The Town Crier
Horley Edition
Serving the communities of Horley, Smallfield, Gatwick, Copthorne, Burstow, Outwood, Salfords and the surrounding areas
Issue 4, May 2025
Let’s help one another to do well and prosper!
Welcome to the May 2025 issue of the Horley Town Crier !
I am very pleased to present to you the May 2025 issue of the Horley Town Crier community magazine.
The groups, club, societies, charities, artists and businesses of the community present a varied and interesting read that I’m confident you will enjoy.
So once more, my heartfelt thanks to everyone who played their part in putting this issue together.
As time goes on and we really groove this project in, the Town Crier is getting better and better and becoming a stronger and stronger voice and forum for the community.
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.
Become a Columnist
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.
If you feel you have something to offer and would like to become a monthly columnist, please feel free to contact me at any time. Thank you!
Submit!
The door is now wide open for your submissions for the June issue. The deadline for the June issue is 6pm on June19th.
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’s favourite photographer Julie Suttle
In this issue . . . .
Happy May! by Angela Sara West page 3
Win VIP Tickets …. page 4
Cyber Training page 6
The Portland Vets Column page 7
Horley Local History Society page 8
Age Concern Open Day page 8
Henry Smith Charity, Horley page 9
Horley Men’s Shed page 10
British Sugarcraft Guild page 11
JJ’s Epic Eats page 12
The Horley Lions page 13
Franklin Music Musical Soirees page 13
A Recipe That Probably Won’t Kill You page 14
A Book that Probably Won’t Kill You page 14
Dinosaurs May Have Worn Hats page 15
“Clue” at the Archway - a Review page 16
The Man Who Killed England page 18
Let’s Dance Melange page 19
Horley United FC Champions! page 20
Promote Yourself In the Town Crier page 22
Suppertime Concerts - Franklin Music page 23
Horley Community Choir page 25
Walking the Kingdom page 26
Horley Team Ministry page 28
French Recipe of the Month page 29
The Busk Stops Now! page 29
To contact the editor, please email: horleytowncrier@gmail.com
Happy May!
by Town Crier columnist Angela Sara West
Wow, SO much has happened since last month’s column, kicking off with the launch of former Surreyite Sir Richard Branson’s hot new hotel – Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch!
I was honoured to be invited to the billionaire businessman’s boutique hotel launch party and to interview Richard again for the covers of various magazines.
“The team has done such a brilliant job transforming the hotel,” the Virgin boss told me on launching his first hotel in the capital. “My favourite addition is the Hidden Grooves HiFi Lounge - a 70s-style listening bar, and a lovely tribute to Virgin’s musical roots.”
“I also love the fabulous rooftop pool, stunning new suites with Virgin Hotels’ iconic red doors and famous ‘lounge beds’, and access to exclusive treats,” he revealed. “Guests can also enjoy Marlin’s on the Roof restaurant, a private gym, treatment rooms and rooftop club, and I can’t wait to try the new signature restaurant, arriving this spring!”
Oozing glamour, London’s hip new 5* global hub boasts an industrial-style feel with exposed bricks, steel-framed windows and incredible vibes. With a sushi lounge and Ibiza-inspired private nightclub, gym, spa and more to boot, guests at Virgin Hotels’ London-Shoreditch are spoilt for choice.
Serving up mouthwatering modern Mediterranean cuisine, take a refreshing dip in the iconic rooftop pool and drink in the views at the pool-bar-lounge with live music, with the whole of London at your feet, before indulging in a decadent dining experience.
It was really great to meet Sir Richard Branson again, following our chat a few years ago about his hotel and villas on Mallorca, which you can read on Channel 4’s ‘A Place in the Sun’ website here: www.aplaceinthesun.com/articles/2018/05/whydoes-richard-branson-love-mallorca
Star-Studded Surrey Awards x Surrey Fashion Week 2025
Last Thursday saw our glamorous Surrey Awards x Surrey Fashion Week at G Live, Guildford, with sensational performances from legendary Sheyla Bonnick from Boney M, Reef frontman Gary Stringer - who ensured we all ‘Placed Our Hands
Up!’
with the band’s no.1 hit single - plus a sizzling Surrey Fashion Week extravaganza and fun afterparty with a top DJ set from Dub Pistols’ lead singer Barry Ashworth of ‘Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’ fame, who hails from my home village of Carshalton.
Alongside my role as a celebrity cover journalist for various local, national and international magazines, I’m also a judge for the prestigious Surrey Awards –shortlisting the best of our county’s brilliant businesses before they go to the public vote – and am the co-founder of Surrey Fashion Week and its celebrity charity catwalk shows, too, which we launched with Surrey’s own Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt.
With the glitzy Surrey Awards ceremony hosted by my good friend Jason Burrill (‘Bond’ star and ‘Big Brother 2016’ winner) and Radio Jackie’s Emilie Kate Owen, my VIP guests at The Surrey Awards x Surrey Fashion Week 2025 included Ben Ofoedu from Phats & Small, phenomenal young opera star Emma Nuule, who blew the roof off with her outstanding rendition of ‘Nessun Dorma’ – talk about a standing ovation! – designer/model/actress Nina Naustdal and legendary music producer Ron Tom (Sugababes, All Saints, Gabrielle).
Surrey stars Bradley McIntosh from BRIT Awardwinning S Club, DJ Mike Read and England cricketer Phil ‘Tuffers’ Tufnell were also among our celebrity guests.
Another highlight of the night was our fab Surrey Fashion Week brands Monice London, Howard & Co. Attire, House of Afrika and edgy new denim jacket designers Skinner & Vale winning ALL the coveted Surrey Awards for Best Fashion!
WIN VIP Tickets to The Polo Cup Finals in Windsor, Superyacht Charters in Mallorca, Mind & Body Bootcamps, Fine Dining in the Surrey Hills & More!
by Angela Sara West
YOU can WIN FANTASTIC PRIZES in our sensational silent auction accompanying our esteemed Surrey Awards x Surrey Fashion Week 2025 event. (see previous page)
Check out the fantastic prizes at rock-bottom prices, all in aid of our chosen charity – the children’s unit at The Royal Marsden Hospital in Surrey.
We have everything from top VIP tickets to the revered Asia Cup Polo in Windsor, superyacht charters in Mallorca worth a whopping £50k, and luxury fine dining experiences at multi-awardwinning Kinghams in Shere and Beaverbrook in the stunning Surrey Hills, to celebrity aesthetic treatments in Surrey salons, mind & body bootcamps and delectable award-winning vodka bundles, all at just a snip of the retail price.
Looking for love? We even have hot dates with a former Miss Kingston - now an international cover model - and our dashing Surrey Fashion Week (SFW) model & philanthropic hero John Parker from John’s Red Bus (delivering humanitarian aid for Ukraine) up for grabs!
Held under Royal Patronage from the Jaipur Royal Family, the esteemed Asia Cup Polo event in Windsor is a highlight of the summer social calendar, combining world-class polo, exceptional hospitality, plus a vibrant atmosphere with ambient live music, setting the perfect tone for a day of sport and celebration. With a 3-course gourmet lunch with wine included, plus world-class entertainment, enjoy a super-glam Surrey Fashion Week showcase with our Surrey Award-winning fashion brands hosted by celebrity milliner Louis Mariette, plus VIP shopping in the Shopping Village and a fun afterparty.
Immerse yourself in an unparalleled and unique ambiance at this incredible quintessentially English event with two fantastic hospitality tickets currently costing just £70 for the 2, but with a value of nearly £400! So please place a bid and support our amazing cancer charity. Set in the picturesque parkland of the private Winkfield Polo Club in Windsor in an atmosphere of prestige, excitement and camaraderie, this exclusive event promises an unparalleled blend of top-class sport, entertainment, fashion and luxury hospitality. The 29th is Finals Day and a family day, so there will be plenty of
activities available for the kids!
National press and luxury lifestyle magazine photographers will be in attendance and, if you have watched the movie 'Pretty Woman' you will know that 'treading the divots' is a must between matches, so dress to impress for both the camera and the occasion.
Your hospitality package in the exclusive VIP area includes:
- Three-Course Meal with Wines
- Excellent View of the Polo Matches
- Reserved Seating in Luxury Marquee
- Live Entertainment
- Chill-out Area + Whiskey & Cigar Lounge
- Secure Reserved Parking Places
- Excellent Networking
- Afterparty with DJ & Live Band
Whether it's the Polo in Windsor, setting sail from Palma on your own superyacht party in the sparkling Med, or securing celebrity signed merch or another top prize, you'll find something for all in our sizzling silent auction! Get bidding NOW to be in with a chance of bagging a bargain luxury experience or premium product to treat yourself, your family and friends.
Visit www.jumblebee.co.uk/ surreyfashionweekxsurreyawardscharityauction2025
Best of luck!
Join us at Surrey Fashion Week x Miss Britannia At The Polo!
What’s more, for just £30 – and with 50% going to charity - you can also clinch non-hospitality tickets to the Cup Polo Finals Day in Windsor on Sun 29th June, where we will be staging our Surrey Fashion Week celebrity charity catwalk show in collaboration with Miss Britannia!
Enjoy two exciting games of polo followed by the prize ceremony, plus an exciting Surrey Fashion Week (SFW) celebrity catwalk extravaganza with a few famous faces and our favourite Surrey Awardwinning SFW brands. Secure your tickets now for just £30 here! www.tickettailor.com/events/ celebrasianreasiacuppolo/1696085
All profits after fees will go to charity via our new fundraising platform The Triple C (Cancer Care Community): www.thetriplec.co.uk
For information about the hospitality packages available, please email me at angelasarawest@gmail.com
Dates for 2025
25th May, 29th June, 27th July, None inAugust, 28th September, 26th October, 23rd November and 28th December
Award Winning Sauces!
I have made these sauces to have sting in the tail and pack plenty of flavour. They will definitely excite your taste buds and keep you coming back for more! My sauces are incredibly versatile and can be used for dipping, marinating or drizzling!
I won awards in 2023, 2024 and this year 2025.
Cyber Training at Reigate and Banstead Community Centres
We're excited to announce that our community centres are launching a new Cyber Training Program for Children and a parent, designed to equip young learners (ages 10 to 14yrs) with essential digital skills, cyber safety knowledge, and hands-on experience in a fun, engaging environment.
This training will equip participants with the essential skills below:
Online Identity and Privacy - How to protect their personal information Cyberbullying - Kindness and respect online
Stranger Danger - Who is a stranger online Games and social media - How to be safe on platforms like Roblox, YouTube, TikTok etc Passwords and Devices - Importance of strong passwords
Parent Controls and Tools - Setting up filters, screen time limits and monitoring tools
Signs of Trouble - How to spot if your child is being bullied or groomed online
Creating a Cyber Safe Home - Open communication strategies Digital Footprint Awareness - Teaching the permanence of online actions
To book please visit: https://bookwhen.com/communitycentres
Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, Town Hall, Castlefield Road, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 0SH www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk
Follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Nextdoor
Want to peek inside our community centres? Tour the centres with our online walkthroughs here: Banstead, Horley, Woodhatch
The Horley Local History Society presents
The History of the Wey andArun Canal.
Why not come along to the next meeting of Horley Local History Society on Tuesday 24th June and hear about the history of the Wey and Arun Canal.
The first serious attempt to join the Wey and Arun rivers was made in 1641. Later during the Napoleonic wars (1799-1815), the sea route from London via the English Channel to Portsmouth where the Royal Navy was based, was fraught with danger from French ships. However, it was realised that by joining and making navigable the Thames, Wey and Arun rivers, cargoes including naval supplies could travel more safely.
Also, the journey would take only four days and goods could be delivered to inland wharves along the route. Thus, in 1784 a Petition was presented to the House of Lords to cut a new canal.
Come along and hear about the history of the Canal and its restoration by a team of dedicated enthusiasts.
We shall meet at 7.30pm for an 8.00pm start at Horley Community Centre, Regent Hall, Albert Road, Horley. Tea and coffee will be available.
Free car parking is available in the underground car park below the Regent Hall.
Non-Members are welcome for a nominal entry fee of £2 each but this is refundable if you join HLHS. Membership costs £10 for individuals or £15 for couples and you can join on the night.
Age Concern MRR is having an Open Day!
We have a mainstream Day Centre including transport, a Men’s Shed and offer a Befriending Service to people living in Merstham, Redhill, Reigate and Horley.
We run the centre on a membership basis, our members call it their “club” this means that you tend to see the same faces when you come and that you’re all usually here for the same amount of time which can help with getting to know people and making friends.
We also have a small group of dedicated staff and volunteers, so you get to know us well. It’s really not like it is portrayed on TV!
We are having an open day so you can come and bring your Mum, Dad, Neighbour, Friend or yourself to have a look around and see where we are, meet some of the team, see our Centre and the Men’s Shed, try/watch the seated exercise class, have a hand massage, a cuppa tea and see if you’d like to join us.
Or if you are interested in volunteering for our charity We’d love to meet you !
Pop along
Henry Smith Charity, Horley
Henry Smith Charity, Horley, has been helping people who are facing financial challenges as a result of their social or economic circumstances since 1628.
In case you are wondering how this local charity is funded; we are one of about 150 similar local charities across England that receives an annual grant from the Henry Smith National Charity. Each one was set up in about 1628 in accordance with the Will of Henry Smith who was a City of London Merchant. The Horley Charity is independently registered with the Charity Commission and received a revised Constitution in 2024.
We provide monetary grants to people living within the Ancient Parish of Horley who are facing poverty as a result of their social or economic circumstances. We also provide grants to support charities and community organisations having similar objects to those of the Henry Smith Horley Charity and working within the Ancient Parish for the benefit of the public.
More specifically, we help individuals and families who live in Horley, Salfords, Sidlow and South Earlswood who need clothes and shoes for themselves and their children, including school uniforms.
In addition, we help with funding for replacement cookers, fridges, tumble dryers and mattresses.
We also help students going into university and technical training who need help with study materials and trade equipment.
This is just a sample of the things we help to fund but however we assist, our aim is to improve the circumstances for each person that we assist.
All you have to do is contact us
There’s no cost or obligation for you.
So why not visit our website, download an Application Form, fill it in, then email or text it to us.
Everything is confidential and we’ll sort things out quickly.
www.henrysmithcharityhorley.org.uk
The Horley Men’s Shed Connection, conversation
The Men’s Shed have been very busy, raising £150 at the Leisure Centre Spring Market in April and finishing the fit out of our new shed.
Money towards the shed came from the Town Mayor, Martin Saunders who presented us with a cheque on his last day.
The same day we received a donation of wood from Tone Scaffolding. We have also received £500 from the East Surrey Community Participatory Budget which has gone towards specialist woodworking machines.
We are busy replenishing our stock of bird boxes and feeders, bug towers, hedgehog houses, boot and coat hangers, dog beds, bat boxes, garden planters and much more for our stall at the Horley Carnival on June 21st, come along for a chat and buy a very reasonably priced upcycled and handcrafted product.
We can make planters to order and one of our very happy customers sent us a lovely photo of her planters in position and filled with plants.
We will be exhibiting at the Methodist Flower Festival on June 6th to the 8th, come and see our wooden flowers!
The Men’s Shed have also entered a team in the annual Horley Lions Skittles Tournament on June 3rd
We are open every Tuesday behind the Horley Health Hub, 120 Victoria Road from 9 am until 3 pm 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.
and creation
The Crawley Branch British Sugarcraft Guild
by Karen Grantham
Our monthly branch meetings are held in Horley at the Tesco Extra Community Room, Reigate Road, Hookwood RH6 0AT.
We are only a small group but very lucky with a free venue. We are still getting enquiries of interest. Jamie Smyth came in January for a flower demo and we have some great demos lined up for the next few months including:
• Tanya Tooley – Wafer Flowers
• Vicky Teather – Baby Modelling
The month after each demo we have a branch workshop so we can have a go at making what we had seen and try out new techniques, which is always great fun. At most meetings we hold a small fun raffle. All our events are recorded and updated on our Facebook page which is slowly growing: we have 342 followers and have had 309 likes on posts.
Members also keep in touch with each other on a branch WhatsApp group and we had a Christmas meal together. We have also updated our email address which is now BSGcrawley@outlook.com
• Jo Dear Handbags
JJ’s Epic Eats - the Best Grub Guide in Town
This month JJ Suttle went to the Jack Fairman Wetherspoons pub
In an Art Deco-style building, in Victoria Road, Horley, which was built in 1933 as a car showroom for the Fairman family, sits the Jack Fairman Wetherspoons pub. I have been going there for breakfasts since I was 2 years old, so I wanted to check out the evening menu a bit more.
Recently upgraded with new chairs, the pub has a classic feel to it, with raised booth areas and general seating alongside a long bar area and an open fire in the winter.
If you’re after decent pub grub at great prices, The Jack Fairman hits the mark. Like many Wetherspoons, it delivers what it promises: familiar favourites, many dishes, optional extras, and a bill that won’t make you wince.
The menu is full of pub classics – burgers, curries, pizzas and the ever-popular all-day breakfast. On this visit, the food was well-cooked, and arrived quickly.
From placing our order on the Wetherspoons app to receiving our food, it took just 14 minutes and 34 seconds – perfect for anyone who’s proper hungry!
The app is easy to use, and having food and drinks brought straight to the table is as expected in pubs these days. Bear in mind though, if you want to eat in courses (like having starters first), you need to order at the bar, as everything arrives at the same time when you order on the app.
My highlight of our meal was the crispy chicken wings – crunchy with a nice fry and with a range of sauces to suit your taste they will be great for anyone. They come in 2 sizes, a great option as a starter or to share.
The pepperoni pizza was another winner, with an overflowing layer of tomato sauce, lots of cheese and a generous topping of pepperoni – a great balance of flavours on the base.
My mum said that the classic American cheeseburger patties had a good, beefy flavour, tasty, but might leave bigger appetites wanting a bit more bread to match the meat. Chips were chips!
The staff were kind and friendly, taking the time to chat and share a few jokes – a small thing that
Born and raised in Horley, JJ is our 12-year-old food review writer who brings fresh and fearless opinions to the table with a side of personality.
made the experience feel that bit more welcoming.
Cutlery was clean, as expected, and there’s a separate condiment station where you help yourself to sauces. It had all the basics covered: ketchup, brown sauce, mustard, mayo, sweet chilli, tartare, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Despite it being quite busy, the atmosphere was a bit flat – there's no background music, so you end up hearing everyone else’s conversations. Not a deal-breaker, but it could benefit from a bit more ambiance.
All in all, a great value, quick dinner – and you won’t get better food, unless you head for a more expensive, high-end restaurant.
Wetherspoons does what it says on the tin.
The Horley Lions
The Horley Lions Easter Egg Draw has raised £1500 which will be donated to the LRF (Lucy Raynor Foundation) who do a fantastic job of supporting our youngsters who are struggling with Mental Health
We are looking forward to our next Fundraising event which is our Skittles Week being held every evening at the Horley Cricket Club starting on Monday 2-6th June.
So please come down & support us as there will be a Raffle you can enter as well as our new BBQ equipment selling lovely hotdogs & burgers This year we are fundraising for the Children’s Ward at East Surrey Hospital. For more information about our Skittles Week, click here.
CallingAll Skilled Performers and Dedicated Music Students!
PERFORMERS WANTED
We’re looking for musicians of all levels to take part in the next Franklin Music Open Concert Platform.
TIME: Saturday 28th June 4:00–5:30 PM
PLACE: St. John's Church, Earlswood RH1 6QA
Whether you're a beginner, seasoned performer, soloist, part of an ensemble, or composer, come share your music in a warm and supportive space. Suitable for performers of any age.
Sign up now - limited spots available
To apply, please send a small biography and repertoire which you would like to perform.
Each performance should be under 8 minutes.
DM or email info@franklinmusic.net
A
RECIPE THAT PROBABLYWON’T KILLYOU
For several years now, as part of making our household pretty much 100% chemical-free, we’ve been using a home-made environmentally-friendly cleaning liquid that does a very, very good job and is made of natural ingredients.
We use it in the washing machine and as an all-round household cleaner, plus washing-up liquid. It is very good at getting stains out of the carpet, such as chocolate (me) or vomit (the cat) or even poo (the cat also).
It is odourless although you can add drops of essential oils of your choice if you want it scented.
The recipe below will make enough to last up to three months at a cost of 1 to 2 quid depending on which soap you use. We use an expensive natural olive oil soap from France so the cost is around two quid for 4 -8 weeks, which is pretty cheap considering we use it for almost everything.
Here is the recipe.
Take a block of natural olive oil soap (at least 78% olive oil plus other natural oils). Cut off 100g of the soap and grate it using a cheese grater into a large saucepan.
Add 1 litre of boiling water and stir thoroughly until the soap is all dissolved.
Allow the mixture to stand overnight.
Add 2 tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda plus 2 tablespoons of soda crystals. Stir thoroughly.
Add 1 litre of cold water. Stir thoroughly.
Add another litre of cold water. Stir thoroughly.
And that’s it. You now have cleaning fluid/washing machine soap/washing-up liquid for about 8 weeks.
We store ours in an old 5L plastic spring water container. You’ll need to give it a shake each time you use it.
You’ll probably find that when your supply runs out there is a soapy sludge at the bottom of your container. Don’t throw it away. Mx it in with the water when you make your next batch.
Waste not, want not!
Got a healthy recipe you want to share?
Please send it to the editor at horleytowncrier@gmail.com
And here’s a book that probably won’t kill you either
A housewife, an accountant, a shopkeeper and a chicken factory manager inadvertently start Earth's first interstellar war and they are very sorry about that.
Plus Earth's first interstellar sing-song, featuring a well-known rugby song and they are very sorry about that too!
Also features some attempted probing and quite a lot of running away.
"Excellently hilarious book! " GK
"I thoroughly enjoyed it but I think you should put a warning on the cover, advising people not to read it in public, I giggled a lot & laughed out loud several times, very embarrassing when I'm sitting in a coffee shop! " GF
"The author’s signature blend of wry humour and observational skill makes this short story a joy to read. Gently satirical, it good-naturedly pokes fun at human society while hinting at a darker reality beneath.
"Treat yourself to a copy, you won't regret it. Be warned though, this is not a book to read in a library . . . too many laugh-out-loud moments." Ingenue Magazine
Buy it now while Earth is still free or join the Earth Resistance (Library Branch)
Available in eBook and Paperback:
Find more details here
Dinosaurs May Have Worn Hats, Scientists Believe
Study Results in Shock New Discovery about Life in the Jurassic
A recent re-examination of prehistoric fossils by scientists at the Natural History Museum in Neasden has resulted in discoveries that have shaken the scientific world to its core.
The very latest micro-imaging technology and algorithms that enable researchers to painstakingly sift fact from fiction have facilitated a minutely close scrutiny of hundreds of fossils from the Jurassic Period.
This five-year-long study had brought to light facts about the dinosaurs that will cause us to reevaluate everything we thought we knew about these magnificent yet extensively misunderstood creatures. A case in point is what the study has revealed about the dinosaurs' penchant for wearing hats.
Whilst the bowler hat was favoured by
Tyrannosaurus Rex, the sartorially elegant Velociraptor could be distinguished by its top hat.
The brontosaurus is believed to have favoured the balaclava in an effort not to be recognized.
Your submissions for the Town Crier humour and satire feature are most welcome!
Please send them to horleytowncrier@gmail.com
‘Clue’at TheArchway - Horley's Theatre with a Hollywood Seal of
Approval by
its
Surrey Patron, Dame Judi Dench!
A top-notch review of the ‘perfect’play at our local theatre by our celebrity journalist Angela Sara West @angela_sara_west and our cover photographer Julie Suttle @purepicsbyjules
Hidden away beneath Horley’s historic railway station, the Archway Theatre is a must-visit gem of the local arts scene.
Quirky, intimate and oozing character, it’s long been a cherished space for amateur dramatics, with the recent performance of the much-loved play Clue proving just how talented Horley’s homegrown theatrical community truly is.
Bond Star Dame Judi Dench at The Archway
But did you know that Surrey’s own Hollywood heavyweight‘Bond’ star Dame Judi Dench - is such a huge fan of this exceptional theatrical establishment "underneath the arches", as depicted in The Arches’ fascinating timeline adorning the wall of the buzzing bar, that she kindly became a patron of this little - but mighty - lovely local theatre?
In fact, in February this year, Dame Judi even took to the stage here in Horley, regaling stories from her colourful past, treating lucky attendees to a wonderful insightful evening of delightful tales and laughter.
Capturing her audience from the very first moment she entered stage left, the inspiring theatrical powerhouse treated her much-in-awe audience to a moving rendition of Cleopatra's monologue before the national acting treasure joined her captivated crowd in the bijou bar and chatted with many of the Archway's members, signing books, offering advice and more!
Opening Night of Clue
As a celebrity journalist and cover photographer for the new Horley Town Crier and other local, national and international magazines, we were honoured to be invited to the opening night of 'Clue' at this humble but high-class theatre, at which we rocked up with great expectations - and it didn’t disappoint. Everything about this enjoyable and exceptional evening out completely blew us away…
Directed by James Murtagh, we had the pleasure of chatting with the talented clued-up director ahead of the first flawless, outstanding live performance on the opening night.
“I’m so proud of everyone involved in the production,” James exclaimed. “The cast and crew have worked incredibly hard both on stage and behind the scenes to ensure we deliver the highestlevel amateur theatre you’ll get."
And he wasn’t wrong. Hard pressed to remember we were in a thriving theatre in the heart of Horley, we were subsequently so fully immersed in a sensational show of such high quality and standard that we felt we were experiencing a London West End show!
The Play With A Twist
This slick production was a fast-paced, sharply delivered romp through the classic ‘whodunnit’ territory of the beloved board game.
Adapted from the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn and Sandy Rustin, this riveting play is set in a spooky mansion, where six strangers with shady pasts are invited to dinner and promptly find themselves embroiled in a murder mystery full of secrets, laughs, and, of course, the occasional candlestick!
Continued on following page
‘Clue’ continued from previous page
Spot-On Casting
From the moment the lights dimmed, the cast had the audience hooked. Each familiar characterColonel Mustard, Professor Plum and Miss Scarlet (perfectly played by our friend Mandy Humphries, whom we first met when we joined Horley Infants’ school PTA) among them - was brought to life with both wit and theatrical flair.
The casting was spot on, with each accomplished actor leaning into their chosen character’s eccentricities without ever tipping into caricature. The physical comedy was particularly strong, with timing and expression that had the audience in roars of laughter throughout.
Director James' direction cleverly balanced suspense and silliness, allowing the classic farcical elements to shine through while keeping the mystery at the heart of the story alive. Cheeky double entendres and punchy one-liners were delivered with a mischievous twinkle, while the energy on stage exuded in spades. The chemistry among the cast was palpable, making for a seamless ensemble performance.
Behind-The-Scenes Magic
We must also mention and praise the magic behind the scenes. As always at the Archway, the sensational sets and props were crafted by volunteers, and their professional, meticulous dedication shows. The mansion set was charmingly atmospheric and authentic, while the intimate layout of the theatre meant the audience was pulled right into the action, making for a fully immersive experience.
Even the scenery changes were cleverly handled. Rather than hidden behind blackouts, moveable props were integrated into the performance in ways that captured the audience’s attention, often adding to the humour and momentum of the play.
Wherever you sit in the plush comfy seats of this perfectly formed small theatre, you’re never far from the stage, making every gasp, laugh and suspicious glance feel all the more immersive.
Delivered with quality, confident and spot-on acting, creativity and great comedic timing, Clue at the Archway Theatre is an absolute triumph of community theatre.
Whether you're a fan of the board game, the film, or just a good old-fashioned murder mystery with a twist, this fabulous production delivers all the right clues.
Quirky, engaging, and with a fun dose of the absurd, we cannot recommend this high-quality performance enough.
Our advice? Arrive early to soak up the warm and welcoming ambiance of the cosy Arches bar before a show in this top-notch auditorium and indulge in a unique buzzing ambience with an array of pre-theatre drinks in which to partake.
What's more, you can even order your interval drinks in advance so they're ready and waiting, avoiding a queue at the bar. With sensational service and reviews of the show, what are you waiting for?!!
www.archwaytheatre.co.uk
Angela and Julie with director James Murtagh
The Man Who Killed England by
Last night England perished in my sleep; Her cry for help was tangled in my dreams. Smothered by their folds, held baby-like and weak, I may have stirred but was not woken by her screams.
And when dawn broke with dismal light I woke To winter’s paean hung upon the barbs of her defeat, Her wilted rose by blight of bare-faced liars choked, Her people strangled by their own elite.
From a thousand tiny wounds of small neglects, The talents of her people frittered all away, Asset-stripped and sick with tax and debt Did she expire in slow inglorious decay.
A million lenses framed her agonized demise, Snapped each and every knife-twist of her pain, Freeze-framed, re-wound and then in some archive Each mishap stored from whence reviewed again.
Fine-etched the small components of her death I knew, Slept through but studied after the event, In armchair ease with dull detachment viewed, Like a soap or sitcom scripted for lament.
It seemed to me she got the rough end of the script: Good people never should be written from the plot, But the moving tape records and serves its writ: No rewinds change the truth of it one jot.
Commercial breaks and sitcoms came and went, Like prosy time-released each to its slot, But the tape ran on until all life was spent And just before the end it seems that I dozed off.
But slumber carries with it its own curse, That he who sleeps is doomed at last to wake And there the TV waits to tell the worst Of what he tried to miss but never could escape.
I watched each documented exposé – I did my bit –That mapped each sorry twist of her decline And somberly agreed how bad was all of it, That something should be done while there’s still time.
How dutifully I watched each televised debate
Confirming it was all some governmental wrong And what could anybody do but wait For some new messianic nut to come along
Steve Cook
And fleece the flock with fey agendum hid Behind “solutions” that always honest men bear ill, Who – while he tighter nails our coffin lid –Sees his coffers and psychotic dreams fulfilled.
I paid my tax and (honest) never broke the law And drove with care along the middle of the road And if I could I would have done much more But the medication then kicked in and so I dozed.
Somehow I missed the better part of this glum tale, The diagnostic why’s and wherefores of our plight, Or perhaps we citizens were spared the odd detail
The “who” and “how” kept out of sight.
For fear that we might make sense of it and wake And understanding fill us with its power, So that energised we might stir and then re-take
From feral hands the febrile stem of the nation’s flower.
Men of ill intent usurped the offices of state
And so the state ere long was organised for crime ‘Gainst we for whom their scams did seal the fate Of a nation pushed, not fallen, to decline.
Yet every one of us ne’er less did play our part, For where we dare not look does evil bloom And the sum of all our blind eyes turned grew vast And for the spread of evil obligingly made room.
The collective irresponsibilities of folk in truth
Do government’s tomfoolery comprise, For where from decency they hold themselves aloof, Entrusting it to criminals, it dies.
Behind each sorry aspect of this mess there lies
Some criminal self-serving with intent, For good men’s efforts never would contrive To snare good men in such predicament.
For evil to take root and win the day Alone requires that good men all do naught: They sleep or wait or look away And so forfeit the battles they never truly fought.
I would have fought of course, I always planned To rise and join the fray.
I hope you will forgive I lived life second-hand; I thought of it but my armchair barred the way.
Attention local poets and lyricists!
Submit your verse to the Town Crier. See website for details
HORLEY UNITED FC U14 CROWNED LEAGUE CHAMPIONS 2024/2025!
Horley United FC U14 have secured victory and are promoted to the Premier Division of the Epsom & Ewell League next season. The team and coaches have shown incredible determination and teamwork throughout the season. The club and community are extremely proud. Thank you to all the parents, carers and supporters, their contribution has been invaluable. And to our sponsors D & R Carpentry, Joshua Lewis Carpentry & Construction, James Dean Estate Agents Horley, thank you for your continued support of this team and club, it would not have been possible without you!
Celebrations were also in order at the AMEX for Horley United FC U12 Emerald. The team finished runners up earning promotion to Division 2 of the Mid Sussex League next season. Well done team!
AS THE SEASON ENDS THE TOURNAMENTS BEGIN FOR HORLEY UNITED FC
U12 Emerald Semi Finalists
U12 Emerald Semi Finalists
U12 Gold Burgess Hill
U11 Gold Broadbridge Heath Tournament
U9 Girls Burgess Hill Tournament
U9 Boys Horley Town
U8 Emerald Worthing Tournament
U8 Gold Semi Finalists Three Bridges Tournament
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Walking the Kingdom 2015 An adventure revisited
by Steve Cook
I was looking for something else on my computer and found some old pics of the "Walk the Kingdom" caper I did in 2015. On this date ten years ago, at the youthful age of a mere 63, I was about a week into my planned walk of the British mainland coast.
The gig was to walk the entire British coast (about 4K miles) to raise funds for Drug Education for Kids, specifically for my good mate Pete Dwan, former British Thai boxing champion, who at that time was doing superb drug education talks for children.
I wanted to help Pete as best I could because what he was doing was in my opinion so valuable. I have worked in drug rehabilitation - much of which was putting people through drug withdrawal - and seen first-hand the devastating damage drugs can do to their users and such an heroic effort to arm kids with enough knowledge to help them make the right decisions and avoid the deadly trap that drugs comprise was well worth my giving it all the support I could muster.
Well, I wasn’t as good at fisticuffs as Pete nor was I good at giving talks but I realised that (albeit with practice) I could be fairly good at walking.
So that is what I did!
I started in my home town of East Grinstead, walked south to Brighton, turned left at the sea and just kept on walking. I had planned to be the oldest person ever to have done the walk (I was 63 at the time and would have been 64 by the time I finished it).
I got about a quarter of the way - about 1100 miles all around the coast of Sussex, Kent, Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, Northumberland etc - crossed the Forth Bridge and reached North Queensferry in Scotland before a broken toe forced me to retire (I am a bit of a wuss when it comes to pain).
I have really fond memories of that adventure and would consider tackling it again with the right sponsorship. And I’ll wear better boots and avoid breaking my toe next time.
But here for nostalgia's sake are the pics I found from that escapade. After ten years I can’t recall where three of them were taken. The bloke with the mayoral chain was the Lord Provost of Edinburgha very, very nice man. The one where I am celebrating by the side of a main road was where I crossed the border into Scotland having walked off my you-know-what for many weeks.
I have a great many fond memories of that adventure. Not least of which is the bountiful kindness of the people I met and was helped by along the way.
Oh, and I also managed to dredge up a large number of the daily video reports I made during the walk.
You can find them on YouTube, here
Walk the Kingdom photo gallery
Some random photos I was lucky to find (God knows where the rest of them went - there were hundreds!)
Anyway, I’ve managed to find a fair number of the daily video reports I did and you can see them here
Me with Pete at my send-off in East Grinstead High Street
With the Lord Provost of Edinburgh
The day I reached Scotland
On a path by the River Humber
Also by the Humber (the bike isn’t mine - honest!)
Work from Wilf’s (WfWs) is open every Wednesday between 10-2pm at St Wilfrid’s Hall in Horley.
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.
V French Recipe of the Month
This month I thought I mayonnaise, something one cannot do without in France. This is how my mum used to make it and how I make it too. I will put it in English and French just for fun.
Ingredients/Ingrédients
1 egg yolk/1 jaune d œuf
A pinch of salt/une pincée de sel
Some pepper/un peu de poivre
A spoonful of Dijon mustard/une cuillerée de moutarde de Dijon
A few drops of lemon juice/quelques gouttes de citron
Vegetable or sunflower oil/huile végétale ou de tournesol, about 300ml/environ 300ml
Separate the yolk and the white, keep the white aside for later to use in another recipe if you wish/Séparez le jaune du blanc d’œuf, gardez le blanc d’œuf pour l’utiliser plus tard si vous le désirez.
Put the yolk in a bowl and add a pinch of salt, some pepper and a few drops of lemon juice and mix with a fork/Mettez le jaune dans un bowl, ajoutez une pincée de sel et du poivre ainsi que quelques gouttes de jus de citron, mélangez à l’aide d’une fourchette.
Add the mustard and mix/Ajoutez la moutarde et mélangez.
Add a small amount of oil while mixing continuously/ ajoutez un filet d’huile en mélangeant continuellement. You should have a thick mixture/le mélange devrait être épais.
Keep adding oil, a bit at time, mixing continuously/ Continuez d’ajouter l’huile, petit à petit, en mélangeant continuellement.
Taste it, add more salt, pepper or lemon juice to taste/ Goûtez, ajoutez un peu plus de sel, de poivre ou de jus de citron selon votre goût.
Et Voilà !
Goes well with chips, tuna, hard-boiled eggs, etc/ Accompagne bien les frites, le thon, les œufs cuits dur, etc.
Enjoy ! Bon appétit ! Dominique
French translator and interpreter domicook64@gmail.com
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/
Farewell for now!
We hope you enjoyed this issue of the Town Crier.
The June issue is already under construction so please don’t miss out and get your submissions in early. Browse www.towncrier.uk for more info and look out for Town Crier bulletins and updates.
