The Town Crier Horley Edition
13 February 2026
Welcome to the February 2026 Issue of the Town Crier, Horley Edition
The cover photograph is by Horley’s favourite photographer Julie Suttle.
I am delighted to present you the February 2026 issue of the Horley Town Crier, your community magazine.
Once again, I extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the charities, businesses, community groups and so forth who played their part in putting this issue together.
You are all much appreciated.
For our policies regarding free promotion, paid advertising and so forth, please see this page where I've tried to give you a succinct guide.
Submit!
The door is now wide open for your submissions for the March 2026 issue. The deadline for the March issue is 6pm on March 19th.
For a guide as to the type of features we are looking for and how to submit, please visit the
In this issue . . .
Crawley Down Ladies Choir page 2
JJs Epic Eats page 3
Age Concern. Come & Say Hello page 7
Let’s Dance Melange page 8
Happy February!Angela Sara West p 12
Jack is Back! page 13
Little Pickles! page 14
How to learn French page 16
Sussex Hospices page 18
The Crawley Down Ladies returned early January with a successful “Come and Sing” free open evening during which we started learning a medley of songs from the musical “Les Miserables”.
This is one of the numbers from the Musicals which we will be performing at our Summer concert
in June along a mix of other numberspop, folk, modern and classic, an eclectic mix.
We are an amateur, not-for-profit community choir who sing for the sheer joy of singing, meeting every Monday evening at 7.30pm in the Birch Room at The Haven Centre in Crawley Down where there is ample parking space available.
You can be assured of a most warm welcome should you wish to join us. As well as the two concerts in June and December each year, we hold social evenings and there is an annual choir meal in late Spring to look forward to.
Please see our website for more information: crawleydownladieschoir.co.uk
Jai Ho Indian Restaurant
Overall Rating: 8.8/10
Food: 9/10 | Atmosphere: 8.5/10 | Staff: 9/10
Recently, I visited Jai Ho, an Indian restaurant that combines bold flavours with a striking atmosphere. It has plenty of free parking and the interior is quite high end.
I went with my mum, and we decided to share all of our dishes, which made the meal feel relaxed and allowed us to try a wider variety of food. Overall, it was a fantastic evening with excellent food and a nice atmosphere.
We were greeted and seated nicely. Ordered our drinks and food which came within a decent time. We began the meal with poppadoms accompanied by a selection of dips. The poppadoms were light, crisp, and fresh, snapping perfectly when broken. What really stood out, however, were the dips. Each one offered something different: one was sweet and fruity, another had a refreshing coolness, and another delivered a gentle but noticeable spice,
along with the finely chopped onion mix - all very fresh. The balance of flavours made what could have been a simple pre starter feel that little bit elevated. It set a strong start for the rest of the meal.
For starters, we shared two dishes. The first was a prawn puri. The prawns were well cooked and tender, sitting on top of soft, slightly sweet puri bread without the oil you sometimes get oozing out from this dish. The sauce had a pleasant flavour. While it was enjoyable and very nicely presented, it did not quite reach the same level as some of the other dishes that followed. It was good, but not unforgettable.
The second starter, however, was a highlight: Wah Wah Wings. These were crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a beautifully spiced breadcrumb. The spice level was good but not overwhelming, so continued on next page
JJ’s Epic Eats continued from previous page not overpowering the flavour of the chicken. The crispiness combined with the heat made them incredibly moreish. This dish definitely stood out and was one of the best parts of the entire meal.
For our main course, we shared two curries: a Kariah and a Rogan Josh. Both dishes were excellent. The Kariah was rich and full of flavour, with a deep, savoury sauce that had layers of spice and tomatoey flavours. Every bite felt balanced and satisfying. The meat was tender, and the sauce was super fresh.
The true star of the night was the chicken Rogan Josh. The sauce was thick, rich, and slightly sweet with a gentle heat building in the background. It had a depth of flavour that made it stand out immediately. It was one of those dishes that makes you pause after the first bite because it is just that good. The Rogan Josh was, without doubt, wonderful and the best dish of the evening, it left me wanting more.
To finish, we had a Ferrero Rocher ice cream. This was the perfect ending. It was creamy, chocolatey, and indulgent, with that distinctive hazelnut flavour you expect. The texture was smooth, and the richness of the chocolate rounded off the spicy meal perfectly. It felt like a nice treat at the end of the night.
The atmosphere at Jai Ho was great and easily earns a 10 out of 10.
The restaurant had beautiful, redcoloured lighting that created a warm, cosy, and slightly dramatic feel. It gave the whole space a welcoming glow without being too dark. The background sounds and overall ambience added to the experience, making it feel lively yet comfortable. It was a place where you could relax and enjoy your meal without feeling rushed.
It was very nice to be given warm towels after starters and again after dessert. I would say the portions were on the small side and the tip was automatically added to the bill which annoys my mum - she likes to leave a tip when one is deserved (It was here, but the point is that it should be discretionary not added to the bill).
The staff were friendly and polite, earning a 9 out of 10. Service was efficient, and we were well looked after throughout the evening. While everything ran smoothly, there were moments where it felt slightly less personal than it could have been. However, overall, the service was still strong and professional.
In conclusion, Jai Ho offers excellent food, a stunning atmosphere, and solid service. With outstanding (if a little small !) fresh curries especially the unforgettable Rogan Josh and a vibrant dining environment, it was a very enjoyable experience. The combination of bold flavours, warm lighting, and a relaxed evening with my mum made it a great food review place and we will visit again - A well-deserved 8.8 out of 10 overall rating. Continued on next page
Happy February!
by Town Crier columnist, Angela Sara West
We were so happy to be back at our favourite local, which finally reopened just before Christmas following a fantastic refurbishment. Closed for much longer than planned due to unforeseen issues, Horley’s Wetherspoon’s pub, The Jack Fairman, has undergone a makeover, and we couldn’t wait to check it out as soon as it reopened its doors!
Photos: Julie Suttle @purepicsbyjules
My fab photographer Julie (cover photographer for The Horley Town Crier) and I also enjoyed a tasty ‘Galentine’s’ lunch here on Valentine’s Day with our friend Clare, whom we met 10 years ago when the three of us had voluntary roles on the PTAat Horley Infants school. Continued on next page
Happy February continued from previous page
Jack is Back!
by Angela Sara West
It’s been so great to be back at The Jack, which boasts an extensive menu (don’t miss the sticky Korean fried chicken bowl - it’s delicious!) Here’s a little background on our beloved local’s history:
The distinctiveArt Deco-style building in Victoria Road was built in 1933 as a car showroom for the Fairman family. Dovetailing running the business with Formula One Grand Prix racing, Horley’s own racing hero Jack Fairman took part in no fewer than 12 races.
The famous racing driver enjoyed a career in sports cars and F1 racing that lasted from 1934 until 1963. He raced at Brooklands before swapping cars for tanks during the Second World War, later racing at Le Mans and Spa in the late ‘40s. He achieved lasting fame driving forAston Martin, along with the late Sir Stirling Moss – whom I was once lucky enough to interview.
Fairman’s best season was in 1956, when he finished fourth in the British Grand Prix. After Bernie Ecclestone bought Connaught in 1958, Fairman won the Nürburgring 1,000 Kilometres and the Tourist Trophy at Goodwood in 1959.
Horley’s renowned racing driver became the last man ever to start a Grand Prix with a front-engined car and, at the 1961 British Grand Prix, the first to drive a four wheeldrive car. Making a speedy pursuit for the chequered flag on his last finish line, Fairman’s final Formula 1 race was in 1963 at Imola, driving a Porsche.
Little Pickles!
byAngela Sara West
Looking to entertain your baby or preschooler on a budget? Want to help protect our precious planet? Then this is the place for you. Join me and Julie at the next award-winning Little Pickles Market at Reigate Manor, where you can pick up bargain baby, toddler and young children’s pre-loved clothes, accessories, books, toys and more for just a fraction of the usual cost! From bump to five years, shop 1000s of nearly new baby and children’s items, including low-cost maternity wear, baby and children’s clothes, shoes, toys and books, highchairs, buggies and so much more.
Helping families save money, reduce waste, and pass on pre-loved treasures for over 15 years, this well-established brand has featured in The Sunday Independent, The Sun and on ITV’s ‘This Morning’! Little Pickles Markets has also won Theo Paphitis’Small Business Sunday Award, and you can read my interview with Theo about the SBS competition and more on his website here: http://www.theopaphitis.com/my-blog/theking-of retail
What’s more, by shopping at the Little Pickles Market next month, you’ll be doing your bit to protect our precious planet by keeping great-quality items out of landfill.
Grab a pre-loved bargain and refresh your little ones’wardrobes and toy boxes at this local nearly new sale on Saturday 21st March - a 2-hour baby and children’s market where you can shop without it costing the Earth!
A popular business with family at the heart, Little Pickles Markets care deeply about the environment. Their markets are the ultimate way for families to recycle and offer those on a budget the chance to save so much money.
Continued on next page.
Little Pickles continued from previous page
A cash-only event, you pay each seller individually for your pre-loved finds, so please bring lots of change and don’t forget to bring your reusable carrier bags to take all your fab bargains home.
Why not grab a coffee in the gorgeous Georgian manor hotel’s lounge after you’ve shopped?
Top tip: For a quieter shopping experience, arrive after 10:45am – there will still be plenty of bargains!
Date: Saturday 21st March 2026
Time: 10:00am-12:00pm
Reigate Manor, Reigate Hill, Reigate, Surrey RH2 9PF
Parking available on site, plus on-street parking nearby on Raglan Road
Buggy parking also available
Entry: Just £1.50 for adults - little pickles go free!
Pay cash on the door or purchase your ticket in advance here: http://www.ticketsource.co.uk/lpm eastsurrey
See you there!
Angela @angela_sara_west : @surreyfashionweekuk : www.angelasarawest.com
Ever wanted to learn French but wondered whether you’d be able to? Of course you can!
by Town Crier columnist, Dominique of Native French Tutors
Learning French, or any other language for that matter, can seem exciting and daunting at the same time. Let’s face it, the pronunciation is very different, and let’s not even talk about the grammar or the verbs! Just thinking about it can give you a headache.
But I totally believe that ANYONE can learn at least some French, for pleasure or so as not to feel so lost when you go abroad.
But first ask yourself: Why do you want to learn?
It is important to have a goal. Is it because you will be going on holiday to a French-speaking country and you need to be able to read the signs and ask directions while there? It is true that a lot of French people understand or speak some English, but they are not necessarily fluent or confident with it, and in some areas, you will be hard put to find someone who speaks
it much at all. So being prepared is a good idea. And learn to use hand and body language too, that does make life easier.
Once you have established why you want to learn, then decide how you will go about it.
There are plenty of alternatives:
• Courses on CD/DVDs. There are plenty of these available, you can even borrow some from the library.
• Courses online. Some are even free.
• Taking lessons. Preferably with a native French speaker for an authentic accent and expressions you won’t learn in books.
. continued on next page
Learning French continued from previous page
• Learn with a friend/friends or family, to make it more fun
• There are some language apps. I do not know how good they are, I have never tried them, but they are probably worth using as part of your overall plan.
You also need to work out how much time you have to learn. Beware of claims such as “Be fluent in 3 months”. Unless you spend a lot of hours a week and can immerse yourself in the language and culture, I doubt that’s going to happen. Learning a language is not necessarily difficult, but it does require effort and consistency.
There are other things you can do to learn:
• Watch a French movie in French with English subtitles. Then as you progress, use French subtitles too.
• Read very simple books, a bit like “Spot the Dog”.
• Listen to French music, the French radio. Even if you don’t understand a lot of it, you’ll get used to the accent(s) and speed of talking (some of us Frenchies do talk fast I’m afraid).
• Get a cooking recipe in French and use it!
• Go to South Kensington in London if you can. It’s Little Paris! Go sit in the pancake café or in the bookshop and listen to people speak.
• Try to practise daily but if you can’t, then fine. The main thing is, don’t put pressure on yourself.
• Keep it fun, otherwise it’s like being back at school and no one wants that!!
• Make a list of words you want to retain and stick it on the fridge. Practise it every time you go past it.
• Whenever you can, for example if you bump into a French person, use what you know. Even if it’s just “Bonjour”!
Hope this helps
For more information
Sussex Hospices join UK-wide effort to protect the future of hospice care
Sussex-based hospices have joined a national campaign to raise awareness of hospice services and highlight the importance of gifts in Wills in funding hospice care.
Many people think hospice care is only there for the final stages of someone’s life, but it’s so much more than that. It’s specialist care that reaches into homes, communities and families, offering support that goes far beyond medical needs, and it’s delivered free of charge to hundreds of thousands of people across the UK each year.
Hospices support around 300,000 people every year across the UK, alongside 60,000 family members, carers and friends. Yet with NHS and government funding covering, on average, less than a third of hospice costs, and with a national funding crisis affecting services everywhere, hospices are under significant financial pressure.
In response, three Sussex-based hospices – St Catherine’s Hospice, St Wilfrid’s Hospice (Eastbourne) and St Michael’s Hospice – are taking part in a national campaign coordinated by Hospice UK, which shines a light on the importance of protecting hospice care for the
coordinated by Hospice UK, which shines a light on the importance of protecting hospice care for the future.
The Hospice Care campaign aims to raise awareness of hospice services, shift public perceptions of hospice care, and highlight the vital role that Gifts in Wills play in sustaining hospice charities for the future.
Giles Tomsett, Chief Executive of St Catherine’s Hospice in Crawley said,
“Gifts in Wills are vital to help us fund our specialist palliative care that so many people in our community rely on. With the hospice funding crisis continuing to impinge on the sustainability of hospice services to dying people across the UK, donations through Wills help St Catherine’s safeguard our care and make a lasting and positive impact.
“Every legacy gift, no matter the size, helps ensure that people can be cared for with dignity and compassion at the most difficult time of their lives.”
Gifts in Wills are essential to the survival and growth of hospices across the UK. On average, these gifts fund the care of one in four patients.
Continued on next page
Hospice Care
continued
Every gift, regardless of size, helps hospices reach more people at a time when as many as 90% of those who die in the UK could benefit from palliative care. Leaving a gift in a Will is a meaningful and personal way to support your local hospice and ensure that compassionate care continues for generations to come.
David has left a gift to St Catherine’s in his Will after the hospice cared for his wife Pauline. David said: ““I’ll always remember Pauline telling me she felt safe at the hospice. That was such a relief. The staff were so welcoming. It doesn’t matter how much you leave in your Will, any donation would be very welcome. Leave what you can afford.”
Richard, who volunteers at St Wilfrid’s Hospice in Eastbourne, echoes this sentiment: “I’m leaving a gift in my will because I see day to day how well patients are treated and the benefits of being at St Wilfrid’s. When I speak to patients, they always say they were so relieved to get to the hospice. It would be very sad if we lost it due to lack of funds.”
To find out how to leave a gift in your Will and help hospice care continue for all, for now, forever, visit thisishospicecare.org.uk.
Farewell for now!
The March 2026 issue is already under construction so please don’t miss out and get your submissions in early.
Browse our website for more info and look out for Town Crier bulletins and updates.