The Town Crier
Horley Edition
Serving the communities of Horley, Smallfield, Gatwick, Copthorne, Burstow, Outwood, Salfords and the surrounding areas Let’s help one another to do well and prosper! Issue 2, March 2025
Welcome to the March 2025 issue of the Horley Town Crier !
Things are building nicely and the contributions this month from the movers and shakers of our communities have enabled us to create between us the second issue of our vibrant community magazine.
So, very well done to everyone who has played a part in putting this issue together!
I think you will find, dear reader, that the community has provided a varied, interesting and absorbing read.
And just to briefly reiterate some Town Crier Policies regarding free promotion, paid advertising and so forth, please see this page where I've tried to give you a succinct guide.
Columnists
I’m very pleased to acknowledge those who have kindly agreed to contribute a column of tips and advice each month for the general edification and enlightenment of the community.
Benefactors
Benefactors are those who have helped keep the Town Crier show on the road by making a voluntary donation. Their help is very much appreciated. Thank you!
Sponsors
Sponsors are those who support the Town Crier through paid advertising.
Submit!
The door is now wide open for your submissions for the April issue. The deadline for the April issue is 6pm on Saturday April 19th.
For a guide as to the type of features we are looking for and how to submit, please visit the Town Crier website here
The cover photograph is by Horley photographer Julie Suttle,
In
this issue . . . .
Horley Community Choir page 3
Eatery of the Month page 4
Ace Theatre Company presents . . . page 5
Hello Horley and Beyond! page 6
Horley United FC page 8
Shakespeare Like You’ve Never Seen It page 9
Slimming World page 10
Horley Community Centre page 11
International College of Oriental Medicine p12
Julie Suttle - photographer page 13
Let’s Dance Melange page 14
Unlock more time . . . Page 15
British Sugarcraft Guild page 16
Crawley Down Ladies’Choir page 17
Age Concern page 18
Looking to Sell your Home? page 19
Franklin Music page 20
Poetry page 22
Horley Carnival page 22
Satire page 23
A Recipe that probably won’t kill you page 24
Be Well, Do Well page 25
Horley Lawn Tennis Club page 26
Lady Poisoners of Victorian England page 26
Cake is the Answer . . . page 27
The Horley Singers page 29
Promote Yourself in the Town Crier page 30
Community People page 31
Let’s Dance Chair Cardio page 32
Portland Vets page 33
To contact the editor, please email: horleytowncrier@gmail.com
New Community Choir launched in Horley
All are welcome!
We’re living at a great time for choirs. We can probably give Gareth Malone some credit for popularising choral singing in recent years.
Whatever your musical preference, be it musicals, pop, classical, folk music or barbershop, it’s likely that you will find something that appeals.
And so to Horley comes a new community choir. A daytime, open to all, non-auditioning choir. It’s about the joy of singing together, whatever your musical experience.
We sing a range of songs, of different genres, unaccompanied, in unison and in harmony. Songs
are taught through call and response, so you don’t need to read music.
Its leader, Philippa Berry, is part of the Natural Voice Network (www.naturalvoice.net) and has been leading Bletchingley Community Choir (https://bletchingleycommunitychoir.org.uk) for the past 13 years. When Bletchingley Community Choir began, the focus was on singing for health and wellbeing. And this is still an important part of its identity as a choir.
What is fantastic is that there is now so much academic research proving how good singing is both for physical and mental health and wellbeing, and which formalises people’s lived experience (https://www.singingforhealthnetwork.co.uk/ research-overview).
Ask anyone who sings regularly, and they’ll tell you that singing and being part of a singing group is good for you!
At Bletchingley, the choir reaches out to the local community, singing in local pubs, at seasonal events, weddings and sadly, also at past members’ funerals. People come together to sing, but they end up sharing so much more.
At present, thanks to some in-kind financial support, Horley Community Choir is able to run sessions at £5 per person per session, on a pay-as-you-go basis.
We’re keen to try and make it affordable for everyone who wants to sing with us.
We meet at St Wilfrid’s Church on Horley Row, Horley RH6 8DF every Wednesday morning during term-time.
So, if you’ve ever thought about singing in a choir, and you’re around during the day on a Wednesday, please come and join us and give it a try.
For more information, check out the Horley Community Choir page on Facebook. Or you can contact Philippa via philippa@philippaberry.com
Eatery of the Month
My Lounge – Gatwick North Terminal
Review by Julie Suttle
Living so close to Gatwick with its wide choice of low-cost airlines means we have the luxury of taking a day, or short 1 or 2-night trip to many other countries, quite often for less than the cost of the train to the north of England.
To avoid the hustle and bustle, and the game of who can find more than one spare chair so you can sit together, there are a number of lounges in both the North and South terminals, the cost of which is similar to eating a meal with a glass of wine at one of the terminal restaurants. With unlimited drinks and a choice of food (unlimited in some lounges), too, it’s a no brainer for me!
An ideal place to start your trip is MY lounge in the North terminal. With its modern décor, comfortable seating and relaxed ambience it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind before your flight.
Food and Beverage:
The lounge offers a diverse menu catering to various tastes and dietary requirements. The buffet spread includes fresh salads, hot meals, plus a fun make-your-own-pancake machine loved by kids and adults alike. The unlimited beverage selection, featuring premium wines, beer on tap, some spirits, juices, selection of teas and coffee machines, adds to the ease of being in the lounge rather than the main terminal departures area.
Amenities:
• Wi-Fi: Fast and reliable.
• Power points: Plenty
• Seating: Soft chairs, sofas and dining chairs and tables are available in a well-laid out area
• Kids' Zone: A football table, arcade-style games and traditional board games are available
• Terrace: Outdoor terrace (popular with smokers who cannot smoke anywhere inside the terminal building)
Service:
The staff are attentive and courteous, ensuring that all guests in the lounge feel welcomed and cared for. Their efficiency in maintaining the lounge's cleanliness and replenishing the buffet is commendable.
Overall Experience:
Whether you need to catch up on work, want to enjoy a meal, or simply relax before your flight, this lounge provides all the amenities to make your wait a pleasant one. Highly recommended for travellers seeking comfort and convenience.
My Lounge Website
My Lounge
Location: North Terminal, Departures Rd, Horley, Gatwick RH6 0NP
Julie Suttle is a talented photographer. Find out more about her on instagram, here: www.instagram.com/purepicsbyjules
ACE Theatre Company is happy to present Abigail’s Party, a Mike Leigh classic, on the stage this spring.
This satirical comedy first debuted in the 1970s as a satire on the emerging British middle class. Guaranteed to make you laugh, cry, and everything in between, this play is a must-see.
Queen bee Beverly and her materialistic husband Laurence Moss make for a hilarious duo. Joined by overly confident Tony and timid Angela, the Coopers, plus Susan Lawson and her nervous disposition, it promises to be an interesting affair!
This is the kind of play that will take you back in time to the 70s - lots of brown, kitsch prints, and cheese and pineapple.
ACE Theatre Company is an amateur dramatic group, drawing people from East Grinstead, Crawley, Horley and the surrounding villages.
We have had success in the past with plays such as Bothered and Bewildered, Another Life, and Bouncers and Shakers. We are excited to share yet another classic with our audiences - and we hope to see you there!
Our performances are:
Ifield Barn Theatre, Crawley - Thursday 10th April 7.30pm & Friday 11th April 7.30pm
White Hart Barn, Surrey - Saturday 12th April 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Tickets are available at: https://www.ticketsource.eu/acetheatrecompany
We have some Easter Services coming up ...
THURSDAY 18th April
at St Francis Church
5pm Maundy Reflections
7pm Stripping the Sanctuary
GOOD FRIDAY 19th April
at St Wilfrid’s Church Churches for Horley family service 10am
at St Bart's Church Churches for Horley service 10.30am
at St Francis Church Service of the Cross 2pm
EASTER DAY 20th April
6.30am Sunrise Service in the Recreation Ground Family Communion Services at:
St Francis 10am
St Wilfrid's 10am
St Bart's 10.30am
Hello Horley and beyond…
by Angela Sara West
Spring has finally sprung, and I sure have a spring in my step after being featured as an “Inspiring Surrey Woman” in Surrey Rocks magazine’s International Women’s Day feature this monthwhat an honour!
Find out how I launched Surrey Fashion Week @surreyfashionweekuk with Surrey’s own Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt and recently created The Triple C - Cancer Care Community at www.thetriplec.co.uk - to fundraise for great causes including Surrey’s Royal Marsden cancer hospital, where my husband was treated for acute leukaemia last year, Cancer Research UK and Ukrainian charities (humanitarian aid).
Read my business tips, too, plus my personal advice to other women and so much more here.
Great to see one of our Surrey Fashion Week (SFW) celebrity models - Nadia Essex, a former ‘Celebs Go Dating’ coach - featured too, along with our amazing SFW24 designers Mizi Atelier and House of Afrika who are both up for Best Fashion gongs at the Surrey Awards alongside many of our other past SFW fashion brands, including SFW stalwarts Howard and Co. Attire with their sharp suits and #SFW24 'talk-of-the-town' edgy denim jacket designers Skinner & Vale.
The SurreyAwards x Surrey Fashion Week
Congrats to all nominees for Surrey Awards 2025, for which I am a judge, shortlisting the best of our county’s businesses before they go to the public vote (see voting link below).
A few of my fave local hangouts are up for prestigious Awards this year, including Cloony’s Bar, Thai Taste Restaurant & Cocktail Bar, Lebnani, Number 9 and The Ivory Lounge in Reigate. Bell Street’s Harley Street Skin Clinic is up for a coveted gong, too, along with one of my top spots for afternoon tea, Nutfield Priory in Redhill, and Great Fosters in Egham, where we
held Surrey Fashion Week in 2022, which saw ‘Strictly’ stars open the show, two-time champ and ‘I’m A Celebrity…’ star Oti Mabuse on front row and BRIT Award-winning S Club 7 singer Jo O’Meara headline and launch new music.
Previously held at Denbies in Dorking and Sandown Park Racecourse, this year’s glitzy red-carpet Awards ceremony takes place at G Live, Guildford, this May. Kicking off in style with a sparkling cocktail reception, followed by a delectable 4-course meal with wine, world-class entertainment plus an afterparty with DJ and dancing, the star-studded ceremony will see live performances from Reef, Dub Pistols and Boney M.
A mini Surrey Fashion Week extravaganza will take to the stage, too, and I am so happy to announce that I have just arranged for this year’s Awards to fundraise for The Marsden’s children's cancer unit.
Vote ForYour Favourite Surrey
Businesses & Get YOUR Biz on our SurreyAwards Radar!
Find out all the fab businesses we gave nods to and vote for your faves here
Surrey, Sussex or London business? Get on our radar!
Whether you’re a hotel, bar, restaurant or pub, or beauty salon, hairdressers or shop, whatever your business we’re here to help you get on the map.
DM me on Insta @angela_sara_west or email me at angelasarawest@gmail.com I’m a cover journalist for Surrey Rocks, Time & Leisure and other local magazines, too, as well as for nationwide Great British Life and luxury lifestyle titles in the US, Canada and Spain, and can review your biz with my fab photographer Julie – who features on page 13 .
Find out more in the first issue of The Horley Town Crier here
Continued on next page
Horley Town Crier, Issue 2, March 2025
Angela Sara West Continued from previous page
’
Let
s Dance! New National Dance Day with Strictly StarAngela Rippon
Did you don your dancing shoes and join in the new ‘National Dance Day’ just created by original ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ presenter Angela Rippon?
Great to see so many local dance groups get involved with ‘Let’s Dance’ as the popular broadcaster - known for her high kicks on the hit ‘Morecambe & Wise’ show - got the nation dancing on an all-new national day she founded this month to help keep us all fit, healthy and happy. What a fab-u-lous initiative!
And you can check out my exclusive interview with Angela about her ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ days, her holiday home and lifestyle on the glitzy French Riviera and more here: Sarah Beeny Property Genie
With selling season in full swing, March is prime time to improve to move, and the housing market’s gearing up for an anticipated spring surge thanks to recent mortgage rate changes.
For my most recent celebrity interview, I sat down with top TV property presenter Sarah Beeny for an exclusive chat about her incredible career, her kerb appeal advice and more. From how to give your
home a facelift, to the benefits of new builds, Sarah shared with me her top tips for transforming an abode from drab to fab in no time at all, whether it’s improving the look of your property to make a great first impression, maximising its value and potential for a quick sale, or how to add the ‘wow’ factor to your forever home, she smoothly guides people through property projects and pitfalls.
Don’t Move - Improve!
Looking to improve to move? Or maybe you’d rather renovate, not relocate… Look no further than this go-to property guru who also told me about her latest TV series ‘Sarah Beeny’s New Life in the Country’, currently airing on Channel 4’s catch-up following her successful cancer treatment, plus how she’s swapped city party life for a ‘simpler’ family life in the country.
Rocking Countryside Life
And you can WIN a hardback SIGNED copy of TV property expert Sarah Beeny's bestselling book 'The Simple Life: How I Found Home'.
Signed by Sarah herself especially for the silent auction I recently set up in aid of cancer research and Ukraine, this beautiful hardback book could now be YOURS! You can also snap up superyacht charters in Mallorca, fine dining experiences in the Surrey Hills and more at just a snip of the usual price.
Visit www.jumblebee.co.uk/ surreyfashionweekcharityauction2024 or click link in bio @surreyfashionweekuk on Insta.
Ukraine Rocks!
Alongside my roles as a cover journalist and co-founder of Surrey Fashion Week and its celebrity charity catwalk shows, I assist with various other charity events, and Sarah’s sons will be performing at SFW’s charity festival this September. The Entitled Sons will take to the stage alongside other famous faces at SFW x Ukraine Rocks!
Keep an eye on my Insta @angela_sara_west for announcements.
Tabletop Sale
Finally, don’t miss the Tabletop Sale at my son’s school - Oakwood on the Balcombe Road - on Sat 29th March. Entrance fee just £1 to this charity indoor boot sale hosted by the school’s PTA.
That’s all for now. ‘Til next time, keeeeep dancing!
© Angela Sara West 2025 @angela_sara_west : www.angelasarawest.com
HORLEY UNITED FC
Lots of exciting news in the world of Horley United FC this month!
The club has been nominated and shortlisted for two categories at the Reigate & Banstead Sports Awards CLUB OF THE YEAR YOUNG SPORTS PERSON OF THE YEAR
Want to revive a football shirt?
WE FIX KITS will show you how! Check out their site https//youtube.com/@wefix kits
Look out for the green boxes –picture below taken at Oakwood Sports Centre, Horley in the re-
This Saturday, 22nd March we are holding club trials for additional teams next season including U7 Girls (Yr2 Sept 25) & U11 (Yr6 Sept 25), there is still time to register so please e-mail the club for further information at … recruitment@horleyunitedfc.club
Congratulations to Ewan on his first outing as a referee for Horley United FC. Ewan has been part of the club since the beginning as a regular linesman and recently completed his FA Referee Course fully supported by the club. As a community club we try to give back where we can so to be able to fund opportunities like this gives us great pleasure.
Lots of team success occurring recently with two of the teams, U11 Emerald and U14 both making it to the cup final! Good luck!
Sponsors – D & R Carpentry, Joshua Lewis Carpentry & Construction Ltd, James Dean Estate Agents Horley, Matthews Roofing Services, Right & Home Reigate & Crawley, RCM Scaffolding
The Local RH Networking event was held run by our very own club Treasurer, Sponsor and U12 Gold Team Coach!
https://networkinginsurrey.co.uk/events/rh-networking Sponsor – RLM Locksmiths
HORLEY UNITED FC B T ROOM
We have three donation points throughout Horley - Oakwood Sports Centre, Horley Leisure Centre and Horley Library. This is a free community service where anyone can donate football boots/astros/trainers that are outgrown to recycle back into the community at no cost. We have a wide range of sizes available starting at kids size 10 right up to adult size 11! For any enquires please e-mail recruitment@horleyunitedfc.club
What you Will AnAdaptation of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night
Shakespeare like you’ve not seen it before!
The Archway Theatre, located in Horley, Surrey, presents What You Will (Twelfth Night), adapted and directed by Jo Ord and Lisa Last.
PERFORMANCES
7:45pm: 26 to 29 March; and 01 to 05 April 2025; (Matinée) 2:00pm: 29 March 2025.
FURTHER INFORMATION AND TICKETS
More information, as well as tickets, can be obtained via The Archway’s website: www.archwaytheatre.co.uk.
Tickets: £13.50 (non-members); £11.50 (members).
ABOUT THE DIRECTORS
Jo Ord’s directorial debut on The Archway’s main stage was a musical adaptation of George Orwell’s Animal Farm. It took nearly twenty years for her to have another go, that time in the form of Binderella, a futuristic spin on the classic pantomime - in which both the writing and the directing were a collaboration between Jo and Lisa. She also acted in the Archway Theatre’s last production of Twelfth Night, in the late ‘90s.
This will be Lisa Last’s sixth show as director/codirector having previously yo-yo’d between directing comedy and darker dramas. She also acts quite often in our productions and has played characters ranging from wenches to Margaret Thatcher. She has been part of The Archway Theatre since 2011.
ABOUT THE PRODUCTION
A strong theme running through Jo and Lisa’s friendship is their love of rock, the 1980s, and being a bit silly. These passions were last seen on stage in Binderella, their first go at writing and directing a pantomime. What You Will, a playful adaptation of Twelfth Night, very much follows in that vein.
“The language, at the time the play was written, was playful, and jam-packed with references an Elizabethan audience would have appreciated,” explains Jo. “We have therefore adapted the text to suit both today’s world and the world we are seeking to represent - that of the 80s rock filled Illyria.”
Adds Lisa: “This led us to be quite brutal with the
text, cutting it significantly and removing and replacing any references we thought may not be instantly appreciated/understood by someone watching the production for the first time, with the intention of making it more accessible to everyone.”
ABOUT THE ARCHWAY THEATRE
The Archway Theatre is among Surrey's leading repertory drama theatres. Nestled in Horley’s atmospheric railway arches, The Archway Theatre Company has for over 70 years been surprising and delighting local residents and visitors with high quality productions, ranging from Shakespeare and the classics, through modern comedies, musicals and pantomimes, to experimental pieces that push the boundaries of the form.
A member of the prestigious Little Theatre Guild, the Archway boasts a comfortable 95-seat auditorium and a cosy, recently refurbished bar, where audience members and cast and crew can relax and enjoy the anticipation and afterglow of memorable performances.
Our ten main house productions per year run for ten nights each. In addition, there is a studio space for smaller-scale shows and our Youth Workshop and Young Adults group offer fantastic opportunities for the young people of the area to experience the thrill of putting on live theatre!
To
book your seats now, click here
Members of the cast, rehearsing What You Will (The Archway Theatre, Horley, Surrey - 26 March to 05 April)
by Cat Lavey
From Couch Potato to Skinny Fry without giving up chips
My weight loss journey began back in 2020 when Covid shook the world. The term Yoyo-ing sums up my dieting success up until 2024 when I joined Slimming World.
In 2020 I had a cancer scare, and the treatment meant I was unable to lift anything heavy for a few weeks to allow my body to recover. Thankfully the treatment was a success, but it had really scared me, so I decided to quit smoking, lose weight and get fit!
I was almost 15 stone when I climbed on the scales for the first time in a long time. I managed to lose 2 stone by eating a calorie-controlled diet, abstaining from pizza and takeaways and doing some walking. But then my mum suffered a very serious heart attack in 2022.
I spent 6 weeks travelling daily by train to visit her, eating sandwiches and snacks on the way and grabbing ready meals or ordering food on my way home. Not surprisingly, the weight crept back on and before I knew it, I was back over 14 stone.
Trying the only way I knew how, I went back to the very restrictive calorie controlled diet. But in January 2024 I had to have surgery to both feet.
For 3 months I was on crutches and out of action. Having been used to walking at least 5 km a day, I was devastated to discover I could only hobble to my front gate and back. Yet again, I had gained a stone!
Every day I persevered and walked a little further, until one day I walked a whole kilometre with my wonderful husband by my side and our lovely dogs.
In May 2024, as I began to recover, and could drive again, I decided to join Slimming World.
I was quite nervous about joining, walking into a room full of people I didn’t know, but knowing I needed help to tackle my weight gain once and for all, I joined my local group in Copthorne.
As I apprehensively stepped through the door, I was greeted by the wonderful, smiling consultant Debbie, and was offered a cup of tea, putting me completely at ease.
Debbie explained the Food Optimising plan, and it
sounded too good to be true! No more counting calories and I could eat homemade chips freely!
Plus, the group were friendly and welcoming, and were having a laugh too! It was such a positive place to be, and I knew I’d made the right decision joining Slimming World.
The following week Debbie greeted me, “Hello Cat, how was your first week?”
I was amazed she had remembered my name with such a busy group. Her encouragement has been top notch! In my first week I lost 3 and a half pounds, a half stone at 3 weeks and a stone within 6 weeks, I won slimmer of the week and slimmer of the month too! I was elated that I had been eating such hearty meals like homemade pizza and chips and was losing weight too! I finally had found something that I knew was going to work for good!
My favourite recipes have now become regulars at home. They include Butternut Squash Tray Bake (I had never tried squash before, but now I love it), and the Vegetable Balti Curry & Pilau Rice with Slimming World Onion Bhajis, is now my go-to takeaway, with a prosecco on the side – yes you can have a drink too and lose weight!
I’ve developed new eating habits and no longer skip meals. I even meal prep now and eat real hearty lunches, like loaded jacket potatoes rather than the old sad sandwich from before.
I eat out and socialise and have learned how to choose hearty Free Food based meals from menus. Long gone are calorie-counted ready meals and greasy takeaways, and I couldn’t be happier for it.
I have dropped 3 clothes sizes since joining Slimming World and feel fabulous now I am 4st lighter and at my target weight of 11st. I lap up the compliments and even feel confident to wear a bikini on holidays now.
Slimming World’s activity programme has encouraged me to keep even more active and walking 16K per day with my 4 lovely dogs has earned me the platinum award, where activity is now a way of life.
Continued on next page
Slimming World - continued from previous page
Their Slim for Life Plan is keeping me at this healthy weight forever too.
I am so bowled over by food optimising, the support Slimming World has given me, that I am now becoming a consultant too, paying it forward to help other people in the Smallfield community lose weight.
I am so excited to get started and I’d love you to come and join me on Wednesday at 7pm at Centenary Hall, Wheelers Lane, Smallfield, RH6 9PT.
Aplace for everyone! Discover the Horley Community Centre
There’s a warm welcome for everyone at Horley Community Centre and a wide variety of activities for all ages. Whether you want to relax with friends over a coffee, keep fit and active, or try something new, pop along to see what’s going on and meet the team.
Activities
• Join us for bingo, a weekly quiz or a games morning to enjoy some friendly competition
• Get creative with the art club or a craft group
• Bring the little ones to a Grandparents’ stay and play session
Food and drink
Lunch is cooked and served by our chef Monday to Friday and can be booked before 11am on 01293 772240. The coffee and cake shop serves hot and cold drinks and has a selection of tasty homemade cakes.
Community services
At Horley Community Centre we link up with organisations and other council teams to provide services and support to the local community, such as food banks, food clubs and community fridges, money support sessions, and much more.
Room hire
If you need a meeting room or somewhere to hold an event or celebration, we can help. Regent Hall is an eye-catching venue for private parties, live performances, charity events and exercise classes, and can accommodate up to 150 people. Our downstairs meeting room is also available for hire, plus facilities for self-catering and catering options. The centre is wheelchair accessible, and you can find out more online or get in touch.
Come and visit or get in touch
Website: reigate-banstead.gov.uk/horleycommunity-centre
Email: horleycommunitycentre@reigatebanstead.gov.uk
Phone: 01293 772240
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ horleycommunitycentre/
Horley Community Centre, Regent House, Albert Road, Horley, Surrey RH6 7JA
Opening hours: 9am to 4pm Hours for hire: 9am to 10pm
The International College of Oriental Medicine
The International College of Oriental Medicine is an Acupuncture training college and also a clinic.
We are a registered charity and our college was founded in 1972 and moved to Green Hedges Avenue in nearby East Grinstead around 1977. Although based in East Grinstead, we help many patients from the surrounding areas, including Horley.
ICOM is the oldest Acupuncture college in Europe and the first to be established in the UK. We have around 40 students training with us on a three-year degree level programme.
In its long history, ICOM has been a major contributor to the development of Acupuncture in the UK. Many of today’s leading figures in the world of Acupuncture trained here, including distinguished international lecturers and authors of Acupuncture and Chinese Medical textbooks used by students and practitioners around the world.
Part of our mission is to make high-quality Acupuncture treatment accessible to everyone in the local community and we do this through our low cost fully supervised student clinics.
We also have a multibed clinic on a Saturday enabling people to access low cost treatments with a qualified practitioner.
As well as Acupuncture, we offer a range of other services at the clinic including psychotherapy and counselling, osteopathy, massage therapy and Chinese herbal medicine.
Breathe Easy This Allergy Season with Acupuncture
As the seasons change and pollen fills the air, many of us begin to feel the familiar symptoms of hay fever – itchy eyes, sneezing, congestion, and sinus pressure. If you’re tired of reaching for antihistamines and nasal sprays, Acupuncture can help.
How Acupuncture Can Help with Hay Fever
In Chinese Medicine hayfever is viewed as a sign of imbalance in the body. Acupuncture can help by:
• Strengthening your immune system to improve your body’s resistance to allergens.
• Clearing heat and wind from your body to alleviate common symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes.
• Balancing your energy (Qi), particularly in the lungs and sinuses, to reduce inflammation and help your body handle allergy triggers.
• By addressing the root cause of hay fever, acupuncture can help reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms, allowing you to enjoy the seasons without the discomfort.
When Should You Begin Treatment?
The best time to start acupuncture for hay fever is 4-6 weeks before allergy season begins.
This gives us time to strengthen your immune system, balance your energy, and prepare your body for the allergy triggers. If you’re already experiencing symptoms, don’t worry – acupuncture can still provide relief and reduce the intensity of your allergic reactions.
Book an appointment now and take the first step towards natural relief. Call us on 01342 313106 or visit our website at https://icomclinic.org to schedule your appointment.
Capturing and Preserving Precious Moments
How Julie Suttle’s hobby became
her
passion
Our cover photographer Julie Suttle is a Surrey girl born and bred.
After a few years living on the sunny Costa Blanca, she returned to the UK where she has been a proud resident of Horley Town for 15 years.
She thrives in her dynamic roles as a self-employed Construction Project Manager and Health & Safety Adviser while, alongside her partner, she co-owns two other businesses: a refurbishment and a property company. Julie is also a dedicated mum to one and step-mum to two, all young teens, seamlessly balancing her professional life with family life.
Julie treasures her friendships, some of which span over 38 years, with many of her closest friends being locals living right here in Horley.
Always eager to learn and grow, she recently started a Level 2 qualification in Children and Young People’s Mental Health to further her knowledge. When she’s not pursuing new challenges or spending time out and about in Horley with friends, you can find this passionate foodie enjoying meals out, exploring new destinations, and cherishing quality time with her family.
Her contributions extend beyond work and family; as Treasurer of the PTA at her son’s school, Julie plays an active role in her community, supporting local business wherever she can. Despite her bustling schedule, her true passion lies in photography, and Julie believes that life is a collection of moments, with her fabulous photos capturing and preserving these precious memories.
Julie works closely with our celebrity columnist Angela Sara West, contributing impressive imagery she has creatively caught on camera to Angela's cover articles for various magazines both locally and worldwide.
Check out her phenomenal photography at www.instagram.com/purepicsbyjules
Unlock More Time with Surrey Libraries SuperAccess!
Horley library is excited to introduce Super Access, a new service designed to make Surrey Libraries even more accessible and convenient for you.
Whether you have a busy schedule or simply want more flexibility, Super Access gives you the freedom to visit beyond regular staffed hours, letting you use library spaces whenever it works best for you.
How does it work?
New technology has been installed which means that Super Access library members can enter the library outside normal opening hours, using just their library card and individual PIN code. Then they can use library services independently when staff are not present.
With Super Access you can: -
• Explore shelves filled with bestsellers and new titles
• Easily manage your books with Self-Service kiosks
• Access free Wi-Fi and library computers
• Print with ease
• Create your perfect work or study space
How can I get a Super Access library membership?
To upgrade any Young Adult (16 plus) /Adult
library membership to Super Access a short introduction is required.
This will ensure that customers have a safe and thorough understanding of how the technology works. Just book your introduction through the Super Access Eventbrite page:
Visit Super Access Introduction at Horley Library Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite
By extending our opening times, we’re unlocking the full potential of our library buildings, providing more opportunities for everyone in the community to enjoy these valuable spaces.
With Super Access, you can study, read, work, or just unwind in your local library on your own schedule. Because we believe that everyone should have the chance to benefit from all that our libraries have to offer!
Visit www.surreycc.gov.uk/superaccess for further details or pop into Horley library and ask a member of staff.
Follow us for up-to-date news on events and activities!
Facebook: @Horleylibrary @surreylibrariesUK Instagram: @horleylibrary X/Twitter: @HorleyLibrary @SurreyLibraries
Crawley Down Ladies’Choir
Greetings to one and all with hopeful signs of Spring in the garden as the snowdrops form their drifts of white heads and the daffodils push up towards the sky waiting, like us, for warmer days to come.
The past month saw the choir holding their Annual General Meeting on February 17th at the usual venue of The Haven Centre in Crawley Down. Six of the seven committee members were unanimously voted back in, the seventh having stepped down for personal reasons after many years of serving as a valued committee member as well as Treasurer in the past.
The choir is fortunate indeed to have such a dedicated group of ladies willing to give of their time and expertise to keep the choir running smoothly. Like the proverbial swan, we ostensibly glide serenely along whilst underneath we are paddling furiously making things happen.
Following the AGM we finished the evening with a social, everyone brought something to eat and drink whilst having a good old natter. A chance for informality and for friendships to flourish.
Two light-hearted quizzes were also provided which as usual exercised our brains somewhat but proved very popular and entertaining. The annual choir meal is currently at the planning stage.
We continue to practise on Monday evenings at 7.30pm in the Birch Room at The Haven Centre for our Summer concert there in the Dorothy Hatswell hall which will take place on Saturday June 14th. More detail to follow as and when the finer points are decided. So, as they say, “Watch This Space”.
As ever, we offer a warm and friendly welcome to new members, both alto and soprano voices. Our members come from not only Crawley Down village itself but from many of the other local villagesCopthorne, Felbridge, Turners Hill and Worth for example , as well as from East Grinstead, Pound Hill and from Horley too.
We sing a broad range of music. New pieces we are practicing for this concert include “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay and “I Say a Little Prayer”, a hit for both Dionne Warwick and Aretha Franklin.
Why not join us?
See our website for further details: crawleydownladieschoir.co.uk
The Big Pull for Momentum Children’s Charity
Horley Town FC
Sunday 27th July 10 am click here for details
We are a local independent charity serving Merstham, Redhill, Reigate, and Horley, dedicated to supporting older people in the community.
Our services are designed to enhance mental wellbeing, reduce loneliness, and provide practical support to older adults.
Day Centre: Our members-only day centre offers daily social activities and transport services to help members stay connected and engaged. We provide a 2-course hot lunch and can also offer takeaway meals.
Men’s Shed: Aimed at improving mental wellbeing, this initiative provides a space for older men to connect through practical activities and social interaction.
Befriending Service: Volunteers visit socially isolated older individuals weekly, offering companionship and support.
Charity Shop: Open to the public, our shop raises vital funds and provides a shopping venue for our members.
Support Us: We rely on donations and volunteers to sustain our services. Contributions and volunteer efforts are crucial to our mission.
T: 01737 645 636
E: enquiries@ageconcernmrr.org.uk
Looking to sell or rent your home?
Giving back to the Horley community
Silva and Ward are a newly-formed, family-owned independent estate agency based in Horley, also covering the surrounding villages.
The two owners, Lee and Becky, bring together more than 30 years of experience in the estate agency sector at both Senior and Director levels. Their aim is to deliver unparalleled customer service in the local community.
As a family, they take pride in living in Horley and are committed to their community. They actively participate in several local groups, and all three of their children attend schools in Horley.
They are community-focused and work hard to ensure that Silva & Ward gives back to their community by donating a percentage of their profit to Horley-based projects and charities.
A NEW APPROACH FOR HORLEY
In an age where larger corporate chains often dominate the property market, a refreshing new presence in Horley offers something truly unique.
Lee and Becky, two local professionals with over 30 years of combined experience at senior and director level in the estate agency sector, have decided to take a bold step by launching their own independent, family-run estate agency in the heart of the community they know and love.
Their vision is simple: to deliver a bespoke service with unparalleled customer care, putting people first and offering a personal touch that larger firms simply cannot replicate.
What sets Lee and Becky apart is not just their extensive industry experience, but their genuine passion for Horley and the surrounding areas, and their unwavering commitment to the local community. This is a firm commitment from them as their terms of business with clients includes a percentage of the profits to be returned to local schools, charities and community projects.
Having worked in senior roles for years, both Lee
and Becky have seen the evolution of the property market firsthand. Yet, despite the industry’s growing reliance on technology and automation, they believe that true success lies in the human touch. This philosophy drives their approach to real estateunderstanding that buying or selling a home is not just a transaction, but a deeply personal experience. Their goal is to make each client feel understood, supported, and valued throughout the entire process.
The couple’s combined experience offers a wealth of knowledge, allowing them to provide expert guidance, whether you are a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or looking to sell. Lee’s strategic insight and Becky’s ARLA qualifications and attention to detail ensure that every property is marketed effectively and with care. They take pride in tailoring their services to the individual needs of each, ensuring that no two experiences are the same.
More than just an estate agency, Silva & Ward represents a return to the values of trust and personal service that smaller, family-run businesses are known for. Their local knowledge and hands-on approach make them the go-to option for anyone in Horley looking for an estate agent that truly listens and delivers on its promises.
As the business grows, Lee and Becky are determined to remain rooted in the community, strengthening local ties and offering the personalised service that only a family-run estate agency can provide. For anyone looking to buy or sell in Horley, this dynamic duo offers a level of service that is not just professional but refreshingly personal.
“50% off our fees. Personal and bespoke service No VAT to pay”
Phone 01293 222707 Email info@silvaandward.co.uk
Upcoming Events - Franklin Music
performance space to under 18s (unlike most open mic events, which are commonly held in pubs)
Following the launch of Franklin Music, the new music centre in Earlswood, on 23rd March (see our article in Issue One) there will be regular events, workshops and concerts that you can explore!
These will all be held at St. John’s in Earlswood. RH1 6QA.
To get there, travelling by public transport from Horley is easy - hop off the bus at The Cutting, or it’s just a 5 minute walk from Earlswood train station. There is free parking on Church Road if you prefer to drive.
Concessions are available for those on low income, so please email us on info@franklinmusic.net to arrange your tickets.
Upcoming events are:
Lead and Harmonise Vocal Workshop
St. John’s Centre, Earslwood. RH1 6QA. Saturday 26th April 11.0016.00
Want to sing in a band, improve your skills, pick up or create harmonies in real time? Come along to our 'Lead and Harmonise' workshop on 26th April. Led by highly skilled musicians, Kate Proudlove and Nikki Franklin, who bring a wealth of professional experience performing in bands and mastering a wide range of vocal styles. This workshop is designed to help singers build confidence and develop essential skills for performing with a band.
Open Mic Night at Ruchita Indian Restaurant, Earslwood
Sunday 27th April 18.30-21.30
This great venue brings together music and dining, with the added bonus of being able to offer a
Join us for an evening of music, food, and great vibes! A cozy venue filled with soulful tunes, warm lights, and a welcoming crowd. Local artists, musicians, and poets take the stage to share their craft.
Enjoy delicious Indian cuisine while soaking in the vibrant performances. A perfect blend of culture, community, and creativity in one unforgettable night.
If you would like to reserve your performance slot in advance, you can email: info@franklinmusic.net
Suppertime Concert
Tuesday 6th May 18.30-19.15, St John’s Church, Earlswood. RH1 6QA
Starting in May 2025, on the first Tuesday of each month, Franklin Music at St. John’s are delighted to present chamber music and jazz concerts, with postgraduate students of the Royal Academy of Music, graduates of internationally celebrated music conservatoires and local musicians of a high professional standard. A drinks reception follows the performance. Tickets: £7.50
Free entry for students and children under 16. Tickets can also be purchased on the door.
Concert Pianist, Tomas Boyles
Repertoire:
Alexander Scriabin (1872-1915): Fantasie in B minor Op. 28 (10”)
Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849): Mazurkas Op. 56 (12”) Modest Mussorgsky (1839-81): Pictures at an Exhibition (32”)
Continued on next page
Horley Town Crier, Issue 2, March 2025
Franklin Music continued
Here is some information about Tomos Boyles, courtesy of the Royal Academy of Music Join The Great British Spring Clean 21 March to 6 April 2025
You can collect rubbish bags and litter pickers from Horley Town Council Offices at 92 Albert Road, RH6 7HZ
Tel: +44 (0)1293 784765
Email: info@horleysurrey-tc.gov.uk
Web: www.horleysurrey-tc.gov.uk
Poetry and Verse
Share your poem, verse or lyrics with the community
BETWEEN DEFINING SHORES
by Steve Cook
Death reigns as brief as the transient night, The swift dark flutter of shadowed flight
O’er Charon’s stream between the confines caught Of defining shores of eternal light.
‘Tis but dream that screams denial of the sun, An illusion from some base rumour wrung, A lie with which to fright the hearts of men With vicious fears that pick their wits undone.
How much is viewed with awe it scant deserves That we must take as truth’s most holy word
Some chimera, some mirage built on sand, Sanctified with signs that say “do not disturb!”
This lie of death we cherish and abhor
And on its shallow lie set so much store, This blink of closing eyes that grew In the mind’s eye, ‘til it could see no more.
The moving finger etches on its mists
Life’s thread stretched thin o’er the abyss
Where light, a like eternal truth, became A brief intrusion only on its bliss.
Our candle gutters in the wind of change
That fans its dance but can’t snuff out its flame. Therein the fleeting shadow of our death winks in, Winks out but cannot be sustained.
What’s death except the way we end the game And terminate each cycle of our pain, The sloughing of this husk of tired flesh, The slate discarded, a blank slate started new again.
And seeking to forget what passed before, The catalogue of guilts we now abhor, We cling to this illusion of one life, Just passing through, we swear there is no more.
Horley Carnival 2025 will take place as usual on the third Saturday in June - Saturday 21st June 2025, 12.00-17.00.
This will be the thirteenth year since the Horley Carnival became an annual event and it continues to be free to enter.
This year’s theme is Myths and Legends.
We are looking forward to seeing some interesting floats around that theme!
The parade assembles in the Victoria Road car park and judging of the carnival floats will be carried out during the parade.
There will be the usual selection of community and commercial stalls along with a range of food & drink outlets.
Stalls can be booked by contacting horleycarnival@gmail.com
A limited amount of space will be available on the ground for disabled parking but the car park will not be available from 11.00 am on the day whilst the Carnival is underway.
As always, this is the result of the hard work over many months of several community groups, assisted by our sponsors whom we would like to thank for their support.
So make a note of the date in your diary and come along and join us and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Horley Carnival.
For more updates follow us on https://www.facebook.com/HorleyCarnival or https://twitter.com/RH6fun
New menace spreads horror as world reels in shock
by Steve Cook
New threat is reported to be going on
The world was left reeling in shock today as it was announced in the media and other completely trustworthy sources of information that there is another threat going on that should be thoroughly advertised in case nobody notices it is going on.
At this time of crisis, the Health Secretary is advising everybody to take the following inactions:
• Avoid all activity that makes life worthwhile.
• Do not think for yourself as this will tire out your brain.
• If you breathe out, catch your germs in a bucket, then dispose of them hygienically in a nuclear reactor.
• Rely only on newspapers and politicians for information as it is scientifically proven beyond reasonable thought that these are the wisest people who ever lived and they know everything and what they don't know - such as the truthisn't worth knowing.
The new threat, anonymous scientists have revealed secretly to the government, comes in the form of a virus that is especially threatening because it has no symptoms and therefore is very difficult to detect without elaborate tests that cost the NHS a hundred thousand pounds per test.
This is made even more problematic by the fact that the tests, whilst accurate, can give accurately false results, with false positives fifty percent of the time and false negatives fifty percent of the time, plus they also give a positive reading for dandruff even when it isn't present.
Thus someone can catch the virus from a carrier by, for example, accidentally licking a door handle or being in the same county and not even know they have it!
As the carriers of this deadly asymptomatic pestilence exhibit no symptoms either, it is impossible to know who has it and who doesn't have it, which is doubly worrying. All we do know is that carriers are at their most infectious when they are exhibiting no symptoms.
Scientists have been tasked by the government to find the answers to this mystery so there is every hope that we will know much less in the near future.
Yet as things stand at the moment, the situation is quite serious because someone can be suffering for years without any of the usual warning signs there is something wrong with them before they get better entirely, by which time it is too late! Some people, it is feared, can go for decades without ever knowing they are ill.
Scientists advising the government have advised scientifically that 140% of the entire population could already have been laid upright or rendered ambulant by the virus and not even realise they are suffering!
This has led the same scientists, working anonymously in secret laboratories buried deep under the Mountains of Doom (Shropshire) to conclude that the new disease is so asymptomatic that the only way to tell you are ill with the virus is that you are completely free of any symptoms!
Thus people who are not ill have been fooled into thinking they are well even while they are in fact alive which is, when you think about it, a close cousin to becoming dead.
If you find yourself exhibiting these worrying signs of having no symptoms, you are advised to panic immediately and find the nearest casualty ward where you can have hysterics as is your God-given right as a British Citizen.
Related Article
“Communism was fun while it Lasted and it is Sadly Missed” by Adolf Starmer
Humour Section
Just in case the above article terrifies anybody, we’d like to reassure you that it is entirely satire.
We welcome your submissions to the magazine’s humour section in the form of satirical articles, humorous stories, cartoons and indeed whatever tickles your funny bone. If we decide to publish your work, you can remain anonymous if you so wish.
Alternatively, if you don’t mind taking the blame, we’ll include whatever contact details, social media links and website addresses you wish.
ARECIPE THAT PROBABLY WON’T KILLYOU
Nut and Cinnamon Scones
Here’s a recipe that might come in handy at Christmas or indeed any time if you find yourself with last-minute cake emergency and you need to knock up something nice in a hurry. It’s easy to do and quick the prep takes about 10 minutes and the baking 35 minutes. You wind up with 12 lovely scones. Just multiply the quantities according to what size of horde of hungry mouths you are feeding. This recipe doesn’t cost a lot either: I estimate it costs me about £1.50 to knock up 12 scones: not bad considering the ingredients are all organic.
Here’s a batch I knocked up earlier
This recipe is healthy and uses no sugar.
I use plain organic wholegrain flour, any organic flour will work (except self-raising).
Take 400g of the flour and put it in a big glass bowl.
Add 1 tbsp of bicarbonate of soda.
Add 2 tbsp of stevia. This makes a fairly sweet mix so you can vary how much stevia you use according to your taste.
Grind up some nuts (I use about 3 tbsp but you can vary it according to your taste) into small bits and add them to the mix. I use walnuts and cashews but you can use any nuts your prefer.
Add 1 tbsp of organic ground cinnamon.
Stir everything together until thoroughly mixed.
Carefully stir in organic milk enough to make a moist dough but not so gloopy that it can’t keep its shape when you roll it into small balls (see below). I takes roughly 20ml of milk.
Thoroughly mix everything together until you have a slightly moist dough.
Break the dough up into 12 equal bits and lightly roll each bit into a rough ball about 2 inches across.
Grease a baking tray sparingly with butter.
Place the balls on the baking tray.
Place the baking tray in the preheated oven.
Cook for 35 minutes.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
Enjoy (they are great with butter and sugar-free organic jam).
Be well, do well
Let’s help one another!
This section is open for people to share their health tips and advice, whether from a professional standpoint or simply wanting to share something that has worked well for you. So we’ll kick-start this feature with a very workable tip from David on how you can handle insomnia.
Remember, if you have a successful action or some knowhow regarding health and wellbeing that you think could help your fellows, please send it in. And if you so desire, be sure to include your name, contact details, website etc.
The address to send your helpful advice is horleytowncrier@gmail.com
Acupressure remedy for insomnia
by David Hello!
This I believe is an acupressure technique, which I found by chance and discovered works very well for me when I have trouble – as I often do - going to sleep.
Nine times out of ten I’m fast asleep within minutes of doing this simple action and the sleep tends to be restful. Once or twice I even fell asleep in the middle of doing it.
Give it a try and see whether it works for you.
Step 1: hold up your hand as shown in the photo. Step 2: locate the small indentation just under the hand bone as marked in the photo.
Step 3: using firm gentle pressure with your other thumb, press the spot once a second for 20 seconds. Step 4: then hold your thumb on the spot firmly for a further minute and a half or slightly longer.
And that’s it!
Sleep well!
One of the successful ways of protecting your health and wellbeing is eating well.
So tips for healthy eating definitely need to be featured in this magazine, plus we have healthy recipes featured in “Recipes That Probably Won’t Kill You”. And we welcome your contribution to either or both sections.
A third feature we intend to run in upcoming issues is a food-growing section, so we are looking for advice, successful actions and similar input from people who grow their own crops, are a dab hand at allotmenteering, raise chickens and so forth. In particular, we are interested in articles by people who grow organically, chemical-free, no-dig and similar ethical practices.
So if you have anything you’d like to tell the community about any of the above, please fee free to email me at any time and I’ll be very pleased to hear from you . The address is horleytowncrier@gmail.com
Whether you are new to tennis, a "rusty returner" or an experienced player, Horley Lawn Tennis Club, in Vicarage Lane, Horley, is the club for you.
Established in 1894, it became a registered charity (No 1150481) in 2012, and is run entirely by volunteers.
The club has a clubhouse with toilets, showers and changing facilities, a licensed bar and kitchen.
There are 7 courts, all with floodlights, 2 of them being newly re-laid as artificial clay, while the others are traditional tarmac.
A professionally-run coaching team (ALL IN TENNIS) provides individual and group lessons for children and adults alike, as well as tennis camps during school holidays (contact info@allintennis.co.uk).
The club has a number of Ladies/Mens/Mixed/ Veterans teams playing in a variety of local leagues so there are plenty of opportunities to play competitive tennis. There are also 5 “drop-in-andjoin-in” Club play sessions per week where you don’t need to pre-arrange with anyone else –
literally just turn up !
The coaching team, assisted by other volunteers, also provides a number of free sessions aimed at encouraging (mainly) children into tennis who might not otherwise think of it and is about to embark on delivering a programme for children with a variety of disabilities; the programme is sponsored and promoted by the charity Bright Ideas for Tennis, led by former David Cup player Danny Sapsford.
There is a special 50% off the first year adult membership fee.
For more information visit https:// clubspark.lta.org.uk/HorleyLawnTennisClub/, email tennishorley@gmail.com,
The Horley Local History Society presents . . . .
Lady Poisoners of Victorian England
David Allen returns for his second visit to the Horley Local History Society
Meet the wicked ladies who bump off their husbands and lovers, such as the lady who falls deeply in love with the handsome new doctor… but oh no, he’s already married! What does she do next? Of course, she takes a trip to the local pharmacy to buy a packet of deadly poison…. Welcome to the true tales of up to five poisoners with one thing on their mind Murder!
VENUE
Horley Community Centre, Regent Hall, 52 Albert Road, Horley, RH6 7JA + Google Map
Date: 22 April Time: 19.30 - 21.00
ORGANISER Doug Cox Phone 01293 410366 Email treasurer@horleyhistory.org.uk
Find out more about the Horley Local History Society
Cake is theAnswer, no Matter the Question
I am Trudy Gillard, Professional Cake Maker, Decorator and Sugarcraft Judge with over 40 years of experience. I am professionally trained with City & Guilds qualifications. Since 1981 when I started baking, I have managed to successfully create many cakes for happy customers.
Click the certificate to see all of my qualifications and awards
You can also visit my Baila chilli sauce site here and order yours today!
WEBSITE
Translations into and from French 30 years experience Turnaround and prices to
suit your needs
WHETHER YOU NEED THE TRANSLATION OF :
• Awebsite
• Training manuals
• House purchase agreements
OR
Calls made to French-speaking countries
I can help!
I cater for businesses, large or small, as well as private individuals, keeping my prices competitive while understanding that speed is of the essence. Of course, quality will never be sacrificed in the process.
QUALIFICATIONS
• Holder of the Diploma in Translation from the Chartered Institute of Linguists
• Member of the Chartered Institute of Linguists
• Translating professionally since 1995
• Level 3 community interpreter
NO AGENCY FEES
When dealing directly with the translator, you benefit from:
• More affordable prices
• A more personal service
• Availability outside normal working hours to speak with you when necessary
• Visit to your home or office if necessary to go over your requirements
EXPERIENCE
• Technical
• Legal
REVIEWS
“I have recommended your excellent services as a translator, thank you once again for your help.”
"Dominique has been helping us negotiate some of the more incomprehensible areas of French red tape for some years now! We would have found things a lot more difficult, if not impossible, without her willing & able assistance."
"Dominique is super friendly so I can recommend her for calls and/or translations!"
• General and business correspondence
• House sale documents
• Birth, marriage and death certificates
• Brochures
• Websites
Dominique Cook
French translator since 1995
DipTrans, CIOL
Phone: 07948 702788
Email: domicook64 @gmail.com
Promote Yourself in the Town Crier
If you belong to or are active in the communities embraced by this magazine, you can promote yourself, your community activity, charity, club society, special interest, hobby, cause célèbre or small local business in it.
Free promotion
If you are a charity or not-for-profit club, society, association or group, you can promote free of charge. In exchange, if you can contribute a small donation this will be appreciated. Donations are not obligatory but in the interests of fairness, those who have helped with donations will, where need arises, be given priority in proportion to their generosity.
As we want to avoid the Town Crier becoming just another advertiser in which articles play second-fiddle to advertisements, we ask that where possible you submit an article about your charity, activity, event and so forth that will provide an interesting and engaging read. Such articles can be any length up to about 600 words and should be accompanied where possible with some pictures that will help grab attention plus any contact/ website/social media details you would like people to have.
Having said that, we will also do our best to place your announcements, event promo and so forth so please do send them in.
Best formats for images are JPEG and PNG.
Free Promotion for Local Businesses
If you are a local for-profit operation we will provide one free advertorial-style article per business. As described above we are looking for something that will engage, inform, inspire or interest our readers. Length can be up to 600 words, which would give you a full page of free advertising. Please also provide some pictures and full contact/website/social media details. Alongside the opportunity for a free advertorial we also provide very affordable advertising space (see below).
Become a Columnist
Another way to promote your enterprise (whether for-profit or not-for-profit) is to become a columnist for the magazine providing a monthly article that gives people advice and tips from your area of expertise - a great way to promote your competence and good will. In exchange for providing interesting material for our readers you get monthly free advertising. To apply to have a column please email the editor at horleytowncrier@gmail.com and we’ll give your proposal fair consideration.
PaidAdvertising in the Town Crier
In order to avoid becoming just another advertiser over-filled with ads, we are making only a limited amount of space available for advertising. This amounts to the equivalent of one page of advertising for every four pages of articles. It is to the benefit of advertisers to have a magazine full of content people will want to read without a barrage of advertisements competing for their attention.
Advertising costs are being kept low and amount to the equivalent of roughly £10 or less per week for a quarter page ad. Our full pricing structure can be found here
To give further value for your paid advert, while you have a paid ad running in the magazine we will not run a paid ad for a competitor selling the same product or service. Where your ad clashes with a free advertorial by a competitor the advertorial will be placed in a different part of the magazine and every effort made to have your paid ad appear earlier in the magazine. Our policies regarding paid advertising are further explained here
We have also made advertising space available on the Town Crier website. See the details here
The door is also open for you to submit humorous/ satirical articles, poetry and verse, “how-to” tips and advice, interesting/entertaining news and titbits, recipes etc and if we publish your submission you can include a link to the website of your choice.
The Horley Men’s Shed
Connection, conversation and creation.
Since the first edition of the Town Crier we have been very busy fitting out our new second shed with sit-at workbenches, power and lighting. We are also building a new wood store next to it.
We are preparing for the Horley Leisure Centre Spring Market on April 12th from 10:00 until 15:00 where we will have a stall. As well as our usual products of nesting boxes and household and garden items we have been designing and producing some new products like hedgehog hotels and swift bird boxes.
Come along for a chat and buy a very reasonably priced upcycled and handcrafted product.
Our new tradition is to go for our Christmas get together in February, we may be late but it is a nice event to look forward to during the dark nights or possible we are just very early for next Christmas.
EAST SURREY WALKERS
We are the friendly local Ramblers group with members throughout Holey area and beyond.
Visit our website Connect up with us on Facebook
Many thanks to the Black Horse who hosted us with good food and very good service.
We are open every Tuesday behind the Horley Health Hub, 120 Victoria Road from 9:00am until 15:00pm with two sheds which contain a range of equipment, a large outside area and access to a rest area where we stop for regular breaks and lunch with guys coming and going as they like. The “Shedders” can be from 18 to 108 years old with a huge range of backgrounds and skill levels, from none to experts but we are a men only group. We are self funding through subs (£1 a week if you can afford it) or by selling things we have made. If you are interested just pop-in one Tuesday and meet us.
FACEBOOK
Mother s Day is a time to celebrate the special women in our lives with thoughtful gifts, but some seemingly harmless presents can actually pose serious risks to pets. Portland Vets Horley has put together a quick guide to help keep your pets safe while you celebrate.
Dangerous Blooms: Lilies and Cats Don’t Mix
Keep Your Pets Safe: Is Your Mother’s Day Gift Toxic?
Lilies are a popular choice for Mother’s Day, but they can be deadly for cats. Even a tiny amount of pollen or water from the vase can cause kidney failure. To keep your cat safe, opt for pet-friendly flowers and keep all types of lilies well out of reach.
Daffodils, and tulips are also a risk to your pets.
Chocolate:An Indulgence for Us, Toxic for Dogs
Chocolate is a classic treat, but it’s toxic to dogs. Theobromine, found in chocolate, can cause vomiting, seizures, and even death - more so in larger quantities of dark chocolate.
Did you know - dog-safe “chocolate” treats are actually made from Carob, not real chocolate. Always store chocolate gifts securely out of your dog’s reach, and if your dog ingests chocolate, contact your vet immediately, providing details of the type and amount consumed.
Hidden Dangers You May Not Expect
Candle Caution: Candles can become a fire hazard if knocked over by curious paws. Place them safely out of reach.
Scented Surprises: While candles and essential oils add fragrance, some essential oils like eucalyptus and lavender are poisonous to cats.
Gift Wrap Woes: Pets love to play with ribbons and wrapping paper, but these can cause choking or blockages if swallowed. Be sure to clean up after unwrapping gifts and contact your vet
immediately if you are concerned your pet has swallowed something they shouldn't have.
At Portland Vets Independent Practice, we are just a phone call away if you ever become concerned about your pet.
In addition to our normal opening hours - clients and non-clients have access to our extended emergency service at Portland Vets East Grinstead, until 10pm Monday to Friday and 4pm on Saturday.
https://portlandvets.co.uk/horley
Contact Horley Portland Vets independent, family-owned practice today to book an appointment or chat about our Pet Wellness Plans.
Farewell for now!
We hope you enjoyed this issue of the Town Crier. TheApril issue is already under construction so please don’t miss out and get your submissions in early.
Browse this website for more info and look out for Town Crier bulletins and updates.