vaughan Williams and A Fancy of Folksongs by Cecilia McDowell. The concert will be in the prestigious setting of the Court Room, under the direction of Jonathan Lee and accompanied on the Steinway piano. Tickets £12.50 in advance (£15 OTD). chchoralsoc.org

The Billingshurst Choral Society presents a joyful celebration of baroque music at its summer concert at St Mary’s Church, Causeway, Horsham, on Saturday 7 May, 7.30pm. Under the direction of Marcio Da Silva, the society will perform Dixit Dominus and Gloria by Vivaldi. Held in support of Midhurst Palliative Care. Tickets £20 (U18s/students £5) from billingshurstchoralsociety.org.uk

Coolham Live Music Club welcomes Neil Groves and Wolf Moon for a gig at Graeme’s Stables on the afternoon of Sunday 8 June. Neil Grove is a young singer/songwriter from East Sussex. Wolf Moon are one of the UK’s leading up-and-coming bands. Guitarist Jimmy Owen and vocalist Kelly Lethbridge are backed by a rhythm section of Erik Stams (drums), Roger Innis (bass) and Emily Francis (keys). Tickets £20. coolhamlivemusicclub

BAD GIRLS GROOVE PERFORM AT THE SHELLEY (©SOPHIE RAY)

No Jacket Required, The Phil Collins tribute, perform at The Hawth, Crawley, on Saturday 31 May, 7.30pm. The locally-based band, currently in their 22nd year of touring, are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the release of the album they take their name from. Due to the planned closure of the Capitol for refurbishment, the band are performing at The Hawth this year, but hope to return to Horsham in 2026. parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/the-hawth/

7:30PM SATURDAY 7TH JUNE 2025 ST. MARY'S CHURCH HORSHAM available from www.billingshurstchoralsociety.org.uk

TICKETS £20 Under 18s/Students £5

SATURDAY’S TEAM OF FREEMASONS AT AMBERLEY MUSEUM

Horsham District

Archaeological Group

meet at Copsale Village Hall every Wednesday evening at 7.30pm. The group has a small but active membership, who participate in the summer with archaeological digs and visitation to historic sites, and hold monthly meetings with invited speakers during the winter. The current programme includes talks on Wealden Glasshouses and Tide mills. Details of future events can be found on the group’s Facebook page. For more details, email treasurer-hdag@outlook.com

The Dog and Bacon Golf Society has presented a cheque for £1500 to Arundawn Dog Rescue in Mannings Heath. The Horsham pub’s golf society raised the money via fines, raffles and golf days. Paul Watts, last year’s captain, made the presentation to Julia Hanna from the charity. arundawndogrescue.co.uk

l Plumbing materials (heating pumps, cylinders, sundries etc)

l Beautiful bathrooms, toilets, kitchens and bedroom units

Freemasons from across North and West Sussex spent a weekend volunteering at Amberley Museum, helping to prepare the site for the summer season. Their work focused on enhancing the nature trail by clearing vegetation, repairing fences and reinstating steps. The initiative saw members of two Sussex Freemasons groups join forces: The West Group (Bognor Regis, Chichester, Pulborough, Worthing, etc) and The North Group (Horsham, Crawley, East Grinstead, Haywards Heath and Lewes). The Sussex Freemasons’ volunteering weekend is just one of many initiatives demonstrating their commitment to charitable and communityfocused projects, ensuring that local heritage sites like Amberley Museum can continue to thrive. Last year, a grant from the Masonic Province of Sussex helped to cover the cost of a new support vehicle at the museum.

wgsm.co.uk

There is an opportunity for local families to host students from France this summer. Horsham has been selected by Lec Paris to host an educational visit from 10 - 23 July. Lec is looking for 25 families who can help students aged 11 – 18 improve their English language and experience British life. Families offering full board and accommodation will receive £377. Students attend English lessons at Trafalgar Road Baptist Church every day with activities and trips planned too. Email local organiser Mary Hope on m4ryhope@gmail.com

GUIDE STEAK to

THE WEY & ARUN CANAL (©AAH/TOBY PHILLIPS)

The Wey & Arun Canal Trust (WACT) hosts its annual Poddle (sponsored walk) on Sunday 1 June. Now in its 51st year, the Poddle is a morning walk of about 6 miles and follows the canal via a scenic section through Sidney Wood, Bonfire Hanger and the restored locks at Gennets Wood, Southland and Devil’s Hole. It starts and ends in Loxwood (at

The WACT also hosts a Small Boat Rally on Sunday 29 June, which sees up to 50 crafts (mostly canoes, kayaks and paddle boards) attending. WACT volunteers act as marshals and assist boaters in and out of the water. The two starting points are at the Swan Bridge in Pulborough and the old Stopham Bridge. For more details of these events

Horsham Park Bowls Club hold an Open Day on Saturday 24 May, 12 – 4pm, offering a chance to try bowls for free.

Anyone interested in learning the game can also attend open sessions in Horsham Park (near the tennis courts) throughout the summer on Mondays (6.30 – 8.30pm), Tuesdays (10am - 12pm) and Saturdays (11am -1pm). horshamparkbowlsclub.co.uk

Walking and wheelchair tennis sessions are held at the Holbrook Club, Horsham, every Thursday, 12 – 1pm.

Walking tennis helps keep your mind and body active while enjoying the social side of the game. Sports wheelchairs available on request. To book a session, call coach Mike Costa on 07944 775262.

The Cancer Research UK Race For Life is held in Horsham Park (meet near the pond) on Sunday 1 June, at 10am. Participants can walk, jog or run a 3k or 5k course to raise funds for vital research. Entry £15.99 (children £11) with

COMEBACK KING

For the past 20 years, Knepp has embarked on a pioneering rewilding project. The 3,500-acre estate, stretching from Dial Post to West Grinstead, is now home to longhorn cattle, Exmoor ponies and Tamworth pigs.

Knepp also plays an important role in reviving the fortunes of endangered species, such as turtle doves and nightingales, and in reintroducing lost species including the beaver. However, it is the success of the white stork that has become emblematic of Knepp’s transformation from agricultural farmland to natural habitat, with visitors flocking to catch a glimpse of the charismatic bird. AAH met Laura Vaughan-Hirsch, manager of the White Stork Project at the Knepp Wildland Foundation, to find out more…

When did the White Stork Project begin?

In 2016, when the first storks arrived in the UK from rehabilitation centres in Poland. The birds had been injured in the wild, usually in collisions with cars, trains or electricity pylons. Some were left with wings missing or

partially missing and couldn’t fly. Since then, the Knepp Wildland Foundation has been working in partnership with Cotswold Wildlife Park and the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation, as well as collaborators such as Wadhurst Park in East Sussex, to restore a wild population for the first time in 600 years.

How successful has the project been?

Only four years after the first adult birds were introduced at Knepp, two pairs of storks raised chicks in the wild. In 2024, we had 53 chicks fledge from 19 nests across the estate, which compared with only 26 in 2023. We have deployed a drone to monitor the nests this year and so far, have counted 25 eggs in seven nests, although we hope that up to 22 nests will produce chicks. Storks can lay up to five eggs in a nest, but typically produce three or four. They seem to become more efficient when it comes to rearing chicks each year, perfecting the incubating process and becoming more alert to the threat posed by predators.

Will numbers continue to grow?

We are not expecting numbers to continue to rise at current levels, year after year. It is likely that the number will plateau soon and this year’s figures are similar to last year’s, in terms of the number of females incubating. We have a team of 40 wonderful volunteers monitoring the nests, looking for females incubating and turning eggs. Soon, they will be looking for regurgitation, a sign that parents are feeding chicks concealed safely below them.

Do the storks stay on the estate?

Storks migrate in their first year, typically at the end of August. They will then stay away for

three or four years, until they are old enough to breed, when they will try to return to the colony they hatched from. A breeding pair will then return year after year and repeat the process. Last year, we tracked nine of the 53 birds that fledged and collected fascinating data from their travels to southern Spain and across the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco.

How long do they live for?

In the wild, 20 years is a good age for a stork. However, in captivity they have been recorded at over 30. As we have about 25 storks that cannot fly, we built a 6-acre predator-proof pen surrounded by an electric fence, away from

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public footpaths. The pen has a large pond and the storks can still forage for invertebrates in winter and grasshoppers in summer, but without the gift of flight, they cannot take advantage of the insect eruptions created by Knepp’s wild pigs. So, we provide them with supplementary food, ensuring they have the protein they need to survive. They eat meat from the estate that cannot be used at the Wilding Kitchen, so they have a great diet! We can’t keep out the flying storks and prevent them from eating the supplementary food too, as they’re smart birds. However, we’ve learned to put food in different spots to ensure that the non-flyers don’t miss out!

admin.horsham@homeinstead.co.uk

our website www.homeinstead.co.uk/horsham

LAURA VAUGHAN-HIRSCH (©AAH/AW)

Have the non-flying storks managed to successfully breed?

The success of our flightless birds is one of the most wonderful aspects of the story. They can’t build incredible nests at the top of oak trees, like other storks, so they build them on the ground instead. Last year, there were five active ground nests and these collectively fledged nine chicks. When the first chicks arrived, we didn’t know if they would fledge at the normal age, or even if they would be able to fly and migrate like the others, but several have been spotted abroad with one particularly aggressive bird, Snappy, tracked in Morocco.

‘Juvenile white storks are vulnerable on the ground and have been predated by foxes at Knepp.’

LAURA VAUGHAN-HIRSCH

Will the secure pen remain?

We hope that the supplementary feeding and fencing will not be needed in years to come. Eventually, the original non-flying birds will have died and a wild colony will have been established here, so the fencing can come down. At the moment, the pen plays an important role in the success of the colony and we have seen the development of an interesting social hierarchy. Within the pen, there is one oak tree with four nests (above), including one at the top which is occupied by what we believe is the most dominant pair. Other nests have been built nearby, in favour of other trees around the estate, as storks like to be close to one another.

Why have storks thrived at Knepp?

It has now been 20 years since the land was used for agriculture, so it contains no pesticides or other contaminants and is therefore rich in insect life. There is an abundance of earthworms, beetles and grasshoppers too, and we see the storks foraging where the Tamworth pigs have churned up the soil, in the same way you see other birds in a plough’s wake. Storks are very opportunistic and will eat snails and butterflies, and if their usual food source is not available will take small mammals and amphibians. They are a good indication of a healthy ecosystem as they form colonies around natural food sources.

Do they have natural predators?

On the ground, they are vulnerable to foxes and we’ve had youngsters predated at Knepp. If they are wobbly flyers or don’t take off fast enough, they are at risk. It’s hard to know for certain, but historically it’s possible that white-tailed eagles were also a threat, although it seems unlikely they would bother when there is an abundance of easier prey. However, we have captured a juvenile white-tailed eagle on our camera traps.

Knepp is increasingly popular with walkers. Can this cause problems? The success of the storks has attracted many to the estate. hat is wonderful is that we have several nests that can be seen from the public walkways. 99.9% of visitors understand that wildlife needs to be respected, so they stick to the footpaths. Occasionally, they wander off and find themselves underneath a nest, which can cause unwanted disturbance. However, volunteers do guide people around the estate.

Why have the storks attracted so much attention?

People can’t help but be impressed by the beautiful coloration and huge wingspan. As a former teacher, I feel it’s important to engage young people in the White Stork Project. Last year, we welcomed 1600 pupils from schools, colleges and universities and it was great to see them taking an interest in wildlife. It also gives them a story of hope. Schools teach about global warming and deforestation, which is important, but it can seem that the world is in a unstoppable spiral towards devastation. We show them that conservation can inspire positive change too.

What are the goals for the project? Our ambition is to have a wild, self-sustaining population. That would be around 50 breeding pairs,

not just at Knepp but also our partner site at Wadhurst Park. Eventually, the storks will spread out and nest in other locations, away from this central colony. There is an abundance of food at Knepp, but once the colony feels that there is not enough to support any more birds, we will see nests elsewhere. It is likely that this will happen in the near future, but where is anyone’s guess.

Storrington would be ideal… It would be fitting, as we have just been accepted as a European Stork Village. The UK is now the 16th country involved in the network and only one village is represented in each country. Storrington has a long association with storks, as its old English name of Storca-tun means stork’s town or homestead of the storks. The bird also features on the village emblem. To celebrate, we have organised the inaugural White Stork and Nature Revival Festival at Chanctonbury Leisure Centre on 5 May. It’s not all about one species, but the white stork has become an emblem for nature recovery and we hope will inspire the next generation to engage in our natural wonders. n

INTERVIEW: Ben Morris

PHOTOS: Alan Wright

www.kneppwildlandfoundation.org kneppwildlandfdn

PARENT

CHILD

LAURA VAUGHAN-HIRSCH (©AAH/AW)

LIFE IN COLOUR

KATY EDGINGTON’S VIBRANT TAKE ON LOCAL LANDMARKS

Katy Edgington began painting after being diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour. Through her website, Dreams in Colour, Katy sells her bold and colourful acrylic paintings inspired by a love of nature and travel. Here, Katy describes her journey from microbiologist to artist…

I come from a creative family, as my aunt produces beautiful watercolours and my mum, Julia, drew pets with pastels. She grew up on a farm and her love of nature was always evident in her work. I inherited this passion, but although I enjoyed art at Millais school, my interest in nature led to a career in biological science. I studied at Collyer’s under a wonderful teacher, Dr Mike Price, who inspired me to read the subject at the University of Exeter.

I was always quite studious at school and college, focusing on grades without going out much. I came out of my shell at university and enjoyed both the social and academic aspects of student life. My dissertation was

on Cryptosporidium, a microscopic parasite that contaminates water. I was fortunate in that South West Water had a vacancy for someone to study this specific parasite, so I got a job shortly after graduating with a first class degree. It was challenging work with long hours, but I enjoyed it and was promoted to a leadership position.

In 2014, my mum was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer and wasn’t going to recover. I travelled home to Horsham whenever I could to spend time with her. Later that year, I suffered two seizures and was hospitalised on both occasions. These episodes were attributed to stress and the advice was to rest. I returned to Exeter but suffered another seizure and was grateful to my flat-mate for calling an ambulance. At the hospital, they carried out exploratory scans and discovered I had a brain tumour.

My mum passed away in April 2015. At the time, I was taking lots of medication and struggled with fatigue. I wasn’t always fully

KATY EDGINGTON WITH A SELECTION OF HER ART (©AAH/ALAN WRIGHT)

aware of what was going on around me. Although I know it wasn’t my fault, I wish I had spent more time with my mum during her final months. Naturally, my work suffered too and I had to give up a good job and move back to Horsham.

A wonderful neurologist, who has helped me throughout my treatment, recommended that I have an operation. By accessing my brain, surgeons could gain a better understanding of the medication I needed and hopefully they could remove part of the tumour too. I underwent an awake craniotomy, when a patient is conscious during the procedure. The surgeons asked me questions and monitored my responses to ensure that the operation was not negatively impacting my movement or speech. I’m sure many people would prefer to be completely sedated, but the biologist in me found it a remarkable experience!

The operation was successful and although they couldn’t remove the tumour completely, it did put an end to most of the seizures. I still needed a siesta most afternoons, but was largely back to my old self. To celebrate, I went on the trip of a lifetime to the Canadian Rockies with my dad, and travelled to Australia to meet friends. The experiences I went through had given me a greater appreciation of life and I wanted to enjoy it to the full. By the end of 2017, I was ready to return to Exeter, but I suffered a significant setback.

Another MRI scan revealed further complications and led to courses of radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment. The water company kindly kept my position open for a year, but I wasn’t able to return to work. Instead, I moved back to Horsham, where my family helped me to recover. I have always had the love and support of my family and friends, who have given me constant encouragement and inspired me to be a positive, enthusiastic person. However, it has been difficult to find part-time work with my physical limitations. So, to give me something to focus on, I rekindled a passion from childhood and started painting.

I know my work is not everybody’s cup of tea, but most people only have nice things to say about it. I’m not a trained artist and have limited experience, but I enjoy it and when someone buys something you have created, it is the most wonderful feeling! Like my mum, I love wildlife and have painted toucans, puffins and even underwater coral. Some are inspired by photos I have taken while travelling, while others depict local landmarks such as the Old Town Hall, the Bandstand and William Pirie’s donkey cart. I find that people are drawn to pictures of places that hold happy memories for them.

I am very expressive with colour. Acrylic paint is quite thin, so I build up layers to create bolder colours and like to fill every inch of a canvas. David Hockney is an inspiration because of his vibrant use of colour, but I also admire John Thompson, who has been a resident artist at Nymans and Wakehurst Place. He has a wonderfully expressive style and captures the natural beauty of plants and flowers.

I like my paintings to be symmetrical and representational in terms of shape and structure. I often base my work on photos and mark them out in

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KATY EDGINGTON (©AAH/ALAN WRIGHT)

Orange Trees in Rome

During a trip to Rome to celebrate my birthday, I was walking around the historic heart and visiting tourist attractions. However, it wasn’t the Colosseum, Pantheon or Roman Forum that really caught my attention, but a lone orange tree in a piazza, surrounded by beautiful architecture. It reminded me of Seville, which is famous for oranges, so I took a photo and didn’t think much more about it. When I was looking through the photos later, something about the composition and the combination of architecture and nature captured me. I was inspired to paint it, changing the colours of the buildings to contrast with the fruit tree. I am very proud of the painting, as it has lots of points of interest and reminds me of a lovely trip!

Interview: Luke English

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pencil before applying acrylics. Afterwards, I add lines using a Sharpie pen, which brings a painting together and adds an element of playfulness. Sometimes, my hands can be shaky because of medication, but I still prefer to apply lines freehand, as straight lines made with a ruler look too technical. I am more expressive when it comes to colour though, presenting different takes on recognisable buildings, such as St Mary’s Church.

I am a member of Horsham Artists, who have been very supportive, giving me great advice on materials and allowing me to display work at group exhibitions. I am also a member of Singergy and Horsham Chamber Choir, as singing helps me to stay calm and forget about my worries.

I have set up a stall at the Carfax market on several occasions. I wish I could do it more often, but markets are hard work and whenever I get home, I’m really tired and need to sleep! Selling original paintings is difficult, as not many people can afford them. So, I use Fine Art Services in Tunbridge Wells to produce giclee prints and also have greetings cards, selling them at the market, through my website, and also at New House Farm and Horsham Museum. Some of my paintings are hanging up at East Mews Dental Surgery and I hope they offer patients a little joy before they have a tooth extracted! n

WORDS: Ben Morris

PHOTOS: Alan Wright

Further information:

Email: ke.dreamsincolour@gmail.com or visit Katy’s website at: dreamsincolour.co.uk

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TRADITIONAL GENTLEMEN’S OUTFITTERS OPENS ITS DOORS

Peter Christian is a leading name in gentlemen’s clothing, offering everything from tweed suits to velvet smoking caps. Most of Peter Christian’s business is done online, with marketing campaigns attracting customers from across the UK. The success of films and TV shows such as The Gentleman and Peaky Blinders has brought international interest too. Now the brand is welcoming more local customers, thanks to a new shop at its base on the Star Estate in Partridge Green.

The shop, which opened early in 2024, replicates a traditional gentlemen’s outfitters. It sells everything that Peter Christian offers online, including wool and tweed trousers, chinos, linen shirts, gilets, waistcoats, Harrington jackets, Harris tweed suits and baker boys’ caps, with the added benefit of expertise from the staff.

The idea came from Max Alderton (below), son of Nicholas and Miranda Alderton, the couple who have owned the business since 2003.

Max said: ‘There was a time when every town had a traditional gentlemen’s outfitters, but they have gradually disappeared and are even becoming scarce in London, although demand for Savile Row tailors remains healthy. We have built our business predominantly online, but we wanted to bring back the concept of a traditional shop. Sussex-based carpenter Joseph Smith built bespoke shelving units and these have given the shop a wonderful feel, like something from a Mr Benn cartoon.

‘British style is very much in vogue and we regularly see our clothes on TV programmes such as The Antiques Roadshow, as several experts wear Peter Christian. American production companies also buy from us, with one ordering 10 tweed jackets in the same colour and size for a dramatic scene in which a character is shot!

‘While the online market remains strong, the shop has been a positive thing for the brand, as it gives us a chance to engage more closely with customers. One gentleman asked why we didn’t offer slim-fit chinos and on that basis, we brought them in and they’re selling very well. So, that personal feedback makes a difference to every aspect of the business.’

PRACTICE

BOXING HARES

Peter Christian makes its own branded clothing, recognisable by its distinctive boxing hares logo. It also offers a small selection of other hand-picked brands, such as Geox, which makes insulated jackets, Dents driving gloves and Loake shoes, including brogues and Oxfords.

The latest spring and summer range includes items made from a lightweight tweed, offering a different feel to the perennially popular range of Harris and Donegal tweed. Meanwhile, the knitwear range has been bolstered by a selection of Marino wool tops, as well as chinos and jeanos in colours ranging from a flamboyant mustard to berry reds.

Shop Manager Valerie Watkinson says that customers appreciate the opportunity to see and feel the fabrics before buying. ‘Online shopping suits some, but often an

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PETER CHRISTIAN SHOP IN PARTRIDGE GREEN (©AAH/AW)

VALERIE WATKINSON AT PETER CHRISTIAN (©AAH/ALAN WRIGHT)

‘WITH

VALERIE WATKINSON

item doesn’t fit or the fabric isn’t what they expected, so they send it back. Men tend to prefer a hands-on experience when shopping for clothes and here, they can spend time browsing through various colours and materials, trying on clothes and making sure

they fit properly. We give recommendations, help with measuring and offering advice. By visiting the shop, customers often find something that hasn’t previously jumped out at them, so they are more likely to try a new look, rather than simply replace older clothes likefor-like. Also, as we have the warehouse next door, it’s highly likely that we have whatever they need in stock!

‘Customers appreciate being able to park for free outside and having plenty of time to shop. Although some make appointments, we welcome walk-ins and have seen customers from Sussex, Surrey and London, as well as further afield. One gentleman travelled from

Holland to buy all his clothes for the next season! It’s nice for us too, as by offering a one-to-one service, you get to know customers and hear about their wonderful lives.’ n

WORDS: Ben Morris

PHOTOS: Alan Wright

Further information:

Visit Peter Christian, 29 Star Estate, Partridge Green, RH13 8RA

Open Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm. To book an appointment, call (01273) 492287. peterchristian.co.uk/peter-christian-shop/ PeterChristianOutfitters

We are a long-established family-run electrical contractor since 1978. Fusilier Electrical work within the Commercial & Residential sectors of the electrical industry throughout Sussex & Surrey. Whatever the project – large or small – we have the skills and experience to meet your requirements.

MAX ALDERTON AT PETER CHRISTIAN (©AAH/AW)

PETER CHRISTIAN FRAGRANCES (©AAH/AW)

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MAKE WAVES

DEVELOPING PADDLE SKILLS AT SOUTHWATER WATERSPORTS

Southwater Watersports is under new ownership, with experienced instructor Grahame Moss now at the helm.

Based at Southwater Country Park on Cripplegate Lane, the business offers opportunities for people to access and enjoy the water. As well as providing kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and leisure rowing boats for hire, Southwater Watersports hosts courses in paddle sports and first aid.

During the Easter holidays, children enjoyed a series of multi-activity days, learning the basics of paddle sports and enjoying games

and challenges on the water. They were also able to develop vital life skills under the guidance of an experienced instructor.

Grahame said: ‘We host multi-activity camps in the summer, with children (aged 8 - 12) able to join us for one, two or three days or even a full week, which gives flexibility to parents. They are a good introduction to paddle sports (stand-up paddleboards or SUPs, kayaks and canoes) and we provide wetsuits, life jackets and footwear too.

We also offer introduction to kayaking or canoeing courses for teenagers.

‘Being out on the water is fun and the more skilled you become, the more you enjoy it. The Country Park is a safe environment and even when it’s busy, you can always find tranquillity on the lake. As well as developing skills on the water, we teach the youngsters about the natural environment around

it, particularly the nesting birds. They learn how to recognise differences between a coot, a grebe and a moorhen. Lots of people who try paddle sports lack any understanding of factors such as wind direction and tidal patterns too, which can have a major impact on their experience and their safety. Coastguards are increasingly having to rescue paddle boarders who have been drifted out to sea by tidal currents. The courses we offer not only teach people how to handle paddle equipment, but how to stay safe.’

LIFETIME PASSION

Grahame, a former Forest School pupil, had his first kayaking experience at the Country Park when he was a Scout. Since

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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 My owner is the Headteacher, but they say I belong to the whole school. I love the children here and I think they like me too!

I started working as a school therapy dog a couple of years ago. Before that, I was trained by some wonderful Canine Partners fosterers, right from being a puppy. I learnt so much about how to be around humans. It’s helped me in my job, working with the fabulous children at the school. I work at school Monday to Thursday every week, unless my owners feel I need a rest break at home.

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I’d like to tell you more about “Extra-Gordoninary Gordon: A Day in the Life of a School Dog”. I will be putting pen (and paws) to paper for the next few months so you can hear all about me in AAH. Next month, I’ll tell you about our Eco Garden...

‘We

can offer everything from taster sessions for beginners, through to corporate training days.’

Grahame Moss

Grahame ran Escape Outdoors from his home in Partridge Green. For 20 years, he has hosted leadership training courses, helping individuals working in a range of industries to gain the qualifications required to lead activities such as mountain bike riding and lowland expeditions. These courses have been especially useful for schools and colleges, allowing them to offer schemes such as the Duke of the Edinburgh Award by training teachers to lead them. He is also a national trainer for Paddle UK, training instructors who provide courses across the UK. Many of those he has taught in the past have gone on to form their own businesses, including Adrian Fall, who runs The Kayak Coach from a beautiful location on the River Adur at Ashurst.

Grahame said: ‘My passion for paddle sports began as a scout and, since then, it has taken me to the Italian Alps and challenging rivers in Latvia and Slovenia. However, Southwater remains a great place to develop fundamental skills. As we are on the Downs Link bridleway too, we

FREE BOWLS IN HORSHAM PARK

can also incorporate some of the elements offered at Escape Outdoors, such as mountain biking, as well as orienteering and team activities like raft building. We have made chances to the storage facility to create space for a classroom too. So, we can offer everything from taster sessions for beginners through to corporate training days and group events, as well as accredited training for instructors. The Horsham District isn’t rich in terms of water sources, but we are close to the coast and have access to the Adur and Arun rivers. So, it’s nice to give people of all ages the skills they need to enjoy water safely.’

WILD SWIMMING

Grahame took over Southwater Watersports in January 2025, with previous directors Adrian Green and Barbra Murphy continuing their involvement in the industry at Tilgate Lake. Currently, Grahame is continuing to offer established courses, as well as hiring out SUPs, canoes and sit-on-top kayaks (for either 30 minutes or one hour) and rowing boats, which are big enough for families to explore the lake. Southwater Watersports can also issue permits for anyone wanting to launch their own craft.

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ABI MOSS HOPES TO INTRODUCE WILD SWIMMING

‘Wild swimming can benefit your physical and mental health.’ Abi Moss

In future, Grahame would like to introduce drop-in paddle-sport coaching sessions on Saturday mornings, while the idea of wild swimming has been mooted. Abigail Moss, who helps during busy periods, said: ‘Currently, the only people allowed to swim in the lake are members of local triathlon clubs with group permits. There is a small paddling beach, but otherwise members of the public cannot swim in the Country Park. However, wild swimming’s popularity is booming, as it benefits both your physical and mental health. So, we would love to offer it in future, perhaps hosting an early morning session on weekends during summer months.

‘We still need to assess conditions in the lake, but it would be great if wild swimmers currently having to travel to reservoirs at Weir Wood or Ardingly had somewhere more local to go. We are keen to promote the benefits of being in or on the water to everyone and it doesn’t seem right that only triathletes can enjoy such a well-loved community facility. We are in discussions with the Council and if we can meet all of the requirements, hopefully organised wild swimming sessions will soon be seen in Southwater.’ n

WORDS: Ben Morris

PHOTOS: Alan Wright

Further information: For details about hiring equipment or courses for adults and children, visit www.southwaterwatersports.co.uk

THIS IS WAR! BOARD GAME ENTHUSIASTS GATHER AT FRIENDLY CLUB

Horsham Wargaming Club meets at the Roffey Club every Sunday evening. Club nights encompass multiple wargames including Warhammer 40,000, as well as role playing games and the occasional board game. AAH attended and met members Rick Frost, Rebecca Sayers, Daniel Wright and Becca Henderson to find out more…

Rick: I co-founded Horsham Wargaming Club with Dan Payne (Chairman) and Neil Kilburn (Treasurer) two years ago. We recognised that there were many board game enthusiasts in Horsham, yet nowhere for them to meet. We wanted to establish a club where people with a shared interest could come together and enjoy creative games, at a venue close enough to town for people to walk or cycle to.

Rebecca: I joined HWC soon after it was founded. My partner and I are both keen gamers and we were asked by Dan (Chairman) to come along and serve on the committee. We are also members of another club, South

Downs Siegebreakers, which meets at The Crown Inn, Cootham, every Tuesday evening. But it’s wonderful to have a gaming club in Horsham too.

Dan W: I moved to Horsham from the Midlands two years ago, as I work at Creative Assembly in town. Previously, I was a member of a gaming club in Coventry, where I made many friends, so I wanted to join a similar club in Horsham and meet new people. Unfortunately, there wasn’t one, so I was very pleased when HWC formed a short time later. I came along to play a few games and now attend regularly, as it has helped me settle into my new life.

Becca: I first joined the club about a year ago. I am a content creator on Instagram and my focus was initially on parenting, until I discovered a passion for board games. I used to attend a couples’ evening where we would play games and one really piqued my interest. It was called Wingspan, where players compete to attract birds to their wildlife reserve. This led me to play a similar game,

Wyrmspan, where you build sanctuaries for dragons. I decided to follow my heart and focus on board games for my Instagram page (@mammameeple). I have since immersed myself in that world and now have over 41,000 followers.

Rick: The board game community is very supportive in terms of promoting new products and helping enthusiasts come together. If you go to Gobsmack Comics in Swan Walk and ask about local board game clubs, they will direct you to us. Gobsmack is an official outlet for Warhammer, a tabletop wargame with medieval fantasy themes. Warhammer is strongly represented at our club, with about half of the tables devoted to various editions of the game.

Dan W: The first edition of Warhammer 40,000 (known as 40k) was launched in 1987 and inspired the fantasy games movement. I discovered Warhammer a few years later and remember when the second edition was released in 1993. At that time, branches of Games

DAN WRIGHT IS A FAN OF CLASSIC WARHAMMER (©AAH/ALAN WRIGHT)

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Workshop were opening across the UK and gaming enthusiasts could meet there, buy Warhammer figures and spend hours painting and playing games. I have fond memories of that time and although Warhammer has now released 10 editions, the second edition remains my favourite, although a lot of this passion is driven by nostalgia!

Rick: The Games Workshop Group is based in Nottingham and Warhammer products are one of the UK’s great export success stories, as it has a global fan-base. Warhammer is a fantasy adventure, much like Lord of the Rings but set in space. Since the first edition, there have been countless Warhammer books developing the background story for various wars and characters and it would be almost impossible for someone new to the game to catch up on so much content. However, you can still enter a Warhammer shop (the nearest is in Crawley) and enjoy a painting workshop, just like many of us did years ago, and discover the game for yourself.

‘Being involved in HWC has opened my eyes as to how many great games are waiting to be discovered.’

BECCA HENDERSON

Dan W: Painting the figures has always been an important part of Warhammer. Each edition comes with books which demonstrate how you can paint different factions, such as Chaos Space Marines and Black Templars. However, you can choose your own colour scheme, which I have done with several of my armies. During lockdown, it was nice to have something to focus on, as painting became a form of escapism. I am still growing my collection too, buying armies from the second edition on eBay. Warhammer also produced a Fantasy version of that edition, with characters such as Chaos Dwarves and Orcs and Goblins, which I sometimes play on club nights too.

Rebecca: There are Warhammer enthusiasts who spend a lot of money on their hobby. However, new players don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy it. Some club members have multiple armies and are happy to lend them to others, as it encourages people to try the game out to see if they like it.

Becca: My husband plays Warhammer 40k and I like painting the figures and build up armies. I don’t have quite the passion for playing it as others do, so I tend to set up other games for small groups to play on club nights. I don’t think people realise just how many great games are out there. In the past couple of years, I have played about 350 and yet

BECCA HENDERSON HOSTS A GAME OF MYCELIA (©AAH/ALAN WRIGHT)

WARHAMMER INVOLVES STRATEGIC PLAY AND BEAUTIFULLY-PAINTED ARMIES

that barely scratches the surface. This evening, we played Cobra Paw, a speed recognition game, and Mycelia, a game developed by a Worthing company called Split Stone Games, in which players build their own mushroom kingdom. Sometimes, scenes can be quite raucous, so we often set up in another room at The Roffey Club, to separate ourselves from the Warhammer tables.

Rebecca: We also have a table for role playing games, such as Dungeons & Dragons, and tonight we’re playing Maze Rats. RPGs are usually led by a games master, with players taking on a character who interacts with other characters in a fantasy world, with the story dependent on dice or cards. They are good fun

as games are very collaborative and players often have to come together through their characters to achieve a common goal. Whereas Warhammer is based on strategy, with armies physically moved around a board with the aim of defeating an opponent, role play games often lead to ridiculous situations that you could never predict!

Becca: Being involved in HWC has really opened my eyes as to how many great games there are waiting to be discovered. If someone tells me their favourite board games are Monopoly and Scrabble, I tell them that I’m about open their eyes to a world that they didn’t know existed! More people have sampled great ‘gateway’ games such as Carcassonne,

Ticket to Ride and Catan, which is helping to drive interest in board gaming.

Rebecca: Gaslands is another game that we sometimes play. It was something we played at SDS and proved popular, as it’s a game of car-on-car destruction set in a postapocalyptic world. Players can use Hot Wheels and other die-cast cars, arming them with missile launchers and all kinds of artillery! It’s fun as it takes players back to their childhood, when they would race cars around their bedroom. While there is a core group of 40k players, people have been introduced to many games they would never have tried otherwise.

Rick: One important aspect to the club is the social side. I’ve had bad experiences at Warhammer tournaments, where there is so much emphasis on competition that you don’t really enjoy it. Here, there is a far more casual and friendly environment.

Dan W: Joining the club has been a great way of meeting people. Playing Warhammer on your own is difficult and not an enormous amount of fun, so it’s nice to share my passion with others. Club nights give me a chance to play against people with a similar mindset, who appreciate the narrative arch of classic Warhammer editions, which are perhaps less competitive than recent versions. This is meant to be fun and I enjoy using my model armies and generating a story around them.

Rebecca: I didn’t know anyone at this club before coming down for the first time. The games bring people together, friendships develop and – in some cases – smaller social groups form and they even organise game nights outside of HWC. Someone could be struggling with their mental health, but here, nobody is judged. We just play and that gives us all at least one thing to look forward to.

Rick: Initially, we met once a fortnight, but club nights have become so popular, with over 200 members on our Facebook page, that we now meet every Sunday night. Everyone here is a friend and we even meet for curry nights and other social events too. We are an Over-18s club, although younger gamers have joined us when accompanied by an adult. It’s nice to see

the next generation enjoying board games and local schools such as Forest have supported this, establishing Warhammer or Dungeons & Dragons clubs.

Becca: I have so many recommendations, but if people are interested in getting into gaming as a hobby, then Wingspan is a fun starting point, while Mycelia is a great game and supports a Sussex-based games publisher. However, my best advice is to come and play! n

WORDS: Ben Morris

PHOTOS: Alan Wright

Further information: Email horshamwargamingclub@outlook.com Horsham Wargaming Group

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RICK FROST PLAYS WARHAMMER (©AAH/AW)

ROLE PLAY GAMES ARE POPULAR (©AAH/AW)

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HAMMERTIME TOOVEY’S AUCTIONEERS CELEBRATE 30TH ANNIVERSARY

HAMMERTIME

It is a week until the next auction; a relative period of calm at Toovey’s, the leading auctioneers of fine art, antiques and collectables in the south east...

Tom Rowsell uses natural light to photograph a jade pendant dating back to the Qing dynasty. He has professional lighting at his disposal, but as a specialist of Asian ceramics, Tom knows the importance that Chinese buyers place on seeing jade items without artificial enhancement. In the jewellery department, Tom’s daughter Lucy catalogues a necklace for a forthcoming auction, while in the furniture section, Tom’s brother William polishes a pair of mid-19th century library globes.

At the opposite end of the warehouse, toys expert Chris Gale inspects a 1:8 scale model of a Ferrari F500 from the Monoposto Collection. It’s a quiet time for art specialist James Gadd,

although valuable paintings by Marcel Dyf await collection. Meanwhile, Mark Stonard sorts lots from a recent auction of medals, militaria and weapons, including a medallion commemorating Pahlavi Rule in Iran, which went under the hammer for £4,200. Upstairs, Nick Toovey sorts through a collection of postcards. As one of a handful of specialist auctioneers in this field, he has a rare skill for identifying lost gems amongst boxes of ephemera. Next door, his brother Rupert, Chairman of Toovey’s, is surrounded by hardbacks waiting to be sold at an auction of Antiquarian and Collectors’ Books. He is seated at a round, wooden table that has special significance to the business and his own journey...

‘I was sat at this table when I first discussed the idea of becoming an auctioneer,’ recalls Rupert. ‘I was passionate about history, art and economics and was offered a place to read history at Sussex University. However, it was a period of great change and many young people were coming out of university and struggling to find work. Unsure of what direction to take, I spoke to my grandfather, a home-grown hero who spent much of his life running around the country in a Morris Traveller, as an exhibition and set designer. He suggested that I become an actor, an auctioneer or a vicar. All these years later, I have also been ordained by the Church of England, so two out of three isn’t bad!’

TAKING THE PLUNGE

Rupert was introduced to auctioneering in the Causeway, Horsham, where Jack Ash presided over auctions. Jack had been a livestock auctioneer in Steyning before the war and adopted a fast-paced style at the rostrum. Rupert said: ‘I was captivated by his performance. I have never forgotten that excitement and sense of theatre. It was intoxicating then and I experience the same thrill at the rostrum 42 years later.’

When Jack retired, Rupert became the saleroom manager at the age of just 19 and the business flourished. When the auction rooms were demolished for the development of Piries Place, Garth Denham moved to a new location in Warnham, where Denham’s continues today. Rupert then spent seven years helping to establish Bellman’s Fine Art Auctioneers in Wisborough Green, before opening an auction house bearing his own name. His timing proved opportune, as changes at Sotheby’s, the most

prominent auctioneer in Sussex at the time, presented new opportunities for others. Sotheby’s closed its regional centres, including Summers Place in Billingshurst, focusing instead on art sales at its Olympia saleroom in London. This meant that Toovey’s was able to secure the services of several renowned experts, either as consultants or as full-time staff. Rupert said: ‘Several members of the team I had put together at Bellman’s also joined me, including Tom Rowsell and Chris Gayle, who have both been fundamental to our success. I first worked with Chris in the Causeway and he has since become not only an extraordinary general valuer, but one of the UK’s leading toy specialists.

‘We established our first auction house on the Star Road Trading Estate in Partridge Green. We launched on Valentine’s night in February 1995. It was blowing a gale outside too, so I had an awful feeling nobody would turn up! However, hundreds of people supported us, as they were thrilled that I had finally taken the plunge!’

ONE TO WATCH!

If Toovey’s gained a foothold with local support, it has since opened up to a worldwide audience. The business was quick to develop a website geared towards internet bidding and soon, Toovey’s had to move to a larger industrial unit in Washington, where it has continued to grow, with particular success with Asian ceramics.

Tom Rowsell joined Rupert’s new venture as the saleroom manager, and as since earned a reputation as a specialist in Asian and Islamic ceramics. ‘Over the past 30 years, I’ve experienced the most incredible learning curve,’ says Tom. ‘Lars Tharp, who was an expert on The Antiques Roadshow and also worked at Sotheby’s, mentored me during those early years. The Chinese market was opening up at that time and as we were already holding specialist art sales and reaching a global audience through our website, we were well placed to expand into Asian ceramics.

‘We have seen many wonderful pieces over the years, from Japanese cloisonné to jade daggers, but the most remarkable discovery came in 2014. I received an email from a Horsham resident with several photos, asking if I thought there was anything of value. Most items were unexceptional, but in the background of one image, I noticed a pea green porcelain vase filled with feathers and fake flowers. Immediately, it piqued my interest. In a clearer photo, I saw the mark and period of Qianlong and

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LUCY ROWSELL

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realised it was special. The owner brought the vase in for a closer inspection, and although it had been repaired in parts, it was authentic and Lars confirmed my assessment. We put it into the auction with a conservative estimate of £20-£30,000, but hoped it would achieve a higher hammer price. Incredibly, we had 10 overseas bidders and it sold for £520,000. Such things don’t happen very often but you never know what the day will bring and that’s part of the excitement.

‘There is a growing market for Tibetan and Buddhist culture too and in April, we held a single collection auction of pieces owned by Alain Presencer, who has written books on Tibetan travel and released a successful album, The Singing Bowls of Tibet When it came to selling his collection, he chose Toovey’s because we have established contacts in the Asian market. This was evident at the auction, with one Nepalese gilt bronze figure of Vasudhara selling for £65,000.’

Tom is also an expert in wrist watches, having recognised a growing trend, particularly among younger buyers. Recent sales have included a 1958 Rolex

‘I saw the mark and period of Qianlong and realised it was special!’ TOM ROWSELL

Submariner that sold for £17,500 and a rare Jaeger-LeCoultre that fetched £50,000. Tom said: ‘We could see the market was only going one way, so worked hard to grow the department. Now, we are one of the top watch sellers in the country, with sales every two months that regularly attract 200 lots. We have earned a reputation for attention to detail, analysing every watch that goes under the hammer, as bidders must have 100% confidence. That trust gives us the edge over online sites.

‘There used to be a perception that websites such as eBay would signal the end for traditional auction houses, but in fact trust has become even more important. Sellers trust us to look after their item, cataloguing it properly and presenting it to a wide market.

On the buying side, we provide full assessments so people know exactly what they’re bidding for.’

Dale Jannels Director impactsf

7x income mortgage launched by lender

You may have seen that one lender has recently launched a 7x income mortgage offering. Normal requirements are that lenders look at all of your income and expenditures and use affordability models before deciding how much to lend to you. This usually will entail multiples of circa 5 to 6x your income.

However, April Mortgages has recently launched this enhanced 7x income product for those that earn over £50k income and have a minimum 15% deposit. The higher income multiples will be open to first-time buyers, homemovers, employed and self-employed borrowers. The other point to note is that this is only available on their 10 and 15-year fixed rate products through brokers. So, seek professional advice.

‘Higher income multiples are available on 10 and 15-year fixed rate products.’

It is never a bad time to consider what lenders’ underwriters look for when considering offering a mortgage. One key element of this is fraud prevention and this is currently a focus for the whole industry. Lenders are always looking to see how they can identify the possibility of a fraudulent application as early in the process as possible. There are major firms working in this sector and they combine with lenders to establish how to spot potential fraudulent enquiries and applications.

Your advising mortgage broker will also need to ensure that any application makes sense and meets the lender’s criteria. In light of the above you will probably notice more stringent identification and proof of residency checking when applying for a mortgage. You should not be concerned about these checks as they are very much in your favour by keeping this type of mortgage issue to a minimum and therefore avoiding additional investigation costs which will normally be passed on.

With the emergence of AI, a number of apps and tools are doing the leg work in the background, but always make sure you know the source of the request before giving up your key identity documents or any other private information requested.

MARK STONARD

SNAPSHOT OF HISTORY

Last year, for the first time, a lot at Toovey’s sold for over £1million. It was not a rare Chinese vase or a golden pocket watch, but a painting, A Gaucho on Horseback, by Uruguayan artist Juan Manuel Blanes. Taking the rostrum on that day was Nick Toovey, a paper collectables specialist who also has a passion for art. Nick said: ‘I love how art can still be parochial, which was certainly the case with the Blanes painting. While he isn’t that well-known in the UK, Blanes is a hugely influential figure in his homeland and an arts museum in Montevideo bears his name. The painting sold for £1,150,000, a record for us and a world-record price for the artist.

‘Selling is something we do every day and there is always a lot to think about on the rostrum, from managing bids on the internet and in the room to trying to keep everyone engaged. There is an element of performance to auctioneering, but the process is the same whether you are selling something for £20 or £1million. The only difference is that you raise the bid in greater increments! I feel like I should’ve been more excited, but I remained calm, even when the bidding surpassed a million.’

As the youngest of five children, Nick took an interest in art and antiques at a young age, joining his older brother Rupert’s fledgling business as a porter in 1995. Having experienced the less glamorous aspects of the job, Nick later developed his art knowledge under the guidance of Tom O’Neill. He is also a book

specialist (the department is now headed by Charlie Howe), although it is his passion for postcards, cigarette cards and other paper collectables that endures. While the market for some collectables has fluctuated, demand for rare postcards remains buoyant, with some fetching remarkable prices. A rare lithographic postcard by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec sold for £750, while a postcard of a foggy football match between Portsmouth and Manchester United fetched £850, as it was taken at United’s old ground in Clayton.

Nick said: ‘The golden age of postcards was the early 20th century, before the outbreak of the First World War. In the days before telephones, postcards were our main form of communication and billions were sent every year. While many postcards survived and are

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MARK STONARD ASSESSING ANTIQUES (©AAH/AW)

WILL ROWSELL AT TOOVEY’S (©AAH/AW)

relatively common, those that are scarce have become valuable. Key events from the era – notably the sinking of the Titanic – attract a global audience and if you ever find one sent by a passenger during the liner’s stops in France or Ireland, then you would be holding something of great value. I’m keen on Sussex postcards too, as they help keep local memories alive. I believe that Steyning alone had five postcard publishers at one point, selling pictures of local events such as suffragette marches or the Worthing pier fire in 1933, and they provide us with a snapshot of history.’

BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE

With a team of specialists in place covering a wide range of fields, Rupert Toovey himself now focuses mostly on single-owner collections. He said: ‘One of the most important things I do is to help people discern what is important, separating what they can release for auction and what they should keep. Nobody at Toovey’s has a sales target, as our only target is to look after people beautifully.

‘The market has moved towards specific collector fields. This was something we anticipated, so we now have a team of extraordinary specialists who are respected

internationally. Joanne Hardy, our ceramics and glass specialist, was a leading light at Sotheby’s, while Tom Rowsell has become one of the UK’s leading wristwatch specialists. Our value is in intellectual property and the specialisms of people like Nick, Will, Mark, Chris, Charlie, Sarah (Harwood, jewellery specialist) and James (Gadd, paintings and drawings) have become more important than ever.

‘‘While we have these specialists, we remain very much a family firm with family values. In 2018, Nick and Tom became significant shareholders in the business. That was important to me, as they share the same values yet also possess an ever-evolving and contemporary vision for the future of Toovey’s. They are also training the next generation of people who are passionate about antiques and history, ensuring that regional centres of specialist antiques expertise will exist for many years to come.’ n

WORDS: Ben Morris

PHOTOS: Alan Wright

Further information:

See the Toovey’s advert on page 11 for more information or visit the website www.tooveys.com tooveysauctions

TOM ROWSELL WITH A TIBETAN BRONZE FIGURE OF SHAKYAMUNI (©AAH/ALAN WRIGHT)

CENTURIONS

JACK CASEY CELEBRATES 100TH BIRTHDAY WITH TWIN

Jack Casey, a resident at Heathfield Care Home in Horsham, celebrated his 100th birthday with his twin brother in April.

John Casey (known as Jack) travelled to Didcot, Oxfordshire, with his son David, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren (including twins Alex and Olivia) to meet his brother William (known as Bill) and Bill’s son, Martin.

The twins were born in Wandsworth, South London, on 5 April 1925, with Jack arriving 10 minutes after Bill. The country was at war when Jack left school at the age of 15 and joined Kingston Hill Motor Works as a young apprentice. He assisted in the war effort by milling engine mounts for Spitfires and Hurricanes.

Jack and Bill have remained close and still love to chat about the old days in Malaya during National Service.

Jack said: ‘I used to love cycling, as there were very few cars on the road because of the petrol rations during the war. Very few people went on holidays at that time, so the best thing to do was to ride a bike, which was wonderful, as you had the freedom of the roads!’

Having gained a certificate as an engineer, Jack was called up for National Service shortly after the end of the war. He served with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), helping to maintain and repair various Army vehicles. He gained extra experience on

JACK CASEY (LEFT) OF HORSHAM CELEBRATES HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY WITH TWIN BROTHER BILL

different types of engines before serving overseas in Singapore and Malaya. At the request of his family, Jack and his brother Bill carried out their service together.

Jack recalls: ‘We sailed from Liverpool on the Queen of Bermuda, a 22,000-tonne liner which was used as a troop ship during the war. It took three weeks to reach Singapore via the Suez Canal. I can still remember the beauty of the Indian Ocean, as it was so calm until one day, when the whole ocean turned silver when we came upon a shoal of flying fish. I was initially stationed at the base in Singapore, before moving to workshops in Malaya, where I was promoted to Lance Corporal. The heat was stifling and it was so humid that it was impossible to sleep in the barracks. Poor Bill was even hospitalised with prickly heat.’

‘I never drank much at the pub, as I preferred to go to dances or visit the coast with my friends.’

Jack Casey

HEALTHY LIVING

After returning home, Jack employed his new-found skills to wire his new home. After taking dancing lessons, he met and married Ivy and they had a son, David. Jack continued to work in garages around southwest London, eventually helping to maintain a fleet of 70 ambulances. When his son joined the Boys’ Brigade, he trained to become a brigade Leader and would serve the organisation for 40 years. Son David has followed in his footsteps and been a Scout Leader for 30 years.

He has remained close to his twin brother and they still love to chat about the old days, particularly their time overseas, even if there remains an element of competitiveness and one-upmanship in their memories. After his wife passed away, Jack continued to live at home alone until the age of 96. Following a hip operation, he moved to Heathfield four years ago, to be close to son David.

Jack puts his longevity down to a healthy lifestyle and keeping active. ‘I never drank much at the pub, as I preferred to go to dances or visit the coast with my friends. I used to cycle a lot too, which helped me to keep fit, and I’ve always known how to cook, my speciality being a great roast dinner with roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings and all the trimmings!’

INTERVIEW: Ben Morris

PHOTOS: The Casey family

BILL AND JACK ON NATIONAL SERVICE IN MALAYA

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CAPED CRUSADER

FAMILY PAYS TRIBUTE TO FORMER PC MALCOLM PALMER

Malcolm Palmer of Horsham passed away in February. He was known to many as the Caped Crusader due to his fondness for wearing a cape during his police patrols in town. Here, son Matthew reflects on his father’s life and career…

We always joked that dad was born in the wrong era. He should have lived in Victorian times, as he was an analogue man in a digital world and a self-confessed technophobe. He was an eccentric, which was evident in his nickname, The Caped Crusader. A cape wasn’t standard issue for officers, but dad liked to wear it for two reasons: It kept him warm and dry on the beat, especially when he was riding his bicycle. Also, it gave him more of a presence. He was 6’ 2” but the cape made him even more imposing and recognisable.

Malcolm was not destined to be a police officer. He studied architecture and had a flair for technical drawing. Several of his drawings have survived, including a beautiful sketch of a cockatiel from Edward Lear’s Birds. However,

with a wife and two young sons to support, he felt a career in the police would give him a steady income. He attended the police training school in Ashford, Kent in 1975 and served his probation in Crawley, where he discovered that new recruits are often given the most gruesome tasks. One of his first jobs was to walk along a rail line, clearing up after a suicide. Certain things stayed with him, but he learned to compartmentalise.

Dad spent three years in Crawley before becoming the community beat officer in Broadbridge Heath in 1982. He sometimes assisted at major incidents too, including the Brighton hotel bombing by the IRA in 1984 and serving during the miners’ strike with colleagues from across the country. He then policed in Horsham town centre from 1984 until his retirement in 2000.

Dad’s method of policing was common sense and deterrent-led. He was a great observer. He would often position himself on the top of buildings and look down East Street and West

PC PALMER LIKED TO WEAR A TRADITIONAL CAPE ON THE BEAT IN HORSHAM TOWN CENTRE

Street, scanning the horizon. Having a visible police presence reassured those shopping or working in the town. If he saw someone up to mischief, he would emerge from the shadows and surprise a culprit, calling their name if he knew them and prevailing on their common sense to behave. He was always somebody that people could talk to, be they friend or foe.

‘It might save money, but you lose a visible deterrent without a Bobby on the beat and create new problems.’

Matthew Palmer

Dad used to say that he treated people how he would want to be treated himself: with dignity, honesty and respect. He would listen, rather than jump straight to a conclusion, as he understood that people are different and you never know what someone might be going through. I believe that on one occasion he was spoken to by his superiors because his method didn’t result in many arrests. He would make an arrest, when necessary, but he preferred policing by discretion.

Growing up as the son of a policeman wasn’t always easy. In 1980 my parents divorced, and dad raised me and my brother Marc more or less single-handedly, with support from au pairs. It was unusual for the father to be granted custody and it must have been hard for him. In 1985, he bought and renovated a cottage

at the bottom of the Causeway, but before that, we lived in a police house in Greenway. In those days, there was a work hard, play hard culture in his profession and dad would enjoy a drink and was a heavy smoker.

He retired in 2000 having served for 25 years on the frontline as a PC, where he was closest to the action. There were several factors behind his decision to retire early. Policing was changing, moving away from a deterrent-led approach, and he felt too much time was spent on paperwork rather than being out on patrol, making a difference. Also, one of his last jobs was assisting in the search for the murdered schoolgirl Sarah Payne, whose body was eventually found in

Pulborough. One can only imagine how horrific that must have been for the officers involved.

During retirement, dad missed being a pillar of the community and lost a sense of purpose. To keep himself busy he worked part-time

conducted house clearances and militaria, as well

PC PALMER DURING A GUN AMNESTY (WEST SUSSEX COUNTY TIMES)

He was also fascinated by the natural world, with a particular interest in entomology. That interest never waned, so he often collected examples of butterflies and insects and kept animals including birds, snakes and lizards. When it came to sorting through his personal effects at his home in Percy Road, we sought the expertise of dad’s good friend, the auctioneer Rupert Toovey. Rupert remarked that dad collected ‘more in hope than expectation’, which was a wonderful way of putting it!

Dad went into town every Tuesday. He would visit all of the charity shops and then do his shopping at Sainsbury’s before catching a taxi home. On 25 February, he was sat on a bench with his shopping, waiting for a ride home, when he collapsed. He was rushed to A&E and spent two days in intensive care, but never recovered. The staff at East Surrey Hospital were brilliant and allowed the family to visit and talk to him before he slipped away peacefully.

On Facebook, there is a Memories of Horsham page. Reading through the comments about dad has been a great source of comfort. Some of the stories are funny, including one chap who recalled accidentally hitting my dad with a snowball while aiming for a friend. When the lads walked out of the pub at closing time later that night, dad was waiting outside with snowballs and got his own back. He had a real sense of mischief, but also knew how to keep the peace. Other comments were very touching. An Indian family in town recalled how dad would always support them after the skinheads had smashed their windows or sprayed racist graffiti.

It was dad’s opinion that we have missed a trick by not having Bobbies on the beat these days. It might save money, but you lose a visible deterrent and create new problems. He was a firm believer that the lack of a visible presence to deter criminality, including anti-social behaviour, would be a retrograde step. Recent announcements by the Home Secretary concerning the return of dedicated neighbourhood policing show that he was right.

Since dad passed, The National Association of Retired Police Officers (NARPO) have been supportive to our family. They provided a police flag to accompany his helmet for dad’s funeral at St Nicolas’ Church, Itchingfield on 10 April. We also found his old cape in the loft, which accompanied a picture of him in the Causeway wearing his cape. It was a fitting send-off for PC Palmer, Horsham’s very own Caped Crusader.

INTERVIEW:

PHOTOS:

OBITUARY: HORSHAM OPTICIAN CHRISTOPHER

Christopher Sloan will be remembered by many for his professionalism and commitment to optics and patient care.

Chris embarked on his career as an Optometrist (then known as an Ophthalmic Optician) in 1968, inspired by his uncle Bob’s optical lens company in Newcastle and his studies at Aston University.

He honed his skills as a contact lens fitter with Kalvins. His beloved Ford Capri became a familiar sight as he travelled the country, fitting the hard and scleral lenses of the era. He was an early adopter in a rapidly evolving field, yet his focus remained on the individuals behind each prescription. His ability to make patients feel at ease was a hallmark of his practice.

After marrying Rosemary and having their first child in Yorkshire, life brought them to Seaford, Sussex, where they raised their four children. He opened a house practice and then went on the establish a busy high street practice in Seaford, now known as Barraclough & Stiles Opticians. Chris’s impact wasn’t solely rooted in his

considerable technical expertise. It was the calm attentiveness and conviction he brought to his work. He understood the profound ripple effect of clear vision and how it could unlock learning, enhance work, deepen connections and ease navigation through life.

He spent the final 20 years of his career at Thomas Hart Opticians in Horsham, a practice later renamed Louise Sloan Opticians. Two of his children, Louise and Alice continue his legacy. In his spare time, his passions included running on the downs, golf and fast cars. He was a devoted grandfather who joined in enthusiastically at family events.

Chris understood the profound ripple effect of clear vision and how it could ease navigations through life.

Following a diagnosis of terminal cancer in September 2023, Chris passed away peacefully surrounded by family on 1 April 2025. He left no grand pronouncements, just the enduring impact of a life dedicated to helping thousands see the world with greater clarity, confidence and fullness. n

Judith Dandy Independent Funeral Director

Dandelion Farewells warmly invites you to contact us if you have any questions about the funeral you need to arrange.

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FINAL WORD

RITES FOR GIRLS OFFERS SUPPORT TO TEENAGERS

Sarah Evans

Girls Journeying Together facilitator Sarah Evans shares how Rites for Girls

CIC guide girls safely through adolescence and celebrate becoming a woman.

Rites for Girls CIC is an organisation that offers mentoring for girls throughout their adolescence. It was founded by director Kim McCabe, author of ‘From Daughter to WomanParenting Girls Safely Through Their Teens.’

Kim created Girls Journeying Together groups as a response to her decades of counselling distressed teenagers and guiding young adults and parents. After thirty years of working with young people, Kim found a way to give girls the robust support they need to see them through their teens.

Girls in Years 6 & 7 are supported by joining a Girls Journeying Together group. Fun monthly meetings empower them to be confident and strong. They form lasting friendships and help each other safely into their teens. Small groups are guided by a mentor to take charge of their emotional, social, and physical well-being. They learn about puberty, transition to secondary school, friendship challenges, social media influences and a whole range of personal skills that sustain them.

LOCAL SUPPORT

‘The groups offer a safe place where girls can relax.’

My former experience working in the classroom as a primary school teacher and now latterly as a Learning Support Assistant (LSA) and Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) at a secondary school has made me keenly aware of the challenges that girls aged 10 - 12 can face, and how vulnerable they can be without a support network that they can rely on.

In my girls’ groups, I offer a safe and supported place where girls can relax and be themselves without fear of criticism and judgement. Where they can ask all the questions that they really want to know the answers to, and yet may not dare ask!

This is what the girls say:

‘It’s brilliant, we talk about things, really talk, so you realise that others feel the same way.’

‘I’ve made friends for life.’

‘I was nervous about growing up but now I’m not.’

‘We’ve had loads of fun and learned stuff for growing up but it hasn’t felt like learning.”

“It got me thinking about who I want to be — what I want to do with my life.’

BURSARY SCHEME

I run Girls Journeying Together groups in my home in Partridge Green where I live with my husband, our two daughters and our two crazy, yet loveable, cocker spaniels. Being a mum of two girls, I feel like we are literally girls journeying together, making merry mistakes along the way and learning from them as best we can. My time as a facilitator has increased my capacity to meet them where they are on this important journey and to discover the path ahead together.

Girls Journeying Together encourages positive and helpful information and feedback, where an open-minded and curious outlook is cultured, and the girls begin to learn about and believe in the wonderful uniqueness of being themselves and no one else. The group offers girls an opportunity to be supported at a time when they might feel a bit lost, insecure about the changes to their body and their relationships with others. Many say they make friends for life!

Know a girl who would benefit from a girls’ group that celebrates growing up? Girls in Year 6 or 7 can join our face to face group, Girls Journeying Together. For all girls aged 8 - 18, we offer a supportive and gentle six week online wellbeing course called Girls’ Net. And thanks to National Lottery funding, awarded in recognition of raising the mental wellbeing of girls, Rites for Girls CIC can now offer a bursary scheme, with fully funded places for eligible families on our Girls Journeying Together programme.

Both programmes offer the girls a free taster session, so that the girls can decide for themselves whether they would like to join the groups.

For more information on how to apply or register interest, visit: www.ritesforgirls.com/ or email sarahevans@ritesforgirls.com

Rites for Girls run fun monthly meetings