AAH (All About Horsham) November 2019

NOVEMBER 2019

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 We have our usual News Round-up, with Michelin stars awarded to two local restaurants, as well as photos from the Sussex Street Food Finals in the Carfax.

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 01903 892899

The November 2019 cover features Matt Gillan, Head Chef at Heritage at The Chequers, Slaugham.

We’re delighted that he’s finally made the cover. We’ve previously had three South Lodge chefs on the cover, although never Matt, despite him earning a Michelin star when he was chef at The Pass. Matt is pictured in a snug room at his new restaurant. Using his photoshop skills, Toby has moved the light on the wall so that it doesn’t intrude on the AAH logo!

Other cover contenders include Donna Camera at La Vida Boutique and Victoria Strelciunaite at the HAOS Art Fair.

DOOR TO DOOR DISTRIBUTION Horsham: Jacquie Paterson, Dominic Goddard, Eshan Wakefield, The Judd family, The Rolling family, George Voisey, Mattie Boys, Katie Drysdale, George Williams, Sam Lucas, Hazel Garner, Sam Uphill, Jill Shuker, Owen Bloomfield, The Arliss family, Charlotte Wellbelove, Harry Conning, The Gavira 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) Tanneka Scadding-Hunt (Partridge Green), Oak Tree Farm Care (Maplehurst & Copsale); The Palmer family & Amy Butler (BBH) James Hobbs (Thakeham), Tom 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), 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 Village Stands: CoCo’s (Southwater); Billingshurst Leisure Centre, Coco’s (Billingshurst) Barns Green Village Store, The Bridge Leisure Centre, Bluecoat Sports (Christ’s Hospital), Leonardslee (Lower Beeding) 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 us on Twitter @AAHMagazine and @tobyphillips1 NOTES We would like to thank Harry Conning, who has delivered AAH in parts of Lambs Farm Road in recent months.

Good luck for the future, Harry!

His successor will be announced in next month’s edition.

Matt Gillan has opened up a new restaurant, Heritage, aiming to create a destination venue in Slaugham. La Vida Boutique in Horsham embraces social media as it celebrates its 20th year.

Anthony James Cars, run by brothers Nick and Daniel Hall, has a different approach to selling used vehicles.

Ross Upton from Horsham is on a mission to save the NHS millions with his fast-growing company, Ultromics.

The George and Dragon in Dragons Green is attracting a new crowd with a vibrant, holistic approach. Also, we meet historian Gary Cooper, who has written a book on fallen Collyer’s Grammar School pupils.

Toby Phillips (Photographer) and Ben Morris (Editor) make a pizza at the Sussex Street Food Finals in Horsham.

Email your thoughts on Ben’s column or any AAH feature to: editor@aahorsham.co.uk

Notes from the Editor

Why Did the Hedgehog Cross the Field?

On one of the few sunny days in October, I invited family over on my son’s birthday.

My wife marinated the meat, prepared the potato salad, made an exquisite chocolate cake, sliced the cheese and pineapple and sorted out drinks. Meanwhile, I mentally prepared for my role of drinking beer and chatting about football whilst occasionally flipping burgers on the barbeque, then taking credit for performing the relatively simple task of not poisoning everyone.

Looking in the fridge, I was shocked to see that my wife hadn’t bought any beer. She made some excuse about having to do absolutely everything, leaving me to head down the shop with my brother-in-law.

We complained about how busy we are, even though I write a few articles every month and he plays guitar for a living. To hear us, you’d think we single-handedly ran the NHS. As well as beers, as bought two of those treat tubs from the Co-Op. Caramel shortbread bites and chocolate cornflake clusters. Some people go for brownies, but for me, they’re the third best. And you only go gingerbread if that’s all they’ve got left.

We cut across the field on the walk back and it was there that we came across a hedgehog, right in the centre, 100 metres from cover in all directions. It tucked itself into a ball as we discussed options.

Now, the hedgehog has earned a reputation for being a threatened species, which came

into our thinking. Although we weren’t sure exactly how rare it is…

“I don’t think it’s endangered,” I wisely offered.

“It’s not like the rhino or the panda. It’s just not as common as it used to be.”

The hedgehog’s chances didn’t look good.

Teenagers were playing football on one side, there were roads on two sides and dogs were being walked around the perimeter. There was danger at every turn. It was like Cabin in the Woods for spiny mammals.

One dog was even named after one of the Krays – can’t remember if it was Ronnie or Reggie. Either way, it didn’t bode well…

Even if it reached the bushes it would have to navigate a ditch filled with rainwater.

“Do hedgehogs swim?”

It transpires they’re good swimmers, but I only know that as I Googled it later. At the time, we thought it might drown. So, I picked up the hedgehog and placed him inside my hoodie.

By this point my children, nephews and nieces were outside. There’s a play park in the village and a second one with edgier apparatus which the Parish Council has decreed as only suitable for children over 12. Like most of us, they underestimate the strength and agility of five-year-olds! Inevitably, fearless younger children use it all the time!

Upon seeing the hedgehog though, they crowded around us.Within seconds, the creature had been named Spikey.

My wife had come outside too, to call us home as food was being served. But we

couldn’t go back. We were on a mission!

“You know hedgehogs carry fleas, don’t you?” said my wife.

“Well I wasn’t planning to wash my face with it!” I replied, quick as a whippet.

I didn’t really. I thought of it a minute later.

Anyway, we found the ideal spot for a release, away from cars, dogs and teenagers, with lots of bushes and hedgerows.

But Spikey didn’t want to know. Much to the children’s amusement – and by this point we’d picked up a few stray kids as well – he refused to do as we asked and scampered back along the path after us. Which is of course what he’d do. If he could talk, he’d have told us that he had no interest in hiding.

“Why the hell do you think I’m out in the here risking life and limb in the first place?”

What you may already have realised - but what I only found out later - was that a hedgehog venturing out during the day is probably malnourished and is hunting for food.

So, leaving a bowl of cat food out overnight might just help one fatten up for winter.

When children are involved, helping a hedgehog can be the kind of experience that money can’t buy, and in these times when hedgerows and bushes are inexplicably deemed offensive to human eyes and being cut down everywhere, they can do with all the help they can get.

After all, where else can they hide in bonfire season?

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News & Events Jean Delport has created a remarkable menu at Interlude (Photo: AAH/Toby Phillips Photography)

Send to: editor@aahorsham.co.uk

Restaurant Tristan in Stans Way (off East Street), Horsham, has also received a Star in the Michelin Guide 2020. It is the eighth consecutive year in the guide for Tristan Mason, who runs the restaurant with his wife, Candy. The guide said the restaurant’s “crafted, creative dishes are delivered with a modern touch; ingredients are excellent and flavours, distinct and well-matched.” It added that service is “enthusiastic and friendly” and the atmosphere “refreshingly relaxed.” www.restauranttristan.co.uk

new kitchens at Leonardslee House.

Jean is an innovator who continually refines his menu. The Grade I Listed woodland garden inspires the Tasting Menu at Interlude, with ingredients foraged or grown on the 240-acre estate. Other produce is sourced from selected local farms.

Diners can feast on an ever-changing seasonal menu that might include estate rabbit, winter purslane plants, hogweed cider and charcoal, or fallow deer with local braai and sour raspberry.

Restaurant Interlude is open for dinner from Wednesday to Saturday. For bookings visit www.restaurant-interlude.co.uk

Enjoy an Audience with Simon Reeve at The Capitol, Horsham, on Tuesday 11 February 2020, at 7.30pm. Simon’s sell-out tour in 2018 saw the BBC presenter recount tales from over 15 years of travelling to the most remote and extreme corners of the planet. His documentaries have been broadcast in over 60 countries. An Audience with Simon Reeve is not only a fascinating and educational show, but at times shocking, inspirational and hilarious. It includes exclusive multi-media footage and a Q&A session. Tickets £29 from (01403) 750220 or www.thecapitolhorsham.com

A new Discovery Trail has opened at Warnham Local Nature Reserve.

The trail, designed for visitors of all ages, follows the paths and boardwalks and contains information about the wildlife, flora and fauna around the reserve. Younger visitors have the chance to become Junior Trail Detectives by finding six hidden rubbing plates and completing the quizzes and puzzles, all aimed at providing a fun introduction to life on the reserve.

Additionally, there are two new sculptures, the Bat Bothy and the Tri-Helix, created for the Horsham District Year of Culture 2019.

Jean said: “Every dish in the seasonal, multi-course Tasting Menu is designed to a hunter-gatherer concept of food that’s foraged, cultivated and raised on the estate or close by. It is savoured and enjoyed as an intimate dining experience; a small, exclusive dinner party within the estate’s Italianate mansion house.”

The Bat Bothy (Photo: HDC)

Restaurant Interlude at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens in Lower Beeding has received its first star in the UK and Ireland 2020 Michelin Guide.

This is an extraordinary achievement as the restaurant has only been open for a year and Executive Chef Jean Delport, 31, is one of the youngest winners of the award.

In a short time, Jean has acquired extensive experience, having trained at the prestigious Zevenwacht Chef School in his native South Africa before developing the

West Sussex Philharmonic Choir present Fauré’s Requiem at St Mary’s Parish Church, Horsham on Saturday 16 November, 7.30pm. The programme also includes Lauridsen’s Nocturnes, Rachmaninov’s Bogoroditse Devo and Gjeilo’s Serenity (O Magnum Mysterium). The organist is David Moore and conductor is Stephen Hope.

Tickets £15 (students £7) on the door or from Horsham Piano Centre, Waterstones or The Candy Box. www.westsussexphilharmonicchoir.org.uk Horsham District Twinning Association hosts a carol concert in English, German and French at the Unitarian Church, Worthing Road, Horsham (opposite the bus station) on Saturday 14 December, 7.30pm.

The concert, featuring the Pleasure Singers (pictured) will be followed by mulled wine, glu wine, stollen, mince pies, nibbles and light refreshments. All are welcome. For further details see the Horsham District Twinning Association page on Facebook.

Horsham Museum & Art Gallery hosts Kingdom of Snow and Ice, an exhibition of work by Wendy and Michael Ball, until Saturday 14 December.

It includes photographs taken by the Sussex-based husband and wife during a visit to Svalbard, off the coast of Norway, near to the North Pole. The Balls were part of a group of 12 photographers on the Arctic trip, which enabled them to capture encounters with threatened species in their

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Wendy has been Highly Commended in the British and Scottish Wildlife Photographer of the Year Awards and also shortlisted three times for the International Wildlife Photographer of the Year Awards. Michael’s interest in photography stemmed from his love of wildlife and travel, and hones his craft as a member of Steyning Camera Club.

Visitors can purchase prints and cards. www.horshammuseum.org

Representatives of HDC and local businesses at the opening

The new and improved Piries Place car park was declared open on Wednesday 9 October.

The five-level car park has 516 spaces - 189 more than previously with wider and deeper bays than before. There are 12 disability spaces, 11 parent and child bays and eight electric vehicle charging spots. New toilets and a Changing Places facility are also new. The car

A Fair Trade Christmas Market will be held at St John's Roman Catholic Church Hall, Springfield Road, Horsham, on Saturday 30 November, 10am - 4pm. There will be Fair Trade and ethical stalls, a raffle and café. West Sussex was awarded Fairtrade County status by the Fairtrade Foundation in 2018. http://fairtradehorsham.org.uk

Horsham Churches Together (HCT) and Horsham Matters will once again be running a Night Shelter in Horsham from 1 December 31 March.

Local churches will provide much needed respite for street homeless Horsham people throughout the coldest months.

The shelter is run by volunteers and provides a safe, warm place to stay, along with a hot meal and breakfast. Additionally, guests have said they enjoyed the structure of the shelter and that their general well-being improved because of it.

The shelter is a huge community commitment with about 250 volunteers required to support the guests. If you would like to be involved in the project, your commitment will usually be every

park has a 14.5m living wall, inspired by the form of a tree.

The Horsham District Council car park follows the completion of the multi-million pound Piries Place redevelopment which has seen the area transformed by an Everyman cinema, a Premier Inn hotel, Miller & Carter Steakhouse and other restaurant and retail outlets.

Enjoy the Christmas illuminations and trail at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, Lower Beeding, from 12 - 15 and 19 - 22 December.

Leonardslee Illuminated features light displays, music and theatrical performances, with large scale projections on to Leonardslee House. Suitable for all, with a vintage funfair on site.Tickets £15 (£7.50 for children/ Under 3s free). www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk

two to three weeks. There are three volunteer shifts each day: evening (6pm - 9.30pm) overnight (9pm - 7am) breakfast (6.30am - 8.30am) The organisers also need volunteers to cook evening meals and to transport bedding between venues. For details, call 0300 124 0204 or email emma.elnaugh@horshammatters.org.uk

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The United Reformed Church on Springfield Road, Horsham, hosts Christmas craft workshops and activities combined with craft stalls for gifts on Saturday 14 December, 10am - 3pm. Learn how to make a garland for your front door or a festive greetings card. Children can decorate gingerbread figures and write letters to Santa. For prices and bookings for workshops or stalls, email dwoodhatch@btinternet.com Ashington Toy & Train Collectors Fair will be held at Ashington Community Centre, Foster Lane, RH20 3PG, on Sunday 3 November and Sunday 8 December, 10am – 1pm (Sellers from 8am). Buy, sell and swap from a large range of toys, old and new.

Supported by The Worthing Toy Collectors Club and Model Car Mart. Adults £2 (children free).

Friends of Ashington host a Speakers Corner event at Ashington Community Centre, Foster Lane, RH20 3PG, on Friday 8 November, 7pm. Bruce Wallace, a member of RHS and NGS with vast gardening experience, provides the talk.

Proposals for a new Enterprise Park at the former Novartis site in Wimblehurst Road, Horsham, gained outline planning approval on 16 October.

West Sussex County Council plans to redevelop the site to include commercial space, 300 homes and community facilities.

Horsham District Council agreed with the planning officer’s recommendation for approval.

The future of the site has been the subject of debate ever since the pharmaceutical giant departed in June 2014. In December

2016, WSCC purchased the site for about £15million with ambitious plans to create a leading science park. There was anger when this plan was shelved and WSCC veered towards a combination of commercial units and housing for the site.

While approved, the latest plans have been met by concern, with neighbouring residents voicing fears about road safety.

The 1930s Art Deco building has Listed status, so will be retained. About two thirds of the site is expected to be used for commercial units.

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Sussex Cricket and Horsham Cricket Club have announced that the Country side will return to the town in 2020.

After a five-year absence, Sussex Sharks will play a Royal London One-Day Cup fixture at Cricketfield Road, Horsham, next summer.

Details of the match will be announced when the County schedule is released.

Horsham will become the third out-ground

currently used by Sussex for men’s first-team cricket, alongside Arundel Castle and The Saffrons in Eastbourne.

Chris Shambrook, Club Manager at Horsham Cricket Club, said: “I have been coming to the Horsham Festival since the late 1970’s and it’s an iconic event with such great memories of matches and star players through the years.

On top of that, it’s a superb place for the local

cricket community to meet up. The question I always get asked is, ‘When are Sussex coming back?’ Now I can proudly tell them!”

Sponsorship and hospitality packages for Sussex’s fixture at Horsham are available. For details email admin@horshamsportsclub.com or call Chris on (01403) 254628.

Whatever place you’re into

In June, the sacrifices of servicemen based at Coolham Airfield were remembered to coincide with the 75th anniversary of D-Day. Commemorative information boards built by Shipley Men's Shed were erected at the airfield and next to the memorial at The Selsey Arms. The Shedders have since maintained the boards and the site where 15 oak trees were planted 25 years ago, in memory of the 15 servicemen who lost their lives in the time the airfield was operational.

Using oak timber donated by resident Bob Phillips, the Shedders have now fashioned a rustic bench, which has been placed next to the oak trees. It faces south across the airfield towards the Normandy landing grounds.

Walkers and visitors can now sit in quiet contemplation at the tranquil spot on the two-mile runway perimeter.

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Parham House & Gardens in Parham, Storrington has appointed a new head gardening team. Erika Packard will take on the Head Gardener role, supported by husband and horticulturalist Tim Miles as Assistant Head Gardener.

Erika relocated from Virginia to Scotland where she was awarded a BSc degree in Horticulture with Plantsmanship from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. www.parhaminsussex.co.uk

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The new estate is controversial as it’s being built on greenfield land

Construction work has begun on a new estate that will transform the north side of Horsham.

Hedgerows have been removed along the side of the A264 and a roundabout will be built at the end of Rusper Road, in preparation for the building of the Bohunt School, which is being built in the first phase of development to meet growing demand for secondary school places.

Eventually, the development is set to include 2,750 new homes, a business complex, sports hub and pedestrian, cycle and road connections.

Legal & General, who took over the development from Liberty Property Trust last year, are holding public consultation events at The Holbrook Club, North Heath Lane, Horsham on Tuesday 5 November, 2pm - 8pm, and Saturday 9 November, 10am - 4pm.

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Horsham Chamber Choir presents a concert of works by Bach, Handel and Vivaldi at St Mary's Church, The Causeway, Horsham on Saturday 23 November, 4.30pm. Under the direction of Jenny Hansell, the choir performs with the period string ensemble Cavalli Consort in a concert entitled ‘With Cheerful Notes’. It includes movements from two of Handel’s anthems written for the first Duke of Chandos, a setting of the Magnificat by Vivaldi and Lobet den Herrn by Bach. Mulled apple juice will be served from 4pm and the concert will end by 6.30pm. Tickets £13 (Under 18s £6) from www.horsham-chamberchoir.org.uk

most successful female-led folk ensembles in Europe.

With lush harmonies transporting the listener through a myriad of ancient and forgotten languages, the choir weaves its story-telling through original settings of mediaeval texts, as well as reinventing traditional folk songs and carols, often accompanied by period instruments.

The recently-released A Pocketful of Posies, which has adaptions of well-known nursery rhymes, celebrates the ancient teaching tools that run throughout our folklore and culture.

Tickets £25 from www.mediaevalbaebes.com

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The real start to a traditional Christmas is all about choosing and cutting your own super-fresh tree from our plantation. We have freshly cut Christmas Trees to choose from too.

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The Rec Rooms, Horsham hosts a Christmas Special Comedy Night on Friday 13 December.

A fine line-up includes Marcel Lucont, Darren Walsh and Geoff Norcott (Live at the Apollo, The Mash Report, Mock the Week).

Geoff (pictured) has built up a strong live following with sell-out Edinburgh runs and two national tours. The compere is Geoff Whiting. Tickets £20 from https://therecrooms.com The Horsham Painting Group will be holding its autumn exhibition and sale at Quaker Meeting House, Worthing Road, Horsham, RH12 1SL, on Saturday 16 November, 10am - 4pm.

Original works by members of the group will be on sale. Admission is free and refreshments available. For further details call (01403) 257784.

Photo by Steve Ullathorne

The Mediaeval Baebes bring their Winter Tour to St Mary’s Church, The Causeway, Horsham, on Saturday 7 December, at 8pm.

The choir group will be performing songs from their new album A Pocketful of Posies, as well as Christmas carols from their album Of Kings & Angels and the haunting title theme for ITV’s Victoria, along with other contemporary and traditional songs.

After three chart-topping classical albums, an Ivor Novello Award, sell-out tours in USA, Europe and Asia and most recently two Emmy nominations for their soundtrack to Victoria, the Mediaeval Baebes have established themselves as one the

Haddymai John, who attends Fi Steps Performing Arts School in Horsham, has earned a role in West End show School of Rock - The Musical. Over 50 students from Fi Steps went to see Haddymai on stage at the Gillian Lynne Theatre on Drury Lane. Haddymai has trained at Fi Steps, led by Fiona Whyte, for six years, attending a weekly dance class as well as ballet, tap, hip-hop, cheer and gymnastics classes. www.fisteps.com

Members of the Horsham branch of Parkinson’s UK record the Christmas single

The Horsham branch of Parkinson’s UK has recorded a Christmas song to help fund support for those affected and research into the disease.

Madeline Castrey, who directs the choir, first became involved with Parkinson’s UK through friend Jacqui Pullen, who attends Horsham branch and is living with Parkinson’s. Madeline was so inspired by the members that she founded a vocal group, which has raised over £60,000 for charity.

The single, called This Christmas Time, is a one-off opportunity, with the recording, production and design undertaken by Madeline for Parkinson’s UK. All vocals are by members of the branch, with the song carrying a unifying message of hope, that by coming together, we can be stronger as we look to the future for a cure. The song will be released on Friday 22 November, available digitally on iTunes and Spotify with physical copies sold locally. An accompanying video will be available on YouTube.

Search ‘The Parkinson’s Choir’.

TOOVEY’S Entries are invited for our winter fine art sales

Southwater Art Club Exhibition

Valuations provided 10am to 3pm Monday to Friday at our Spring Gardens rooms or by appointment at your home

Southwater Christmas Festival will be held at Lintot Square, Southwater, on Saturday 30 November, 12 - 4pm.

The event includes live music, children's rides, carols around the Christmas tree and festive food and drink. Father Christmas arrives at midday, with the lights switched on at 4pm.

The Christmas Festival coincides with the launch of Southwater Art Club’s 2019 Exhibition at Beeson House, Lintot Square. It is held on Saturday 30 November - Sunday 1 December, 10am - 5pm (closes 4pm Sunday). www.southwaterartclub.co.uk Horsham District Age UK hosts a Christmas Extravaganza at The Drill Hall, Denne Road, Horsham, on Saturday 16 November, 10am - 1pm.

You’ll find gifts including handmade jewellery, bags, candles, soaps, decorations and much more. Children can meet Father Christmas and festive cards will be on sale. Free entry.

All are welcome. www.ageukhorshamdistrict.org.uk

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The immortal tale of Peter Pan, the boy who wouldn’t grow up, is given a new pantomime treatment at The Capitol, running from Friday 13 December - Sunday 5 January.

The pantomime includes pop and musical theatre songs, colourful sets, great costumes, gags and familyfriendly entertainment.

Anthony Sahota stars as Peter Pan alongside Nicola Hume (Heart FM), Nicholas Collier and Rebecca Lafferty.

The roles of John and Michael will be played by young local stars Daniel Kendon, Oscar Ward-Dutton, Dexter Lamley-Grinstead and Theo Ranganathan. Hywel Dowsell returns as the Dame and James Fletcher is Mini Smee. The production is sponsored by Brock Taylor and Horsham Bedding Centre. There will be a collection for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. Tickets £23.50 from (01403) 750220 or www.thecapitolhorsham.com Representatives of HDC and local business sponsors meet at Bill’s

Whatever place you’re into

Horsham businesses have backed a month-long light and projections spectacular to mark the finale of the Horsham District Year of Culture 2019.

Light Up Horsham is due to take place from Saturday 30 November Tuesday 31 December, when a 10minute projected show will be focused on the front of Bills in Market Square.

A show will take place every 15 minutes from 4 - 8pm throughout December. The content is created by RMV Productions with project support from Creative Technology. Wakefields Jewellers are the main sponsor of the event. Follow @HDculture2019 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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The War Memorial in the Carfax, Horsham will be the focus of a Remembrance service on Sunday 10 November. The parade then departs to St Mary’s Church in The Causeway.

There will be a small display around the bandstand provided by The Military Vehicle Show, Capel.

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Antiques, Coins & Collectors items Valuation & Buying Day in Horsham

Coins & Banknotes

Military Items & Medals

Sussex Coin Company are coming to Roffey Millennium Hall, 154-156 Crawley Rd, Horsham, RH12 4DT on Monday 9th December, 10.30am - 2.30pm We will be buying Coins & banknotes, medals, military items & war souvenirs, gold, silver & costume jewellery, old wrist & pocket watches , silver items, old photos & postcards, documents & paperwork, scrap gold & silver, Antiques & curios. Immediate payment for all items purchased. Free valuations.

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We are keen buyers of unusual & interesting items.

We are making free home visits in the Horsham area during November & December.

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Antiques & Curios

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The Capitol hosts the premiere of All My Life’s Buried Here, The Story of George Butterworth on Saturday 9 - Sunday 10 November, 2pm. This documentary film by Stewart Morgan Hajdukiewicz tells the story of Butterworth (1885 – 1916), a composer, folk song collector, folk dancer and prime mover in a radical era for British music. Drawing on archival treasures including letters and memoirs, this biographical portrait aims to provide a deeper understanding of Butterworth, who was cut killed on the battlefield of the Somme. The film includes details of his folk song collecting trips into West Sussex with Ralph Vaughan Williams.

Enjoy some of Butterworth's best known orchestral works and songs, courtesy of The London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Sir Adrian Boult and new live performances by Roderick Williams.

There will be a live Q&A with the director - Butterworth biographer Anthony Murphy - and former librarian at the English Folk Dance and Song Society Malcolm Taylor OBE after the screening on 9 November. For tickets call (01403) 750220 or visit www.thecapitolhorsham.com Kreston Reeves and PDT Solicitors are holding a free seminar for the property industry and landowners on the Taxation of Promotion Agreements on Friday 22 November.

Aimed at house builders, developers, landlords, commercial agents, property managers, business owners and landowners, it covers issues including the tax and VAT implications of promotion agreements, as well as legal and accounting. To register for free visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ taxation-on-promotion-agreementstickets-72488981495

Fran Bedford in 2016 (AAH/Toby Phillips Photography)

Bedford’s Sports in Lambs Farm Road, Horsham, is to close at the end of November.

The shop was established in 1980 by Peter Bedford as The Sussex Darts & Trophy Centre and developed in to a full-blown sports retailer. Fran Bedford took over after a few years and has continued to run the shop with manager David Grimes.

As well as being a trophy and medal specialist, Bedford’s Sports has provided kit for countless clubs and individuals.

The Bedfords and David would like to thank all its customers over the last 40 years. The shop is holding a closing down sale and all club clothing orders have been transferred to Appliedfx in Horsham. www.appliedfx.co.uk

Horsham based charity Sussex Green Living are helping local people to save money and help the planet by holding a pop-up pre-loved clothes sale (known as a kilo sale) at Greenway Academy, Merryfield Drive, Horsham on Saturday 9 November, 12 – 4pm. The Greenway PTA will sell refreshments to raise funds for the school. Proceeds from the clothes sale will help Sussex Green Living with climate education and benefit Nkuringo Education and Community Support in Uganda. www.sussexgreenliving.co.uk The congregation and friends of St Leonard’s Church, Cambridge Road, Horsham, gathered recently to celebrate the church’s 80th birthday. Built in 1939, the church was refurbished in 2008 and is thriving. Hall users joined the congregation for Songs of Praise, followed by tea. The service was led by Rev Natalie Loveless, while Rev David Evans (a friend of St Leonard’s) gave an address and two girls from an Indian dancing class - one of the many that uses the hall - gave a well-received performance.

An interesting sculpture was unveiled at Highwood Village in Broadbridge Heath on Wednesday 23 October.

The reveal gave visitors the first glimpse of the structure, which started life as an eight tonne block of stone. It took some four million chisel chips from members of the community, under the expert eye of artist Jon Edgar, to create.

The sculpture was commissioned for the Horsham District Year of Culture 2019 and unveiled by Harry Lewis (Berkeley Homes Southern Managing Director), Cllr Kate Rowbottom (HDC Chairman) and sculptor Jon Edgar (pictured).

Jon has sculpted and carved the stone block, drawing inspiration from residents to create the final piece. Budding sculptors were taught basic carving skills and encouraged to add to the piece, providing a variety of figures, animals, objects and shapes. A competition was run by Berkeley Homes, developers of Highwood Village, to name the sculpture. The winning suggestion was Fluvius, Latin for stream or river.

Ben Annetts, Sales and Marketing Director at Berkeley Homes, said: “We would like to thank Jon for his magnificent creation. He has worked hard to create a timeless piece of art that the community can enjoy.”

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Louise Sloan Opticians: Looking After Your Eyes Night driving without the glare

At this time of year after the clocks have turned back and the days are shorter, driving in the dark can be a real issue for some people.

Studies have shown that approximately half of all drivers in the UK struggle with glare from oncoming headlights and around a third of these people avoid driving at night as a result. Our eyes can take longer to react to changes in light as we grow older. Sometimes we can have difficulty with colours and contrasts in low light conditions.

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Looking after your eyes

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Ask our optometrists for details and they will advise whether it is appropriate for you.

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Professional service at Louise Sloan Opticians goes beyond the eye examination. Our qualified dispensing opticians and frame stylists take time to understand your needs. We explain all your choices, from budget-friendly to the latest high end frames. We aim to give you the time you need to find the best glasses for you, and not rush you through the experience.

Ask for an OCT scan when you come in for an eye test An OCT scan looks at the layers beneath the back of the eye. It means an optometrist can monitor minute physical changes that can indicate the onset of conditions including glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

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Mann & Moore are Grand Finalists

Plant Play Foods are based in Worthing

The judges tuck into some street food

Duff’s Diner is a father and son business based in Newick

HORSHAM HOSTS CELEBRATION OF STREET FOOD The Sussex Street Food Finals, part of the Sussex Food & Drink Awards 2020, was held in the Carfax on Sunday 27 October.

Crowds enjoyed taster plates from finalists as well as live music, local produce and gift stalls.

Finalists included Chu Chu Burmese Kitchen, Duff’s Diner, Ginger Rookes, Penelope’s Pitstop, Plant Play and The Buffalo Burger Company. The three finalists are reigning champions Mann & Moore from Horsham, Pizza Leonati from Brighton and The BBQ Project from St Leonards-on-Sea.

They received high praise from a judging panel that included Michelin starred executive chef Jean Delport from Restaurant Interlude at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens.

Jean commented: “The vendors are all passionate and invested in what they are creating. The dishes we have tasted have been packed full of flavour and the atmosphere has been wonderful. I’ve been so impressed with the high standard.”

Mann & Moore delivered excellent barbequed and smoked meats to earn them a place on the finalists list. However, it’s a new experience for Pizza Leonati, formed seven months ago

by owner Leo Ferenc. The business takes its name through combining his name and that of his partner, Natalie. Pizzas are cooked in a specially-adapted 1984 Ollerton van, with four ovens allowing for vegan and meat pizzas to be cooked separate.

Leo said: “The van is unique and allows us to stand out from other vendors. I also like being in front of customers as you can chat and it’s a more enjoyable experience. We have fun with the recipes too, trying everything from chocolate bases to smoked salmon toppings.

It’s only dough and you can put anything in a sandwich, so why not with pizza?”

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Leonati Pizza are Grand Finalists in the competition for the first time

Chu Chu Burmese Kitchen

Hilary Knight of Sussex Food & Drink Network enjoys food served by Penelope Turner of Penelope’s Pitstop

Duff’s Diner was one of the most popular vendors on the day. Operating from an Airstream, the business is run by Newick father and son, Stephen and Freddie Duff. Stephen became hooked on indian cuisine while visiting the country and learned as much as he could from the hotel chef. Duff’s Diner initially replicated his favourite dishes and has since introduced a wider menu, including delicious burgers. Freddie has trained at Michelin-starred restaurants in London including Chez Bruce and Glasshouse and now works full-time at Duff’s Diner, which also hosts dinner parties and caters for various events.

For some businesses, the day provided an opportunity to introduce people to new flavours. Penelope Turner spent seven years travelling in South America, mainly Colombia and Argentina. She used her love of Latin cuisine to create Penelope’s Pitstop. Already a favourite in markets around Hastings, Penelope was visiting Horsham for the first time.

“We offer a fusion of South American food, focusing on Colombia and Venezuela,” she said. “It can be difficult to entice people, so we offer tasters and demonstrations. I would urge people to give it a try, even if it’s just cassava, which is like chips but 100 times better!”

Horsham District Foodies supported by Food Rocks sponsored the Street Food category and also organised a market on the day. The three Grand Finalists will attend a ceremony at the Amex Stadium, Brighton, on 29 April 2020, where the winners of all the awards categories will be revealed. www.sussexfoodawards.biz Words: Ben Morris (with thanks to Isabel Gander of Natural PR Ltd) Pictures: Toby Phillips Photography

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Victoria Strelciunaite has only recently taken up painting

Victoria Strelciunaite showed off her striking range of polo paintings.

Paul Talbot caught the eye with landscapes and an excellent hummingbird painting, while the balanced tones of Pam Clarke’s floral art also attracted interest. There was also local jewellery, upcycling stands, textiles and pottery.

Prior to the Art Fair, as a preview to the show and in celebration of Horsham District Year of Culture, The Capitol hosted an exhibition of single works by HAOS members. www.horshamartistsopenstudios.co.uk

Paul Talbot paints a wide range of subjects

Vicky Glyn with her retro textile designs

Pam Clarke’s colourful florals

Paul Baden’s exquisite wood carvings

Horsham Artists Open Studios (HAOS) held its annual Contemporary Art Fair at Parkside, Horsham, on 18 - 20 October.

Visitors enjoyed work by more than 60 artists, sculptors, textile designers, jewellers, up-cyclists and other makers, with art sold to cater for all budgets.

There was impressive variety on display.

Alison Ingram, a talented and versatile wildlife artist renowned for beautiful abstract wildlife paintings, exhibited her latest work.

Paul Baden specialises in wood carvings made from laminated wood veneers, whilst

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Starman Returns

Review: Matt Gillan at Heritage, The Chequers

Matt Gillan was touted as one of the most promising chefs in the country.

During his tenure, The Pass at South Lodge Hotel in Lower Beeding was awarded a Michelin Star for five consecutive years and he also impressed on BBC2’s The Great British Menu.

Since leaving South Lodge for an ambitious venture on the coast, Matt has gained an insight into all aspects of business – the highs and the lows. Now, he’s back, taking over an Edwardian pub brimming with character in the idyllic village of Slaugham.

Once again, he’s dazzling diners with a daring, vibrant menu to showcase his undoubted culinary expertise…

When you left The Pass in 2016, you were on the crest of a wave, weren’t you?

I’d been at South Lodge for ten years and when I left, we’d had the Michelin star for five years. I had been on The Great British Menu and my main course was selected as the winning dish for the Women’s Institute banquet. We then introduced that goat dish

at The Pass and we were full every day. Bit I was at a crossroads. Should I huddle down there and see what we could achieve as a team, or branch out and try something new?

I chose the latter…

So, what have you been doing?

It's been an emotional ride! I went into business with others who provided the direction, working at the dual format Pike & Pine and Red Rooster in Brighton. The venue had been operating for a while as one of the first gourmet coffee houses. We went in and transformed it. When a place becomes an institution, it upsets people when you make changes and I learned a lot there. Without that experience, I wouldn’t be where I am today. It taught me about business outside of the kitchen.

You were also involved at The Foresters pub in St Leonard’s Road, Horsham…

I established Electro Pirate, a casual dining experience, and created a menu at The Foresters. The pub needed someone to look after the food and I saw an opportunity to try

something different. We offered a great range of burgers, as there wasn’t anywhere in the town where you could find a highquality burger. We did well in the summer, but when it went quieter the management wanted to go down a different road, so I left.

I could have carried on, but I felt this Heritage required my full attention.

How did Heritage come about?

I was attending an event in Brighton when somebody mentioned this lovely building sitting empty in a quiet village. I was working, so I didn’t pay much attention, but it stuck in my mind. I wanted to have a look, just out of curiosity, but I forgot the name of the village! A few weeks later, I was speaking to a friend who was working at a private function at a stately home in Slaugham.

That’s when I remembered the name!

What were your first impressions?

I fell in love with the place. Living in Horsham, I’ve driven along Hammerpond Road, but never taken the turn off at The Wheatsheaf. I was heading along the lane

Heritage offers a range of cocktails

One of the casual dining areas at Heritage, The Chequers

passed the furnace pond, and then I reached the village. It felt like a “destination”, which is often the case with top restaurants. The whole journey was genuinely amazing. It’s not a million miles from anywhere, but feels like the middle of nowhere.

The building has had a turbulent history…

It was very successful in its heyday. When it was The Chequers, this was an excellent seafood restaurant. Then came a difficult period when different people came in and tried various things. But the pub had been

closed for a couple of years before we arrived.

That meant whoever came in was going to be received by the community with open arms.

Were you tempted to return to South Lodge?

There's always a temptation. But when I left, The Pass needed to go in a different direction and it has done that. It’s been refurbished recently and Tom Kemble is now head chef, so I have no doubt that the restaurant will soon get where it wants to be. At this point in my life, I need to be working for myself, making my own decisions.

Why is the restaurant called Heritage?

I'm not telling anyone why just yet. There’s a story behind it and it’ll come out further down the line…

Are you hoping to achieve a Michelin Star?

It’s not about that. What I’m aiming for is to deliver a two-star level of service, whether we achieve accolades or not. Before guide books existed, success and reputation was down to word of mouth and there’s no greater endorsement than a customer telling others to visit you. I want to build a reputation where

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Hannah Bamford, Manager at Heritage

Ceviche of scallop with coriander ice cream, pumpkin seed and salsify

people know they can take a nice drive and experience something special.

We’re not a town centre location - it’s a commitment for people to come here.

So, we need to make sure it’s worth the effort. I have a loyal team, with the front of house led by Hannah Bamford, who I’ve worked with previously, and we’re focused on the full experience.

Is it nice working without the pressure of a star?

Some of the best times I’ve had as a chef were in the days before we had the accolades. We could play with food as there was no expectation. A Michelin Star changes everything. Suddenly, you try to cater for somebody else’s thought process. In Brighton at Pike & Pine, the experience was very casual and it was nice to not get stressed every October when the Guide is published!

Do you feel you have something to prove?

No. It's more an ego thing than proving a point. I know where we can sit as a restaurant and it would be nice to fit back into that circle again. After a few years away, I do miss it.

Is there a theme to the menu?

I use familiar ingredients and add extra interest through texture, flavour combinations or different cooking techniques. I want people to engage with the food and talk about it. We’re already working with great local producers including South Downs Venison and Pure Oyster Company. I’m told that some of the cows in the field behind us end up at Hutching’s butchers in Partridge Green, who I use too. You can’t get more local than that.

Does it matter that competition has increased locally?

It's great that we have new Michelin Star restaurants nearby. As well as Restaurant Interlude at Leonardslee, we have

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The coal-finished monkfish with apple puree and white cabbage

Ballotine of pork with mushroom farce, spiced sauce and bacon jam

excellent restaurants at The Pass and No.1 Broad Street in Cuckfield. If we can make this corner of West Sussex a destination dining area, we can all benefit.

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Kickstarter Campaign Even getting Heritage off the ground has been a notable achievement, requiring a successful internet campaign on Kickstarter. And Matt accepts that it may take time to build a profitable business.

Not only is there minimal passing traffic, but the former pub has been closed for some time. The days when The Chequers was renowned as one of the best village restaurants around are a distant memory.

So, every visitor is important. And after only a few months, the efforts of Matt and his team are beginning to reap rewards, with Sunday lunch sittings particularly popular. Even on our visit, on a weekday lunchtime, there were several tables occupied. One group sought out the chef to enthuse about both the food and the venue before heading home.

While the venue itself (which includes five guest rooms) has charm - with modest decor preferred over garish extravagance - it is the food that steals the limelight. However, a range of cocktails, including a signature drink to pair with Matt’s famed goat dish, is worthy of mention.

Return of the Goat 66 North Street, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1RD

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Heritage has two tasting menus, with one being a vegetarian option. Both offer seven courses for £65, with a wine flight (including bottles from the Wiston estate) £42.50.

Heritage has fun with its cocktails too...

Shin of beef with crispy chilli beef, roasted carrot and beef fat crumb

There’s also a five-course tasting menu available at lunch time (and Wednesday and Thursday evenings) for £37.50.

A more affordable option is the lunch time menu (two courses ÂŁ22, three courses ÂŁ27) and a Sunday menu (two courses ÂŁ27, three courses ÂŁ35).

Or, you can go ĂĄ la carte, where there are many enticing options. We would happily return to try the roasted halibut with cauliflower cheese puree, clam chowder and kiwi fruit (ÂŁ26) or the salt-baked pork rump with pork belly, pork shoulder croquette,

“Matt’s winning goat dish from The Great British Menu returns.

Inspired by his mother, who hails from St Helena, the dish showcases an underappreciated meat.�

roasted plums and spiced sauce (ÂŁ26).

Many will be delighted to see Matt’s winning goat dish from The Great British Menu too.

Inspired by his mother, who hails from St Helena, the dish showcases a widely under-appreciated meat. However, for our visit, Matt selected dishes from the signature tasting menu.

First to arrive was a ceviche of scallop with coriander ice cream, pumpkin seed and salsify. Unlike any scallop dish I’ve tried before, this Peruvian-inspired plate was a treat. It was immediately apparent that Matt is having fun with his dishes‌

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Chocolate fondant with yoghurt sorbet and cumin caramel

Next came a deliciously moreish ballotine of pork with mushroom farce, spiced sauce and bacon jam. The pleasant surprise was how a plate so small and relatively simplistic could pack such incredible flavour.

The coal-finished monkfish with apple puree and white cabbage was better still. One of the ugliest creatures you’re ever likely to see, the monkfish was once known as “the poor man’s lobster” as it’s similar in its texture and mild taste. But in Matt’s capable hands, it’s a pearl of a dish, with dashes of xo - a spicy seafood sauce from Hong Kong - providing wonderful bursts of flavour.

Next came a shin of beef with crispy chilli beef, roasted carrot and beef fat crumb. This is as close as we had to a classic English dish, with the rich taste of the tender shin married perfectly by the sweet chilli flavour. We finished the meal with a beautiful chocolate fondant with yoghurt sorbet and cumin caramel (£13.50).

It was a stunning meal. Matt Gillan has been one of the most exciting chefs the town has produced. It’ll be interesting to see what he achieves now the shackles are off…

Matt Gillan

The dining area at Heritage

Words: Ben Morris Pictures: Toby Phillips Photography Heritage, The Chequers, Slaugham, West Sussex, RH17 6AQ Tel: (01444) 401102 Email: info@heritage.restaurant Web: https://heritage.restaurant

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Fashion Shop Prospers Through the Social Network Internet shopping is regularly cited as a key reason for the decline of household names on the nation’s High Streets.

Yet for one Horsham independent, embracing the full potential of the online market may well have saved it.

La Vida Boutique celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Throughout that time, the leading women’s fashion outlet has been in the town centre.

Yet today, its reach extends considerably further; one customer regularly shops via video link from her home in Melbourne.

For Donna Camera, owner of La Vida, it’s an age of opportunity. “Some retailers fear the damage the internet can do to a business; but we use it to our advantage.

We create a weekly video which is posted on Instagram and Facebook and continue to post photos of our latest clothes on social media throughout the week.”

“I have a wonderful team at the shop and we all have different body sizes. So, we can demonstrate how to mix-and-match and

which designs suit certain shapes. We’re very proactive, so if it’s quiet in the shop, we try on some clothes, have fun and post photos online. I also research fashion trends and follow a lot of bloggers online. I can be quite obsessive about it, but it’s just working towards having something new all the time to keep the shop interesting for our customers and to keep fashion fun.”

“Fashion should always be fun. Everyone has dark days when life is difficult, but putting a face on and wearing nice clothes makes you feel confident and happy. So, we like to show people that you can be creative with fashion.”

Adapting to Modern Life Whilst La Vida Boutique exploits social media to promote its lines, there’s more to the business than Instagram snaps. Donna has created a retail experience that she believes will be standard practice in years to come.

La Vida Boutique staff regularly post photos on Instagram to highlight its latest lines

Donna Camera, owner of La Vida Boutique

La Vida Boutique

Camilla models clothes from La Vida

The shop off Stan’s Way has exclusivity to some leading designers

“Our clothes have the ‘wow factor’ and when you make a special purchase, you don't want to see everybody else wearing it too.”

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Inspired by the customer service offered in other trades - from restaurants to hair salons - La Vida adapts to the needs of clients, conducting business via video link, chatting about clothes over a coffee at nearby Restaurant Tristan and even hosting one-to-one sessions outside of the shop’s normal hours.

“People buy clothes in a different way now and retail must adapt if it’s to survive,” says Donna. “For example, Prom Night has become a big event for school leavers and it’s not enough to just sell dresses off-the-shelf. So, girls book an appointment with us and come in on an evening or even a Sunday. We lock up, pull the rails back to make use of the mirrors, and have a one-to-one styling session. It’s special for them.”

“We also stage fashion shows at local schools and talk to pupils about different styles and body shapes.

Teenagers are under a lot of pressure and increasingly exposed to things like anorexia and anxiety, which concerns parents too. So, there’s a strong focus on body confidence here as well.

“Recently, we were invited to attend TV presenter Gok Wan’s fashion roadshow in Brighton, taking outfits for a catwalk parade. Afterwards, Gok hosted an

inspiring talk on body confidence. He has a similar ethos to us, in that people shouldn’t ever dress to please anyone else. Fashion is about wearing what makes you happy as an individual.”

The ‘Wow’ Factor

Donna said: “A lot of our clothes have the ‘wow factor’ so most are unique.

When you make a special purchase, you don't want to see everybody else wearing it too. A lot of our customers are over 30, but fashion is about attitude, not age.”

“They will often buy their essential clothing items from major online retailers, but for those special outfits, they want a special experience. That’s what we provide. Customers often tall me that they’ve been complimented on their outfits by friends and even people in the street. However, some make the mistake of thinking that this is a

Modelling different clothes inspires La Vida’s customers

Donna is careful to select brands to suit her customer base, with many designers offering area exclusivity to La Vida. Brands include Postcards from Brighton, which is designed and manufactured in the UK, as well as Derhy, Religion Clothing, Onjenu, One Hundred Stars and Danish fashion house Black Colour.

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high-end fashion outlet, but it’s not.

People don’t come here to spend £200 on a jumper. Ours are in the £30 - £50 range, so customers come in regularly to refresh their look. I wouldn't want a shop where you only see people once a season. We love seeing customers and playing around with styles. That’s why we like fast, quirky fashion!”

Regroup and Refocus

La Vida Boutique became renowned for its selection of evening dresses, but a declining frequency of charity balls and business parties led to a change of direction. When the precinct closed for redevelopment (including the creation of Everyman Cinema, Premier Inn, Carter & Miller Steakhouse Restaurant and a new car park) Donna was offered a temporary unit in Swan Walk. Whilst this led to increased footfall, the shopping centre location didn’t suit La Vida’s bespoke service.

Jo, Donna and Camilla at La Vida Boutique

La Vida has enjoyed a rollercoaster ride during its two decades. The shop opened in the Carfax in 1999, in a small unit now occupied by Exclusiv, another fashion outlet. After a few years, Donna moved into a bigger unit in Piries Place, expanding into bridal wear to exploit the lack of availability in the town.

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Now, Donna is happy to be on Stan’s Way in a quiet alleyway linking East Street to the re-energised Piries Place.

“I am a mother of two children and I make no secret of that,” she said. “At this time in my life, I need a shop I can close two days a week without having the stress of high rates and staff costs, where we can focus on creating a personal experience for all of our customers.”

“I have a wonderful team around me.

We are all in the same boat in that we have families we love - but we love fashion too. Since downsizing, I can focus on what’s important. I am older, wiser, and realised that I needed to get back to basics, which means making every customer important, either in the shop or online. We get to know them and that is key to success in any business.”

Words: Ben Morris Pictures: Toby Phillips Photography La Vida Boutique, 5 The Courtyard, Stans Way, Horsham, RH12 1HU Tel: (01403) 259222 Email: info@lavidaboutique.co.uk Web: https://lavidaboutique.co.uk

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Nick and Daniel Hall, Anthony James Cars

Brothers Talk the Anthony James Cars Adopts Fresh Approach to Car Sales Two brothers from Horsham, Daniel and Nick Hall, have drawn on their lifelong passion for cars to establish a unique new business.

AC Cobra and luxury marquees like Jaguar, BMW and Bentley – the Halls hope to appeal to a wide range of buyers in the used car market.

Daniel’s career has until recently been outside the motoring trade.

However, as partners at Anthony James Cars, their shared interest has fuelled a new venture.

Offering cars under £100,000 – from retro sport classics like the Ford RS2000, to the eternally cool

Daniel said: “People don’t come to us for a wander around to see if something takes their fancy.

They tend to know what they want beforehand. So, if they’re looking for a red Porsche 911, they will buy one if it’s well presented and sold at the right

price. We sell cars that people have dreamed about owning.

They might have had a poster of a Ford Mustang on their wall and promised themselves that they would buy one at a certain age.

So, the purchase is an emotive experience rather than one of necessity.”

Every Cloud…

Whilst the brothers are partners, it is Daniel who runs the day-today operations, as Nick maintains other business interests.

Daniel enjoyed a 20-year career as a Sales Director in fibre-optic infrastructure and later became a business consultant. But a collision three years ago dramatically altered his life. While taking his son to the dentist after

school, his car was hit head on by a drink driver. Daniel has suffered from neck, back and jaw pain ever since and requires regular long-term medication. The strong painkillers he was prescribed initially affected his performance at work and he started to struggle with depression.

“My job was very demanding with lots of travelling and it reached a point where I couldn’t sustain that level of work,” he says. “After being out of work for a while, I needed to be earning to support my family. So, we formed Anthony James Cars, named after our father, who sadly passed away 20 years ago. The business was ultimately borne out of necessity, but is essentially a dream come true!”

“Nick has been a great support.

Initially, I was working from my kitchen table and then his! Now we’re preparing to expand into a new unit in the area. We started with only a handful of cars including a Porsche Cayenne and a Jaguar F-Type. Fortunately, we sold a few quickly and reinvested to grow our range. Slowly but surely, word of what we’re doing is spreading.”

Torque AC Cobra, Ford RS2000 and Ford Mustang

“We buy the cars that we like and what we think others will like too.

There’s no great science behind it!”

Fresh Approach Although they have extensive backgrounds in sales, Daniel and Nick are relative newcomers to the trade, although Nick has some experience of selling high performance and luxury cars.

However, they believe that their focus on customer service sets them apart from competitors in the used car market.

“The time is right for a fresh approach to the way people buy used cars,” says Daniel. “After 20 years in sales, I know it’s key to understand the customer. We want to be a refreshing change to

Luxury models by Mercedes, Porsche and Maserati Nick Hall at the wheel of an AC Cobra

“Daniel is going to extraordinary lengths to make it a memorable experience, even sourcing a private number plate for one client.” the standard sales practices that put people on the back foot. So, even on the website, we write our descriptions differently to most. Rather than just using technical jargon, we also use more emotive language, as we’re catering for people looking for a dream car. That might be a Land Rover Discovery that offers luxury and safety, or the sports car you wanted when you were ten-years-old and which now fortunately happens to have some appreciation in value!”

“We buy cars that we like and what we think others will like too. There’s no great science behind it.”

Dad’s memory might be fading but he can still tell stories about his old jag...

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“We carry out a pre-delivery inspection by an authorised independent garage and offer industry-leading finance packages and warranties. We also sell customers’ cars on their behalf and as well as saving stress and hassle, we’re able to offer a return that’s better than what they might make selling privately.

But we want to do more than that. We want to ensure customers are not just happy, but ecstatic, to the point that they will recommend us on social media and recommend us to friends and colleagues. That’s how we’ll prosper in the long term.”

1980s Experience…

Daniel Hall has found a new motivation since the business was formed

Nick is delighted to see how the business has transformed his brother.

Transferring his skills into a new environment has given Daniel the focus and motivation he had before his accident.

“Because of the kind of cars on offer, it’s an enjoyable experience for the buyer and the seller,” says Nick. “If we were selling a basic family hatchback, it wouldn’t be exciting for us, as it's a commoditised transaction. But this is very different and Daniel is going to extraordinary lengths to make it an even more memorable experience, creating a proper unveiling ceremony, arranging delivery on a closed trailer and in one case even sourcing a private number plate for a client.”

“Rather than it being a hindrance, the fact that we don’t have much experience in the trade helps us. We love cars – just like the buyers. Because of that, customers relax and it leads to conversations about all kinds of things, from our own business experience to cars we’ve owned or driven. When that happens, people can have fun and enjoy the experience. One customer recently brought along a cassette tape when he collected a 1986 Porsche 911 Super Sport, as he wanted the full 1980s experience on his drive home!”

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Fulfilling a Passion Looking at the cars offered, it’s evident that Anthony James Cars is happy to take a few risks.

The AC Cobra, Porsche 911 and Ford Mustang might be universally admired, but other gems are seeking the right buyer.

Take for example, a Ford RS2000 in an Alan Mann Racing gold and red colour scheme - a genuine barn find (now fully restored), complete with racing engine and roll cage. In the past, Nick was invited to drive injured servicemen around Goodwood for a charity day. Whilst it was one of the cheapest cars on display, the RS2000 was also one of the most popular.

“We’re buying from people who love cars, selling to people who love cars and we love cars too.

That shouldn’t be a chore!”

Words: Ben Morris Pictures: Toby Phillips Photography Anthony James Cars is located in the Horsham District.

Viewing is by appointment only.

Tel: (01403) 627100 Email: daniel@anthonyjamescars.com Web: www.anthonyjamescars.com

“A dream car varies from person to person,” says Daniel. “Certain cars just have something that makes you smile. What we do is sell cars that are achievable as a life goal for people. That’s what makes it enjoyable. There’s no aspiration to be the biggest used car trader in the area or boast a huge showroom - we just want to enjoy working together as a family while fulfilling our passion.”

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I S YO U R I N C O M E S U F F E R I N G F R O M P E R S I S T E N T LY L OW I N T E R E S T R AT E S ?

A well-balanced investment strategy is suitable for investors with longer-term income needs.

Whether you are a saver or a spender, planning your retirement, or already enjoying your silver years, we all want one thing – to get our money working harder.

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It’s now more than ten years since the onset of the financial crisis, but its effects are still being felt. Higher taxation, wage stagnation and rising living costs are just some of the consequences. But perhaps most significantly, cash savers in bank and building society deposits have been the real losers in this era of record low interest rates.

History shows that investing in equities, or shares, has provided investors with a better chance of outpacing inflation over the long term versus other asset classes; particularly if they can pick stocks that make dividend payments year after year.

There are indications that the recent trend of increasing dividend payments could be sustainable in the near term.

The outlook for equity income funds could also be on the up.These have a strong track

record for delivering attractive, sustainable income and steady returns over the long term. Some are better for income, while others provide better prospects for total return by reinvesting income. St. James’s Place offers a diversified range of equity income funds.

Corporate bond funds also remain popular, particularly with cautious investors.

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TH E FA LL I N C O M M E RCIA L P RO P E RTY VA L U E S , A F T E R T H E C R E D I T C RU N C H , LE F T M A N Y N U R S I N G S IGN I F I C A N T L O SSE S. However, history does suggest that commercial property has a place in a portfolio for income investors. Its

long-term track record is strong and, importantly, it offers returns that are largely independent of other asset classes.

Investors should, however, note that investing in real asset classes (equities, corporate bonds and commercial property) does not provide the security of capital which is characteristic of a deposit account with a bank or building society.

The value of capital, and income from it, can fall as well as rise and you may not get back the original amount invested.

A well-diversified, well-managed portfolio which blends a range of asset classes remains the most suitable strategy for investors to satisfy their longer-term income needs.

At St. James’s Place we believe that our ability to tailor solutions to an individual’s needs and attitude to risk means your income investments are in good hands.

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.

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

The Partner 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 title ‘Partner’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.

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A Medical Marvel?

Former Collyer’s Student Hopes to Save Lives So, who’s this then?

This is Ross Upton from Horsham.

He may be on the brink of achieving something special in the world of science.

Discovering the identity of dark matter?

It’s more related to medical science. Ross has been helping to develop software that has the potential to save thousands of lives by indicating if a patient is at risk of cardiovascular disease.

he certainly wasn’t focused on education. Ross said: “I didn’t even study science at college, as I chose subjects that I thought would be easy. But my attendance record was poor and I scraped through A’ levels with mediocre results.”

Do you mean a heart attack?

And other things relating to the heart, like coronary artery disease.

Yet he’s achieved something special?

Eventually, Ross enjoyed studying. Inspired by the documentaries of Sir David Attenborough, he first pursued a career in Zoology and was accepted on to the course at Nottingham Trent University through clearing.

Sorry, I didn’t pay attention at school…

Then you share something in common with Ross. He was an “average” pupil at Tanbridge and Collyer’s College. If not lazy,

Clearing?

The clearing system is when universities fill any leftover spaces on courses with students who haven’t got the grades they wanted.

Oh, I see. Then what?

Friends and family told Ross that it was time to knuckle down and he did just that. It was at Nottingham that he became interested in the cardiovascular system. “My thesis focused on diseases common to both humans and animals,” says Ross.

“I studied things like Crohn's Disease, which affects humans as well as marmosets, and tried to find links between the two. That led to a Masters in Clinical Biochemistry at the University of Surrey. It was there that I saw how innovative technology was aiding clinical medicine.”

Okay, how’s it used?

One of Ross’s lecturers was a cardiologist. Using modern components like those used by the McLaren Formula One team, he had created an iPad-style device to record

electrocardiograms (ECG). Ross was one of the researchers on this pioneering project.

What’s an ECG? It records rhythm and electrical current…

In English?

An ECG essentially measures your heartbeat and can detect early signs of a heart attack.

However, not long after the university made its research breakthrough, Apple developed an EPG system and made it available as an online App. The corporate machine beat the students, then?

Yes, if not in developing the product, certainly in terms of offering it commercially. However, the experience led to Ross’s second Masters in Cardiovascular Imaging. It was at Newcastle

Ross Upton and Professor Paul Leeson at Ultromics

University that he developed an understanding of the algorithms behind ultrasound readings. For the research component of his Masters, he went to University of Oxford.

Professor Leeson had been collating ECG images into a database. He wanted to use the information they provided to give patients a more accurate diagnosis of heart disease.

As in the famous Oxford?

As in Stephen Hawking, the boat race and concise dictionaries. He completed his PhD under the guidance of Paul Leeson, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at Oxford. At that time,

Why? Why do you think? It’s the planet’s biggest killer! Ross said: “Coronary heart disease is the most prevalent disease in the world, yet we currently only diagnose it with between 70% -

80% accuracy. We wanted to try and address that and one way to improve that rate is through artificial intelligence.”

You mean, Japanese robots?

No! What they did was use hundreds of ultrasound images from patients at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, which has a specialist cardiovascular unit. In every single case, the research team checked to see what diagnosis was given by the

doctors and if that diagnosis had been correct. In some cases, patients were sent home but later suffered had a heart attack. Others underwent surgery when they didn’t need it. The more cases that were studied, the clearer the emerging patterns. While individual ultrasound images were difficult for medical experts to make an accurate decision, they could be interpreted more clearly through artificial intelligence (A.I). Ross

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said: “The A.I learned that about 300 of the 80,000 or so tiny details picked up in every image could be important in terms of diagnosing a disease.”

How do doctors interpret even 300 details though? That’s still a lot…

The information is analysed by the devises – called EchoGo and clearly states if the patient has a ‘high risk’ or ‘low risk’ of coronary heart disease.

What did Ultromics do with the money?

They recruited staff at the Wood Centre for Innovation in Oxford and set about validating all its research. That meant testing at not just one hospital, but dozens across the country. “It’s important to get this right, as if we don’t, a patient could die,” says Ross.

“Research must be robust and hold up in different locations. So, we went to 30 NHS hospitals for clinical trials which continue today. We've validated research from ten of those and the results show it works. The more research we have, the more accurate we can be with a diagnosis. We’re now over 90% accurate.”

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What are they going to do with this technology?

Initially, the idea was to publish the information and hope others developed the idea. Then at a medical conference, Ross was made aware of the commercial opportunities. “Someone told me that the quickest way to get the technology out there and saving patients was to make it commercially available.

Otherwise, it’s just another scientific research paper sitting on a dusty shelf.”

So, they set up a company?

Called Ultromics. Ross and Professor Leeson are co-owners and Ross is the CEO. The fledgling company quickly secured £2million of investment, from a large pot designated for Oxford University projects. Ross said: “I had just lost funding for my PhD and got married. When I came back from my honeymoon, there was this huge sum of money in the business account.

Having been a student scrimping by on next to nothing for years, it was surreal.”

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Is that enough money?

Ultromics has secured about another £11m of investment as it looks to expand its commercial operations.

Oh, I get it…

What?

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If that was the case, it wouldn’t With a state-of-the-art gym and spin studio, indoor and outdoor pools, be much of a story, would it? a thermal suite, treatment rooms, nail bar and barber, as well as Botanica, However, Ultromics wants to the spa restaurant; you’re guaranteed to find a calming space to de-stress, make its software free to the relax NHS. Ross said: “The reality is and rebalance your body and mind. have different hearing aids available with various that without the NHS, we Purchase required. Entry intoWe the prize draw is with the purchase of any Vispring or Enchanted House stylesBedding and features can enhance your life.

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Ultromics can give a more accurate diagnosis of a patient’s risk of coronary artery disease

Would that save much money?

If the device is fully validated and used across the NHS, it could potentially save a lot. Ross said: “Even if the device is 90% accurate, it could save the NHS £300m a year in terms of savings on patient care, as well as potentially saving many lives.”

Got to make money somehow though…

There’s the rest of the world to think about. And if the NHS can help increase the accuracy of Ultromics’ devices yet further, it could make a global impact.

“Even if the device is 90% accurate, it could save the NHS £300m a year in terms of savings on patient care, as well as potentially saving many lives.”

Is anyone else doing anything like this?

Ross said: “We’re the first company in the world to use medical imaging to try and predict patient outcome. We’re so new that the FDA (Food & Drug Administration) in America has had to create a new category for our device.

There are other companies using A.I to help doctors process images and highlight irregularities, but none that give a diagnosis for coronary heart disease.”

How big is this company now?

Ultromics has grown to 40 employees and that number is expected to increase to over 100 next year. Recently, Ross was even named in Forbes’ list of ‘30 under 30’ who are making their mark in the field of science and healthcare.

A slow starter then, but he got there!

Something Ross would like his Collyer’s teachers to know. “I always meant to go back there and apologise to my Geography teachers, Mr Hardwick and Mr Venables. But at least I did something eventually. It's just been a crazy journey…”

Words: Ben Morris Pictures: Toby Phillips Photography/Ultromics Wood Centre for Innovation, Stansfeld Park, Quarry Road, Oxford OX3 8SB Email: info@ultromics.com Web: www.ultromics.com

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Stacey Lawrence and Simon Corby at the George and Dragon, Dragons Green

A FRESH VISIO

There’s a different vibe at The George & Dragon Pinned up next to the bar at the George and Dragon in Dragons Green, is a photo of the first landlady.

Charlotte Budd ran the place as an inn, but eventually came into conflict with the locals when her son Walter, committed suicide in 1893. She believed her albino son had been unjustly accused of a petty crime and drowned himself.

This argument with parishioners and even the vicar led to her removing Walter’s tombstone from Shipley Church and placing it in the front garden. It’s still there today, largely unnoticed, yet listed as a monument of historic interest. And the photo of a

stern, uncompromising Mrs Budd has survived many changes at this beautiful rural pub.

Even today, Simon Corby doffs his cap – or hat at least - to Mrs Budd when he turns off the lights each night. But while being respectful of the pub’s history, Simon and business partner Jon Ewers have taken this charming pub in a very different direction.

It hosts regular live music in a marquee, beer festivals, yoga sessions and even enlightening talks by conscientious farmers.

There’s a focus on charity too with fundraising discos, Macmillan Cancer Support events and talks by mental health charity, MIND. The George and Dragon has a settled team in the kitchen, led by Yann Forgeais

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.

ON What’s more, after four years at the helm, they’re beginning the see the fruits of their labour.

“This is more than a pub for us,” says Simon. “It's a lifestyle. We introduce ideas that interest us – which might be folk music or meditation sessions - and we grow organically. That’s my vision for the pub; to draw inspiration from the community and create a space where people can come together to share ideas and enjoy life.”

Back from the Brink The George and Dragon has endured some testing times.

Owner Jenny Winters had worked hard to keep the doors open during an unsettled period which saw countless chefs come and go. Friends Simon and Jon

Strawberry Fields Tea Room

were both pub regulars and feared for its future when they heard that Jenny had to close the doors for a day.

“We offered to step in and do our best,” says Simon. “We muddled through the day, as we didn’t want to see it close, as it’s too special. We spoke about it and decided to ask Jenny if we could run it for three months, until she decided on her long-term plans. During that time, Jenny had found a potential buyer. However, we were beginning to change the dynamic of the pub, so Jenny kindly offered us the lease and we’re still here four years on.”

“Initially, we did what we could.

We learned how to cook as we didn’t have a full-time chef, and gradually life returned. Open Mic

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!

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The marquee is a relaxing place to watch live music

Open Mic Nights and themed events have created a very different atmosphere

Nights have certainly helped. We held them inside initially, then set up a Bedouin-style marquee outside. We’re talking to the council in the hope that it can stay permanently. It's become so important that I fear the pub wouldn't survive without it. We’ve seen some great performances from different genres of music. It’s becoming a launching platform for musicians. I came across a

It also fits in with the pub’s new aura

talented guitarist busking in Brighton, invited him along and he’s now a regular. Another brilliant evening came courtesy of the Joe Townsend Band, who also play as part of the Shipley Arts Festival. People visit from far and wide as we have bed & breakfast accommodation in the hayloft and stables, which people from London and Brighton love as it’s a quirky!”

Classic Menu There was a time when the George and Dragon had a reputation as one of the best eating experiences in the Horsham District. People would travel from towns and villages to enjoy the huge portions in the comfort of a cosy, traditional English pub. Due to staff changes, the pub didn’t

maintain the consistency needed to maintain this reputation.

However, chef Yann Forgeais is now settled in his role and customers are returning.

The beer helps too. As a free house, The George and Dragon can offer local ales by the likes of Greyhound and Firebird, whilst it serves gin by Cabin Pressure Spirits too. Such a beautiful pub

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“The George and Dragon can offer local ales by the likes of Greyhound and Firebird, whilst it serves gin

by Cabin Pressure Spirits.” needs good food too, and the signs are encouraging.

The small menu concentrates on modestly priced English classics.

Starters include ham hock and smoked chicken terrine with tarragon mayo (£6.50) and honey roast feta wrapped in filo with figs and a sesame dressing (£6.50).

Perhaps the pick of the starters is the well-cooked poached duck eggs with asparagus, cured ham and a grain mustard dressing (£6.50).

Mains include pan-fried hake with smoked bacon, prawns and broad bean rosti potato (£13.95) and braised dug leg, red cabbage and green peppercorn sauce with caramelised apples (£13.95).

There’s also a George and Dragon burger with chips (£11.95) and a halloumi burger (£11.95).

Vegetarians can also choose from a Thai green curry (£11.50) and superfood salad with buckwheat, quinoa, butternut squash and courgette (£11.50).

Based on a recommendation, we picked two from the specials board. The pan-fried cod fillet with chorizo, roasted red pepper, black olives and clams (£11.50) offered excellent value. It was nicely presented, with a pleasing variety of flavour and a fresh, well-textured fish fillet at its heart.

We also enjoyed the rich flavour of the pork belly with ham hock croquette, mashed suede, gratin potato and broccoli. At £12.95, it too was good value, combining fresh ingredients with elegant presentation. We finished the meal with a devilishly rich dark chocolate tart and raspberry sorbet (£5.95).

Pan-fried cod fillet with chorizo, roasted red pepper, black olives and clams

Poached duck eggs with asparagus

ham hock and smoked chicken terrine

Pork belly with ham hock croquette

Dark chocolate tart and raspberry sorbet

“Those who haven’t been to the pub for a while might be surprised by the traveller-vibe.”

“Sausages Worth Bangin’ on About!”

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

It may be that traditionalists may disapprove of the pub’s recent direction.

Those who haven’t been there for a while might be surprised by the traveller-vibe of the outdoor marquee, with its butterfly-patterned fabrics draping loosely around a mishmash of sofas, chairs, relics and even motorcycles.

5$// All our sausages ‐ from the &+$03,2 1 classic Traditional to the adventurous pork, chilli & chocolate ‐ are made from premium ingredients, using British Red Tractor approved pork.

Yet the George and Dragon remains an undeniably lovely pub, with good food, good beer and a tranquil setting, particularly in the summer, when you can sit on hay bales and soak up the Bedouin aura.

Having twice been named National Sausage Making Champion, David also triumphed at the South Eastern Prime Stock Winter Fayre, with his Cumberland sausage chosen as Overall Champion.

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“Once you’ve had ‘em, you’ll want ‘em some more!”

We are passionate about our sausages and hope you enjoy eating them as much as we enjoy making them! Find us at Horsham Market every Saturday, or visit www.bangersgalore.com for your nearest stockist.

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It might not be your cup of tea, but it might just have offered this historic public house a lifeline. And Mrs Budd would certainly approve of that…

Words: Ben Morris Pictures: Toby Phillips Photography Dragons Lane Dragons Green, Shipley, West Sussex RH13 8GE Tel: (01403) 741320 Email: stacey@thegeorgeanddragon.pub Web: https://thegeorgeanddragon.pub Also on Facebook.

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Heroes of Collyers

New Book Honours Fallen Grammar School Pupils Horsham-based historian Gary Cooper has written a book honouring former pupils of Collyer’s Grammar School who died during the two world wars.

Having written two remarkable books on Horsham’s casualties during World War One and World War Two, Gary turned his attention to the grammar school, now the College of Richard Collyer. However, finding new information proved tough.

“Collyer’s has memorial boards for its casualties from the two world wars,” says Gary. “I wondered if anyone had written a book about them and discovered that they hadn’t. I contacted the college to see if they could help me with information, but there wasn’t a great deal they could offer. Time has marched on and understandably the focus is on current and future students.”

“I didn’t want to simply lift profiles from my previous books and reproduce them, so I told the stories in a different way. And of course, the grammar school drew pupils from villages outside of the town, so there was a lot of new cases to research.

Eventually, I included 136 former pupils and several of those were not previously listed on the memorial.”

Sadly, photographs of many of those featured proved difficult to unearth. Only about 20 service photos were found. However, all their stories are brought to life by war-time images, regimental emblems and burial sites. Gary hopes the book will serve as a worthy reminder of the courage and sacrifice of those who fell.

He said: “I think it’s important to remember that whilst some of these men fell in famous campaigns, many died of illness or during training accidents, without firing a shot in anger. Some were very young and hadn’t long left school, so it’s important they’re memory lives on.”

Gary Cooper’s work led to new names being added to the Horsham War Memorial in 2011 (Photo: Ben Morris)

Gary has kindly allowed AAH to reproduce two stories, one from each of the wars.

Neville Stanley Bostock Second Lieutenant 162nd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery (Special Reserve) 33rd Division Died: 22 April 1917 (aged 29) Neville Stanley Bostock was born in 1888, the son of Dr Edward Ingram Bostock, a respected member of Horsham society. As a Justice of the Peace, his father sat on the bench at Horsham Magistrates Court, was a town councillor and resident surgeon at Horsham Hospital. He was also a governor at Collyer’s Grammar and served as Chairman of Horsham Urban District Council. The couple had four daughters

Reginald Bostock Sr was a well-known figure in Horsham.

Neville (left) was one of three sons he lost during the Great War

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In addition, lending volumes are up! According to UK Finance, mortgage lending (gross) in July 2019 totalled an estimated £26.1 billion, an increase of 2.9% on July 2018 and the highest since March 2016.

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and six sons who pursued careers in farming, civil engineering, medicine and policing around the world.

Neville spent his formative years at Collyer’s Grammar School, before studying at St Rowan’s in Worthing and Haileybury College, Hertfordshire. Emigrating to Canada, Neville joined the Canadian Royal North West Mounted Police. Shortly after hostilities had broken out in Europe, he joined the 12th Canadian Mounted Rifles at Calgary as a private. Standing 6’ 4” tall, he had blue eyes and brown hair, with a fresh complexion.

As a volunteer ready to serve overseas, it wasn’t long before Neville arrived in England with his regiment, part of the Canadian Contingent, stationed at Bramshott Camp, Hampshire. There, he applied for a commission in the British Army on 19 November 1915. His application granted, Neville was gazetted as a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Field Artillery, Special Reserve.

Once his training was completed, Neville was posted to the 162nd Brigade of the 33rd Division, which assembled for intensive training on Salisbury Plain. The division crossed to France three months later ready for active service. From 12 - 17 July 1916, the 33rd Division fought in a major five-day engagement at Bazentin Ridge during the Battle of the Somme. Later that month, it was thrust into attack once again on the infamous High Wood.

Two of his five brothers had already died on the Western Front and the other two were serving

too. Only 17 days before Neville fell, his brother Edward Lyon was mortally wounded.

The Second Battle of the Scarpe, part of the Battle of Arras, had raged throughout early April 1917.

On Saturday 22 April, the 162nd Brigade's ‘B’ Battery was north-east of Arras, positioned at Monchy-le-Preaux. In a bid to silence the British guns, the enemy artillery aimed counter-fire at the battery positions. One shell-burst scored a direct hit, killing Neville instantly.

The West Sussex County Times reported Neville’s death on 5 June 1917, expressing sympathy to the Bostock family. It was also noted that they were the second Horsham family to have lost three sons in the Great War. Neville lies buried in Plot 5, Row B, Grave 6, of the Faubourg-d’Amiens Cemetery, one of 2,650 casualties of the Great War laid to rest there.

Peter John Alfred Thompson

87644. Pilot Officer No. 261 Squadron, Royal Air Force Died: 13 May 1941 (aged 20) Peter was one of two sons by Reginald and Elsie Thompson of Kirdford. He attended Collyer’s Grammar School from 1931 - 1936 and his brother – also called Reginald - entered the school two years later. They would cycle to Billingshurst to catch the train to Horsham every day.

In 1938, Reginald joined the RAF and was at Tangmere on 16 August 1940 when it was attacked.

He wrote: “I was having a cup of tea and an iced bun when a

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Gary has already written books about Horsham’s Heroes of the First and Second World Wars

Peter Thompson was shot down over Malta

message came over the Tannoy. ‘Enemy aircraft approaching the coast, be prepared to take cover. Take cover! Take cover!’ We rushed to the shelters as the bombs started falling.”

For the remainder of the war, Reginald flew with several squadrons and was demobbed in February 1953, after 12 years of service with the RAF. His first child arrived in 1950 later and was named Peter. Reginald joined Hawker Aircraft Ltd and worked on various aircraft, including the Hawker Harrier vertical take-off jet, and didn’t pass away until December 2017.

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Peter wrote to his brother on 28 April 1940, while with No.3 squadron billeted at the Adelphi Hotel, St. Leonards-onSea. His letter mainly concerned horse racing tips. He later attended Secondary Flight Training at RAF Hullavington and RAF Anstey in Leicestershire, where he flew Tiger Moths. He continued to write and receive mail from his brother and other family members when based at Malta with No. 261 Squadron. His father wrote to him on 25 May 1941, not knowing that Peter was already dead, having been killed on 13 May. No. 261 Squadron was formed in 1913 as a Royal Naval Air Service squadron for maritime operations. It was re-formed in June 1940 at RAF Hal Far in Malta and equipped with Gloucester Gladiator biplanes. Three of the machines become famous when they were named Faith, Hope, and Charity. They were virtually the only air defenders during the early air attacks on the island. Malta had always been of great importance to Britain for, with its sea and air based forces, it could exercise control over most of the Mediterranean. Less than 24 hours after Italy declared war on Great Britain, the first air raid against the island took place.

Hitler became acutely aware of Malta’s strategic importance and battle-

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A Flock of Finches

experienced Luftwaffe XV Fliegerkorps began to arrive in Sicily, to strengthen the assault on Malta. By the end of January 1941, the hard-pressed RAF had been reinforced with additional Hurricanes, but the German air power was further strengthened too. On 16 April 1941, old aircraft carrier HMS Argus left Greenock, bound for Gibraltar. Aboard were Hawker Hurricane fighter aircraft and pilots, plus fitters, riggers and maintenance ground crew. At Gibraltar, the aircraft were hoisted aboard the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal, bound for the Mediterranean.

Jay in an Oak Tree (RSPB)

RSPB Pulborough Brooks

Several Collyer’s old boys found themselves meeting up under strange circumstances. Cyril Brigden, Geoffrey Denny and Petty Officer Alan Wickens were three sailors already serving on the carrier when she sailed from Gibraltar to Malta. Among the aircrews and maintenance personnel were two more Collyer’s contemporaries, Pilot Office Peter Thompson and AC1 Gordon Hewitt.

Oberleutnant Erbo Graf von Kageneck died in Naples six months after shooting down Peter Thompson’s plane

Under the code name Operation Dunlop, 23 Hurricanes were launched successfully from the Ark Royal on 27 April 1941, faced with a 500mile flight to Malta. On Tuesday 13 May 1941, taking off at 13:30 hours from Takali, Flight Lieutenant Westmacott led four Hurricanes climbing above another flight from No. 261 Squadron to 8,000 feet when they were attacked by Me.109-Es. Westmacott’s Hurricane went out of control as he was shot down by the German flying ace Oberleutnant Erbo Graf von Kageneck.

Peter’s father owned the grocery shop in Kirdford, which was also the Post and Telegraph Office. He took down the details from an official War Office telegram, only to realise it was the news of his own son’s death.

His body was never recovered and he is commemorated on Panel 1, Column 1, of the Malta Memorial outside the King's Gate of the old main entrance to Valletta. His name is also numbered among the Collyer’s casualties on the Memorial Board in the library of the College of Richard Collyer.

A Tragic Telegram

Words: Gary Cooper (Edited by Ben Morris) Thanks also to the family of Peter Thompson, who provided information and photos for Gary’s new book.

Pictures: Courtesy of Gary Cooper/ Toby Phillips Photography/ Ben Morris

While this was unfolding, enemy fighters from III/JG 27 turned their attention on the other squadron. During the ensuing battle, von Kageneck attacked Hurricane V7115, flown by Peter Thompson. He was killed when his stricken aircraft crashed into the sea. He had not ejected and was probably dead before it struck the water.

To buy a copy of the book, it’s available from Horsham Museum for £35. Gary is signing copies at the museum on Saturday 9 November, from 10am - 12.30pm.

N J Simpkins Plumbing and Heating. Est: 1992

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I can confidently claim to have one of the best office windows you can get… at this time of year I could get distracted by lapwings swirling over the flooded wet meadows, a glorious sunset as I’m nearing the end of my working day or a flock of finches dancing over the thistledown-scattered field.

This rather scruffy-looking field has a plentiful supply of thistle, teasel and arable seed and is popular with finches, a large flock of which rise in union and swirl in the skies emitting high pitched whistles, twitters and buzzes before settling in the hedgerow to perch atop the hawthorns and birches that surround the field. I take a closer look at one – a smart goldfinch – with bright yellow wing flashes and distinctive black, white and red face markings.

A flock of goldfinches is known as ‘a Charm’ which seems appropriate for these smart and lively birds. But their collective name comes from the old English c’irm which describes the tinkling sounds produced by the flock.

Goldfinches are vocal birds producing a cheerful tinkling sound that sounds, to me, like gossiping. I can happily report that goldfinches are now doing rather well and have become an increasingly common sight both roaming the countryside and on garden feeders. They have certainly discovered the benefits of visiting our gardens enjoying the special nyjer seeds and sunflower hearts that we put out for them. Do you have a charm of your own?

Fully Qualified Plumbing & Heating Engineer with 25+ years’ experience.

Newly relocated to this area, I serve customers throughout Sussex & Surrey For all aspects of plumbing & heating Home: 01403 250175 Mobile: 07721 378298 Email: njsimpkins@hotmail.com Visit: www.njsimpkins.com

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