AAH (All About Horsham) September 2023

AAH (ALL ABOUT HORSHAM) SEPTEMBER 2023

CONTENTS

7

NEWS ROUND-UP

Horsham Sports Club fireworks night details and beavers breed on the Knepp Estate

HEALTH & BEAUTY 19

Bee Cosmetics is a family-run business that makes products from honey and beeswax

GARDENING 27

Horsham Horticultural Society hopes to attract new members after Summer show

BUSINESS 37

Horsham Coworking scheme offers an alternative to working from home

COMMUNITY 40

Horsham Green Spaces embarks on a new project to create flyways for pollinators SCHOOLS 46 Phoenix Stroke Health Club benefits from social interactions with Forest students

SPORTS 53 British Lawn Mower Racing Association holds epic endurance race to celebrate 50 years

FARMING 60

Wool Shred uses wool from Hebridean and Southdown sheep to create unique products

FINAL WORD 66

COVER STORY

The September 2023 cover features Elizabeth Ready and her son Joseph of Bee Cosmetics. They are pictured tending to a colony in the garden of their Horsham home. The family use honey, beeswax and propolis from bee hives to make a range of cosmetics for their business. Joseph used a smoker to calm the colony, so the Readys didn’t need to wear a fencing hood with their ventilated beekeepers’ suit. AAH photographer Alan held his nerve too, with bees buzzing around his camera! This month’s edition has a distinctly rural theme, with features on sheep, horticultural societies, green spaces and lawnmower races. We might have called the mag All About Rural Sussex if the acronym had worked...

Other contenders for the cover included members of Horsham Green Spaces, Pugs Reeves at the BLMRA 500 in Five Oaks and Fliss Lewis, founder of Wool Shred, with her flock of Southdown sheep.

ADVERTISING

As a free magazine, AAH is grateful to the support of all its advertisers! If you’d like to find out more about promoting your business in AAH (you know it’s the best one, right?) please do get in touch with Ben. We offer every 6th advert free of charge, like a cafe. We can also design ads if you need help!

ADVERT RATES (Per month/edition)

Eighth Page: £55 + VAT (93mm x 63mm)

Quarter Page: £110 + VAT (93mm x 133mm - portrait or landscape)

Half Page: £185 + VAT (190mm x 133mm)

We also have the long, upright shape

Full Page: £310 + VAT (A4 with 4mm bleed)

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES

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

AAH is an independent monthly magazine, founded back in 2011. Here’s our cover from 12 years ago, featuring St Hugh’s, Parkminster (Sept 2011). The magazine is owned by Ben Morris, a life-long resident of the District.

EDITOR

Ben Morris editor@aahorsham.co.uk

(01903) 892899

AAH, 2 Viney Close, Ashington, RH20 3PT

PHOTOGRAPHER

Alan Wright alanwrightphotography.co.uk

07747 617387

Alan works for AAH as a freelancer and is available for all commercial work.

DOOR-TO-DOOR DISTRIBUTION TEAM: Jacquie Paterson, Hazel Garner, Jill Shuker, Bloomfield family, Eve Lovett, Gavira family, Harvey Dold, Alessandro Cavallo, Jack Nicholls, Charlie Merchant, Harry Baker, Walker family, Ben Raymond, Joseph Down (Horsham). Katie Drysdale & William Fuglsig (Highwood), Chapman family (Southwater), Palmer family (BBH), Luke Butcher (Manns Heath), Lynsey Hare (Billingshurst), Derek Bradnum (Nuthurst)

THANK YOU! Lara Green, who has delivered to homes around Heron Way for more than 2 years, moves on to focus on her studies. Best of luck for the future, Lara!

SPRING-LOADED STANDS

AAH is 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), Steban’s Hair Salon. Village Stands: Newbridge Nurseries, The Bridge Leisure Centre (BBH) CoCos’ Salon & Beeson House (Southwater), Billingshurst Leisure Centre, Coco’s Salon (Billingshurst), Bluecoat Sports Centre (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, Joanna’s Boutique Tearooms (Storrington), The Milk Churn (Rudgwick), Meadow Stores (Thakeham), Golden Plaice (Ashington), Rusper Village Stores (Rusper)

Supermarkets: In association with Self Select Distribution, AAH is available at Tesco Extra in Broadbridge Heath and Sainsbury’s Horsham.

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.

EDITOR’S NOTES

A FINAL NAIL IN THE COFFIN FOR CAR-THEMED EVENTS?

It’s Good Friday 2016 and I’m a passenger in a Ferrari. One of a hundred Ferraris travelling in convoy towards town, where thousands of people are lining the streets in anticipation.

But this isn’t just any Ferrari. It’s a 1960 Ferrari 250 GTB. There might be more visually striking cars bearing the prancing horse logo, like the F40 or Daytona, but aficionados would know that the 250 GTB is the star of the show. Some might even know this particular model was bought at auction for a cool £7.4m.

Not that such a price tag guarantees reliability. Within a mile of us leaving South Lodge – a fitting meeting place for the Ferrari Owners’ Club –smoke is blowing into the cabin. For a moment, I fear I might lose this rare opportunity to be on the receiving end of admiring glances from the ordinary masses! Glances pitched somewhere between awe and jealousy, by people who had arrived in boring, practical cars with things like seatbelts and electric windows.

We stop in the Carfax, in a special spot right outside Barclays, reserved for the most valuable motor in a convoy of dream cars. I hung around for a bit, in the hope that people might think it was mine, and that I wasn’t there simply because I had distributed Piazza Italia programmes at South Lodge and one of the drivers happened to have a seat spare!

What a day! What an event! If we didn’t fully appreciate it at the time, we can look back and say Piazza Italia was superb. Not just for the Ferrari parade, but also the Mini rally, supercar

Sunday, tenors and sopranos singing opera from the bandstand, Shakespearean street theatre, and of course the Italia in Piazza market. All put together by Horsham District Council through its creative and hard-working Events team.

As we recover from the pandemic, there is naturally a pining for such events to return. Not just Piazza Italia, but similar car-themed days that followed in its wake, such as AmeriCARna (which had US muscle cars, street bikes and Elvis swinging from the bandstand) and Plum Jam, for VW Campers and Beetles. A petition has been started, called ‘Ask Horsham Council to Reinstate Car Events in the Town Centre.’ It has already attracted more than 1,000 signatures and outlines why they should return. The creator of the petition writes: ‘These events brought the town together and were extremely beneficial to small local businesses in the town centre. With people coming from near and far to see these cars, they also got to experience Horsham’s wonderful community spirit. They attracted massive crowds and put Horsham on the map. These events were loved by the town and now they are greatly missed.’

Sentiments I can only echo. I miss them too. However, we are living in a different world now. Largely defined by two crises (climate and cost of living), it’s perhaps a world that’s not as much fun. And for all the good intentions of this petition, I wonder if such efforts are in vain.

In truth, for several years prior to the last Piazza Italia in 2019, the organisers had found it increasingly difficult to justify against HDC’s own

environmental targets. On one hand, the Council was aiming to become carbon neutral, improving recycling rates and supporting groups like Sussex Green Living. On the other, it was inviting owners of Lamborghini, Pagani, De Tomaso and Ferrari supercars to rev their V12 engines in the Carfax. A debate had been brewing and by 2019, it felt as though Piazza Italia was swimming against the tide. The final event had the air of a swansong. Covid was not actually the death knell for Piazza Italia and the decision not to stage it in 2020 had been taken long before we’d ever heard about Wuhan labs.

It wasn’t only climate issues that were at play, but financial ones. While the event drew huge crowds, attracting major sponsors was difficult. Even without HDC having to promote its green credentials, the cost-of-living crisis would probably have curtailed car-themed events.

I suspect that, within HDC, there are still those who harbour hopes of one day reviving these great events. AmeriCARna was undoubtedly in the ascendency and the third edition in 2019 was a loud, vibrant antidote to 13-years of Italian flair. A Lynyrd Skynyrd T-shirt to Piazza Italia’s Lacoste polo neck. Perhaps if the event was to be organised and funded by individuals – or even businesses – then who knows? Just maybe, the Council might at least be willing to offer advice and support. The same might be true for other lost events, such as Horsham Carnival. But the days of HDC providing them in-house seems to have passed for now. If we want to see them again, we’ll need to do more than add our name to a petition.

We have a new magazine dispenser at The Bridge in Broadbridge Heath. Visitors to the leisure centre can now pick up a free copy of AAH each month. The stand is our 30th in the District, seven of which are at sports centres and clubs (Pavilions, Holbrook Club, The Bridge, Bluecoats, Billingshurst, Steyning and Chanctonbury) From this month, AAH is also available at Horsham Hospital, at the request of the Friends of the Hospital.

NEW AAH STAND AT THE BRIDGE

The AAH editor arrives at the 2016 Piazza Italia in a Ferrari 250 GTB

NEWS ROUND-UP

Announcements & Events from across the Horsham District

Horsham District Council has responded to a petition calling on car themed-events to be reinstated. Launched on 20 August, the petition (on change.org) outlines the benefits of events like Piazza Italia, AmeriCARna and Plum Jam, which have not been held since the pandemic.

The petition had attracted more than 1,200 signatures as AAH went to press. HDC said: ‘We acknowledge that car-themed events organised by the Council have proved to be extremely popular. The Council must take the Climate Emergency into account in all that it does, but we also wish to reassure the

Horsham Battle of the Bands was held in the Human Nature Garden in Horsham Park on the weekend on 22 – 23 July. The covers contest was won by Sabotage, with Xoe B (pictured) taking the honours in the acoustic originals category. The originals section was won by father and son duo Danny Dangerously and Toxxic. BOTB was kindly sponsored by Woodstock IT. Entries are now open for the 2024 edition of the competition, with a prize package including a recording session and photoshoot. horshambotb.co.uk

public that we are listening to their feedback and using it to inform our event planning going forward.’

The response comes after councillors voted to declare a climate and ecological emergency for the Horsham District. The declaration will further enable the Council to achieve its own carbon neutral target for 2030 and the Horsham District carbon neutral target for 2050. The Climate and Ecological Emergency status will also add support to a number of planning policies within the Local Plan, including ensuring new developments achieve net zero carbon

Showstopper! The Improvised Musical comes to the Capitol Theatre on Friday 13Saturday 14 October, at 7.30pm. With an acclaimed West End run and an Olivier Award to their name, The Showstoppers have delighted audiences across the globe with their ingenious blend of comedy, musical theatre and spontaneity. A musical comedy is created from scratch at each performance, as audience suggestions are transformed on the spot into all-singing, all dancing productions. Tickets £20 from (01403) 750220 or thecapitolhorsham.com

emissions, delivering more substantial climate change mitigation and adaptation, and providing more green spaces.

The Council has also taken the decision to appoint an ecologist to support the Strategic Planning team with the delivery of biodiversity net gain through planning and infrastructure. HDC has produced a draft Climate Action Strategy to support the whole of the Horsham District becoming carbon neutral by 2050.

Residents and businesses can submit their own view at: horsham.gov.uk/climateactionstrategy

Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens in Lower Beeding hosts the Bernardi Music Group (BMG) classical concert series on Wednesdays 20 September and 11 October. At the first concert, the Stradivarius Piano Trio present an Opera Gala. On 11 October, the BMG Quintet perform Verdi’s opera La Traviata They are joined by star Indian tenor Anando Mukerjee and distinguished international conductor Andrea Ferrari. Tickets £55 for each concert (includes entry from 5pm to Leonardslee, with performances from 6.30pm). leonardsleegardens.co.uk

Photo: ©Cheryl Zimmerman

AmeriCARna in Horsham (©AAH/Toby Phillips 2017)

Anando Mukerjee

The Barns Green Half Marathon will be held on Sunday 24 September. This year’s event will also include a 10K, a new 5K race and the Jennings Junior Jog at 12.30pm for children aged 4 - 11. All senior races are run on closed roads and have chip timing and pacemakers, with gold, silver and bronze medals for finishers. There are plenty of water stations on the 10K and half marathon routes. The nominated charity is St Catherine’s Hospice. runbarnsgreen.org.uk

Heads On Run Club, the official mental health charity for Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, is offering free sessions in Horsham. The running club was developed by Ian Puttock and Jeremy Sandford, who both work for the Trust. They are on a mission to help people improve their fitness and mental wellbeing and are hosting free weekly sessions at the Park Bandstand, every Monday and Thursday, 5.30 - 6.30pm. Email: HeadsOnRunClub@spft.nhs.uk

Tough Mudder returns to the Holmbush Estate, Crawley Road, Faygate, RH12 4SE, on 23 – 24 September. Over 14,000 ‘Mudders’ are expected to participate in the London South event, with upgraded obstacles such as Electroshock Therapy, Arctic Enema and the Block Ness. There are three course lengths, from the Tough

Mudder 5K (which has 13 obstacles) to the 10K course with 20 obstacles, and finally the longest course, with stretches across 15 treacherous kilometres with 30 obstacles to navigate. There will also be a 1 Mile Lidl Mudder Adventure for children. toughmudder.co.uk/events/london-south/

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Horsham Music Circle presents Musique de Chambre in the Causeway Barn on Saturday 21 October, 7pm. The performers are headed by local musician Luca Imperiale, who is studying recorder and period clarinet at the Royal College of Music. Luca presents an evening of baroque with fellow students Ozgur Kaya (cello) and Apolline Khou (harpsichord/piano). The programme comprises pieces that once adorned courts of French nobles, alongside works by Marias, Telemann and Boismortier. horsham-music-circle.org.uk

Vocal Fusion Acapella, a group of male singers, seeks new members. Under the direction of Zoe Peate, they rehearse at Dial Post Village Hall on Wednesdays, 7.15pm. Anyone interested can come along to discover the joy and camaraderie of singing. Their repertoire ranges from barbershop and musicals to sea shanties and folksongs. The choir perform a concert at St Peter’s Church, Henfield on Saturday 7 October. vocalfusionacapella.co.uk

The One Accord Choir also seeks new faces.

Rehearsals for the ladies’ choir restart at Holy Trinity Church Hall, Rushams Road, Horsham, on Wednesday 6 September, 2 - 4pm. The choir is led by musical director Jon Openshaw and accompanist Jenny Jeffries. The first session is free, by arrangement. Call Deborah on 07922 750636 or email oneaccordchoirhorsham@gmail.com

Saxophonist Andy Walker and Friends present an evening of jazz at St Leonard’s Church Hall, Cambridge Road, Horsham, on Saturday 7 October, 7.45pm. Enjoy an evening of swinging jazz and a fish and chip supper. Tickets £20 with proceeds going to St Mary’s Church South Aisle project. Tickets must be bought in advance via churchsuite.com

Crawley and Horsham District Organists Association hold its annual Members Recital at the Unitarian Church, Worthing Road, Horsham, on Thursday 5 October, 7.30pm. A wide range of composers will be represented in the recital. Refreshments served after the finale. chdoa.org.uk

Billingshurst Choral Society presents Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle at St Gabriel’s Church, Billingshurst, on Saturday 18 November, 7.30pm. Music Director is Marcio da Silva (pictured). Tickets £15 (U18s/ students free). Book online at: billingshurstchoralsociety.org.uk

Horses for Health held a Pimm’s & Pompthemed guided ride in Dragons Green on Thursday 10 August. The ride, held with the courtesy of Lady Louise Burrell, saw some 45 riders enjoying in the grounds, raising over £1000 for Horses for Health, which celebrates how horses can have a positive impact on our mental health and wellbeing. Horses for Health has been running for three years and supported 33 equine charities around the UK last year. helpforhorsesuk.org

Horsham District Council’s Jobs and Skills Fair returns to the Drill Hall, Denne Road, Horsham, on Saturday 30 September, 10am - 2pm. The fair has enabled hundreds of jobseekers to be matched with local jobs and supported businesses in recruiting new staff. Employers, recruiters and training providers who would like to get involved in the fair can email journey2work@horsham.gov.uk

Horsham Sports Club hosts a fireworks display at Cricketfield Road, Horsham, RH12 ITE, on Saturday 28 October, from 5pm (display starts at 7.30pm). As well as fireworks, there will be fairground rides,

food stalls, a beer tent and much more. Limited ‘Early Bird’ tickets (£7) go on sale on 8 September from the Horsham Sports Club Office or online at horshamsportsclub.com

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Southern Water has concluded its investigation into why customers in parts of the county lost their water supply in May 2023. Hardham Water Supply Works was shut down on 12 May when sampling highlighted a change in water quality. None of this water entered public supply, but 25,000 homes and businesses were affected. Tim McMahon, Water Director, said: ‘Our investigations found that the water entering Hardham from the nearby river and storage reservoir contained more sediment and impurities than normal, which caused difficulties for our treatment processes. Unfortunately, there is no way of knowing the exact source, but we have fully reviewed our on-site policies and procedures, so we are as prepared as we can be if this were to happen again.’ Sussex Water has proposed a £63m improvement project at Hardham after 2025. southernwater.co.uk

Ceres, based in Foundry Lane, Horsham, has won the Royal Academy of Engineering MacRobert Award, the UK’s longest-running and most coveted prize for engineering innovation. One of three finalists, Ceres was named as the winner at an awards dinner at The Londoner Hotel in Leicester Square. Ceres’ solid oxide technology was hailed as a breakthrough in the clean energy revolution. ceres.tech

DIY Alcove Cabinets, a bespoke cabinetry specialist based in Rudgwick, is among the winners at the national Ideal Home Living Room Awards 2023. The small business won the award for ‘Best Living Room Storage Solution’ for its made-to-measure, fitted alcove cabinets and furniture. diyalcovecabinets.co.uk

The Knepp Estate is celebrating the arrival of baby beavers. A pair called Brooke and Banksy were moved to the estate – home to a unique rewilding project – from the Tay Catchment, Scotland, in February 2022. Staff at the estate were optimistic about a new arrival after noticing the beavers hauling fresh shoots back to their lodge. These hopes were confirmed when trail cameras captured two kits in a pond. Penny Green, ecologist at Knepp, said: ‘Within a short amount of time of the beavers arriving, they had transformed a little stream in to an amazing wetland area by building three dams. This habitat has been great for wildlife and we’ve seen dragonflies, kingfishers and

foraging bats. During last summer’s drought, the water they had held with their dams provided a wetland oasis in an otherwise parched landscape, and throughout the winter, it helped alleviate flooding during heavy rainfall. When watching the beavers in spring, we had an inkling that there could be young. Then, in early August, our cameras confirmed two kits playing and practicing their swimming in a little pool. We were thrilled, as it’s the first time in 500 years that we can say that beavers have been born in Sussex.’ The beavers are in a locked pen, but Knepp runs safari tours to show people the work the beavers have carried out. knepp.co.uk

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Knepp’s cameras captured the kits in the pool (©Knepp)

Petworth Festival Literary Week is held from 26 October – 5 November. The organisers have announced some of the authors set to appear at the festival, including singer Michael Ball (promoting his book, Different Aspects), BBC News’ International Editor Jeremy Bowen (The Making of the Modern Middle East), Peter Frankopan (The Earth Transformed), historical novelist Philippa Gregory (Normal Women), actress Sheila Hancock (Old Rage), astronaut Tim Peake (Space), Knepp rewilding project pioneer Isabella Tree (Wilding) and gardener and TV personality Alan Titchmarsh (Chatsworth). petworthfestival.org.uk

Washington-based historian and author Kevin Newman has published a new book, Clock Towers of England

The lavishly-illustrated book is a nationwide exploration of the interesting and sometimes forgotten buildings the Victorians and Edwardians built in great numbers, celebrating their architecture, locations and role in culture and history. Later this year, Kevin will release another book of local interest, The Little History of Sussex, through History Press. Clock Towers of England, published by Amberley Press, is available in paperback or Kindle. amberley-books.com

Horsham District Council has replaced its diesel street cleansing vehicles with new all-electric sweepers. The sweepers will deliver a reduction in carbon emissions as the Council aims to become carbon neutral by 2030, and reduce noise emissions by operating more quietly. The new sweepers will be used in the town centre, while two highway sweepers have been refurbished to run on hydro-treated vegetable oil.

Pictured: Cllr Jay Mercer, HDC Cabinet Member for Environmental Health, Recycling and Waste, with some of the Recycling , Waste and Street Cleansing crew and one of the electric street sweepers.

A collection service for residents to recycle used coffee pods has proved a success, with over half a million pods collected in the first six months. The scheme was launched by HDC in partnership with Podback. Once collected from the kerbside, pods are taken to aluminium and plastics reprocessing plants in the UK. The plastic and aluminium are transformed into new products, such as canned drinks, while the coffee grounds are used for soil improver and renewable energy (biogas). horsham.gov.uk/waste-recycling-and-bins/

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Swan Walk in Horsham has been awarded a bronze International CSR Excellence Award. The award, presented at a ceremony at St Paul’s Cathedral, comes after the shopping centre raised £10,000 to support Chestnut Tree House’s Give-mass Tree Campaign in 2022. Gill Buchanan, Centre Manager, said: ‘We would like to thank everyone who donated at the giving point, purchased gifts for the children at the hospice and their siblings, used the Chestnut Tree House gift wrap station and supported their raffle.’ The CSR Excellence Awards are run by The Green Organisation, promoting social responsibility and best practices around the world.

Horsham Flower Club celebrates its Diamond anniversary with an Open Meeting at North Heath Hall, St Mark’s Lane, Horsham, on Tuesday 10 October, at 2.30pm. Dennis van Wonderen presents Diamonds Are Forever, with his designs raffled afterwards. Visitor tickets £18 (includes sparkling cream tea and cake) from susan.oliver19@hotmail.com or (01403) 255470. Horsham Flower Club is affiliated to Sussex Area of N.A.F.A.S, with meetings held on the second Tuesday of each month at North Heath Hall. Visitors welcome. The usual entry is £8, with ample parking and bus routes nearby. The next meeting on 12 September includes a demonstration by Kathryn Austin entitled Raindrops on Roses. For enquiries, call (01403) 264482 or email nancy@hubbard3.plus.com

Storrington Flower Club meets at Sullington Parish Hall, Thakeham Road, Storrington, RH20 3PP, on the fourth Wednesday of the month, at 2pm. After a summer break, the club has announced details of its autumn programme. On 27 September, there will be a demonstration by Barbara Caldecourt, with 25 October’s demonstration courtesy of Robin White. The club welcomes visitors to meetings (£6). An Open Evening is held on Friday 3 November, at 6.30pm (7.30pm start) has a demonstration by Lucinda Knapman entitled A Sparkling Christmas. Tickets £15 (includes a glass of wine or juice) from Gwen on (01903) 745670. sussexareanafas.org.uk

The Arts Society

Horsham begins its new season of monthly lectures at The Capitol Theatre, Horsham on Wednesday 13

September, at 10.45am - 12pm. The first lecture, by Jo Walton, is entitled Donatello and the Sculpture of the Renaissance. On 11 October, Jennifer Sturdy talks on The Golden Lyre of Ur, before Anne Haworth’s lecture A Homage to the Carrot on 8 November. Refreshments available from 10am and non-members welcome. No booking required. Free to members (£8 for non-members).

theartssociety.org/horsham

The Swan Walk team receiving the award at St Pauls’ Cathedral

BEE INSPIRED

PASSION FOR BEEKEEPING INSPIRES FAMILY BUSINESS

Bee Cosmetics was founded by a Horsham family of beekeepers. Their award-winning range of face, body and spa products utilise beeswax, honey and propolis sourced from local hives to protect and soothe the skin. AAH met founder Elizabeth Ready and her son Joseph, who is helping to boost the family business…

MINIATURE CITIES

It was a chance encounter that first set husband and wife Elizabeth and Derek Ready on their beekeeping adventure. While shopping in the Carfax, the couple stumbled upon a beekeeper removing a swarm from the town centre. Having had a long yet unfulfilled desire to care for his own bees, Derek struck up a conversation which would lead to the kindly beekeeper donating two Langstroth hives. After attending a Wisborough Green Beekeepers Association (WGBA) open day, Derek took on his first colony, triggering a family passion that would eventually evolve into a business.

Elizabeth recalls: ‘It happened very quickly. We managed to find some bee suits and a smoker (used to calm the bees) and looking after the colonies took up most of our free time. Derek would be outside every day and Joseph would rush home from school to help. We were all mesmerised by the hives, as they’re like miniature cities, with thousands of bees going about their business.’

ANCIENT EGYPTIANS

Through his involvement with the WGBA and other associations, Derek would demonstrate beekeeping at rural events, including the South of England Show. As the family’s interest and knowledge grew, so did the

number of hives, providing them with a steady supply of honey. They would produce different varieties over the course of a year, ranging from creamy honeys rich in glucose to runny honey in summer. However, it was a skincare range developed by Elizabeth that led to the creation of Bee Cosmetics

Elizabeth said: ‘I was in a job that I didn’t enjoy, but it at least gave me weekends off. I used the time to make soap from beeswax. From the start, I wanted to make a traditional, hand-made soap that would offer a natural solution for dry skin, using beeswax and honey from hives, as well as essential oils and other oils, all with anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties and free of preservatives and chemicals. It wasn’t a new idea, as the ancient Egyptians used honey as a natural moisturiser and for skin protection.’

‘For a long time, I was only making small batches. Then in 2012, I quit my job and gave myself six months to focus solely on Bee Cosmetics, hoping we could gain a foothold in a competitive market. I gained an advance diploma in natural and organic skincare formulation and have been happy ever since, as I’m doing something I love with the support of my family.’

Elizabeth Ready and son Joseph tend to bees in the garden of their Horsham home (©AAH/Alan Wright)

COMPLICATED FORMULA

The range has expanded, with about 30 products for men and women, including facial creams and serums, moisturisers, face scrubs, beeswax soap, lip balms, hand creams and body butters.

Last year, the business won two ‘Free From’ Skincare Awards. Its Organic Frankincense & Rose Facial Serum received a silver award, while the Foot Reviving Balm won bronze. Elizabeth likes to experiment with oils and scents to create new products, with recent additions including a Rejuvenating Facial

Cream in two essential oil blends. One is Frankincense & Rose (matching the facial serum) and the other Rosehip and Jasmine. Also new is a Macadamia & Pomegranate Hand Cream, with nine active ingredients to hydrate and soothe hands.

Elizabeth said: ‘We’ve had fun developing the products, as they’re more complicated than our previous formulas. I’ve been making moisturisers for years, but they were comparatively simple, combining beeswax and honey with coconut oil, shea butter and coconut oil. What we wanted to do this time with the Rejuvinating Facial Cream was to

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make an anti-aging moisturiser using organic ingredients, to target fine lines while hydrating and rejuvenating the skin. It took about 18 months to perfect.’

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Soap bars made from beeswax (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Bee Cosmetics products (©AAH/Alan Wright)

SOOTHING PROPOLIS

One of the more unusual products in the range is Propolis Ointment. Propolis is collected by bees from buds, saps and plants and performs several functions in a colony. It can act as a form of glue, filling in gaps in the hive, and also helps create a clean bed on which the Queen can lay her eggs. Propolis is also used to ‘mummify’ animals that might sneak into a hive to prevent disease spreading.

Elizabeth said: ‘Most beekeepers scrape propolis away, but it is a highly effective skincare ingredient, with anti-microbial, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Even a small amount can help soothe and protect sensitive skin. We can’t make bold claims as to what it can do, because it hasn’t been medically verified, but people with sensitive skin and conditions like eczema do find it soothes their skin.’

ORGANIC PRODUCE

Joseph works full-time in marketing, but thanks to a four-day week, devotes one day to helping the family business. While his mum possesses the knowledge when it comes to making products, Joseph is making more people aware of the brand’s sustainable ethos. He said: ‘People love that we’re independent and family-run, and regular customers know how much goes into every product. Nothing we make is mass-produced as we control every element, from sourcing the honey, beeswax and propolis, to blending the essential oils and scents, to labelling and packaging every product. The skincare industry is hugely competitive, but people appreciate quality and we do everything the right way.’

‘Sustainability is important, so we use environmentally-friendly packaging wherever possible and organically certified oils throughout the range. Several products are certified 100% organic, including the Organic Jojoba Cleansing Oil. To be labelled an ‘organic’

Elizabeth Ready (©AAH/Alan Wright)

product, it must have at least 95% organic ingredients. We have some products below that, such as the Foot Reviving Balm, which is 82%. However, that’s because our beeswax and honey hasn’t been independently verified organic, as it would be too costly for us to do as a small business at this time. But we know the quality of our ingredients!’

NEW HEIGHTS

The Ready family no longer use their own hives for the beeswax and honey, instead using that produced by beekeeping friends locally, although they still have their own stock of propolis, collected during the past 20 years. A recent rebrand has helped inspire a growth in online sales, with about 80% of orders now coming through the website,

although products are also available at local outlets including New House Farm, Horsham.

On the back of recent awards and other accolades, including several nominations in Natural Health’s Beauty Awards, Elizabeth hopes the business can take another step forward. She said: ‘The rebrand has given us a contemporary look and encouraged us to launch new products. It’s great to have that injection of enthusiasm and now we’re looking to add even more products to the range, including a clay mask and a toner.’

‘Running the business has been a wonderful thing for our family to do, and has brought us closer together. I’m not hugely ambitious,

and want to keep the business at a level where I can maintain a good work/life balance. However, Joseph has finished university and might have different aims! We hope that he will gradually take a lead on the production side too, as he has always had a passion for beekeeping, and perhaps take Bee Cosmetics to new heights.’

Further information:

Email: info@beecosmetics.co.uk

www.beecosmetics.co.uk

Bee Cosmetics beecosmeticsuk

WORDS: BEN MORRIS

PHOTOS: ALAN WRIGHT

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SHOW TIME

VARIED PROGRAMME AT HORSHAM HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

Horsham Horticultural Society (HHS) was founded in 1945 and continues to thrive, hosting two seasonal shows and organising a varied programme of demonstrations and days out. AAH visited the Summer show at North Heath Hall, Horsham, on Saturday 12 August to meet Sue Hammond (show secretary), Lynda Cheeseman (society secretary) and Carolyn Smith (vice chair).

SHOW BUSINESS

Horsham Horticultural Society (HHS) hosts two shows a year, in spring and summer. Members submit entries in a wide range of categories for plants and floral arrangements, with prizes for vegetables, cooking, photography and arts and crafts. At the Summer show, there were more than 60 categories, with 14 trophies available, including the Padwick Cup, awarded to the person with the most points in the horticultural exhibits.

Sue Hammond, show secretary, said: ‘Our members can enter as many categories as they wish. Some specialise in a certain kind of

plant, like roses or dahlias, and may only enter one or two plants of a very high standard. I’m at the opposite end of the scale, as I have entries in 34 categories!’

‘We make changes to the competitions when necessary. We introduced photography to the Spring show a few years ago and that is increasingly popular, and if several years pass without any entries in a particular class, we will replace it with something new. We used to have sweet peas in the Summer show, but they ripen later in the year now, an impact of climate change. So, we welcome chilies and peppers instead, as they grow earlier in the season.’

Dahlias at the summer show (©AAH/AW)

Carolyn Smith, vice chair of Horsham Horticultural Society (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Award-winning courgettes (©AAH/AW) Roses (©AAH/AW)

Lynda Cheeseman

(©AAH/Alan Wright)

MONTY DON EFFECT

Like clothing and hair styles, plants go in and out of fashion, and HHS reflects trends at its shows. An increasing number of gardening enthusiasts are drawn to high pollinating plants, such as lavender and dahlias, recognising the need to attract bees and butterflies to our green spaces. Dahlias have enjoyed a popularity surge in recent years, while chrysanthemums, gladiolus and other classic perennials are attracting younger gardeners seeking vintage themes.

Lynda Cheeseman, secretary, said: ‘Sometimes plants disappear for a while and because there are countless varieties, they are forgotten about. Then someone like Monty Don will declare them back in fashion on Gardeners’

World and everyone rushes out to garden centres to buy them! However, people are generally more adventurous now when it comes to gardening and they take inspiration from places like Sussex Prairie Gardens, which has striking displays of rudbeckias, cosmos and other high pollinators.’

‘Our shows are a good place to pick up ideas from knowledgeable growers too. I’m proud of my miniature dahlias this year, but I’m up against Paul Dalby, a member of the National Dahlia Society. His flowers are perfect and chances are, I’m never going to take first prize, although I’m determined to give him a run for his money!’

BEETROOT BAR

The show attracted 205 entries, exceeding the 137 recorded last year, when variable weather impacted growing conditions. When it comes to selecting the winners, controversy is largely avoided by the deployment of independent judges from other societies. It isn’t always a simple matter of picking the prettiest, biggest or most colourful, as the judges’ handbook contains over 200 pages of information, covering the full remit of categories.

Sue said: ‘We might not always agree with the judges, but their decision is final and they often explain their reasoning. It could be something like a damaged leaf on a plant, as the experts are meticulous! Once, someone entered a beautiful cactus in a foliage

Visitors inspect the entries (©AAH/Alan Wright)

category, but it wasn’t considered as buds were blooming. In some of the floral and vegetable categories, consistency is key, as you need to enter several examples of the same thing. That’s why I had 20 beetroots spread out across my breakfast bar, trying to find a trio that were the same size and colour!’

‘We have occasional special competitions too. At the Spring show, we gave out small bags of coleus seeds and at the Summer show, there was a prize for the best plant grown from them. It adds a bit of fun, and members are interested to see how much variation can come from the seeds.’

VISITING SPEAKERS

The society currently has about 60 members, although not all attend meetings, as some are life or honorary members. HHS is currently lacking a chairman, although is doing fine without one, with the committee dividing responsibilities between them. This includes a programme of fortnightly talks and demonstrations during autumn and winter, with experts speaking on a wide range of subjects.

Carolyn Smith, vice chair, said: ‘We do our best to offer something for all members. We have demonstrations focusing on growing or propagating a certain type of plant, tips on how to exhibit at floral shows, and talks from professional growers and allotment holders.’

‘We also welcome speakers from organisations like Sussex Wildlife Trust, highlighting how gardens can attract animals, and we’ve even had an owl expert, who brought along several native species. During spring and summer, we visit attractions such as Wisley or Kew Gardens, as well as nurseries and private gardens opening for the National Garden Scheme (NGS). Recently, we visited the local recycling centre, so we are not hearing about the same thing all the time. There is plenty of variation, which keeps everyone interested.’

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Gill Mansell’s prize-winning coleus (©AAH/Alan Wright)

‘It’s nice to chat to like-minded people over a cup of tea and cake!’

PIECE OF CAKE

This social aspect adds another element to the society. However, despite a varied programme of talks, trips and shows, HHS can struggle to attract members. Meetings typically attract 30 – 40 people, but Lynda feels many others could benefit from joining a horticultural group, either in Horsham or one of the rural societies in villages including Southwater and Mannings Heath.

She said: ‘We receive a lot of emails and messages from people asking us questions. When we respond, we suggest that they come along to one of our meetings, but they’re normally reluctant, despite their interest in gardening. I suspect there are people who are out of the habit of socialising after Covid, while others may think HHS is full of retired people, which is a common misconception about any society.’

‘Perhaps some believe you have to be a gardening expert, which absolutely isn’t the case. We are all amateurs with a shared passion. One of the things I love most about HHS is that it’s a great place to learn from others. The social side is great too, as it’s nice to chat to like-minded people over a cup of tea and a piece of cake.’

WORDS: BEN MORRIS

PHOTOS: ALAN WRIGHT

Further Information:

For membership details, call Carolyn on (01403) 255253 or email: flowers@horshamhorticulturalsociety.co.uk www.horshamhorticulturalsociety.co.uk

Visit the Facebook page at: Horsham Horticultural Society. Grow With Us.

Show secretary Sue Hammond (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Dahlia (©AAH/Alan Wright)

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WORK SOCIAL

COWORKING SCHEME OFFERS ALTERNATIVE TO HOME WORKING

Horsham Coworking was launched in 2016, providing an alternative to the isolation of working from home. Having survived the pandemic, the scheme is once again attracting a range of people seeking the social interactions of an office environment. AAH met the founders Roger Johnson, Matt Ide and Clive Walker (as they are ordered below) to find out more…

Matt: The best coworking schemes not only provide a place for people to work efficiently, but also offer a communal space where people can support each other and even share ideas. Some coworking spaces can feel cold and clinical, with little interaction. We wanted to create somewhere that was more like an office environment, with characters you’d typically find in the workplace.

Matt: I used to help run a coworking space in Manchester. When I moved to Horsham to be close to family, I searched for a similar scheme, but nothing was available. However, there was a coworking and coffee meeting held once a month, which was run by Clive.

Clive: The coworking and coffee group met once a month at Starbucks, then in West Street, before moving to the old Carmela restaurant in Denne Road. People would turn up with their laptops to work and network over a coffee. Roger was among those attending and when Matt came along, we discussed the idea of establishing a permanent coworking space. In 2016, coworking was a relatively new concept. It was popular in cities, but we didn’t know if it would work in Horsham.

Clive: We didn’t have wealthy investors behind us and from the outset, never aimed or expected to make much money from the scheme. So, we needed a sympathetic landlord, as rents in the town centre are not cheap. Dan Purchase, owner of BritWeb, was very supportive and provided us with office space at a rate we could afford. We had some additional support from Horsham District Council and a local organisation called Hack Horsham, launching Horsham Coworking (HoCo) in October 2016.

Roger: The term ‘hybrid work’ has become common in recent years, as working habits

have evolved, especially since Covid. For those who don’t want to commute to the office every day, working from home can be a nice change. However, people often find they’re not as productive, as there are too many distractions. We provide an alternative. Some of the people who come here run independent businesses, organisations or charities, but they want the social interactions that a bustling workplace provides. If you want to chat, you can, but equally, when you need to, you can put your

Cassandra Renaut, founder of Insight Ed (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Roger: Although it is an office environment, there’s a different dynamic, as you’re not competing with anyone. You don’t have tensions or office politics. Instead, you get an interesting range of entrepreneurs, freelancers and homeworkers doing their jobs and sometimes bouncing ideas around. I run a house cleaning franchise, while Clive is a web developer and Matt is a fundraising consultant, so we’re in very different trades. Other regulars include Cassandra, who teaches young people business skills with her start-up, Insight Ed. Rob is an independent games developer, while we also have a naval architect and a construction software developer, so there are many skilled people using HoCo.

Matt: There is an interesting psychology to coworking spaces. Even though I had long grown tired of working from home, it took me six months to pluck up the courage to join a coworking scheme. It isn’t easy, as it’s a bit like going back to school. You walk into a classroom for the first time and you’re the one that stands out! So, we can understand people’s reluctance to

try it. Some are confident from the outset, while others keep themselves to themselves for a few weeks and slowly get to know people. It isn’t for everybody, but many people don’t enjoy working from home for a host of reasons and this provides a sociable alternative.

Roger: As we’re based in the town centre, it’s easy to pop out for lunch or do some shopping. There are downsides, such as parking for those not living within walking distance, but it’s the best place for a coworking office and contributes to a vibrant atmosphere, especially on market days. Coming here is far better than sitting in a café by yourself, as some choose to. In a café, you might end up spending more on coffee than you’d pay to be here all day! We also find friendships form here. Sometimes, we go to the pub after work, as you would with colleagues in any working environment.

Matt: We’ve had ups and downs since 2016, and the membership changes constantly. We lost a few regulars during Covid and had to rebuild almost from scratch. We were lucky to survive the

‘It took me six months to pluck up the courage to join a coworking scheme.’

Horsham Coworking overlooks the Carfax (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Roger Johnson owns a house cleaning franchise (©AAH/Alan Wright)

pandemic, as we closed for a year. Since then, we have seen an increase in ‘hot desking’, as the novelty of working from home is starting to wear off for many. It is fine for a few months, but it’s important to separate work and life and working from home full time creates pressure in other aspects of life. Also, rising household bills for gas and electricity means it’s not as cheap as it used to be!

Clive: We have a range of membership options, from 4 days a month to full time, which comes with its own desk. Those ‘hot desking’, where they plug in the laptop at an available desk and work, can book in for £20 a day. We have new curved monitors too, available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and we’re hoping to introduce more soon. It

means more of us can plug in a laptop and work on a bigger screen, as using a laptop alone isn’t ideal. We have a very good Wi-Fi connection, as well as meeting rooms that offer more privacy. One restriction is that we stick to office hours of 9am – 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. We talked about changing our hours and introducing Saturday morning sessions, but decided that it shouldn’t all be about work. Sometimes, people are engrossed in their computer screens and having to stop at a set time and go home is a good thing. After all, the ethos of coworking is to maintain a healthy life/work balance.

WORDS: BEN MORRIS

PHOTOS: ALAN WRIGHT

Further information: HoCo is located at 7 - 8 Sterling Buildings (above Cook) in the Carfax. (01403) 750676 hello@horshamcoworking.co.uk horshamcoworking.co.uk Horsham Coworking

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Fundraising consultant Matt Ides (©AAH/Alan Wright)

‘The novelty of working from home is starting to wear off for many.’

GRASS ROUTES

GRASS ROUTES

THE FORUM CONNECTING AND PROTECTING OUR GREEN SPACES

Horsham Green Spaces is a forum for those wanting to enhance the town’s biodiversity and protect important spaces from the threat of development. The group includes representatives of the Friends of Horsham Park, Chesworth Farm and Warnham Nature Reserve, as well as people who care for smaller green spaces such as allotments, cemeteries and recreation grounds. Its aim is to enhance, connect and protect the green spaces around the town for the benefit of residents, visitors and wildlife.

Sally Sanderson, Chair of the Friends of Horsham Park, said: ‘When Horsham District Council (HDC) planned to develop land around Rookwood, close to Warnham Local Nature Reserve (WLNR), there was strong opposition from the public. For those of us involved in fighting the plan, it felt like there was an

element of ‘divide and conquer’, in that we were told that if we didn’t develop at Rookwood, then they’d have to build somewhere like Chesworth Farm instead, to meet housing demands.’

‘Rather than being in competition with people protecting other green spaces in town, we decided to come together. That way, we could pool resources and work more strategically with the local authorities, rather than opposing schemes as individual groups. We started meeting quarterly and established aims to enhance the natural beauty of our green spaces for those who enjoy them, connect them for the benefit of wildlife, and protect them from development threats.’

MAPPING FLYWAYS

Since HGS was founded three years ago, it has carried out several significant projects. The first was to record ‘notable, veteran and ancient’ trees in the town. A list that once comprised only a handful of trees now has hundreds, potentially helping to preserve them from felling in future. The next project was a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis of green spaces, to understand how they are used and the wildlife each one attracts. This information can then be fed into future planning for each green space.

We are trying to develop a unique urban nature recovery scheme.

Peter Simpson, Trudie Mitchell, Tim Thomas, Nigel Langridge, Sally Sanderson, Rob Robertson and Morag Warrack (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Now, the volunteers at HGS are embarking on their most ambitious project yet. Called ‘Get Horsham Buzzing’, they are mapping out ‘flyway’ corridors to connect green spaces across town. They are working in partnership with HDC and the Sussex Wildlife Trust (SWT) on the project, as part of the Wilder Horsham District initiative.

Nigel Langridge, who is leading the mapping project, said: ‘Wilder Horsham is a wonderful initiative as the Council is actively engaging with SWT. However, its focus to date has largely been on rural areas and hasn’t engaged with residents in the town. So, what we’re trying to do is develop a unique urban nature recovery scheme, mapping out natural routes or ‘flyways’ that go through Horsham. SWT are also rolling out the ambitious Weald to Waves project, with the core corridor passing close to Horsham. The flyways have been designed to try and reach out and connect the town with the Weald to Waves corridor.’

‘We began by using Google Maps to connect small patches of green spaces with larger spaces such as Horsham Park, Bolding’s Brook and Chesworth Farm. We identified about 120 small green spaces and used tree lines, hedges, rivers, streams and other natural features to mark out ‘green corridors’ or ‘flyways’. What this has revealed is just how important a grass verge by the roadside or a wooded copse by a school field can be to the eco system, as they help connect larger green spaces.’

‘We have mapped out seven flyways in all directions across town, but they are not all complete. There are gaps that require action. However, by working with local authorities on grass cutting schedules and encouraging churches, schools and others across the community to engage with the project, we can create complete flyways that support a wide range of wildlife.’

ROUTES

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 war mth and crackle of log-bur ning stoves

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Tel: 01403 732539

Web: sumnersponds.co.uk

Instagram: @sumnersponds

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Bees in Horsham Park (©AAH/Alan Wright)

WILD DENNE

To complete these natural corridors, residents need to get involved, as gardens help wildlife to navigate between green spaces. Residents in Horsham’s three Neighbourhood Councils (Denne, Forest and Trafalgar) and in North Horsham Parish can all make a difference. Denne includes parts of the Riverside Walk, but also the town centre, where action is required.

Trudie Mitchell, Chair of Denne Neighbourhood Council, said: ‘We have established a scheme called Wild Denne with the aim of promoting wildflower meadows and restoring habitat for butterflies, bees and other pollinators. We already have a small area devoted to rewilding, thanks to the great work of Cllr Paul Sharman, and will be looking at other areas including the Needles recreation ground in future. However, we need to

consider everyone, as some of these spaces are in densely populated urban areas and used for sport and recreation.’

SOWING SEEDS

In Trafalgar, the Neighbourhood Council has distributed free packets of wildflower seeds to residents, many of whom live in Victorian terraced houses. Morag Warrack, Chair of HTNC, said: ‘It is

understandable that many front gardens have been concreted over due to the lack of street parking, while more back gardens have cabins serving as a work-fromhome office. With less grass and fewer plants, those natural corridors for bees and butterflies become much harder to navigate.’

‘So, we encourage residents to do what they can to help. That could be putting up hanging baskets,

Nigel Langridge is helping to map the flyways (©AAH/Alan Wright)

HGS is mapping out ‘flyway corridors’ (Image courtesy of HGS) growing vines around a cabin, or for those living in flats, putting plants out on balconies. Pollinators enable plants to produce seeds and fruits. Ultimately, without pollinators our food security is at risk, so we need to help them in any small way we can.’

HELPING MAMMALS

Wildlife enthusiasts are involved in HGS too, offering advice and guidance on the grasses and plants found in various green spaces. This can help inform how local authorities approach grass cutting, as wild flowers like hawkbits, yarrows and buttercups can all be vital to the local eco-system. Naturalist Tim Thomas said: ‘All plants increase the diversity of our flora and fauna and contribute to

our pollinator flyways. Creating and maintaining wildflowers in open areas such as roadside verges, parks and gardens is key to providing attractive corridors for our key pollinators. As well as capturing more carbon than mown grass, our wild meadows are vital for small mammals, such as mice and voles.’

‘Mapping out the flyway corridors is important too, as they show what we need to do to connect green spaces. For a bird or a maybug, flying 200 metres across heavily mown turf doesn’t matter much. But for bees, butterflies, hoverflies, beetles and other small insects, that can be a significant distance to navigate. So, if we can create natural verges or provide plants that allow them to move from one garden to another, it’ll contribute to more diversity.’

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Trudie Mitchell and Morag Warrack (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Wild meadows are vital for small mammals such as mice and voles.

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SMASHING PUMPKIN

The group aims to engage with schools, care homes and businesses, offering information on what they can do to create wildlife-friendly opportunities. Allotments also attract wildlife (not always welcome!) and some holders are helping out by growing not only vegetables, but wild flowers for pollination.

Rob Robertson, estate manager at Chesworth allotments, said: ‘We have surveyed the trees on the allotments and keep a record of wildlife sightings, with everything from grass snakes and slow worms to bats and owls. Some plots are not ideal for vegetables, perhaps because of shading, so in these cases, we’re looking to grow wildlife friendly plants. We also encourage plot holders to embrace wildlife and not be upset if a small percentage of produce is eaten by slugs, snails or other locals. I’ve seen a fieldmouse gnawing away at one of my pumpkins and it made me happy. I had three, he had one, and I was fine with that!’

These small changes combined can make a big difference in years to come, says Peter Simpson (Friends of WLNR). He said: ‘Life is adaptable, and the more opportunities we create, the more life will take advantage. Improving our environment is a long-term project and we won’t see the results immediately. But if we continue to make positive changes, year on year, the biodiversity of Horsham will surely grow.’

WORDS: BEN MORRIS

PHOTOS: ALAN WRIGHT

Further information:

For more details, email co-ordinator Hils, Volunteer Co-ordinator, at horshamgreenspaces@gmail.com HorshamGreenSpaces

The more opportunities we create, the more life will take advantage.

Ecologist Tim Thomas in Horsham Park (©AAH/Alan Wright) Sally Sanderson, Chair of the Friends of Horsham Park (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Members of the Phoenix Stoke Club, based in Horsham, are enjoying social interactions with students at Forest School. AAH attended a group meeting and spoke to Renata Bielinska (Phoenix Stroke Club supervisor), Sarah Boult (trustee and volunteer at Phoenix), Mairi Sleight (transition co-ordinator at Forest School), stroke survivors Daryl Gayler and Ann Harris, as well as Year 8 students Jack and Livvy to find out more.

Sarah: The Phoenix Stroke Club has provided an invaluable service for more than 40 years. It supports stroke survivors by providing a wide range of activities that help restore confidence and improve communication and mobility. We meet four times a week in our recently extended clubhouse within the grounds of Forest School, with our members coming from across the Horsham District as well as further afield.

Renata: On Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, we host activities that could include physical exercises, games, baking, arts and crafts, and group discussions. Members are provided with a freshly cooked two-course lunch and refreshments, served by our team of volunteers. On Thursday mornings, we host a Communication Support Group, focusing on language and communication skills. We also have a Thursday lunchtime group called Onwards and Upwards, which is a place for younger stroke survivors and those members who would like to stay active. Members meet and share experiences in a more informal setting, organise fundraisers, and are happy to challenge themselves and learn new skills.

Daryl: I was fit and healthy, working as a regional director for NatWest and regularly attended a gym. I didn’t drink or smoke, yet at the age of 53, I suffered a stroke at work. I was taken to East Surrey Hospital, then transferred to St George’s Hospital, where a large part of my skull was removed as I underwent major

TOGETHER

FOREST STUDENTS

brain surgery. I was on life support for several weeks and left without the use of my left arm. It was a difficult time, as I embarked on a year of rehabilitation, with cognitive therapy, speech therapy and physiotherapy. My sister is my primary carer and I have support from my family, but attending the Phoenix Club twice a week is important to me. It gives my sister some respite and it’s also good to talk to people who understand what you’ve been through.

Ann (pictured): My stroke changed my life overnight. I woke up alone and didn’t know where I was. I tried standing up to reach the telephone, but fell down immediately and found myself laying on the floor for many hours, confused and frightened. Fortunately, my workplace called my daughter when I didn’t show up for a shift, and she called the police. Seven hours after my stroke, they smashed down my front door and found me. Ever

since then, I’ve been fighting. Firstly, it was a fight to survive. Then, it was a fight to walk again, which I can now do. Now, I come to Phoenix twice a week and find it benefits me, both socially and in continuing my recovery. Everyone at the club are just amazing.

Sarah: The charity is unique in many ways. Renata is the only paid member of staff, but there are 30 volunteers who help provide the service to over 50 stroke members. The team includes an occupational therapist, a physiotherapist and a speech and language therapist. They provide invaluable and constructive help and support to enable members to enjoy as full a life as possible. With the extension, we now have a dedicated therapy room, giving members muchneeded privacy. We also have carers who provide members with personal care.

Daryl Gayler (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Renata: The building and refurbishment work took many months to complete, although one positive impact of Covid was that we could carry out work while Forest School was closed, reopening again in May 2021.

Sarah: The extension cost over £325,000 and has enabled us to provide more places, particularly to members in wheelchairs. As well as a therapy room, we have a kitchen, separate coffee and tea making area, and a newly-landscaped garden. To fund the project, we held many fundraising events, secured money from grant applications and received generous donations from numerous individuals and bodies including The Wolfson Foundation, The Hope Keith Villagers Trust, The Three Oaks Trust and The League of Friends of Horsham Hospital.

Renata: We have always provided members with a busy programme of activities. We have arranged for musicians and ensembles to sing and perform, as members find music very therapeutic. We have regular quizzes, games and many fun activities, and often welcome speakers and visitors. We have restarted outings,a recent one being to Old Barn Nurseries, which everyone enjoyed. Having Forest School students coming on a regular basis is a lovely addition to everything we do for the members, and we will continue planning new activities that both members and students will enjoy and benefit from. We are grateful that Forest School Head Teacher, Mr Straw, has been so supportive.

Award winning care homes

Mairi: Renata contacted Mr Straw, and he asked me if I could take a small group of Year 7 students along to the Club. The idea has blossomed into a wonderful relationship between the school and the members, volunteers and staff at the Phoenix Stroke Club. We take students from across the year groups, and they join Club members and participate in activities and crafts. We always receive a warm welcome and I find that once our young people have had a biscuit, they really enjoy it. I always have requests from students to return!

We’re proud to be recognised for our excellence in care. From winning Best Larger Care Home Provider to Catering Team of the Year, we have won more awards than any other provider in the last three years.

Students chat to Phoenix staff and members (©AAH/Alan Wright) Creating a Phoenix during arts and crafts (©AAH/Alan Wright)

‘It can help students’ confidence and improve their mental health.’

Sarah: Everyone benefits from the relationship. Our members enjoy spending time with the young people and it gives the students an understanding of what it’s like to live with a disability. Some of our members are quite isolated, due to family circumstances or their own disabilities, so don’t have opportunities to engage with younger generations.

Mairi: We tend to bring Year 7s, as well as student mentors from Year 8. For some of them, these visits are an important part of their transition to secondary school. Some find they actually thrive in this kind of environment and that can be a surprise to themselves and the staff. It’s wonderful to see multi-generational conversations around the tables, with people young and old laughing together. For students, it can help with their confidence and improve their self-esteem and mental health. They have a good time, and not just because they’re missing lessons!

Jack: This is the second time I’ve come to the Phoenix Club. Last time, we were decorating cookies for Christmas and today we’ve played games and quizzes, and done arts and crafts, even making our pwn Phoenix. I like chatting to people here. They talk about their lives and families and some of the guys ask me about rugby, as I play for Crawley RFC.

Livvy: When I was in Year 7, I mentored Lottie, who was just joining Forest. We became good friends, as even though we’re in different years, our birthdays are only two months apart. We both like coming to the Phoenix Club, as we can hang out, eat biscuits and play games. Last

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Forest School pupils with members of Phoenix Stroke Club (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Sharing stories (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Chatting over watermelon (©AAH/Alan Wright)

time, we baked Irish themed treats for St Patrick’s Day, and today we designed a Phoenix using bits from the craft box, which was really good fun. The stroke survivors like talking to us too. They ask about school, what we like to do, and even what lessons we’re missing!

Daryl: It’s nice to see the children and hear them laughing. These sessions are much louder than our normal meetings, but it’s different! We get something out of them and I hope they get something out of us too.

Renata: The students always seem very comfortable spending time with our members, and that confidence and honesty creates an interesting dynamic. What is nice is that many students have even expressed an interest in coming back to do work experience with us. It has led to other opportunities too, including a visit to Forest School to watch a production of Billy Elliott. I hope the children benefit too and that they leave these sessions with more confidence.

WORDS: BEN MORRIS

PHOTOS: ALAN WRIGHT

Further information:

Call The Phoenix Stroke Club on (01403) 268130

Email: manager@phoenixstrokeclub.org.uk

www.phoenixstrokeclub.org.uk

Renata (right, standing) with some of the volunteers (©AAH/Alan Wright)

‘Students have asked about coming back to do work

with us.’

Entertaining games (©AAH/Alan Wright)

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RACE TRIM

FLAGSHIP LAWNMOWER RACE CELEBRATES 50TH YEAR IN STYLE

To celebrate its 50th anniversary, the British Lawn Mower Racing Association (BLMRA) staged a special endurance race on 12 - 13 August, with 51 mowers competing at high speeds in a field in Five Oaks.

Traditionally held annually, this was the first time the event has been held since 2019. As well as the disruption of Covid, the organisers had to find a location to host what is known as the jewel in the crown of British lawn mower racing.

Finding somewhere local was vital, as the BLMRA was founded when the late Jim Gavin, a motorsport enthusiast and amateur racing driver, organised the first race in Wisborough Green in 1973. After chatting to friends in The Cricketers Arms, they staged the event on the village green. Since then, famous names including Sir Stirling Moss, Derek Bell, Guy Martin and Oliver Reed have taken part.

TOURIST TROPHY

Normally held over 12-hours, this year’s race was extended to include 500 laps, which took the winning mower a shade over 14 hours to complete. Prior to Covid, the number of entries had dipped below 40, some way short of the race’s heyday. After a four-year break, some wondered if the BLMRA’s flagship event would ever be held again. However, the 50th anniversary had a galvanizing effect, with 51 mowers lining up for a Le Mans-style start at 7pm on Saturday 12 August.

Several teams had travelled from overseas, and one of these, Gash It and Bash It (No. 82) claimed pole position. The team were regular front-runners at the 12-hr race prior to Covid, but are yet to step on to the top step of the podium. Peter Reddell, who shared driving duties with Peter Merrien and Kevin Bradford, said: ‘We’ve travelled from Guernsey, as this is the biggest and best lawnmower race in the

country. Because we’re based outside of the British Isles, we’re classed as Tourists. There are also Americans, French, Belgium and German drivers, and although there are variations in terms of mower designs, we all compete fairly for honours.’

Mower racing veteran Leon Clark in full attack mode (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Gash It and Bash It (©AAH/Alan Wright)

This year, Gash It and Bash It’s challenge for victory faded, as they were one of many to suffer from reliability problems. The first hour of the race saw a fascinating tussle for the lead between Northerners Kick Grass, who have won on multiple occasions, and Bullseye Racing, a team who had made the short trip from Burgess Hill. Eventually, it was the Bullseye team of Alfie Smith, son Jack and brother Kenny Goodesmith who took the chequered flag just after 9am on Sunday morning.

Speaking early in the race, Alfie told AAH: ‘We took part for the first time in 2019 and this is the first 12-hour race that they’ve held since then. However, we’ve competed in BLMRA sprint races for the past four years and I’m current British champion, while Kenny is world champion. So, although we only finished 12th in 2019, we’re hoping to do much better this year!’

CLASS HONOURS

While they did precisely that to claim overall victory, there are other honours up for grabs. There are four different groups in the race (Group 2, Group 3, Group 4 and Tourist) and although they start at the same time, they do not have equal machinery, so group honours are highlyprized.

The leading teams mostly use Group 4 machines, which are wheel-driven mowers with bonnets. Group 3 mowers are more compact and don’t have bonnets, while Tourists are overseas competitors. These mowers may not necessarily comply with all BLMRA regulations, as they often race in other championships, yet they compete fairly, with engines limited to 13hp so no unfair advantage is gained.

The fastest mowers along the straights are the Group 4 machines, reaching speeds of up to 50mph. However, the runner-up spot went to SDS Racing on a Group 3 mower. With an experienced line-up of Dean Fuller, Stuart Johnson and Sean Tanswell, their nimble Westwood Lawnbug was always a danger, while the team adopted a clever strategy to earn a place on the podium.

A smart strategy helped SDS Racing finish 2nd on a Group 3 mower (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Northerners Kick Grass led early on (©AAH/Alan Wright)

‘Group B is a category that heralds back

of mower racing.’

Dean, who has competed in the 12-hour race for about 20 years, said: ‘Ours isn’t the fastest mower, but the key is to stay in touching distance and do longer stints behind the wheel. Most teams need to come in every 45 minutes to refuel, but our mower can run for an hour, barring reliability issues. Also, it takes about a minute to refuel a Group 4 mower, as they have to lift the bonnet, but we can replace an entire fuel tank in ten seconds. Over the course of a race distance, those saved seconds add up!’

PHYSICAL TEST

Group 2 is for roller-driven machines, where competitors find themselves sat extremely close to the floor. They are slower, but driving them requires strength and stamina, as you feel every bump around the course. Group B victors were The Knight Riders, a Billingshurst-based team comprising father and son Mike and Jenson Cresswell, and experienced racer Paul Johnson.

Mike said: ‘The Group B mowers were popular in the 1960s and 70s, when they were used to mow golf courses or the lawns of country estates, before the advent of sit-on tractors. They used to go along at 4mph, but we modify them for racing and have recorded one at 43mph! Group B is definitely the hardest, as it’s so physically demanding. The sit-on mowers are like driving a car by comparison! Group B is a category I’ve always been drawn to, as it heralds back to the dawn of lawn mower racing.’

Bullesye Racing claimed overall victory (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Keeping tabs on the timesheets (©AAH/AW)

The Knight Riders (©AAH/Alan Wright)

‘We love the 12-hour race, but we go to all the BLMRA events, which comprises about 20 meetings a season. There is a British championship with races held all year, with points awarded based on position, much like F1. There are not as many mowers in our class as there are in others, but Group B still attracts half a dozen entries and is fiercely contested. I’ve won the championship many times and now my son has a passion for it too. He first came to the 12-hour race when he was three weeks old, and now he’s out there racing!’

NO SLACKING

There were many other notable drives up and down the pitlane. Local racer Leon Clark, who watched the very first race in Wisborough Green, entered as a one-man team, although fortune was not on his side. Team Phoenix included mother and daughter Helen and Katie Sorrell, who at 18 was the youngest female in the race.

Another local team taking part was Sussex Slackers, finishing a respectable 15th. Mark Thurston came out of retirement to race and

The Knight Riders, winners of Group B (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Pugs Reeves, driving for Sussex Slackers(©AAH/Alan Wright)

shared driving duties with son Charlie and friend ‘Pugs’ Reeves. While Mark and Pugs are mower racing veterans, it was the first time Charlie has competed in the 12-hour, having grown up watching his dad from the pitlane. A stuttering start saw the Slackers (No.50) go a lap down almost immediately, but the team are experienced enough to know that it’s a long race…

An hour into the race, Pugs told AAH: ‘The key to success is reliability. If you can get through the whole night without hitting serious trouble, you have a chance of posting a good result. Our start wasn’t ideal, but we’re not overly fussed, as it’s a long race. The most important thing is to keep the old girl going. Our mower has an Ariens engine, which is one of the smallest and oldest out there, but we hope it’ll give us reliability. It also pops and bangs more than modern engines, so we’re a favourite with the fans! This is the creme de la creme when it comes to mower racing, and it’s the one you want to do well in. But in all honesty, we’re not here to win. We come as we love building mowers and racing. It’s a wonderful, family-orientated sport and afterwards, everyone comes together for a barbecue and a beer. That’s the best thing about it for us.’

‘Mower racing is a wonderful sport that brings people together.’

Team Phoenix, with Katie Sorrell at the wheel (©AAH/Alan Wright)

GRASS ROOTS

To keep racing competitive, there is a comprehensive set of rules, and the scrutineering team make sure they are obeyed. That means the size of your wallet has less bearing on where you’ll finish, and many seasoned racers hope it stays that way.

Dean Fuller of SDS Racing said: ‘We need to make sure it remains the cheapest form of motorsport in the world. The costs involved in karting and some club racing is out of control now, and as a result, people are turning to mower racing. That has both positives and negatives, as

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although it’s great to see interest from younger drivers, there are some teams bringing new tyres to every race, while most up and down the pitlane use one or two sets for an entire season. So, it’s important we restrict the number of engines and new parts that teams can use, just so it remains affordable. What we don’t want is for mower racing to become another form of chequebook racing.’

WORDS: BEN MORRIS

PHOTOS: ALAN WRIGHT

Further information

www.blmra.co.uk

BLMRA

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The sun sets over the race (©AAH/Alan Wright)

SHEAR COURAGE

FLISS LEWIS OVERCAME CANCER TO LAUNCH WOOL SHRED

Fliss Lewis first became interesting in keeping sheep after attending a course in Devon. Her passion has since inspired a business, Wool Shred, which offers a range of products aimed at keen gardeners. Here, Horsham-based entrepreneur Fliss describes her journey so far…

LAMBING CARE

While on holiday in Devon, my husband and I signed up for a lambing and sheep care weekend, run by Lesley Perrett on her beautiful farm. Lesley had a flock of Devon and Cornwall Longwools and had great success showing them at countryside shows. I’ve always loved animals, having previously kept chickens and also been part of a co-operative that

looked after pigs. So, although I didn’t have much knowledge and experience besides what I learned in Devon, I wanted my own small flock of sheep.

I’ve remained close friends with Lesley and she is always available for help and advice. Lesley feels strongly that local breeds should be used where possible when setting up a flock. Traditionally, Sussex and Hampshire are home to Southdown sheep, which graze on the chalky slopes of the Downs. So, I purchased six pedigree Southdown ewes from a retiring shepherd who wanted them to go to a good home. They

now graze on farmland north of Horsham with beautiful views across town and south to the Downs.

Initially, it was a hobby, although an expensive one! I was in the police for 30 years, based in Sussex, and would get up early each morning to tend to my flock, before showering and going to work. Looking back, I honestly don’t know how I managed to fit it all in!

I installed a camera during the lambing season and linked it to my phone, so I could keep an eye on the sheep and watch the lambs grow. Gradually, I learned more

about lambing and maintaining a flock through the seasons and now I have 35 sheep, which is a manageable number.

I hate to waste wool, especially a lamb’s first fleece, which is the most valuable. While attending an event hosted by the National Sheep Association (NSA), I came across Southdown Duvets, which makes products from 100% Southdown wool. I met the owner and came to an arrangement. I would provide them with wool for their duvets, and they would provide us with a ram for breeding. This worked well for us, until the owner of Southdown Duvets relocated to the west country and the distance proved too great.

‘I was diagnosed with breast cancer, just before lambing in 2019.’

COURAGE

GARDENING PLAN

I retired from the police in October 2018 with a plan to focus on lambing. However, I was unsure what to do with the wool. The fleece price is very low, which is why you hear stories of farmers burning or burying fleeces, as the costs involved in bringing them to market are so high. Burning them isn’t something I would ever do. Then, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, just before the lambing season in 2019. Fortunately, I had a successful operation and the recovery period gave me time to research the market and come up with a plan. It was then that Wool Shred was born.

Wool is commonly used for clothing and other fabrics or textiles, such as rugs and carpets. But it’s an expensive process. Once a sheep has been

Options for Building Your Dream Property

There is a lot of building work going on locally. In the main, it is by large property developers, but we are receiving enquiries for those privately looking to build their own dream home or renovate and extend their existing properties. This includes knocking down a house to build a new one in the same location. These are normally called Self Build Mortgages or Development Projects.

If you are considering these, talk to a local architect first to see if your plans are realistic. They will have a good idea as to what the Council’s Planning Officers will accept and of course, what they will reject! Lenders then may look to lend funds on a stage payment basis. Stage one might be the foundations, stage two might be ground level and so on. Each stage requires a sign off by the buildings inspector, and often the lender’s own valuer, then funds would be released. The lender may not lend the full build amount, so be prepared to put in a reasonable deposit, especially at outset to demonstrate your own commitment.

For extensions and renovations, it may depend on the size of the work and what funds are required. If you are altering the property substantially, rebuilding etc, you will tend to find that only specialist lenders will take these on and in some instances, these may be on a short-term basis.

sheared, wool must be cleaned and scoured before it is combed and spun into yarn. Only then can it be knitted or weaved. These are skills I don’t have, so for it to be financially viable, I would need a much bigger flock to mass produce fleeces. Even then, I would have to promote and sell my products. Instead, I had the idea of selling wool to gardeners and allotment owners, as it’s brilliant for lining hanging baskets. It can also be added to compost, as it has excellent water retention. It’s also a sustainable product, slowly releasing nitrogen as it biodegrades.

I gave some wool to gardening friends to test and the feedback was excellent. The wool really helped with water retention in pots and containers, and proved to be a natural slug and snail repellent too. But there was a

Development Finance and Bridging Finance (also known as short term lending) is money used to facilitate a financial transaction which has an urgent or short lifespan and which is geared to a property transaction. The most regular type of transactions include: a property being purchased at auction; the purchase of a new property whilst the current one is still being sold; acquisition of a property which needs substantial renovation before it is suitable for a traditional mortgage; payment of an unexpected expense whilst more regular finance is being arranged, and so on.

Beware, as these lenders will need certainty on the exit route (how will they get their money back?) and with this type of lending and associated fees in the current climate, it can be more expensive than a normal mortgage. Therefore, do your homework, speak to a professional and ensure you’ve exhausted all other channels first!

Fliss Lewis treats the flock to biscuits (©AAH/Alan Wright)

problem. The white wool from my Southdown sheep was very bright and stood out in the plant pots. While it was effective, it would get dirty and looked untidy amongst plants and flowers. One of the gardeners asked if I had black wool, as that would be perfect.

HEBRIDEAN WOOL

By now, I was invested in Wool Shred, so I contacted British Wool to investigate alternatives. Hebridean sheep are a mountain breed and their wool is coarse and hardy, because of the climate in which they live. The wool is used more in industrial products such as carpets, compared to the fine, soft Southdown wool. After lockdown, I bought a tonne of Hebridean wool and shred it by hand, packaging it into 350g bags (enough to line two hanging baskets or mulch about 10 pots) and 1kg bags, for those with bigger gardens or allotments.

Two years ago, I started selling at markets. As well as Horsham, I occasionally have a stall at Henfield and Billingshurst markets, and also supply wholesale to Village Nurseries in West Chiltington, Garden Sage in Henfield, Camelia Botnar in Littleworth, Parham House and Gardens, and other venues in Sussex and Surrey. In April, there was a feature on BBC Countryfile, where a Welsh farmer raved about sheep’s wool, which was being used successfully on a vineyard. The programme boosted my sales overnight! There were many gardening enthusiasts who watched it and wanted to try wool in their own garden!

I like to collaborate with other independent businesses and am always open to ideas. Last Christmas, I worked with Margo Lemon’s Garden, who often takes her florist’s van to the Carfax market, providing wool for her festive wreaths. I’ve also teamed up with a Billingshurst business, Yarn Flora, to make bird nesting feeders, and with Janorah, who make our draught excluders and garden kneelers. I also sell a small selection of products by other businesses on my market

Hebridean wool is ideal for hanging baskets (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Southdown wool for knitting and crafting (©AAH/Alan Wright)

stall, including soaps and balms by Bee Cosmetics (see feature on p19) and pottery by Seabreeze Ceramics

Business is tough, as people are being careful with money. However, Wool Shred has been aided by support from Horsham District Council’s LEAP funding scheme. It has helped me to improve my website, which generates a significant percentage of sales. After selling out the first batch of Hebridean wool, I have now bought a further 1.6 tonnes, sourced from

about 80 farms across the UK. The funding is also giving me the opportunity to rebrand and improve the packaging of my products. I have also recently won an award at the South England Prestige Awards 2023/24 as ‘Eco Friendly Business of the Year’.

Sales of Hebridean wool have allowed me to process my own Southdown sheep fleece at a mill in Dorset. This wool is available as wild bird nesting wool in 125g and 250g bags, ideal for crafting. I’m very happy with my flock

and proud to have claimed a 1st and 3rd place in the Southdown class at Findon Sheep Fair in 2019. They are a lovely breed and I have no intention of giving them up, as tending to them is a highlight of my day. My passion remains as strong as ever!

WORDS: BEN MORRIS

PHOTOS: ALAN WRIGHT

Further information: Email: fliss@woolshred.co.uk woolshred.co.uk

Wood Shred

Fliss with her flock of Southdown sheep (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Wool Shred products (©AAH/Alan Wright)

‘I was proud to claim a 1st and 3rd place at Findon Sheep Fair in 2019.’

FINAL WORD

HORSHAM MATTERS ANALYSES HIDDEN POVERTY SURVEY

We launched the Hidden Poverty Survey earlier this year to help identify the drivers of poverty and examine the impact the costof-living crisis is having on Horsham District residents.

The team visited local groups across the district over several weeks, including toddler groups, coffee mornings and village lunches, to speak to as many residents as possible to garner their views. The team spoke face to face with 120 residents and the remaining participants filled out the survey online. We are so grateful to everyone that filled out the survey and those that spoke openly to us about their situation.

The survey came about as more and more residents are struggling to pay their bills, feed their families, and heat their homes. In December 2022, the Horsham District Foodbank provided almost 1,500 individual food parcels, including almost 300 Christmas parcels to families suffering hardship in the district. This is more than the food bank provided in December 2020 during the pandemic.

We know that Horsham District is considered an affluent area with pockets of deprivation, but the cost-of-living crisis is affecting residents from all walks of life. We continue to see first-hand that residents are struggling, with 45% of current clients using the food bank for the first time. They can’t make their money stretch far enough to cover the dramatic increase in the cost of essentials. We have had to extend our foodbank sessions and added others to meet the increased demand and now operate eight weekly foodbank sessions from central Horsham and seven from our mobile hub, visiting outlying towns and villages.

There are some key findings that we would like to highlight, which include:

l Residents of all ages and geographic locations expressed feeling isolated.

l A general theme was that residents did not know how or where to access advice; this was regardless of their geographic location.

l Mental health was a factor in a third of the households responding to the survey; diagnosed or otherwise.

l 40% of residents not working had someone with a disability in their household.

l 65% of those cited health and disability as a reason for being unemployed, with a further 17% stating that their mental health has impacted their ability to work.

l For those in work, just over half did not have any training opportunities offered by their employer and a similar level stated that there was no career progression available.

l Residents showed an increasing level of anxiety relating to housing security, which increased from 6 months’ time to a year’s time.

l The cost of food was a prevalent factor in what residents were able to eat, with the next main factor being knowledge of what food to eat and then cooking skills.

l The main age group not confident to report a crime were in the 40s age bracket.

We will continue to work with other organisations to address the issues residents are facing.

A few of our recommendations include:

l Create a campaign to encourage checking in on neighbours to combat isolation.

l Mapping existing services, identifying any gaps, and promoting existing services targeting rural and isolated areas.

l Encourage client-facing organisations to continue to identify people’s wider wellbeing needs, refer to services accordingly and return to face to face services.

l Maximise the use of parks, libraries, GPs and other local community venues to promote and provide support.

l Promotion and access of free courses and adult education opportunities; focusing on career progression and increasing earning potential.

l Provide sufficient debt advice at the earliest opportunity.

We have met with Horsham District Council and have been invited to be part of their Costof-Living Summit. We are also working with Trussell Trust on their Essentials Guarantee campaign to call on the government to make sure the basic rate of Universal Credit can cover essentials such as food and bills.

As a reader, you might be concerned about the increasing need or have experienced food insecurity yourself. We believe that if we all work together, we can end the need for food banks. Until that happens, we will continue to support those most vulnerable.

AMALIA LOVETT Network & Campaigns Lead, Horsham Matters

Horsham Matters, which runs the Horsham District Foodbank, has released the results from its Hidden Poverty Survey.