AAH (All About Horsham) Feb 2023

FEBRUARY 2023

FEBRUARY 2023 CONTENTS

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4

News Round-Up The Rec Rooms announces its closure, while Horsham District Council halts development of the Local Plan.

20

Awards

23

Pubs

28

Retail

34

Motors

Kay Tyler, owner of Mayfair Hair and charity fundraiser, receives a British Empire Medal in the New Year’s Honours.

Kieran Gasson, manager of The Stout House and The Bear, talks about the challenges of running drinks-only pubs.

Blossom in Piries Place has a new owner but the same passion for beautiful floral displays.

The Moto Torque Cafe on the Graylands Estate attracts petrol heads with its great food and coffee.

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Sport

46

Housing

51

Events

59

Community

66

Final Word

Horsham Indoor Bowls Club offers everyone a chance to play and be part of a friendly, sociable club.

A decade after building began at Highwood Village, clever layout has helped inspire a sense of community.

We meet some of the traders at the Ashington Toy Fair and find out why some toys are worth keeping.

The Sussex Green Hub brings together recycling and community schemes, including a repair cafe and refill service.

The County Council’s efforts to repair the potholes making winter driving more of a challenge than ever.

COVER STORY

ABOUT THE MAGAZINE

The February 2023 cover features Carrie Cort and Morag Warrack. Alan captured them both next to the Inspiration Eco Station (a milk float promoting environmentally-friendly schemes) at the Sussex Green Hub, held at the United Reformed Church, Horsham. Never have we had two more deserving people on the cover, with both working tirelessly to promote healthy and sustainable lifestyles. Carrie is wearing a coat made of old neckties, while Morag is draped in the Cape of Good Hopes, covered in mini artwork patches created by the community. Other cover contenders included Elliott and Elina Lotvonen-Best at Moto Torque Cafe, Gina Nelson at Blossom and Kieran Gasson at The Stout House.

AAH is an independent monthly magazine, owned by Ben Morris, a life-long resident of the Horsham District. It is distributed to doors and pick-up points around the Horsham District.

Hare (Billingshurst), Derek Bradnum (Nuthurst) Note: This month, we welcome William to the team. He will be delivering AAH to new homes in Highwood Village.

EDITOR: Ben Morris editor@aahorsham.co.uk (01903) 892899 AAH, 2 Viney Close, Ashington, RH20 3PT

AAH SPRING-LOADED STANDS Thousands of copies of AAH are also available in our stands at local businesses, clubs and shops.

Horsham: Swan Walk (outside M&S), Henry Adams (Carfax), Crates Local (Carfax) Pavilions in the Park, Horsham Rail Station, John Lewis, New House Farm, New Street Butchers, At Home Estate Agents (Carfax), The Holbrook Club, Gwyn’s Bakery (Bishopric) Village Stands: CoCos’ Salon & Beeson House (Southwater), Billingshurst Leisure Centre, Coco’s Salon (Billingshurst) Bluecoat Sports (Christ’s Hospital), Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens (Lower Beeding), Warnham Village Stores (Warnham), Slinfold Golf Club (Slinfold), Steyning Leisure Centre and Cobblestone Walk (Steyning), Spring Gardens Nursery (Washington), Chanctonbury Leisure Centre and Joanna’s Boutique Tearooms (Storrington), The Milk Churn (Rudgwick), Meadow Stores (Thakeham), Golden Plaice (Ashington), Rusper Village Stores (Rusper) Supermarkets: Tesco Extra in Broadbridge Heath, Sainsbury’s in Horsham.

Note: New Stands in Horsham, Storrington, Billingshurst, Southwater and Rusper are now in place.

ADVERTISING: Ben Morris advertising@aahorsham.co.uk (01903) 892899 ADVERT RATES Eighth Page: £55 + VAT (93mm x 63mm) Quarter Page: £110 + VAT (93mm x 133mm) Half Page: £185 + VAT (190mm x 133mm) Full Page: £310 + VAT (A4 with 4mm bleed) Double Page: £520 + VAT SPECIAL OFFER: Every 6th advert is free of charge, like a coffee shop. We can also design adverts if you need help at no extra charge.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Alan Wright alanwrightphotography.co.uk Email: alan.wright@alanwrightphotography.co.uk 07747 617387 Alan works for AAH on a freelance basis and is available for all kinds of commercial work.

SUPERMARKETS In association with Self Select Distribution, AAH is available from free pick-up points at Tesco Extra in Broadbridge Heath and Sainsbury’s in Horsham. For other pick-up points, see right.

www.aahorsham.co.uk AAH is published online on the 1st of each month. Archive editions are online too.

DOOR-TO-DOOR DISTRIBUTION TEAM: Jacquie Paterson, the Judd family, Hazel Garner, Jill Shuker, the Arliss family, the Bloomfield family, Eve Lovett, Lara Green, the Gavira family, Harvey Dold, Alessandro Cavallo, Jack Nicholls, Charlie Merchant, Harry Baker, the Walker family, Ben Raymond and Joseph Down (all Horsham), Katie Drysdale & William Fuglsig (Highwood), The Chapman family (Southwater), the Palmer family (BBH), Luke Butcher (Mannings Heath), Lynsey

LEAFLETS We deliver leaflets at a cost of £40 per 1,000.

AAH is printed with FSC® certified paper. This means it has been sourced from sustainably managed forests and other controlled sources, and its site of origin is proven and traceable under FSC certification.

CHILD’S PLAY Hot Wheel ‘Redlines’ at Ashington Toy Fair (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Notes from the Editor: There’s no nostalgia in an unloved toy

For the first time in years – a decade, at least – I found myself walking down Oxford Road in Horsham recently, on route to Blades barbers.

St Leonard’s Infant School has long since gone, torn down for housing, but memories from my time there came flooding back. I vividly recall my first day, when I was taken under the wing of a second-year girl with blonde, curly hair. I clung to her as she marched around the playground chanting ‘We Want More Girls’, leading her army of infant suffragettes. Another memory is of my mum picking me up outside the gates and giving me two packets of Panini Transformers stickers. I remember tearing open a purple packet on that particular day, as it contained a shiny, foil sticker of Slag, a Dinobot based on a triceratops. Yeah, I agree, Slag is a strange name for a children’s toy...

I suspect the actual Transformers toys were a bit too rich for my parents, as I don’t recall having any of the toys, although I did own a couple of Gobots, an inferior yet affordable alternative. Having said that, I wasn’t hard done by, as I did have a Star Wars Millennium Falcon. I eventually sold it to a friend for £5, although by then I’d painted Chewbacca silver.

In truth, I wasn’t much of a toy enthusiast.

Fads passed me by and the only surviving relics of my childhood is a box of cars, some of which previously belonged to my uncles. Over the years, the box has picked up new additions, including ‘Days Gone’ models of vintage vans.

My grandma gave them to me long ago and said they’d be worth a fortune one day.

Because of that, I didn’t try at school or bother with university, as I knew my pension was secured in boxed vans with Shredded Wheat and Kellogg’s Corn Flakes livery! Those vans are now played with by my three-year-old nephew, who finds head-on collisions involving vintage vans most amusing.

Despite my general disinterest in toys that defined the 80s and 90s, I was interested to see some in a pristine condition during a recent trip to London. Killing time before I joined my son on a virtual reality experience, we popped into Forbidden Planet on Shaftesbury Avenue. I was surprised to see an original Optimus Prime (Transformers) and a Lion-O (Thundercats) figure displayed in a locked glass cabinet, as if they were priceless treasures in a museum. With their packaging still in mint condition, they commanded a small fortune. If the cabinets had ears, I’m sure they’d grow weary of people commenting on how they wish they’d looked after and saved some the toys they played with as children.

Of course though, it would be useless for us all to do that, as there are two key factors to an old toy’s value. One is rarity. If people buy toys solely to collect and preserve them, they will be too abundant to ever be of great value. The second is nostalgia. It is our memories of playing with toys that gives them future value.

If boys in the 70s didn’t engage in intergalactic battles with Star Wars toys, or if girls in the 80s didn’t brush the tails of their My Little Pony collection, they wouldn’t be worth anything now. Whilst we can all wonder what could have been (if only I’d bought a box of the first

Pokemon cards!) would any of us sacrifice the joy given by a cherished childhood toy to see it in a display case instead? A favourite game of my two sons was ‘Against the Wall’, a game they invented. They would push cars along the carpet, getting as close to the skirting board as possible without touching it, with the worst performing car eliminated each round. One of the boys would always play with toys from the movie, Cars, which he loved. He took his favourites everywhere and the idea of him leaving Lightning McQueen and Chick Hicks in their original packaging instead, as they might be worth £50 by the time he hits middle age, seems absurd!

If there’s anyone who might disagree with this sentiment, it could perhaps be the dealers I met at the Ashington Toy Fair, featured on page 51. And yet, that wasn’t the case. I went along to the fair with a teenage nephew who is a model railway enthusiast. One of the dealers was selling off part of his collection and was delighted to sell a Hornby suspension bridge to my nephew, as it was going to a good home and – more importantly – it was going to be played with. Another trader, who deals in highly collectable Hot Wheel Redlines, seemed almost disappointed that one little car, dating back to the late 1960s, had barely a blemish on it. As a consequence, it was worth hundreds of pounds, and yet it was with a hint of sadness that the dealer said: ‘It’s a pity it isn’t more scratched up. It still has its roof, as I don’t think it’s ever been played with.’

Valuable, yet unloved.

A toy’s life, unfulfilled!

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NEWS ROUND-UP

The Rec Rink as an ice rink last winter (©AAH/Alan Wright 2022)

Announcements & Events from across the Horsham District Email submissions to editor@aahorsham.co.uk

successes, the venue has struggled to recover since the pandemic. The Clubhouse Bar & Grill, the venue’s sports bar, has also closed with immediate effect. The Rec Rink (pictured) continues to trade as usual. A statement on the Rec Rooms website reads: ‘It’s with a heavy heart we must announce that we are closing The Rec Rooms. Whilst there have been

Best-selling author Julia Donaldson and a cast of four return to the Capitol, Horsham with The Gruffalo, The Giant & The Mermaid on Thursday 13 – Sunday 16 April. The show is based on Julia’s much-loved stories and songs, including The Smartest Giant in Town, The Singing Mermaid, and The Gruffalo. Join Harry and Betty for their scarecrows’ wedding and go on an adventure with Cave Baby and a woolly mammoth.

Performances followed by a book signing.

Tickets start at £12. thecapitolhorsham.com

Horsham Lions Club hold their 12th annual Swimarathon at the Pavilions in the Park, Horsham, on Sunday 26 March. This year’s nominated charity is The Samaritans, which is celebrating 50 years of service to the Horsham community in 2023. There are still spaces available for the popular event, which enables teams to raise revenue for their clubs as well as helping The Samaritans and the Lions. For entry details, email David Trowbridge at david@trowbridge.me.uk

moments of light, rising energy costs, lockdowns and rising costs have become too much. We want to thank our customers and our team, who have worked with us over the years.’

The Rec Rooms hosted two gigs shortly before closing, with Mainly Madness playing a sell-out Christmas show before Dreadzone performed on 17 December. therecrooms.com

©iStock/Daisy-Daisy

©AAH/Alan Wright 2021

The Rec Rooms in Albion Way, Horsham has closed. The venue, at the former Park Recreation Centre, opened in March 2018 and has hosted many memorable music and comedy nights, with the likes of Mud Morganfield, the James Taylor Quartet, Dr Feelgood and The Brand New Heavies among the stand-out acts. However, despite its many

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Litter droppers will face increased fines from 1 February. The maximum on-the-spot fine in the Horsham District is increasing from £75 to £150 in an effort to prevent littering. Cllr Toni Bradnum, HDC Cabinet Member for Recycling and Waste, said: ‘The increased fine will help to tackle this type of anti-social behaviour by hitting culprits in the pocket.’

To report instances of littering, visit: horsham.gov.uk/waste-recycling-and-bins/ litter-and-street-cleaning/litter

Work is progressing well to repair the embankment at Wiston Bends, on the A283 Washington Road near Steyning. The embankment was damaged in an accident in mid-November and temporary traffic lights have been in place while stabilisation work is carried out by contractors, Landbuild. This includes installing rock-filled gabions along the foot of the embankment, and a new vehicle safety barrier.

Construction work at Highwood (©AAH/Toby Phillips 2013)

Highways teams from West Sussex County Council continue to review potential solutions following a landslide on the A29 at Pulborough. On 28 December, part of the embankment collapsed, sending debris on to the road below. Since then, the road has been closed with warning signs and safety barriers installed. Joy Dennis, WSCC Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: ‘We understand the frustration of residents facing a lengthy diversion route and would like to assure them we are making every effort to re-open the road as soon as possible. The issues involved are complex and the landslide occurred at the narrowest part of the A29, where both sides are flanked by steep embankments.’ westsussex.gov.uk/a29-pulborough Senior councillors at Horsham District Council have voted to pause development of the Horsham District Local Plan until later this year. The plan, which was set to go to a Regulation 19 consultation in February, sets out how the District will deliver the required number of homes in a sustainable way, supporting the requirements to be water neutral and the delivery of infrastructure, transport links and local employment. The decision led to the resignation of Council leader, Cllr Jonathan Chowen. l Cabinet members at HDC were due to meet at the end of January to set the Council’s

budget for the financial year 2023/24. The Cabinet was expected to recommend to the Full Council that the level of Council Tax should increase from £162.09 by £4.85 (2.99%) to £166.94 at Band D. The Council is budgeting to break even in 2023/24, with the net budget requirement of £13.5m being £1.2m higher than in 2022/23, reflecting the impact of inflation and salary cost pressures. Despite the cost increases, the Council is committing £1m to help vulnerable residents struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. The proposals will be recommended to the Full Council on 22 February.

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©Heath Flower Farm

John Lewis in Horsham (©AAH/Toby Phillips 2015)

A major refurbishment is underway at John Lewis in Horsham, with new additions to include the introduction of fashion and beauty ranges. Jack Howe, Branch Manager at John Lewis Horsham, said: ‘The multi-million pound investment will provide a major boost for the town centre and encourage more shoppers to visit. Our new look store will not only offer a superb selection of products, but provide outstanding experiences and inspiration, which give customers a sense of occasion when they shop with us.’ John Lewis Horsham opened in 2015 as a John Lewis at home store, focusing on homewares, electrical and home technology.

Customers will see updated offerings from these areas, alongside new services. johnlewis.com/our-shops/horsham

TOOVEY’S

Heath Flower Farm in Park Lane, Ashington has launched an A-frame cabin for ‘back to nature’ stays. Designed by a Sussex architect, Hazel Hide is a two-storey cabin that can sleep four adults, with a bespoke kitchen and bathroom. Heating is provided via a log fire and solar panels provide electricity. There are woodland walks nearby, as well as vineyards and pubs. airbnb.com/h/thehazelhide

The Gatwick Airport Community Trust is calling on local groups and projects throughout the Sussex area to apply for grants to support their ventures. A total of £200,000 is available for groups in Sussex, Kent and Surrey, with an application deadline of 31 March. The GACT supports schemes that benefit diverse sections of the community, with previous recipients including Kangaroos in Haywards Heath (pictured). gact.org.uk

(©AAH/Alan Wright)

A series of new free puzzle trails have launched as part of the Mystery Trails in seven towns and villages across the Horsham District.

Starting at the library in Billingshurst, Henfield, Horsham, Pulborough, Steyning, Southwater or Storrington, puzzlers can pick up a quest card and solve a botanically-themed mystery. Those who solve the puzzle and return to the library will receive a pack of wildflower seeds.

The Mystery Trails, created by the team at Whistlestop Arts (pictured) will run until 31 March. whistlestoparts.org/grow

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A selection of fine gentlemen's wristwatches auctioned over the past year at Spring Gardens for a total of £44,000

Time to sell?

The auction market for vintage watches is buoyant! If you are considering the sale of your watches, our experts will be pleased to provide valuations free of charge and without obligation at our Spring Gardens salerooms.

Please ring to arrange an appointment.

Next sale of watches: Thursday 2nd March The leading antique and fine art auction house in West Sussex

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

Our appropriately named on-site café and bar with its thoughtfully created Breakfast and Seasonal Menus offers a selection of hot and cold options for your indulgence.

Many of our cakes and sweet treats are handmade on site. Locally sourced ingredients feature throughout our menus including local craft bakers’ breads and burgers from our very own beef herd.

Not feeling hungry? From the bar we provide a generous choice of soft drinks, draught and bottled beers, premium spirits and a wide selection of wines all to be enjoyed overlooking our beautiful Sumners Lake. Find a comfortable spot outside on the upper or lower decking and take in the scenery or cosy up in our Safari Tent and enjoy the warmth and crackle of log-burning stoves.

Current Opening times: Monday to Sunday 9am to 4pm Food Service: 9am to 3pm

Tel: 01403 732539 Web: sumnersponds.co.uk Instagram: @sumnersponds Facebook.com/SumnersPonds

The Mel’s Milers 10k will be held on Sunday 26 March, at 10am. The race starts in the grounds of Christ’s Hospital School and follows a mainly flat course over pathways, track and trail between Christ’s Hospital and Southwater Country Park.

This year’s race is held in support of Horsham Matters. The 10k is a friendly, club-run event, ideal for first time 10k runners or those preparing for longer runs, like a marathon. There are medals for all competitors and trophies for U18, 40+, 50+, 60+ and 70+ categories in male and female categories. For entry details visit melsmilers.co.uk Horsham Flower Club holds meetings at North Heath Hall, St Mark’s Lane, Horsham, RH12 5PU, on the second Tuesday of each month at 2pm. The 2023 programme begins on 14 February with Stephen McDonnell’s demonstration ‘Orient Express’, followed

by Nina Tucknott’s ‘When Art Met Flowers’ on 14 March and Graham King’s ‘Journey to Creativity’ on 11 April. The club, affiliated to the Sussex Area of NAFAS, welcomes visitors. Entry £8. For information, contact Nancy on (01403) 264482.

The Spa at South Lodge Hotel in Lower Beeding hosts a natural immersion spa experience on Saturday 25 March.

Helena Skoog is the founder of Forest Bathing Sussex and an expert in Shinrin-Yoku, a traditional Japanese form of meditation. The weekend experience includes sessions of Qigong and breath work in the holistic studio, as well as lunch in Botanica, forest walks and time for relaxing in the spa. exclusive.co.uk/south-lodge/experiences/ nature-immersion-spa-experience/

©AAH/Alan Wright

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©swphotos.co.uk

Horsham Park Bowls Club (©AAH/Alan Wright 2022)

Bowls Bash will be available at Horsham Park Bowls Club this season. The concept, devised by Bowls England, is the sport’s equivalent to T20 cricket. A Bowls Bash is usually a pairs game but can be adapted for individual challenges, with matches lasting about an hour. They are held on a ‘pay and play’ basis and £3 an hour (£5 for two hours) with scorecard and equipment provided. Bowls Bash is available every Friday and Saturday from 5 May, 11am - 1pm. For details, email prclaridge@gmail.com or visit horshamparkbowlsclub.co.uk

Food Rocks has retained the operating contract for Horsham’s Carfax markets for another three years, with an option to extend by one year. Markets are held on Thursdays and Saturdays and feature local produce, arts and crafts, and some great street food outlets. Food Rocks plans to launch new initiatives and promotions in the near future. Horsham District Council has also revealed a rebranding for the Horsham General Market in the Bishopric. Run by Coden Events, it is now called the West Street Entrepreneurs’ Market to reflect a change in profile. horsham.gov.uk/buylocal

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The Pig & Jacket at the Street Food Market (©AAH/Toby Phillips 2013)

Andi Dunstan, Director of Chanctonbury Community Leisure

AAH has placed five new spring-loaded stands across the Horsham District.

Shoppers at John Lewis in Albion Way, Horsham, can pick up a free copy from a white stand by the store’s ‘What’s On’ notice board.

With AAH already available at leisure centres in Horsham, Steyning and Billingshurst, we’re pleased to now have a stand at Chanctonbury Leisure Centre too. This is the second pick-up point in Storrington, with the magazine also available at Joanna’s Boutique Tearooms.

In addition to the long-established stand at CoCo’s Salon, we have another new stand in Lintot Square, Southwater. The navy blue stand can be found at Beeson House, home of the Parish Council and the village library. CoCo’s is further supporting AAH by accommodating a silver stand outside its salon on Billingshurst High Street. We also have a new beige stand at the communityowned Rusper Village Stores, in the heart of the historic village.

Charlie South, Events and Marketing Co-ordinator at John Lewis & Partners, with one of the new AAH stands

Empty stands will be replenished as quickly as Ben can get there in his old van. We have more stands arriving soon, with further locations to be announced next month. For a full list of AAH stands in the Horsham District, see page 4.

Stands at CoCo’s in Billingshurst, Beeson House in Southwater and Rusper Village Stores

PARENT & CHILD PARENT & TODDLER CLASSES AVAILABLE

E E FRRIANL T SSO LE

Luxury private pool Pool Heated to 33.6° Swim England registered Award winning swim school Classes over seven days a week info@horshamswimschool.co.uk telephone: 07500 808898 www.horshamswimschool.co.uk

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Coolham Live Music Club welcome highly regarded young blues singer, songwriter and guitarist Connor Selby with his Band on Saturday 25 March. David Migden and Joe Gibson are also on the bill. The club’s first gig of the year, featuring Amba Tremain and Jazz Morley, has already sold out. For ticket information visit facebook.com/coolhamlivemusicclub

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SJP13850c_DS B1 (01/23)

SJP13850c_DS B1 TYE A5 Advert_CMYK Print.indd 1

13/01/2023 13:40

Connor Selby

Kissingate Brewery on Church Lane Industrial Estate, Lower Beeding, RH13 6LU, brings back its popular curry night on Friday 10 February, 7pm. Enjoy a chicken or vegetable curry with a selection of cask beers available at the taproom bar, along with spirits and soft drinks. Tickets £15. The brewery also hosts a Vintage Cream Tea afternoon on 4 March. kissingate.co.uk

©AAH/Toby Phillips 2018

No Jacket Required, the UK’s leading Phil Collins tribute, return to the Capitol in Horsham on Saturday 18 March as they celebrate their 20th anniversary. The 11-piece band perform a two-hour show featuring tracks from Phil’s solo career and his time with Genesis, including Against All Odds, Invisible Touch, Sussudio and In The Air Tonight.

Tickets £24.50 from thecapitolhorsham.com

CH Choral Society in rehearsals (©Emela Sisic)

Christ’s Hospital Choral Society hosts a musical workshop on Mozart’s Requiem at Christ’s Hospital, RH13 0LJ, on Saturday 11 March, from 10.30am - 4.30pm. Peter Allwood, currently music director of the Chantry Quire in West Sussex and formerly Head of Music at Christ’s Hospital School, leads the workshop.

Participants will rehearse the entire work before the day culminates in a full runthrough of the Requiem. Singers will be accompanied by Jon Lee, organist at Christ’s Hospital, on a Steinway piano. The Requiem is among Mozart’s most famous compositions and features prominently in the Academy Award-winning film, Amadeus. All singers are invited to join the workshop. Tickets £20 from chchoralsoc.org On Sunday 19 March, the CH Choral Society will be joined by the Christ’s Hospital School choir, soloists and an orchestra as they perform the Requiem at the Angus Ross Concert.

Olive Tree volunteers (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Kithurst Hill near Storrington, a vital link to walking and riding routes across the South Downs, has been saved by Horsham District Council. The privately-owned rural car park was set to close when West Sussex County Council, who had managed the maintenance of the site for a number of years, decided to withdraw its support. The South Downs National Park Authority also declined to take on responsibility for the car park. Without any organisation agreeing to take on the car park, the private landowner would have to close the facility to the public. This would cause significant parking and access problems on the narrow lane leading to Kithurst Hill and could result in trespassing, damage to crops and potential harm to livestock. A campaign to save Kithurst Hill from closure attracted strong public support and was even backed by the actor Hugh Bonneville, before HDC stepped in to secure its future, in the shortterm at least. Cllr Josh Potts, Cabinet Member for the Environment and Rural Affairs at HDC, is pictured at Kithurst.

The bellringers at St Mary’s Parish Church in the Causeway, Horsham will host open days on 11 and 25 February, from 10.30am – 12pm.

Visitors will have the opportunity to visit the ringing room to watch a demonstration of bellringing, see the bells in the belfry and have a go at ringing them. The open days are free, with donations welcomed. Additionally, the bellringers are inviting people to join ‘Ring for the King’ training sessions, as part of a nationwide campaign to encourage people to take up the hobby and be part of May’s Coronation celebrations. A new ringing school, with sessions on Saturdays and Monday evenings, will begin at St Mary’s and churches in nearby villages in February. For details, email Val at burgess.val@sky.com or see the Horsham Bellringers page on Facebook

Here is our monthly round-up of volunteering opportunities in the District.

Olive Tree Cancer Support in Horsham are looking for friendly volunteers to welcome visitors on the front desk. The charity also seeks a qualified therapist who can help run an exercise class.

St Catherine’s Hospice have a variety of volunteering roles available, from helping in the kitchen to joining the team at the new charity shop in the Carfax.

Kinder Living is a Community Interest Company that hosts its annual Home Show in March. The event aims to inspire and inform people about making more sustainable choices. They need volunteers to help set up, welcome visitors and clear up at the end of the day.

If you can help with any of the above, or to find out about other volunteering opportunities, contact the Voluntary Sector Support team on (01403) 215191 or email volunteering@horshamdistrict.gov.uk volunteerhorshamdistrict.co.uk

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MAY FAIR LADY NEW YEAR’S HONOUR FOR TOWN HAIRDRESSER KAY TYLER

Johanne, Valerie, Kay and Natalie at Mayfair Hair (©AAH/Alan Wright) 43 21

Kay Tyler, owner of Mayfair Hair in Horsham, received the British Empire Medal in the New Year’s Honours list. Here, Kay recalls her early days as an apprentice hairdresser and the fundraising that led to the honour…

I started working as a hairdresser at Mark of Mayfair when I was only 13 and still a pupil at Forest Girls. I worked at the salon on Middle Street (where The Company is now) every Saturday and when I finished school, I completed my apprenticeship. I had aunts, cousins and a grandfather who were all hairdressers, so it’s in the genes!

Mark opened a second shop at Caterways in Horsham and for more than 30 years I worked between the two. However, when he became unwell, we were given a few weeks’ notice that the salons were closing. I had to find a shop of my own and opened at Caterways, as Mayfair Hair Studio. It made sense to keep part of the name, as we had regular clients.

After three years, we moved to East Street, where we’ve been since 2005. We have seen many businesses come and go, but we’ve survived as we’re a close-knit team. Jo and Valerie were with me at Mark of Mayfair, as was Bernice, who works here on Saturdays.

Some clients have been with us for decades too. As we cater for many older clients, it has been difficult since the pandemic and we continue to wear face masks in the salon. Whereas there used to be a constant

stream of clients, we now take more time with everyone. People don’t have their hair cut as often, as they’re not going out and socialising like they were pre-Covid.

My husband Peter worked at Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee School in Horsham for many years. I took on a cleaning job there and continue to go every day. A long time ago, I started helping Sue Jay, formerly Head of Creative Arts at QEII. Sue staged fantastic productions for the pupils and I helped with fundraising for the shows. I asked my clients for unwanted gifts or bottles and we raffled them for the school. I’ve raised funds for QEII ever since and our biggest project was buying a minibus.

As well as QEII, ‘ve raised funds for good causes including The Salvation Army.

Recently, I helped a friend who organised a ball at Horsham Sports Club in aid of Alzheimer’s. Several years ago, we had a collection in the shop for Harry Lawrence, the son of a client. Harry was offered a place at the World Scout Jamboree and we helped him raise the money he needed. Now, we’re helping him again as he hopes to attend the next Jamboree in South Korea.

While fundraising for QEII, I wrote to King Charles III and Camilla, the Queen’s Consort, asking if they would donate a prize. I received a presentation box from Highgrove with champagne and chocolates from the estate. So, last year, I wrote to them again,

asking for a donation to an Alzheimer’s Society event. When a letter arrived in the post, I assumed it was a prize and was very excited. When I read it and found out I was being considered for the British Empire Medal (BEM) it was a total surprise and a very proud moment. I had to keep quiet until New Year’s Eve, when the honours list was published. There is a backlog in terms of awarding honours, but it’s likely I will receive the BEM from the Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex, Lady Emma Barnard, then hopefully be invited to a garden party at Buckingham Palace later in the year.

Fundraising is hard. My friends have helped me, but it’s always a challenge. If anything, it’s getting harder. I recently wrote 60 letters to local businesses appealing for donations and only received one reply, from Cote Brasserie. However, there are still people willing to help and my clients have been wonderful, giving what they can. Last year, I lost my sister, Anne, and my nephew is running the London Marathon in her memory, raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. So, I’m helping Marc with his efforts. I’m 64 now, but have no thoughts of stopping work and will carry on supporting good causes when I find them.

Further information: To support Marc’s marathon run, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/marc-scott12 Visit: Mayfair Hair at 12 East St, Horsham.

Tel: (01403) 254788

LAST ORDERS

THE TOWN PUBS STILL SURVIVING ON DRINKS ALONE

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Brooke Goodwin pours a pint at The Stout House, Horsham (©AAH/Alan Wright)

The Stout House (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Running a successful pub is increasingly difficult, with the rising cost of living and changing drinking habits contributing to the closure of an average of 32 pubs in England and Wales every week in 2022. AAH visited two town centre pubs, The Stout House in the Carfax and The Bear in Market Square, to see how they’re adapting to the current social and economic climate…

OLDE WAYS...

FURST QUENCHER...

As suggested by the traditional signage over the door, Ye Old Stout House is one of the town centre’s oldest pubs. The name ‘King & Barnes’ is still displayed prominently, although Horsham’s most famous brewery was taken over by Hall and Woodhouse in 2000. The brewery continues to own the pub, along with others nearby such as The Olive Branch and The Hornbrook Inn, and about a dozen more across the Horsham District alone.

However, there are not quite as many familiar faces in pubs as there used to be, as social habits have changed. Many of us now choose to enjoy alcohol in the comfort of our own home, while an increasing number of micro-breweries are selling beer through tap rooms, offering a different kind of drinking experience which appeals to craft ale aficionados. Being a brewery-owned pub means that The Stout House is limited in terms of which drinks it offers, with staples including Badger Best Bitter, Fursty Ferret, Wicked Wyvern and Tangle Foot.

The Stout House landlord Simon Edwards also runs The Bear – just a stone’s throw away – and The Foresters Arms in Kirdford. Since September 2022, the two Horsham pubs have been managed by Kieran Gasson. Kieran formerly worked at The Tipsy Fox in Southwater, before moving to the Carfax to manage a ‘wet pub’, a pub that relies solely on drinks for revenue. Kieran said: ‘The Tipsy Fox has a high footfall, as it attracts walkers and riders from the Downs Link, as well as groups and families visiting for food. But it doesn’t have the regulars that a drinks-only pub attracts and I wanted that experience. They are fun to manage, as you develop a relationship with regulars.’

The shift from laborious jobs comprising a mostly local workforce, towards more commuting for office-based jobs with flexible hours, has also contributed to the demise of pubs. ‘People drink less socially nowadays,’ says Kieran. ‘It used to be the case that people would finish work and pop down the pub for a pint before going home, but that isn’t the norm anymore. People of my generation hardly ever go to the pub after work and that’s one of the reasons it’s becoming more of an art form to run a drinks-only pub, as the bulk of our trade comes from Thursday evening through to the end of Sunday.’

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Kieran Gasson, manager of The Stout House (©AAH/Alan Wright)

YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND...

So, how can pubs survive? One option is food, of course. Serving a hearty meal has revived the fortunes of many, particularly in rural locations. The Crown at Dial Post, The Green Man in Partridge Green and The Chequers at Rowhook are just three examples of village pubs that thrive on their culinary reputation. Indeed, of all of Hall and Woodhouse’s pubs in the Horsham District (which include The Fox Inn at Rudgwick, The Six Bells in Billingshurst, The Blue Ship in The Haven, The Dragon at Colgate, The Crabtree in Lower Beeding and The Boars Head in Horsham) only two don’t serve food, and The Norfolk Arms in Roffey at least offers street food from outside vendors.

However, there are no plans for The Stout House to follow suit.

Kieran said: ‘One of the things I like about it is the atmosphere. It is more relaxed, as we don't have to worry about customers sitting down for a meal, and the bar staff have time to get to know customers. You can talk over a drink, but not a plate of food. When regulars come in, we can easily end up talking to them for 20 minutes about work and life, and you develop a kind of friendship. When that happens, it doesn’t feel like work at all. It doesn’t take long for that to happen either, as everyone who walks through the door is

important. On their first visit, they’re checking the pub’s atmosphere and the experience on offer; on the second, they’re testing for consistency; if they come back a third time, you’ve got a new friend!’

BYE BILLIARDS...

To attract a younger clientele, The Stout House is changing. Out has gone the bar billiards table – the last one in the town centre – and in has come a jukebox and retro artwork inspired by Hollywood’s golden age. A beautiful ten-pump ‘bridge’ font has been installed too, giving the bar a more contemporary look.

Rather than a menu, both The Stout House and The Bear are hoping that a varied music programme will attract punters. Kieran said: ‘One of the first things we did was to host a Live Lounge-style event for musicians on a Friday night. We have since introduced Dance Away Your Saturday, either hosting a band or DJ Mark Tavener. At The Bear, we have Funk It Up Friday and Showcase Saturday, mostly with bands.

The Bear has an unusual layout and when you have a six-piece band playing, they take up a lot of space. Yet on Christmas Eve, we welcomed Sugar Honey and still managed to fit in about 80 people.’

Brooke serves a pint at The Stout House (©AAH/Alan Wright) 25

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Kieran said: ‘The Bear is different to any other pub in Horsham. It feels like an old-school boozer and that’s not a bad thing. It isn’t somewhere that lots of people walk by, being tucked away in Market Square, and perhaps that’s why it tends to attract the regular following and custom that it has.’

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‘You have to manage The Bear in its own way, but music has always been part of its character and that continues to be the case. When it’s full, there’s an unbelievable buzz, and we want to reflect that character by hanging up a range of things that might not make a great deal of sense to everyone, but for the right person, they’ll know The Bear is for them!’

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The Bear is now free-of-tie, meaning it can offer a greater variety of spirits, wines and soft drinks, after renewing its contract with another brewery, Red Oak Taverns. Its new look will be partly designed to cater for the younger crowd the pub attracts.

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Kieran’s other pub, The Bear, will undergo a mini-refurbishment of its own in February. This will see the walls adorned with random objects, artefacts and memorabilia, with the landlord inspired by a bar he visited on holiday.

One thing that won’t be going anywhere though is the wooden bear sculpture above the entrance. It was removed in 2018 due to a dry rot problem, causing something of a stir amongst the locals and creating headlines in the County Times, before being returned to its usual berth after restoration by Hall and Woodhouse.

FA

BEAR ESSENTIALS...

The Bear in Market Square (©AAH/Alan Wright)

The Stout House is traditionally a favourite with Morris sides, who turn out annually for the Broadwood Day of Dance. By trading billiards for a jukebox, it could be suggested that the pub is losing some of its heritage and traditions. However, Kieran says that isn’t the case. ‘As much as we have to change, we recognise that the pub has a certain status.

Pubs have ups and downs and people fall in and out of love with them. A pub can go through a period where it caters for a certain market and then that can change suddenly.

Our customer base is mostly aged 25 to 50, and while we need to modernise, that won’t be at the loss of the memories in the walls. The Stout House remains an over-21s pub and is very welcoming. I hope that anyone who might not like the changes can at least understand the reasons behind them.’

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A NEW LEAF

BLOSSOM IN HORSHAM IS BUDDING UNDER NEW OWNERS

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Deidre Nelson, Manager of Blossom (©AAH/Alan Wright)

MIMOSA COLOUR

We Brits may not have the same global reputation for romance that the Italians and French enjoy, but flowers are still big business here.

According to government statistics, we spent £1.3billion on flowers in 2018. The statistics don’t offer a detailed breakdown, so we don’t know how much of that went on wilting flowers with a circular yellow sticker – a tell-tale sign of a cut-price bouquet from a petrol station forecourt! Such a sticker rather dampens the pleasure of giving or receiving flowers, as there’s no substitute for freshly cut, seasonal plants.

One independent florist that has been supplying beautiful bouquets for over 15 years is Blossom, in Piries Place, Horsham. Now under new ownership, Blossom is steadily increasingly its customer base, and after a successful festive period, is now preparing for an even busier Valentine’s Day. Gina Nelson said: ‘I work as a video game designer, so owning a florist’s might seem strange to people. However, I have loved flowers all my life and as a little girl, the only two things I spent my money on were comic books and individual flowers from the florist

Gina took over Blossom in April 2022, keeping the doors open as she implemented changes and made her own mark. With help from family and friends, she would clean and decorate after finishing work, sometimes working into the small hours. New shelves was erected, while the work bench for arranging flowers was moved to the back of the shop to make it more welcoming for customers.

Flowers at Blossom (©AAH/Alan Wright)

near my house. I always dreamed of having my own flower shop, perhaps after retirement, but then I walked through the alley in Piries Place and saw that Blossom was on the market.’

‘I couldn’t shake the thought of taking over the business and my husband was very supportive.

He said, “You can either wait another 30 years or you can do it now!” Although my background is in a totally different industry, working in computer games has given me a solid grounding in business and marketing. The previous owner did a fantastic job at Blossom, but I had my own ideas and felt that if I could bring in experienced florists to help me, the shop could have real potential.’

The team has grown too and now includes manager Deidre Nelson – Gina’s mother-in-law – and two trained florists. Alina is from the Ukraine and has a contemporary eye for flower arrangements, while Lara worked in photography for 20 years before retraining as a florist.

Lara said: ‘In my 20s, I worked near McQueen’s, the famous florist in London, and would marvel at the amazing creativity of the flowers. I often thought I’d like to do something similar, but my career followed a different path. Then I was furloughed during Covid and took the chance to gain work experience at a local florist. This further cemented my passion, so I enrolled on a course at the Sussex Flower School.’

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Gina Nelson, Owner of Blossom (©AAH/Alan Wright)

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Lara Pengelly at Blossom (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Delivery driver Lloyd Griffin sets off on another round (©AAH/Alan Wright)

‘I would often visit Blossom to buy flowers for my course, so I spoke to Gina and asked her to contact me if she ever needed someone for weekend work. It wasn’t long before she took up my offer. Now, I’ve qualified from the course and am at the shop four days a week, with Willow joining us on Saturdays too.’

‘What is great is that we all have different ideas and styles. However, when it comes to flowers, our focus is always seasonal produce, sourced whenever possible from the local area. That way, there’s constantly fantastic colour in the shop as we’re always bringing in new varieties. Even in January, there are flowers coming into season, like mimosa, which has incredible colour but also smells lovely.’

Gifts and crafts (©AAH/Alan Wright)

LOCAL PARTNERS Once flowers are past their best, they are hung and dried, with many of these dried flowers used in the popular wreath workshops. As well as finding new ways to engage with customers, Blossom is working with an increasing number of local suppliers too, selling gifts and plants by other local businesses including candles by Blowww and Madgicks, reed diffusers by 31

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Parkminster, and terrariums by Hugo and Green. Gina said: ‘I came across Madgicks at the market and really liked her products.

As well as candles, she makes earrings using flowers grown in her own garden, fused in resin.’

‘Hugo and Green in Swan Walk is fantastic and I buy my indoor plants there. We’re keen to work with other businesses and are fortunate to be part of a great community in Piries Place. We supply flowers to the M Bar, Everyman Cinema, The Red Deer and Piries Bar, and ever since it was redeveloped, there’s been a strong business network. We also put a lot of focus on social media and e-commerce.

We post pictures of seasonal flowers every day on Instagram and Facebook, which makes a difference as it inspires ideas for customers.’

Blossom in Piries Place, Horsham (©AAH/Alan Wright)

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FLORAL MAGIC When it comes to ideas, you never know what the next customer will like. So, it helps to have a vast range of flowers and present them in different ways. Jam jar florals can brighten up a dreary table or window, while wreaths offer a unique gift for every season. Many of the wreaths and bouquets are made with dried flowers, creating an interesting and long-lasting arrangement. Blossom runs a monthly flower subscription too, delivering fresh, seasonal flowers straight to customers, and has also been known to source exotic or tropical flowers for weddings or other special occasions.

‘There is no right or wrong amount to spend on flowers,’ says Lara. ‘Some people pick one individual flower, while others like a big bouquet. Some have favourite colours, while others like the surprise of having something different every time. Whatever their taste, the magic is the same. They’re all beautiful and nothing quite beats the feeling of receiving flowers.’

WORDS: Ben Morris PHOTOS: Alan Wright Further information: Visit Blossom at 25b Carfax, Piries Alley Horsham, RH12 1EE Tel: (01403) 249908 Email: shop@blossomflowers.biz blossomflowers.biz blossomhorsham

Gifts and crafts (©AAH/Alan Wright)

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TORQUE OF The Moto Torque Café opened its doors on the same day that Elliott Lotvonen-Best finished his studies at Collyer’s.

Located next to Coffee Real, the company founded by his parents Gary Best and Maarit Lotvonen, the café soon established a reputation for good food and great coffee.

However, its winning formula owes just as much to its array of motorsport memorabilia…

The Moto Torque Café has become such a success in its own right that it’s easy to forget its association to the family business next door. Gary and Maarit founded Coffee Real on the Graylands Industrial Estate in 2007 and a year later were producing coffee, using the finest Arabica beans from around the world. In 2020, after a decade of success, the idea of a car-themed café was mooted.

Gary said: ‘We took up the option of buying the building and refurbished the Coffee Real roastery in 2018. A part of the building which had been used for storage sat empty for a couple of years and we weren’t sure how to utilise the space. It was Elliott who had the idea of an automotive-focused café. As we’ve always loved cars and motor racing, we agreed it was a fantastic idea and supported him.’

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Elliott Lotvonen-Best (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Upstairs at Moto Torque Cafe (©AAH/Alan Wright)

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Mortgage lenders Reduce their rates As predicted, a number of lenders have reduced their rates over the last few weeks as they look to increase business volumes. Applications over the festive period tend to drop, but with the Truss budget towards the end of the year, the market’s reaction and subsequent hikes in rates, the impact hit the market hard and resulted in lower transaction levels.

This has resulted in a number of lenders looking at ways to increase numbers quickly and as such, we’ve seen criteria changes and product rate reductions. Hopefully this will assist in re-generating market transaction levels, and ultimately the housing market, over the coming weeks.

TOWN PARADE LAP

Early in 2021, father and son set about transforming the space into a two-level cafe. They did the bulk of the work themselves to keep costs down and displayed a range of motoring memorabilia to appeal to petrol heads. This includes Formula 1 posters, vintage oil cans, scale models of rally, endurance and F1 cars, and replica helmets of legends including Valentino Rossi, Ayrton Senna and Kimi Raikkonen.

Gary said: ‘A lot of what is on display is memorabilia we’ve collected over many years, but our regulars have donated items too. Several even have their own coffee mug behind the bar. On the ceiling of the downstairs café area, we’ve constructed a Scalextric model of the track at Spa, and the cars on the

track are scale versions of our customers’ race or road cars. One person unfortunately crashed recently, so he has now crushed the front of his Scalextric car too!’

GREEN LIGHT For all the fascinating memorabilia, it is a series of impressive murals that steal the show. They were created by an artist called Uncle Stubble, based on ideas by Elliott and Gary. Downstairs is a Nissan GTR and further images of Senna and Rossi, while upstairs is dominated by a mural of a Porsche 917 in vintage Gulf Racing livery.

The Moto Torque Café opened on 15 May 2021 and proved an immediate success. Elliott said: ‘It was raining on our first day, but lots of people

Over 1.8m mortgages are due to come to the end of their product fixed rate periods during 2023. Normally, the lender will contact you a few months out to issue their product offerings for you to stay with them. Sometimes these may be bespoke to your requirements and history with them, and sometimes lenders have a list of available ‘product transfer’ rates for you to switch to. Either way, some can be arranged up to six months in advance and I would always recommend you speak first to a professional to seek what else is available in the market.

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YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.

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Siblings Elliott and Elina Lotvonen-Best (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Ollie drives the cafe’s simulator (©AAH/Alan Wright)

The cafe’s Nissan GTR mural and (below) the Moto Torque Cafe bar (©AAH/Alan Wright)

turned up to support us. It wasn’t long before the café became a hub for car groups and we now have themed days aimed specifically at owners of different types of vehicles, including Japanese cars, classic cars, American muscle cars, and an Autobahn day for German marques. It’s basically a place for petrol heads to meet up to chat with like-minded people!’

PIT STOP Although the family have extensive knowledge of coffee and naturally serve their own product to customers, the food side of the business developed more organically. As the café became busier and word spread through social media and car clubs, Elliott organised barbecues to cater to visitors. However, it wasn’t long before an in-house kitchen became essential.

Elliott said: ‘We never expected the cafe to take off in quite the way it did. We were very busy very quickly, so we built the kitchen after three months and it has given us another revenue stream. Our food is very good, as the sausage rolls are made with meat from the Outwood Butchery. We also use Outwood beef and bacon in The Torque Classic (burger) and The Filler Cap (bacon roll). Also on the menu is a range of pizzas, all baked to order using our own tomato passata. Anything that isn’t made fresh in-house is sourced from the local area too.’

SAFETY CAR As well as good food and beautiful cars, the café has a racing simulator, which has proved popular with children and also drivers preparing for track days. In one instance, it was used by several drivers to learn the track at Anglesey before they competed in a 24-hour endurance race.

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Elina Lotvonen-Best serving drinks (©AAH/Alan Wright)

During a themed car gathering on a summer’s day, the café can attract up to 100 cars to the industrial estate, which can cause issues of its own, as Gary explains. ‘We quickly realised the need to limit the number of people coming, as we were concerned about the impact on other businesses on the estate. We had to remind drivers to be respectful, as we don’t want them revving their engines or showing off in the car park. There have been a couple of occasions when I’ve had to be the grumpy old man and send people away. We operate a zero-tolerance policy and eradicating any problems early was a reminder to everyone of the need to be respectful.’

Gary Best at Moto Torque Cafe (©AAH/Alan Wright)

CHEQUERED FLAG The cafe is led by 20-year-old Elliott, with support from dad Gary and sister Elina too, making it a truly family-run business. However, Elina’s focus is mostly on Coffee Real, where she works alongside mum Maarit, having opted against university for now.

Elina said: ‘I didn't know what I wanted to study, but I did want to learn business and the best way to do that is by working. When I was younger, I often helped at Coffee Real and loved learning about the various aromas and roasting techniques. I also enjoyed visiting different events in our van, serving hot drinks to customers. When the café was built, we stopped attending most of these events as we

had something new to do, and it’s gone very well. People like the fact that the coffee is roasted next door and that we’re a family-run business. Customers find our story interesting, as it is unusual for parents and children to build a business out of their shared passions.’

WORDS: BEN MORRIS PHOTOS: ALAN WRIGHT Further information: Visit: Graylands Estate, Langhurst Wood Road, Horsham, RH12 4QD Tel: (01403) 263381 www.torquemotocafe.co.uk torquemotocafeuk torquemotocafe

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IT’S ALL FUN AND GAMES AT HORSHAM INDOOR BOWLS CLUB Like many sports clubs, Horsham Indoor Bowls Club was heavily impacted by the pandemic. By focusing on a relaxed atmosphere and nurturing newcomers, the club’s membership is now recovering. AAH visited the Broadbridge Heath-based club on its January Open Day and spoke to chairman Peter Ruddle, ladies captain Jan Barnes, coach Ian Coker, secretary Jo Lawrence and new member Andy Williams…

Peter: Horsham District Indoor Bowls Club was built in 1996, when the modern facility set new standards in the county. In the years since, the club has welcomed everyone from novices to national champions. One of the great things about bowls is that it’s a social game where men and women of any age can compete equally. It also provides intense competition for those who crave it. We host internal leagues and competitions, county and national matches for those seeking a greater challenge, as well as bowls-for-fun sessions on Wednesday evenings, with music

and an informal atmosphere. So there’s something for everyone.

Jo: Bowls has a reputation as being a stuffy game with a strict dress code, but this is changing.

During one of my first matches, I felt uncomfortable as I kept being told where I could and couldn’t stand, as if bowls etiquette was something I should have naturally possessed! I’ve never forgotten that and we’re more welcoming these days. We’re not as fussy about the uniform either. The dress code is less formal outside of matches, as we want people to relax.

Ian: Bowls is sometimes perceived as a game for old people in dull uniforms, but that’s not my style; I wear brightly coloured shirts out of competition. Even at the World Championships, you’ll see players in casual clothing chatting to one another, as the game is becoming more informal. We replicate that here. As a Level 1 coach (others at the club include Judith Hitchman, a Level 2 coach) I look after new players. The focus is on fun, as if they enjoy it, they’ll come back.

Wednesday night sessions are great for introducing people to bowls, as its gives people a chance to make new friends.

Horsham Indoor Bowls Club (©AAH/Alan Wright)

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GAME Jo: It’s important to give people opportunities to form friendships, as they’re more likely to become members if they settle in and enjoy the company of others. In the old days, we had a large membership and perhaps took that for granted.

But we need to work harder for new members now, nurturing their game and encouraging the social side too.

We give everyone opportunities to play, even running a handicap league so novices can take on experienced players with a chance of winning. We’ve also introduced a new bowlers’ league on Friday mornings, which acts as a stepping stone. It also gives those with

natural ability the chance to shine.

One lady, who has only been here for a couple of weeks, is already good enough to join the county team.

Ian: When it comes to youth bowls, we’ve had a couple of false dawns.

There are a lot of other things that children find more appealing.

However, we are developing family sessions on Saturday mornings, where parents or grandparents can come down to play bowls with children. We have coached a couple of families already and they’ve enjoyed it, as there’s a relaxed vibe, with an element of competitiveness too. It’s not for unaccompanied

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children, but families can enjoy spending time together and we have bowls for them to use.

Ian Coker (left) teaches the basics at the Open Day (©AAH/Alan Wright)

43 30 42

The game attracts players of all ages (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Peter: As a community club, it’s important to be inclusive. We host an Alzheimer’s group and the U3A, and recently welcomed a group from St John’s Church in Broadbridge Heath for a bowls evening. We also host short mat bowls. We have an eight-rink green, but often utilise two rinks to accommodate the short-mat format. The short-mat game appeals to different people and we already have about 60 shortmat members.

Peter: One of the ways we attract new members is through Open Days. We held one last summer that attracted 40 people and our January event coincided with the World Indoor Championships, screened on the BBC. People get hooked on bowls in the same way they do with curling during the Olympics, so we attract people who wouldn’t normally play bowls.

We also see many people who have previously enjoyed team sports. They still have a sporting mentality, but perhaps cannot continue with rugby, football,

‘People get hooked on bowls in the same way they do with curling during the Olympics.’

cricket or other sports as age catches up with them. We attract a lot of golfers wanting to head indoors for winter, while still getting a competitive fix.

Andy: People have this idea that bowls is just for people who have retired, but it isn’t. After coaching football, I was looking for something else to do and fancied giving it a try. I went along for a couple of free sessions before Christmas and was made to feel really welcome. After only a few weeks, the county team was a player short and I was selected for a match at Hastings. What I found amazing was that our

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Clockwise from top left: Some of the Ladies’ team, Short Mat Bowls, Teaching a newcomer at the Open Day, the club’s eight-rink green (©AAH/Alan Wright)

opponents were encouraging me too. The social aspect of the game is great, whether you play friendly matches or county games, but it also has that competitive element.

I've since had the chance to play in a national competition, so within my first year here, I’ve covered the whole spectrum.

Jo: What’s great about bowls is that there’s a lot of mixing, with ladies able to compete and often beat the men. One of the most enjoyable events is the Australian pairs league on Friday night, as players change position after each end, so there’s more variety and you’re up against different opponents. It means there’s a more sociable feel to matches. In

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the past, the men’s team has done well, with players like David Miller becoming national champion. In recent years, the ladies’ team has thrived, reaching the quarter-finals of a national competition just before the pandemic.

Jan: My mum was a terrific bowler, but I didn’t take up the game until I retired as a headteacher. She kept

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good enough or lack the experience, which is why it’s important for us to be friendly and approachable as a club. We don’t set high expectations when it comes to competition, and I tell jokes to keep the mood in the group light!

Andy: I have loved every minute since I joined. I was welcomed with open arms and – after football – it has been the best sport I've been involved with.

There’s a bit of banter from my old football friends, but I’d recommend bowls to anyone. You can just have fun if you like, or be as competitive as you can be.

Jo: It’s an affordable game too.

Our membership fee is very low and it’s even lower if you sign up now, with the season ending in September. Compared to a gym, it’s great value. We also have lots of opportunities for people to try the game and see if they enjoy it before committing to buying their own bowls and equipment and signing up for membership.

43 30 32 44

Peter Ruddle, Chairman of Horsham Indoor Bowls Club (©AAH/Alan Wright)

strings to his bow, also running a takeaway service and the kitchen at Broadbridge Heath FC. In recent years, our age demographic has decreased too, owing to a spurt of younger members. The average age is around mid-50, whereas it used to be the case that people would take up bowls later in life. There’s new energy and fresh ideas, both on the green and on the club committee, so the future is looking bright.

WORDS: BEN MORRIS PHOTOS: ALAN WRIGHT Further information: Visit: Horsham District Indoor Bowls Club, Wickhurst Lane, Broadbridge Heath, RH12 3LZ For details of membership and club events, visit: www.hdib.club Tel: (01403) 268346

Peter: We also have a good food and drinks bar, run by Chris Cunningham. Chris has several

(©AAH/Alan Wright)

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THE HIGH L SENSE OF COMMUNITY AT BERKELEY’S HIGHWOOD VILLAGE

It is more than a decade since construction began at Highwood in Horsham.

At the time, Highwood was one of several developments contributing to existing residents’ fears for the future. With new houses also going up on the opposite side of the A24 at Wickhurst Green site and at Kilnwood Vale near Holmbush, was Horsham changing for the better or worse? Could the market town cope with added pressures on infrastructure? Would the strategic gap to Crawley eventually disappear?

The growing likelihood of land to the north of Horsham also being developed did little to quell such concerns, as housing and Local Plan stories dominated local news headlines for several years. The north Horsham site did, of course, get the green light, with the development now known as Mowbray, which includes the new Bohunt Horsham School.

In recent years, the focus of the news headlines has shifted to other sites that may be developed, most notably at Buck Barn, Adversane and Southwater. Meanwhile at Highwood, a thriving community has developed. The high-quality, Colonial-style built

by Berkeley may have offered something new and exciting to prospective buyers, but it’s the development’s design and layout that has promoted a sense of wellbeing and togetherness amongst residents.

During the early phase of development, it was The Square that commanded attention and generated positive publicity. Inspired by the public gardens of Victorian London, The Square is surrounded by town houses, with a beautiful sculpture of a mare and foal by Marcus Cornish as its centrepiece. Berkeley also utilised Highwood’s idyllic setting, utilising woodland, ancient trees and the popular Riverside Walk to create tranquil walkways and green spaces for

residents and nature. By closing the entrance to Hills Farm Lane to vehicles and reducing traffic, Highwood not only encouraged walking and cycling into town, but also became a quiet, safe place for families.

Some 700 properties have now been completed on the development, compromising homes from one-bedroom apartments (some of which are built around stunning water-features that include fountains and even goldfish!) to five-bedroom houses. Construction on the second half of the estate in the southerly section of the land, known as Highwood Village, is underway. The latest phase is expected to be completed in the early part of 2024, with two further phases to come. The entire Highwood development of about 1,100 homes is expected to be finished by spring 2027.

Highwood Village incorporates many aspects that proved a success during Highwood’s early phases. Taking a lead from The Square, local sculptor Jon Edgar has created a public art installation to provide a focal point to the new Landmark Square. The artist encouraged the local community to get involved in the design of the eight-tonne piece of stone, teaching basic carving skills and allowing others to contribute to the finished piece. The sculpture includes references to local landmarks.

Kitchen at Dereham Court

Outdoor spaces in Highwood Village include manicured gardens on the green, as well as riverside walks and meadows. A wildlife corridor and picturesque grasslands provide habitat for wildlife, while an on-site allotment has been allocated via Horsham District Council. New cycle ways and footpaths further encourage people to travel on foot or by bike, whilst the site offers easy access to the A24, ideal for those commuting to Gatwick or London.

LIFE The BMX track at Highwood Village

Plans for a community centre and day-care nursery have been approved, although the site already has some community facilities in place.

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The latest phase of housing includes a selection of two-bedroom apartments at Dereham Court. The architecture is inspired by the local Sussex vernacular, while sleek interiors feature stylish open-plan kitchens, with quality finishes and layouts that make the most of space and light.

Another recent phase is Willowstead, a range of three and four-bedroom homes. The interior design is inspired by simplicity and quality, with a soft palette of natural materials. The kitchens have a heritage twist, combining shaker-style cabinets with open shelving and handle-less cupboards. As with other homes at Highwood Village, they benefit from EV charging points and high-speed broadband connectivity.

48

Ben Annetts, Sales and Marketing Director, said: ‘At Berkeley, we go beyond just building homes. Within each of our developments there is a key focus on place-making, building a community and creating a good quality of life for all those who choose to live there. This is why features such as play areas, the BMX track and village square are so important to deliver, as they add great value for the residents.’

‘I’ve had the pleasure of seeing all the milestones Highwood has achieved since it first began 10 years ago, and it has been incredible to witness the sense of community that has evolved in that time. Testament to the success of the development is the fact that

Kitchen at Dereham Court

many residents are choosing to move within the development, as well as encouraging family and friends to join them.’

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TOY GLORY

ASHINGTON TOY FAIR ATTRACTS ENTHUSIASTS OF ALL AGES

51

Ashington Toy Fair (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Ashington Toy Fair was founded in 2010 and managed to survive the pandemic by holding events outdoors. The monthly fair provides an opportunity for dealers to buy and sell toys, as well as giving people of all ages the chance to start or add to their own collection. AAH visited the bustling fair in January and spoke to traders about their passion…

David Parsons I set up the toy fair in 2010 with a friend and fellow collector, Simon Phillips. We were at a fair in Henfield which was poorly attended and thought we could organise a better one ourselves. I thought of Ashington Community Centre as it’s clean, modern, well-equipped and has plenty of free parking. From the outset, it

Vintage models (©AAH/Alan Wright)

has been well attended and I’m proud that it’s still going more than a decade later. I now run the event with the help of Peter Holmes and although we’ve had lean years, recent fairs have been well attended. During Covid, we held the event on the green outside and people travelled from far and wide, as for a time we were perhaps the only UK toy fair operating.

We have some sellers who are here to sell their collection, while others are dealers who buy and sell toys. When the fair opens, you often see dealers buying by the box, as they make money by selling toys online, at car boot sales, or at antique fairs. People turn up to sell their own toys to traders too, and we actively encourage that. So, it’s a mix of selling to casual enthusiasts and collectors, and dealers buying, selling and swapping toys.

Organiser David (©AAH/Alan Wright)

There is always a shift in terms of which toys are popular. We’ve seen Meccano’s value nosedive. Brands like Dinky and Corgi are more resilient, but there’s increasing demand for computer games, electronic watches and vintage mobiles. Lots of TV spin-offs from the 80s and 90s are popular too, including Ghostbusters, The A-Team, Micro Machines, He-Man, Barbie and My Little Pony. But there will always be demand for trains and Scalextric, as they’re great interactive hobbies. They’re not just about sticking something on the shelf to be looked at. Instead, there’s a whole world of opportunity, in terms of designing layouts and modelling, and such passions can last a lifetime.

Diecast models (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Chris and daughter Michelle at the toy fair (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Chris Hackett When I was young, my passions were model railways, diecast toys and Lego, and the items I sell tend to represent those same childhood interests.

At events such as the toy fairs, we see a mix of dealers and collectors, and I fall into the latter

camp. I love collecting toys and games, but there does come a time when you feel the need to sell on some of the things you’ve collected. I like supporting the Ashington event as they kept going during Covid, holding fairs outside with social distancing. I appreciated that, as it was important for some of us collectors to keep in touch, as the social aspect of these events is important.

(©AAH/Alan Wright)

Today, I have vintage toys, classic board games and even a dolls’ house, but they’re not much use to children today. My daughter is helping too, as she’s inherited some of my interest for toys. Some of these items may not find a buyer for a year or more, but I’m always surprised by what people love and want, and by what doesn’t sell!

52

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Alan Holt I started collecting Hot Wheels cars about 12 years ago, when you could still find old models for a low price. Cars that were worth £15 a decade ago can fetch over £100 now, as there are more collectors out there.

The oldest date you will see on the bottom of a Hot Wheels car is 1967, but they weren’t sold until the following year. For the first 10 years, cars had a red trim around the wheels, which is why they’re called ‘Redlines’. Hot Wheels were made with metallic paint, making them more colourful than the lead paint alternatives, and they also made a track that cars could run on smoothly, adding to their appeal.

They made 16 cars in the first year, including a VW Beetle and classic American muscle cars like the Mustang. Those early models are especially valuable and one in mint condition can be worth in excess of £500. It’s worth looking around for them, although you don’t find them in the wild very often! They don't last in a toy box as the metallic paint flakes away.

This is my first time at the Ashington fair, although I go to other toy fairs, including Santa Pod raceway during Bug Jam. I always have a great weekend there, because children want to take home a souvenir. A lot of my trading is done online and through auctions, as some cars made in rare colours are worth more in America than they are in the UK, and vice versa, depending on rarity. But fairs like this one are great for meeting other dealers.

Alan with a collection of Hot Wheels ‘Redlines’ (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Hot Wheels ‘Redlines’ (©AAH/Alan Wright)

‘Redlines’ in pristine condition (©AAH/Alan Wright) 53

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David Wright Over the course of 40 years, I built a collection of about 1000 models, mostly comprising British sports cars. There are some deviations, as I’ve sought out models of cars I’ve owned or driven too, as well as some special interest vehicles.

After a while, I became interested in the materials they were made with and the manufacturers behind some of the models, especially those small businesses who often were not around for long. So, I decided to tell their story and in 2011 wrote my first book about white metal models, including the biographies of 170 manufacturers, with pictures too. The book was a moderate success, which led to a second book on resin models, before a third book focusing on my real love: British sports cars.

I sell some of the remaining copies at the toy fairs, along with diecast models that I no longer have a need for. Most are minority interest models, although people sometimes see a model of a car they once owned and buy it. I never expect to make much money, but I always learn something or pick up information from another dealer that is useful to me, especially as I still occasionally write for specialist magazines for collectors.

60 54

Peter at the toy fair (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Peter Sturtevant David and wife, Chris (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Most people here sell model railways, diecast cars or film and TV memorabilia, but my passion is for construction and haulage models, as well as tractors and other agricultural machinery. I used to deliver for two garden nurseries and some of my interest in collecting stems from that occupational interest.

After being made redundant, I founded a gardening business with my wife, so selling toys is something I do on the side, as my collection started to get out of hand. I have a few regulars who buy from me and always enjoy talking to them about their interests and memories, especially if they worked in haulage too.

This event in Ashington does well, to say it’s only a village. A few local children come down too and some prefer trucks and tractors to cars and trains, so they like my stall! When it comes to making money, there are good days and bad, but the social side is important. It would be easy just to put everything on eBay and reach a worldwide audience, but I prefer meeting people with a similar passion.

Peter Holmes When I was 16 years old, I opened a suitcase and found a lead soldier inside it. He was a Gordon Highlander, crouched down and firing a weapon. I kept hold of it and it inspired a life-long passion for collecting.

I would go to Phillips’ auction in London to buy lead soldiers and bolster my collection, selling on duplicates or those I didn’t need.

My other interest is OO gauge model railways and collections dominate my house, with entire rooms and even a cabin devoted to lead soldiers and railways.

I enjoy helping David organise the toy fair, although sometimes I might not make a penny! It’s not really about that though, and there’s always the excitement of not knowing what will come through the door from a dealer looking to sell or trade.

With toys, the market is driven by nostalgia and the demand for lead soldiers and older types of model railway is dwindling. The same is happening with Dinky and other makes of diecast models, and in another few years nobody will want them either, as the next generation are more interested in Star Wars, Lego or computer games, as it relates to their own childhood memories.

Peter has a vast collection of model trains (©AAH/Alan Wright)

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Dave Price Most of the toys I sell come from house clearances. When they find a box of toys, people call me, describe the contents and I give them a price. There’s no time to browse through the box and pick out the best bits, so it’s always a gamble. You just hope you get lucky once in a while!

I like to attend toy fairs as it beats sitting indoors watching television all day. Today, I’m selling some vintage slot cars and Spitfire models, but most people have been asking about my double decker bus. It is the finished model from a magazine

(©AAH/Alan Wright)

collection which would have cost £1200 originally, and the details is incredible. These events are nice as they bring people together, but in terms of making a profit, I usually have far more success at the big events like the one at Beaulieu, which attracts overseas collectors with deep pockets!

Fred Pullen I became keen on model railways in 1971. Initially, it was to give my son something to play with, but the layouts I made for him and later my grandson have long gone. I have collected Hornby and diecast models ever since, and what I sell at the fair is only a small part of that collection.

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I always envisaged creating a new layout in the loft when I moved house, but there wasn’t enough space, so I’m slowly selling off what I have, one box at a time. When I open up a fresh box, it’s like I’m discovering the models for the first time, as you forget what you have!

I sold a lot on eBay during lockdown, particularly diecast models, but I enjoy toy fairs as I like to see my trains going to a good home, with buyers who have a genuine interest in them.

Dave at Ashington toy fair (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Most of what I sell is TT (Table Top) scale and Hornby has just announced a return to 12mm track with the TT:120 series, so the original collection is quite collectible. Whether or not Hornby’s new TT scale revives its fortunes remains to be seen though, as children have very different interests these days.

Fred with his collection of Hornby and diecast (©AAH/Alan Wright)

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IDYLL WORLD

CAN THE SUSSEX GREEN HUB INSPIRE LONG-TERM CHANGE?

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Carrie Cort, CEO of Sussex Green Living, and Environmental Educator Morag Warrack (©AAH/Alan Wright)

It’s Saturday morning and a queue is forming outside the United Reformed Church in Horsham. People are waiting patiently to receive bread and fresh groceries to feed them and their families, with food distributed by the Horsham Community Fridge.

‘We are pleased with everything we’ve achieved so far, but now we need to step it up from an environmental point of view,’ says Carrie. ‘The Horsham District has one of the best recycling rates in West Sussex and I believe that has a great deal to do with Sussex Green Living, in particular the work of our volunteers in rural communities, who are passionate about the environment and give up their own time to make a small but important contribution.’

Next door, an industrious team of volunteers are fixing toasters, lawnmowers, vacuum cleaners and even Teddy bears at the Horsham Repair Café, while the team at the Refill Shop fill an empty bottle with eco-friendly washing-up liquid. There are volunteers on other stalls too, giving information on recycling or energy saving tips, helping people upcycle Christmas cards, handing out books about climate change or offering advice on seed swaps.

All these services have been brought together at the Sussex Green Hub, held on the last Saturday of every month at the URC on Springfield Road (opposite St John the Evangelist Church and near The Lynd Cross) from 10am – 4pm. The event offers information as well as services, with a community café running too.

The hub is organised by Sussex Green Living, an award-winning charity set up in 2012 to promote green initiatives. SGL was founded by Carrie Cort, who arrives at the hub in the

‘But more needs to be done. Horsham District Council is very vocal about its own efforts to become carbon neutral, but what about the 140,000 residents in the District? There won’t be much to celebrate if the council reaches its own carbon footprint goals if it doesn’t also support the wider efforts of the community, which will have a far greater impact.’

Horsham Repair Cafe (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Inspiration Eco Station, a converted milk float used for roadshows and events. Wearing a coat made entirely from upcycled ties, one might mistake Carrie as an archetypal environmental campaigner. Yet her dedication, and that of the charity’s ever-expanding network of volunteers, has influenced positive change in the District.

Not that she’s resting on her laurels…

‘In recent years, the Council has increased its efforts to promote Sussex Green Living’s initiative and events. However, it still needs to better signpost people to environmental efforts happening across the district, especially in the villages, and there are still some “fossil fools” serving in local government, who need carbon training to enhance their understanding of what needs to be done.’

Andrew helps keep a toaster out of landfill (©AAH/Alan Wright)

REPAIR JOB

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Rosalind Peters and Doreen Kerr with ‘Bear’ at Horsham Repair Cafe (©AAH/Alan Wright)

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Despite Carrie being its only full-time member of staff (Melanie Nurse helps with marketing on a part-time basis), Sussex Green Living manages to organise the green hub, as well as its own day-to-day activities, thanks to the support of a dedicated board of trustees and committed volunteers across a range of services. One of the most popular of these services is the Horsham Repair Café, which sees a group of experienced handymen giving up their time to repair household and electrical items in return for a small donation to charity.

The Repair Cafe was originally held alongside the Refill Shop at the Quaker Meeting House, before coming under the umbrella of the Sussex Green Hub, when it was launched post-Covid. Such has been the popularity of the repair service that an appointment system is now in place, with halfhour slots to avoid members of the public having to wait long. From 10am – 2pm, there were 47 bookings, so the team’s expertise is in high demand!

Karen Epsley, who organises the schedule, said: ‘The appointment system saves the bedlam that we used to see and also means we can

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Some repairers are “generalists” who can fix most things, but Richard is especially skilled with electrical items, while John has a mechanical mind and has repaired everything from a complicated bridge card counter to an antique gramophone.’

‘They’re so dedicated that they often take items home to finish fixing and bring them back the following month. We see a lot of vacuum cleaners, as well as coffee machines, mowers, toasters and this week, even some decorative Christmas lights. Some people bring in items that have emotional or sentimental importance, but in the majority of cases, the most important thing is saving something from going to landfill.’

The Repair Café also offers textile repairs, with volunteers undertaking zip repairs and sewing tasks. AAH’s visit coincided with volunteer Rosalind Peters handing back a Teddy first given to Doreen Kerr by her parents as she set off for university some 50 ago. Rosalind said: ‘The bear was in a bit of a mess and he’d lost his paws.

Doreen came in and asked us to give him a clean, but I also made him a little jacket and a sandwich bag! She’s delighted with the work we’ve done!’

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ECO REFILLS

AFFORDABLE HOMES

The Refill Hub also began at the Quaker Meeting House before becoming part of the Green Hub. It gives people the chance to empty bottles of household cleaning products, as well as shampoo and conditioner, and refill them.

There’s a range of products by environmentally-friendly brands including Bio D, Ecoleaf and Faith in Nature, and the service not only reduces what goes to landfill, but saves people money.

Other groups, organisations and businesses represented at the Green Hub include Eco Churches, Transition Horsham (a community initiative best known for its seed swap programme) and Declutter coach Amy Thompson, while the North Horsham Community Land Trust were attending the event for the first time. Working alongside North Horsham Parish Council, the Trust aims to provide affordable housing for young people in the area.

Liz Thorns, Refill Shop volunteer, said: ‘More people want to know about the products they buy from shops, as they’re keen to buy non-toxic products that can be refilled. Running alongside the Repair Café helps us at the Refill Shop, as it brings a lot of people through the door. If we can convert some of them to more sustainable products, it will make a difference, as people often return month after month to refill. As well as reaching more local people, services such as this also have a positive commercial impact, as we are starting to see more environmentally-friendly products on supermarket shelves.’

Peter Beckley said: ‘A lot of young, local people either have to live with their parents as they can’t afford a place of their own, or they’re having to move away from the area, which has a knock-on effect on employment. Developers are required to build “affordable housing”, but the reality is that these properties are unaffordable for most young people. So, we want to provide genuinely affordable housing in the District.

What we’d like to do, as a Trust, is buy property that we would own in perpetuity, and rent to local people at a rate they can still live comfortably on. In the meantime, we need people to support us and become a Trust member.’

Horsham Repair Cafe (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Horsham Repair Cafe (©AAH/Alan Wright) 61

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Corina Gibson at the Horsham Community Fridge (©AAH/Alan Wright)

KEEP IT COOL Sussex Green Living focuses on the ‘Three Rs’ of Refill, Repair and Recycle. Thanks to the Horsham Community Fridge, the Green Hub might also add Replenish, as it offers a vital food service. The fridge isn’t an SGL initiative, and is instead run by a Community Interest Company called Fair Divide. Fair Divide established its first fridge in Littlehampton and has since expanded, with the Horsham fridge launching two years ago and an ‘on tour’ fridge visiting other parts of Sussex.

Horsham Community Fridge not only prevents tonnes of food from going to landfill (about 40 tonnes in 2022 alone) but also provides an increasingly in-demand service, as organiser Nicola Fryatt explains: ‘We collect food that is either surplus or past its “best before” date from supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Lidl. We store it in fridges and freezers, then hand it out to members of the public.’

‘People can choose five items, as well as a loaf of bread and anything additional we may have plenty of, such as a surplus of bananas. It’s different from a food bank in that

‘We think of Horsham as being affluent, but we often see queues at the community fridge.’

Nicola Fryatt we offer chilled foods, from fruit and vegetables to frozen ready meals. Anybody can come along, and if people are prepared to wait on a cold, January morning for five items of food, they probably need it. We think of Horsham as being an affluent area, but we often see queues outside and many people need some help.’

Horsham Community Fridge is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Methodist Church in London Road, Horsham, and every Saturday at a different church, rotating between St Andrew’s in Roffey, Holy Innocents in Southwater and St John’s in Springfield Road, Horsham, before visiting the Green Hub on the final Saturday of the month. Some additional fridges are held at St Mark’s in Holbrook too.

The Refill Shop (©AAH/Alan Wright)

The Horsham Community Land Trust (©AAH/Alan Wright) 63

Working with other Horsham-based environmental, community and faith groups, it is the ambition of the organisers that the Green Hub becomes a permanent fixture on the High Street. Sussex Green Living has applied for a lottery grant in a bid to lease a shop in town and fund an additional member of staff.

This would allow some services at the hub to operate more frequently, while also providing space for SGL to provide information on recycling and energy saving. Additional funding would also help the charity

fulfil its three-year mission by offering more support to volunteers in villages.

Carrie believes now is the time to build on the positive changes that have been made in recent years.

‘Perceptions of what we’re doing as campaigners has changed and that’s partly down to the pandemic. When the world’s governments had to make united decisions on how to combat the virus, they turned to the scientific community and their work was heralded by just about everybody.’

Horsham Repair Cafe (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Horsham Community Fridge (©AAH/Alan Wright)

SERIOUS SCIENCE

‘That same scientific community overwhelming agrees that climate change is a man-made environmental and ecological disaster, and that we need to act now. A few years ago, we had a very vocal minority opposing the science, but thankfully we’re now listening to what the experts have to say.’

‘Although it’s frustrating, as sometimes it feels not enough is being done, there are some incredible initiatives happening all over the world that will make a significant dent in our carbon

footprint and have a positive impact on the planet for future generations. We can make an even bigger dent if we work together and play our part on a local level. That’s really what all this is about.’

WORDS: BEN MORRIS PHOTOS: ALAN WRIGHT Further information: For details about Sussex Green Hub and local green initiatives, visit sussexgreenliving.org.uk Find out more about the Horsham Community Fridge on their Facebook page.

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FINAL WORD

HOW TURBULENT WEATHER LED TO A SURGE IN POTHOLES

Potholes on the A24 (©AAH) 66

January is typically a slow news month, but there are a few annual events guaranteed to fill column inches.

One is ‘Blue Monday’, a date that falls in late January. Back in 2005, Sky Travel claimed it to be the most depressing day of the year.

Although largely proclaimed as hogwash, it routinely becomes a topic of conversation around the third Monday of the year, and also provides a boost to New Order’s royalties cheque, thanks to their 1983 song of the same name.

The other is, of course, potholes...

The weather conditions this year have been ideal, leading to a bumper crop of potholes.

First, heavy rainfall dampens the underlying soil structure, then heavy traffic depresses the now poorly-supported asphalt surface.

The result is bloody great holes in the road.

And of course, with traffic contributing to their creation in the first place, they are often on the natural driving line. (Poor road repairs can also be a contributing factor.

There are roads where the removal of cat’s eyes has created mini potholes between the replacement cat’s eyes. Fortunately, the position of these mini potholes means they’re not too affected by traffic - which could make them expand - so they’re more of an eyesore than something that could potentially cause a puncture!)

West Sussex County Council has reported that the severe weather and temperature

changes have sparked an influx of pothole reports. WSCC says about 25,500 potholes needed filling for safety reasons from April to December 2022, compared to 30,000 for the same period in 2021. However, in just the first 11 days of January 2023, the highways teams received 2,500 pothole or carriagewayrelated enquiries from the public. The total number for the whole of January 2022 was only 1,400 enquiries.

Matt Davey, the County Council’s Assistant Director of Highways, Transport and Planning, said: ‘In November and December, our Highways teams received our secondhighest number of pothole reports on record.

Unfortunately, roads are not permanent structures: they deteriorate over time from constant use, the weight of vehicles using them and the effects of weather, resulting in new potholes. Older roads, potentially with small cracks, can be impacted by changes in temperature. West Sussex has experienced one of the hottest summers, then mild/wet weather, then the very cold snap from 6 - 15 December, followed by more wet weather, sometimes with flooding. These fluctuations combine to cause road surfaces to expand/contract and expand again, potentially causing further cracks and new potholes to form.’

‘We understand that potholes are a source of frustration for all road users and we will investigate people’s concerns so we can prioritise repairing those which meet the safety criteria as quickly as possible.’

From April to December 2022, WSCC says that 145km of road (across the county) were either completely resurfaced or had surface dressing or micro-asphalt treatments, representing an investment of £8.1m. It is also taking ‘a holistic approach’ to the condition of roads, with larger sections completely resurfaced on a priority basis to make them more resilient to potholes, reducing the need for small-scale repairs, which can cause disruption.

However, one of the strange things about potholes is that, no matter how many are patched-up, they never seem to fix the ones we hit every day! The County Council reminds us that it is responsible for around 2,500 miles of road. A and B roads are ordinarily inspected monthly, C-class and main distributor roads on a three or sixmonthly basis and declassified roads are typically inspected annually.

In a statement, WSCC says that the best way to get one fixed is to report it on a new online form. ‘The best way for residents to bring potholes to our Highways staff’s attention is directly, via our new e-form.

There’s no longer the necessity to download an app, the online maps are easier to use, with greater levels of detail so Highways staff can more easily locate and investigate issues. We have also improved our updates so that the information residents receive is more frequent and detailed.’ www.westsussex.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/ report-a-pothole-online/