AAH (All About Horsham) August 2020

AUGUST 2020

APPLY NOW FOR 2021 ENTRY

AUGUST 2020 EDITION The August 2020 cover features Pollyanna Hutchinson, owner of Pollyanna’s Kitchen, at her home in West Chiltington.

While Toby did set up the lights, the food in the picture wasn’t entirely for show, as Pollyanna did make us a bowl of prawn noodles, served with her original sauce, Chillish. This photo was due to be April’s cover, but the edition went online only due to the lockdown.

Other cover options included Howard Bayliss at The Candy Box in Horsham and Eddie Woodward at Cobblestone Walk in Steyning.

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NEWS ROUND-UP The Capitol re-opens with classic movies, whilst Rec Rooms launches comedy night with top headliner

16 CANDY BOX The Candy Box is set to close after 100 years in Horsham, a victim of Covid-19 and the lockdown

18 LOCAL PRODUCE Lisa Charles takes over the reins at Crates Local as PJ and Marion set off on exciting new adventures

20 HOME SCHOOL Parents and pupils at two Horsham Primary Schools campaigned for early re-opening in June

26 BUSINESS

31 SHOPPING Cobblestone Walk in Steyning offers small traders the chance to build a brand and customer-base

40 FOOD & DRINK Pollyanna’s Kitchen has grown thanks to a delicious range and a flair for product presentation

47 MUSIC Sarah Willis runs Rock Choir groups across the District, providing fantastic opportunities to sing

51 CHARITY Volunteers at the Horsham and Crawley Branch of The Samaritans discuss the importance of listening

56 HISTORY

The West Grinstead Swimming Academy offers a modern facility for instruction and development

Jeremy Knight of Horsham Museum looks back at the history of the town centre’s theatres

AAH MAGAZINE AAH (All About Horsham) is an independent monthly magazine, owned by Ben Morris, a life-long resident of the Horsham District. It is distributed to doors and pick-up points around the district. Toby Phillips is an independent local photographer available for all commercial work.

EDITOR: BEN MORRIS Email: editor@aahorsham.co.uk Tel: (01903) 892899 Address: AAH Magazine, 2 Viney Close, Ashington, West Sussex, RH20 3PT ADVERTISING: BEN MORRIS Email: advertising@aahorsham.co.uk (01903) 892899 PHOTOGRAPHY: TOBY PHILLIPS www.tobyphillipsphotography.co.uk Email: info@tobyphillipsphotography.co.uk Mob: 07968 795625 Toby works for AAH on a freelance basis and is available for all kinds of photography, from portrait work to corporate shoots.

WEBSITE www.aahorsham.co.uk We publish AAH online every month. You can read archive editions too and many of our past features.

ADVERTISING IN AAH The magazine is delivered to approx. 13,000 homes in Horsham, Southwater and villages including Broadbridge Heath, Mannings Heath, Billingshurst and new estates at Highwood and Wickhurst Green.

Advertising rates Eighth Page Advert: £55 + VAT (93mm x 63mm) Quarter Page Advert: £110 + VAT (93mm x 133mm) Half Page Advert: £185 + VAT (190mm x 133mm) Full Page Advert: £310 + VAT Double Page Advert: £520 + VAT We have an long-term offer, with every sixth advert placed free of charge, like a coffee shop.

For more details, email: advertising@aahorsham.co.uk or call Ben on (01903) 892899 DOOR-TO-DOOR DISTRIBUTION TEAM Horsham: Jacquie Paterson, Dominic Goddard, The Judd family, The Rollingson family, George Voisey, Katie Drysdale, George Williams, Sam Lucas, Hazel Garner, Sam Uphill, Jill Shuker, The Bloomfield family, The Arliss family, Charlotte Wellbelove, The Gavira Family, The Dold Family Southwater: Connor Brown, William Britton, Tassia Chapman Villages: Nathan Williams (Mannings Heath); Lynsey Hare (Billingshurst), Harry Kent (Ashington), Derek Bradnum (Nuthurst) Ben Morris (Stands), Oak Tree Farm Care (Maplehurst & Copsale); The Palmer family & Amy Butler (Broadbridge Heath) James Hobbs (Thakeham), Tom Matthews (Storrington)

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PICK UP POINTS & STANDS Thousands of copies of AAH are available at businesses, clubs, organisations and community centres across the district.

Horsham: Henry Adams (Carfax), Pavilions in the Park, Horsham Museum, Horsham Rail Station, Crates (Carfax), New House Farm, Swan Walk, The Capitol, New Street Butchers, (New Street) At Home Estate Agents (Caterways), The Holbrook Club (North Heath Lane) Village Stands: CoCo’s (Southwater); Billingshurst Leisure Centre, Coco’s (Billingshurst) Barns Green Village Store, The Bridge Leisure Centre (Broadbridge Heath, Bluecoat Sports (Christ’s Hospital), Leonardslee (Lower Beeding), Warnham Village Stores (Warnham), Slinfold Stores (Slinfold), Steyning Leisure Centre, Spring Gardens Nursery (Washington) Nisa Local (West Chiltington) and Joanna’s Boutique Tearooms (Storrington) LEAFLETS We can deliver leaflets with AAH. Email: editor@aahorsham.co.uk £40 + VAT per 1,000 copies (£45 for A4 leaflets) SOCIAL MEDIA Follow AAH on Twitter @AAHMagazine and Toby on Facebook: tobyphillipsphotography Instagram: tobyphillipsphotography NOTES We’re delighted to have a new stand at Nisa Local in West Chiltington Also, best wishes to William Britton, who has delivered AAH in the Blakes Farm Road area of Southwater for two years. Will is focusing on his GCSEs. Best of luck Will, and our fond regards to all the family.

Notes from the Editor

Is This a Time for Illusions of Grandeur?

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was woken up by cows this morning. This hasn’t happened to me for years. I lived close to a dairy when I was young, so it’s not a novel experience. Back then, twice a day, a herd of cows would block the driveway leading to our house, called The Pigsty. I had the bedroom on the end and was under strict instructions to call it a “potting shed” if anyone in a suit was ever snooping around.

But I’ve not been woken by cows since then, so this morning’s occurrence is a mystery to me. After all, I’ve lived in the same house for twelve years.

I looked out of the window to investigate.

I’ve no idea why, as all there is to see is rooftops to the north. Unless local cows had miraculously learned to climb trees, I wasn’t going to see them. I thought the mooing might be coming from the long-horn cattle on the Knepp estate. The southern tip is a few miles away, but I know the bellow of red deer travels a long way during rutting season. Maybe longhorn cattle do something similar?

It remains a mystery. Like the mystery of all the badgers that have been killed by cars recently. Is it beyond the realms of possibility that they became a bit complacent during lockdown and thought they could reclaim the roads? The pigeons too were noticeably dim-witted when I last drove through the Carfax. I had to practically stop the van before they cleared off...

Less of a mystery is why High Street shops are having a bad time. It was tough going already - with rising rents and competition from internet sites.

Then Covid-19 arrived…

Horsham town is quiet these days.

Tumbleweed quiet. Shooting beer cans off a fence post while a rattlesnake hisses under a cactus quiet. Horsham District Council has been quick to offer financial support to many affected businesses, but such help only offers a short-term solution. HDC is good at organising events to support local shops and restaurants. In fact, I’ll give it due credit and say that events like Piazza Italia are remarkable for a town of Horsham’s size.

Now, it needs long-term solutions to improve the experience for shoppers and traders.

In September, we’ll be losing The Candy Box, which has been a fixture in the Carfax for 100 years (see Page 16). When familiar names disappear, it sets alarm bells ringing.

Perhaps inspiration for a solution lies not too far away, in Steyning. This month, AAH visited Cobblestone Walk, where all its 30 or so units are occupied. Even in the current climate, it was bustling – at least compared to Horsham. In Cobblestone, businesses can start small. There are different sized huts and units with affordable rents, and at its heart is a 16th Century tea room that draws people in. There’s a colourful, quirky and convenient mix of goods and services, from tarot reading and Himalayan singing bowls to barbers and nail care. Old ladies sit in rocking chairs knitting baby clothes, taking orders in a little book. I know, as I ordered a jumper for my niece.

It’s something I’ve raised in this column before, but Horsham lacks outlets for independent businesses selling goods and services at low margins. Good outlets run by local people struggle to turn a profit.

The leap from a successful stall at the excellent Local Produce Market to a proper

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shop unit is far too great, which is why it hardly ever happens and why the town centre lacks a butcher, a baker, or even a cheese maker. Newsagents will soon reside only on the fringes (M&J News on the end of East Street and Horsham News on the end of the Bishopric). Yet these are all the kind of businesses that attract visitors in a way that maybe estate agents don’t.

Eddie Woodward, who owns Cobblestone Walk, points out that eight of the shops on Steyning’s High Street started life in Cobblestone Walk. There, they could build their brand and customer base before expanding. It would be almost impossible to succeed otherwise. Without Cobblestone, the village High Street would have far more empty units, so the Walk’s importance is blindingly obvious.

Of course, Steyning’s layout lends itself to this format. It would be easy to say, “But where could something like this go in Horsham?” To which I’d point out that HDC held public exhibitions on an outlandish scheme to build under Sainsbury’s only a couple of years ago. Thinking outside the box doesn’t appear to be a problem.

However, planners have tended to think big when it comes to the town’s shopping and dining-out experience. Some have worked (the regeneration of Piries Place), some haven’t (whatever happened to Horsham’s West End?) and some might well prosper if more was done to generate interest and passing traffic (the restaurant hub around East Street). But perhaps this isn’t a time for illusions of grandeur. If we’re to look at long term growth and creating a more pleasant experience - perhaps one more fitting for a historic town - maybe it’s time to be less ambitious.

Maybe it’s time to think small.

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NEWS ROUND-UP

MONTHLY NEWS FROM AROUND THE HORSHAM DISTRICT

Horsham District Council is encouraging more eligible small businesses to apply for business grants to support them during the Coronavirus crisis.

The Discretionary Grants Fund Scheme is open to small businesses with high fixed property-related costs who are not eligible for other Government funded grants and have had their income severely impacted. So far, £518,000 has been paid to 54 local businesses through the scheme. Many types of business can benefit, from market traders to those in the leisure, retail and hospitality industry, as well as creative businesses.

The Rec Rooms in Horsham returns with Friday Night Comedy on 4 September, with a great line-up including Reginald D. Hunter.

The line-up includes compere Geoff Whiting, Marcel Lucont, Aideen McQueen, Steve N Allen and headliner Reginald D Hunter. The new-look Rec Rooms has 20 tables each holding six people, to be occupied by groups of family or bubbles.

Tickets £100 (for six people) from https://therecrooms.com/

Silvertip Films is bringing the Horsham Film Festival back for a third year in 2021.

The festival hosts four categories for both over 18s and under 18s, including Best Drama, Best Documentary, Best Animation and Best Comedy. The event also has a special ‘Your District’ Award.

The awards night will be held at The Capitol, Horsham on 11 February 2021, hosted by Nicola Hume. For entry details visit www.silvertipfilms.co.uk

A development partner is being sought to help make West Sussex County Council’s vision for a Horsham Enterprise Park a reality. The Council bought the former Novartis Pharmaceuticals site in December 2016 with the aim of creating a science park that would become a key contributor to the local economy.

However, its vision has not yet been realised. Prospective partners can contact alex.mckinlay@savills.com

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(© Toby Phillips/AAH)

(© Toby Phillips/AAH)

(© Toby Phillips/AAH)

Horsham-based Fact Not Fiction Films are to make a short film in partnership with The Lucy Rayner Foundation to raise awareness of mental health and PTSD. Finding Wilson will be the latest in a string of titles by FNFF with a focus on public interest issues, following the documentary Everybody Flies about cabin air on planes, and Missing a Note, a short film raising awareness of dementia.

Written by Viv Young, Finding Wilson will see a voluntary crew working with rising actor Darcy Jacobs. Filming is due to begin in August. www.findingwilson.com

(© Fact Not Fiction Films)

The Capitol re-opened its cinema on Friday 17 July with a screening of Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. It was followed by a series of re-runs with films including La La Land, Downton Abbey and Billy Elliot.

The Capitol has introduced contactless payments, seating limits, staggered film times and enhanced cleaning. While closed, the “front of house” area has been refreshed. www.thecapitolhorsham.com Everyman Cinema has also re-opened with screenings of classic films including Grease, Goodfellas and Jackie Brown. www.everymancinema.com/horsham

Catfish were named ‘Blues Band of the Year’ at the 2020 UK Blues Awards.

Two of its members, Matt Long (guitar/ vocals) and father Paul Long (keyboards/vocals) are based in Wisborough Green. Bassist Adam Pyke met Matt while studying at ACM Guildford and the band was recently joined on drums by Kev Hickman. Matt was also named ‘Blues Instrumentalist of the Year’ and the band were nominated for ‘Album of the Year’ for Burning Bridges. www.catfishbluesband.co.uk

Violinist Andrew Bernardi and composer Paul Lewis © Shipley Arts Festival)

Horsham singer/ songwriter Sydney Rutherford is aiming for a breakthrough with her new album, Nothing Else Matters.

Sydney has been featured on BBC Introducing and has performed at BBC's Fat Tuesday Festival in Hastings, the O2 Indigo and Live Lounge sessions with her band, The Jukebox Six. Sydney also visited Los Angeles to perform at the famous Viper Rooms. The first two singles from the album have been aired on BBC Radio. Sydney’s songs can be heard on Spotify and Soundcloud. Live Lounge videos can be watched on YouTube.

Shipley Arts Festival was among the first to host a live music concert after lockdown, hosted by Reverend Helena Buque in the grounds of St John the Baptist Church, Findon, on 14 July.

An orchestra of string musicians performed beneath a copper beech tree to a small, socially-distanced audience. The concert included the premiere of the first movement of Shipley Idyll by composer Paul Lewis and Opus 20 works by Elgar and Mendelssohn.

Shipley Idyll was written about the

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Stradivarius violin played by Andrew Bernardi, made in 1696. The weekend also saw the recording of another world premiere, White Storks by Helen Ottaway, at Knepp Castle. Future events in the Arts Festival include a presentation of Bizet’s opera, Carmen, by Opera Holloway at Sullington Barn on Saturday 19 September. The Bernardi Music Group and Stradivarius Piano Trio perform at the Leonardslee Concert on Sunday 11 October. www.shipleyartsfestival.co.uk

© AAH/Toby Phillips

Artisan Bakehouse in Ashurst, pictured for AAH in 2013 (Photo: ©Toby Phillips Photography/AAH)

Horsham’s summer events programme may have been wiped out by Coronavirus. However, Steyning & District Food and Drink Festival is scheduled to take place from 5 September - 3 October.

Highlights include the Farmers Market, The Great Steyning Bake Off, Wiston Vineyard Open Day, St Barnabas Coffee & Cake Morning, Rupert Toovey Valuation Evening and The Artisan Bakehouse Pizza Supper. There will be outdoor events with social distancing, as well as online events, with Dr. Janet Pennington presenting stories of the pubs and breweries of bygone Steyning. steyningdistrictfooddrinkfestival.co.uk

TOOVEY’S

© AAH/Toby Phillips 2019

Horsham District Council plans to improve trading conditions for restaurants and cafes in the town centre. Daytime traffic restrictions in East Street and Market Square will be extended until 10.30pm, enabling businesses to have socially distanced tables and chairs outside their premises for longer. Traffic restrictions in Park Place are to be introduced for the first time from 10.30am - 10.30pm.

The move will also create a more appealing and safer environment for customers. Additionally, to support Horsham Markets, stalls for crafts, collectibles, jewellery and non-food products will trade from Market Square.

Bluecoat Sports Centre in Christ’s Hospital opened The Fitness Yard and other outdoor facilities on 6 July.

While indoor gyms and swimming pools were not permitted to open until 25 July, BCS is in the unique position of having an outdoor gym. The Fitness Yard opened last year and has been a great success. The sports centre closed on 20 March and while most of the staff were furloughed, a small team developed online initiatives to help members stay fit, as well as planning for re-opening. www.bluecoatsports.co.uk

A selection of treasures auctioned at Spring Gardens for a total of £23,400

The demand from buyers for a wide range of antiques, works of art and collectables has never been stronger!

Valuing items now for our Summer and Autumn sales ~ at your home or at our salerooms. Please ring for an appointment or email us images.

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Sussex Green Living (SGL) have launched the Horsham Youth Eco Forum, as part of the development of Horsham Climate Cafe.

Since opening in December 2019, Horsham Climate Café, a collaborative project established by SGL, Horsham Quakers and volunteers, has wanted to offer a space for young environmentalists to meet and share ideas. The Eco Youth Forum sees young people aged 11+ meeting weekly to discuss issues including the climate crisis and the pandemic. The first meeting was held on Zoom on 2 June.

For information, contact Catherine on YEF@SussexGreenLiving.co.uk

A West Sussex County Council illustration of plans for improvement works at Robin Hood Roundabout

British Airways staff took to the town’s streets in July, as they battle to save their jobs. Campaigners backed by trade union Unite called for a government review into the airline’s control of landing slots at major UK airports, at a time when thousands of jobs are at risk due to the impact of Covid-19 on travel.

Workers held a banner outside the constituency office of Horsham MP Jeremy Quin, asking for his support, with BA being a major local employer.

Sharon Graham, Unite Executive Officer, said: “BA workers face an unprecedented attack on their jobs, pay and conditions in the middle of the worst health crisis in a century. There should be consequences to BA’s actions.”

Major improvements are being proposed for the A24 Robin Hood roundabout aimed at reducing congestion around Horsham.

The A24 southbound will be widened from two lanes to four, with the northbound side increasing to three lanes. Traffic-lights will be installed on the approach to the roundabout and on Warnham Road to manage flows in peak and off-peak periods.

A Toucan crossing will be installed across the northbound exit of the A24 (towards A24 Great

Daux) with pedestrian and cycling paths also improved. There is likely to be two stages of work, with site clearance and utility diversion works in the autumn/winter of 2020/2021 before main construction starts in mid-spring of 2021.

Before construction of the £3.7m project begins, residents and businesses will be able to sign-up for weekly email updates from the contractor. Details will be made available on the WSCC website.

Six houses in Bennetts Road, Horsham have been demolished to make way for 21 new homes for affordable rent. The new development, built

by Saxon Weald in partnership with Horsham District Council, will include one and twobedroom flats and three-bedroom houses, allocated by the Council to people on the housing register. The homes are expected to be completed by autumn 2021 and this is just one of four planned developments by the partnership, which will provide 84 new homes for affordable rent in the town. www.saxonweald.com

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Any further donations would be welcome to help Lodge Hill continue to offer its activities for young people.

The centre is now taking small bookings for children and families who need a safe place to exercise, with safeguarding and social distancing measures observed across its 32-acres of woodland.

For donations or to enquire about the facilities, call 01798 831411 or email ceo@lodgehill.org.uk

Paul Lewis and Andrew Bernardi ©Shipley Arts Festival)

Lodge Hill Centre in 2019 ©Toby Phillips/AAH)

Lodge Hill in Pulborough, which offers outdoor activities to help the development of young people, was also forced to close during lockdown.

Without any income, the charity was at risk of closing permanently.

However, Lodge Hill succeeded in obtaining funding through donations from individuals, foundations and Trusts to fund running costs for the first 12 weeks and a core team oversaw essential maintenance and security.

Handcrafted Sausages & Quality Meats

© AAH/Toby Phillips

MADE USING BRITISH QUALITY-ASSURED PORK

Young people are invited to take part in an environmental art competition being held over the summer holidays.

The ‘Clean Up & Create’ Bright New Future competition is open to 5 - 16 year olds, encouraging them to design art with an environmental message.

There are two categories.

Entrants can submit an eco-art sculpture using litter, recycling and unwanted items, or a poster about environmental problems and solutions. There are 16 prizes of £150. The competition,

St Margaret’s Church in Warnham has organised a green-themed wildlife photo competition for young people in the Horsham District. The free to enter competition, Nature: The Way I See It, offers cash prizes in three ages groups (under 9s, 9-13 and 14-18) as well as a masterclass with wildlife photographer Sean Collins. Entries to be submitted by 1 October. For rules and details visit www.themegreenphotocomp. jimdosite.com

TRY AWARD-WINNING SAUSAGES Visit us at Horsham Market every Saturday or selected farm shops and retailers: Popular flavours include: Traditional Pork Pork, Sage & Red Onion Pork & Leek Cumberland Pork, Garlic & Herb Pork & Apple Or try something different: Chorizo Style Pork, Mustard, Pear & Tarragon Chilli & Chocolate Pork & Wild Mushroom

OUR RANGE OF MEAT At Horsham Market, we are now offering fine beef, lamb, pork and poultry. We’ll also be suppling retailers, caterers, pubs and restaurants.

Eco-art work by Nick Morris

Horsham Rotary Club is holding a writing competition, encouraging children to describe life under lockdown.

The competition - for children aged 5-16 - invites entrants to pen a story of no more than 500 words with the title, ‘My Family Life Under Lockdown.’ There are two age categories, with winners chosen by a judging panel. There are prizes of £100, £50 and £25 in each category. Entries must be submitted by Saturday 15 August. www.horshamrotary.org.uk

At Bangers Galore, we are passionate about our sausages and hope that you enjoy eating them as much as we enjoy making them!

supported by Sussex Green Living and South Downs National Park Trust in partnership with The Boltini Trust, will be held until 20 October. Download an entry form at: www.southdownstrust.org.uk/ clean-up/

Sausages & Meat Collection Service We are now offering collection from our Horsham base.

Call us to arrange or to discuss Home Delivery options

Sausages worth bangin’ on about!

(01403) 262233 bangersgalore.co.uk info@bangersgalore.co.uk Unit 10 Blatchford Close, Horsham, RH13 5RG

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©Emma Varley/Sussex Wildlife Trust)

Sussex Wildlife Trust is looking for 12 photographs capturing the wildlife and landscapes of Sussex.

The theme of this year’s photography competition is 'Into the Wild' with people encouraged to share the places that are special to them. It could be high on the Downs, deep in the woods, on the beach, or your favourite urban nature spot. The winning photos will feature in the SWT’s online calendar, with the overall winner featuring in Wildlife magazine. There is also a £100 cash prize, with runner-up prizes. https://sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/ photos

Strictly Come Dancing’s World Champion dancer Neil Jones brings his Gingerland tour to Horsham’s Capitol on Thursday 18 March 2021. Neil will demonstrate why he has so many Ballroom and Latin Championship titles to his name in this rescheduled show.

Neil said: “Being ginger myself, with this show I wanted to create a kind of tribute to gingers. There will be a lot of dancing, obviously, but I want to combine it with comedy and music.”

A limited number of VIP Meet and Greet tickets are available. Tickets start at £31 from (01403) 750220 or www.thecapitolhorsham.com

AAH Editor Ben Morris has reworked his debut novel and made it available for readers to enjoy for free.

The Last Farrington was published with a small print run in late 2018, with copies selling out fast. However, Ben wasn’t entirely happy with the opening chapters and has had a chance to revisit the story during lockdown.

The story follows 15-year-old Warren Farrington, whose life is managed to ludicrous levels of safety owing to the improbable

death of everyone in his family for two hundred years. With the help of a compulsive liar, he must escape his isolated existence and uncover the truth behind the “Curse of the Farringtons.”

The book is available to read in full on the AAH website at www.aahorsham.co.uk It’s just a bit of fun, but any constructive feedback or reviews are welcome. The book has also now been made available on Kindle for £4.99.

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Steve Ford, a former pilot, has published his second book on aviation ©Toby Phillips Photography/AAH)

Billingshurst pilot and author Steve Ford has published his second book, Flight Envelopes. Described as an “aviation anthropology,” the book consists of short editorial opinion pieces on the aviation and aerospace industries.

Flight Envelopes follows the success of Steve’s first book, 20 West, was was featured in AAH. Flight Envelopes is available in paperback (£4.99) and e-book format (£1.99) on www.amazon.co.uk or visit www.flightenvelopesbook.com Horsham author Cliff Comber has written a sequel to his debut novel, Running for his Lives.

Deadly Deceit is available at Waterstones in Horsham, as well as Amazon, priced £11.99. The thriller finds former soldier Dennis ‘Dutch’ French suspected of killing five members of a cartel who were responsible for a terrible crime on his family. To evade arrest, Dutch and his wife flee to Venezuela. Another near-fatal incident during a life of near-death experiences reinforces Dutch’s inner belief in the myth of nine lives.

A journalist has returned to her first love of music to compile a book about what it means to be a David Cassidy fan. Louise Poynton takes fans on a journey from the 1970s, when the teen idol first hit the charts, through to his unexpected death in 2017. Louise, an award-winning journalist who lives in Horsham, invited fans to share their memories of falling in love with his good looks and unique singing voice, and explain why he has been so important in their lives. She was overwhelmed with stories from around the world. April would have been Cassidy’s 70th birthday and 2020 also marks 50 years since The Partridge Family was aired on television. Cherish: David Cassidy – A Legacy of Love, is published by Unicorn Publishing Group.

To submit an article for consideration in the News Round-Up, email Ben at editor@aahorsham.co.uk by 15 August for September’s edition

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Howard Bayliss has run The Candy Box in the Carfax for seven years (©Toby Phillips Photography/AAH)

CANDY BOX TO NEWSAGENT SET TO CLOSE AFTER A CENTURY IN HORSHAM

T

he Candy Box, one of Horsham’s best known and longest-serving shops, is set to close at the end of September.

The Carfax newsagent has been a fixture in the town centre for 100 years, but has been hit hard by the impact of Covid-19.

Howard Bayliss, who has owned and run the shop for seven years, said: “I've loved my time here. It’s a great shop with wonderful customers and I'm on first name terms with many of them. But Covid-19 has had a huge impact and since re-opening, trade has been slower than I’d hoped for.”

“The Candy Box is a high volume/low margin shop that relies on lots of customers, which I no longer have. Business hasn't picked up hugely since shops re-opened as most of my regulars are from office buildings like RSA, where staff are working from home.

That’s understandable, but from my point of view that's a lot of business.”

After shutting for nine weeks during lockdown, Howard has served through the window. While customers have gradually returned as salons, pubs and restaurants re-opened, he feels it’s the right time to

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pursue new ventures. “I love the place and I'm going to miss it,” he said. “But I had to take off my sentimental hat and put on my business hat. The fact that the shop has been here for 100 years was uppermost in my mind. That's why it’s taken me a long time to make a final decision.”

“I know it’s an important shop for the town, but I need to do what's best for me and my family. It would be great if The Candy Box could continue somehow; but it just won't be with me.”

Dale Jannels Director, impactsf Ltd

TEL: 01403 272625

www.impactsf.co.uk

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The growth of self-employment, contracting and the gig economy has continued to challenge and change the make-up of the UK workforce over the past few years. Government statistics for 2019 saw the number of self-employed people rise to 4.93 million, some 125,000 more than a year earlier and this is a number which is only expected to grow.

As a specialist mortgage broker, we’re seeing a greater number of clients who are not only selfemployed but who have a variety of income streams and different ways in which they generate their income. As the raising of the Stamp Duty There are options for those with threshold is set to encourage multiple income streams more first-time buyers into the housing market, and homemovers to take the next step up the property ladder, it’s vital that mortgage brokers are adept at meeting the ever-changing demands of such borrowers.

Moving forward, an even greater proportion of homebuyers will have a non-traditional income history and many differing forms of current income for lenders to contend with. Despite this sustained shift, it largely remains the case that those with a salaried or traditional source of income are far more likely to be eligible for mainstream mortgage deals than those with complex income scenarios. Having said that, there also remains a misconception that those missing out on the perceived favourable terms of high street lenders are unable to get a mortgage. Thankfully, there are a healthy number of lenders - some on the high street, many more not on the high street - who have competitive product ranges and flexible criteria in place which can service the needs of the self-employed workforce or those with multiple income streams. A large proportion of these are available through specialist lenders and some can only be accessed via a broker.

CLOSE

It’s always been slightly more complicated for self-employed people to obtain a mortgage and – especially over the short-term - this may get even tougher when you consider additional Covid19 complications. The rise of self-employment and the gig economy will undoubtedly continue. And with many underlying lending restrictions still in place, especially at higher loan-to-value levels, this really does magnify the importance of good, professional advice in helping self-employed clients and those with more complex incomes to achieve their homeownership goals.

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Lisa Charles at Crates Local (Photo: ©Toby Phillips Photography/AAH)

FRESH FACE AT CRATES NEW OWNER STEPS IN AT HORSHAM LOCAL PRODUCE SHOP & CAFE

F

Sussex Charmer (cheese), Bolney Wine Estate, Garlic Wood Food Butchery, Hepworth’s, Weald Smokery, Cabin Pressure Spirits and many more. We now work with more than 70 producers.”

amiliar faces are also moving on at Horsham town centre’s leading local produce shop.

PJ Aldred and Marion Carter launched Crates Local in the Carfax eight years ago.

Building on their previous experience as operators of Horsham Markets, the couple built a successful farm shop, promoting local food and drink producers.

The business expanded with the café in the adjacent unit and during the lockdown, demand reached new heights, with Crates supplying essential groceries at a time when supermarket shelves were bare.

PJ and Marion have been seeking the right buyer for some time, as they embark on new adventures, beginning with a tour around the country in a motorhome.

“The success of the business hasn’t been down to us as much as the producers,” said PJ. “We need the products to be excellent for customers to keep coming back, as it’s not easy to succeed in a central location.

Having run the market, we had good relations with producers including Coburn & Baker (bread), Sussex Faire, Horsham Coffee Roaster, Downsview Farm (dairy products),

“The first couple of years were challenging as you need to engage your audience. They need to try things and if they like it, you reap the rewards, which is why working with other great businesses is so important.”

PJ Aldred & Marion Carter are heading on tour ©Toby Phillips Photography/AAH)

“The success of the business hasn’t been down to us as much as the local producers we work with.”

PJ Aldred

Crates Local has been taken on by local resident Lisa Charles, who is not only passionate about food and drink but also a regular Crates customer.

Lisa said: “Horsham is a lovely place to live and work and I’m excited about the challenge ahead. I have my own ideas to develop the business, perhaps creating more of a bistro-style service and extending opening hours into the evening, while keeping all the elements that people already love about Crates!”

Additional information

24a Carfax, Horsham, RH12 1EB www.crateslocal.co.uk

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AS HEARD ON

SCHOOL’ 20

’S OUT! T

he last six months has brought about unprecedented challenges for parents, children, teachers and educational authorities.

When - or even if - children return to school in September, most will have gone almost six months without regular lessons in class.

In June, parents and pupils from two Horsham primary schools organised protests

after West Sussex County Council cancelled a planned return for children. Kingslea and Heron Way were preparing to open with reduced class sizes, grouping pupils into ‘bubbles’ of no more than 15 people.

However, the County Council denied permission, meaning children couldn’t see their friends once again and further disrupting the work plans of parents.

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A campaign ‘Don't Burst Our Bubble’, was formed, with pupils forming a sociallydistanced chain outside the Council’s offices in Parkside, Horsham. AAH spoke to two Horsham parents, both mothers-of-three, about the campaign and the challenges presented by lockdown...

Pictured: Isabelle, 9 and Charlie, 7, doing schoolwork at home.

Amelie Roland-Gosselin, Horsham

I

Oscar missed out on the chance to say goodbye to Kingslea as he moves on to Bohunt (Photo: ©Toby Phillips Photography/AAH)

have three children, Oscar, Isabelle and Charlie, who all attend Kingslea Primary School, although Oscar starts at Bohunt in September.

I work from home, as does my husband on certain days. The rest of the world has now joined us! Like all families, these past few months have been a juggling act, balancing work commitments with home schooling.

Kingslea has done an incredible job with their provision. Talking to Heron Way parents, it seems both schools have gone above and beyond what would be expected of them.

Kingslea has provided daily work plans, learning sheets, and we’ve had regular contact with teachers. They’ve even recorded lessons and cooking demonstrations to keep the children busy.

Within a couple of weeks, the children adapted to the changes. They were watching videos, printing their own schedules and materials, almost home-schooling themselves.

Government guidance was that schools could re-open to Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 on 1 June. Oscar returned to school on selected days, as pupils were staggered. Kingslea then announced it would re-open to pupils in Years 2 - 5 on 29 June, having consulted extensively

with parents. The vast majority of parents about 90% - wanted that to happen. The idea was that pupils would attend school two days a week.

Just a few days before they were due to return, WSCC pulled the plug. It was frustrating, as parents had made plans, especially with work. We’d bought new shoes and ironed uniforms and the children were

excited about seeing friends again. The schools themselves had gone to great lengths to prepare for the pupils’ arrival, altering their schedule and provisions. When the children didn’t go back, we found the school days weren’t quite as well structured, as teachers had been busy preparing classrooms. It was a very disruptive time.

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Isabelle says that learning from home started to feel normal, although she missed her friends at Kingslea Primary School Photo: ©Toby Phillips Photography/AAH)

“We held a demonstration at Parkside, with 80 people all socially distanced. We even drew squares on the ground, so children could follow the guidelines!”

Amelie Roland-Gosselin A campaign group formed quickly. The school informed us of the Council’s decision on the Thursday afternoon and by 8pm that evening, an online petition had already gathered 700 signatures. The next day, we held a demonstration at Parkside, with 80 people all socially distanced. We even drew squares on the ground, so children could follow the guidelines. Children hung their school uniform up in windows at home, posting pictures on social media using the hashtag #imreadyforschool. A Facebook group was formed called ‘Don’t Burst Our Bubble’ and another demonstration was held the following Monday, which 150 people attended.

Sumners Ponds Fishery & Campsite is a unique and beautiful spot, set in tranquil West Sussex countryside.

The Campsite itself boasts high quality facilities, glamping accommodation, acres of woodland, a working farm, five fishing lakes and of course The Café by the Lake positioned beside the beautiful Sumners Lake.

WSCC responded by saying that schools were going against the rules and it was only following guidance from the Department for Education. But thats nonstatutory guidance and my feeling is that the Council interpreted the guidelines conservatively, at least compared to authorities elsewhere. But as the local education authority, schools had to abide by its decision.

Sumners Ponds is perfect for just relaxing, or for the more active there are plenty of footpaths and safe cycle-ways within the site to explore.

Access to the South Downs and the coast is easy, while Brighton is half an hour by car and London only one hour away.

One positive aspect of all of this is that there is a closer bond between parents and schools. None of us take the education of our children for granted anymore. Parents are not teachers and we cannot replace the job they do.

We’ve kept the children busy. We’ve explored the Sussex countryside, enjoyed bike rides around Horsham Park and the exercise classes by Joe Wicks have been great! We knew they would miss social aspects of school, but the one thing that my children have missed more than anything is learning.

There really is something for everyone!

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Photos: Toby Phillips Photography Interview: Ben Morris

23

Mary Bennison, Horsham

I

have three children aged between five and thirteen, all at different schools. So, home-schooling has been a challenge during lockdown.

My husband and I run our own business. He has continued working, while I stopped to help the children with school.

Gradually, I returned to work and balancing the children’s education has become more challenging. A recently published report suggests that children have lost focus on home-learning as time has passed.

When my ten-year-old daughter thought she would be going back to Kingslea a couple of days a week, it really spurred her on. I could leave my eldest son (who attends Forest School) to his own devices, to a degree. He worked through his lessons, although was stuck in his room most days. But with younger children, you can’t just hand over instructions and expect them to follow them.

We were very pleased when we received a letter informing us that children could return to school and had three weeks to prepare. Unfortunately, the Council decided that wasn’t possible, as it didn't meet their interpretation of government guidance. They announced their decision on the Thursday, with children set to return to school the following Monday.

I was incensed! About 90% of parents at Kingslea wanted their children to return, and my daughter was so excited! She had packed her bag about two weeks before classes were even due to restart.

Kingslea and Heron Way pupils outside Parkside, the offices of HDC and WSCC. (Photo submitted)

“As lockdown restrictions have eased, teenagers have been able to go out and meet friends, whereas younger ones have been stuck at home.�

I heard on the grapevine that a petition had started. I contacted a friend who works for the Press Association and the local campaign was widely reported. We joined forces with parents at Heron Way and formed the ‘Don't Burst Our Bubble’ group, holding our first protest outside the Council offices at Parkside

Going back to school was important for the mental health and well-being of children. For those moving on to other schools in September, it was also important to give them closure on a chapter of their lives. Schools were prepared to do that and should have been supported, so it was a shame the Council opted against doing that.

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The underlying message of WSCC was that schools could open in a safe and managed way, but couldn't really tell us why they felt schools shouldn't re-open. There seemed to be a reticence, because they didn't need to open primary schools when the Prime Minister wasn’t pushing for it to happen.

Schools throughout the country have done different things, depending on how guidelines have been interpreted.

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Going forward, we want to make sure that something similar can’t happen again, if we were to have a local lockdown.

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Department for Education, so that children aren't put in this position again.

We're fortunate, because our school communities are strong.

Our Facebook page has 280 members and that grew rapidly.

We’ve improved lines of communication with the schools, WSCC and Horsham MP Jeremy Quin. If we maintain those links, we can make sure this doesn’t happen again. But the togetherness of the group has been overwhelming. To start a campaign and have such amazing support from families in just a few hours was incredible.

In my opinion, lockdown has had the biggest impact on primary-aged children. As the restrictions have eased, my teenage son has been able to go out and meet friends, whereas the younger ones have been stuck at home, because we didn't have the ability to meet up as a family unit for a long time. It's been much harder on them, especially my ten-year-old daughter, as she’s not old enough to go out by herself and meet friends, but not so young that she wants to be stuck in the garden hunting for bugs with her five-year-old brother!

Additional information

https://www.change.org/p/ west-sussex-county-council-allowkingslea-and-heron-way-primaryschools-to-reopen-to-all-our-children

Photos: Toby Phillips Photography Interview: Ben Morris

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Victor Heal at West Grinstead Swimming Academy, just off the A272 Coolham Road (Photos: ©Toby Phillips Photography/AAH)

MAKING A SPL WEST GRINSTEAD SWIMMING ACADEMY OPENS MODERN POOL

W

est Grinstead Swimming Academy was expecting to open its new purpose-built pool at Easter.

Due to some unfortunate timing, the pool was finally set to open at the end of July, with swimmers of all ages ready to benefit from its modern facilities.

Victor Heal, who runs the business alongside wife Victoria, describes their unusual journey...

UNEXPECTED OPPORTUNITY We moved to West Grinstead six years ago, although at the time never envisaged building a swimming pool. When the children reached an age where Vikki could look for work again, it was difficult to find a job that offered the right life/work balance and going back to the City wasn’t an option.

Vikki’s always been a keen swimmer and competed when she was younger. So, the idea of becoming an instructor was ideal, as classes are normally held during term times too.

We found a company called Puddle Ducks and Vikki attended a three-day training course in Manchester to become a swimming teacher. Puddle Ducks operates a national franchise, with classes for children up

26

to the age of ten, although it’s particularly popular with mothers and babies. Those early experiences in the water are important and Vikki loves being a part of that.

As an instructor, Vikki has visited many different pools. Often, classes were not held in leisure centres but at private pools. What sometimes happens is that people with pools occasionally rent them out. Because they’re not always purpose-built for teaching, some classes can’t use the whole pool, because it has various depths, and the changing rooms and facilities may be lacking. These pools have diminished in number because those without permission to operate commercially have been closed by the local authorities. So, we talked about the idea of having a purpose-built teaching pool.

Four years ago, we started the process of applying for planning permission. We were fortunate. Not only did we have the space, but we found a gate that had been concealed by bushes and trees. At some point, it had been an access point off the main road, when the property was a lodge house for the nearby farm. This helped us get planning approval, as it meant we could offer plenty of parking with good access. Everything fell into place and we were granted planning permission in September 2019.

We worked with Arch Enclosures, a Haywards Heath-based company that creates purposebuilt, circular-shaped pool buildings. From the outset, we wanted to do it properly, with no expense spared. We didn’t want to replicate the negative aspects of private pools that Vikki has experienced elsewhere. That’s why we’ve allowed for plenty of parking, changing rooms for boys, girls, staff and a separate toilet, with spectating space too.

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West Grinstead Swimming Academy (Photos: ©Toby Phillips Photography/AAH)

27

“The pool is ten metres long, five metres wide, with a constant depth of 1.2 metres, making it ideal for development swimming.”

Victor Heal

SWIMMING PARTNERS Another important factor is water quality. If you were to build a pool in your back garden for private use, it’s likely you’d have a filtration system that would typically turnover water every six to eight hours. Ours is only 60 minutes. At the start of each lesson, the instructor tests the temperature and water quality to ensure it meets their high standards. The air humidity and temperature are also monitored and kept it at a constant level.

Vikki Heal will run Puddle Ducks sessions at the swimming pool (Photo: ©Toby Phillips Photography/AAH)

As West Grinstead Swimming Academy, we own the building.

But we rent out the pool and facilities to other swim schools.

We had a lot of interest from different businesses, so decided to choose just one to work with in each age group. Vikki is a Puddle Ducks instructor, so Puddle Ducks will run the baby and pre-school classes.

Sussex Swim School, which taught our daughter and with whom we have a good relationship, will run classes for school-age children. It’s not a pool designed for swimming lengths. It’s ten metres long, five metres wide, with a constant depth of 1.2 metres, making it ideal for development.

The Swimming Academy has a consistent depth of 1.2metres (Photo: ©Toby Phillips Photography/AAH)

LESSONS RESUME ON 5 SEPTEMBER

Finally, a new Horsham-based business called SLK Aqua Yoga will run classes for adults. These will include fitness, post-natal, ante-natal and aqua therapy, providing adults with opportunities to enjoy waterbased exercise.

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Victor Heal we’ve been able to put the finishing touches in place in time to open on 25 July. Swimming schools tend to only operate during term times, but I suspect children will be keen to get back into the water and catch up with what they’ve missed, so lessons may be held over the summer, before a regular timetable begins in September.

Scientific evidence shows that Covid-19 cannot survive in chlorinated water, and that’s the guidance we’ve received from Swim England. So, any pool should be safe. However, we still need to be vigilant with regards to restricting the spread of infection, so we have sanitisers and regularly clean the equipment and facilities. So, when people are ready, they can use the pool with confidence.

Additional information The West Grinstead Swimming Academy is located off the A272 Cowfold Road, RH13 8LU wgswimmingacademy@gmail.com https://wgsa.co.uk Photos: Toby Phillips Photography Interview: Ben Morris

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Cobblestone Tea House is key to the success of Cobblestone Walk (©Toby Phillips Photography/AAH) (Photo: Toby Phillips Photography/AAH)

WHERE SMALL BUSINESSES

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or those who find it and dare to venture within, Cobblestone Walk in Steyning offers an experience unlike any other.

This quaint, quirky shopping arcade now has over 30 independent outlets offering unique gifts or professional expertise. You’ll find knitted baby clothes, artists, hand-crafted jewellery, hand-carved furniture, decorative candles and even singing bowls made by mountainous tribes in Nepal.

The diversity has broadened in recent years, with the success of Ema’s Nails and Beauty encouraging other service-based businesses including Steyning Osteopathic Clinic, Divine Inspiration (Reiki), Southdowns Mindfulness, Sussex Pilates and Architecture by Jake to establish their brand in the Walk.

Cobblestone Tea House provides a central hub and meeting place, offering food and drink from a beautiful 16th Century cottage with both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a specialist service for dogs.

The site is owned and managed by Eddie Woodward, who previously ran his own business within Cobblestone Walk. Eddie has injected energy into the enterprise, providing a more rewarding experience for visitors and giving businesses the opportunity to flourish.

“We’re very proud that several businesses that are now on the High Street started life here,” says Eddie. “Sakala, Palace of Pooch, Green & Healthy, Ink Well Tattoo Studio, The Doll’s House and others all grew in Cobblestone Walk, demonstrating its importance to Steyning. Even if you've got the greatest business idea of all time, you can’t go straight on to a High Street, as the costs involved are too great. But it’s achievable through enterprises such as this, where you can build your brand and clientele.”

31

Eddie Woodward has revitalised the shopping arcade (©Toby Phillips Photography/AAH)

COBBLESTONE WALK IN STEYNING OFFERS A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE

Architecture by Jake

“Someone did their entire Christmas shopping here, from massage vouchers to Himalayan singing bowls!”

“It has taken time to build up to where we are, investing in the units and welcoming enterprising businesses. There was a time when Cobblestone Walk had more of a hobbyist feel to it. Now, we have people with ambitions to grow.”

“We have a great mix of service and retail, with nail and beauty therapists, barbers and Pilates instructors alongside fashion outlets and craft stalls. And of course, we have Cobblestone Tea House, where people can grab a cup of coffee and a bacon sandwich. They all complement one another, which means there’s a strong community spirit.”

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With much of the spring and summer trade lost due to lockdown, customers are now returning, enticed by a flurry of new businesses that have seen every unit now occupied. Eddie said: “People travel from far and wide to come here. Lots of overseas visitors are shown around by friends and family. If people think so highly of it and appreciate its uniqueness, it’s important to support the businesses too. The selection is greater than ever. I spoke to someone who did their entire Christmas shopping here, from massage vouchers to Himalayan singing bowls and Teddy bears. Everyone will find something special.”

Fred Pulley at Bamboo

ARCHITECTURE BY JAKE Run by Jake McLewee, an Architecture Technologist whose services include design and planning applications. In his unit - complete with seats from Brighton Dome - Jake offers customers the chance to see three-dimensional designs on a 55-inch screen, with pictures relayed from his computer as he works.

“I thought this would be a nice place to be based as it’s a social setting, although I didn't think I'd pick up many clients. But people often ask me a quick question about plans or ideas and I offer some advice. From that, they sometimes come back to me. So, gradually word of mouth is helping my business grow.”

BABY BOUTIQUE Joyce Pinkus specialises in knitting clothes and garment for babies and toddlers, up to the age of two.

As Joyce is retired, the business is a passion and she is well known for her reasonable prices. As well as making her own clothes, Joyce sells other items, mainly by British designers, and sewing essentials.

BAMBOO Bamboo is a fashion outlet for women, priding itself on offering good quality clothing, primarily from Italian designers. The business has been a fixture in Steyning for 12 years and is popular as its constantly updates its lines. Owner Fred Pulley says: “We’ve always been a bit quirky and kept prices competitive. Even when something sells, we’ll introduce an entirely new item as it’s a small town and customers are looking for unique pieces. We tend to sell loose fitting clothing, with cool linen and cotton in summer and “Lagenlook” in winter, where you accessorise with layers of clothing. We know what our customers like and that’s what keeps them coming back.”

COBBLESTONE BARBERSHOP A new business owned by Matt Farrier. Matt gained experience elsewhere before setting up his own shop. “I wanted to stay in the village and when this unit came up, it seemed an ideal starting point for me. There’s a lovely community here and Eddie thought a barbershop would complement the other businesses too.”

COBBLESTONE TEA HOUSE The Tea House is key to the success of all businesses in the Walk. Set in a 16th Century house built with oak beams from the historic Steyning

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Indulgence Jewellery

DIVINE INSPIRATION Karen has been a spiritually-intuitive Reiki Practitioner for 18 years. Her own spiritual journey has evolved and developed over the years with Mediumship and Tarot Reading, offered in a delightful cave within the Walk.

LJ’s Creations

Ema’s Nails & Beauty

Divine Inspiration

Paws For Tea

port, the Tea House offers a range of food and drink including breakfast, ploughman’s lunches, sandwiches, toasties and cakes. Run

by Janine Dee, The Tea House has expanded with Paws for Tea, a dedicated doggy café.

Janine said: “It was never going to be a big money-making idea, but I love dogs and know all the regulars. It’s important to find something that you love, and for me that’s being here!”

EMA’S NAILS AND BEAUTY Ema has been a fixture in Cobblestone for 11 years and has expanded to three units.

The unisex salon offers a heavenly place of relaxation and pampering, including skincare, body and beauty treatments to refresh and revitalise. Home visits and pamper packages are also available.

EMMI CREATES A combination of the talents of husband and wife Emmi and Mike Nash. After the birth of their daughter, Emmi didn't want to return to her previous job, so now sells hand-made greetings cards, art prints and knitted bunting. Emmi said: “Mike is a tree surgeon and in his spare time makes

beautiful coffee tables which he cuts, shapes and finishes himself, and we sell those too.”

FLICKER-ROSE Packed to the rafters with unique gifts, many supplied by local independent businesses including Peawee Designs and Parkminster Candles. The shop is a treasure trove of cards, jewellery, homeware and gifts from a range of designers. People love browsing for gifts for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day and other occasions.

INDULGENCE JEWELLERY A well-established, friendly jeweller and retailer. As well as a selection of individual

Servicing & Sales for:

Rated No.1 for Fiat Group Approved Servicing* Monza Sport is an approved service dealer for Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Abarth and Subaru, offering the highest levels of customer satisfaction.

At Monza, we offer servicing & MOTs, parts and tuning services, aircon re-gas, tyre fitting and 4 wheel laser alignment. We have special labour rates for older cars and offer courtesy cars.

We have a vastly experienced Service Manager in Keith Avey and one of the country’s best technicians and diagnostic experts in Kevin Riddles. On four occasions we’ve topped the JD Power customer satisfaction surveys for Alfa Romeo. (*No.1 out of 165 Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Chrysler Jeep dealers for customer satisfaction in the UK, Jan - Mar 2018)

Monza Sport, Bridge Garage, London Road, Ashington, RH20 3DD

Tel: (01903) 893052 | www.monzasport.com 34

Flicker-Rose (Photos: ©Toby Phillips Photography/AAH)

John Wakefield

“Some candles may look the same, but because they’re all hand-painted, they’re all slightly different.”

Wendy Murrell, Mediterranean Candles

items to suit all tastes, Nick has an excellent reputation for his repair and restringing service.

JOHN WAKEFIELD As a keen walker, John loves painting natural landscapes and wildlife scenes, but his bold colour palette means that his output is fascinatingly varied. “I have a bit of a magical head, so every painting takes me to a different place. As well as originals, I offer high quality canvas prints, as paintings cost more than what many people want to spend. I love working here at Cobblestone Walk, as it’s great meeting people and brightening somebody's day with a painting that just occasionally stops them in their tracks!” www.jwakefield.co.uk

LJ'S CREATIONS LJ’s offers a quirky selection of bespoke and handmade items, from novelty mason jars to wood-carved pens and T-shirt designs. The range reflects the skills of different members of this small family business.

MEDITERRANEAN CANDLES Sells a beautiful selection of hand-painted candles from Cyprus. Owner Wendy Murrell lived there for 15 years and became friends with the designer before returning to England, where she now sells them. “Some candles may look the same, but because they’re all hand-painted, they’re all slightly different. I’ve looked everywhere, but I’ve not come across any designs quite like these!”

£1,000

OFF A N EW

OUTBA ◊ CK ◊WHEN YOU

TAKE AN OUTBACK TEST DRIVE Vehicle shown is a Subaru Outback 2.5i SE Premium Lineartronic with optional special paint finish (£550). OTR price of £33,575.

Subaru Outback Range available with

DISCOVER MORE AT Monza Subaru 01903 444763 www.monzasubaru.co.uk Bridge Garage, Ashington, West Sussex RH20 3DD Monza Sports Tuning Ltd , trading as Monza Subaru is a credit broker and not a lender.

SUBARU OUTBACK RANGE fuel economy (WLTP) and CO2 results (NEDC Correlated): Combined 33.0mpg, CO2 emissions 166g/km. Fuel consumption figures are determined according to the WLTP test cycle. Mpg figures are official EU test figures for comparative purposes & may not reflect real driving results. CO2 figure shown is based on the outgoing NEDC test cycle & will be used to calculate vehicle tax on first registration. Only compare fuel consumption & CO2 figures with other cars tested to the same technical standard. Fuel consumption achieved in real life conditions & CO2 produced depends on a number of factors including accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles & vehicle load. *Terms of Offer: 50% deposit followed by the remaining 50% paid in one payment after 12 months. Credit available subject to status to UK residents aged 18 and over. Excludes fleet and BASC and NFU Members Affinity Scheme sales.

Available at participating dealers only. Not available in conjunction with any other offers other than the Levorg & Outback test drive offer. This credit offer is only available through Subaru Finance provided by International Motors Finance Limited, St. William House, Tresillian Terrace, Cardiff CF10 5BH. We can introduce you to Subaru Finance and a limited number of lenders who may be able to provide funding for your vehicle. We may receive commission or other benefits for introducing you to these lenders. ◊Customer saving of £1,000 incl. VAT (vs. On The Road price) applicable to Subaru Outback 2.5i SE Lineartronic & SE Premium Lineartronic only. Available to retail, private individuals only. Offers may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Offer ends 31.12.19. †Every vehicle marketed by Subaru (UK) Ltd, excluding WRX STI, is covered by a 5 Year/100,000 mile (whichever comes sooner) Limited Warranty which comprises of a standard 3 Year/60,000 mile (whichever is sooner) Manufacturer’s Warranty (bumper to bumper, excluding clutch driven plate) and an Extended Warranty (applies to powertrain only) provided by the importer. Vehicle shown is a Subaru Outback 2.5i SE Premium Lineartronic with optional special paint finish (£550). OTR price of £33,575.00. OTR price includes VAT, delivery, number plates, 12 months road fund licence and first registration fee. Prices correct at time of going to print.

35

ParaSure Organics

Emmi’s Creates

Sheila’s Decoupage

Megalily Design

MEGALILY DESIGN Inspired mainly by the natural world, Lily produces original Linocut prints, all hand-pulled without a press, working in single block prints using the carving to express the image.

Watch her at work and browse her fascinating output.

PARASURE ORGANICS ParaSure manufactures organic, plantbased hand sanitiser and surface disinfectants, all with claims against Covid-19 and with moisturising properties. Pet care and room diffusion products are also available.

In addition, the shop stocks organic gifts including toiletries, soya candles, cold pressed soaps, raw chocolate and palm leaf plates to support responsibly-sourced products.

SHEILA’S DECOUPAGE Sheila has been at Cobblestone Walk since October 2019, with the business helping to keep her busy during retirement. She uses strips of patterned or illustrated paper to decorate items made of glass, china, wood, plastic and even pebbles to create a range of quirky items, from candles to walking canes.

SINGING HIMALAYA / SINGING EARTH Two units offer a fascinating range including gongs, hand-embroidered cushions, crystals and singing bowls from Nepal and India. As well as traditional hand-beaten bowls, there are aluminium and quartz crystal designs with a variety of soothing, meditative tones. Each comes with a choice of beater and cushion. Owner Sophie Latter said: “As the bowls are good for relaxation and people have been stressed, they’ve been very popular during lockdown. I’ve been selling online for the first time too, but people still love to try out the bowls to see which best suits them.”

SLIPPED DISCS A new business in the Walk. James Anderson has been buying and selling at Record Fairs for a long time, but has taken his passion for music to the next level. “People are very excited when they see records that they bought when they were young, so there’s a lot of nostalgia involved.

Music and the artwork of record sleeves strikes up a lot of conversation and people who don’t even have a record player have bought LPs because it holds memories for them.”

Experienced Shutter Specialist

20% OFF SHUTTERS The Blind Lady is a female run business which provides quality blinds and a friendly, professional service at prices that offer unbeatable value.

Count on Kim to coordinate your window dressing needs, from start to finish. With over 15 years of experience working for leading blind brands before establishing her own business to offer a local, family-feel company that cares about service, quality and affordable prices.

Offices based in Southwater and Angmering

Shutters Curtains | Romans | Conservatory Blinds Rollers / Vision Rollers | Wood / Venetians Perfect Fit Blinds l Verticles

Call 01903 899440 or 07789 692021 for a Free No Obligation Quotation

We are a Checkatrade member and on Facebook: m.me/Theblindladyhorsham 36

Smiffy Bears

Slipped Discs

SMIFFY BEARS Sells Teddy bears by leading brands including Steiff and Merrythought, and operates a bear hospital. Owner Jackie Smith has been repairing bears for over 30 years and during lockdown has been busier than ever. “People were cleaning their houses and finding old bears. I worked four hours every day during lockdown and it became almost overwhelming, as I had 50 bears in the hospital. l finally finished them just before I could re-open the shop. I love being here, surrounded by my bears and friends from the other businesses, and Eddie is the best owner as he does all he can to help everyone.”

SOUTHDOWN'S MINDFULNESS A new business offering one-to-one sessions, courses and retreats on mindfulness-based stress reduction, meditation, visualisation and relaxation.

Owner Ed points out that the NHS will refer people to mindfulness to alleviate stress and anxiety or depression. He helps with these problems, as well as people looking for direction or to improve their mental and physical wellbeing.

Steyning Osteopathic Clinic

Singing Earth

Southdowns Mindfulness

STEYNING OSTEOPATHIC CLINIC The clinic had to delay opening in Cobblestone Walk because of the lockdown. However, it now offers clients a natural, holistic approach to pain relief. Owner Gemma Harding has run the clinic since 2011, having previously rented a room on the High Street. “It’s wonderful to have my own unit and treatment room in Cobblestone, as there’s a big community spirit. And to be opposite a record store called Slipped Discs is perfect!”

Church Street, Warnham RH12 3QW

(01403) 265028 CASK C CAS A M MA MARQU MARQ MAR MARQUE AW AWA AWARD AWAR A

2002 20 - 2019: 200 2019 20 201 2 THE GOOD BEER GUIDE

SUSSEX PILATES Elin runs Sussex Pilates, a private Pilates studio offering one-to-one Pilates sessions for individuals who are seeking to improve their fitness, health and general wellbeing.

Visit our Covid-friendly country pub and enjoy the finest ales, wines and spirits by our Inglenook fireplace or our beautiful garden.

Our extensive menu offers home-made food prepared with locally-sourced ingredients.

CA CAS CASK MA M MAR MARQ MARQU MARQUE A AW AWA AWAR AWARD

Additional information Cobblestone Walk can be found at 74 High Street, Steyning, BN44 3RD Open Monday - Sunday (Individual shop times vary) www.cobblestonewalk.co.uk

Pop in and enjoy some well deserved refreshment at the end of one of the many beautiful walks in the area.

Daily Changing Menu (Booking recommended) Like us at The Sussex Oak Warnham

Photos: Toby Phillips Photography Interviews: Ben Morris 37

www.thesussexoak.co.uk info@thesussexoak.co.uk

KING & STEVENS LTD Lawnmower & Garden Machinery

SALES | SERVICING | REPAIRS | HIRE | PARTS FOR ALL ENQUIRIES, CONTACT US ON (01403) 864487 EMAIL: HIRE@KINGANDSTEVENS.CO.UK OR VISIT OUR SHOP A272 Cowfold Road (between Buck Barn and Cowfold) West Grinstead, West Sussex, RH13 8LY Open Monday - Friday 8am- 5.30pm Saturday - 8.30am - 12.30pm

KING & STEVENS LTD A272 Cowfold Road, West Grinstead, RH13 8LY

HIRE | SERVICE | REPAIRS

Wide range of Diggers, Dumpers, Rollers, Cherry Pickers, Generators, Chippers and much more available at your local Plant & Tool Hire specialists.

CALL US:(01403) 864487 We are Husqvarna Dealers & Stockists EMAIL: HIRE@KINGANDSTEVENS.CO.UK

(01403) 864487

A272 Cowfold Road (between Buck Barn and Cowfold) West Grinstead, RH13 8LY Open Monday - Friday 8am- 5.30pm Saturday - 8.30am - 12.30pm

www.kingandstevens.co.uk WWW.KINGANDSTEVENS.CO.UK

Renovated 16th Century Barn New House Farm Shop and Tea Room is located in a beautifully renovated 16th Century barn in a quiet spot on the edge of Horsham.

People come from all over to enjoy our cafe and local produce.

Take-away from The Tea Rooms You can enjoy cakes and sandwiches, paninis and Ploughman’s from our Strawberry Fields Tea Rooms.

Limited Take away menu includes baps & sandwiches and toasties with plenty of cake available.

POLLYANNA

KNOWS

Sam Linter at Bolney Wine Estate (Photo: ©Toby Phillips Photography/AAH)

The Best of Local Produce Our locally sourced produce includes fresh fruit and veg, fresh bread, local meats, beer and gins by local brewers, wines from Bolney Wine Estate and Leonardslee, Sussex cheeses, great gifts and much more!

Watch Facebook and listen to the answerphone for updates about Strawberry Fields Tea Room

www.newhousefarmshop.co.uk 01293 851890

H

aving started out making her own chilli sauce for family meals, Pollyanna Hutchinson has built an acclaimed business. A combination of distinctive branding and delicious flavours has seen West Chiltingtonbased business Pollyanna’s Kitchen scoop several prestigious accolades.

MY OWN BOSS

Here, Pollyanna outlines her ambitions for the company…

Chinese chilli oil has a distinctive taste. Even in Chinatown, you can experience it. I like that flavour and although I don’t add shrimp paste or deep fry chillies as the

New House Farm, Old Crawley Road, Horsham, RH12 4RU Open 7 Days a Week 10am - 5pm 36 40

I love cooking and always sprinkle chilli into dishes at home. Long before I founded the business, I would make chilli and keep it in plain jars. Whenever we visited friends or family for dinner, I would take a jar with me and it was always a winner!

(Photo: ©Toby Phillips Photography/AAH)

HER GUBBINS Chinese often do, my recipe follows similar principles. I’ve perfected the combinations over the years and used it on countless dishes.

While I enjoyed making it, I didn't think it was possible to launch a business. But I spent six difficult years in a job outside of the food industry and the experience left me broken. I didn't feel I had anything to lose by trying to be my own boss, so I set myself the challenge.

Being in the kitchen listening to music was therapy for me. My first child was only two-years-old, but as soon as she settled down, I’d start creating in the kitchen. I experimented with chillies, herbs and spices, writing every conceivable combination down.

I was absorbed by the task of finding the perfect recipe.

Mexican chilli that balances out the kick with its smoky flavour.

Dyke Farm Shop in West Chiltington, which has supported me ever since.

CHILLI FIESTA

I’m often asked to explain how Chillish should be used and the answer is, “anyway you like!”

It’s very versatile. In the top half of the jar is the oil, made with a locally-sourced, award-winning extra virgin rapeseed oil. At the bottom is the ‘gubbins’ which has a stronger kick. The gubbins is my blend of caramelised onion, chilli, garlic and elegant spices. The variety works, as

I launched Pollyanna’s Kitchen at the Chilli Fiesta in West Dean in 2017. I prepared 2,000 jars to sell over three days and almost sold out. It was exciting but also terrifying, as I knew I had to carry on! There was constantly a queue at the stall and it was a defining moment in my life.

Soon, I had my first stockist,

Eventually, I came full circle and resorted to my original recipe for Chillish. It combines two chillies.

Szechuan chilli brings the heat and the Ancho is a dark, leathery

41

Pollyanna goes to great lengths to make her brand unique (Photos: ©Toby Phillips Photography/AAH)

there is usually one person in every household that doesn’t like hot food!

When someone tries it for the first time, they think it’s mild.

Then after seven seconds without fail - they get a subtle kick in the taste buds! There’s something comforting and warm about it. There’s a Scandinavian word, Hygge, meaning a perception of cosiness, and Chillish has that.

There are countless ways to use it. You can pour the oil on pizza, use it as a condiment for cheese of pork pies or a marinade while cooking meat; add it to spaghetti Bolognaise, risotto or stir fry, or mix it in a quinoa summer salad.

BRAND AWARENESS

My second product was Garlish, the ultimate garlic oil. It felt like a natural progression to mix the same extra virgin olive oil with a rich, garlic flavour, combining caramelised shallots and spices.

“After seven seconds - almost without fail Chillish gives you a subtle kick in the taste buds!”

The third product was Just the Gubbins, which is what’s at the bottom of Chillish. That’s ideal for adding to pies or for marinating meat without oil.

Then finally, I launched Just the Crush, a punchy, ready-to-eat garlic sauce. Chillish is especially good when you spread it on Sussex Charmer cheese on toast.

That’s a great hangover cure!

Garlish is lovely on ciabatta with some fresh chopped tomatoes or mushrooms!

In my last batch, I made more than 4,000 jars, so I can’t do it all at home any more. The house would permanently stink of garlic! So, I use a brilliant local kitchen with top marks for hygiene and food standards.

Then I transport the jars home for packaging and presentation.

Branding is very important as it reflects the fact this is a unique product, created by an individual.

It’s in a jar because nearly all olive oils are bottled and I like being different. I attach charms and labels individually, which is labour-intensive but generates positive feedback. People love the informative leaflets provided

Other great local producers worth checking out...

The Sheep Dairy in Sedgwick makes sheep’s milk as well as seasonal ice cream and milkshake. Sheep’s milk has less environmental impact than cows’ milk. www.sheepdairy.co.uk

Auntie Val’s in Storrington makes beautiful jams, chutneys, marmalades and much more. The business is dedicated to providing work for people with disabilities. www.auntievals.com

Cocoa Loco is an awardwinning company in West Grinstead. They use organic, Fairtrade cocoa beans from small farms and offer amazing Easter treats. www.cocoaloco.com

Bee Cosmetics in Horsham creates skincare products from pure honey, beeswax and propolis, together with natural oils, butters and essential oils. www.beecosmetics.co.uk

Trenchmore is a sustainable, family-run farm in Cowfold famed for its 28-day, dry-aged beef from slow-grown Sussex-crossed Wagyu cattle. www.trenchmore.co.uk

The Cake Angel in Thakeham has won Great Taste Awards for her Absolute Fruitcake, made with an espresso-rich beer from Dark Star Brewing Co. http://cakeangelsussex.com

42

as they give ideas and inspiration for recipes. It’s worth going the extra mile when you’re an independent business.

I'm also planning to write two books; one a step-by-step recipe guide and the other for children.

Pollyanna’s Kitchen products are now available in farm shops, delis and other outlets across the Horsham District and beyond.

They include Crates and New House Farm in Horsham, Spring Gardens Nursery in Washington, Weston’s Farm Shop in Itchingfield, The Village Larder in Washington, The Village Deli in Storrington, The Deli and Dyke Farm Shop in Pulborough and Slinfold Stores.

INTERESTING TIME

I’ve very proud to have received Great Taste Awards for three of my four products. Just the Gubbins won two stars, which is a fantastic accolade. I've entered them all again for this year’s competition and it would be great if Garlish made it a clean sweep!

I have also been recognised as Best Newcomer at the Sussex Food & Drink Awards.

The next step will be expanding across the country and beyond.

I'm meticulous in terms of standards. So, maintaining what I’m currently doing but on a bigger scale will be the challenge.

Lockdown was an interesting time for me. I was sad that the food fairs and festivals were cancelled, as I love meeting customers face to face, receiving feedback and ideas. I’ll just have to wait until the Christmas fairs! On the positive side, I have forged some fabulous relationships with new suppliers and as people have more time to cook, I have seen a huge increase in online orders. I have really enjoyed seeing our farm shops and delis adapt so they can keep going. It's been humbling to be a small part of that.

A variety of herbs and chillies are used in Pollyanna’s Kitchen

For more details about Pollyanna’s Kitchen visit www.pollyannaskitchen.co.uk Tel: 01798 669273 hello@pollyannaskitchen.co.uk Facebook: @pollyannaskitchen Twitter: @pollyannaskitch

Photos: Toby Phillips Photography Interview: Ben Morris

Pollyanna hopes to write a book of her favourite recipes (All photos: ©Toby Phillips Photography/AAH)

Questions, Questions...

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions by my clients, which may in turn relate to your own circumstances or someone that you know: Q How can I increase the amount of income Q I am in poor health and may not from my capital when interest rates may survive the next seven years. What remain low for some time? alternative is there to gifting?

Q Knowing who to invest with and Q I want to gift money to the grandchildren when, seems a lottery. How can you each year for their future education but reduce the risk of poor investment they are too young to have investments in performance? their own name. What should I do?

Q I have several different pensions but don’t know if I should buy an annuity or take income drawdown?

Q I have several different pension pots and don’t know how to track them down?

If one or more of these questions sound familiar, please do contact me, for a discussion.

The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds you select and the value can therefore go down as well as up. You may get back less than you invested. Equities do not provide the security of capital which is characteristic of a deposit with a bank or building society. The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time. The value of any tax relief is generally dependent on individual circumstances.

MATTHEW WYKES FINANCIAL SERVICES Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management Matthew Wykes DipPFS, Principal Tel: 01403 710422 | 07974 062561 | Email: matthew.wykes@sjpp.co.uk www.matthewwykes.co.uk Matthew Wykes Financial Services is an Appointed Representative of and 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 ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.

43

BANGERS GALORE

CHAMPION SAUSAGE MAKER OFFERS MEAT SELECTION

A

fter twenty years at Bangers Galore, David Bell has perfected the art of creating the perfect sausage.

As well as being named National Sausage Making champion twice, bangers made by the Horsham-based business have been on the menu at 10 Downing Street, BRIT Awards and served to guests including HRH Prince Edward at The South of England Show.

In addition to this success, David is a familiar face at the Local Produce Market in the Carfax, where his sausages remain as popular as ever.

Once again, Bangers Galore is a grand finalist in the Top Producer category of the Sussex Food and Drink Awards 2020.

Now, after two decades devoted to sausages, Bangers Galore is expanding by offering a range of meat products, hand-picked from suppliers in Sussex and Surrey. David said: “When I first started on this journey, I served various meats to my customers. My focus quickly became sausages and now after 20 years, we have a great reputation and I need a

fresh challenge. So, I’m going back to my roots as a butcher, supplying customers with fine beef, lamb, pork and poultry.

As well as offering these meats at the market, we’ll be suppling retailers, caterers, pubs and restaurants, and potentially a home delivery service too.”

BUTCHERS ROOTS David’s journey in the trade started when he worked as a Saturday lad for Ken Davey, a butcher in Surrey. There, he learned how to trim and bone ham, then eliminate air cavities and ensure flavours are distributed evenly for the perfect sausage.

After winning countless awards, including the title of National Sausage Making Champion, David appeared South East News and even a Saturday morning children’s TV show to showcase his talent. He later worked at Keith Weston at Rawlings and Kensett, creating enticing new recipes.

After 15 years, he moved to Horsham with his wife to launch Bangers Galore. At the first competition he entered as an independent in 1998, he was named Supreme Sausage Maker.

David Bell is a two-time winner of Sausage Maker of the Year

LOCAL OUTLETS Bangers Galore now produces about two tonnes of sausages every week, using premium pork and ingredients to produce a consistent flavour.

Currently, David supplies Budgens and Southern Co-Op stores, Londis stores in Southwater and Caterways in Horsham, Shelley’s Budgens on Coltsfoot Drive in Horsham, Capel Stores and New House Farm in Faygate. David hopes that his new meat range will be enjoyed just as much as his sausages.

“You can see from our market stall that we only source fine, local meat and the feedback has been terrific. We always get great reviews from our customers who support us week in, week out, and when they’re looking for something different, we do our

Bangers Galore now offers a range of meats alongside its sausages

44

best to provide it.”

“Attitudes to food have changed in recent years. People want produce that’s local and high quality and that is what we offer, whether it be sausages, gammon bacon, chicken, lamb or beef.

So, come and give us a try and see what the fuss is about!”

For more information on Bangers Galore, visit www.bangersgalore.com or find us on Facebook

HUGE SAVINGS IN STORE

4 FLOORS OF BEDS

LUXURY POCKET SPRUNG BEDS FRIENDLY, EXPERT ADVICE AND PERSONAL SERVICE

HORSHAM’S FAVOURITE BED RETAILER Central House, Medwin Walk, Horsham, West Sussex RH12 1AG

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Passionate About Interiors.

Sensible About Safety.

Our kitchen and bedroom showroom in Horsham is fully open with everybody’s safety in mind. We have implemented strict measures to ensure we can continue designing your interior spaces safely.

+ + + + +

Independent Kitchen & Bedroom Specialists

Only one set of customers accepted in at any one time Dual screen consultation to maintain 2m distance Hand sanitising station with gloves provided Home visits following government guidelines Video calls remain an option for all customers

Individually designed to complement your tastes and lifestyle.

Why not come visit our showroom and design team today, near the Iron Bridge at 12 Queen Street, Horsham RH13 5AF

t: 01403 254090 e: info@holmewoodinteriors.co.uk www.holmewoodinteriors.co.uk

HOW ROCK CHOIR BUILDS A SENSE OF COMMUNITY FOR ITS MEMBERS

F

or members of Rock Choir in Horsham, the group offers so much more than just somewhere to sing.

Sandy Wheeler joined nine years ago to help quell loneliness after the loss of her husband.

She hasn’t looked back since.

“Rock Choir saved me,” she says. “I’ve always enjoyed singing and was looking for a group to join when my sister-in-law found an article about the first Rock Choir in Farnham.

I thought I’d try it with my friend Catherine, and the first time we sang an ABBA song together we were hooked! We both live in Worthing but joined Horsham as it was the closest group at the time. Others have formed since then, but we still come here as there’s a great social connection. We’ve also enjoyed some amazing experiences over the years.”

Sarah Willis leads the Wednesday morning group at the London Road Methodist Church, one of two Rock Choirs based in Horsham.

After leading the choir in a moving rendition of I’ll Be There by Jess Glynne, Sarah sat down for a chat with AAH…

How long have you been running local Rock Choirs?

I’ve been with Rock Choir for four years, taking on a role as Leader after my predecessor moved to the West Country, where she started new Rock Choirs. There are two groups in Horsham, with Georgie Standage running an evening Rock Choir at Forest School on Wednesdays. I also run choirs in Worthing, Billingshurst, Chichester and Horley. It is a full-time occupation, although it doesn’t feel like work. I consider myself very lucky!

How are Rock Choirs run?

Founder Caroline Redman Lusher launched the first group in Farnham in 2005. Since then, it has expanded across the country and is now recognised as the world’s largest contemporary choir. We have about 70 people in the Horsham group and there’s fantastic support from a network of Leaders.

On a national scale, we use the same arrangements, effectively all singing to the same hymn sheet! that means when people move to a new area or join a different group, they can settle in quickly.

47

“Rock Choirs have backed notable artists and chart acts, including The Soldiers and Russell Watson.”

Sarah Willis

Rock Choir in Horsham (pictured on 11 March 2020 before the lockdown) (©Toby Phillips Photography/AAH) (Photo: Toby Phillips Photography/AAH)

MORE THAN A FEELING

How are songs arranged?

Caroline used to write every arrangement but now has a creative team of Leaders around her that have gradually perfected the art. Usually, at the start of each term, we begin with a simple song, like Super Trouper by ABBA. It’ll be an upbeat song familiar to members, which allows people to learn about their vocal range, be they a soprano, alto, tenor or bass.

As we progress, arrangements become more complex. One recent example is All of Me by John Legend, where it’s only when you pull all the different elements together that you fully appreciate the sound we can create.

KEVIN GRIFFIN CARS

Sarah Willis leads several Rock Choirs in West Sussex.

(Photo: ©Toby Phillips Photography/AAH)

Is there as much ‘Rock’ music as people initially assume?

There’s variety, with old classics to contemporary songs that will become better known with the passage of time. Today, we started with I’ll Be There (Jess Glynne) which is beautiful as a choir arrangement and even though most hadn’t heard the song before, members now love to sing it. Our repertoire also includes renditions of I’m Still Standing (Elton John), Mandy (Barry Manilow) or Something Inside So Strong (Labi

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Siffre). Whether modern or classic, our songs tend to have a message that speaks to members and enforces the ethos of Rock Choir.

People usually have a reason for being here and the songs we sing reflect their experiences.

Do groups occasionally combine?

The choirs work individually, serving the community. Then, at a regional level, we come together to perform. Occasionally, we have very special events where thousands of members join forces to create an incredible sound. That’s one of the things that makes Rock Choir unique.

Is Rock Choir in danger of becoming too popular?

Because of how big it has become and its high-profile reputation, people can make the mistake of thinking it’s soulless or too commercial. That couldn't be further from the truth. Each group has its own identity and there’s a family feel. Even as the concept has spread, Rock Choir has maintained its original ethos and that’s why people love it. For thousands of members it’s a highlight of the week. Every Leader has the best intentions for the choir and an

understanding of what is needed to keep members happy and challenged.

It’s that drive which opens new doors and presents opportunities that other choirs don’t have.

Rock Choir at London Road Methodist Church before lockdown (Photo: ©Toby Phillips Photography/AAH)

What kind of opportunities?

It could be recording at Abbey Road studios, as many Rock Choir members have, or singing at prestigious venues like Birmingham NEC, O2 Arena or Wembley Stadium. Rock Choirs have backed notable artists and chart acts too, including The Soldiers and Russell Watson, and performed on television.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of Rock Choir, so two big shows were being organised at the NEC in November, with thousands of members coming together. We hope this can be re-arranged in future, as to be a part of that is something you don’t forget.

Do you perform local concerts?

In 2018, we sang at The Capitol, which was important as it gave members the chance to sing in front of friends and family. We’re hoping also to organise a performance at Collyer’s in collaboration with The Charlie Gard Foundation. Charitable work and supporting the community is vital as it reinforces our ethos.

How have you operated under lockdown?

The whole concept of singing in a choir has had to be re-imagined, which has presented challenges. It was a strange evening on the Monday that lockdown was announced. Most choir Leaders were preparing for a normal session when the Prime Minister announced the restrictions, meaning we couldn’t meet. We immediately found new ways of reaching and engaging with members online. We are so passionate about singing that simply cancelling Rock Choir was not an option, so we started thinking about the best way forward.

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“We meet face-to-face on Zoom each week, where the Leaders can re-create the energy of a normal session.”

Sarah Willis Rock Choir at London Road Methodist Church (March 2020, prior to lockdown) (Photo: ©Toby Phillips Photography/AAH)

Eventually, we came up with a new landscape that would change the way we engage and sing but still provide a togetherness through music.

Members taking part in Zoom sessions

Sarah has been hosting virtual Rock Choir classes during the lockdown

Presumably operating online?

Each week, the Leader records and uploads video tutorials to teach members the parts to new songs. Rock Choir now arguably offers more singing tuition than ever! We gave members extra songs during our Virtual Summer Term and had such enthusiastic feedback that many people are asking for them to continue even as we come out of lockdown! Also, we meet face-to-face on Zoom each week, where the Leaders can re-create the energy of a normal session live for members, who enjoy being able to see their choir friends. Then every day at 3pm on the Rock Choir Facebook page, a different Leader hosts a live sing-a-long session, which we call ‘Keep Britain Singing.’

Has all of this helped maintained people’s spirits?

Using Facebook has proved extremely popular. During Mental Health Awareness Week, we hosted 24 hours of Rock Choir on Facebook, featuring Leaders from all over the country including founder Caroline Redman Lusher. We sang, danced, shared stories and made cocktails, raising over £40,000. There’s been so much going on to provide as many opportunities to engage with the feel-good power of singing as possible.

Additional information For more on Rock Choir visit: https://rockchoir.com For details of the local groups run by Sarah Willis visit the Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/-/ Photos: Toby Phillips Photography Interview: Ben Morris

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Listening Volunteer Lillie Benn and Deputy Director Jacqui Clark at the Horsham and Crawley Branch of The Samaritans (©Toby Phillips Photography/AAH) (Photo: Toby Phillips Photography/AAH)

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Why The Samaritans are as important as ever before 4 FLOORS he Samaritans provide confidential OFsupport BEDSfor people experiencing stress,

T

despair or suicidal feelings. During the lockdown, it has been more important than ever. AAH visited the Horsham and Crawley branch to meet Caroline Thomas (Vice Director), Jacqui Clark (Deputy Director) and Lillie Benn (Listening Volunteer).

there’s an immediate risk of suicide. We encourage people to phone us at the start of that road rather than the end of it. Don’t hesitate to call us and don’t ever feel you’re wasting anyone’s time.

Where do the calls come from?

Jacqui: The Samaritans operate a national system, so volunteers in Horsham may receive calls from Scotland, Northern Ireland, the West Country or anywhere. One of our strengths is confidentiality, so we don't know where people are calling from.

Caroline: We don’t disclose where we are either, as the point of the call isn’t to have a cosy chat. We're not here to be somebody’s friend; we’re here to listen and be a sounding board.

“Your human instinct How long has the local branch been located at Denne Road? is to give Jacqui: We’ve been here since 1973, having previously been based in Park Street. Ours is advice. But to help one of 201 branches in the UK, some of and potentially which are in remote locations, including the Western Isles of Scotland. even save lives just by listening is an What do the Samaritans provide?

Do you work with partner organisations?

Caroline: People tend to think of us as a amazing thing to Jacqui: We occasionally signpost people to a suicide line. Often, callers will start by saying, limited number of organisations, if we feel “I'm not suicidal, but…” However, most calls do.” somebody should seek specific help. But it’s are about isolation and loneliness, or feelings HORSHAM’S FAVOURITE BED not a big part of what the Samaritans do.RETAILER of distress and despair. What we do is listen Lillie Benn, 19 and provide emotional support. We don't receive a huge percentage of calls where Central

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Caroline Thomas, Vice Director of the Horsham and Crawley Branch of The Samaritans (©Toby Phillips Photography/AAH)

How was the service affected by the lockdown?

Caroline: We stopped face-to-face meetings at the branch, although only a handful of people visit each week, as most people contact us via phone or email. We thought the phones would ring off the hook during lockdown, but while emails have increased, the volume of calls has gone down. People haven't had the privacy as they've been stuck in a flat or small house. Certainly, there’s been more cases of domestic abuse and people have struggled with isolation.

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Are people more open to discussing mental health these days?

Caroline: Yes. I think Prince William and Prince Harry have helped, as we hear from more men. I know it's a cliché but generations grew up not talking about mental health; lip wobbling wasn’t allowed! But by talking about problems, you can release some of the distress and we often hear people become calmer over the duration of a call. They may need to talk to us again, but hopefully we can help them work their way back to a happier place.

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Explain how listening can help?

Caroline: Listening can be incredibly powerful. When somebody has depression or anxiety, it’s often the case that either their friends and family have become fed-up of hearing about it and tend to shut them down, or they don't want to worry their friends and family in the first place. To be able to call us to talk about their feelings and explore steps towards improvement can make a difference.

How many people are involved in the branch?

Jacqui: We are completely run by a team of about 100 volunteers, from individuals helping with site maintenance and IT, to listeners. We ask volunteers to earn 18 credits a month if possible, with one credit roughly equating to an hour’s volunteering, although bonus credits can be earned on night shifts and other duties. There is a wide age range, from Lillie who is 19, to people in their eighties who have volunteered for some time.

Are volunteers trained?

Jacqui: The training is very intensive and ongoing. We always work in pairs, so although it’s rare to interrupt, if you can see your fellow volunteer is struggling with a call, you can offer additional support. There’s a strong support system in place. At the end of every shift we debrief with a Leader and discuss difficult calls.

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Lillie Benn is a Listening Volunteer (©Toby Phillips Photography/AAH)

Presumably, some calls can be distressing?

Caroline: That’s why the support structure is important. You may have a call where you wonder if you could have handled it better and reflect on. I've had calls from people saying, “I'm standing on a bridge on the motorway.” As with any call, the most important thing is to listen and encourage them to talk about what's causing their anguish. Saying things aloud can help, rather than having these issues spinning round your head.

What it’s like being a Listening Volunteer?

Lillie: Sometimes it feels almost unnatural, because our role is to help people by listening, when your human instinct is to give advice. But to help and potentially even save lives by listening is an amazing thing to do.

I get nervous before every call, because you don't know what the situation will be. It might be a suicide call. But it can be very rewarding, especially when you come off the phone and feel you’ve made a real difference.

Is it quieter during the night shift?

Jacqui: You always wonder what the night will bring. It can be 3am and you feel like the whole world is in bed and it’s just you and the caller. They may have nobody else they can talk to and you feel privileged to be on the end of the phone. It’s a special time, but you can also receive challenging calls. There’s also something about Monday mornings that people struggle with.

Lillie: One thing that has surprised me is that people can need us at any time. It might be

Tuesday at 6pm and somebody calls with suicidal thoughts, and you wonder what could have happened. That’s why it’s so important we’re here at different times.

How is the Samaritans funded?

Jacqui: We don't receive government funding and are supported by donations.

This is a challenging time, as events like the London Marathon normally bring in vital sponsorship money, as they do for many charities. Even locally, we have collection days at town events like the Great British Weekend. Our Branch Director has been working hard to apply for different grants,

but we’re always grateful for any donations and volunteer support.

Additional information Horsham & Crawley Samaritans, 21 Denne Road, Horsham, RH12 1JE Call the Samaritans: 116 123 (free from any phone) 0330 094 5717 (local call charges apply) www.samaritans.org/branches/horsham/ Photos: Toby Phillips Photography Interviews: Ben Morris

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The Carfax Electric Theatre opened in 1911 next to The Stout House. It later became the Court Royal Theatre (All photos: ©HDC/Horsham Museum & Art Gallery)

CENTRE STA JEREMY KNIGHT: HORSHAM MUSEUM & ART GALLERY

NOSTALGIC LOOK BACK AT THEATRES IN HORSHAM

W

ith live theatre closed across the country, we explore the history of theatrical entertainment in Horsham with the help of Jeremy Knight of Horsham Museum & Art Gallery.

ACT I The Case of the Missing Theatre On Twelfth Night in 1823, posters appeared around the town, telling the residents that the bailiffs and burgesses had allowed a performance of She Stoops to Conquer at The New Theatre, Horsham.

To have a New Theatre, there must have been an old one. But where was it?

That is the mystery.

It was only with the 2003 publication of the Diaries of Sarah Hurst, an 18th century

businesswoman in the town, that we could learn about earlier plays.

Sarah watched five plays in Horsham in 1759, six in 1761 and two in 1762. She also visited London to watch plays featuring the greatest actor of his age, Garrick. The diary suggests that theatre was part of her everyday life. On Monday 30 April 1759, Sarah records: “The players act The Fair Penitents, have a tolerable house and they say did it pretty well and glad on’t, t’s a sad thing not to succeed.”

Interlude: Drama in Court At the 1801 Easter Assizes, held at Midhurst, the court heard a drama worthy of a theatrical production. It involved a lover, an actress and an infatuated ensign. The lover

56

was George Stanton, a part-time actor. The actress was Mrs Leach, “a lady possessed of Youth and a Handsome person and not destitute of Dramatic Talents, but like many of her sex on the stage, fickle.”

Mr Stanton fell in love with Mrs Leach, though when he proposed marriage, she only wanted friendship. The ensign, William Bunn, who was stationed at Horsham Barracks with the 64th Regiment, also fell in love with Mrs Leach.

On 21 December 1800, Bunn attempted to murder Stanton with a pistol in each hand, in the Carfax at around midnight. Bunn only grazed Stanton but, thinking he had killed him, fled. The morning after, having realised that his rival was merely injured, Bunn and Mrs Leach told the magistrate that Stanton had in fact attacked Bunn.

The Kings Head hosted theatrical performances in the 19th Century (© HDC/Horsham Museum)

Stanton was arrested prior to a trial at Chichester. Neither Bunn nor Mrs Leach turned up for the trial. Stanton then filed an assault case against Bunn and he was eventually captured on board a ship in Portsmouth Harbour, under a hen coop. The jury, realising the nature of the case, declared Bunn not guilty.

AGE ‘We have even a uniformed doorkeeper, who stands outside the corrugated iron picture theatre and gives the place, with the assistance of dazzling lights, almost a London air.’

Mr Palmer, 1912

ACT II Assembly Rooms Rather Than Theatres Throughout the 19th Century, Horsham seems to have had no actual theatre.

There were theatrical performances in pubs and inns, and the town was blessed with two large assembly rooms at The Kings Head and Richmond Hotel. When the Corn Exchange was built in the late 1850s, it was intended to be used as a meeting room and, being next to the Black Horse Inn, also took on the function of an assembly room.

Posters from the period show that many performances took place in town.

This remained the case into the Edwardian era, a heyday for London theatre.

In 1912, The Daily News and Leader published an article titled ‘Our Mirthless village’

by E. Clapham Palmer, supposedly a correspondent who knew Horsham: “So London spends £30,000 a day on being amused. In little country towns and villages, it is necessary to live without being amused. In a place like Horsham of 12,000 inhabitants, there is little chance of being entertained unless the cricket club or the football club, or some other deserving institution, is good enough to get into debt. Then, perhaps, someone will get up amateur theatricals, and give us an entertaining evening.”

The article goes on to say that once a month during the winter a touring company would put a show on in the assembly room of the chief hotel, probably The King’s Head.

57

The Corn Exchange (next to the Black Horse Hotel) was built in the 1850s (© HDC/Horsham Museum)

Act III The Theatre Electric Arrives The biggest change in Horsham’s theatrical scene came with the arrival of the cinema.

Without the popularity of film, it is doubtful whether Horsham would ever have had a stage on which to perform.

The 1912 diary of another Horsham resident, Mr Palmer, reveals: “We have the cinematograph, and we are very grateful for it. We have even a uniformed doorkeeper, who stands outside the corrugated iron picture theatre and gives the place, with the assistance of dazzling lights overhead, almost a London air.

The fact that we can support two picture theatres shows that we are anxious enough to be entertained.”

The following story only later gains importance, as it is the place where Sir Michael Caine would make his mark.

In October 1911, The Carfax Electric Theatre opened. The entrance was through the alley at the side of the Stout House, and it had a small sign suspended over the pavement.

Plans for a 40ft long hall were submitted in June 1911 by the brewers, King and Barnes, but instead, the cinema was established by brothers Philip and Charles Bingham.

In 1917, the Carfax Electric Theatre purchased 28 Carfax, Walter Oldershaw’s outfitters shop. This building was then converted into an entrance. This and other improvements saw the theatre renamed Carfax Theatre with a grand opening by the famous writer, Hilaire Belloc.

Then in 1929, the town finally had its first permanent, purpose-built theatre. The Blue Flash Company owned all three cinemas in the town; Central Hall, Carfax and The Capitol. The purpose of The Blue Flash Company was to provide employment for out of work bandsmen who had previously been in the army. The bandsmen would use their musical skills to play live soundtracks for the silent shows.

Now that “talkies” were being demanded by the public, the need for live music rapidly declined.

The Carfax cinema therefore decided to close for a week and convert its space into a live theatre. They held a season of plays by Frank Buckley’s Repertory Company, realising that it would be difficult for silent films now to compete with the talkies.

ACT IV A Knight Begins as a Knave Michael Caine’s acting career began in the town. Caine responded to an advertisement for an Assistant Stage Manager at the Horsham-based Westminster Repertory Company. This position led to walk-on roles at the Carfax Theatre, where he worked for nine months. Sadly, the company closed while he was sick with malaria, contracted during military service in Korea.

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The other development in the 1950s was the formation of HAODS (Horsham Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society), who started off primarily performing works by Gilbert and Sullivan. They performed in the Theatre Royal, which had changed its name following the closure of the Westminster Repertory Company, and was known as the Theatre Royal from Carfax Theatre.

In 1981, Horsham District Council made a public pledge to keep live theatre in the town.

The obvious venue was

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HAODS performed at in the Theatre Royal (© HAODS. Photo from AAH May 2011)

The Theatre Royal hosted performances by HAODS from the 1950s (© HDC/Horsham Museum and Art Gallery)

the old Capitol Theatre, but the building was in the way of major redevelopment of Swan Yard. Horsham Urban District Council had originally bought the site in 1953 for £27,000 and now M&S were offering £1.5m for it. The Council agreed to spend £200,000 to demolish the old theatre and purchased the old ABC Cinema in North Street. The building cost £200,000 and a further £900,000 was set aside to convert it into a new theatre. This became The Capitol, opening in 1984.

Photos: Horsham Museum & Art Gallery Words: Jeremy Knight, Horsham Museum & Art Gallery (edited by AAH)

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