AAH (All About Horsham) January 2019

JANUARY 2019

TRANSFORMATION THROUGH EDUCATION

COVER STORY

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

EDITOR: BEN MORRIS editor@aahorsham.co.uk 01403 878026 / 01903 892899 The Editor, AAH Magazine, 2 Viney Close, Ashington, RH20 3PT ADVERTISING: advertising@aahorsham.co.uk 01403 878026 / 01903 892899 PHOTOGRAPHY: TOBY PHILLIPS tobyphillipsphotography.co.uk info@tobyphillipsphotography.co.uk 07968 795625

IN THIS

EDITION In addition to our regular News Round-up, we sample the seasonal ales at Welton’s Brewery and find that Mann & Moore has all the ingredients you’d expect of a Sussex Street Food grand finalist...

Toby is available for all kinds of photography, from portrait work to corporate shoots. To find out more about his work, visit his website at https://tobyphillipsphotography.co.uk WEBSITE: www.aahorsham.co.uk We publish AAH online every month. You can read archive editions too.

Advertising in AAH The magazine is delivered to 15,000 homes in Horsham, Southwater and villages including Broadbridge Heath, Mannings Heath, Ashington, Partridge Green and new estates at Highwood and Wickhurst Green.

Thousands of copies are picked up from our stylish stands across the District. The magazine is also published online.

ADVERTISING Eighth Page Advert: £55 + VAT Quarter Page Advert: £110 + VAT Half Page Advert: £185 + VAT Full Page Advert: £310 + VAT Double Page Advert: £520 + VAT Every Sixth Advert is Free For more details or an AAH information book email advertising@aahorsham.co.uk or call 01403 878026

The first cover of the new year features Holly Allan, manager of Spring Gardens Nursery in Washington.

It’s cropped slightly as a clock hanging on the cafe wall and vines draping through the ceiling meant that the original photo clashed with the AAH logo.

Ray Welton, pictured with a huge wooden tankard at his brewery, and Graham Kempster at The Rec, were other cover contenders!

DOOR TO DOOR DISTRIBUTION Horsham: Max Paterson, Jacquie Paterson, Dominic Goddard, Eshan Wakefield, Lewis Spiller, Richard Judd, Pat Gibbs, Cocoracchio family, Tom Haylor, George Voisey, Gemma Voisey, Mattie Boys, Katie Drysdale, George Williams, Edward Hitchings, Hazel Garner, Kirsty Pattenden, The Arliss family Southwater: Connor Brown, William Britton Villages: Nathan Williams (Mannings Heath); Lynsey Hare (Billingshurst), Adam Browse (Warnham) Harry Kent (Ashington), Ben Morris (Stands) Connor Wykes (Partridge Green), Oak Tree Farm Care (Maplehurst & Copsale); The Palmer family & Amy Butler (BBH) James Hobbs (Thakeham), Callum Matthews (Storrington) PICK UP POINTS 4,000 more copies are available at businesses, clubs, organisations and community centres across the district.

AAH STANDS Horsham: Henry Adams (Carfax), Artisan Patisserie (Market Square), Pavilions in the Park, Horsham Museum, Horsham Rail Station, Crates (Carfax) New House Farm, Swan Walk, The Capitol, New Street Butchers (New Street) Village Stands: CoCo’s (Southwater); Billingshurst Leisure Centre, Coco’s (Billingshurst) Barns Green Village Store and Sumners Ponds, Broadbridge Heath Leisure Centre, Bluecoat Sports (Christ’s Hospital).

LEAFLETS We can deliver leaflets with AAH. Email editor@aahorsham.co.uk £40 + VAT per 1,000 copies (£45 for A4 leaflets) SOCIAL MEDIA You can follow Ben and Toby on Twitter @AAHMagazine and @tobyphillips1 NOTES Many thanks to The Bland family, who have delivered AAH around parts of Merryfield Drive. Alex, Matt and Kathryn have all taken on the round over the years, but now move onwards and upwards.

Eshan Wakefield now takes over the round

We visit Spring Gardens Nursery in Washington, where visitors to the cafe have been known to pluck grapes from the vines hanging overhead...

The Rec in Horsham goes from strength to strength with new bowling clubs signing up, whilst Lifespring, the town’s new church, sets about improving the community...

We delve into the Museum archives to chart the growth of the beautiful game in Horsham, whilst there’s a reminder of the incredible work of St Catherine’s Hospice after it hosts the tree of light festival.

Ben Morris (Editor) and Toby Phillips (Photographer) at The Rec

Notes from the Editor

The Explorer That’s Not Quite Ralph Fiennes “Well, that was a waste of time!” I said, slamming the front door to prevent the rain coming in.

“Bit of a wash out, was it?” asked my wife.

“No point being there!” I replied, drying my hair on the dog towel hanging over the staircase.

I’d been to the Carfax with Toby to cover the annual nativity trail and carol singing, but any hopes for festive thrills had been washed away by miserable weather. If I was working for a local newspaper, I’d have used the “rain didn’t dampen spirits” cliché. Even though it obviously had. But it wouldn’t work in AAH. “Bit of a pain, as I really don’t have much to go in the mag. There’s nothing happening! It’s always like that in December.”

“You’ve got an early deadline, don’t forget!” she said.

I told her about the early deadline, so of course I hadn’t forgotten.

“What have you written about in your column?” she asked.

“I haven’t done it yet.”

“Well, you’ve only got a couple of days left, you know?”

Is she deliberately trying to wind me up?

I’d been hoping for some inspiration for this column, maybe a seasonal dilemma, but nothing had materialised. Which was annoying, as I had the same problem last

month and ended up writing something about biscuits that made absolutely no sense.

“I might write about the new complex in Piries Place. Can’t see much from the outside but it’s starting to take shape.”

“What is it again?” asked my wife.

“Everyman cinema,” I said. “It’s like a boutique experience. It’ll actually work really well in Horsham.”

I said that matter-of-factly, despite having never been to an Everyman or conducting surveys for local opinions on the matter.

“I was thinking about linking in something about that, along with something about the Capitol and maybe the Year of Culture. Not sure how though.”

“I thought you said the Year of Culture was pointless?”

“It is.” I said. “Basically, it’s a load of stuff that would have happened anyway, but now people are getting money for it.”

That’s not entirely true. There’s some good things going on, like the comedy competition, the open-air Shakespeare and the film contest. I’m just bitter that HDC chose the County Times as its media partner!

“How are you going to link that to the Capitol?” asked my wife.

“Not sure,” I said, taking my shoes off and slumping on the sofa. She’s given me a look suggesting I shouldn’t even think about leaving them in the middle of the living room

floor. “I was just thinking that all this money’s being thrown at the Year of Culture at a time when the Capitol could be in trouble.”

Again, I spoke as if that were gospel, although I have no knowledge of the theatre’s financial situation or future prospects.

“You mean if people stop using its cinema?” she asked.

“Well, yeah. I know it’s only a two-minute walk from town but the new one is right next to all the restaurants. And people are lazy!”

“It’s more a theatre than a cinema though…”

“Yeah, but still, films must keep it ticking over in the week. Maybe I could highlight some of the shows coming up. I picked up a programme and there’s some proper good stuff! Exactly the sort of stuff you’d expect from an actual cultural hub. That mountaineer’s there soon.”

“What mountaineer?”

“Forget his name. It’s like Ralph Fiennes but not Ralph Fiennes.”

“Well, just do that then!” she suggested.

“I might,” I said, getting up to put the kettle on. “Would have been better if I’d been to a show there recently though, as I could have related my experience to the whole column.

Given it a proper angle. Bit hypocritical to go for a preachy ‘use it or we’ll lose it!’ message when I haven’t been there for ages...”

“You’ll just have to find another way of tying it all in then,” she said, unhelpfully.

“And you don’t have long, remember?”

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

A R E YO U P R E PA R E D F O R T H E CHANGES AHEAD?

In the current climate of uncertainty, it is important to seek face-to-face financial advice.

With the full force of Brexit yet to be felt, savers and investors need to be wary of the potential impact on their plans. Although markets remained resilient following the referendum result, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has cautioned that the impact of the decision to exit the European Union has continued to weigh heavily on the wider economy.

prospects of the businesses I have invested in have deteriorated at all as a result of Brexit.”

Indeed, as markets look ahead, the progress of exit negotiations should enable sentiment to settle and investors’ focus to explore their options carefully.

P EO PLE NEE D TO TA K E A L O N G - T E R M V I E W WIT H T H EIR INV ES T M EN T PLAN NING.

The pound has come under pressure, and there is no denying that the ongoing Brexit negotiations will continue to create disruption in the short term; but taking a long-term view will help people plan more confidently for the future.

“At times like this, it pays to keep calm when all around are losing control,” says Neil Woodford, one of the fund managers for St. James’s Place. “This doesn’t change anything fundamental. I don’t think the

Chris Ralph, Chief Investment Officer at St. James’s Place says, “The short-term noise in markets is not always easy to resist.

It is important to always maintain a longterm view and, whilst the referendum

result may yet alter a great deal about the UK, it does not alter the principles of investing or people’s need to build and protect their financial future.”

It is highly recommended that people seek face-to-face financial advice, so they can gain a clear perspective on the challenges and opportunities that exist in the current climate.

For further information, or to arrange a no-obligation meeting, please contact Matthew Wykes by phone on 01403 710422 or by email at matthew.wykes@sjpp.co.uk.

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

MATTHEW WYKES Associate Partner Tel: 01403 710422 | Mob: 07974 062561 Email: matthew.wykes@sjpp.co.uk Web: www.matthewwykes.co.uk The Partner represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products.

The title ‘Partner’ is the marketing term used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.

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News & Events Across the District Photo: Steve Ullathorne

Robert White brings his Tank Top Tour to The Capitol on Tuesday 19 February. The comedian wowed the judges and viewers alike with his fast-paced routines on Britain’s Got Talent. With a suitcase full of his trademark vests, Robert will be travelling the country with his unique stand-up. Tickets are selling fast and cost £20.50 from (01403) 750220 or www.thecapitolhorsham.com

Dr Feelgood perform at The Rec Rooms, Horsham, on Friday 22 February. Formed in the early 1970s, Dr. Feelgood topped the charts in 1976 with live album, Stupidity. The remain an exciting rhythm and blues acts, renowned for a raw and uncompromising style. Advance tickets cost £20 from https://therecrooms.com/

Photo: Derek Middleton/SWT

Horsham Museum and Art Gallery, working with the Heritage Forum and six Horsham District Community Partnerships, has received a Heritage Lottery Fund grant to create a series of local heritage trails. Thanks to the £44,900 grant, the Heritage Trail Partnership will create an initial 20 trails to highlight the area’s rich heritage. To join the project, email info@horshamheritagetrails.org.uk

MARTYN EDWARDS

An otter has been filmed in an undisclosed central Sussex river. Having captured the mammal on camera, a member of the public sent the clip to Sussex Wildlife Trust where Living Landscapes Advisor Fran Southgate confirmed the sighting.

Fran said: “This is extremely exciting as it was only two years ago that a live otter was first caught on camera in Sussex, marking the return of the species to the county after an absence of almost five decades. We now know for certain that otters have made a comeback in two separate Sussex river catchments.”

The otter is a flagship wetland species and its presence indicates that the whole aquatic ecosystem is healthy, from the plants and bugs to the molluscs, dragonflies and fish, all the way up through the food chain to the otter.

The otter is a native species but its habitat declined in the 1970s, mainly due to pollution.

Whilst recording sightings are rare, SWT members have posted news of sightings across the county that make for positive reading concerning the otter’s revival. https://sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/

Fete in Petworth Park by William Frederick Witherington, RA

Juan MartĂ­n, a supreme artist of the flamenco guitar, performs at The Capitol on Sunday 10 March.

Voted in the top three flamenco guitarists in the world by Guitar Player USA, Juan has toured the world, playing concerts from Shanghai to New York. Critics have compared his compositional talent to that of AlbĂŠniz, Turina and Tarrega. Tickets cost ÂŁ19.50 from (01403) 750220 or www.thecapitolhorsham.com

Petworth House celebrates works by founders and past members of the Royal Academy in an exhibit to mark the 250th anniversary of the RA. Petworth’s Royal Academicians: 10 Champions of British Art runs from 2 January – 25 March.

The exhibit will also reflect the status of Petworth House as

home to one of the great historic collections, described as “that House of Art� in 1834

by John Constable.

J. M. W. Turner was invited to stay at Petworth, where he used one of the rooms as his studio.

The 3rd Earl bought and commissioned 20 works by Turner that are now in the

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Petworth House collection.

Featured as part of the exhibit will be Turnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Ships bearing up for Anchorageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, painted in 1802, the year he was elected as a full member of the Royal Academy and his first work to be signed as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;JMW Turner RAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth Photo by Chris Edmunds

There are some fantastic acts booked at Coolham Live Music Club in the coming months. American singer/guitarist Arielle is joined by her trio on Saturday 16 February.

Arielle has established herself as an exciting musician across the pond, having impressed the likes of Brian May and Cee Lo Green. She plays her only Sussex gig at Coolham Village Hall.

Never the Bride will perform on Saturday 23 February. Vocalist Nikki Lambour and singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Catherine 'Been' Feaney have been working as a duo for 25 years and are highly regarded by peers including Roger Daltrey and Shirley Bassey. Their live performance is always full of energy yet despite their ability, they don't take themselves too seriously. Tickets are available from coolhamtickets@gmail.com www.coolhamlivemusicclub.com

Staff from Saxon Weald brought a new lease of life to the grounds of Trafalgar Infant School, Horsham, as part of an ongoing series of community projects.

Thanks to a donation of painting and decorating supplies from Brewers, Saxon Weald volunteers created an exciting environment for pupils.

The team were also lucky to enlist the help of Chris Nolan from grounds maintenance specialists Burleys, who dedicated a day to providing expert advice.

Forest Badminton Club has received funding from Badminton England to run a six-week ‘Basics Course’ starting on Sunday 20 January at Tanbridge House School gym. The aim is to encourage new players and those wishing to return to the game. Sessions continue on Sundays from 7 - 8pm. For more details or to register for £25, call (01403) 254150 or email forestbcsecretary@gmail.com

Bangers Galore triumphed at the South Eastern Prime Stock Winter Fayre sausage-making competition, held at Ardingly.

The Cumberland sausage crafted by the Horsham-based business was declared overall champion at the 150th running of the fayre, having already claimed top honours in the traditional pork category.

David Bell, pictured, also entered his sage and red onion sausage, which took second prize in the speciality sausage category.

It is the third time that Bangers Galore has won the overall champion award at the fayre, but the first since 2012. The trophy now proudly adorns the stall at Horsham Market, where Bangers Galore can be found every Saturday.

As well as local accolades, David has twice been named National Sausage Making Champion.

David said: “Our best sellers are the traditional pork sausages and chipolatas. Other popular varieties are Cumberland and Lincolnshire, pork and apple, and pork, garlic and herb. We also have specials including sage and red onion and sweet chilli and garlic, whilst our pigs in blankets sold-out before Christmas.”

“We always offer a few surprises and our free samples give people the chance to try them first. That is what is great about the market – we hear brilliant feedback from our customers.”

Bangers Galore has also recently secured Safe and Local Supplier Approval (SALSA), allowing the business to expand to a national level. www.bangersgalore.com

Horsham Museum & Art Gallery has a wide selection of ethnographic material in its collections. These items have been donated throughout the Museum’s 125-year history and represent the travels of several generations of Horsham’s residents.

To reflect the 250th anniversary of the departure of Captain James Cook’s first voyage, the Museum is displaying objects originating from Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands in Voyages to the Pacific, exhibiting until 26 January. www.horshammuseum.org To mark the centenary of the signing of the Armistice on 11 November 1918, Horsham Museum & Art Gallery are highlighting the story of Roffey Camp.

Using contemporary photography, film footage, the camp newspaper and locallyproduced posters, the exhibition only lasts until 19 January. www.horshammuseum.org

The Book Lovers' Supper Club hosts the inaugural Leonardslee Crime Festival on 2 - 3 March, celebrating the best of crime writing in the South East.

The festival opens with a Murder Mystery Afternoon Tea, presented by the ‘Killer Women’.

Authors including Elly Griffiths, Colette McBeth, Mel McGrath and Julia Crouch present a puzzle for the audience to solve.

In the evening, a Crime, Wine and Fine Dining Experience features writer Erin Kelly as after-dinner speaker. Erin’s recent book, He Said/She Said, was a Sunday Times Top 10 bestseller and her debut novel, The Poison

Tree, became a major ITV drama.

Waking up delegates on Sunday 3 March will be a Crime Writing Workshop with Dorothy Koomson and Graham Bartlett. As an advisor to famed author Peter James and former Chief Superintendent at Brighton & Hove, police procedure and forensic detail is Graham's forte.

The final event is a Crime Cream Tea with top authors Simon Brett, Debbie Howells and Julie Corbin debating the ingredients that go into creating a crime novel. It will be followed by classic cream tea. www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk

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Horsham-based charity West Sussex Music has a wealth of opportunities at its Horsham Music Centre, perfect for those wanting to learn an instrument.

Beginning in January, Horsham Music Centre’s new Music Club will offer 5 - 7 year-olds up to two terms of immersive, child-led music-making, designed to tap into their natural curiosity and motivation to explore sound.

Also starting in January, West Sussex Music’s Key2Music Beginner Classes will give 7 - 11 year-olds the opportunity to learn the violin and talented singers aged 13 - 18 to join the West Sussex Youth Choir. www.westsussexmusic.co.uk

Cocoa Loco (Pictured in 2016)

TOOVEY’S The Horsham Fairtrade Christmas Market in November reminded shoppers about the effect of their purchasing choices on Third World producers. The market had a huge range of Fairtrade or recycled products, with cakes baked by supporters helping to raise £200 for two charities.

Horsham is one of the 600 Fairtrade towns in the UK. Fairtrade businesses include Fairkind Child in Piries Place and Cocoa Loco in Swan Walk. www.fairtradehorsham.org.uk

A George III ormolu-mounted tortoiseshell ten-tune musical automaton table clock by James Cox, circa 1770-1780, auctioned in our November sale of clocks for £85,000

Time for a change?

Entries are invited for our forthcoming specialist sales of clocks on 24th January and 21st March The leading antique and fine art auction house in West Sussex

SPRING GARDENS, A24 WASHINGTON, RH20 3BS 01903 891955 auctions@tooveys.com www.tooveys.com

Slinfold Tennis club was named Club of the Year at the annual Tennis Sussex awards, held at the Amex Stadium on 17 November.

In accepting the award, Club Chairman Andrew Gentry explained the development programme at the club, which has seen the completion of a purpose-built clubhouse, renewed floodlighting, secure car park, replacement of perimeter fencing and the laying of three artificial clay courts.

The club has enjoyed a significant increase in playing members and launched additional sessions to meet demand. It is progressing with plans for a fourth court and in partnership with Nigel Matthews Coaching hopes to revitalise its junior section.

The Tennis Sussex awards recognise outstanding achievement, covering both team and individual performance from junior to veterans and specialist categories for school and disabled players. The awards also recognise contributions from organisers, coaches and officials in growing the game across the county.

Slinfold, which saw off competition from ten other finalists, go forward as the Sussex representative in the LTA South East Regional Awards.

St Catherine’s Hospice is calling all thrill-seekers to combat their fears and join them for a 100ft Hospice Hero Abseil. The hospice is returning with the challenge on the outside of Sandman Signature Hotel, Crawley, on Friday 5 and Saturday 6 April. Registration costs £25 and abseilers will also be asked to raise sponsorship of £195. Register at www.stch.org.uk/abseil

Horsham Pancake Races are scheduled for Tuesday 19 February, at 12pm. Head to the Carfax to see local businesses take on the challenging pancake course, with an egg and spoon races for mascots also planned. For information on entering a team, email horshamrotary@btconnect.com

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Welton’s

Brews Unique

Remedy for

Winter

Award-Winning Farm Shop New House Farm Shop and Tea Room is located in a beautifully renovated 16th Century barn, hidden in a quiet spot on the edge of Horsham. People come from all over to enjoy our cafe and locally sourced produce.

Strawberry Fields Tea Room

Dr French’s Old Remedy and Whiskey Rye, produced by Welton’s

Ray Welton isn’t a brewer that follows the crowd.

So, whilst thousands sign up to a ‘Dry January’ campaign and commit to an alcohol-free month, he is launching a Tryanuary IPA. “There’s this movement to bankrupt us brewers!” he said.

“I’m just fighting back!”

Since it was founded in Horsham in 1995, Welton’s has become renowned for seasonal brews and quirky pump labels illustrated by Phil Perry. This year is no different, with festive brews including Xmas Maximus (7.4% dark, chocolate orange stout), Christmas Pudding Porter (5.5%), Feast of Stephen (3.8%), Hoppy Christmas (3.7%) and the wonderfully named Wenceslegless (4.6%).

Ray has also found success with two beers aged for 12 months in Tomintoul malt whiskey casks.

With distinctive labelling inspired by traditional medicinal remedies, Dr French’s Whiskey Rye and Dr French’s Old Remedy have been a hit with punters.

“My grandad, Old Harry, worked for Dr French at Cudworth Manor in Newdigate,” said Ray. “Dr French was making cider even before the First World War, but after that he only employed injured ex-servicemen. That was how Old Harry came to work there.”

“Dr French stored cider in port and sherry barrels and would prime it with raisins. As a boy, my hands were the perfect size for squeezing in a dose of raisins, so that was what I did! The cider would end up slightly sparkling and crystal clear.”

Our tea room was voted Best Tea Room in the Sussex Life Food and Drinks Awards 2014.You can enjoy cakes and sandwiches, paninis and Ploughman’s Also, don’t miss our Full English Breakfast (Served until 12pm).

Local Food and Drink Produce Our locally sourced produce include fresh fruit and veg, freshly baked bread, fresh meat from local farms, beers and gins by local brewers, wines from the Bolney Estate, Sussex cheeses, greetings cards and great gifts!

Visit our award-winning tea rooms, serving a Full English Breakfast until midday

www.newhousefarmshop.co.uk 01293 851890 New House Farm, Old Crawley Road, Horsham, RH12 4RU Open Every Day from 10am - 5pm

Ray Welton with his Dr French remedies

“People know they either have to dress up warm or drink lots of beer!”

“We contacted Tomintoul and they kindly gave us some old whiskey barrels for my own tribute to Dr French. At 8.3%, it’s not for everybody, but it’s popular! The whiskey rye has a reddish hue and gives it a rich, sweet flavour. You can sense the whiskey tones coming through too.”

PUB AT THE BREWERY Welton’s, off Foundry Lane Industrial Estate, is also the setting for one of the town’s most unusual pubs. One Friday each month, the brewery is transformed, with a live band playing on a stage next to the beer pumps.

“It’s the only place where people can taste all of our beers,” says Ray. “In the summer with a good band playing, we see 200 people. It slows down in winter, as this is a low thrill brewery experience. People know they’re coming to a proper brewery and understand they either have to dress up warm, or drink lots of beer!”

Weltons Ltd, 1 Mulberry Trading Estate, Horsham, RH13 5PX Tel: (01403) 251873 www.weltonsbeer.co.uk

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STREET FOOD FINALISTS IN

SMOKING FORM Mann & Moore is a small business indicative of the growing quality and popularity of street food.

Proprietors Josh Mann and Chris Moore (pictured) both worked at acclaimed restaurants before embarking on their own culinary adventure in 2017. Josh gained experience at the Michelin-starred Olive Branch in Rutland, before earning three AA rosettes as head chef at Alexander House in East Grinstead.

Chris worked at the renowned Vue de Monde in Melbourne before moving to

Michelin-starred Hibiscus and later Restaurant Tristan, where he met Josh.

Eventually, they cooked up their own business idea...

“It was an opportunity for us to do something different,” said Chris. “Our idea was to strip everything back and offer less complicated dishes. We’re used to working in busy kitchens where there is a huge amount of refining produce, taking one thing and turning it into something else. With Mann & Moore, we wanted to create great food without frills, cooking in a traditional way.”

A UNIQUE SMOKER

The focal point of Mann & Moore is a custom-built smoker, with British hardwood heating the food.

“Our smoker is based on an Americanstyle cooker,” says Josh. “It’s one-of-akind and wouldn’t look out of place in a Mad Max movie. We light the fire at one end and smoke runs along tubes to cook the meat indirectly. It maintains a constant temperature of about 130° so nothing is flame-grilled.”

Matt Gillan was among the judges at the Street Food Finals in the Carfax

“Sausages Worth Bangin’ on About!”

Bangers Galore is a family run business created by 'Sausage Supremo' David Bell in 1998.

“One negative aspect of cooking with hardwood in this fashion is the length of time involved. A beef brisket can weigh upwards of 20kg and it takes 12 hours to cook. Throughout that time, we regularly check temperatures and marinate the meat to build up different layers of flavour, so it’s an intensive process.”

“On market days, we arrive a couple of hours before everyone else because of this slow-barbecue cooking.”

LOCAL PRODUCE Whilst the smoker lends itself to hog roast cooking, the chefs also offer beer-marinated sauerkraut, Sussex beef brisket, West Sussex lamb racks with Moroccan spices, Wagyu beef short ribs and Merguez sausages.

“We use the best quality produce from local farms and butchers,” said Josh.

“Our pork is from Scott Free Range in

All our sausages, ranging from the classic Traditional to the more adventurous pork, Chilli & Chocolate (don't knock it until you have tried it!) are made from premium ingredients, using BRITISH Red Tractor approved pork.

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Pulborough and Sussex beef from Trenchmore in Cowfold. Everything we do has a focus on quality. So, we make our own sauerkraut with local beer, The Sussex Kitchen supplies fresh sourdough and brioche buns, and we make our own pickles and sauces. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about providing a great eating experience.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;When we talk to customers about our past restaurant experience, it does spike their interest. But setting up a new business has been tough, especially as we balance Mann & Moore with work at Alexander House. Being outside the kitchen has also been a learning curve for us, but that's part of the appeal.

When youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re hidden away in the kitchen, as a chef you rarely have the chance to see people enjoying the food. So, one of the nice things about this business is we can interact with customers.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Working outside the kitchen has been a big learning curve for us.â&#x20AC;?

STREET FOOD FINALS Mann & Moore is among the three grand finalists of the Street Food category of the Sussex Food & Drink Awards.

Ten vendors served taster plates to crowds in the Carfax, as well as a judging panel including award-winning chef Matt

Gillan and Ian Swainson, head chef at The Pass. Josh and Chris will be up against Garlic Wood Events and The BBQ Project at Mayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Grand Final at the Amex Stadium, Brighton.

competition was fantastic for us, because it was confirmation that what we are doing is good. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reassuring to have others tell you that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re creating tasty food!â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The nomination was a surprise to us,â&#x20AC;? says Chris. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were over the moon to be among the finalists. On the day of the finals, we served beef brisket, pork shoulder and chicken thighs, alongside blue cheese macaroni and a smoked bean salad with smoked tomatoes. Doing the street food

Mann and Moore: Josh Mann: 07545 335553 Chris Moore: 07910 607454 Web: www.mannandmoore.co.uk www.facebook.com/mannandmoore

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Louise Sloan Opticians: Looking After Your Eyes See your way to a healthy 2019 Are you making New Year resolutions? This is a great time to change your diet, take more exercise or incorporate other healthy lifestyle changes. More and more of us are thinking about what we can do to help ourselves stay in better shape. Not just to live longer, but to live healthier.

At Louise Sloan Opticians, health checks for eyes are included as a standard part of eye examinations.

We have invested in the latest technology, bringing 3D optical tomography into the practice; a service previously only available in hospital eye clinics. Louise offers scans at affordable prices, giving you easy access to an invaluable early warning eye health screening check.

An OCT scan looks at layers that cannot be seen by simply looking into the eye or by taking photos.

This enables the optometrist to monitor minute changes that can indicate the onset of conditions including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. Often it can reveal

problems years before you notice any symptoms.

Louise says: “Regular eye checks are essential to pick up early onset of common eye conditions.

It means I can make appropriate recommendations or refer you to a specialist if necessary. In many cases, this can help slow down or prevent loss of vision altogether.”

For minor emergency eye conditions Louise is your local MECS registered optometrist. This means you can book yourself in at short notice if you feel you have an emergency eye condition. She also takes GP and pharmacist referrals at short notice which means you can sometimes avoid unnecessary referrals to hospital services.

Louise Sloan is your local MECS registered optometrist

At this time of year, it can be dark by 4pm. The glare from headlights of oncoming traffic makes it hard to see the road ahead, especially if you wear glasses. Some people find this so difficult they are reluctant to drive altogether.

Night Driving Without the Glare

Introducing the new Road Pilot lenses from Essilor with Crizal anti-reflective coating, which can reduce reflections at night time by as much as 90%.

A visit to the optician can also keep you safer on the roads. Night driving has just got easier with exciting innovations in lens technology.

We’ve had great feedback from delighted customers who have no choice about driving in the dark.

They tell us it’s transformed their

experience of night-time journeys.

They benefit from reduced glare and eye-strain and, most important of all, they feel much safer.

A New Look for a New Year As an independent optician, Louise is able to source a wide range of good quality, stylish frames for all the family. Our range of frames is updated constantly so there’s always new styles to choose from.

Louise also understands the importance of a good dispensing service and high quality fitting.

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Right: Our new state-of-the-art OCT scanner includes the latest technology to help detect eye disease

“Every time I visit Louise Sloan Opticians, both Louise and her staff have been very friendly, efficient and professional. My varifocal glasses are just perfect and so comfortable. Louise was incredibly patient and helpful with me when I decided to try contact lenses. ” LS

Louise Sloan Opticians is at 1 Piries Place, Horsham, RH12 1EH Open Mon 9am - 5pm, Tue - Fri 9am-5.30pm and Sat 9am-2.30pm.

Call 01403 264682 or follow us on Facebook or visit www.louisesloanopticians.co.uk

VINE & DANDY

DIVERSITY WORKS WONDERS FOR SPRING GARDENS NURSERY

Spring Gardens Nursery has run as a pick-your-own site for many years. Now, a new generation are taking the farm to new heights.

Strawberries, raspberries, blackcurrants, plums, tayberries, loganberries, boysenberries and black berries, as well as asparagus, sweet corn, broad beans, runner beans, beetroot and potatoes, are grown on the 35-acre family farm in Washington.

Previously, the fresh fruit and vegetables was enjoyed by a steady trickle of regulars. However, since March 2018, an extended farm shop and café has broadened its appeal.

The diversity of the site was recognised by BBC’s Countryfile last

summer and manager Holly Allan hopes that the business will continue to grow, whilst maintaining the features that made it so appealing in the first place.

“People appreciate the fact that this is a family-run farm and that Spring Gardens is different. It’s quaint and has quirky features. The shelves are made from old pallets, we use a traditional wooden wagon for a fruit display, and customers sit under vines. In the summer, some even put raise their hands and tuck into the grapes!”

“The three elements of the café, farm shop and pick-your-own complement each other. So, it might be that someone comes here for produce

and ends up having a coffee and a slice of cake. Or is here to pick fruit but have a wander around the shop whilst they’re here.”

FAMILY TRADITION Holly had thought about transforming the potting shed into a fully-fledged farm shop for many years. As a young girl, she would pick fruit for her grandad’s shop and had long believed that a cafe would work.

After studying horticulture at university, the right opportunity finally presented itself.

“It’s been a huge family effort,” said Holly. “My grandad still runs the farm

Marta Novak serving coffee at Spring Gardens Nursery

Nicole Allanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s art is recreated on a series of greetings cards sold at Spring Gardens Nursery

Spring Gardens Nursery sources much of its produce from the family farm

and supplies the shop with seasonal fruit and vegetables, whilst my dad did all the building work and my mum handles the accounts.”

“We opened in March to coincide with the pick-your-own season and that helped us hit the ground running. Customers were coming here anyway and the café was a nice surprise for them.”

“Gradually, word spread, more people visited and we were able to expand our offerings from hot drinks and home-made cakes to sandwiches and even a breakfast menu. It's gone better than I ever imagined and now we’re having to think about creating another seating area without losing the character of the cafe.”

FAMILY TRADITION Much of the fresh fruit and vegetables sold in the shop comes from the farm, although out of season, Holly buys produce from other Sussex farms and markets. Suppliers include Green Farm Butchers in Washington, Southview Dairy, High Weald Dairy, Brookham

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and Harrison, The Real Patisserie in Brighton, Nutbourne tomatoes, Trenchmore Farm, Cocoa Loco and The Loft Pickles & Jams.

Holly said: “I always wanted to sell as much home-grown produce as possible and work with as many local businesses as possible. We spent a lot of time researching suppliers, buying in coffee and tea from Cast Iron Roasters (Pulborough) and Edgcumbe's (Arundel).

It took a few months to build a solid foundation of about 20 suppliers, but once we became more established, others came to us asking to be represented in the shop!”

Vines in the cafe at Spring Gardens Nursery

“We buy coffee and tea from Cast Iron Roasters in Pulborough and Edgcumbe's of Arundel.”

AN ARTISTIC EYE One of the suppliers is even closer to home, with sister Nicole Allan’s paintings and greeting cards proving a big hit with customers.

Nicole is currently studying Graphics at Loughborough University, but returns to the farm during holidays.

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Nicole said: “I painted a cow on a large canvas for my mum and she framed it and put up in the kitchen. My passion grew from there and the first time I put one up in the shop, it sold within a day! I have cards of all sorts of animals, but people seem to particularly like the chicken!”

“I can’t keep up with demand for commissions as I’m studying, but perhaps in future, I’ll be able to return to the farm and perhaps have my own little studio here.”

(01903) 892225 Spring Gardens Nursery, Washington, RH20 3BS https://springgardensnursery.uk

LAKES & GARDENS

Immerse yourself in a world of colour at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens. Our beautiful 240 acre estate plays host to a wide variety of wildlife, including our sweet wallabies the rarest of trees.

Immerse yourself inand a world of colour at Leonardslee provides a truly sensational Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens. Our experience everyestate visit, with thehost English beautiful 240onacre plays to seasons continuously changing.

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STRIKING

THE RIGHT BALANCE BOWLS CLUBS FLOCK TO TOWN AS THE REC WINS BACK ITS REPUTATION

The Rec’s rapid resurgence continues with two machines being installed to revert it back to a fully-operational 12-lane bowling alley.

Having been on the brink of closure just a year ago, a new management team has reversed the Horsham Park venue’s fortunes, winning back young visitors to its bowling and laser quest facilities and attracting a new audience with comedy and music at The Rec Rooms.

“When we came in, The Rec was probably days away from coming to an end,” said Graham Kempster, one of three now at the helm. “We took over a bowling alley that didn't have any lanes working!”

“It has taken time to reach a point where we have ten lanes working consistently and it’s not always been smooth. We’ve had problems and there have been occasions when we’ve disappointed people. The machines didn’t work consistently and sometimes we needed to change several parts before discovering the real problem.

“But things have improved hugely and we’re benefiting from positive word-of-mouth.

We’ve also just invested in replacement machines for the end lanes, which we need as the weekends are now booked up well in advance.”

Dale Jannels Director, impactsf Ltd

TEL: 01403 272625

www.impactsf.co.uk

Making an impact with new name for new year What better way to start a new year than to introduce our new brand! Exciting times! Here’s the official line...

“AToM, the specialist mortgage broker and distributor has announced that, from January 2019, it will change its operating brand to ‘impact specialist finance’. This comes after the family run business, which is moving into its 28th year in 2019, has entered into an agreement with Atom bank.

Founder and chairman, Vic Jannels, said: “We have enjoyed many successful years operating in the specialist mortgage distribution sector.

During the last few years we have traded without confusion alongside the bank as we mostly operate in differing areas of the mortgage marketplace.”

Vic and Dale Jannels

“Our change of brand has been embraced by the whole AToM team and we are ready to make an impact, through impact specialist finance, in the New Year. Our offering to the market will remain exactly as it is today plus we expect to have many new and different lender products available too.”

The Jannels family structure remains as is in the business with sons Dale and Neal at the helm. Vic continues, “Dale is the MD and the front face of the business and Neal is looking after most of the administration and IT processing, so it is a good time for Sheila and I to take a little more of a back seat. The boys are ready to drive the business forward in its new style and at pace.”

Dale Jannels, MD added “It’s sad to lose the very well known AToM name as it’s served us incredibly well over the last 27 years.

But change is good. We sat down and looked at all the things we do, which include Insurances, Mortgages, Protection And Creative Technology, so the new name is right on the money.

This is an exciting new era and having a fresh, dynamic, eye catching new brand in impact, will be a great start to 2019.”

So, in short, it’s a name change. The same great team remain and are looking forward to helping with all your mortgage needs in 2019!

“We want to demonstrate that bowling is a fun sport that requires skill.”

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Sean Hussey of Horsham Youth Bowling Club

CLUB BOOST The Rec has been significantly boosted by the presence of two bowling clubs on weekend mornings. Horsham Bowling Club arrived in June and two youth bowling clubs (Horsham Youth BC and The Rec Youth BC) use The Rec on Saturdays and Sundays. A Trios league runs on Monday nights with Fours and Doubles leagues also starting soon.

Kirsty Western, bowling manager, said: “Two of the clubs moved here from coastal venues that have reverted to string pin lanes. It’s been great to have their support.”

“Other venues have imposed restrictions on bowling clubs, allowing them only on quiet weekday evenings, which means they can struggle to attract members. At The Rec, we want to offer opportunities for those who want to bowl in a social aspect, as well as clubs and players who take the game more seriously.”

“As we progress, we hope to attract new players from the local area. We want to promote the game and through coaching and working with the clubs demonstrate that bowling is a fun sport that requires skill.”

Graham Kempster at The Rec

LASER QUEST The Laser Quest side of the operation has been improved with new guns and a spruced-up battle zone as the sight of happy children returns to The Rec. The Rec Stop café is to be boosted by diner style food over the Christmas period, with burgers, hot-dogs and ribs sourced from local producers.

However, there is still a great deal of work to be done. Graham said: “The Rec had a bad

reputation, but now we’ve reached the point where everything at least works! We've been here almost a year and any money is being invested straight back in the business, as there is still a lot to do, as this building was unloved for a long time.”

“Our next job is to improve the external aspects, as we’d love to have a nice, healthy site that meets the expectations of all our customers.”

Tel: (01403) 274642 Email: contact@therec.io Web: https://therec.io

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A new church for Horsham Venue - The Capitol Theatre Date - 6th January Time - 10:30

www.wearelifespring.church

Spring into A NEW VISION AS KING’S CHURCH BECOMES LIFESPRING

A new church launches in January with the aim of making Horsham a better place to live.

Lifespring is a reincarnation of King’s Church, part of the Newfrontiers network of evangelical churches around the world. King’s has congregated at Tanbridge School for 21 years, but after a trial run in November, Lifespring will meet at The Capitol every Sunday morning from 6 January.

Lead Elder Andy Robinson said: “King's Church was formed 24 years ago and we've been at Tanbridge for all but

three of those. Tanbridge has been a wonderful venue, but for a long time we’ve wanted to be based centrally. We felt that God had spoken to us about how we could better serve the town as a church and so, for the past year, we’ve been working towards this new adventure.”

“This is a new beginning for us. We believe in the name being significant and we want to be a spring of life and a blessing to Horsham. We want to help the town flourish and be a better place for everyone.”

Action

To coincide with its launch, Lifespring is distributing thousands of ‘Love Horsham’ cardboard discs, or tokens.

More than 10,000 will be circulated, from the church as well as cafes and local businesses.

lead to another. A similar idea worked very well in Bedford and there’s been social projects like ‘Do Something for Nothing’ in London, so it’s not a new idea. It’s just one that we’d like to spread in Horsham.

“Horsham is a great town, but it could still be that little bit better if we just loved each other a little more,” says Andy.

‘Whilst it is something we’ll promote throughout Lifespring, we hope all residents will view this as a way of making a positive contribution in the community.”

“This initiative encourages people to be more considerate of those around them or even perform random acts of kindness. By leaving a ‘Love Horsham’ token, hopefully one good deed will

Lead Elder Andy Robinson takes to The Capitol stage

A website (www.letslovehorsham.org) suggests different ways in which people can be involved, from anonymous acts of kindness to

volunteering at a night shelter.

Elder Jos Wintermeyer said: “The idea is that the discs will help people widen their perspective and look at situations around them. When you mow your lawn, could you spend a few extra minutes mowing your neighbour’s lawn too? There are also people of all ages, particularly the elderly, who are lonely and would benefit hugely from the company of those living around them, if only we’d allow for that time.”

“Horsham is a great place to live, but let’s not get complacent. Let’s try to make it even better.”

Jos Wintermeyer

Another way in which Lifespring hopes to change Horsham for the better is through its involvement with the Christians Against Poverty (CAP) campaign.

This national initiative helps families in poverty by equipping and empowering local churches.

Andy said: “CAP was created by a Christian who sacrificed a career in finance to help people manage their debt. Over the years, it’s become increasing important, reaching thousands of families across the country.”

“CAP identified the five main causes of poverty (debt, addiction, breakdown of education, employment or family) and tackles these causes. Martin Lewis, the money saving expert, has even highlighted CAP as one of the few schemes that considers the emotional toll of poverty and debt, as he is a big supporter.”

“So, we’ll be involved in CAP and as part of that will organise life skill courses. We’ll teach people how they can better manage their finances or cook healthy meals on a tight budget. Skills that are vital and yet not always taught in schools.”

“We asked ourselves the question: ‘Would Horsham miss us as a church if we disappeared?’ We contemplated if the church was serving itself more than anything else. This is a way to change that.

We want to be a blessing and spread love in the community.”

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The new name of the church came to Lead Elder Andy as he slept, and he couldn’t shake it. Whilst others in the church were initially sceptical of the name, a sermon delivered by guests at the church married nicely with Lifespring and convinced everybody of its new direction.

Now, the church hopes it can have a positive impact on people, as well as on one of the town centre’s most popular venues.

Elder Dan Young said: “New developments in Horsham, including a cinema, are going to have an impact on The Capitol, so it’s good to be supporting such a wonderful venue.”

“We’ll be hiring the entire building on Sunday mornings, with the youth group in one cinema, school children in the studio and the main congregation in the theatre.

From my perspective, it’s great to have a venue with superb sound facilities. We have some excellent musicians, as we like everything to be as good as it can be.”

“We are a family-focused church with events and activities for people of all ages throughout the week. We have parents and toddler groups, activities for the elderly and our Sunday meetings are interpreted into sign language too.”

“A key focus area is teenagers, as they can be difficult, lonely years for some. We want to create an environment where young people can talk to others and develop healthy, lasting friendships.”

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Jumpers for Goalposts MUSEUM EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS THE BEAUTIFUL GAME

Horsham Comrades Football & Athletic Club 1920-21 (HDC/Horsham Museum & Art Gallery)

A total of 44.5 million people tuned in to watch the BBC's coverage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

The kicking of a ball has existed for millennia, with the Greeks, Romans and Han dynasty Chinese all playing ball games that involved passing between players and scoring points.

But the beautiful game has come a long way from its more physical roots!

Philip Stubbs, a 16th century pamphleteer, wrote: “As concerning football playing, I protest unto you that it may rather be called a bloody and murthering practice than a fellowlye sport.” What would they have made of Neymar?

Medieval football had a wide array of variants and few formal rules, with different versions played from one village to the next. Several

famous public schools also created their own style of football, including Eton, Harrow and Rugby. These form the root of the modern games of Association football, Rugby League, Rugby Union, Gaelic Football and Aussie Rules.

After hundreds of years of footballing evolution, on 26 October 1863 the captains and secretaries of 12 London and suburban clubs gathered at the Freemason’s Tavern to lay down a set of formal rules for the increasingly popular sport. That night, the Football Association (FA) was formed.

The impact of the FA took some time to be felt, yet eventually, as the standing of the body grew and following the introduction of the Football Association Challenge Cup in 1871, the FA’s rules became the norm.

Gradually, local County and District

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Associations sprang up around the country, often running their own leagues and tournaments. Horsham was no exception and on 23 February 1871, the West Sussex Gazette reported that Horsham’s first football club had been founded, playing in Springfield Park.

According to contemporary sources, this club was founded by one of the local churches and its rules mostly followed the FA framework with several injunctions against dangerous play.

Rule 20: No one wearing projecting nails, iron plates, or gutta-percha on the soles or heels of his boots shall be allowed to play.”

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East End Ramblers FC 1935-36, Winners of Horsham Senior Charity Cup and Runners-up League Division I (HDC/Horsham Museum & Art Gallery)

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Despite the presence of a Horshambased club, the local newspapers rarely reported on football matches, tending instead to focus on the most popular sport at the time, cricket.

The location of Horsham’s football matches may have contributed to The Horsham Journal’s limited interest.

Springfield Park was not in the town centre and was separated from the athletic and cricket fields. This not only kept the boisterous new sport away from the more genteel parts of town, but also restricted its appeal to spectators.

The Horsham and District Football Association was founded in 1895.

Horsham Museum and Art Gallery holds the original minutes of the Horsham and District Football Association from 1904-13, recording the following clubs as members of the Horsham and District Football Association: Horsham FC, YMCA FC, Shelley United FC, Carfax FC, Bishopric Wanderers FC, Roffey FC, Warnham FC, Working Mens FC, Billingshurst FC, Handcross FC and Southwater FC.

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ette reports on the The Fortnightly Gaz final Horsham Charity Cup

Over the next few years, the Horsham and District Football Association strove to ensure that the players in its teams were amateurs, rather than one of the newly-emerging professional footballers.

The August 1911 minutes record that the Association agreed that “no player having played in any recognised County Senior Cup or League Competition regularly during the previous season, or more than three times during the present season shall take part in this competition unless sanctioned by the Committee.”

FOOTBALL AT WAR By the time of the First World War, football’s popularity had risen to fever pitch. During the 1915-15 season, the FA Cup continued as normal, but by 1916 - with most able-bodied young men fighting for their country - the FA had suspended its programme. Local clubs and leagues continued to run amateur competitions, albeit with reduced numbers of players.

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Football proved to be a popular form of recreation for the troops, as it maintained their fitness and boosted morale. A good kick-around also helped to alleviate the boredom that many of

4th Royal Sussex Regiment team of 1922 (HDC/Horsham Museum & Art Gallery)

the troops experienced during long periods with little action.

between the Fusiliers, the Territorial Battalion of the 4th Sussex, and a local team, Horsham Trinity.

The soldiers who trained at Roffey Camp were no exception. The Royal Fusiliers produced their own newspaper, the Fortnightly Gazette, which featured photos from the camp, articles by the soldiers, and match reports from sporting events held for the troops.

Following the two World Wars, the Horsham and District Football Association was evidently very successful as by 1939 it had expanded to four divisions. By the 1960s, the League had developed further with three divisions, a minor league, four cup competitions and two minor cup competitions.

FINAL SPRING SAVINGS The Gazette of 26 April 1915 reports on the Horsham Charity Cup and mentions matches

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Horsham Engineering Works 1922-23, Winners of Horsham Charity Cup and Horsham & District League Division II (HDC/Horsham Museum & Art Gallery)

“Each club has its own history, complete with its own characters, successes and stories.”

In 1970, the Horsham and District Football league merged with the West Sussex Football League.

Horsham District is now well served with football clubs who cater for all age groups, genders, backgrounds and abilities. They range from workplace teams through to women’s teams, disability football teams, walking football teams, children’s teams and leagues, through to large clubs with a major following. Each group and club has its own history, complete with its own unique characters, successes and stories.

It would be impossible to outline a complete and detailed history of every club to have operated in Horsham District, but Horsham Museum’s exhibition, The Beautiful Game: A History of Football in Horsham District (due to open on 12 January) hopes to explore some of the stories that have contributed to Horsham District’s rich footballing tradition.

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St Catherine’s Hospice welcomed the community to come together to remember their loved ones at the Tree of Light service.

The service at K2 leisure centre saw families from across the region dedicating a star on the Christmas tree and support the work of St Catherine’s during the Christmas period.

A THANK YOU TO ST CATHERINE’S Here, one of the hospice’s volunteers, Liz, shares how St Catherine’s helped her family enjoy a final Christmas together....

Christmas is a time to be together with the people you love, laughing, and showing how much you care for each other.

The last Christmas you spend with your loved one shouldn’t be any different.

Rodney was a character. He was a writer, a painter, and a bit of an old hippy! We’d been together for 22 years when he was diagnosed with cancer. As you can imagine, I was devastated. I wanted to care for him, but I didn’t know how. I was desperately upset and I didn’t know who to turn to for help. I felt very scared and very alone.

Caring for my husband, and knowing that he was going to die, was very frightening and I was struggling to cope. But all that changed when we were referred to St Catherine’s.

The first time we went to the hospice, I found it difficult to even walk through the door. But once I’d stepped inside the sense of relief was enormous. Everyone was smiling and I knew that things would be okay.

At first, St Catherine’s community nurses visited Rodney at home.

The nurses were kind, generous and supportive. By 20 December, Rodney’s health was deteriorating and things were getting more

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Photos from the Tree of Light service at K2 (Toby Phillips Photography)

difficult to manage at home.

When I phoned St Catherine’s for advice, it was decided the best thing would be to move him into the hospice. I moved in right along with him.

“Everyone We shed tears, but we laughed a lot too. was smiling and laughing. We forgot Rodney died at St Catherine’s on Christmas Day. Our whole our sadness. We family was there and it felt just forgot we were in a like being at home. On Christmas morning, we hospice.” gathered around Rodney’s bed.

The hospice team was fantastic. They made Rodney comfortable and provided him with such dignified care. They always made sure he was washed and shaved, and they put a makeshift bed in his room for me. Being able to continue to sleep alongside one another made his last few days so much better.

Our final days and nights at the hospice could so easily have been a time of intense stress and anxiety. But Rodney had all the expert care he needed, so the two of us could focus on the important things like telling one another how much we loved each other. Saying goodbye to 22 years of love and happiness wasn’t easy. But St Catherine’s gave us space to share our memories, reflect on our life together, and to express our most intimate and tender feelings.

He had his eyes closed, but we knew he could hear us. We were sharing stories and telling silly jokes like we always do when we’re together as a family.

Everyone was smiling and laughing. We forgot our sadness. We forgot we were in a hospice.

We forgot that we were saying goodbye. In those moments, everything felt just as it should be at Christmas.

I’ve started volunteering at St Catherine’s. On Christmas Day, the anniversary of his death, there is nowhere I want to be more.”

You don’t need to be an expert birder to take part – simply spend one hour across the weekend of 26 – 29 January 2019 counting the birds that you see in your garden, local park or you’re your allotment.

Remember to only count the maximum number of each species you see, rather than each individual bird. For example, if two blue tits land on your feeder, fly off and then five blue tits arrive a moment later, you should record this as five rather than seven. Unfortunately, the birds don’t tend to wear name badges so you can never tell if you’re counting the same individual that keeps coming back for more!

Watch out for the usual suspects – robins, blackbirds, sparrows and starlings may all make an appearance.

Here at Pulborough Brooks, we’re running a ‘Big Garden Birdwatch – the big build-up’ event on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 January to help families hone their spotting skills.

We’ll have a few games set up to test your knowledge, binoculars to practice with and you can even make a pinecone bird feeder to tempt the birds into your garden.

See you there!

stch.org.uk/donate

That’s it for 2018. Happy New Year to all our readers.

We’re Grateful for your continued support!

Emily Summers RSPB Pulborough

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