I am delighted to present you theMarch 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.
Having said that I am sad to have to tell you that this will be the last issue of the Horley Town Crier as I have decided for personal reasons to discontinue publishing it so that I can give my full attention and limited resources to the East Grinstead edition. The East Grinstead Town Crier will continue indefinitely and if you or your charity or business have a genuine connection to the East Grinstead area, please feel free to send submissions to egtowncrier@gmail.com
March at Franklin Music CIC
Spring is gathering pace at Franklin Music, with performances, workshops, regular programmes and new beginnings. What’s Coming Up Events and Opportunities
• In The Band with The British Bluescasting Corporation, Sunday 10 May, masterclass and live blues gig
• Acting Through Song, Easter youth workshop
• Redhill Rising Performance, Tuesday 16 April, 11.00am, The Belfry
• Garibaldi Open Mic, Friday 20 March, 8.00pm
• Spring Concert, Saturday 16 May, 17.30, St John’s Church
• Suppertime Concert, Tuesday 3 May, featuring mezzo soprano Miro Treharne Regular Programmes
• Franklin Voices, Mondays
• Musicians’ Collective, 2nd Tuesday of each month
• Vocal Collective, 4th Tuesday of each month
• Franklin Drama Club, Wednesdays
• Franklin Voices Youth Choir, from Tuesday 14 April, 16.30 to 17.45 In The Band with The British Bluescasting Corporation
This May marks an exciting progression for our In The Band workshops.
For five years, Ozzy and Nikki Franklin have run these sessions in Redhill, building confidence, sharpening skills and stretching local players. Now we take it further. We are delighted to have Bob Cranham as part of the Franklin Music team. As a founding member of The British Bluescasting Corporation, Bob brings huge depth of experience and it is a real privilege for our In The Band players to learn directly from musicians of that calibre.
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Sunday 10 May
Workshop 2.00–6.00pm
Live Gig 7.30–9.30pm
Venue: The Hive Rooms, Horley
The afternoon will run as a focused masterclass, led by Bob, Ozzy, Dave, Ben and Nikki. Drawing on the collective professional experience behind The British Bluescasting Corporation, the session will combine practical musicianship, ensemble skills and live-performance insight.
Participants will be grouped by instrument and experience level, ensuring targeted, hands-on development for everyone involved. All instruments and vocalists welcome.
The evening concludes with a live performance from The British Bluescasting Corporation - local heroes with international regard.
Places are limited. Early booking strongly advised.
Acting Through Song, Easter Youth Workshop
We are delighted to bring Acting Through Song back this Easter, a specialist musical theatre workshop focused on storytelling, character and vocal interpretation.
Led by James Hall, and supported by Nicki Day, this session combines professional insight with practical, hands on training. Together, James and Nicki bring extensive performance and teaching experience, helping young performers connect text, voice and character with clarity and confidence.
Participants will explore character development through song, emotional intention, vocal storytelling and stage presence, developing performance skills that translate directly to auditions and live work.
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Friday 10 April, St John’s
Under 12s | 10.00 to 12.00 | £25
Ages 12 to 16 | 13.00 to 16.00 | £28
Ages 16 plus | 18.00 to 21.00 | £30
Limited spaces. Booking essential.
Redhill Rising, 16 April
Redhill Rising workshops are in full swing. Our session at St John’s School, Earlswood was full of focus and energy. The youngsters learned the song, created their own raps about places they love in Redhill, and built the town through theatre and imagination.
Performance
The Belfry Centre
Tuesday 16 April 11.00am
Over 200 young people will perform alongside Include Choir and Franklin Voices in a celebration of Redhill’s past and future.
Franklin Voices Youth Choir
Launching Tuesday 14 April, 16.30 to 17.45 at The Belfry Community Stage.
More than a choir, a creative space. Alongside ensemble work, we include a short music sharing slot so young people can perform their own songs or instrumental pieces.
Parent volunteers welcome. We will arrange DBS checks for any volunteers, and a free child place is offered in return for regular support.
Suppertime Concert, Tuesday 3 March
Our next Suppertime Concert features mezzo soprano Miro Treharne. Presented in partnership with the Royal Academy of Music, these early evening concerts bring professional performance to Redhill in a relaxed setting at St John’s. Tickets £10 or free to under 18's and those not in a position to pay
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Performance Opportunities
Garibaldi Open Mic
Friday 20 March, 8.00pm
Book via the Franklin Music WhatsApp group - join by messaging 07446955592 or email info@franklinmusic.net
Spring Concert
Saturday 16 May, 17.30
St John’s Church
Best suited to performers working at Grade 5 or above, or equivalent, though less experienced performers are always welcome. We value a varied programme. join by messaging 07446955592 or email info@franklinmusic.net
Our Community
Franklin Drama Club continues to be joyful and energising.
“I haven’t thought about the outside world for the whole evening, thank you, it’s been wonderful.”
“I’m still giggling.”
Musicians’ Collective, Vocal Collective and Franklin Voices remain thriving spaces to grow, collaborate and perform. We love our growing community and the creativity, generosity and commitment that make it what it is.
Connect. Inspire. Create.
Thanks everyone, with love
The Franklin Music team
MND WEST SUSSEX (NORTH)
NEW CHAIR & EAST
GRINSTEAD NEWVOLUNTEER HUB
Mid Sussex resident Michael Stratford has been appointed as the new chair for MND West Sussex, North
Michael has a wealth of knowledge of management in the business world and uses these skills in the competitive world of charitable organisations.
He has spent the past 22 years involved within the charity sector, firstly with ‘Bluebird Community Transport’as Chair and subsequently CEO, during that time Michael volunteered for ‘Friends of Princess Royal Hospital’, ‘4Sight’, plus team leader for the 2012 ‘London Olympic Games’and has previously fundraised for MND.
Recently Michael had a lead role in Mid Sussex with ‘Community Transport Sussex’as Business Development Co-ordinator, involving networking, fund raising and new initiatives (covering the same area as MND West Sussex, North),
Having lost a close friend to MND, plus relationships with three others, he has a full understanding of the requirements for MND members, their carers, family and friends
Michael is passionate about the charity sector, added to his love of sport, especially football, cricket and stoolball. His first aim is to recruit volunteer ‘Ambassadors’for the support of MND members, plus a Mid Sussex fund raising team (better known as the volunteer ‘Funsters’) with many events in 2026 Horsham is well established, Burgess Hill formed in 2025 has its first event in May, now its East Grinstead’s turn to support this worthy cause.
For details contact Michael 07837 916087
Michael.stratford@mndassociation.org
A
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time comes to Horley
by Peter Tucker
TheArchway Theatre, located in Horley, Surrey, presents The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, based on the novel by Mark Haddon and adapted for the stage by Simon Stephens. The director of this production is Chris Dangerfield.
THE PRODUCTION
This intriguing, gentle comedy has won seven OlivierAwards and five TonyAwards, including Best Play. The acting and staging in this production are highly stylized and non-naturalistic, to immerse the audience in the internal world of the lead character, neurodivergent Christopher Boone. The play uses a story-telling technique, in which Siobhan, Christopher’s teacher, narrates the book that Christopher is writing. This allows her sometimes to address the audience directly and enables scenes to be played out in real-time.
THE DIRECTOR
Chris Dangerfield’s previous directorial role at TheArchway was
in the 2012 production of The Pillowman by Martin McDonagh. His last appearance at TheArchway was in May 2022, in another McDonagh play, Hangmen, in which he played Syd.
“I’m over the moon to be taking on this fabulous, challenging play,” says Chris.
“I use the word symbiosis to explain my approach, which comprises ensemble movement, sensory lighting and minimal staging, all designed to represent Christopher’s neurodivergent, mathematical perspective rather than a literal, objective reality.
“Audiences can expect physical and highly synchronized choreography, to represent the chaos of the world as experienced by Christopher. For instance, the actors will move scenery, and then morph into different characters on stage, Continued on next page
thus, representing the overwhelming nature of spaces like London's Paddington Station,” he explains.
“We’ve all been in very busy train stations and felt the effects of information overload. Watching this portrayal of Christopher’s interpretation of his surroundings and events he’s caught up in reminds us all to reflect on the world we live in.”
PERFORMANCES
7:45pm: Wednesday 25th to Saturday 28th March; and Tuesday 31st March to Saturday 4th April 2026; plus a matinee performance at 2:00pm on Saturday 28th March.
FURTHER INFORMATION AND TICKETS
More information, as well as tickets, can be obtained via The Archway’s website: www.archwaytheatre.co.uk.
Ticket prices: £13 (members); £15 (non-members).
The Crawley Down Ladies Choir AGM
was held on Monday 16th February reflecting a year of challenge, change and growth. At the conclusion of the formal business, we spent the rest of the evening socialising instead of singing i.e. chatting and enjoying drinks and nibbles.
We are an amateur, not-for-profit community choir who sing for the sheer joy of singing. Since our return in January we have welcomed some new members and have continued to meet on Monday evenings at 7.30pm in the Birch Room at The Haven Centre.
We are currently practicing a new selection of songs, a variety ranging from stage musicals and films to classic to pop and more ready for our Summer concert. This will be held on Saturday 13th June in the Dorothy Hatswell Hall at The Haven Centre starting at 7.30pm. A date for your diaries - we do hope to see you there.
For more information about the choir please see our website at: crawleydownladieschoir.co.uk
A community-led event is coming to Horley!
On Tuesday 31st March from 10.30am-12.30pm, Care UK’s Amherst House will be holding a session as part of The Big Dementia Conversation – a nationwide initiative designed to show people how to better understand common symptoms and learn how it's possible to live well with dementia.
New Care UK research shows just how vital this is, as 93% of people feel communication barriers prevent meaningful interaction with loved ones living with dementia, and 39% admit they sometimes avoid visiting relatives because the experience can feel challenging.
This event will be an opportunity to meet others, share experiences and access expert dementia advice and support in a relaxed setting.
The Amherst House team welcomes locals to join them in building a more dementia-friendly Horley.
JJ’s Epic Eats - the Best Grub Guide in Town
I recently visited Coughlan’s Bakery in Horley with my mum and stepsister, and overall it was a really enjoyable stop for a quick treat. I’d give it an 8/10 overall.
Coughlan’s is in the Highstreet, there is no parking directly outside but plenty of car parks within a few minutes’walk (20 minutes free parking so plenty of time to grab your favourite treat!).
We were greeted by a friendly member of staff who helped us choose some items. I ordered a fudge donut, which was definitely the highlight for me. The donut was soft and fluffy, and the fudge topping was rich and sweet without being too overpowering. It felt fresh and had that nice slightly chewy texture that good donuts should have. It was the kind of treat that’s a bit messy but totally worth it.
I also had a sausage roll, which was surprisingly good. The pastry was flaky and golden, and the sausage inside was really flavourful and nicely seasoned. It wasn’t greasy like some sausage rolls can be, and it tasted freshly baked, which made it even better.
My mum chose an apply muffin which she says was very fresh and 'appley'. We took a yum yum home for my stepdad. It had that classic twisted shape with a sweet glaze, and it looked nicely crisp on the outside while still soft in the middle. He said it was exactly what you’d want from a bakery yum yum, sweet and morish.
My stepsister had a rabbit biscuit, which she enjoyed as well. It was quite thick and slightly soft in the centre with a bit of chocolate around the edges, which is always a good combination for a biscuit.
The bakery itself had a nice atmosphere it felt like a proper local bakery where everything looks freshly made and tempting in the display. The selection was good, and there were plenty of sweet and savoury options.
Overall, Coughlan’s Bakery is a great place to grab a quick snack or treat. The food was tasty, fresh, and satisfying, and it’s definitely somewhere I’d go back to again.
Happy March, Happy Easter, Happy
Mondays & More!
Surrey Awards – The Highlight of Surrey’s Social Calendar by Angela
Sara West
With ‘Awards Season’ in full swing, I am honoured to have been a judge again for this year’s prestigious Surrey Awards. Voted for by YOU – the great Surrey publicthe Surrey Awards reward the “best of the best” of our fantastic local businesses that go above
My fellow judges this year were Surrey Rocks’ editor Sam Matthews, former Elle magazine MD Martin Matthews, Surrey-based comedian Bobby Davro and entrepreneur Roger Sabey, along with one of our Surrey Fashion Week models, actor/singer Marcus Hamilton-Gibson.
Shortlisting the best of Surrey’s businesses before they go to the public vote, restaurants and bars in the running just a stone’s throw away up the road in Reigate include a few of my fave local hangouts - The Ivory Lounge, La Parranda and Number 9.
We also gave nods to Bell Street’s Harley Street Skin Clinic and one of my top spots for afternoon tea, Nutfield Priory in Redhill.
Great Fosters & Langshott Manor
Many of our fashion brand finalists up for coveted awards have showcased at our star-studded Surrey Fashion Week celebrity charity catwalk shows.
And Great Fosters in Egham, where we held Surrey Fashion Week in 2022, is also among our fantastic nominees, with its Michelin-starred and 4 AA Rosette restaurant The Tudor Pass in the running for Best Restaurant in our Fine Dining Category Continued on next page
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Great Fosters’historic Tithe Barn & Orangerie saw ‘Strictly’stars open our sparkling Surrey Fashion Week charity runway show with two-time champ, ‘Loose Woman’and ‘I’m ACelebrity…’star Oti Mabuse on front row, while BRITAward-winning S Club star Jo O’Meara headlined and launched new music.
And did you know that Langshott Manor here in Horley is a sister hotel to Great Fosters? Check it out – my husband and I stay there every year for our anniversary as it’s where we spent our wedding night.
Vote For Your Favourite Surrey Businesses & Celebrate With Us At Epsom Racecourse!
Previously held at Denbies in Dorking, G Live in Guildford and Sandown Park Racecourse, the glitzy, red-carpet 2026 Surrey Awards will take place at Epsom Racecourse on Friday 15th May.
Kicking off in style with a sparkling welcome cocktail reception followed by a delectable 3-course meal with wine, world-class entertainment plus an afterparty with DJ Cream and dancing, the star-studded ceremony will see the winners and highly commended collect their gongs, along with live performances from Boney M and other big-name artists tba next month.
Find out all the fab businesses we gave nods to and vote for your faves at: https://rocksmag.com/surrey/surrey-awards-2026-voting/
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Want YOUR Biz to Win a Coveted Award?
We’re always on the lookout for great Surrey, Sussex and London businesses to review and promote, so make sure you’re on our and our readers’ radars!
Whether you’re a hotel, bar, restaurant or pub, or beauty salon, hairdressers or shop, whatever your business we’re here to help you get on the map.
DM me on Insta @angela_sara_west or email: angelasarawest@gmail.com
I’m a cover journalist for Surrey Rocks, Time & Leisure and other local magazines, too, as well as for nationwide Great British Life and luxury lifestyle titles in the US, Canada and Spain.
I can review and promote your biz with my fab photographer friend Julie, who is also the cover photographer for The Horley Town Crier, among other titles I write for.
Happy Mondays Hit Surrey
And check out my articles in this month’s issue of Surrey Rocks, including chats with the Happy Mondays who hit the road this Spring for a massive tour taking in Surrey on 10th April.
“I’m really looking forward to getting back on tour with the Mondays, especially with our old mates The Farm, who are touring with us,” says frontman Shaun Ryder.
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Celebrating the 35th anniversary of their landmark album ‘Pills ’n’Thrills and Bellyaches’, Shaun, Bez and the full Mondays line-up will deliver the album’s iconic singles ‘Step On,’‘KinkyAfro’and ‘Loose Fit’, alongside classics like ‘24 Hour Party People’and ‘Hallelujah’at state-of-the-art entertainment venue G Live in Guildford, where we held the SurreyAwards last year.
“Really excited to be going back on tour again in the UK!” says Bez. “I love being on the road with the Mondays. There is no better feeling than playing to the fans of live music.”
Read my article in full here: https://issuu.com/surreyrocks/docs/surrey_rocks__march_2026/126
A Taste of Holland at Tulleys Farm’s Tulip Fest
Tickets: www.happymondaysofficial.co.uk
1.5 million stunning tulips are set to bloom as the UK’s No.1 Tulip Festival returns to Tulleys Farm.
Back next month, bursting into breathtaking colours and evolving throughout the spring season, our fantastic local tulip festival transforms the fields at Tulleys Farm in West Sussex into one of Britain’s most impressive flower displays.
Boasting over 100 different varieties of these beautiful flowers, experience the spectacular colours of spring at this fun-filled family day out on our doorstep, immersing yourself in the magic of nature at Crawley’s charming Tulip Fest.
"After the long winter months, seeing the first tulips begin to open is always a special moment,” says Stuart Beare, owner of Tulleys Farm. “The fields slowly come to life as the colours appear, and visitors will walk through an incredible sea of blooms.”
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A Spring Spectacle
Wander through vast rows of tulips ranging from bold reds, the brightest golden yellows and soft pinks to rich purples and deep blues plus wonderful bi-colour displays.
With each stage of the season revealing a new palette, scenic pathways weave through the displays, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a spectacular kaleidoscope of colour in a landscape that is as peaceful as it is mesmerising.
A festival that changes week by week, unlike traditional flower exhibits that bloom for only a short window, Tulley’s tulips are planted in carefully timed varieties, so the landscape evolves throughout the season. Early, mid and late-flowering varieties bloom in succession, meaning the colours across the fields change each week, with no two visits ever the same. More than 100 varieties of tulips planted across the sweeping fields create a vibrant landscape of colour as different varieties bloom in waves. “By planting a wide range of varieties we’re able to create a festival that evolves throughout the season, allowing people to experience spring in full colour," Stuart explains.
Wowing visitors with a dynamic display of nature's progression, discover carefully designed viewpoints and ‘selfie spots’ with striking floral installations along the way.
Make magical memories as you follow the Tulip trails treating you to magnificent blooms to browse plus exciting attractions and roaming street characters along the picturesque paths, not forgetting essential photo pitstops at the Tulipa Lake and Whispering Windmill.
Explore these delightful displays 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.
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Alongside the flowers, this veritable visual feast for the eyes offers exceptional experiences for the tastebuds, too. Sample seasonal food and drink, live music and a relaxed festival atmosphere celebrating the arrival of spring.
Go Dutch and savour the flavours of Holland with a curated selection of Dutch street food. From pancakes and traditional snacks to gourmet delights and marshmallow-toasting firepits, 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.
Sure to bring a smile to your face, with fields bursting with colour and stacks to see and do for all generations, a delightful day and unforgettable evening out are guaranteed at this amazing Amsterdam-style event nestled in the West Sussex countryside.
Opening on Friday 3rd April 2026, tickets are available at: www.tulipfarm.co.uk
Get Your Spring Glow-Up Here in Horley!
Finally, get your glow-up for those selfies at my go-to beauty salon here in Horley. Diva Body Sculpting in Hyperion Walk is directed by amazing aesthetician Anamaria Lascar, who is also one of our Surrey Fashion Week models.
Innovative FDA-approved Endolaser tightens the tummy, undereye and whole face, while CO2 laser is a top treat for the face and neck, stimulating new cells and collagen and reducing fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars and pigmentation, resulting in a smoother, firmer and more youthful complexion. Highly recommended
By constantly stifled panic, You're just too big for the eggshell
Of this frail and tiny planet.
French lesson of the month
by Town Crier columnist, Dominique of Native French Tutors
Good morning, Bonjour,
Today I thought I’d introduce a few ways of saying hello and goodbye in French.
Bonjour! Good morning! This can be used pretty much all day with anyone.
Salut! Hi! This is used with people you know well, i.e. family, friends.
Coucou! Hyia! Used only with close friends and family. Again, NOT with your accountant unless he is also a close friend of yours.
When you leave someone, you can say: Au revoir! Goodbye! Used with anyone
Adieu! Goodbye! (God Bless) Used when you won’t see someone for quite a while OR in Switzerland.
À plus tard! À plus! See you later! When you expect to see someone later on, with no definite time.
Ciao! Bye! Yes, we use this to say Bye, Bye.
Bye! Bye! We do use that too sometimes. In French, we do like using other languages’ expressions
sometimes, they are kind of nice to use.
Bonne journée! Have a good day! Used only during the day.
Bonne soirée! Have a good evening!
Bonne nuit! Good night! That one only when it’s getting very late.
One used in French Canada is: Bon matin! Good morning! This is the word for word translation of Good Morning, because French Canadian is heavily influenced by English. It’s never used in France.
I hope this is helpful to you. You will hear other forms of Bonjour and Au Revoir when you go to France, depending on the region you go to, the age of the persons talking, indeed young people tend to develop slang based on what they hear in films, songs etc. A language evolves with time and through exchanges with other languages and cultures, that’s what makes it so rich and interesting!
À plus tard!
Dominique
Translator, Interpreter, French Tutor domicook64@gmail.com
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