The Town Crier
Horley Edition
Serving the communities of Horley, Smallfield, Gatwick, Copthorne, Burstow, Outwood, Salfords and the surrounding areas

Issue 3,April 2025
Let’s help one another to do well and prosper!

Serving the communities of Horley, Smallfield, Gatwick, Copthorne, Burstow, Outwood, Salfords and the surrounding areas
Issue 3,April 2025
Let’s help one another to do well and prosper!
I am very pleased to present to you the April issue of the Horley Town Crier community magazine.
Yet again the communities of the area have demonstrated their creative depth, versatility and community spirit.
So I would like to extend my thanks and congratulations to all the creative souls who played their part in the creation of this issue.
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.
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 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 are those who support the Town Crier through paid advertising.
The door is now wide open for your submissions for the May issue. The deadline for the May issue is 6pm on May 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
this issue . . . .
Age Concern page 3
Horley Community Choir page 4
Happy Easter All! Angela Sara West, page 6
Visiting the North of France page 7
Exclusive Event Access - Cannes page 8
A Recipe That Won’t Kill You page 9
A Letter to Man - verse page 11
Award Winning Shynefest 2025 page 12
The Man Who Lost His Sandwich page 13
Stepping Stones in the Surrey Hills page 14
Archway Theatre presents . . . page 17
Clue On Stage page 18
A Taste of Holland at Tullys Tulip Fest page 19
Crawley Down Ladies Choir page 20
Horley Local History Society page 20
JJ’s Epic Eats page 21
Meet JJ page 22
What’s Happening at Franklin Music? page 25
Let’s Dance! page 26
Working Hard to Earn Your Trust page 27
Surrey Awards & Surrey Fashion Week page 28
Church Spire Community Garden page 29
Horley United FC page 30
Horley Flower Club page 32
Promote Yourself in the Town Crier page 33
To contact the editor, please email: horleytowncrier@gmail.com
We are the friendly local Ramblers group with members throughout Horley area and beyond. Visit our website Connect up with us on Facebook
H.A.T.S. is a group of volunteers who organise events in Horley including St Georges Day, the Christmas Fair, the Christmas Lights and anything else we can think of.
Find us on Facebook
Fees Payable to the Charity
The annual membership fee is: Day Centre £20
Men’s Shed £30 Befriending Service £30
Members are eligible to access all services offered by Age Concern MRR, this includes:
• Day Centre attendance
• Men’s Shed attendance
• Befriending Service
• Information, advice, and on-going support from Age Concern MRR
Optional costs incurred:
• Meal at the centre, current cost for full meal and pudding is £7, there is a snack menu
available (costs vary, approx. £2 - £4 depending on choice)
• We have a daily raffle, tickets cost £1 per strip
• Bingo 50p per board if you want to play
• Transport to and/or from the centre, £3.00 each way
• Tea and coffee £1.00 per day
Therefore, for somebody attending the centre who has the main meal, transport both ways, tea or coffee and buys a raffle ticket, the overall cost for the day will be £15
‘Wobble’ Exercise classes, held Mondays and Fridays are charged at £2.00 per session
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT OUR WEBSITE
Phone 01737 645 636
Email enquiries@ageconcernmrr.org.uk
Calling all the local community’s musicians, comedians, spoken word and other performers BUSK STOPS NOW OPEN FOR BOOKING!
Find your place and add your voice to the Reigate Summer Festival, with busk stops throughout the town on Saturday and Sunday 21-22 June.
Save your place here: https://reigatesummerfestival.co.uk/info/get-involved/
At the HAT's St George's Fair
26th April 2025
Location: Horley
Time: 10:00 - 16:00
Cost: Free entry
Location: Horley High Street
Contact: fiona.stimpson248@gmail.com
Do you need help with using your gadgets or the public computers? Join us for group sessions in April and May where we will cover different topics each week. Sessions will be held on Wednesdays from 12 noon to 1pm on the following dates:
• 23 April: Settings and Files
• 30 April: Using the Internet Part 2
• 7 May: Online Shopping
• 14 May: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI)
You can bring your own device to learn on or use one of our public computers.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
Angela Sara West is a Freelance Celebrity Cover Journalist, TV & Film Producer, Co-Founder of Surrey Fashion Week & Judge for the Surrey Awards.@angela_sara_west : www.angelasarawest.com She has very generously agreed to contribute a monthly column in the community's Town Crier magazine.
by Angela Sara West
After a sun-filled early spring, the April showers are here, although they didn’t put a dampener on our delightful day out at Tulleys Farm’s fantastic Amsterdam-style Tulip Fest in Crawley last week, following a sun-soaked day out at delightful Denbies Wine Estate and the idyllic Stepping Stones spot in the stunning Surrey Hills…
Find out about our fun-filled family recommendations for top days out on your doorstep, plus upcoming festivals and more, in this issue of the Town Crier.
For now, let’s start with:
Chesney Hawkes – Our ‘One & Only’ Surrey Day Ambassador
Surrey singer and ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ contestant Chesney Hawkes has been announced as the ‘one and only’ ambassador for Surrey Day 2025!
Chesney is now back home in our county, close to where he grew up, after living in LA for 12 years.
“I’m delighted to be this year’s Surrey Day ambassador,” says the sensational singer. “Surrey is where I live, and I love it here!”
He follows a long line of familiar faces who’ve taken up the ambassador role, including Surrey’s own Hollywood heavyweight Dame Judi Dench, Sir Brian May of Queen, Eamonn Holmes OBE, Dame Penelope Keith and Brian Blessed OBE, who are all proud residents of our county.
Famous for his smash-hit single ‘The One and Only’, the music star is currently shining in the ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ house, where he’s shacked up with other celebs showing their antics on our
screens. Chesney releases his new album this month ahead of accompanying James Blunt on his European arena tour.
The themes for Surrey Day 2025, which takes place on Saturday 10th May, include a reflection on the county’s role in the Second World War, tying in with the 80th anniversary of VE Day. The annual celebration of life in Surrey will also see a celebration of the great outdoors, with a ‘Big Dog Walk’, something that particularly appeals to dog owner Chesney. “Virginia Water Lake, close to where I live, is one of the best places for doggy walks!” he divulges.
The first Surrey Day took place in 2019 and is managed by BBC Radio Surrey, Visit Surrey and the Surrey Lieutenancy in partnership with local charities and organisations. Surrey Day founder Mark Carter says, “We are all absolutely thrilled to welcome Chesney to our celebration of Surrey Day. He’s a hugely popular singer who spans the generations and always brings the feelgood wherever he performs!”
You may be visiting France this year, and if you take the Channel Tunnel, then you will start your journey in the North of France, near Calais, or in Calais itself if you take the Ferry, which I shall be doing soon myself.
But what is there to see in that region? Granted, it is the coldest part of France, and the flattest.
Starting with Calais itself, one can go up the Beffroi, i.e. Belfry, that is part of the council offices in the town centre. From there, you have a great view of the area. When I visited, there weren’t too many people so it was quite pleasant.
If you like walking, then a stroll on top of the cliffs is great, you can visit various fortified places, but beware, the wind can be quite strong!
The beaches along the North are very sandy, I used to love going there as a child, and of course you can go into the dunes and still sneak into the many bunkers left from the Second World War. They are now bomb-free, although I do remember in the 70s hearing an announcement from the lifeguards for everybody to come out of the water as an unexploded mine needed to be brought to shore safely. As soon as the lifeguard told us it was safe, we were all back in the water!
In Boulogne, a few miles down the road, head for Nausicaa, the sea life centre; it’s big and makes for a great family day out. Or visit its chateau and museum.
Go further inland and visit Arras, with its beautiful Dutch-style buildings around cobbled squares. It has a great market on Saturdays.
You can visit the many tunnels underneath the squares and the town hall, all of which were dug and given street names by British Empire troops, mostly New-Zealanders, ahead of one of the great battles to be fought. The troops stayed hidden until it was time to come out and fight. The Germans never figured out where those pesky Brits were!
It’s a great bit of history, and a guide will take you back down memory lane. I really enjoyed it when I visited many years ago. When you come out, you can take a horse-drawn cart and go around the old town. You should then stop at one of the chocolatiers that specialise in “Arras tiles”, lovely chocolates that you will find nowhere else.
And what should you eat when in the North?
One of the best things, is moules marinières. It’s our version of fish and chips really. But try also a carbonnade, which is a beef stew cooked in beer rather than wine, a Northern version of boeuf bourguignon.
The North being beer country, you will find a plethora of beers, a lot produced by small breweries
Try Bêtises de Cambrai, a minted sweet, or munch through speculoos, those lovely spiced biscuits, or a pain d’épices, i.e. a spicy bread - something I cannot do without!
And of course, treat yourself to some nice patisseries. When in France, do like the French, enjoy plenty of food! I surely do!
Dominique Cook French translator and interpreter Domicook64@gmail.com
by Horley’s very own Angela Sara West
Alongside this and my role as a cover journalist and travel & lifestyle writer, I’m a TV producer at London-based STK International and we are pleased to offer you unparalleled access to some of the most prestigious events during the famous film festival, taking place between May 13th-24th.
Elevate your Cannes experience with bespoke opportunities tailored exclusively to your distinguished tastes and professional objectives.
Your Premier Event Access Package includes:
• 5 Exclusive Invitations to premium cocktail receptions, networking mixers & prestigious gatherings
• Guaranteed access to the highly anticipated iSuccess Gala Awards hosted at the iconic Majestic Hotel
Additional High-Profile Third-Party Event Access (not included in our standard package):
• Exclusive VIP Events Including:
Eva Longoria Party
Vanity Fair Party
Chopard Dinner & Party
Magnum Party
Amfar Gala
Cannes Closing Ceremony
• Industry Networking Mixers:
Marché du Film Events
Global Production Awards + media cocktail receptions.
• High-Profile Dinners & Galas:
Villa Forbes Gala Dinner, The Royal Gentlemen Gala Dinner, iSuccess Gala Awards
STK International boasts a stellar reputation for curating memorable high-profile events at past Cannes Film Festivals, including:
• Naomi Campbell’s Exclusive Birthday Celebration: A spectacular event at Château St. Jeannet
• Fashion4Relief - celebrated as a Cannes highlight extensively covered by Getty
• De GRISOGONO event at Hotel du Cap Eden Roc - a benchmark for elegance & exclusivity
• Luxury Lifestyle Week - a celebrated collaboration with iSuccess, Fashion TV & The Monagasque
We are dedicated to aligning our event services with your unique vision and objectives through experiences tailored exclusively for you!
Email angela@stk-international.com
Watch full video reel on my Insta here: @angela_sara_west
In this section we encourage you to share your best recipe for wholesome food made with organic ingredients and free of any of the hidden nasties that make eating a game of Russian Roulette.
Last month we featured a recipe for organic sugar-free nut and cinnamon scones and this month we feature a recipe for sourdough bread.
If you have a healthy recipe you would like to share, please submit it to: steve.cook.writer@mail.com
The following recipe should more or less halve the cost of your bread, whilst helping you be healthy. By test, once you are used to doing it, the actual work involved takes about 15 minutes of your time. But first you need to make the starter . . .
DAY ONE: In a glass mixing bowl put the following ingredients and mix them together with a wooden spoon (avoid using plastic or metal); 20g organic flour + 20g spring water or filtered water (should be quite warm about 30C) + 5g organic runny honey.
Cover the mixed ingredients with a clean cloth and stand to ferment in a warm place (I use the airing cupboard) for 24 hours.
DAY TWO: Mix in:
40g organic flour + 40g spring or filtered water (at about 30C) + 5g organic runny honey. Cover with a clean cloth and let it stand in a warm place for another 24 hours.
DAY THREE
Mix your fermenting starter with: 80g organic flour + 80g warm spring or filtered water. No honey this time. Cover once more and leave to stand for another 24 hours in a warm place.
Mix your fermenting starter with:100g organic flour + 100g water.
Your starter mix is nearly ready for use. Place it in a glass jar but do not close the lid as you need to let the air circulate. Instead, cover the jar with a muslin cloth to keep the flies out but let the air in.
You can pretty much use your starter whenever you want now but I suggest let it stand for another half day before use.
Refresh it every three days by adding a quarter of its weight in flour and a quarter of its weight in water.
I use mine every three days on average. Each time, I use 300g of starter (see recipe). When I do I immediately top the starter back up with 150g of flour plus 150 g of water and let it stand until I next need it. I've found that it can be used every 24 hours without a problem.
If you are going away you can put the starter jar in the fridge with the lid on. I believe it will keep for weeks although I've not yet tried it.
I use organic wholemeal flour but you can use whatever flour you prefer.
Now for the recipe: turn to the next page
Recipes that won’t kill you
to make your own
Making your own 100% fresh organic sourdough bread is very easy and once you are used to it, it only takes a few minutes.
By trial and error I've simplified it down to a very straightforward and basic procedure that seems to work very well.
Have a go and see what you think.
NOTE: this recipe does not use yeast but a sourdough starter, which apparently is how bread used to be made before the existence and role of yeast was discovered. Making the sourdough starter is easy and a recipe for this is on the previous page.
Step 1: put 500 gm of flour in a large glass mixing bowl. I've used organic wholemeal or organic stoneground wholemeal or organic strong white bread flour or organic white rye or organic rye. The same basic recipe applies. I'm sure you can use other flours if you want. Use organic rye or organic white rye if you want bread with very little gluten.
Step2: add natural sea salt or similar. I use just a pinch but you can vary it according to taste. Then add about a dessert spoon of organic olive oil.
Step 3: mix these with a wooden spoon (avoid plastic or metal).
Step 4:Add 300 gm of sourdough starter (see recipe for the starter below) and stir it in thoroughly.
Step 5: add water and stir it in until you have a slightly moist but not gooey consistency. I use warm water as it seems to help the dough rise. If you are using rye flour, warm water is essential. In fact you want it quite warm for rye flour - not too hot to touch obviously but about as warm as water used to wash your hands.
Step 6: knead the dough. I used to turn the mixed dough out onto a floured board and knead it with my hands the way most recipes tell you to. But then I found that if I kept it in the bowl and just worked it for a few minutes with one hand (wetted under the tap to prevent the dough sticking to my hand) whilst holding and turning the bowl with the other, this worked fine. Doing it this way saves having to use a board and having to flour the board to prevent the dough sticking to it (a waste of good flour). Just a few minutes of one-handed kneading does the trick.
Step 7: turn out your dough into a rectangular baking tin (see pic). The tins I am using are 9inch x 5inch. I first line the tin with non-stick baking paper to stop the dough sticking to the tin. This saves having to flour and oil the tin and when the dough is baked it is easier to turn it out of the tin.
Step 8: leave to stand in a warm place for at least 24 hours. I use the airing cupboard. Cover the tin with a clean tea towel when you do so.
NB, you have just used 300 mg of your sourdough starter so this will have to be replaced. Simply mix 150mg of flour and 150mg of filtered water in bowl until smooth, then pour into your sourdough starter jar. Mix it in briefly with the live culture that is already in the jar and then cover your jar with muslin (see starter recipe below). Return the jar to its warm storage place. Leave a day or two before using again. The loaf you are making should last you a couple of days, even if you are a bit of a scoffer like me. Another tip: to compensate for the inevitable natural slight wastage, make your top-up slightly more than 300gm (say 155 gm flour plus 155 gm water= 310 gm).
Continued on next page
Step 9: place an oven-proof tray or dish on the bottom shelf of your fan oven. Preheat the fan oven to 240 degrees C. Do not skimp on making sure the oven is thoroughly preheated.
Step 10: remove the tea towels covering your baking tin and place the tin on the middle shelf of your preheated oven. Shut the oven door. Start your timer (it should be set for 35 minutes)
Step 11: after a couple of minutes open the oven door and chuck about half a litre of cold water into the dish or tray the bottom of the oven so as to create steam. Immediately shut the oven door. While doing this (takes a couple of seconds) keep the timer running.
Step 12: at the end of the 35 minutes remove the tin from the oven. Watch out, it is hot! Turn out the baked bread and remove the greaseproof paper. Tap the bottom of the loaf - if the bread is fully baked it will sound and feel hollow. I find that in my fan oven, 35 minutes produces perfectly baked bread.
If the underside does not feel stiff and hollow, put it back in the oven for another ten minutes at 200C. Trial and error will teach you what works best for you and your oven.
Step 13: place your hot loaf on a wire tray to cool.
Step 14: eat.
by Steve Cook
Heed not the decriers And defamers of Man, For Man brought the fire
Of creation with him from the stars, Then forgot the reasons that he came. Skip regret and dwell you not in blame
For in short time has Man ne'er less
Etched his name in the stained glass
Of imagination and the whole world
Spanned with miraculous towers, And raising them higher by the hour,
Fashioned cities and nations from his dreams. Do not believe the con men and liars
Who know naught but how
To disable gods with self doubt
And would if they could
Blind them forever
To their true power
With mischievous screams
Of derision and how-bad-it-all-is Streams of wired-in shame.
Listen not to the satanic whisperers
Who preach disillusion and the futility of dreams, Who paint failure
Over the bright canvas of triumph And would have you believe Naught of your true self.
From the desert's sterile and desultory sand, Nothing grows so go to where proud cities stand And sow the healthy seed in the fertile Soil of well-justified hope.
Grow your world from its rightnesses, The good seeds with which You are both blessed And surroundedAnd which, indeed, You created.
by Angela Sara West
Surrey, next month, sees fantastic family festival ShyneFest - an award-winning music festival set in the Surrey Hills.
This year celebrating its 10th anniversary, the much-loved family fest will see top performances from Reef, The Ibiza Band and other well-known artists, plus tributes to some of the best bands ever to grace the stage, including sizzling sets from Bon Giovi, Red Hot Tribute Peppers and Nirvanher.
The ULTIMATE family music festival experience, ShyneFest 2025 brings the best of live music, delicious food and drink, and a glitter-filled weekend full of unforgettable memories...
Get set to dance under the stars to a diverse line-up of local and national talented artists. And it's not just about the music... With activities including art workshops and wellness treatments available throughout the weekend, you can indulge in mouth-watering street food from local vendors and sip on refreshing cocktails while lounging in cool chill-out areas.
This phenomenal family-friendly festival also offers some mind-blowing stuff for the kids, meaning there's something for everyone at ShyneFest! From go-karting, animal encounters and creative nature craft workshops, to kids' rave parties, archery, climbing walls, silent discos and so much more.
With the picturesque Surrey countryside providing the perfect backdrop for an epic weekend, on-site camping and glamping is available too, with this live music festival offering stacks of activities and entertainment included at no extra charge:
• Climbing Wall
• Animal Encounters
• Axe Throwing
• Archery
• Go-Karts
• Silent Disco
• Arts & Crafts
• Games & Football
• Wellbeing Treatments
• Funfair Rides
• Festival Stalls
ShyneFest 2025 is supporting Treloar's School and College, a charity that provides outstanding education, therapy and care to physically disabled young people and empowers them to live more independent and fulfilling lives.
Join the glittering 10th anniversary celebrations and experience why this festival has become a must-attend event for music lovers everywhere.
An exclusive report on revolutionary filmmaker, Salazaar Bim by Steve Cook
Bulgarian director Salazaar Bim has long been renowned for feature-length films in the popular CD (Completely Depressing) genre. His works depict various visions of a dystopian future in which just about everything that could possibly go wrong has gone wrong and has it become something nobody in their right mind would want to live in.
They attract huge audiences, which he artfully and creatively divests of any last grains of optimism whatsoever and, indeed, the will to live - as well as boosting the sale of antidepressants. This has made him an immensely popular artist among directors and shareholders of the pharmaceutical industry.
It has been said that the epidemic of depression and suicides so often blamed on a mysterious derangement of brain chemistry that has spontaneously occurred for no apparent reason may in fact be the result of millions of people watching his films.
This, of course, has also made him very rich whilst psychiatrists have warned addicts not to withdraw cold-turkey from watching his movies but just keep taking their antidepressants instead. His movies, cleverly depicting dystopian futures in a variety of imaginative ways, include such classics as
• Brutal Zombie Cannibals Rule the Planet
• People getting Killed in Horrible Ways (parts I, II and III),
• Blood-soaked Wastelands of Tomorrow and the award-winning
• World Without Hope, not to mention the ever-popular TV series,
• Empire of the Manic-depressive Psychopaths.
But Bim (23), is seeking to expand his repertoire and to venture into new genres - indeed to invent a new genre of his own. He explained,
"Somewhere along the way I lost my angst, that borderline mental illness that drove my creativity in its relentless downward spiral. I suddenly realised that endlessly portraying dystopian futures was all fine and dandy - I was proud of my contribution to the culture - but I had become, quite frankly, a bit bored with it all. And then one day, during the making of "The Futility of Existence" - a story in which a slightly unpleasant crew of a spaceship with really inadequate internal lighting get eaten by a mutant flu
virus - in 2020, I realised that this sort of movie was just not fun anymore - at least not for me anyway. I had a flash of inspiration and decided to take a new tack. Instead of portraying futures in which everything is horrible, how about stretching my imagination a bit further and portraying futures in which things are not all that bad? Unlikely as that weird kind of future seems, I thought perhaps I could make it work."
A surge of creativity took him into the making of films of a revolutionary new genre: what he refers to as the "topian future" in which everything is all right.
The first of these was Measles Apocalypse (2022). It depicts a near future in which a measles epidemic strikes the planet and millions of people are a bit under the weather for several days before they get better.
The second was Glare (also 2022) in which relations between the great superpowers, Russia and Iceland, break down to such a degree that they end up glaring at one another and are taken to the very brink of shouting before the nice Syrian government intervenes and they make friends.
The third is already in the making. Entitled, "The Man Who Lost His Sandwich", it depicts a future in which things are quite nice. Psychiatry has been abolished, which has brought mental illness to an end. There is no income tax, people are banned from Facebook for posting pictures of not very nice cats, governments have stopped mucking people about and the human race is doing all right - except that millions of people are a bit bored, having been deprived of things to worry about.
Set in this mind-bogglingly surreal cultural background is the story of John Bland who, as the title suggests, loses his cheese sandwich and becomes quite annoyed about it. It is the sort of trauma that millions of people can identity with. The movie traces his adventures as he searches for his lost sandwich and becomes quite peckish. Ultimately he finds it again. We are not giving anything away here; the real mystery revolves around what had happened to it and to find out you will have to watch the movie when it is released in December 2026.
Meanwhile, other directors are following Bim's ground-breaking lead. Steven Spielberg, for instance, is making "The Alien Planet Where Everybody’s Nice”.
Clint Eastwood is currently filming "Forgiven", having just finished "Let's All Cheer Up a Bit".
by Angela Sara West
Both Surrey born, bred and based, the Easter hols have seen my son Harry and I enjoying staying local and stepping out in the stunning Surrey Hills…
First up, a dog walk at beautiful Box Hill with my brother and sis-in-law and their furry friends with a picturesque pitstop at the iconic Stepping Stones, a stunning Surrey spot where you literally step across the flowing river Mole via idyllic stepping stones!
Dorking’s delightful Denbies Wine Estate, where we held the sparkling Surrey Awards with a mini Surrey Fashion Week in 2023 – more on this year’s Awards, for which I am a judge, below – was next on the day’s agenda.
Nestled in the striking Surrey Hills this gorgeous rambling gem of an estate is the gift that keeps on giving... The first UK vineyard and winery to produce certified Net Zero Wine, award-winning Denbies boasts beautiful walks, breathtaking views, a hotel, restaurant, café and art gallery showcasing local artists, farm and gift shops, and, of course, fine English Wine.
Take the vineyard train to the top of Denbies’ vine-dotted hills for sensational Surrey views. On a sunny day, you’ll feel like you’re in the south of France!
Our photogenic trail then took us down winding
paths to charming country pub The Stepping Stones, where we met up with my parents for the loveliest lunch. Serving up top grub, a great atmosphere the warmest of welcomes, this much-loved watering hole also accommodates muddy paws.
Whether you’re looking for a well-earned pint, light bites or hearty pub classics, this is the place for lovingly prepared, locally sourced fresh food and drink.
The fab community pub’s fun charity-focused manager, Tina, and her top team host an eclectic mix of events and initiatives. From jazz jams and flower arranging, to live music festival Festhumble showcasing local talent alfresco, this buzzing venue rocks local talent and mystical psychic experiences, comedy nights, ing and more. Not just dog friendly but motorbike friendly too, Tina perceptions.
Sat 26th April
Great entertainment line up and fabulous stalls!
You will see fun entertainment from bands, a town parade, a reptile centre in Horley Young People & Family Centre, plus a Horley in Bloom Plant & Seed Swap. Free parking in Town
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OR
Calls made to French-speaking countries
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Phone: 07948 702788
Email: domicook64 @gmail.com
every Wednesday between 10-2pm at St
WfWs was set up in order to help those who may be at home isolated, or unable to afford heating when working from home. It has become a wonderful meeting place and we invite others to join us. We serve good coffee and fresh cake.
Horley Community Choir has been meeting alongside WfWs, if you enjoy singing and would like to join in, come along and find out more.
Revd Kerry Jane Evans Assistant Curate
The Archway Theatre, located in Horley, Surrey, presents Clue: On Stage, adapted from the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn, written by Sandy Rustin, with additional material by Hunter Foster and Eric Price. The director is James Murtagh.
7:45pm: 30 April to 3 May; and 6 to 10 May 2025
(Matinée 2:00pm: 3 May).
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).
Now making his directing debut in the main theatre, James Murtagh previously directed King Lear in The Archway Studio Theatre, in October 2023. James is frequently also seen on stage, having first acted in Wind in the Willows in 2021. He has since appeared in Shakespeare, musicals and more. He hopes to get the opportunity to direct again soon but only after first doing some more acting!
Clue: On Stage is inspired by the 1980s film Clue. Just like the film, this is a fast-paced comedy, in which the audience meets the same classic characters (Miss Scarlet, Colonel Mustard, Professor Plum, etc).
How has James managed to give Archway audiences the same level of silliness and energy that the film delivered?
As he explains, the reason is twofold: “The cast have worked hard, look fabulous and have got to grips with every fiendish twist and turn that Clue involves. In addition, I’ve been greatly inspired by
(stolen loads of ideas from) people who have previously directed me!”
For more about the play, see the following page.
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.
by Jadis Evans
Clue: On Stage, the play based on the popular 1985 film and the classic board game, offers a fun night of mystery, comedy, and plenty of surprises.
Set in a quirky, slightly eerie mansion, the story follows six strangers (Colonel Mustard, Professor Plum, etc) who are invited to dinner under mysterious circumstances. They each have secrets, and soon after they arrive, a murder takes place.
The guests, along with the audience, must work together to figure out who did it, all while dealing with a series of funny and suspenseful events. With each new clue and red herring, the tension builds, and the mystery unfolds in a way that keeps everyone guessing until the very end.
As the director, James Murtagh, explains:
“What makes Clue: On Stage especially enjoyable for all kinds of people is its perfect mix of comedy, suspense, and interactive mystery. Whether you’re a fan of the original board game, the 1985 movie, or just love a good puzzle, this play has something for everyone. The dialogue is clever and full of humour, while still keeping the story moving quickly. Its mix of physical comedy and sharp, character-based humor ensures that this play appeals to all ages.”
Another notable feature is how the audience experience varies from one performance to another. Three different endings, performed in rotation and each revealing a different killer, mean that no two successive performances are the same. “So, even audience members who have already seen one or even two performances will be kept on the edge of their seats, eagerly waiting for a new reveal they haven’t already seen. This brings an exciting extra twist to the show adds James Murtagh.
The staging also plays a big role in making Clue: On Stage such an exciting show. The set captures the gothic charm and whimsical feel of the mansion,
with hidden rooms, secret passages and dramatic lighting that create the perfect atmosphere for a murder mystery. With lively sound effects and imaginative scene changes, the production keeps the audience involved and invested in the story.
Clue: On Stage is not only a story about a group of cartoon-like board game characters, but also a suspenseful mystery that manages to make you think about human nature, trust, and deception. The characters' secrets and lies reflect the complexity of real-life relationships, and while it’s mainly played for laughs, the occasional emotional moments give the play extra depth.
With tickets very moderately priced, compared with what you would be charged at many other theatres, this high-quality show delivers affordable entertainment without the hefty price tag. Whether you’re seeking an escape, a hearty laugh, or a thrilling mystery, Clue: On Stage has it all.
Don't miss this chance to experience top-notch theatre from April 30th to May 10th 2025, at the Archway Theatre in Horley, Surrey. It’s a perfect evening that delivers both excitement and fun!
Further information and tickets, can be obtained via The Archway Theatre’s website: www.archwaytheatre.co.uk
Ticket prices are: £13.50 (non-members); £11.50 (members).
By Angela Sara West
The wonderful, quintessentially English weekend in the sunny Surrey Hills with family described in my previous article was then followed by us swapping Surrey for Sussex and going Dutch with my parents at local Tulleys Farm’s fantastic Tulip Festival.
Nestled in the West Sussex countryside and bursting with stacks to see and do for all generations, the UK’s no.1 tulip festival is back, blooming with no fewer than 1.5 million tulips!
Boasting over 100 different varieties of these beautiful flowers, this fabulous festival offers a feast for the senses, sure to bring smile to your face and guaranteeing an unforgettable day out for families and friends.
Immerse yourself in the magic of nature at Crawley’s charming Tulip Fest, offering breathtaking displays as you follow the lit-up Tulip trails treating its wowed visitors to a dynamic display of nature's progression. Fields bursting with rich purples and deep blues, plus the brightest yellows and reds create a spectacular kaleidoscope of colour in a landscape that is as peaceful as it is mesmerising.
Make magical memories as you enjoy the vibrant blooms and exciting new attractions and roaming street characters along the picturesque paths, with pitstops at the Tulipa Lake and Whispering
Windmill. Explore this delightful display and tranquil escape, which comes complete with a big observation wheel, too, on which you can truly appreciate the outstanding panorama and jaw-dropping beauty and serenity of this unique Sussex spot.
This visual feast for the eyes also offers exceptional eateries for the tastebuds. Enjoy the flavours of Holland with a curated selection of Dutch street food. From pancakes and traditional snacks to gourmet delights and marshmallow toasting fires, relax with a refreshing cocktail in the Secret Garden or savour a freshly brewed coffee at the Tulip Terrace, the perfect spot to admire the top tulip field views.
As evening falls, the enchanting light-up trails transform Tulleys Tulip Fest into an atmospheric illuminated experience, with glowing fields and creative lighting as you wander through mesmerising woodland trails capturing the tulips’ captivating beauty by night.
Tickets available at: ww.tulipfarm.co.uk
The choir continues to meet weekly on a Monday evening in the Birch Room at The Haven Centre, Crawley Down, learning new songs for our Summer concert which will be held in The Dorothy Hatswell Hall also at The Haven Centre on Saturday 14th June starting at 7.30pm.
We will be singing a variety of music genres, in different styles and from various eras.
One challenging piece we are currently learning is a version of the Spice Girls hit “Wannabee” unexpectedly re-arranged as a Madrigal. This style of singing was developed in Italy in the 14th century and was popular during the Renaissance and early Baroque eras.
We will be taking a short break from practising over the Easter period then returning late April to hopefully warmer weather and lighter evenings.
For more information about the choir, please visit our website: crawleydownladieschoir.co.uk
The
Horley Local History Society presents . . . .
'ALifetime inAviation' by Peter Griffiths.
Peter started flying with BOAC in 1967 on Boeing 707s, both as a Pilot and Navigator. He finished a few years ago, flying executive jets for the rich and infamous.
He thus ran the full gamut from "steam driven" early jets, navigating by map, compass and sextant, to highly sophisticated, computer driven aircraft, accurate to within a couple of feet. Later he spent 29 years with Cathay Pacific in Hong Kong, rising to Fleet Manager.
He has a fund of stories and anecdotes to keep us entertained for ages. . . . .
VENUE
Horley Community Centre, Regent Hall, 52 Albert Road, Horley, RH6 7JA + Google Map
Date: 27th May Time: 19.30 - 21.00
Find out more about the Horley Local History Society
JJ’s Epic Eats - the Best Grub Guide in Town
This month JJ Suttle went to Shiraz, Horley and reports: “The best Turkish restaurant I’ve been to”
Last weekend, my family and I went to SHIRAZ in Horley, a Family run Turkish restaurant with live entertainment, and it was AMAZING! From the moment we walked in, I felt like we had travelled to Turkey. The decorations were super cool, with dimmable table lamps, plant displays and even a social media photograph area with a swing.
They have a good selection of cold and hot starters, traditional Turkish mains with a few classics like steak and seabass thrown in and a whole separate dessert menu. The starters were great, with flavours that combine well to compliment each other. I had a good amount of calamari which was lightly battered and came with a wedge of lemon and Tartar sauce. It tasted great and I ate it all.
The rest of my family had a variety of starters including the 2 sharing platters. Everyone enjoyed the starters especially the Sucuk (Turkish sausage), which had a little bit of spice to it. Ordering Hummus and home-made bread made me remember when my mum took me to Shiraz the day they opened almost 6 years ago and the owner gave me extra hummus to take home !
Main courses were bought to our table and my steak was cooked just as I asked, a perfect medium rare and it had a rosemary garnish and nice sides.
The chicken shish was soft and marinated in a very tasty marinade, I know because I nicked a bit of mum’s! My Nan said the sea bream tasted good and
the sauce was the best she’d ever had (she ate the whole lot!). My Grandad - or as I call him, ‘Grangrad’ had, take a guess… another type of fish. He had the sea bass which came whole including the head, which he then used to scare the birthday boy, my cousin.
There are also smaller portions and a kids’ menu available. This is the menu my little cousin, Tillie ate from, and as kids do, she had nuggets and chips.
The staff were so kind and friendly always chatting away with the parents and kids making some jokes that would have made anybody laugh their heads off belly laughing. The owners were great, always around talking to the customers and running the restaurant, even the brothers who said men couldn’t multi task!
But the BEST part?
The entertainment! While we were eating, there was a Fire Eating dancer who performed with fancy costumes and cool music.
She even put a flaming sword on her arm at one point: that’s high pain tolerance! Later, a DJ played some absolute bangers of songs, and some people were dancing. It was so fun and exciting, and it made the whole dinner feel like a party.
Overall, Shiraz is definitely one of the coolest restaurants I’ve ever been to. If you like good food, fun vibes, and awesome entertainment, you HAVE to check it out! I’d totally go again. I was blown away, just like your taste buds could be.
9.9/10 is my Epic Eats score !
Turn to the next page for more information about our precocious young columnist.
JJ is our 12-year-old food review writer who brings fresh and fearless opinions to the table with a side of personality. Born and raised in Horley, he’s always had a huge love for food - from spicy Indian dishes to traditional South African meats. His favourite homecooked meals include a classic roast dinner, a full English breakfast, and his very own homemade pizza (yes, it’s his own secret recipe).
JJ loves to travel, whether it's exploring different parts of the UK or heading off around the world. He recently took a day trip to Pisa, Italy, with his mumthe magazine’s cover photographer - just to eat pizza in the home of pizza!
Outside of the foodie world, you’ll find JJ on the golf course, glued to F1 or NFL on TV, or gaming on his PlayStation, and recently took the plungeliterally - by qualifying for his Open Water PADI scuba diving certificate.
He’s a science fan through and through, especially when it comes to numbers - maths is his real strength. Recently, he was chosen to represent his school in the prestigious Surrey SATRO Science competition, showing off his talent for problem-solving and innovation.
JJ went to Horley Infant School and then Yattendon, and he’s proud to be a young voice in the food scene. He’s a big family person, and his biggest inspiration is his grandad, who taught him the importance of family, to be curious, kind, and always ready for the next adventure especially if it involves great food.
Dates for 2025
27th April, 25th May, 29th June, 27th July, None in August, 28th September, 26th October, 23rd November and 28th December
I have been making these sauces for a couple of years and have added new flavours occasionally. Once I grew in confidence I entered competitions.
To my surprise I won awards in 2023, 2024 and this year 2025.
Lead and Harmonise Workshop, Saturday 26thApril, 11-4, St John’s Centre, Redhill RH1 6QA
Do you want to sing in a band, or improve your vocal skills and confidence on stage? Led by experienced professional musicians, Kate Proudlove and Nikki Franklin bring a wealth of performing experience to help you develop your skills. This workshop is designed to help singers build confidence and develop essential skills for performing with a band. www.franklinmusic.net/workshops
From Tuesday 6th May, the 'Suppertime Concert’ Series will run at St. John’s, Earlswood on the first Tuesday of the month. 18.30-19.15, followed by a drinks reception. We are delighted to present concert pianist, Tomos Boyles on Tuesday 6th May. Tickets £7.50, children and students free entry. www.franklinmusic.net/concerts
Please note, these concerts or offered under our ‘open door’ policy. If you are not able to pay due to financial reasons, we have a number of free ticket allocations at every concert. Please email us to book a ticket in this regard. info@franklinmusic.net
Young Singer Songwriters is a summer camp where you will write your own songs, to sing and perform at the final showcase.
12-15August 10.00-16.00
You will explore every aspect of the creative process, freeing your imagination through improvisation to create original works. Led by a team of experienced songwriters, choreographers, and performers, the workshop is designed to help you build confidence both as musicians and stage performers.
www.franklinmusic.net/workshops
Have you ever left a garage feeling confused or frustrated?
Maybe you were bamboozled by mechanics jargon, or worse, there were hidden costs that you weren’t expecting!
If so, you’re not alone, and this is why we started UMC.
So, a little bit about us…
We’re a family-run vehicle service and repair garage based in Salfords (just off Bonehurst Road).
Luis, my brother, is our head technician, he’s got years of independent garage and dealership experience and can turn his hand to most types of cars. We work on your standard petrol and diesel cars, but we can also service and repair most types of hybrid and electric vehicles too.
I deal with the operational side of things and make sure there for our customers.
As a woman, I experiences when going to garages. I’ve had the “your car will probably fail its MOT” if I don’t replace something, to “you need new brake discs immediately” even though I had only replaced them 6 months prior. Plenty of tricks in the book to make
you feel under pressure to spend more.
This is where we hope to make a difference. We want to build trust with our local customer base so they feel safe in the knowledge that we are reliable and won’t upsell parts that simply aren’t needed. We hope our Google reviews speak for themselves, but here is some of what we offer:
• A comfortable customer lounge (heated in the winter) with free refreshments. Need to work remotely whilst you wait? There’s a desk and free Wi-Fi. Need to bring your baby along? Not a problem for us.
• We offer free vehicle health check videos with our annual services; your technician will talk you through which parts have been changed and any advisories.
• We offer 10% off for Blue Light Card holders.
• We regularly post discounts and competitions to win free stuff on our social media. Last month we gave away a £50 voucher, tickets to Pub in The Park Reigate, and a free car wash kit.
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Underwood Motor Company - continued from previous page
• Initial diagnostic charges are reduced if you choose to get repair work carried out with us.
• Our staff are always happy to chat through any concerns you have. If a technician isn’t available when you call, we will arrange a callback.
Examples of the types of work we offer:
Annual & Interim Services
Brake Discs & Pads
Clutches, Cam belts & Gear Boxes
Tyres & Puncture Repair
Wheel Alignment & Balancing
Air-con Re-gas & more!
Upcoming event
Friday 23rd May 2025 at 6:30 pm Tyres and Tipples!
by Angela Sara West
ShyneFest is up for a coveted Surrey Award again this year in the 'Best Family Fun' category, and it’s your last chance to vote for your favourite Surrey businesses!
I’m not only a judge for the prestigious Surrey Awards, shortlisting the best of Surrey's businesses before they go to the public vote, and a celebrity cover journalist for Surrey Rocks magazine and
We’re hosting a FREE event for people who’d like some handy tips about car safety and maintenance. We’ll be showing you useful things like how to carry out a puncture repair, check and top up your tyre pressures and FAQs about warning lights on your dash.
There will be drinks, snacks and a chance to mingle with other people. If you’re interested, drop us a message or give us a call to RSVP. More details can be found on our socials.
We look forward to meeting you.
Harri Underwood
How to contact us
Website Underwoodmc.com
Phone 01737 919107
WhatsApp – 07786 723102
Email info@underwoodmc.com
Where to find us
Unit 13, Salbrook Road Industrial Estate, Salfords, RH1 5GJ
other titles, but am also the co-founder of Surrey Fashion Week @surreyfashionweekuk and its celebrity charity catwalk shows, which we launched with Surrey's own Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt.
The Surrey Awards 2025 at G Live next month will see top performances from Reef, Dub Pistols and Boney M plus a mini Surrey Fashion Week extravaganza.
Vote now for your fave Surrey businesses at
https://rocksmag.com/surrey/surrey-awards-2025voting/
Volunteers will now meet on a Tuesday afternoon between 2-4pm from next week, this is to assist the Horley Food Bank with fresh produce – as they open on a Wednesday.
The town council and St Barts Church have supported us with purchasing essential tools and compost.
We have a Facebook page for information https://www.facebook.com/share/1Fuk1d7HF2/? mibextid=wwXIfr
We would be delighted if others would like to join in with us, come along for a chat and find out more.
As the season approaches the end we are already preparing for next season.
As a result of the club’s overwhelming success and popularity we have been recruiting for additional teams. At the end of last month, we held trials for new teams and additional players for some of the existing teams as some squads increase to 11-a-side next season. We were humbled by the amount of interest on the day, and it was lovely to meet so many new faces. We are looking forward to announcing full details of the new teams next month. We are still looking for additional players to join an U7 girls’ team for next season, please email recruitment@horleyunitedfc.club for further information.
Horley United FC U14’s are top of the league with one game to go, they are guaranteed promotion to the premier division, later this month they are also in the cup final. We wish the U14s the best of luck!
We are looking for sponsors for the new teams for season 2025/26. We owe a huge amount of gratitude to our current sponsors, they are an integral part of the club, and their continued support has a direct impact on the club’s future. The Sponsors’ logo is predominantly displayed on the team kits, including weekly updates on their progress through social media channels. If you would like further information on sponsoring a team, please mail recruitment@horleyunitedfc.club and one of the committee will contact you.
U9 Girls and U8 Emerald, both made it to the semi-final of their cup, both teams were new this season and is an absolutely amazing achievement. Well, done teams!
The U7’s took part in a mini tournament last week and made it to the final!
The players had never played together as a team before, but their incredible effort rewarded them Runners Up with Albert winning top goal scorer of the tournament. Outstanding work from the team and coaches!
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United continued
U11 Emerald played Chichester in their cup final. Reaching the finals was incredible for the team and their development has skyrocketed this season. It was a close game and the U11s claimed Runners Up of the
Other news includes a fabulous trip to Dorking Wanderers Ladies by the Girls’ U9s. Not only did they get to watch and support the Ladies, they had the privilege of walking out onto the pitch as mascots and took part on a half-time penalty shootout! A big thank you to the club for giving the girls such an amazing experience!
The big news of the month Reigate & Banstead Sports Awards.
Such a prestigious event could not have taken place without all the organisers and sponsors to whom we would like to say a big thank you for letting Horley United FC be part of the evening.
We had a special reason to also be attending, Horley United FC were nominated and shortlisted for CLUB OF THE YEAR!
Runners up on the night was an incredible achievement for the club having only been established two years ago.
We also had one of the U14 players, Raegan, nominated and shortlisted for Young Sports Person of the Year award and ….. she won! Well, done Raegan, such an amazing role model and the club was beaming with pride seeing you up on that stage!
by Jane Bond
Earlier this April, Horley Flower Club marked a truly special milestoneour Blue Sapphire Anniversary, celebrating an amazing 65 years since our very first meeting!
It all began back in 1960 when a group of enthusiastic flower arrangers came together under the umbrella of the Horley Gardener’s Association. Then, in 1986, the club branched out on its own when the gardening club closed, and the Horley Flower Club, as we know it today, was born.
These days, we meet at Regent Hall on Albert Road on the first Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm, and our April meeting was a particularly memorable one. To honour 65 years of fun, flowers, and friendship, we pulled out all the stops with a special celebration evening.
The night kicked off with a delicious buffet, lovingly catered by our committee and we raised our glasses in a toast to all the years we’ve shared this wonderful hobby together. Our lovely chairman, Janet Aslett, gave a heartfelt speech and the moment everyone was waiting for - the cutting of the celebration cake was led by none other than Pam Lee, our longest-standing member who joined way back in 1974!
Keeping with the blue sapphire theme, the evening included a fun “all things blue” quiz and a raffle packed with fabulous blue-wrapped prizes. The energy picked up as a live band treated us to toe-tapping classics from the 1960s, taking many of us on a nostalgic trip down memory lane. We also had a brilliant talk from club member Duncan Ward, who shared the ups and downs of his training journey to become a flower arranging demonstrator it was both inspiring and entertaining!
Over the past 65 years, our club has been part of countless wonderful events. From flower festivals in local churches to Horley in Bloom and even flower arranging in Westminster Cathedral for Commonwealth Day. We’ve been lucky to share our passion in so many meaningful ways. Some of our members also help organise the RHS Wisley
Flower Show and regularly take part in stewarding at flower shows across the region.
Looking ahead, we’re excited about our very own Horley Flower Club Flower Show on Saturday 5th July.
This year’s theme is ‘Let’s Celebrate’ and it promises to be a joyful showcase with members competing across ten fun and creative classes. Visitors are very welcome, so come and join us at English Martyrs Church Hall, Vicarage Lane, Horley, from 1.30–4.30pm. It’s a great chance to see what we’re all about, meet some of our members, and maybe even get inspired to join in!
To find out more about what we do, come along to a meeting - we’re a friendly bunch! You can also follow us for updates on our Facebook page or visit our website at horleyflowerclub.org.uk
Horley Flower Club is part of the Surrey Area of Flower Clubs and proudly affiliated with the National Association of Flower Arranging Societies (NAFAS). For flower-lovers looking for more events around Surrey, head over to surreynafas.com
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Farewell for now!
We hope you enjoyed this issue of the Town Crier. The May 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.