AAH APRIL 2018

APRIL 2018

5

Abseiling Tuition for Gardening Volunteers?

The Story of the Tiger in the Billiards Room The evidence suggests that Horsham struggles to efficiently maintain its modest smattering of aesthetic features.

Even ones that are quite important. For example, the water features at The Forum or around The Olive Tree pub in the Bishopric.

Not all that long ago, Horsham District Council was desperate to make the Bishopric look “attractive and vibrant” in anticipation of the arrival of John Lewis at Home. It held an ‘Enhancing Bishopric’ exhibition, where it mooted a spectrum of possibilities, from bold statement sculptures to spouting fountains.

A few years down the line, not only has the Shelley Fountain been dismantled (in its place are 16 birch trees so indistinct that I’ve walked by them three times this week and don’t recall seeing them!) but even the rocky water features of the Bishopric are being neglected.

So, I was a touch bemused when the council gave the green light to a new Piries Place car park with a ‘living wall.’ This would involve plants adding colour to the outside of the main stairwell.

While debating this application for the much-needed car park, councillors expressed concerns about maintenance of any planted area and some felt it could become an eyesore.

Which, of course, it’s bound to.

The concept was probably conjured with the best of intentions by people who watched David Attenborough’s monologue at the culmination of Planet Earth II and became wrapped up in a vision of towns and cities across the world embracing the natural world.

So, rather than mocking this modern approach, I’ve been thinking of ways that the council could feasibly make this ‘living wall’ a success.

Perhaps HDC could offer more financial support to local groups like the Green Gym or In Bloom,

shopping centre.

I fear more poor maintenance will only add to the dwindling perception of Horsham town, where the small things lacking make a big impact in the minds of visitors.

Planet Earth II chose to highlight Singapore as an example of a city embracing nature. It was portrayed as a green utopia, focusing on the magnificent Garden by the Bay, which has helped attract wildlife back to the city.

But Horsham is not Singapore.

Singapore has a heavy debt to the natural world. It is a country where its last tiger was shot dead whilst seeking refuge in the billiards room of an upmarket hotel. A country which has decimated its jungle to the extent that the last time anyone saw a Malayan tapir, it was trapped by the boundary fence of Changi airport.

APRIL 2018 Ben Morris: Words & Design Toby Phillips: Photography Thanks

Jeremy Knight of Horsham Museum for text and images for the History feature on castles (p48) Patrick Wynne-Jones for historical information on Horsham Unitarian Church (p62) Lindsey Pearson for pictures of her watercolour paintings (p41) Emily Summers for the column on RSPB Pulborough Brooks (p66) Iriness Yoga & Wellbeing for helping us with our ‘Silly Shot’ (Above)

which carry out important yet often unheralded work in the community. In return, they could look after the living wall.

But surely there would be additional cost implications?

Firstly, the volunteers would require abseiling training, whilst harnesses and ropes don’t come cheap. They’ll need hammers too, so they can whack those clips into the side of the car park, like Stallone does in Cliffhanger.

And what of the risk assessment?

What if, whilst pruning the living wall, a volunteer suffering from vertigo accidentally drops a pair

of garden shears on an unfortunate pedestrian?

Also, it might be tricky to recruit volunteers. It could be the case that 70-year-old Mildred is content tending to the geraniums in the Human Nature Garden and simply doesn’t want to hang off the side of a concrete car park!

The ‘living wall’ is a nice idea, but bearing in mind the town’s recent record for maintaining public art, it’s baffling that there’s any confidence in the concept.

We can’t even keep water running over the webbed feet of sculptured aquatic birds in the

Horsham doesn’t need artificial natural elements as a token gesture to a worldwide environmental drive, as we still have genuine wonders. The South Downs Way and St Leonard’s Forest - which as regular readers of this column will know, The Guardian recently said was “like a portal to another world.”

You know, with its trees, leaves, squirrels and all the other things you find in places that aren’t cities. Streams, birds. All the natural stuff.

Thistles…

We also have places close to town, including Chesworth Farm, Warnham Nature Reserve and of course, a stone’s throw from this proposed living wall, Horsham Park.

I’d love to see us invest properly in their continued upkeep – the park and its pond certainly hasn’t been given the love and attention it deserves – than commit to well-intentioned but doomed illusions.

Ben

6

To contact the Editor please email Ben: editor@aahorsham.co.uk

CONTENTS 8

News Round-Up Dark Star brewery bought

by Fuller’s and HAODS go Into the Woods

23

Sport Swimming great Mark Foster officially opens new pool at Windlesham

29

Community Carrie Cort discusses Green Living, Blue Planet and the scourge of plastic

35

One to Watch

COVER STORY: APRIL 2018 Our April 2018 cover features Harry Baker of Pulborough, who represents Horsham Blue Star Harriers in the high jump.

The photo was taken in The Tube, an indoor athletics facility at Broadbridge Heath Sports Centre. In the background is a mural painted on the walls to inspire athletes.

Whilst Harry is modest about his targets, his progress through the national ranks marks him out as a potential future Olympian.

So, we hope we’ll look back in years to come and reflect that the Olympic rings

Why Blue Star Harriers high jumper Harry Baker could be an Olympian

AAH: THE TEAM

41

EDITOR: BEN MORRIS editor@aahorsham.co.uk 01403 878026 / 01903 892899 LETTERS: The Editor, AAH Magazine, 2 Viney Close, Ashington, RH20 3PT

Art

Storrington artist Lindsey Pearson is fascinated by Venetian landscapes

48

History

Jeremy Knight looks at the lost castles and ruins of the Horsham District

55

Business A moment of peace and contemplation at Iriness Yoga and Wellbeing

60

Letters North Horsham housing debate and a defence of Colonel Sanders

62

Church

We meet Unitarians at one of the most historic buildings in Horsham

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Britaniacrest Recycling has submitted a new planning application for an incinerator at the former Wealden Brickworks site off Langhurstwood Road, Horsham.

The company hopes to build a 24-hour recycling, recovery and renewable energy facility, capable of processing up to 230,000 tonnes of commercial and industrial waste per year. Items which cannot be recycled would be incinerated and used to power the building, with excess electricity exported to the National Grid. Last year, Britaniacrest withdrew an application for a similar facility

The Horsham Society's Horsham Heritage Guided Walks have re-started. The first walk was scheduled for 4 April, and more will be held every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon until 30 September. The walks are free and start at 2:30pm, outside Horsham Museum in Causeway.

The enthusiastic volunteers spend about 90 minutes guiding visitors around the town, discussing interesting features and telling stories about its history. For group visits, the guides will arrange a conducted tour for a small charge. These can be booked in advance on (01403) 211661 or (01403) 261905.

shortly before it was due to be discussed by West Sussex County Council, after considering the views of local objectors.

The company hopes the new proposal, with a curved roof design, will help quell some concerns about the height of the facility.

However, the campaign group No Incinerator 4 Horsham has vowed to renew its efforts to fight against the plan. The community action group has met a national NGO, UK Win, which is committed to stop the incineration of waste.

As part of Horsham’s Easter celebrations, town centre businesses will host a Bunny Hunt during the school holidays, from Good Friday 30 March until Sunday 15 April.

Accompanied pre-teenage children can visit a range of shops and draw ‘Find the Carrot’ cards to discover whether they have won a small treat and then find which Bunny is hiding in that shop. The children enter the bunny’s name on a form and there’s a chance to win cash prizes.

Entry forms can be downloaded from the ‘Rotary Club of Horsham’ Facebook Page.

Horsham artists Joanna Wenczka and Benjamin Smith

NEWS ROUND-UP

8: News

The Horsham Artist Open Studios (HAOS) Art Trail will be held over two weekends on 9 - 10 and 16 - 17 June. The event sees over 40 of the best artists and makers in the district presenting their work at their homes, studios or gardens.

Tour the countryside from Ashington to Warnham, as well as venues across Horsham town, enjoying the work of painters, jeweller makers, ceramic artists, sculptors and wood turners. It is also a chance to talk to

artists, gain an insight into their working practice and discuss techniques used. Venue maps will be available from The Capitol and Horsham Museum. horshamartistsopenstudios.co.uk

Round-Up: 9

Order your for

the

Horsham English Festival will be held in the town centre on 12 – 13 May. On the Saturday, the local Broadwood Morris side host the popular Day of Dance, with about 20 Morris sides present in town.

Most sides perform traditional Morris styles (Cotswold, North West and Border) as well as Step Clog. During the weekend, there will also be performances by local folk acts and choirs, including Horsham Folk Club Band and

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Singers, The Rocking Bankers, Horsham Community Choir, Okee Dokee, South Downs Folk Singers, Rockchoir and local street dance school Rhythm & Sole.

On Saturday, Morris Minor cars will be parked in the town, whilst visitors can also enjoy the Carfax market. On Sunday, there will be a display of Aston Martins in Carfax, as well as a performance by Loxwood Joust in Market Square.

O re rde ce r ive NO dis W co to un t

Fastlove – A Tribute to George Michael will be performed at The Capitol, Horsham, on Saturday 16 June, from 8pm. The show is packed with anthems, from Wham! classics to the chart-topping success of Faith, plus the singer’s hits of the nineties and noughties.

Enjoy classics including Careless Whisper, Freedom, Outside and more. Tickets ÂŁ24.50 from (01403) 750220 or www.thecapitolhorsham.com

Storrington Village Duck Race is held on Sunday 13 May. Participants gather at the Riverside Walk and library car park before the first race at 12:30pm. There will be six heats, with the top 10 ducks from each progressing to the final.

The day offers funfair rides, face-painting, craft stalls, music, cakes and a BBQ. The event raises money for The Friends of Storrington First School (FOSS).

The St Nicolas Church fundraising committee will host a second-hand spring sale at Barns Green Village Hall on Saturday 14 April, 10am – 12pm. Stallholders will be bric-abrac, books, children's toys, practical items for the home and other unusual items. Nearby and entry are free. For enquiries, contact Pip on (01403) 738477 or briarlodge.ian1@gmail.com

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10: News

To submit News & Events for consideration, please email Ben at editor@aahorsham.co.uk

News Round-Up

Photo courtesy of HAODS

Horsham Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (HAODS) presents Into the Woods at The Capitol from Tuesday 17 – Saturday 21 April, every evening at 7:30pm (Saturday 7pm) with a Saturday matinee at 2pm.

Once upon a time, in a faraway kingdom, there lived a host of fairytale characters in

Barry Cryer & Colin Sell

a land where stories collide. Meet Cinderella, Jack, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and not one but two Handsome Princes, and find out what happens after Happily Ever After, as HAODS bring Sondheim’s musical to Horsham. Tickets cost from £17.50 from (01403) 750220 or www.thecapitolhorsham.com There’s an impressive line-up for the Steyning Festival, held from 26 May- 9 June. Among the headline acts are Barry Cryer and Colin Sell, legendary jazz bassist Herbie Flowers, Peep Show’s Robert Webb and Soul II Soul’s Jazzie B. Other well-known names include Baroness Floella Benjamin, Sir Malcolm Rifkind, children’s author Julia Donaldson and TV writer Simon Nye. The 16-day festival, with a theme of Revolution, combines music, drama, dance, art, poetry, literature, talks, walks and events. There’s something for all ages, from a sing-along Bugsy Malone to a wine and beer festival. For literary buffs, there’s a wealth of writing talent, including Salley Vickers, Sarah Dunant and Sarah Gristwood. Tickets can be booked from 20 April at www.steyningfestival.co.uk

Billingshurst Bowling Club’s 2018 season begins on Saturday 21 April, at 2pm.

Current members will be on hand to meet anyone interested in giving flat green lawn bowls a try. All equipment is supplied free to those trying out, although flat soled shoes or trainers are ideal.

There will be competitions, a raffle and free refreshments. Further meet and greet sessions are held on Tuesday and Friday evenings throughout May from 6 - 7.30pm.

For information email Barry at captain@billingshurstbowlingclub.co.uk or visit www.billingshurstbowlingclub.co.uk

Crawley Model Railway Society, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, hosts its 28th annual model railway exhibition at Tanbridge House School, Farthings Hill, Horsham, on 14 - 15 April, from 10am – 5pm (4pm on Sunday).

There will be 19 layouts, including a display by one of the top modellers in the UK. There is also a layout for youngsters to drive, whilst trade stands offer everything from tools to paints. Free parking with access for all. Entry £6, (children £4) www.crawleymrs.org.uk

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12: News

For more local events visit the Events section at aahorsham.co.uk

News Round-Up

Nicholas Owen tests out the Signal Box (Photo: Amberley Museum)

Amberley Museum & Heritage Centre is the new home of an historic Billingshurst Signal Box. An official opening event was held on 25 March, attended by the voluntary team who worked on its restoration, as well as around 70 enthusiasts, with journalist Nicholas Owen officiating the ceremony. The rare Saxby and Farmer type 1b signal box, which dates back prior to 1876, once stood at Billingshurst level crossing. When Network Rail widened the crossing

and modernised the system, it saved the box and offered it to the museum.

The lever frame, signalling leavers, block instruments and track diagram were also saved and form part of the new exhibit. The museum also opened a new engine shed, part of their standard line collection.

This year, the tourist attraction is celebrating its 40th season with over 50 events, from activity days to classic vehicle shows. www.amberleymuseum.co.uk

Cyclist Katie Simmonds aims to ride 969 miles in just nine days this September.

She will be riding from Land’s End to John O' Groats to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy Campaign. Katie’s 22-year-old brother Jack has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a life-limiting condition where muscles in the body slowly deteriorate.

Katie said: “Jack was diagnosed at the age of five, when our parents realised he wasn't developing properly. His condition has slowly worsened. Even a cold can quickly turn into a chest infection and pneumonia.

He is the funniest person I know and I hope I can raise money to help find a cure for this hereditary condition.” www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ katie-simmondsmd

(Photo: Charles Burrell/Shipley Arts Festival)

The Shipley Arts Festival, one of the most inclusive and diverse music festivals in the UK, has announced an exciting and varied 2018 programme, featuring internationally renowned musicians.

At an event hosted by Bernardi Music Group and Revd Rupert Toovey at South Lodge Hotel, Lower Beeding, on Friday 20 April, enjoy a four-course dinner interspersed with music, including John Ireland’s Toccata from the Concertino Pastorale, and Elgar’s Serenade for Strings.

Tickets: £120.

Expect an eclectic mix of Baroque, contemporary and romantic music performed by the tutors and young musicians of the festival’s String Academy at St John’s Church, Coolhurst, on Friday 27 April. Tickets: £15.

Then, the Stradivarius Piano Trio perform work by Haydn, Schubert, Grieg, Schubert/Liszt and Debussy at Warnham Park on Sunday 29 April. Tickets: £36.

For details about all events visit www.shipleyartsfestival.co.uk

Round-Up: 13 The Cancer Research 5km Race for Life will be held in Horsham Park on Sunday 3 June, starting at 11am.

The Race for Life sees thousands of women uniting with one purpose: To come together, to raise money, to bear cancer.

You can run, jog or walk your way around the course. Competitors jogging typically complete the 5km course in about 30 minute, whilst walkers take about an hour.

Entry is £14.99, children £10 and Under 6 entry (girls and boys) is free. To register, follow the ‘Support Us’ link from www.cancerresearchuk.org

The St Mary’s 5k Trail Run and family fun day will be held on Monday 7 May. The Trail Run, starting at 11am, is an off-road event around the paths of scenic Chesworth Farm, and is suitable for children aged 13 or over. The race starts and finishes at the Barrack field, next to Horsham Cricket Club.

Prior to this, there will be a children’s ‘Colour Run’ and obstacle course. Entry to the children’s race is £5 in advance (2 - 11 year olds) and the 5k Trail Run costs £10 in advance (£15 on the day).

All proceeds in aid of St Mary’s Pre-School in Horsham. www.facebook.com/stmarys5ktrailrun

TOOVEY’S

17th century British School oil on canvas, auctioned in March for £5,500

Jason Donovan & His Amazing Midlife Crisis comes to The Capitol, Horsham, on Thursday 24 May. This autobiographical show will take Jason’s looming 50th birthday as its starting point and zig-zag back and forth through the life of the popular music and TV personality. Hear new stories, plus some you’ll know and love, for a night like no other. Tickets cost £26.50 from (01403) 750220 or www.thecapitolhorsham.com

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News Round-Up

14: News

Dark Star brewery of Partridge Green has been taken over by Fuller’s, the makers of London Pride. The brewery, famed by its award-winning ales including Hophead, Sunburst and Crème Brûlée, will continue to brew at the Star Estate and its four pubs, including The Anchor Tap in East Street, Horsham, will remain open.

Fuller’s has bought a 100% stake in Dark Star and intends to offer some of its ales at about 60 Fuller’s pubs.

Dark Star Managing Director James Cuthbertson said: "The partnership with Fuller’s, another independent brewery with fantastic heritage and great beer at its very core, will allow us to take the brewery to the next level.” www.darkstarbrewing.co.uk

Ashington Gardening Club usually hosts its Open Garden events in July. However, several members feel their gardens are at their most beautiful in spring, so this year’s event is held on 21 -22 April.

There will be 10 spring gardens displaying magnificent trees, shrubs and flowers, as well as a plant sale and tombola, with tea and cakes available at some.

Gardens will be open from 2 - 5.30pm with programmes available from Triangles, Mill Lane, RH20 3BX (at the junction with Fairfield Road) for £5. The event raises funds for Chestnut Tree Hospice and the Tuberous Sclerosis Association. For details email diann.clarke@outlook.com or call (01903) 893156.

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News Round-Up

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The Petworth Park Antique & Fine Arts Fair will be held on 11 – 13 May. Hosted by Antiques Dealers Fair Limited, the event sees nearly 50 exhibitors offering the finest and most diverse selection of quality treasures, including traditional and country furniture, lighting, glass, jewellery, Tunbridge ware, clocks, silver, ceramics and vintage watches. The fair combines contemporary and antique art, from sculptures to oil paintings.

Tickets cost £10. http://petworthparkfair.com

Tim Treloar (Jack Firebrace) and Tom Kay (Stephen Wraysford) in Birdsong (Photo: Jack Ladenburg)

Rachel Wagstaff’s acclaimed adaptation of Sebastian Faulks’ best-selling novel Birdsong comes to The Capitol, Horsham from Monday 23 until Saturday 28 April.

The cast is headed by Tom Kay and Madeleine Knight as Stephen Wraysford and Isabelle Azaire.

Also in the cast are Olivia Bernstone, Alice Brittain, Alfie Browne-Sykes, Martin Carroll, Riley Carter-Millington (Kyle Slater in EastEnders) James Findlay, Liz Garland, Jeffrey Harmer and Simon Lloyd.

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Round-Up: 17 Foster Care Fortnight will be held on 14 – 27 May. Cornerway Fostering Services is hosting a coffee and cake morning at Cornerways Office, Smallmead House, Horley, RH6 9LW on Tuesday 15 May, from 10am. If you are interested in fostering a child, teenager, an unaccompanied asylum seeker or even a parent and their baby, it’s a chance to meet the fostering team.

Cornerways provide preparation, plus training, 24-hour support and a weekly fee. www.cornerwayfosteringservices.org

Countryman Gun Club is once more under threat and faces closure if new grounds cannot be found.

The 100-member club met within the Knepp estate until that arrangement ended two years ago. Having been fortunate to continue at another location, the club is now having to move on once again and is appealing to land owners who may be able to provide a location.

Formed in 1970, the club meets once a fortnight from Easter through to October with one final Christmas shoot. It hosts two open shoots each year, six skeet and 12 sporting mornings, plus one ‘have-a-go’ shoot. They have also run the clay shooting at the West Grinstead Ploughing Match and have raised £13,090 for organisations and hospice charities.

If you can help, contact James Nugent at info@thecountrymangunclub.co.uk

Because of funding changes at Horsham District Council, Horsham & Mid Sussex Voluntary Action (HAMSVA) is no longer promoting volunteering in the district.

The service will now be run by the council.

Cllr Karen Burgess, Deputy Cabinet Member for Community and Wellbeing, said: “Our message to existing HAMSVA members is that they should expect a seamless transition. We are conscious that if we are not at least as good as HAMSVA, our biggest critics will be those very organisations that we want to help. To that end, we have established a Voluntary Sector Scrutiny Group to hold us to account and test us.”

AAH will continue to publish local voluntary opportunities (free of charge) if HDC makes such a request.

Horsham Museum & Art Gallery is hosting an exhibition of paintings by Harry Price, running until 25 May. Harry’s watercolours explore reflections on water, with an emphasis on light effects and surface translucency. His accolades have included the prestigious Winsor & Newton/Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour award for most outstanding group of paintings. www.horshammuseum.org

18: News

AAH Magazine has produced a 52-page guide to events taking place around the Horsham District in 2018. It includes details of the English Festival, Big Nibble, AmeriCARna and Midnight Walk in Horsham, as well as village events including Wisborough Green Hot Air Balloon Festival, Shipley Arts Festival, Steyning Festival and the Pink Gift Fair.

The guide also has information on local places to visit. You can pick up a guide at Horsham Museum or Crates (Carfax) or read online at www.aahorsham.co.uk (Photo: Louise Adams)

If you’d like to know more about hiring the services of Toby Phillips visit www.tobyphillipsphotography.co.uk

Bill Lucas, who was Britain’s oldest Olympian, has passed away, aged 101.

Bill, who lived in Cowfold and was featured in AAH’s My Life So Far in 2012, was a leading middle distance runner in the 1940s and competed at the 1948 London Olympics.

As an RAF pilot, he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross during World War II. He flew 81 missions as a bomber pilot and was mentioned in Despatches for his instructional duties in Scotland. He also became a Freeman of the City of London.

His running career was interrupted by the war, and the Games were not held when Bill was at his peak of his powers. He had trained only lightly for the 1948 Games and did not qualify for the final, having been drawn in the same heat as Zatopek, the legendary Czech runner who would win 10,000m gold in London plus 5000m, 10,000m and marathon golds in 1952.

Bill’s leadership skills would later be used in athletics administration, as he became President of many associations and clubs, including Belgrave Harriers.

News Round-Up

Art by Ann Cook

The Floral Fringe Fair 2018 will be held at Knepp Castle, Shipley, on the weekend of 2 – 3 June, from 10.30am 5pm.

The fair has a wildlife theme with a vintage twist, and specialises in quality independent stalls from across the South East, including specialist nurseries and wildlife information stalls. Sample the numerous street food stalls at the fair, with many picnic spots by the beautiful lake, or eat in the fabulous pop-up tearoom.

Entry is £7.50 (£2 for under 14s/under 4s free) with discounts for those arriving in classic or vintage pre-1975 vehicles.

There will be music from local acts, dancing and singing. Dressing in style is encouraged! www.floralfringefair.co.uk

The Lodge Hill Outdoor Activities Centre near Pulborough has been granted permission to extend its facilities. The centre, which offers inclusive activity programmes for children and young people of all ages and abilities, will be able to extend its dining and residential facilities. It will also refurbish the kitchens, provide a new disability suite and build activity assembly platforms. Lodge Hill needs to raise £770,000 to turn the project into a reality.

Anyone interested in supporting the project can email Lisa May at ceo@lodgehill.org.uk

Emily Ball at Seawhite is proud to present an exhibition of paintings by Ann Cook and Ann O’Daly, two artists connected to the studio. Ann Cook’s work is inspired by her practicing Qi Gong and is characterised by sweeping brushstrokes with dashes of colour, which conjure sensations of movement and dancing. Ann O’Daly’s paintings focus on isolation and the discomfort of having a body. The exhibition, called A Forward Step Back, will be held in the Atrium Gallery, Seawhite Studios, Star Road, Partridge Green, until 17 August. www.emilyballatseawhite.co.uk

Louise Sloan Opticians: Looking After Your Eyes Local independent Horsham optician Louise Sloan says helping people to have the best vision possible is the most rewarding part of her job.

Emergency service for minor eye conditions

Ever since taking over the Piries Place practice in 2015, Louise has been keen to bring in the latest eye health technology to ensure her patients get the best possible eye care.

Last year, Louise was accredited as a local MECS registered optometrist. This means you can be seen at short notice if you feel you have an emergency eye condition.

Louise can also take GP or pharmacy referrals at short notice for emergency minor eye conditions, helping you avoid unnecessary referrals to hospital services.

So you know you are in safe hands!

Now Louise is pleased to be the first Horsham optician to offer OCT - Optical Coherence Tomography screening. It’s a major breakthrough in the early diagnosis of serious eye health conditions.

OCT scans provide an amazingly detailed 3D image of the back of the eye and the optic nerve. This allows Louise to literally look beneath the surface of the retina, revealing the very fine changes which indicate abnormality.

With her past experience as a clinician in hospital eye departments, Louise is especially aware of the need to invest in the latest technology designed to protect the eye health of her patients. OCT screening can reveal developing eye conditions as much as nine years earlier than

“OCT scans provide an amazingly detailed 3D image of the back of the eye and the optic nerve.” with previous equipment. The scanner captures both a photograph and a crosssectional scan of the eye at the same time.

Regular testing means potential early detection of glaucoma, cataracts and age related macular degeneration - often before the onset of actual symptoms. Louise can then make appropriate recommendations or refer you to a specialist. In many cases this can help slow down or prevent loss of vision altogether.

Testimonials Louise Sloan Opticians gives each patient a truly bespoke, individual service. The practice offers a superb range of frames for glasses and sunglasses, plus contact lenses. Sometimes people find it difficult to decide on the right frames. At Louise Sloan Opticians, the qualified dispensing opticians have extensive frame styling experience and are on hand to help select the right glasses and give advice on the best lens for your prescription.

‘Fantastic service. After a bad experience with a high street opticians, Louise Sloan Opticians have given my eyes an excellent check and the glasses I have now are well fitting and are just perfect. You do your job well with excellent staff. Thank you!’

LG, Southwater ‘I’d been having problems with dry eyes for some time. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate Louise’s advice and support for helping with an eye care routine that has made a big difference.’

MP, Littlehampton

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A DV E RT I S I N G F E AT U R E

Are you running the risk of outliving your savings?

In a world of low interest rates, ever-changing legislation and increasing life expectancy, Matthew Wykes offers some useful guidance on retirement planning.

I

n April 2016, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) published statistics for the first full year since the Freedom and Choice pension reforms were introduced.

And while the figures showed that the majority of savers are taking a sensible approach, there were signs that a minority may be withdrawing too much from their pension fund. Moreover, that minority is doing so at rates that would see their money run out in a decade or less, if they are reliant on it as their main source of income.

The reality is, those taking 10% or more regularly from their pension pot are likely to run out of money. And if they’re relying solely on the state pension to see them through their later years, they will have to accept that their standard of living is going to drop significantly.

The State Pension provides a limited income (currently £159.55 for a single person, per week, based on a full NI record), which falls drastically short of what is really needed to fund a comfortable lifestyle. So how do we avoid poverty in retirement?

First, decide how large a fund you will need. One method is to multiply your target retirement income by 25. For example, if you think you’ll need £25,000 a year, aim for a fund of £625,000.

Next, select the most appropriate investment vehicles to achieve your goal. Property, investment bonds and ISAs have all proved popular over recent years but don’t offer the same degree of tax breaks as a pension.

If your retirement is imminent you will obviously want to maximise your income from the money available.

Retirees opting for drawdown pensions should seek professional help to calculate how much money they can withdraw each year without running out. While selecting a balanced and well-diversified investment portfolio is critical, knowing how much money to take from a drawdown policy is arguably of greater importance.

For further information or to request your complimentary guide to retirement planning, please contact MatthewWykes

Matthew Wykes is based locally and is inviting All About Horsham readers to discover the simple yet highly effective steps you can take to protect your wealth and stay in control - helping the right amount of it pass to the right people at the right time.

Call 01403 710422 for more information or your complimentary guide to retirement planning.

of St. James’s Place Wealth Management.

Matthew can be contacted by phone on 01403 710422 or by email on matthew.wykes@sjpp.co.uk.

The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and may fall as well as rise. You may get back less than the amount invested. An investment in equities does not provide the security of capital associated with a deposit account with a bank or building society.

The levels and bases of taxation and reliefs from taxation can change at any time and are generally dependent on individual circumstances.

MATTHEW WYKES Associate Partner Tel: 01403 710422 Mob: 07974 062561 Email: matthew.wykes@sjpp.co.uk Web: www.matthewwykes.co.uk

The Partner represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The title ‘Partner’ is the marketing term used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.

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Sport: 23

MARK OF A CHAMPION

Swimming Great Opens New Pool at Windlesham School Mark Foster, of the country’s most decorated swimmers, officially opened the new swimming pool complex at Windlesham School, Washington, on 22 March.

Before giving an inspiring speech before pupils, staff, parents and guests, the multiple World, Commonwealth and European medallist led a swimming masterclass at the new facility.

The 25 metre pool comes hot-on-theheels of an artificial sports pitch, which has transformed boys’ and girls’ hockey at the school.

The independent boarding and day school has impressive swimming heritage, with Olympic gold medallist Duncan Goodhew among its former alumni.

Mark Foster recalled that he was a great inspiration to his own career: “Duncan came along to my swimming club when I was young. He asked us how many strokes we thought it would take him to swim from one end of the pool to the other. We all guessed ten or fifteen strokes, but he did it in three strokes!

“I remember thinking, I want to go to the Olympics and win gold too. But I wanted to keep my hair!”

“He became a good friend of mine and when I later told Duncan that he was my inspiration, he cried, as it’s important to influence the next generation.”

“I remember thinking, I want to go to the Olympics and win a gold medal too. But I want to keep my hair!”

24: Sport

Read our feature on Horsham Swimming School on the Sports section at aahorsham.co.uk

Windlesham pupils, sporting House colours, performed a musical medley and (right) Headmaster Richard Foster hopes the new facilities will inspire the next generation

Musical Medley Windlesham pupils performed an entertaining and colourful musical medley before Headmaster Richard Foster took the stage.

Before a packed hall, he declared the new sports complex as a “dream come true” for everyone involved at the school. He thanked the governors and the generosity of those that contributed to the ambitious facility.

So far, £2.3 million has been raised, although the school has a target of £3m to meet by the end of the year.

Richard added: “Windlesham has always seen itself as a pioneering school. It was the first prep school to have an indoor swimming pool 80 years ago, and the first prep school to become co-educational 50 years ago.

“To be recognised as one of the leading educational establishments of its time is not about the range and quality of its facilities; it will always be the case that it is the people that make a good school a great school.

“However, it is vital that a school of this nature and stature in the independent sector does not stand still. This sports centre speaks volumes for our desire and determination to be the best school of this kind.”

No Mean Feat In front of a large audience, including three-time Olympic medal winning Event rider and former pupil Tina Cook, the Chairman of Governors, Adam Perry, thanked Mark Foster for giving pupils a swimming masterclass.

Adam recalled his own “masterclass in humiliation” when, during a holiday in Australia, he found himself taking on a swimmer who could swim four lengths to his one. It was only later that he discovered he’d taken on Ian ‘The Thorpedo’ Thorpe.

Windlesham School: 25 “I spent 23 years of my life trying to master something in 21.13 seconds, my record in the 50m freestyle.”

He added: “Deciding to replace a swimming pool that was built decades ago - modern an innovative at its time, but now way past its sell by date - would seem like an easy decision. But it was one we debated for a long time, as building something of this size in the middle of the South Downs National Park is no mean feat.”

Steady Progress Mark Foster, who was the flag bearer for Great Britain at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics, gave a passionate speech to motivate the pupils.

He spoke of his early life, and told how he wanted to learn how to swim because his father had been thrown into a lake at school when he was only ten and had nearly

drowned.

At his local pool in Southend-onSea, he was taught by Ann Hardcastle, mother of future Olympian Sarah. There, Mark set his sights on being the best.

But he reminded his young audience that it takes time to reach the top.

“I remember the first club evening I attended. I turned up on a Monday night and saw the top swimming group. I wanted to be where they were, as they were bigger and stronger. I started out with the very basics, but I kept improving, moving up through the lanes as I progressed.

“I only swam once week, so I would listen to my swimming teacher and do what she told me to the best of my ability. Slowly but surely, I made small steps and by the age of 11, I was in the senior team.

Care for the next generation

Mark Foster’s visit created great excitement at Windlesham School

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Community: 29

GREEN CRUSADER Environmental Campaigner Carrie Cort on Our Global Challenge The efforts of Carrie Cort, founder of Sussex Green Living and co-founder of the Horsham Repair Café, were recognised at the Energy Efficiency South East Awards 2018.

Already, her family has been named as Britain’s greenest, resulting in an interview with The Telegraph.

Here, Carrie talks about effect of Blue Planet, the fight against plastic and highlights how we can all contribute to a cleaner world...

How did you become Britain’s greenest family?

We received this accolade at the P E A (People, Environment, Achievement) Awards. We could of course live greener lives, by sleeping in hammocks in the woods. But the panel liked the fact that we’re a normal family, living in a normal house, yet we demonstrate small ways to make

a difference and try to inspire others too. My son, Adam, is promotes green living at his school, while my mum, Jean Francis, is a OneSpirit inter-faith minister, promoting environmentally friendly ceremonies for weddings and funerals. Some families bury their head in the sand when it comes to environment as they think they’re too busy, whereas we try to make a difference.

In what way can you make a difference?

I trained as a West Sussex County Council waste prevention adviser, on a voluntary basis. Following that, I founded Sussex Green Living, which was launched on Earth Day in 2012. After Al Gore’s documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, he set up a climate change leadership programme and I trained under him. Initially, my

focus was on children. I organised waste prevention and recycling talks. As well as working with schools, I spoke to Scouts and Guides groups, as well as other youth groups.

How do you make the subject interesting for children?

In all honesty, children are not the problem! They’re fully aware of what is happening to the planet.

But for a bit of fun, Adam did have the idea of building a robot.

Carrie (right) was named Energy Efficiency Champion at the South East Awards

30: Community

If you’d be interested in being interviewed for our My Story So Far feature, email editor@aahorsham.co.uk

“Blue Planet has created a movement against plastic, as it highlighted the pollution in our oceans.”

Are we committed to recycling?

In February, West Sussex County Council issued a press release headlined ‘Recycling Our Way to Success.’

But in truth, our statistics are not impressive. Our county’s recycling rate rose from 41.6% in 2014/15 to 42.3% in 2015/16.

But that’s below the national average and some way behind the nation’s best recyclists.

South Oxfordshire achieved a devilishly impressive 66.6%, with seven other councils

hitting above 60%.

Despite its apparent affluence, Horsham District currently only recycles 43% of its waste. HDC is trying to hit the 50% target set by the Government by 2020. The move to fortnightly collections for general waste may boost the figure. If the council fails to meet its target, it could face fines, which may potentially one day lead to penalties for homeowners who do not recycle properly.

Together, we made Bottletop Bob, which was a big box that children could climb in. Bob illustrates the various kinds of bottle tops you can collect.

Now, we also have Ronnie the Recycled Robot and Landfill Larry. They all illustrate the household items that can be recycled. At Funday Sunday in Horsham, we held a competition to encourage children to make ‘eco beasts’ and we’ve also sold items made from recycled or upcycled materials. I’ve made carrier bags from toothpaste tubes and pencil cases from crisp packets. Such items ask the question: Is this trash or treasure?

Are we largely ignorant of the environmental issues we face?

A huge percentage of the population has forgotten that everything around us comes from our planet. It's not magically being made and it hasn't come from outer space; it's come from the materials Earth gives us. Too many people buy things and let the council worry about disposal, and only relate to recycling when there’s a financial impact, as was the case with plastic bags.

Are plastics becoming the key focus of ‘green’ campaigners?

Britain has a problem in that, in the past, a significant amount of our ‘hard plastic’ waste was exported to China. They used it make cheap products which are

shipped all over the world. In one sense, it was good that China was using recycled plastic rather than petroleum. However, the impact of transporting this plastic to China, then having China send its items straight back to Europe, is huge. Now, the government in China has banned importation of our plastic waste and we have the problem of what to do with it.

What are your thoughts on incinerators?

We have a Mechanical Biological Treatment Plant, operated by Biffa West Sussex Ltd at the landfill site in Warnham. The treatment plant aims to reduce the volume of waste going to landfill. An incinerator would ensure that anything that can’t be recycled is used to generate electricity. My heart says they’re not a good thing, as we should be doing all we can to recycle.

However, it doesn’t make sense to keep shipping plastics all over the world.

Could we live without plastic?

There is going to be a need for plastic to a degree, because of the number of people occupying Earth and the sheer number of uses it serves. We need food with a long shelf life to prevent a huge amount of food waste. However, whilst it’s difficult to totally rid the world of plastic, we need a transition towards plastics that use less petroleum.

‘Britain’s greenest family’ at their home in Coneyhurst

Carrie Cort: 31 Adam Cort, 10 “I loved watching Blue Planet, as it made me think about how I could help.

In the episode about pollution, they said that the amount of plastic in the sea would outweight the fish it contains by 2050.

I’ve made things at home and at my school, William Penn in Coolham, to give people ideas for greener lives.

People can switch to electric cars, stop leaving the tap on

while brushing their teeth, and only boil the water they need when making tea or coffee.

I was given a WWF Climate Challenge Award for a poster I made, describing ways to make the world a greener place. I went to Westminster soon after and met Horsham MP Jeremy Quin. He was okay, although I would do more for the environment if I was in government.”

Did Blue Planet make a difference?

Yes - and Hallelujah for David Attenborough and the BBC. Blue Planet created a significant movement against plastic, as it highlighted pollution in our oceans. I give assemblies at schools and, since January, we've been talking about climate change. Even mentioning Blue Planet gets their attention. We need to promote the message that we all need to live greener lives, otherwise our children have a pretty diabolical future. The great thing about children is that they get it and encourage parents to make changes at home. Children understand that what we are doing is illogical. With programmes like Sussex Green Living, we inspire green champions of the future and ensure the next generation has a better outlook.

What can we do to help?

We’re one of many people to have switched to an electric or hybrid car, powered by solar panels installed at home. However, small steps can make a difference too. You can switch back to milk bottles. We worked out that we were buying 80 four-litre cartons of milk each year. You’re also paying for them to be recycled by the council. Multiply that by the number of people in the country, and the impact is massive. The alternative is to have six glass bottles of milk delivered each week, which are then collected, washed and sterilized, ready for use again. I'm glad that the milkman is making a comeback!

Should we all install solar panels?

That’s not possible for every property and it can be an expensive initial outlay.

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32: Community “If we all lived like Americans, we would need five planets’ worth of resources.” than one of the main providers, you’re investing in green companies. They can be competitive with rates, and switching is so easy to do.

Jean Francis Jean Francis is a OneSpirit Interfaith minister/celebrant.

This enables her to respect people of all faiths and none, holding the view that there are many paths to one truth.

Jean organises wedding blesses, funerals and baby naming services.

“As a OneSpirit Interfaith minister, I have an open approach to spirituality that embraces the truth of all faiths

or none. Together, we can create ceremonies around what is important to you, whether your ideas are traditional, alternative or a fusion of both.

A green burial is the most natural way of re-cycling a body. Human remains return to the Earth, soon to become part of the cycle of nature.” circleoflifecelebrations.co.uk

Is there any local assistance?

You’ll find information and tips on the Sussex Green Living site.

We also have Horsham Repair Café, which I co-founded with Jill Shuker, a great friend of mine.

We offer a free monthly repair service for broken or worn out items. We’re partnered with Horsham Quakers, which for years has operated a bottle refill service. We’ve just held the fifth repair café and have covered everything from clothing to electronic repairs. The idea is to promote all the ‘R’ words: recycle, reuse, remake and repair.

Are we good at recycling as a county?

We don't have brilliant statistics and I don't really know why.

Some of the surrounding counties are doing better than West Sussex. Certainly, in Surrey they have different coloured bins for various recyclable items. It’s initially complicated, but it might be that separating more plastics leads to less landfill. All I can do is continue to remind people that it's all from our planet.

There are 7.5 billion people on Earth and if we all lived like Americans, we would need five planets’ worth of resources for the amount we take every year. If we all lived like Europeans, we would need three planets’ worth.

But, of course, we only have one planet. Sadly, those in developing

Carrie Cort: 33

Carrie with Pedro, the Sussex Green Living mascot and (right) bottle recycling

countries are most affected by climate change, yet are less guilty of causing it.

What other issues do we face regarding the environment?

My current campaign is on the fashion industry, which is a major polluter. Clothes are made very cheaply in countries like Bangladesh, India and China, then travel thousands of miles to reach us. We then quickly throw these garments out, usually at a textiles recycling point. But most of it ends up in Africa, so the carbon footprint of these cheap T-shirts is ludicrous. It takes 2,700 litres of water to grow enough cotton to make a T-shirt, which is enough water for one person for two years. Yet, most are made in countries which suffer from water shortages! We have this ‘fast fashion’ mentality where people don't think about its origins.

Isn’t it expensive to live a greener lifestyle?

The more people who get

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One to Watch: 35

Best Bar None?

Harry Baker Aiming to Leap to High Jump Glory So, who’s this then?

This is Harry Baker from Pulborough, who competes for Horsham athletics club Blue Star Harriers.

What does he do at Blue Star?

Harry is an up-and-coming high jumper.

He recently cleared a height of 2.06m, a new personal best.

You think I’m an expert? Is that good or not?

It’s some way behind the world record of Javier Sotomayor of Cuba, who jumped 2.45m in 1993, a height yet to be beaten.

The British have a good history in this event, and our national record is 2.37m, held jointly by Steve Smith and Robbie Grabarz. Robbie is leading the British rankings for the current season too, at 2.30m. Harry is currently 21st nationally and fifth at Under-20 level.

What’s so amazing about that?

The reason 18-year-old Harry is such a prospect is his incredible rate of progress.

He remains something of a raw talent, having only taken up the high jump 18 months ago.

Okay, so how did he discover he had a talent for the discipline?

It was during the 2016 summer sports day at St Paul’s Catholic College in Burgess Hill. Harry recalls: “I was down to compete in one of the track events, but the person who was doing the high jump dropped out. I volunteered, just hoping to earn a few house points! I didn’t know what to do, but someone said, ‘just run and jump!’ So I did. It transpired I was good at it and the teacher asked me to stop at 1.70m as the juniors needed to start their competition.”

He enjoyed it then!

Yes, although that’s probably because he

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36: One to Watch

Read our feature on Flitecrew Cheerleading Squad on the ‘Sport’ section at aahorsham.co.uk

“The Tube isn’t modern, but it does the job. It’s a great shame we’re going to lose it.” didn’t have time to end the competition. He said: “The high jump is good fun, but the downside is you always end up with a fail. Even if you score a personal best, it ends with a red flag,! You have to get used to that mindset.”

So, was there a scout from UK Athletics watching Harry on sports day?

No, but Harry looked around for a high jump coach and came across Sarah Hewitt. Sarah invited him along to a Blue Star club night, and the rest is history. Harry was soon winning club and regional competitions for his age group and in February, Harry set a new championship best performance to win the Under-20 Men’s High Jump title at the Sussex Indoor Championship. Recently, he’s been supported by the brilliant local

charity Set4Success, which has provided him with free gym membership at local leisure centres and financial backing.

Where does he train?

Harry is currently coached at The Tube, the indoor athletics facility at Broadbridge Heath Leisure Centre, which is hugely popular with Blue Star Harriers and athletes from other clubs, especially during the winter.

Isn’t that being knocked down?

Yes. Sadly, there will be no replacement facility within the new sports centre being built right next door. It seems Horsham District Council failed to grasp The Tube’s importance. Harry said: “The Tube is not modern, but it does the job. I can jump there, lift weights and do my workouts.

Soon we’re going to lose it, which

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Harry Baker: 37

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Broadbridge Heath is a good place for field athletes to train, thanks to The Tube.

Sadly, the facility will soon be torn down.

E FRTE -UP SE

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Qu Bes ick t Se Lon Turn ller g L Aro ast u ing nd is a great shame as it’s been very important for my progress. You have to travel a long way to find anything else like it.�

Shame. Anyway, has Harry competed nationally?

Having won several regional titles, Harry was selected to represent England at the 2018 Welsh International, but it was cancelled due to bad weather. He also competed in the England Athletics Open Indoor Championships at Sheffield in February, finishing in fourth. He is hoping to impress enough over the coming months to be selected for the 2018 World Under-20 Championships in Finland this summer, but there’s a lot of competition. Harry said: “We do help each other and look forward to meeting up at various competitions. Of course, we all want to beat each other, but at the same time, you want your rivals to improve as it helps drive you to greater heights too.�

Isn’t the high jump all down to an individual’s height?

Being tall helps, but Harry believes his key attribute owes much to his

experience as a basketball player.

Like his sister, Alexandra, who has been selected for the England U16 team, Harry loves basketball. He played for Horsham Hawks and later Division One team Worthing Thunder. Harry said: “I’ve been dunking since I was little, even with the Hawks, as I’ve always been able to jump high.�

Is technique that important?

Yes, and this is the area where there’s the most room for improvement. Harry said: “I still don't have the best technique. I'm very good at getting up, but it’s the arch part that I need to improve. My back is quite straight and I’m still looking behind my head when I'm leaping. That’s costing me a lot of height. That will change, as I’m still relatively new to the sport and I’m only training once or twice a week at Broadbridge Heath. I’m not used to the discipline yet.�

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So, how can Harry improve?

By heading to Milwaukee, of course!

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38: One to Watch To visit the Miller Brewery?

Hopefully Harry will be sensible in a city famous for beer. In August, he is travelling across the pond to spend four years at Marquette University. This scholarship opportunity has been achieved with the help of RightTrack Sports Consultancy, which specialises in finding places at American universities for British students excelling in sport. Harry said: “When I first approached RightTrack, they turned me down, as they wanted me to have jumped over 2m. By doing so, they would know that I was a good prospect, as they only provide scholarships for those performing at a certain level. The following week, I cleared 2.05m and called them back. They said: ‘We’ll get you out as soon as we can!’”

Will Harry have access to better coaching in Milwaukee?

Not necessarily better coaching, but he’ll have more time to devote to training. “This will give me the opportunity to train every day with specialist coaches, as well as working in the gym,” said Harry. “It will help me reach the

make any bold claims and be the person who talks about making the Olympics. It would be nice, of course, but I just need to work hard and see how it goes. If America goes well, then I will push for the Commonwealth Games in 2022.”

Sounds level headed...

Indeed. But who knows, maybe we’ll see our cover star representing Team GB at the Paris Olympics in 2024!

WORDS: BEN MORRIS PICTURES: TOBY PHILLIPS

“I don't want to make any bold predictions and be that person who talks about making the Olympics.” next level. I feel ready to commit to improving and it’ll be fun taking on America's best young athletes too. My coach believes it will make a big difference and maybe push me up to about 2.17m by the end of summer.

Hopefully, after four years, I will be competing at the top level.”

What’s his goal?

Harry is guarded when it comes to making predictions about the future. He said: “I don't want to

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CHRIST’S HOSPITAL Invites Bursary Applications for 2019 Entry

Are you aware of a child who would benefit from a boarding education, regardless of family means? Christ’s Hospital, Horsham invites applications for bursary (fee assisted) places which can cover up to 100% of fees.

Current Year 5 pupils who are considering secondary education in September 2019 are invited to apply.

Simon Reid, Headmaster said: “All candidates applying for a place will be assessed on their potential, both academically and the broader curriculum opportunities. Currently meanstested bursaries are granted to nearly 650 of our (892) pupils; 20% of those receive a free place with nearly 35% paying less than 10% of the full boarding fee. Children attending the School are provided with uniforms, meals, accommodation and all teaching and learning materials. Being part of the boarding school community is a life-changing adventure.”

The closing date for applications for September 2019 entry into Year 7 is Friday, 14 September 2018.

Christ’s Hospital was established over 460 years ago as a charitable boarding school and is proud to maintain its founding principles and ethos. It offers an independent education of the strongest quality to children with academic potential, from every corner of society in a compassionate and sympathetic environment.

We have an Open Morning on Saturday 21 April 2018 for interested families – everyone who visits is warmly welcomed and is given the opportunity of a full tour of the School plus the chance to meet our staff and pupils.

Places can be booked online www.christs-hospital.org.uk

“My new School, Christ’s Hospital is amazing! It’s really fun boarding because it’s basically a big sleepover. You can always hang out with friends. The food is amazing and the best part is we get a fry up every morning. It’s really fun being able to march into lunch every day. My favourite lessons are Drama, Science, PE and Maths. In total, we have 18 different lessons, which is mad. It was a really big step coming here, but it was definitely worth it!” Jack, Year 7

Admissions Timetable: Year 7, Year 9 and Sixth Form Entry - September 2019 Year 7 and Year 9 • Friday 14 September 2018: Deadline for 2019 bursary applications • 6 & 13 October 2018: Initial assessment • Week commencing 12 November 2018: Initial assessment results • Thursday 3 and Friday 4 January 2019: Residential & Scholarship Assessments • Week commencing Monday 11 February 2019: Residential Assessment & Scholarship results • Mid-March 2019: Deadline for acceptance Year 12 (Sixth Form) • Friday 26 October 2018: Deadline for 2019 bursary applications • Saturday 10 November 2018: Initial assessment • Week commencing 19 November 2018: Initial assessment results • Week commencing 26 November 2018: Scholarship assessments for selected candidates • Saturday 1 December 2018: Interviews & Academic Scholarship assessments • Week commencing 10 December 2018: Offers made • January 2019: Deadline for acceptance • Mid-August 2019: GCSE results.

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Art: 41

Lindsey

PEARSON

Storrington Artist Inspired by Venetian Landscapes It started with sewing...

I used to draw a lot as a child, but my true passion was needlework.

This continued into adulthood. I would tailor my own clothes, regularly travelling into London to buy fabrics from Liberty or John Lewis, so that everything I created was quirky and unique.

I considered pursuing a career in needlework, but opportunities were few and far between. Instead, I decided to take a teacher training course.

I wanted to teach in nursery and primary education, using my creative side to encourage children to learn through play and develop their potential individually.

Initially, I worked in Ealing in West London, where there are high levels of deprivation, and loved the job as it was challenging.

I spent my working life in education, teaching in London before becoming a head teacher, firstly in London and then in

East Grinstead, after moving to Sussex.

I always championed the Arts. There needs to be a balance between academic and personal development, as children need sport, art, music and other interests if they’re to truly flourish.

Later in my career, I worked for the primary management advisory team in West Sussex, supporting head teachers and governors. My career was everything and took up all my energy and time.

While I would occasionally dabble in needlework, I wasn't painting at all.

Therapeutic Art...

Then, I had a life changing experience.

My husband was diagnosed with cancer.

He was poorly for two years and when he passed away, my friends, family and neighbours in Horsham were very

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42: Art

St Mark’s Venice and (right) Gondola View

Read our feature on painter Jeremy Bridle on the Art section at aahorsham.co.uk

supportive. There was a great sisterhood within a group of friends at a dance class at Glynde Place Studios, which helped me a great deal. My dance partner was a good friend too. She asked if I’d be interested in learning to use watercolours, so I gave it a try.

So, for just one day a week, we attended a course at Northbrook College in Worthing.

We had a marvellous tutor who was very encouraging and taught us the basic principles of using

watercolours. We were given a solid grounding in various art forms, but for me the course acted like a kind of therapy. It presented me with a chance to focus on something other than work and my passion for art grew.

Some of us would also go on art trips, normally travelling with a tutor or professional painter. It was on one of these trips that I visited Venice in 2008.

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“I capture a corner of a building or a singular feature. It’s an interpretation, rather than a literal drawing.”

Venetian Inspiration At Northbrook, I experimented with painting shoes, often adding wings to them.

These ideas were inspired by illustrators such as Cicely Mary Barker and Arthur Rackham, who were famed for mythical, fantasy drawings.

Combining this with a love of needlework, I started making craft products of my ideas, selling them at markets and fairs, which increased my confidence. But as I stood by the grand canal, amazed by the beautiful scene before me.

Venice became my muse.

We worked in a ‘pen and wash’ style, which I love because it involves drawing and adding colours to capture the scene.

The tutor, Brian Ryder, gave me the confidence to interpret the scene in my own way and I felt more comfortable working in a group environment, rather than in isolation.

Venice complements watercolours perfectly, as it’s a city built on water. The reflection of the light across the water and the colours and texture of the architecture suit watercolours.

The paint flows on the paper easily and gives sinuous movement. People can relate that to their own experience and feelings for Venice.

I go on holiday to other places and always find something that captures me. There have been times when I’ve been sat at a cafe painting and the waiter has brought me a glass of water for

Delightful Undulations: One of a new series of vibrant landscape watercolours

Lindsey Pearson: 43 my brushes!

Oxford is another favourite, as it too has stunning architecture. But I keep returning to Venice!

I’m fortunate in that Venetian paintings are popular, as people who have an affinity for the city often want a memento.

Colour Spectrum...

I tend not to paint a literal scene.

Rather than attempt to interpret every door, window, pinnacle or brick, I gain an impression of how I feel about a place and transmit that emotion on to paper.

I prefer to capture the corner of a building or a singular feature, especially in Venice, which has too big a vista to capture fully.

It’s important for me that my scenes are identifiable. However, I will give each one painting my own slant, with bold, vibrant colours. There are favourite tones that I regularly return to. You’ll see a lot of turquoise, ultramarine and purple in my work, and I’m going through an indigo and orange stage currently!

Where possible, I work ‘in situ’ as

you get a true sense of the light and atmosphere, which cannot be captured by a photograph.

However, I take many photos too, so that when I return home, I can marry up photographs with images from my sketchbook, where I’ve truly captured the moment.

Working in a sketchbook allows you to be expressive and be immersed in the moment. The work is free-flowing and offers a better representation.

Changing Style Through art-focused holidays, I’ve made many new friends and met fantastic artists.

One trip was in the company of Ken Howard, an incredible artist who is well-known for his Venetian paintings. He has been a great influence on me.

He is a magician in my eyes and has been incredibly supportive of me and other artists.

Along with a friend of mine, who had previously been taught by him, I attended Ken’s exhibition at The Royal Academy and met him there. He said that we could use

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44: Art “I have changed my style to become semi-abstract and more experimental.”

his Venice studio the next time we visited the city. He was true to his word, which was a great experience for us.

I love to seek inspiration from professional artists. Jackie Devereux has been another brilliant tutor. Every time I attend her courses, she gives me a new direction! She has encouraged me to experiment with semiabstract techniques and using other materials with watercolours to create different effects for buildings and architecture.

As a result, I’ve become more experimental, which is unusual with watercolours, as it’s viewed as quite a traditional format. As an artist, you’re always learning.

‘Colourfull’ Future I've been involved with Chalk Gallery in Lewes for over two years and it's been a turning point for me. It was an honour to have been accepted into the gallery and has helped me grow as a person and an artist.

I'm also involved in Horsham Artists Open Studios (HAOS) which is a fantastic group of artists living and working in the Horsham District. It has grown exponentially over the years. I was involved at the beginning, a decade ago, when there was just a handful of artists.

Now, we have two major annual events, with June’s Art Trail and then an Art Fair at Parkside later in the year.

Being involved in art groups and attending courses has given me opportunities in the art world that I would never have had, if I'd continued working by myself.

They’ve also helped push me in new directions and just last week, I launched a series of paintings at an exhibition, entitled Colourfull.

They are semi-abstract and a little more experimental. A couple of paintings have sold already. I’m always proud when this happens, as it shows that someone else identifies with your art. A painting is part of your soul, as you put so much into it.

So, it’s an honour when someone wants it for themselves.

WORDS: BEN MORRIS PICTURES: TOBY PHILLIPS/ LINDSEY PEARSON

To see more of Lindsey’s work visit www.justlindsey.co.uk Read more about HAOS at horshamartistsopenstudios.co.uk

Dawning Light by Lindsey Pearson

e f i l e v o L at

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48: History

Read our feature on Knepp Safari on the ‘Special Features’ section at aahorsham.co.uk

LOST CAST To mark the creation of the newly-themed playroom at Horsham Museum on knights and castles, we look at castles in the Horsham district.

Horsham has been described as a land of castles, lakes and a dragon. It’s an apt description, as there are three castles near Horsham and two in the south of the district. Four can be visited by the public, but the ruin of Sedgewick Castle is in private grounds and not accessible.

The story of castle building in the area dates back to 1066, when William the Conqueror invaded and replaced the major Saxon landowners with Norman lords.

Although pre-Norman fortified sites existed within the district beforehand, they were not castles.

Jeremy Knight, Heritage Manager at Horsham Museum & Art Gallery, looks at the District’s lost castles and ruins...

It has been suggested that Bramber derives its name from the Saxon word ‘Brymmburh,' meaning fortified place. However, its name is now thought to derive from a bramble thicket.

While castles today are either ruins or heavily restored historical attractions, it’s easy to forget the impact they had in post-Norman Britain. William the Conqueror took England by attacking Sussex, and if he could do it, what was to stop others doing the same?

So, William decided to create, in effect, a militarised zone. He divided Sussex into five strips, based around a river running south to north. At the mouth of each river, he built a castle.

However, Sussex had six rivers, so he created another one later at Bramber, at the mouth of the Adur. Having run out of family members to give control of the land to, he gave Bramber to his trusty neighbours from Normandy, the De Braose family.

The Lords of the six Rapes

instilled a sense of domination over the native population. The castles were just a part of this process. To reinforce the perception of power, the main castle in each Rape was garrisoned with soldiers and was also the administrative centre. They were also the place where people had to travel to pay “fealty”, the swearing of loyalty to their Lord.

In 1205, however, the importance of Sussex changed. In a war against King Philip II of France, King John lost the Duchy of Normandy, leading to demands for constitutional reform, which led to the Magna Carta.

Nonetheless, Sussex retained its military importance, as it was now a bulwark against foreign invasion from France. This was a very real

Castles: 49 The Burrell family resides at Knepp, designed by

John Nash

Knepp Castle ruins

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LES threat, and we know that some 50 years later the owner of Sedgewick plotted such an invasion.

In September 1215, the rebel barons offered the throne to Louis, the eldest son of King Philip II of France. Louis entered a cheering London with 1,200 knights and soon had most of the south-east of England under his control.

John fought back and criss-crossed the country, losing estates and lands. It was around this time, July 1216, that he demanded the destruction of Knepp Castle.

Giles de Braose died soon after and the de Braose family’s land went to another brother, Reginald.

Here, we look at each of the local castles and what remains of them today...

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50: History ‘Visitors to Bramber can take a walk around an outer ditch that surrounds what was once a 30-foot high (9m) motte.’

Bramber Castle William de Braose was given the manor of Washington, and with it went Horsham.

Ruins at Bramber Castle and (below) the historic Norman Church of St Nicholas

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By 1073, Bramber Castle was constructed and held on-and-off by de Braose and his decedents until 1450.

When the De Braose family fell out with King John in 1207, the castle was briefly owned by the King, who visited it in 1209. With the expectation of future problems, it was extensively repaired over the following years.

When London fell to the Barons, the castle became a base for Royal supporters. However, by 1217, it was in the hands of Louis VIII of France and looked after by William of Dunston.

During a turbulent time in British history, Bramber was back in Royal hands by 1234 and formed part of the defences against a possible French invasion.

Edward I visited the castle several times between 1280 and 1305.

When the castle passed to the Mowbray family, it ceased to be lived in on a regular basis, but continued to have regular Royal visits. During the English Civil War, the site was occupied by Royalist troops.

In 1925, the castle was sold by the Duke of Norfolk and after being used as a tea garden and

fairground, it was bought by the National Trust in 1945.

Today, it is a great site to visit and is particularly popular as a picnic spot. Visitors can walk around an outer ditch that surrounds what was once a 30-foot high (9m) motte.

The wall around the top of the knoll was rebuilt, with parts of it surviving today. Only one castle wall is still standing (see page 52), at 14m high.

Chennells Brook The Lords de Braose could probably see from the beginning that Horsham was ripe for development.

When they visited the small settlement, they probably stayed in the Saxon manor house at Chesworth, which they rebuilt and fortified, as it commanded the river crossing.

They needed some sort of castle as protection for their hunting interests in St Leonard’s Forest and the deer park at Roughey, as well as to provide a fortification for the route from Horsham to London. So, either William de Braose or his son, Philip, built a castle, known today as Chennells Brook, using a continental design almost unknown in Britain at the time.

The castle was made from timber,

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The De Braose family were key figures in Horsham’s history. This 14th century effigy to Thomas de Braose can be seen in St Mary’s Parish Church

Castles: 51

An archaeologist’s sketch of the ruins at Sedgwick (Image: Horsham Museum & Art Gallery) and the beautiful Sedgwick Park pictured for AAH in 2015

with a dry Norman moat, though later a stream was diverted to fill it with water.

But the castle didn’t survive long and it was deliberately slighted or destroyed.

This is likely to have occurred after the Treaty of Wallingford in 1154.

Today, there’s not much to be seen aside from a slight mound, which can be accessed from Lemmington Way. This is very much Horsham’s forgotten castle.

Sedgwick Castle This castle developed out of a fortified hunting lodge.

In 1924, privately-funded excavations took place on the site and revealed that the lodge was around 45 feet by 47.5 feet, built on a plateau at the bottom of a slope.

At some point, the site was leased to John Maunsell, who became the Chief Councillor to Henry III. As he had custody of the Great Seal, he was in effect Chancellor of the Exchequer.

On 4 November 1258, he was given permission to strengthen his ‘house of Sedgwicke with fosses and a wall of stone and lime, and to crenellate it.’

This was a testing period for Maunsell and the King, so by the time building work was completed in 1263, Maunsell had fled to France.

He never returned to the castle and by 1272, Sedgwick was owned by the De Braose family. With the family dying out in 1395, the castle passed in to ownership of the Howards, the Dukes of Norfolk.

Eventually in 1602, the new owners decided to build a house up the hill, called Sedgewick Lodge. The castle fell in to ruins.

The estate is privately owned, although there are still fragments of the ruins in the undergrowth.

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52: History

Bramber Castle

52: History

Castles: 53

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Amberley Castle is now utilised as a luxury hotel

Knepp Castle Drive along the A24, south of the junction with the A272 and just before Dial Post, you will see the ruins of Knepp Castle, built in the 12th century.

You may imagine that it was built as a defensive structure, but it was little more than a fortified hunting lodge. The Knepp estate appears to have been treated as a Royal larder, with extensive orders issued for men to hunt in the grounds.

King John and his Queen are both believed to have spent time at Knepp during his reign, from 1199 – 1216.

In 1214, King John wanted Knepp Castle destroyed. He wrote to is henchman Roeland Bloet: “We command you, without delay, to transfer all the stores which you have at Knepp or elsewhere, and which you are able to gather, to Bramber; and that you fortify that house in the best possible manner you can and destroy altogether the houses at Knepp.”

However, Knepp was not destroyed, as two years later another order was issued, demanding it be burnt and destroyed. Yet it remained, and was later visited by Kings Henry II, Edward II and Richard II. In 1648, the castle was finally virtually destroyed by Parliamentary troops, to stop it coming in to Royalist hands.

In 1729, the ruins were quarried for stone to build the Horsham to Steyning road.

In the 19th century, the Burrell family, which still owns the castle today, reinforced the ruin to save it from further decay. Knepp Castle is the now the name given to the early

Bramber Castle

19th century neo-gothic mansion, designed by John Nash.

Amberley Castle Like the other Horsham castles, this originated from a timber-framed hunting lodge, built in 1103 by Bishop Luffa.

Amberley was teaming with birds and fish, making it a valuable hunting site.

Over the next 400 years, the site was crenelated, with a portcullis built, all under the control of the Bishops. During the English Civil War, it became a Royalist stronghold, only to be attacked in 1643, leaving part of it in ruins.

After the war, the castle was taken away from the church by Parliament and leased out, only for Charles II to return it to the Church, which then leased it. In 1872, Amberley was sold by church commissioners to Lord Zouche, owner of Parham House.

Eventually, in 1988, Amberley Castle was bought and turned into a luxury hotel.

WORDS: JEREMY KNIGHT (EDITED BY BEN MORRIS) PICTURES: TOBY PHILLIPS/ HORSHAM MUSEUM

I’ve mentioned it many times over the years in my columns and highlighted that whatever is in your last three months bank statements, lenders have to take it into account when deciding whether to lend to you, or not. Sadly, in the last two weeks alone, we have had to turn away 18 cases, yes 18 cases, due to the customers bank statements (even though we can do All Types of Mortgages!)

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What about transferring money from accounts resulting in a direct debit bouncing and being paid late?

Unfortunately, this is also looked upon negatively. And there are numerous others, which include forgetting to disclose the student loan, or a 0% interest car loan, or even the monthly payment out to your pension.

Whether via bank statements, or via a credit search, the lender sees all debts and any monthly payments must be taken into account when it comes to affordability.

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Business: 55

PERFECT

Disciples of traditional yoga believe that we are all born with a limited number of breaths, so it makes sense to inhale and exhale slowly.

Inside her modern, purpose-built unit in Horsham, instructor Irina Pashkevich harnesses the traditional meditative components of yoga, even quoting Krishnamacharya, referred to as the ‘father of modern yoga’.

“I teach to learn what I don't yet know.”

Having studied yoga around the world, from Israel to New Zealand, there’s a focus on peace and meditation during Irina’s Ashtanga Vinyasa classes at Iriness Yoga and Wellbeing in Victoria Street, Horsham.

We met Irina and - after she’d turned us upside down discussed her business and philosophy...

HARMONY

Irina Pashkevich nurtures the mind, body and soul at Iriness Yoga & WellBeing in Horsham Starting Out… Irina grew up in Moscow, but it was whilst working in Israel that she began practicing yoga.

Upon the recommendation of a chiropractor, Irina picked up a book called ‘20 Days of Yoga’ and committed herself to 30 minutes every day.

“I fell in love with it,” she recalls.

“I was young, emotional, ambitious and driven, but yoga calmed me down. Initially, I practiced Sivananda, which is a slow and relatively static yoga discipline.

But all yoga forms have

similarities, as they’re all about mastering the mind through the body and breath.

“I then met Shimon Ben-Avi, a teacher of Ashtanga Vinyasa.

Shimon is a master of psychology and philosophy and when I first heard him, I knew he was the right teacher for me.

“In the West, we intellectualise everything and think that we understand it. But in the East, you cannot form a philosophical connection by just reading. You must practice breathing, meditation and study the scriptures, which I found fascinating.”

Heading to New Zealand…

Irina started to teach in Israel, when afforded the time by a demanding full-time job as an operations and marketing director for an international corporation. But her passion for yoga grew and Irina put her career on hold to travel to New Zealand for a five-week course with tutor John Scott, renowned for his dynamic method of Ashtanga.

“I was so determined to go that I was prepared to lose my job.

Fortunately, my employer allowed me to work remotely from New Zealand. It was an incredibly immersive experience and there followed a period of practice and homework, before I returned to John’s studio to complete the tuition.”

56: Business “We disconnect from the world, so you feel at one with your body, and that cannot be achieved in an hour.”

Appeal of Yoga…

Irina developed her passion for Yoga in Israel and New Zealand

Irina would go to the gym and ran regularly along the beach, so Irina’s desire to practice yoga was not based on a physical need. It was more down to a state of mind.

“I loved the gym and was always running. But when you run, your thoughts are running too. Yoga connects the mind and body, bringing you to a level of awareness where you are very centred.

“We all have minds which operate at ridiculous speed, with thoughts running from one place to another.

Sometimes, it seems they cannot be stopped. But through meditation, thoughts steadily reduce and you feel peace and quiet. I found this connection with

the mind mesmerising. It was a magical experience.

“Life is complex and people come here with many problems, mainly in the mind and then they are manifested in the body. But through relaxation, you can find peace.”

Moving to Horsham Irina started teaching small classes in Israel. However, there was no intention of turning it into a business.

She was living the life of an ambitious single woman, travelling the world and practicing yoga.

Then, while at an EcoYoga retreat in the Scottish Highlands, Irina decided she could live without the constant anxiety caused by work commitments.

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Iriness Yoga: 57

Iriness Yoga & Wellbeing Centre can be separated into two rooms for therapy sessions, then opened up for larger classes of Yoga

“We created this incredible space, with separation doors and acoustic wall panels. The room can be divided and used for reflexology, hypnotherapy, reiki and other forms of therapy too.

Then, the doors open and we have a large yoga room.”

Instead, she wanted to spend more time studying yoga.

Having met and married a former fighter pilot with the French Navy, Irina settled in England with her new husband, Patrick, and sought a suitable location to establish yoga classes.

Irina said: “We found this space on Victoria Road, close to Horsham town. It was an old bike shed, only half its current size, without proper foundations.

When I first saw the site, I thought it was too dark and too small. I couldn’t see any potential, but Patrick had a vision and I put my trust in him.

The More I Teach…

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Building work was completed last summer and, in September, Iriness Yoga and Wellbeing opened for business.

Irina expected it to take time before classes were busy, but they

3

proved immediately popular, even if the two-hour sessions took some by surprise.

Irina said: “When you tell somebody who is new to yoga that the class lasts two hours, they usually tell you that they cannot spare that long! However, we have breathing routines, postural exercises and relaxation techniques. It takes time. We disconnect from the world, so you feel at one with your body, and that cannot be achieved in an hour.

“Recently, I had to reduce one session to just one and a half hours and the students were

disappointed, as they all now appreciate the full two-hour experience.

“I love it too, as my passion is sharing yoga. It's a joy to be together and we become like an extended family. I never feel like a teacher, as the more I teach, the more I learn.”

Individual Service…

Irina has space to accommodate more than 20 people, but tends to run much smaller groups to allow time to evaluate every student.

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58: Business Most classes are not teacher-led, although Irina leads a class on Saturdays. This allows students to progress at their own pace and to practice techniques based on individual needs.

“Everybody has a different lung capacity, so your breath might be longer or shorter than the person next to you,” says Irina.

“Therefore, it's better to take ownership, so our sessions are primarily teacher-assisted selfpractice.

“There is a perception of Ashtanga being super dynamic and only suitable for young people. But my eldest student is 78 and I see many people in their 60s. I will compile different steps for someone young, athletic and with a good lung capacity than I would for someone older. It is personalised to individual requirements.

“People are inspired by this type of yoga, as it challenges them.

They come in thinking they will never be able to pronounce the various positions and postures, but after a while, they can reel them off easily.”

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Yoga Changes Lives A third of Irina’s students are men, and in some classes men outnumber women. Ashtanga is a school of yoga that suits men because it has many physical elements.

And whilst Irina is careful not to become too philosophical during classes, as she would risk “losing the room,” she finds that many

students take it upon themselves to study yoga in depth and make positive lifestyle changes.

“After a few months, people are shocked by the changes they have made to their lives. They may start eating differently or introduce different social elements.

“You start to ask yourself why you are feeling a certain way. You feel content and relaxed, yet at the same time alert and ready to face life’s challenges, be they bad or

good. That is the power of yoga; it changes lives in a positive way.”

INTERVIEW: BEN MORRIS PICTURES: TOBY PHILLIPS For more on Iriness Yoga & Wellbeing classes, call (01403) 211103 or visit Victoria House, Victoria Street, Horsham, RH13 5DZ. Visit the website at https://iriness.com

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LETTERS

editor@aahorsham.co.uk @AAHMagazine

Please send your views on the Horsham District, articles in AAH, or Colonel Sanders, to Ben Morris by emailing editor@aahorsham.co.uk

KFC’S Colonel D. Naylor of Horsham writes:

Land north of Horsham is set to be developed by Liberty

I loved your article about Colonel Sanders (P5, March 2018).

It made me think what a good job Ronald McDonald has done, growing a worldwide franchise despite insisting on dressing like a clown at business meetings. However, I’m confused as to what was fact and what was fiction in the article. Did your mother actually work there and did Colonel Sanders ever visit the Horsham KFC branch?

Editor: It’s true that my mum did indeed work at KFC’s Bishopric outlet. Back then, she had frizzy hair and liked T’Pau. To my knowledge, Colonel Sanders hasn’t come to town and didn’t fight unruly teenage customers.

Matter is ‘Inexcusable in a Democratic Society’ Eduardo Delgado of Horsham writes: It appears the only statement we are going to get from HDC concerning the opaque and undemocratic way they handled the outline planning approval for North Horsham is that ‘we are meeting our housing needs’ according to Cllr Vickers, being the only member of the council who has so far responded to the debacle.

This may or may not be true; her figures are not always accurate and are at odds with HDC’s own policy of affordable housing.

However, this doesn’t answer questions that should be answered.

We presume HDC engaged outside consultants because they do not have anyone with sufficient experience to undertake the viability assessment submitted by the developer, Liberty. We do not know what this cost us taxpayers, but we should be told.

Mr Kornycky is obviously very

experienced in studying viability assessments, as we know from his findings concerning the West of Horsham Development.

In both cases, as a member of the public, he requested an unredacted copy of the developer’s viability submission and, in both cases, HDC refused.

He fought both refusals.

In the case of West of Horsham, HDC advised they did not hold any unredacted copies, a key document on which a multimillion pound development was being built, so how could they have made a proper decision?

We since know the people of Horsham and West Sussex lost out over £15m of infrastructure costs.

As we know, in the case of North Horsham, IOC forced HDC to hand over the unredacted report and it appears we have gifted the developer £75m plus as well as agreeing to less affordable homes than HDC’s target. That’s £90m on TWO developments which could finance many community requirements.

HDC state all councillors had access to the complete set of information on North Horsham and that they had the ability over a long period to raise any queries before reaching their decision.

One wonders how many would have had the temerity to raise any questions, bearing in mind how the ruling Cabal whip voting to suit their preference.

Even if they did, how many would have the knowledge and experience know what the figures meant?

HDC decided not to use the report supplied by the consultants they employed and instead followed that supplied

by Liberty, being developer led, as they seem to have been throughout the whole sorry story of North Horsham.

The Information Commissioner’s Office (IOC) has made it abundantly clear that HDC acted wrongly in withholding information. They also stated that it is left with the impression that the council has been

content to be steered by Liberty in relation to the information which should be withheld.

This whole matter in inexcusable in a democratic society and HDC need to explain to the people who pay their wages why they decided to breach regulations and proceed with such an unfair deal for Horsham.

Editor: Some of the problems stem from the fear invoked in HDC councillors. Every time a development idea was mooted, certain councillors repeated the same message: “We have to take this deal, or else we’ll get no community facilities or affordable housing when the developer takes its case to the Planning Inspectorate.”

I heard that argument many times. HDC rolled over without a fight and developers continually sealed great deals.

However, on the plus side, I’m sure that by the time we come around to the 6th or 7th huge estate, HDC might finally have learned from past experience...

BBH is a Village No More!

Rachel Piggott of Horsham writes: A huge ‘thank you’ from Bridge House Dog Agility Club for the lovely spread that you did on our club.

I see it inspired you and your dog to get a ball out for the Editor's column!

Strangely enough, the week after you visited, we were told that Bridge House has been sold, pending planning permission, and after 20 years the club needs to move on.

We're currently looking at other farms in the area, although we'll retain our name.

This is the second stables that have closed within a year (the other being behind The Shelley Pub off Robin Hood Lane) for

re-development. I'm lamenting the demise of our countryside.

It's starting to feel closed-in and claustrophobic and our little village of Broadbridge Heath is a village no more.

ALL ABOUT HORSHAM MAGAZINE

Editor: I still like Broadbridge Heath and most development has at least been outside the main heart of the village. It remains considerably easier to drive through BBH than Southwater!

Our Heartfelt Thanks to Alan WRITTEN BY LOCAL PEOPLE

Terry of Horsham writes: What a great story about Alan Woolven (My Story So Far, March 2018), who has touched so many lives in Horsham.

I must share with you my own experience. Alan used to cut my hair at 7am on the way to work, opposite Prewetts Mill, which was the site of the original Horsham swimming pool.

We had many conversations about the challenges of starting a carpet business!

On my 21st birthday, Alan and John Durrant volunteered to sort out the music. We went to the venue to find the piano was terribly out of tune, but John and Alan tuned it up and we all had a great night.

I also recall Alan playing at Forest Boys in the main hall, where I was introduced to my wife of 57 years. That seems a

AAH is an independent magazine, owned and produced by Ben Morris, a life-long resident of the Horsham District.

Since the magazine was first published in May 2011, AAH has been renowned for its colourful features and superb images by Toby Phillips Photography.

long time ago!

Alan has played a big part in our journey and we thank him. We wish him and his family all the best through difficult times .

Editor: Our interview with Alan was one of the most moving I’ve experienced at AAH. I’ll admit that I shed a tear when he told me the tragic story about his mum. But by the end of the interview, he was laughing and smiling, playing his accordion with great enthusiasm!

We believe that our editorial content is unrivalled in the Horsham District, with innovative ideas such as our ‘My Story So Far’ and ‘News Round-Up’ features.

ADVERTISING IN AAH Each month, the magazine is delivered to 15,000 homes in Horsham, Southwater and villages including Broadbridge Heath, Mannings Heath, Ashington, Partridge Green, Copsale, Storrington and Washington.

In addition, AAH is distributed to hundreds of businesses.

Thousands more copies are picked up from our stylish spring-loaded stands as well as Sainsbury’s and Tesco.

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Editor: I was good at History at school, but Geography wasn’t a

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62: Churches

COMMUNITY

UNITY

Horsham Unitarians: Still Hiding in the Shadows?

Patrick Wynne-Jones is a member of the Horsham Unitarian Church

The Unitarians meet in what is undoubtedly the most unassuming of Horsham’s churches.

Set back from the road, at a glance you could easily miss the gravestones and mistake it for a charming cottage. Which is precisely why it made an ideal meeting place for the Unitarians.

That’s because its members, initially known as General Baptists, would meet in secret. As the oldest dissenting body in the district, keeping a low profile was once very important!

It wasn’t until the passing of the Toleration Act that meetings of such groups were made legal. Yet, even today, the Unitarians are outsiders, to a lesser degree. There are 32 churches involved in Horsham Churches Together, but the Unitarian Church is not among them.

So, what is the Unitarian Church and who does it attract?

The answer is difficult to define, as

Minister Maria Curtis explains: “Fundamentally, Unitarians believe that the individual conscience doesn't have an external authority. We are not a creed based church, so joining the congregation doesn’t require you to make a statement of belief.

“We are a free-thinking church. It's true that we have within the Unitarian Church ‘religious refugees’, who have a strong sense of religion, but are not satisfied by religions based on scripture that say, ‘You must believe this and accept that.’

“Instead, the Unitarian Church is more about values.

“It was formed because some people didn’t believe in the Trinity (Father, Son and the Holy Spirit) and the idea of Jesus dying for our sins. We don't believe in original sin; we believe in original blessing. We don't believe people are intrinsically bad and need to be freed from that. However, it's not a one-sizefits-all approach. It covers the whole spectrum.”

Unitarian Church: 63 based appealed to me. I didn't believe in a God ‘out there.’ I believed in a God within. A God between us; a God of love. But not a person, and certainly not male! Jesus of Nazareth is an amazing person and means something to me.

But there are many other prophets and philosophers from other religions who mean something else. Traditionally, it is an accident of history and geography as to an individual’s religious beliefs. So, we take a rational approach and trust our own discernment.”

Sending Empathy

Unitarians are known to be bad at singing hymns as “they’re always checking the next line to see if they agree with it!”

Whilst the Unitarians doesn’t offer traditional Church of England services, there is something familiar about the Sunday morning routine, as it has a Christian ethos.

Hymns are sandwiched between readings and prayer, whilst there are moments of silence and contemplation.

Church member Patrick Wynne-Jones jokes that

Maria and the congregation take inspiration from a wide range of literary sources.

“I always have time for prayer,” she says. “You might ask who I'm praying to. For me, prayer is a statement of intent. I’m not asking someone out there to interfere with the world, as I don't believe in divine intervention. But I believe in sending empathy and to

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Spiritual Awareness Maria makes an unlikely Minister. She recalls times when she was inspired by the words of “evangelical atheists” like Richard Dawkins and would even try to convert people to atheism.

In many ways, she represents a typical Unitarian in that there’s no such thing.

Just someone who questions faith and religious beliefs.

“I attended a Church of England Primary School and became a bit annoyed with God, because of various life events, for most of my adolescence and adulthood,” said Maria.

“Then I walked into a church in Brighton, within a building I knew as a concert venue. Looking around, there weren’t any crucifixes and I wondered what kind of church it was. The Unitarian Church doesn’t impose any beliefs, so there was nothing for me to object to!

“I always retained a spiritual awareness, so the idea of a church that wasn't belief-

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A memorial window at Horsham Unitarian Church

The church has a hidden well from its Baptisim days

64: Churches

“We’re also quite a scientifically-based religion, as truth matters more than fantasy.”

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acknowledge that dreadful things happen in the world.

“We have a world of literature and poetry to dip into. I look on the Bible as a collection of literature. I don’t see it as the word of God, because it's written by human beings. But if a Psalm speaks to me, I will use it during a service. We can take inspiration from anywhere.

“We’re also quite a scientifically-based religion, as truth matters more than fantasy.

“Some evangelical atheists treat religious language like it’s scientific language, which in my view is a big mistake, as religious language has a different way of apprehending truth.

That doesn't mean that it's not truth.

After all, humans have many different ways of using language.”

Total Immersion The church was built in 1719 and was first used two years later, making it the second oldest in town, after the Parish Church of St Mary’s.

The land was purchased for the sum of £36 & 15 shillings and the church was built during the joint ministry of Thomas Southon and Matthew Caffyn.

Caffyn’s father (also Matthew) is generally regarded as the founder of the Horsham Unitarians.

He was born the son of a poor local farmer and was imprisoned five times

The church has a beautiful organ, rebuilt in 1991

A memorial window to former Minister Matthew Caffyn

Unitarian Church: 65

in Horsham gaol for unauthorised preaching. He is commemorated with a window in the church, although he is buried in Itchingfield.

Over three centuries, there have been many alterations, with a porch added in 1727 and a Baptistery built in 1771.

By the 1870s, the name of the General Baptists was dropped and the congregation became Unitarians.

An organ was installed in 1850, although the present one arrived in 1914. It required a costly but necessary rebuild in 1991.

Patrick Wynne-Jones, a member of the Church, said: “We still have a total immersion baptismal tank, with a well hidden under the floor of the kitchen, although it hasn’t been used since 1840.

“The church has many interesting features, including a Parliament Clock, and dedications and memorials to the early ‘dissenters’ who were often imprisoned under the Blasphemy Act. “The building has Listed status and is therefore costly to maintain, with features like a Horsham stone roof.

“But it’s always had a role to play in the community. The Horsham Museum Society was founded by members here in 1890 and exhibits. In the 19th century, Minister Robert Ashdowne established the Horsham Free Christian Church Public Lending Library. We still have some of those books here today.

“Even now, the hall is used by a number of local clubs and societies, from barbershop singing quartets to discussion groups. Just last month, the Unity Players hosted a very popular Edwardian Extravaganza.

“We also host special services and community get-togethers, including a special service in memory of Joe Cox MP, which was attended by Horsham MP Jeremy Quin.”

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66: Churches “Many of us find it hard to accept absolute statements of faith.” Patrick Wynne-Jones

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Image: RSPB

The Nightingale Sings its Tune

Maria Curtis is Minister at Horsham Unitarian Church

Warm Welcome Such an approach would appear to suit 21st century society and the Unitarians are proud to move with the times.

It has a licence to perform same sex weddings and played an influential role in changing the law. Unitarians also hosts weddings for couples from different religious backgrounds.

Yet it struggles to attract people to the congregation.

Patrick said: “People are reluctant to talk about beliefs, and yet most of us live by some sort of belief and code which they find difficult to express.

“Many of us find it hard to accept absolute statements of faith and that's one of the

strengths of the Unitarians, as we don’t ask for that.

“In this respect, our approach is very modern. Yet we have a small congregation.”

Maria believes it might soon be time to look at how and when the church convenes, to reflect modern society.

“We have to question the model of people going to church on a Sunday,” she said.

“People do many other things with their weekend now. The Unitarians does have online services. But in my opinion it’s important for people to meet here physically, rather than living a virtual existence.

“That’s why we come together; to be the best we can be, and to gain strength from others.

“We are very hospitable in terms of warmth and tolerance.

When anyone walks through the door, they do not feel threatened, as we know it’s difficult to cross that threshold.”

WORDS: BEN MORRIS PICTURES: TOBY PHILLIPS

Visit the Horsham Unitarian Church at Worthing Road, Horsham, RH12 1SL, call (01403) 256788 or visit http://www.ukunitarians.org.uk/ horsham/

This month heralds the arrival of a fascinating creature to the UK. The nightingale isn’t much to look at, being a plain, brown bird similar in size to a robin, but they don’t need flashy colours with such a spectacular singing voice!

Dame Vera sang about a nightingale in Berkeley Square many years ago and, while it’s unlikely that you’d find one of these birds in such a built-up area, the song just goes to show how celebrated the nightingale really is.

It’s tricky to describe the song though.

When asked to, I always say “you’ll know it when you hear it” because it simply doesn’t sound like any other bird! Listen out for piercing whistles, croaks and deep chugging notes coming from dense, messy scrub – the nightingale’s favourite habitat.

They spend a very short time here, just enough to raise two broods of chicks, before setting off on an epic 3,000 mile migration to their wintering grounds in Senegal. This journey is fraught with danger and could be part of the reason that nightingale numbers have declined so severely – we saw a 90% drop between 1967 and 2007, but loss of habitat here at their breeding grounds may be a major part of the problem too.

We manage the habitat carefully for the nightingales here at Pulborough Brooks and we’re one of the best sites to see and hear these wonderful birds.

Other local hot spots to try are the Knepp Estate and Woods Mill reserve, run by the Sussex Wildlife Trust.

Emily Summers RSPB Pulborough

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