AAH (All About Horsham) February 2022 by AAH (All About Horsham)

FEBRUARY 2022

OPEN MORNING - SATURDAY 12 MARCH

AAH (ALL ABOUT HORSHAM) FEBRUARY 2022

9 News Round-Up Morrisons plans for store on new Mowbray development and closure of Cisswood House Hotel

19 My Story Mohamad Sulaiman escaped civil war in Syria and is making a new life for his family in Horsham

27 Education Pupils at Bohunt Horsham have moved into their new school, part of the Mowbray development

35 Clubs Paul Elliott’s SEMKA Karate teaches people of all ages the traditional forms of Wado-ryu

COVER STORY The February cover features Lisa Brace (left) and Daisy White. They are pictured at the location of the writing retreats they host in Dial Post. We were lucky to visit on a mild, pleasant January afternoon, allowing Alan to take outdoor shots. The tea mugs and Wellies complement the relaxed, rural ambience of the retreats too. The barren trees and white sky in the background caused issues for the AAH logo, with black or white letters lacking clarity. So, we’ve gone for a blue option, matching Daisy’s coat. We had several other contenders this month, including shots of Lesley Hart (The Author’s Pen) and John Kitchen (Hugo & Green), both taken at Pop-Up Horsham. ABOUT AAH AAH is an independent monthly magazine, owned by editor Ben Morris, a life-long resident of the Horsham District. It is distributed to 13,000 doors, as well as pick-up points around the District. EDITOR: BEN MORRIS editor@aahorsham.co.uk (01903) 892899 AAH Magazine, 2 Viney Close, Ashington, West Sussex, RH20 3PT

ADVERTISING: BEN MORRIS advertising@aahorsham.co.uk (01903) 892899

Hobbs (Thakeham), Derek Bradnum (Nuthurst) The Morris Family (West Chiltington)

ADVERT RATES Eighth Page £55 + VAT (93mm x 63mm) Quarter Page £110 + VAT (93mm x 133mm) Half Page £185 + VAT (190mm x 133mm) Full Page £310 + VAT (A4 with 4mm bleed) Double Page: £520 + VAT Special offer: Every sixth advert is placed free of charge, like a coffee shop. We can also design adverts if you need help, at no extra charge.

PICK UP POINTS & STANDS Thousands of copies of AAH are also available in our stands, at businesses, clubs and shops across the district. Horsham: Henry Adams (Carfax), Crates (Carfax) Pavilions in the Park, Horsham Rail Station, New House Farm, New Street Butchers, At Home Estate Agents (Caterways), Holbrook Club, Gwyn’s Bakery (Bishopric) Village Stands: Billingshurst Leisure Centre, Barns Green Village Store, Bluecoat Sports (Christ’s Hospital), Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens (Lower Beeding), Warnham Village Stores (Warnham), Slinfold Golf Club (Slinfold), Steyning Leisure Centre and Cobblestone Walk (Steyning) Spring Gardens Nursery (Washington) Joanna’s Boutique Tearooms (Storrington), The Milk Churn (Rudgwick), Meadow Stores and Cafe (Thakeham)

PHOTOGRAPHY: ALAN WRIGHT www.alanwrightphotography.co.uk Email: alan.wright@ alanwrightphotography.co.uk 07747 617387 Alan works for AAH on a freelance basis and is available for family portraits, as well as corporate and commercial work. AAH ONLINE www.aahorsham.co.uk AAH is published online on the 1st of each month. Archive editions are online too, along with past features. DISTRIBUTION The magazine is delivered to about 13,000 homes in Horsham, Southwater and villages including Broadbridge Heath, Mannings Heath, Billingshurst and new estates at Highwood and Wickhurst Green. DOOR-TO-DOOR TEAM Horsham: Jacquie Paterson, the Judd family, the Rollingson family, the Voisey family, Katie Drysdale, the Garner family, Jill Shuker, the Arliss family, the Bloomfield family, Jake and Eve Lovett, Lara Green, the Gavira family, Harvey Dold, Alessandro Cavallo, Jack Nicholls, the McCormick family, Charlie Merchant, Harry Baker. Southwater: The Brown family, The Chapman family Villages: The Palmer family (BBH) The Murray family (Wickhurst Green) Nathan Williams (Mannings Heath); Lynsey Hare (Billingshurst), Nick Morris (Ashington), James

BACK ISSUES We keep copies of past editions. They cost £3.50 each (includes postage). For enquiries email editor@aahorsham.co.uk LEAFLETS We can deliver leaflets with AAH at a cost of only £40 + VAT per 1,000 editor@aahorsham.co.uk NOTES Amy Butler moves on, having been part of the AAH delivery team since September 2017. Amy delivered to Elysian Fields and a large part of the Wickhurst Green estate in Broadbridge Heath. We wish the Butlers all the best for the future. The round is being taken over by the Murray family. Hannah Dold also moves on after delivering AAH in Pondtail Road for two years. Her brother Harvey picks up the shoulder bag! The Merchant family are now extending their delivery round to include parts of the Lemington Road estate.

Lifestyle

Retail

Writing

One to Watch

Authors Lisa Brace and Daisy White discuss their Sussex Writing Retreats in Dial Post

Pop-Up Horsham shop in West Street gives small businesses a foothold on the high street

Lesley Hart runs The Author’s Pen, helping writers perfect and publish their books

Josh Lea-Clayton has written a GCSE exam guide after gaining fantastic results

SHIFTING MARKET

Notes from the Editor: Support our local private equity companies

Fresh local produce (©Toby Phillips Photography 2012)

Long ago, yet not so very long ago, The world was different, oh yes it was, You settled down and you built a town and made it live, And you watched it grow. It was your town. You may recognise these lyrics if you have children or grandchildren, as it’s a Randy Newman song from the Disney/Pixar film Cars. I’m just borrowing them to give this column about the changing face of Horsham a vaguely nostalgic, metaphoric tone. As a journalistic ploy, it’s cheesy, slightly embarrassing, and I’ll almost certainly regret it as soon as I’ve gone to press. But I’ve committed to it now… In the film, as you’ll probably need reminding, the song plays as Sally the Porsche 911 Carrera reminisces about the old days in Radiator Springs. Once a vibrant town on a Route 66 that moved with the land, rather than cutting through it, life changed when an Interstate was built. However, my nostalgic rhetoric here isn’t directed at new infrastructure (which Sally fails to recognise cuts journey times, thus reducing pollution) but the changing face of grocery shopping in Horsham. In July 2020, AAH published after three months out, because of the lockdown. Reflecting a wave of positivity and community spirit, that edition highlighted the farm shops, pubs, restaurants, market traders and volunteers that had helped people get through challenging times. With

supermarket shelves empty, many turned to traders based closer to home. Using links to local farmers, butchers, bakers and growers, farm shops like Weston’s and Crates Local supplied us with the fresh groceries we needed. Horsham Market set up a brilliant ‘click and collect’ service, offering everything from fresh bread to chutneys, and established partnerships with independents like Panino and Carmela Deli to provide things like pasta, which was otherwise as scarce as toilet roll. David Exwood of Weston’s Farm Shop in Itchingfield said at the time: “Customers are placing more value on food. They are engaging with food in a way that hasn’t been seen in decades. I'm not saying everything has changed forever, but I do believe it will be a lasting legacy of the lockdown.” Building on this legacy, Horsham District Council launched a ‘Buy Local’ campaign, highlighting independents. Paul Clarke, then HDC Cabinet Member for the Local Economy, said in October 2020: “A large proportion of every pound spent with a local business is re-spent locally, multiplying the local benefit of every purchase.” Which is true. And the benefits of “buying local” go further that than. Every time a farm shop sells a lump of Sussex Charmer cheese, or The Rec Rooms pour a pint of Firebird, or the Horsham Cellar sells a bottle of sparkling wine from House Coren,

they’re contributing to the Horsham District’s growing reputation as a food and drink hub. Yet, eighteen months on from that wave of positivity, is our appreciation of - and commitment to - independents on the wane? Morrisons plans to build a new store on the new Mowbray development (that’s the big one at north Horsham). If successful, it’ll join a growing roster of supermarkets already including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Lidl, with an Aldi mooted too. There are no villains here. Like the motorists who bypass Radiator Springs to save ten minutes of driving time (maintaining that tenuous link to Cars) there’s nothing wrong with shopping at a supermarket. I do my big weekly shop at Tesco, as it’s convenient and makes economic sense when you have two teenage children who do not stop eating! Supermarkets can bring their own economic and community benefits too – creating jobs and supporting food banks, for example. But they don’t plug into the local network in the same way and their profits leave the District. In the case of Morrisons, the money goes to a New Yorkbased private equity firm. Morrisons will get the nod, no doubt. But Horsham proudly promotes itself as a market town and we should be wary of the direction in which it’s heading. After all, it is our town.

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NEWS ROUND-UP Announcements & Events from across the Horsham District Email submissions to editor@aahorsham.co.uk

Artist’s impression of the proposed Morrisons site (©NJSR)

application to Horsham District Council. Plans have already been approved for mixed-use development on the land, comprising new homes, employment space, retail (including supermarket), community facilities (including Bohunt School, featured on p27) and open spaces.

Sir David Attenborough visited the rewilding estate at Knepp in West Grinstead, to film scenes for The Wonder of Song, broadcast on 3 January. In spring and summer 2020, the camera crew filmed songbirds including the robin, thrush, chaffinch, great tit and nightingale, which thrives at Knepp. The famed naturalist shot several segments, including one from a tree platform at Knepp. Isabella Tree, an award-winning author and travel writer who owns and lives on the estate with husband Sir Charles Burrell, said she was “honoured” to welcome Sir David. www.knepp.co.uk

Bolney Wine Estate has been acquired by Henkell Freixenet, the leading sparkling wine supplier in England. Bolney is considered one of the pioneers of English sparkling wine. Founded in 1972 by Janet and Rodney Pratt, it is now run by daughter Samantha Linter and has a portfolio of award-winning sparkling and still wines. Sam said: “Over the past 50 years, my family and I have worked hard to bring Bolney to where it is today. I am now looking forward to working with Freixenet Copestick and helping to develop Bolney, nationally and internationally." The terms of the deal are confidential. www.bolneywineestate.com

The Morrisons Foundation has already donated £1,250 to Horsham Matters, a charity supporting homeless people in the area. To comment on the proposals, visit: http://morrisons-horsham.co.uk

(©AAH/Alan Wright)

Nightingale (©David Plummer)

Morrisons hopes to build a new store on the Mowbray development in north Horsham. The supermarket giant is proposing a 55,000sq. ft site with access from Rusper Road, creating 190 jobs. Morrisons wants residents to voice their opinion before submitting a planning

Horsham’s first indoor ice rink will stay open until the end of March. The Rec Rink, created jointly by the Rec Rooms team and Horsham District Council, has exceeded expectations in terms of visitor numbers. The Rec Rink is open for public skating on Thursday evenings and every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It costs £10 for one hour on the ice, which is manned by ice marshals. Skating aids are available for beginners and gloves are compulsory on the ice. For more information about HDC’s business support schemes, visit: www.horsham.gov.uk/coronavirus/ coronavirus-business-support-grants

Cisswood House Hotel (@AAH/Toby Phillips 2012)

(©AAH/Toby Phillips 2017)

Cisswood House Hotel in Lower Beeding has closed. Royal Hotels (UK), known as RHUL, which manages the hotel, is taking steps to place the company into voluntary liquidation. Built in 1928, the hotel has 51 rooms and has been popular as a wedding venue, for its health and leisure facilities including a gym, heated indoor pool and beauty treatments, and the Garden Restaurant, well known for its Sunday lunch. The Directors of RHUL have instructed insolvency firm BM Advisory LLP to assist in the liquidation process. www.cisswoodhouse.com

Horsham Rotary Pancake Races are set to return to the Carfax during half term week on Thursday 24 February. The event sees teams (many in fancy dress) taking on an 80m course while flipping pancakes. The organisers seek businesses, clubs, organisations and groups to take part, representing a charity of their choice. Email secretary@horshamrotary.org.uk

Toploader perform at The Rec Rooms, Horsham, on Friday 4 March. The Eastbourne-based band, best known for their 1999 album Onka’s Big Moka (featuring a cover of ‘Dancing in the Moonlight’) return to the venue after a well-received 2019 gig. Tickets £22.50 from www.therecrooms.com

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Horsham District Council hosts its fourth Horsham Apprenticeship Fair at the Drill Hall, Denne Road, Horsham on Saturday 12 February, 10am - 2pm. The fair will see more than 30 apprentice employers and training providers from a variety of sectors present opportunities. The event is free and all are welcome. Confirmed employers include Metricell, Sussex Police, Thales, Tesla Engineering, CMED Group, Continental Engineering Services, Places for People Leisure, Rewards Training, Royal Air Force, Schroders Investment Management, Little Monkeys Nursery, Thomas Keating and West Sussex County Council. Sign up at www.jobsfair.horsham.gov.uk

The Horsham 10K will take place on Sunday 22 May, at 11am. Licensed by UK Athletics, the event is part of the Sussex Grand Prix series, attracting club runners from across the county and beyond. The race is open to all and is ideal for keen park runners looking to step-up to a longer distance. Starting and finishing at Horsham Rugby Club, the route is marshalled and includes bridleways and roads. There’s also a 1.2K fun run for juniors within the rugby club grounds. Prizes for male and female winners across age categories. horshamjoggers.co.uk/horsham-10k/

The Kinder Living Show (©Toby Phillips Photography 2019)

Thales stand at the 2020 fair

The Kinder Living Home Show takes place at County Hall North (Parkside), Chart Way, Horsham, RH12 1RL on the weekend of 5 - 6 March. The event offers information, advice and inspiration for sustainable living. Now in its sixth year, the organisers hope to attract new exhibitors, so if you run a business offering sustainable products or services and would like to know more, email team@kinderliving.co.uk or visit www.kinderliving.co.uk

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Steve’s Dobby impression (written as ‘Dobbie’ on the cup) was a hit on TikTok

A video by an 18-year-old from Horsham has been a hit on social media App, TikTok. Maddie Marshall filmed dad Steve entering Starbucks and telling the barista his name was Dobby. In the voice of Harry Potter’s loyal elf, Steve says, “Starbucks has given Dobby a latte. Dobby is happy!” The clip was viewed 18

million times in its first three days. Maddie said: “With all the negativity in the world, we tried to come up with a fun way to send a positive message. My dad’s always up for a laugh and when we watch Harry Potter, we always do impressions. We hope the clip makes people laugh!” https://vm.tiktok.com/ZM8Egab2y/

National Highways has revealed new plans for a bypass to protect the historic town of Arundel. The proposed route will see 4.9 miles of new dual carriageway created to the south of the existing A27, from Crossbush to Fontwell roundabout. A consultation period will run for eight weeks while the plans are debated, ending on 8 March 2022. https://a27arundelbypass. consultation.ai/

The Rise and Fall of Little Voice comes to The Capitol on Monday 28 March - Saturday 2 April. This new production from Jim Cartwright stars Shobna Gulati at Mari Hoff, Ian Kelsey as Ray Say and Christina Bianco as Little Voice. Directed by Bronagh Lagan, the comedy features music by the likes of Edith Piaf and Shirley Bassey. Tickets £18 £30 from (01403) 750220 or www.thecapitolhorsham.com

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The launch event for the 2019 Horsham District Year of Culture. (©AAH/Toby Phillips 2019)

At a Horsham District Council meeting on 27 January, Cabinet Members were set to approve the Council’s financial and capital budget. Despite the impact of COVID, the Council is “well placed” to meet current challenges and is budgeting for a “modest surplus” in 2022/23. There will be an increase in Council Tax of 2.9%, equating to £4.57 year (based on a Band D home). HDC will also carry out a £10m capital programme, providing disabled facility grants and various infrastructure improvements. The programme includes £200,000 to support local businesses recover from the pandemic, £140,000 to tackle the threat of Ash dieback disease, £200,000 towards events to build upon the legacy of the 2019 Year of Culture, and groundwork for future investment options at venues such as The Capitol and Southwater Country Park. The proposals, if supported, will be recommended to Full Council on 9 February 2021. Councillors were also set to commit £1 million to protect and enhance the local environment. Initiatives include replacing 10 HDC vehicles with electric cars, the installation of charging points, and implementing energy efficiency measures at Council-owned buildings. New posts will be created to support the Wilder Horsham District project.

Lodge Hill (©AAH/Toby Phillips 2019)

West Sussex County Council members will debate and vote on its annual budget on Friday 18 February. An increase in Council Tax of 2.99% is proposed. www.westsussex.gov.uk

The Lodge Hill Trust has received a grant of £4,500 from the Police & Crime Commissioner’s Community Safety Fund. The outdoor education and activity centre, near Pulborough, will use the money to run ChallengeU courses, helping young people gain confidence, self-esteem and learn life skills. The Community Safety Fund provides grants up to £5,000 to local organisations and projects that deliver a positive impact to the community. For details visit: sussex-pcc.gov.uk/apply-for-funding/

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Whistlestop Arts, which delivers community arts programmes across Sussex and Surrey, has launched a Virtual Day Trip focusing on Horsham Park. Whistlestop Arts secured COVID recovery funding from the Sussex Community Partnership to create the virtual day trip. A film features people connected to the park and its many highlights, including the Sensory Garden, Kaya café, Pavilions in the Park and Horsham Park Bowls Club. WA Directors Annalees Lim and Luna Russell have also delivered day tripfocused sessions at Age UK and Phoenix Stroke Club. A mini version of the day trip is available at www.whistlestoparts.org. If you’re an organiser of activities in a day centre, care home or similar and want to access the complete set of free resources, email whistlestoparts@gmail.com

There was disappointment when Toby Miles, the lead actor in The Capitol’s pantomime, Aladdin, tested positive for COVID in the run-up to Christmas. After four sold out performances were cancelled, Head of Production Matthew Effemey approached local actor Will Carey, who ably stepped up to provide emergency cover. Toby returned to the role after recovering. www.thecapitolhorsham.com

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Chelsea Blues (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Will Carey

Luna Russell and Annalees Lim of Whistlestop Arts, with Celia Williams from the Phoenix Stroke Club

Coolham Live Music Club hosts its rescheduled Xmas Extravaganza on Saturday 19 February. The gig features Yolanda Charles’ Project PH, with support from Chelsea Blues and her band. As ever, people can take their own drink and nibbles along to the relaxed club, which continues to attract some of the finest musicians around. www.facebook.com/ coolhamlivemusicclub/

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A ‘breakthrough treatment’ for

Nerve Pain Relief Keith Atkinson, local Horsham therapist is offering a new method of pain relief called external neuromodulation.

Labelled ‘a breakthrough for nerve pain relief’, Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital in London did a clinical test and noted a ‘dramatic reduction in pain’. In 19 of 35 cases, the hospital reported a 100% improvement with pain reduced to zero. All these patients were suffering from chronic neuropathic pain.*

Judy’s Story I started having pain in my hip in July 2015; being 74, I thought perhaps I might eventually have a hip replacement. In August, whilst on holiday in Cornwall, I was woken with excruciating pain down my leg from the hip to the ankle. My ankle felt like it had a vice around it and painkillers did nothing to help. Fortunately, I was able to see a local GP who after examination confirmed that I had a trapped sciatic nerve and prescribed Naproxen and Co-codamol. After my holiday, still experiencing agonising pain at night and not sleeping, I saw my own GP. He prescribed Amitriptyline and Co-codamol. A friend then recommended her Chiropractor who confirmed there was nothing sinister and agreed with the trapped nerve diagnosis. However, after 12 sessions working on my back, I still had no relief from the leg pain. I returned to my GP in desperation and he told me to stop the Chiropractic treatment and referred me to a pain clinic, but there was a long waiting list! While waiting for this appointment to come through my daughter read an article in the AAH magazine about a young woman who had experienced exactly the same pain as I was having and had been taking the same drugs.

She had been recommended to see Keith Atkinson at Horsham Nerve Clinic and after three sessions she had been able to lead a pain free life. On reading this article myself I immediately made an appointment to see Keith. Within a few hours of my first appointment my pain was reduced and two days later I was pain free, although my back still felt a little stiff and sore. During my second appointment with Keith, he concentrated on my back and the relief was noticeable almost immediately.

“After 11 weeks of awful pain and horrible strong drugs, Keith had put me right.”

Two days after my second appointment I felt normal again. After 11 weeks of awful pain and horrible strong drugs, Keith had put me right and eradicated my pain in just two sessions! I cannot recommend him highly enough.

Judy Whittaker

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Keith’s Assessment ‘The big advantage to external neuromodulation is that the treatment can give a very immediate effect. Treatment programs are on average three sessions but this is dependent on individual circumstances. Whilst Judy initially thought she may have a hip problem, it was classic sciatica with pain travelling down the nerve from the buttock to the ankle. It was pleasing to see how the treatment removed her pain and settled everything into place very quickly. I am often asked how long the treatment lasts. In the case of Judy, she remains pain free just over six years after treatment. If the nerve sits happily within the spinal space without been entrapped or inflamed then the person will remain pain free. Keith Atkinson (January 2022)

• Sciatica lower back and leg pain • Shoulder and neck pain • Frozen shoulder • Facial pain and TMJ • Bel's Palsy • Thoracic back pain • Repetitive strain injury • Tennis/golfer's elbow • Knee issues • Achilles tendonitis • Ankle and feet pain • Plantar Fasciitis • Sporting injuries • Post operative pain • Complex regional pain syndrome • Other nerve related pain.

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(01403) 256332 07768 537846 keithatkinson5455@gmail.com See www.horshampainrelief.co.uk for Covid 19 precautions at the Practice The Stimpod NMS 460 used for external neuromodulation is now available at the Horsham Nerve Pain Practice. * ‘External stimulation:simplistic solution to intractable pain?’ St Thomas’ Hospital. All testimonials and case studies are printed with the consent of the individuals concerned.

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A NEW START

THE SYRIAN FAMILY MAKING A NEW LIFE IN HORSHAM

19 Mohamad Sulaiman at his Horsham home (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Since the start of the Civil War in 2011, an estimated 13.5million Syrians have been forcibly displaced, more than half the population. Roughly half of them remain in the country, trapped or unable to travel, while 6.8million are refugees and asylum seekers. Turkey is now home to 3.7m Syrian refugees, while significant numbers have fled to Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Egypt. Some have sought asylum in Europe, with Mohamad Sulaiman and his wife, Olaa, among them.

The couple arrived in the UK in February 2020 after several years in Egypt, where their first two children were born, with a third arriving last year. They now live in a flat in Horsham and Mohamad is gradually improving his grasp of English, although still finds Google’s translation App an invaluable tool. Soon, he hopes to launch his own business. AAH met Mohamad and his family, accompanied by a volunteer from the Horsham Refugee Support Group...

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OUTBREAK OF WAR The Syrian Civil War officially began in 2011, although long before that, Mohamad had faced more than his share of adversity. One of ten children, he lost his father at a young age and left school to work when he was nine. His hometown is Saqba, just to the east of Damascus in the south of the country. While the capitol itself hasn’t suffered extensive damage, much of Saqba now lies in ruin.

Mohamad uses traditional Syrian methods, creating striking effects for floors, walls and ceilings

“I have seen terrible things that the mind can't imagine. Chaos and devastation rained down on us.” During the Civil War, the town was controlled by the Free Syrian Army until it was placed under siege by government forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad.

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“Saqba is only a small place, but it was very beautiful and famous for carpentry,” says Mohamad. “It would host furniture fairs, with people travelling from Damascus, Aleppo and even other countries, because of the quality of the craftsmanship.” Since the siege began, the town has been reduced to rubble and many lives have been lost. Even by conservative estimates, 600,000 people have died during the war and Mohamad witnessed atrocities with his own eyes. He says: “I have seen terrible things that the mind can't imagine. Chaos and devastation rained down on us. I have been hiding and seen others nearby being killed. If I moved, I would be dead too. One morning, we lost 26 people in only one street.”

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Mohamad himself was imprisoned for helping rescue people trapped under rubble during the siege. For men who were not loyal to al-Assad, life in Syria became perilous. So, in fear of his life, Mohamad decided to flee. As soon as he was able to travel, he left Syria for Egypt in 2012. Leaving an elderly mother and other members of his family behind has caused much heartache. One of Mohamad’s brothers has since suffered a heart attack and although he was able to leave the besieged town for medical treatment, Mohamad is understandably emotional when talking about it. “I have not seen my mother for 10 years and she’s now 80 years old,” he says. “It has been very difficult to even talk to them on the phone, because they have no internet or

Examples of Mohamad’s tiling skills, with these projects carried out in Egypt

communications because of the siege. They are trapped without food or water. People have had to eat leaves off the trees to survive.” “Since I left, things have got worse, with chemical attacks too. When I saw this on the news, I was worried for my family, but they were okay. I wouldn’t go back to Syria now, as I would be scared of going to prison. (Even without al-Assad) it will not return to how it was for at least 10 years. The only reason to return would be to see family, but I hope I can do that somewhere else.”

A NEW LIFE In 2014, Mohamad met Olaa, who lived in Damascus and reached Egypt about six months after he did. Olaa was introduced by one of Mohamad’s sisters, who also reached Egypt. They were soon married, although there was no big celebration as the couple had no money. However, Mohamad was able to use the tiling skills he learned in Syria to find work and build up an impressive portfolio.

After several years in Egypt, Olaa’s mother and sister were taken in by Sweden as refugees. Under the UN Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme, Mohamad and Olaa were given the option of joining a refugee programme in the UK, Canada or Holland. They chose the UK, meeting the government’s stringent criteria. Since arriving, they have been one of ten families to receive assistance from the Horsham Refugee Support Group (HRSG). This voluntary group was set up in response to the death of Alan Kurdi, a three-year-old

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Prepare for changes in energy efficiency Have you got a buy to let? Are you aware of the changes regarding your property’s energy efficiency? Properties risk becoming ‘unrentable’ if landlords do not make the necessary changes required by 2025. It may seem a long way off, but in the scheme of things, it’s not. And if you have properties that need substantial work to get their Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) rating to the required ‘C’ or above, you would be best to start thinking about these changes sooner rather than later.

A recent survey by our friends at Shawbrook Bank suggested that 15% of landlords surveyed had no knowledge of the upcoming legislative changes to EPCs. From 2025, all newly rented properties will be required to have an EPC rating of C or above.

Some lenders are offering better rates to those with better EPC ratings.

Existing tenancies will have until 2028 to comply with the new rule changes. But what this does mean is that properties risk the potential of being declared ‘unrentable’ and possibly ‘unsellable’ or ‘unmortgageable’ due to landlords not acting on the possible impact these new requirements may have. With a large proportion (36%) of landlords with properties built pre-1940, Shawbrook’s analysis suggests that a significant number of landlords will be required to make changes. And these changes could mean a loss of income whilst the necessary work is carried out, or in severe cases landlords could find themselves unable to secure appropriate financial support to carry out the works. Even today, some lenders are offering better rates to those with better EPC ratings, or once the landlord has improved the property. So financial benefits are also a key to getting properties up to the new requirements as quickly as possible and no doubt there will be more attractive offerings as time goes on. And of course, it’s not just the landlords that might have issues, as the tenants might also be affected as they compete for a possibly smaller number of EPC ‘C’ efficient properties in 2025. So seek professional help and guidance early to ensure you don’t have to rush and panic closer to the deadline.

Syrian boy of Kurdish ethnic background. When he drowned in the Mediterranean in 2015, along with his mother and brother, the image of his body lying on the beach made global headlines. The HRSG was initially affiliated with Horsham District Council, although it now operates as an independent charity, working closely with West Sussex County Council’s Refugee Resettlement team. Hopes for a fresh start for Mohamad and his family were swiftly quashed by COVID, which confined them to their new home. During lockdown, the HRSG kept in contact via WhatsApp. While the UK government provides English lessons, the volunteers assist in other ways, even helping Mohamad find temporary work with an established tiling company. He is keen to help other businesses working on kitchens or bathrooms in the area, utilising his skills as an experienced and creative artisan tiler, as well as starting his own business.

A volunteer for HSRG said: “Despite still learning English, Mohamad is eager to work so he can provide for his family. We have helped him set up his own Facebook page and are working in partnership with another charity to buy new work tools. Mohamad has an incredible portfolio of work from his time in Egypt, where he was in great demand. The Syrians are known for their tiling skills and some of Mohamad’s work is stunning, so we hope that the community will support him.”

WORDS: BEN MORRIS

Further information: For more information about the support group, including how to make a donation, visit: horshamrefugeesupportgroup.co.uk To contact Mohamad with a business enquiry, please email: M.A.S.1Tiling@gmail.com

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A welcome banner above the new Reception (©AAH/Alan Wright)

DIFFERENT CLASS

NEW BOHUNT HORSHAM SITE FINALLY WELCOMES PUPILS

The District has a new secondary school, with the opening of Bohunt Horsham. Situated on the new north Horsham development, recently named Mowbray, the school welcomed pupils for the first time after the Christmas break. AAH visited to interview Headteacher Georgette Ayling...

When did the move happen? It was a prolonged process. We moved everything out of the temporary site at Arun House in Hurst Road, in the week leading up to the Christmas break. The first day staff were at the new building was Tuesday 4 January. After an INSET Day, we had three days of remote learning from 5 – 7 January. There’s a lot of statutory compliance involved, so before we could allow students on site, staff had to know about the fire safety protocols and additional things like operating the gas taps in the Science labs.

What happened on the final day at Arun House? On the last day of each term, we have a restoration day. The school community restores the building to how it was at the beginning of term. The last one was more unusual, as pupils saw their chairs and desks being taken away by the removals team and transported to the new site. Restoration day is one of my favourite events, as I get to walk around with a megaphone! Also, it teaches children about stewardship. It's a privilege for pupils to have a new school, but that comes with responsibility. In 50 years’ time, this building will belong to future generations and we all have a duty to maintain it. When did the pupils first step inside it? Monday 10 January. The previous week, they went back to the temporary site for a COVID test, as the government asked all students to do an on-site test before returning after Christmas. It was important that the children’s first experience of the new school wasn’t putting a swab up their nostrils. So, they came along on the Monday and were in awe.

For the first few weeks, face masks were worn in class due to COVID restrictions (©AAH/Alan Wright)

The Headteacher takes a stroll with pupils (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Was there a first pupil inside? Mason was dropped off at the site early and was the first pupil in the new building. Jake, another of our pioneers (founding Year 9 pupils) was the first in the temporary site back in 2019. There must have been a lot of excitement amongst the children? Especially for the founding pupils. The original intention was for the school to be at the temporary site for just a year, with those pupils able to visit the new north Horsham site while it was being built, before moving in at the start of Year 8. Of course, there were delays because of the pandemic and we now have 450 pupils

Zones in the school are colour coded (©AAH/Alan Wright)

“I wanted the library to be a focal point. When you arrive, it’s the big glass structure that hangs above Reception.” across three year groups. It has been impossible to bring them all over for a tour, so most hadn’t even seen the building until they arrived for their first day of lessons. I was waiting outside as the first bus arrived, very excited!

Are most pupils coming in by bus? The majority of children are, because the new bridge over the A264 has been delayed. Those living close to the site can’t safely walk or cycle to school until Easter, when the bridge is complete. So every morning, five buses go out and collect 355 pupils, then drop them back home at the end of the day. Our staff have joined police and community support officers to ensure no pupil attempts to cross the carriageway. West Sussex County Council has been very supportive. We’re not a local authority school (Bohunt Horsham is part of Bohunt Educational Trust) but are part of the community and WSCC has recognised that and provided assistance, while the

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Department for Education has arranged the buses. Wates (building contractor) have also been very accommodating in difficult circumstances. What did the pupils do on the first day? We took them inside in year groups. Year 7 went to the sports hall, Year 8 to the dining hall and Year 9 to the library. From there, the form tutors collected the pupils and took them to their new classrooms. It has been a voyage of discovery for all of us, finding out what’s behind each door, but on the first day the pupils didn’t even know where the toilets were. So the morning was about orientation, navigation and an induction to our new routines. What are the highlights of the building? The library at the temporary school was tiny and I wanted the new one to be a focal point. When you arrive, it’s the big glass structure that hangs above Reception. It’s an all-through library, meaning that it’ll used by both the primary and secondary school, and gradually we’re filling it with books and making it our own. It’s not a silent library; it can be used as a social space as well as by those who want to sit quietly and read. Many schools have moved towards Learning Resource Centres with computer suites, but our library is traditional, with just books and sofas. On the academic side, we have a robotics lab which is very exciting, as it’s geared up for engineering programmes, with a demonstration table.

Pupils reading in the library (©AAH/Alan Wright)

The new library is a cosy, relaxing space (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Pupils play basketball in the new sports hall (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Are classrooms bigger than usual? The Department for Education has a “scheme of allocation” for newly-built schools and within that schools can decide how to allocate space. So if you want three small rooms and one bigger one, you can. I have seen schools experiment with ideas, even using three classrooms in one large space in one instance. We decided to move the lockers outside so they don’t infringe on the corridors, which has freed up space to make classrooms slightly bigger. There’s a little extra space that allows for more flexibility and innovative teaching.

A skills lesson in one of three Food Tech suites (©AAH/Alan Wright)

What considerations have been given to the environment? There are three wings to the building and one is covered by solar panels, with eco-friendly lighting and ventilation used too. The building management system is designed for modern use, with motion sensors meaning we don’t have to walk around turning off lights. The primary school will have a woodland walk area, where we’ll be encouraging planting, as we have set ourselves a target of increasing biodiversity on the site, compared with the agricultural land previously here. We have time to create natural habitats, with existing tree lines maintained and new wildlife pathways created.

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What still needs to be done in terms of building? Phase two of the development will include the main hall for assemblies and performance space. Performing arts are important as we encourage children to express themselves and the arts are a big part of that. The next phase also includes the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) department with sensory rooms, as well as sports fields and additional playing space. We already have the sports hall and Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) which caters for everything from badminton and basketball to dance and bounce classes. Phase two is scheduled for completion around Easter.

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Why seek a Solicitor’s advice when making your Will? Emily Wardrope, Private Client Solicitor, looks at the reasons why you should seek professional advice when writing your Will. No doubt your New Year’s resolutions for 2022 have been made, but if you’re still writing your list (or adding to it), you may wish to ensure “Making a Will” is on there. But why seek the advice of a Solicitor rather than writing it yourself or using one of the many Will writing companies out there? When preparing your Will, Solicitors will advise you: • appropriately to ensure your Will has the desired effect, taking into account your assets, family dynamics and tax • of the formal requirements needed to make a Will legally valid • of changes you may wish to make. If these alterations are not signed and witnessed, they will be invalid • on what happens if a potential beneficiary predeceases you • on the effect of marriage, a registered civil partnership, divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership can have on a Will

• on the rules which exist to enable dependants to claim from the estate if they believe they are not adequately provided for. These rules mean that the provisions in the Will could be overturned • if you share a property with someone who is not your husband, wife or civil partner • if you wish to make provision for a dependant who is unable to care for themselves • on the possibility of family members who may make a claim on the Will • on complex assets, including assets abroad and business assets • on possible issues with your domicile status They will also safely store your original Will. Remember, Will writing companies are not regulated by the Law Society, so there are few safeguards if things go wrong. It is easy to make mistakes and, if there are errors in the Will, this can cause problems after your

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death, which could lead to costly and lengthy litigation, thereby greatly reducing the inheritance for your chosen beneficiaries. Although it is not mandatory for a Will to be drawn up by a Solicitor, this is one of the most important documents you will have to prepare during your lifetime, therefore, you should take the time to make sure that it is drafted properly.

A Will is one of the most important documents you will have to prepare during your lifetime. Been meaning to write your Will? We have partnered with Brighton based children's charity, Rockinghorse to support the Free Will Fortnight, taking place between 7 - 18 March. Bookings open on 1 February so please visit https://www.rockinghorse.org.uk/ donate-to-us/leave-a-gift-in-yourwill to find out more about the Free Will Fortnight 2022 or contact Tracey Nickisson on 01273 322808 to book your appointment.

SEMKA Karate at Tanbridge House School (©AAH/Alan Wright)

PACKING A PUNCH

PAUL ELLIOTT HAS DEVOTED 50 YEARS TO MARTIAL ARTS Paul Elliott has dedicated much of his life to karate, having been teaching for more than 40 years. Throughout that time, his SEMKA School has been committed to Wado-ryu, a traditional form of karate with a focus on life force energy.

When did you start learning karate? I joined a class at Lower Tanbridge School (on the current Sainsbury’s site), under the instruction of Gary Swift, In 1972. It wasn’t until 1980 that I started leading classes. What kind of karate do you teach? There are several popular types of karate including Shotokan, Goju-ryu and Kyokushin. I teach Wado-ryu, which was founded by Hironori Ohtsuka and introduced to the UK by Tatsuo Suzuki in 1964. SEMKA Classes are affiliated to the International Wado Federation (IWF), the British Wadokai (BWK) and the European Wado Federation (EWF).

What is SEMKA? SEMKA is the name of my karate school and stands for the Samurai Enlighten Mushin Karate Academy. I teach the fundamentals of agility, balance and coordination. Wado-ryu is grounded in self-defence, but it’s also a good way to improve fitness and revitalise your internal energy. Karate is a physical discipline but trains the mind too. You've got to concentrate solely on movement. Life’s troubles are left at the door and you don’t have to collect them on the way out. What is the style of Wado-ryu? It’s one of the more harmonious, peaceful forms of karate. Some styles are rigid and tense in terms of stance, but Wado-ryu is quick and snappy. There’s a lightness to our movement. Like Muhammad Ali, we float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. Etiquette is important, as it is with all forms of karate, but there’s less contact. With some styles, rigidness means that when you block you can hurt your opponent’s arm, whereas in Wado-ryu it's a deflection of energy.

Paul Elliott instructs Wado-ryu karate (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Karate teaches self discipline, balance and coordination (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Has Wado-ryu changed since its foundation? In martial arts, there’s always an evolution, as you adapt self-defence methods for different methods of attack. Traditionally, we trained people to defend a frontal knife aggressor, but that no longer reflects real life scenarios, so you adapt your teaching. When was karate at its most popular? Karate grew across the world thanks to the films of Bruce Lee. That was karate’s heyday, although it didn’t attract juniors initially. During the 1980s and 90s, children’s classes became more popular and I had about 400 students in classes at several

A number of students have attained black belts (©AAH/Alan Wright)

venues, including Broadbridge Heath Sports Centre and the Pavilions in the Park. TV shows like Power Rangers and more recently Cobra Kai can renew interest, but often people have pre-conceived ideas about what karate is, but the reality is very different. Is karate also competing against other martial arts? For a time, I was the only karate instructor locally and people had to travel further afield for classes. Now there are other clubs affiliated to different styles of karate, as well as sports like Brazilian jujitsu and Aikido.

How did you fare during COVID? It has been difficult. For a time, we were down to about 20 regulars joining Zoom classes. It was important, as keeping training going helped people maintain a sense of structure and routine to support their physical and mental health. We took the opportunity to meet outside as soon as we could, hiring a tennis court, which was great as we hadn’t met in person for over a year. Now, we have risen to about 80 people and the recovery is ongoing. With more members, you can hold classes for various levels of ability, allowing students to develop at their own pace. That’s better than throwing beginners in at the deep end.

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“Becoming an 8th Dan is really a recognition of dedication to teaching and organising events or competitions.”

You recently became an 8th Dan. How rare is that? You have to be quite old to get it! It took me eight years to become a black belt (1st Dan) but nowadays it’s possible to do it in four or five years. Then you need to wait two years to become a 2nd Dan, another three for a 3rd Dan, and so on. I started at the age of 24 and am now 71, so it takes a long time. Being an 8th Dan is really a recognition of dedication to teaching and organising events or competitions. Ability is important, but not so much in the higher Dan grades because you can’t do certain moves when you’re older. My arm movements are still sharp, but the twisting and height required for a roundhead kick to the head would leave me needing a trip to the osteopath! Do you have help from other instructors? I have the assistance of several excellent instructors, some of whom have been with SEMKA for many years. Ray Brown (4th Dan) helps with the children's class, while Steve Gray was recently awarded his 6th Dan and has been with me since we were at the old Tanbridge School site. Hayley and Julie Jeffries were my first female students to reach 3rd Dan, and Louisa Bland is a great example of what can be achieved. She brought two of her children along and after a while decided to try it herself. Now, Louisa’s the only one still here!

(©AAH/Alan Wright)

At what age can people begin karate? We have classes for children from the age of seven. However, young people are different to what they were even ten years ago. Many have mobile phones and their concentration isn't always what is used to be. However, I see some teenagers coming to classes to focus their mind on something that isn’t electronic.

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Where do you teach Tai Chi? I have taught Tai Chi at Adult Education classes through Aspire in the past and continue to run classes at South Lodge Hotel in Lower Beeding, as well as local venues including North Heath Lane Hall, Horsham Unitarian Church, Jubilee Hall in Rudgwick, Broadbridge Heath Sports Centre and Billingshurst Community Centre. I love the combination of karate - which is more physical - with Tai chi - which offers good balance and focus, especially for older people. Both are wonderful disciplines for physical health and mental wellbeing.

SEMKA karate (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Do you have any plans to retire? None at all! I intend to carry on as long as I can. I love teaching people of all ages, both karate and Tai Chi. I’ve been practising karate for 50 years and teaching for 40, and recently attained the instruction level of Kyoshi, having previously been a Renshi. Age has nothing to do with it. Some people in their 50s who struggle to get around, whereas others can be fit and healthy in their 70s.

WADO-RYU KARATE & TAI CHI CLASSES SESSIONS RUN BY PAUL ELLIOTT (8TH DAN), INSTRUCTING SINCE 1980

WORDS: BEN MORRIS PHOTOS: ALAN WRIGHT Further information: Tel: 01403 218327 Email: semka@btopenworld.com www.semka.co.uk @horsham.karate @Taichihorsham

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40 43

PEN FRIEN TWO LOCAL AUTHORS OFFER RURAL WRITING RETREATS So, who do we have here? Lisa Brace, a PR director and journalist, and Daisy White, an established author and entrepreneur. Together, they run Sussex Writing Retreats.

Retreats? Who for? April’s retreat focuses on creative writing, whilst May’s retreat is geared towards writing for TV & film. Lisa and Daisy host the retreats at a beautiful rural location in Dial Post, with guests able to share experiences and benefit

from the own experiences, as well as those of the guest speakers.

Like who? For the creative writing retreat, they welcome crime author Casey Kelleher, who has sold half a million books worldwide and has experienced many different facets of publishing. Saskia Leach, who works at the Kate Nash Literary Agency, will be offering invaluable insider tips too. For the TV & film writing retreat, screenwriters Debbie Moon and Hayley November,

and executive producer Steve November are among the guests. Daisy says, “We attract an eclectic mix of speakers, so that all attending are able to hear from industry experts and be inspired.” Guests at the retreat learn from the experts and each other then? Precisely. During lockdown, many people took to writing, but as we return to our old work routines, these book ideas are left to gather dust. The retreat gives people a chance to take

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NDS the next step towards getting a book printed. Lisa says, “Some come to a retreat when they’re at the very beginning of their journey, seeking creative advice. Some just want to write for pleasure, some are looking for a literary agent, while others may have experience of writing in the past and are looking to return to it. There’s a friendly, supportive writing community on social media. However, we can all be guilty of only posting about the positive experiences online. Twitter doesn’t represent the full picture and reading the good

news of others can make you feel worse, especially if you’re receiving one publishing rejection after another. At the retreat, we don't gloss over the more difficult aspects of writing.” How did Daisy and Lisa meet? Journalist Lisa first met Daisy when she interviewed her for Horsham TV. Lisa recently completed her first novel, Star Survivor, a fictional tale about contestants on a reality TV show who are thrown into a real life survival situation when a plane

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43 41

crash leaves them stranded on an island. Having attended a previous writing retreat with Daisy, Lisa was able to find a literary agent for the novel. Daisy is a seasoned author, having penned 15 books, including two published by HarperCollins. She’s been number one in Amazon bestsellers’ lists on both sides of the Atlantic.

“You might have an amazing book that just needs to catch the eye of the right agent.” Daisy White

How did she get into it? Daisy worked in cabin crew and would write to pass the time during long haul flights. She started with the Ruby Baker Mystery Series, based mainly in Brighton, following the trilogy with the Chloe Canton Series. Set in the Caribbean, these have an air of Death in Paradise about them. The success of her “cosy crime” novels led to two psychological thrillers being published by HarperCollins (The Forgotten Child and Remember Me). Daisy has since penned the DC Dove Milson thrillers and is currently on the fourth of a six book series, published by Joffe Books. 42

Has Daisy’s writing style changed over the years? The DC Dove Milson books – perhaps Daisy’s best received books to date – are serial killer mysteries that are darker than her early work. Lisa says, “Daisy is sunny and cheerful in person, but it's quite disturbing how dark her mind goes when she’s writing!” Will they critique my book if I go to the retreat? Daisy says, “We don't critique people’s writing style, as every author has their own voice. Nobody comes to our retreats to be competitive. We want people to come along, relax and enjoy

Daisy White has written 15 books (©AAH/Alan Wright)

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themselves. That’s why we keep numbers low, so that everyone has the chance to spend time with us and the speakers, and hopefully we can inspire them to improve as writers and get their work published.” Is it difficult to find a publisher then? Yes. Daisy may be a successful author now, but she has experienced her share of setbacks. Having received many rejections from agents, Daisy self-published her early books before being picked up by a traditional publisher. “Initially, I posted manuscripts with a stamped address envelope enclosed,” she says. “I would send my story off full of hope, then get it back along with a rejection letter. After a while, it feels like you're bashing your head against a brick wall and it’s easy to give up. But you might have an amazing book that just needs to catch the eye of the right agent.”

Wasn’t Harry Potter rejected? Famously, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was rejected over ten times by various publishers. Stephanie Meyers contacted 15 agents about Twilight and received 14 rejections, while one publisher told John Le Carré he had “no future” when he submitted The Spy Who Came in from the Cold. Every author has tales of woe, but those taking their first steps know little of the pitfalls and can easily get downhearted. Lisa says: “When I first met Daisy, I was struggling to find an agent. I started thinking I wasn’t any good, but she said, “You’ve only sent it to five agencies - come back and talk to me when you’ve had 50 rejections!” And the retreats can help? They can certainly offer advice. If you have poured your heart and soul into writing a book, it’s worth taking the time to prepare a good submission too. Lisa says, “Submitting to a literary agent is difficult, as they all want different things. Some are looking for a great cover letter, Lisa Brace recently completed her debut novel, Star Survivor (©AAH/Alan Wright) 43

West Sussex Philharmonic Choir at St Mary’s Church, Horsham (©AAH/Alan Wright)

some want the first three chapters and others ask for 10,000 words. You spend a lot of time doing that, then they don’t reply for months, if they reply at all. Our retreats help people to market themselves, giving them a chance to ensure their story doesn’t end up on the slush pile.”

When are the retreats? They’re held in April, May, July and September. The last event focuses on mental health and how writing can help with wellbeing. “Some people think that words don’t come alive unless they’re read,” says Daisy. “But if they bring the author pleasure, that’s fine! So, September’s retreat is all about encouraging writing as an outlet for positive mental health.”

Slush pile? Leading literary agents have assistants who go through all the submissions first. Only if something catches their eye will they pass it on. The slush pile is where the rest go. Daisy says, “You have to stand out, which doesn’t mean adding clipart to make it look pretty! Lots of people say their friends and family love their book, or that they could be the next James Patterson, but there are better ways to target a submission. One of our aims is to make people aware of the options, from traditional to self-publishing.” Isn’t that for stuff that isn’t any good? Tell that to E.L James, who self-published Fifty Shades of Grey before it got picked up after selling thousands of copies. Andy Weir self-published The Martian, which was later adapted for a movie starring Matt Damon, and more recently, L.J Ross has sold four million books, having self-published. The writing retreat explores self-publishing, as well as so-called vanity publishers.

Some of Daisy’s well-received books (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Vanity publishers? Some companies present themselves as traditional publishers, but ask authors to pay for printing and PR. Lisa says, “It can be far better to self-publish sometimes, as you maintain more control. There are reputable companies in the industry and others that are best avoided. We try to help everyone get more bang for their buck.”

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Does that mean sleeping in a wigwam or a Mongolian yurt? There’s no accommodation on site. Those travelling from further afield tend to stay at The Crown at Dial Post, or there’s the glamping site at Knepp if you want to get closer to nature. The Crown is also one of the businesses supplying food – an important part of the retreats. Lisa says, “It’s a chance to recharge, relax and explore a different side to your creativity. We bring the energy, the guidance and the fun – and some incredible food too.” WORDS: BEN MORRIS PHOTOS: ALAN WRIGHT Further information: To book your place or find out more, email: daisy@daisywhiteauthor.co.uk or call Lisa on 07719 112064. www.daisywhiteauthor.co.uk/ sussex-writing-retreats/

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ONCE YOU POP...

HORSHAM STORE CELEBRATES ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT

Pop-Up Horsham offers start-ups and entrepreneurs the chance to experience life on the high street. Launched in 2015, the Horsham District Council-supported initiative proved a success. A Pop-Up shop returned in November 2021, this time in West Street, proving a hit in the run-up to Christmas. As well as small businesses, the shop has hosted workshops by local artists and photographers, business seminars, and even yoga and fitness sessions. The West Street shop was due to close at the end of January. However, it is hoped that further pop-up opportunities will arise, encouraging more businesses to take their first steps. AAH met some of the artists and entrepreneurs at Pop-Up Horsham to find out more...

Suz Handmade Creations Owner: Suzanne Westman I've always loved art and creating things. I used to live near a military barracks and made lamps using plastic army men to create mini battle scenes. They sold very well! When I discovered acrylic pouring, the business headed in a new direction. I studied the method intensively and now host regular acrylic pouring workshops. I call myself a fluid artist and as well as creating large works, use leftover paint to make unique jewellery.

Jenni Wren Owner: Jenni Meyer Jenni Wren is a two-pronged business, selling pre-loved home decor both online and at pop-ups. I’m fortunate to have family spread around the country and whenever I visit them I browse auctions and charity shops. I buy things I would like in my home and have an eye for quirky items of age, as there’s usually a reason why someone has cherished an item for a long time. Continued...

I have also learned how to use Jesmonite, a combination of acrylic resin and rapid-setting composite materials. You pour it into a mould and can create very robust ornaments with a beautiful natural texture. I love to play and explore with materials and find that adding a black pigment gives the effect of movement, creating a fascinating marble effect. During lockdown, I taught myself how to make silicon moulds too, so now I have my own designs, like the bum pot - one of my best sellers!

I've enjoyed the pop-up shop and we saw good sales in the run-up to Christmas. It’s been quiet in the New Year, but that's a reminder of what retail’s really like. They can’t all be great days! Selling alone is not enough for me to make a living, so I teach acrylic pouring too. It’s therapeutic and having suffered with depression in the past, I use my experience to help others and encourage them to do something positive. www.suzhandmadecreations.co.uk

Researching the history of items is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the job. The badminton racquet was made by Grays of Cambridge, the racquet of choice for King George. The original Italian scooped head cat vases by Tarcisio Toscin were an iconic design in the 1950s and 60s. Last year, I bought a job lot of plated silver at auction and found a solid silver teapot, but days like that are few and far between! I found out about Pop-Up Horsham on Instagram. The shop was busy in the run-up to Christmas but things went quiet in the New Year. Luckily I have an Etsy shop to tide me over. I would love to have my own shop one day, perhaps in Horsham, but until then, I’ll focus on the online store and the occasional pop-up. Etsy: JenniWren2020

Hugo and Green Owner: John Kitchen I launched the business in September 2020 at the end of lockdown, naming it after my dog. I used to work with plants in London, looking after them in City offices with complicated lighting environments, where it's hard for plants to grow. I’ve been fascinated by plants even since and have long dreamed about opening my own house plant shop. I was made redundant and was homeless for a while, sleeping on a friend’s sofa. I had little to lose, so with only £500 to my name, I bought some plants and set up a market stall. Gradually, I increased the range I offered and built up the business. During lockdown, people connected more with their home and thought differently about plants. Instead of just picking them up from a supermarket and sticking them in a corner, waiting for them to die, people are thinking about which plants suit the environment, depending on light and temperature. I mostly sell plants that are easy to look after, but have more interesting specimens you might not find in larger retailers too. There’s a lot of interest in

the living walls. They are modular systems that you can stack to any height and fill with plants. The hydroponic watering systems are self-contained, so there’s no mess, and they’re made in the UK from recycled materials, so it’s a lovely, sustainable product. What I love about the job is speaking to customers and recommending plants suited to their needs. After three months at the pop-up, I’m starting to see customers returning, showing how important it is to be here on a daily basis. I’d love to have my own shop eventually and am looking around Horsham to see what’s available and affordable. www.hugoandgreen.com

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The Author’s Pen Owner: Lesley Hart My publishing journey started later in life. In February, I celebrate my 60th birthday, but I believe I would have been working in the industry as a fresh-faced graduate if the careers advice had been available to me at the time. As a young girl, I was an avid reader, but never considered myself a writer and followed my father into banking. It was only by accident that I started writing. Around my 40th birthday, I took a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) as I thought about working at primary level. My English tutor set a poetry task and although I was initially reluctant and lacking confidence, I surprised myself. My poem was about being rejected and having to navigate a new environment, inspired by experiences at the school gate. I simply followed the best advice of all, which is to write about what you know! In 2015, I embarked on an MA in Creative Writing through Lancaster University. It was there that I first edited the work of others, which I loved even more than writing. After graduating, I attended further writing courses and applied for jobs in the highly

competitive world of publishing. I was also accepted on to a mentoring programme to become a freelance editor by the Society of Young Publishers (SYP). My passion for helping others developed when I spent several years teaching Creative Writing for Adult Education classes at Collyer’s. I’ve met many keen and capable writers who struggle to navigate the mind-boggling world of publishing. So I set up The Author’s Pen, offering my services as an editor and helping people publish and market their work. One of the first people I worked with was Maggie Weir-Wilson, who wrote Secret Horsham for Amberley Publishing. When she approached them with an idea for a book on St Leonard’s Forest, the publisher didn’t feel there was enough interest, so Maggie asked for my help to self-publish. We worked hard and the book has been a great success, with coverage in several magazines and newspapers. Gradually, I have built up contacts in publishing, so as well as editing and proof reading, I can help people find literary agents. There are many options, from self-publishing to traditional publishing, but

“Maggie Weir-Wilson’s book on St Leonard’s Forest has been a great success, with coverage in magazines and newspapers.”

without prior experience, it’s hard to know where to begin. If you can find a traditional publisher who loves your work, that’s great they can offer a distribution network across the country and beyond. Otherwise, you can self-publish through Amazon, which is a huge online market but closes other doors, or work with self-publishers who can help with distribution and promotion. Whatever route you take, authors must be willing to self-promote through social media and book tours. You have to be proactive, because the money to market books isn’t there, unless you’re a celebrity. That’s why it’s important to have somebody to help guide you through it, as literary agents receive hundreds of manuscripts every week. You have to make yours stand out. Continued on P53...

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Employing the services of a professional editor is one way to do that. Just having a fresh sight of eyes looking over your work is important. It may be that the book jumps from past to present tense or contains continuity errors. Often, an author changes a character’s name half way through and doesn’t correct every reference to the old name. One thing I don’t alter is the author’s voice. It’s vital to hear that voice coming through, as that’s what keeps readers coming back to certain writers. I’m constantly investing in my own skills to open up new opportunities for clients. I’m a member of the Chartered Institute of Editors and Proofreaders (CIEP) and have taken courses to improve my editing skills. I like to think of myself as an “enabler”. I have written two books and one day will do something with them. But for now, I get more satisfaction from helping other authors. I want to make people proud of

what they’ve written and help them progress and improve too. I find there are two kinds of writer. The first are like contestants on Britain’s Got Talent, who think they’ve got the next bestseller. Maybe they do! More common though are those with impostor syndrome, who don’t recognise their skill or realise when they’ve written something special. The cream doesn’t always rise to the top and excellent books can get lost because authors don’t know what is required to catch the eye of a publisher. There were more books published last year than ever before so it’s difficult to get noticed. At the same time, lockdown created more new readers than ever, so the demand is there.

INTERVIEW: BEN MORRIS PHOTOS: ALAN WRIGHT

Further information: 07947 341647 info@authorspen.co.uk www.authorspen.co.uk 53

Mandy McKenna Designs Owner: Mandy Mckenna I run a pottery painting studio in Ifold and host workshops which allow me to continue working as an artist and designer. The workshops are for all ages from home schooled children to adults. I’m also well-known for baby prints and pet paw prints. During COVID, I’ve supplied pottery painting kits to nursing homes, hospitals and schools. Art is therapeutic and helps ease depression and anxiety. It can literally be a lifesaver in some instances. Sometimes, my studio work takes over, but when I have

the time I make pottery, ornaments, floral paintings, greetings cards and fabrics, hand-paint furniture and even children’s books. I’m drawn to certain tones and colours, so my ceramics complement each other. I was involved in a pop-up shop in Chichester and enjoyed it, so when I saw the Horsham shop advertised, I applied and was selected as one of three artists. Some days are quiet, but I have space to paint and it’s nice to collaborate with other creatives and entrepreneurs in a shared space. mandymckennadesigns.com

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Sussex Green Living Chairman: Paul Bellringer We capture people as they’re wandering around the shop, asking if they know about Sussex Green Living and the projects we run in the community. These include the Sussex Green Hub at the United Reformed Church. There, people can use our refill service, with all manner of personal and household cleaning products available, and the repair café, where our volunteers can fix electrical items, saving them from the waste recycling centre. We also highlight low-cost energy sources, local recycling points, encourage people to buy sustainably-sourced clothing and offer composting advice. Pop-Up Horsham has helped us reach hundreds of people and inform them of what we’re doing, with many signing up to our newsletter. Carrie Cort is the driving force behind the charity and is determined to source funding to launch environmental hubs in villages across the District.

Our appropriately named on-site café and bar with its thoughtfully created Breakfast and Seasonal Menus offers a selection of hot and cold options for your indulgence. Many of our cakes and sweet treats are handmade on site. Locally sourced ingredients feature throughout our menus including local craft bakers’ breads and burgers from our very own beef herd. Not feeling hungry? From the bar we provide a generous choice of soft drinks, draught and bottled beers, premium spirits and a wide selection of wines all to be enjoyed overlooking our beautiful Sumners Lake. Find a comfortable spot outside on the upper or lower decking and take in the scenery or cosy up in our Safari Tent and enjoy the warmth and crackle of log-burning stoves.

The emergence of Pop-Up shops is exciting. With more people buying online now, major retailers are going to have a reduced presence on the high street and in some cases will disappear altogether. Allowing budding entrepreneurs to have somewhere to display their products and grow their business gives town centres a different direction. So, even though the West Street site is closing soon, we hope there will be more pop-ups in Horsham. www.sussexgreenliving.co.uk

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MAKING HIS MA

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STUDENT WRITES EXAM GUIDE AFTER STUNNING PROGRESS

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18-year-old Josh Lea-Clayton from Horsham has produced a revision guide for GCSE English. Inspired by his own transformation from average pupil to outstanding achiever in his exams, the ‘5 to 9’ guide helps others attain similar results. Here, Josh talks about his success and his new business venture… I’d been a mediocre student for most of my time at Tanbridge House School, as I was more interested in sports and music than academic subjects. I didn’t apply myself and wasn’t interested in things like Shakespeare. Having bounced around the middle sets, I was predicted grade 5 in most subjects (GCSEs are graded 1 to 9, with a 5 equivalent to an old B/C, 7 a low A and 9 being an A*) which is average. But I changed my mindset at the end of Year 10 and decided to try get 9s.

So, how did I do it? The secret was to meticulously study mark schemes. Once I understood what the examiner was looking for and what questions were likely to come up, I created formulas and structures for my answers that ticked all the boxes. While you don’t know exactly what questions will be, you can cover the bases. I went into the exams with my answers to the key questions planned, which made it easy. Using English as an example, the three books we studied were An Inspector Calls, Jekyll and Hyde, and Macbeth. We read them all in school, but you don’t need to know the text inside out. What’s important is identifying the key quotes in relation to certain questions. It’s likely the exam will have a question on how Shakespeare portrays the character of Macbeth, or Lady Macbeth’s influence on him.

So it’s just a matter of presenting the right quotes. So, for the 25 point question in the exam, I prepared four points for each possible answer, with eight quotes to accompany each. This ‘Point, Evidence, Zoom’ method is all geared towards exams. It’s a similar story with poetry. There were 18 poems in the anthology and some were complicated. People make the mistake of memorising them all. However, the question is normally a comparison, so you are presented with one poem and choose another from a selection to compare it to. By selecting carefully, you only have to memorise perhaps half of the poems.

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I am the type of person who has an idea and pursues it. Once I’d had the thought of getting 9s, I went through it step-by-step, first looking at the mark schemes, and progressed very quickly. My biggest turnaround was in English. The first two sets were high ability, but I was middle sets and hadn’t been getting good grades. My English teacher was fantastic, marking extra work I submitted, no matter how many papers I sent her! When I received my final results, I had eight grade 9s and one grade 8. Having been predicted grades 5 or 6, it was a big jump. After sitting the exams, I guessed what grades I would get and wasn’t far off, as I knew they’d gone as planned. So the grades were not unexpected for me, although they were a surprise to others. In English, I wasn’t on the radar, being in the lower sets, so to come out with a 9 was a shock to some.

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“There’s no shortcut that avoids studying. For seven months, I treated it like a job. I would come home and get on with it.”

Although I looked for loopholes in the mark schemes, I had to work hard to get the grades. There’s no shortcut that avoids studying. For seven months, I treated it like a job. I would come home and get on with it. Some people have a revision timetable, but I would work at my desk and do three of four hours of revision or past papers. I don’t have a photographic memory, so I had to write everything down on cue cards and read them over and again. I learnt 100 quotes for three different books and another 100 lines of poetry. So, it’s a mountain to climb, but you just keep revolving the same things over in your mind until they’re ingrained in your memory.

I have since studied Business, Maths and Economics at Collyer’s, gaining two A* and one A at A’ Level. Whereas I worked hard for seven months at GCSEs, I spread the workload over two years of college, so it wasn’t as intense, but similar methods applied. I’m now on a gap year and hope to do some travelling in Europe this summer. My plans are study Philosophy at the University of Southampton from September and train for the Royal Marine Reserves in Portsmouth. However, I have recently

embarked on my first business venture, writing 5-TO-9 English, an AQA GCSE English Guide. The guide is 58-pages long and covers every strategy for preparing for the GCSE exam and tips on how to get the high grades.

The examples I use in the guide are from specific texts (such as Macbeth) but the advice is transferable to other books in the curriculum. The guide is for people in Years 10 and 11 and I hope it will help everyone reach their potential.

Of course, there are other exam guides, but nobody can deny my method works, as I am proof it does, having gone from a predicted grade 5 to a grade 9. Whether people read it word for word and do as I did, or use the ideas as a template is up to them.

WORDS: BEN MORRIS PHOTOS: ALAN WRIGHT Further information: For examples of the guide and for more information about buying a copy, visit Josh’s website at www.english5to9.squarespace.com

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