AAH (All About Horsham) June 2017

JUNE 2017

5

The problem of the Iron Bridge pigeons

How will we reflect in the year 2032?

I

n this edition, we have some interesting pictures from a major redevelopment of Horsham town centre 25 years ago.

Whilst there were many aspects of the development, the defining decision was the sacrificing of St Mark’s Church for the continued growth of an insurance giant.

I was a 13-year-old Forest pupil at the time, so I didn’t care much about St Mark’s Church. I knew little of the public anger and never thought to appreciate how difficult it must have been for town planners and councillors to balance history and religion against economic growth and employment.

However, 25 years on, there are elements of the developments between 1988 - 92 that have stood the test of time. Those involved must reflect with some pride as the project was a relative success, given the circumstances. The RSA pedestrian bridge serves as a pleasant gateway to town, the infrastructure copes reasonably well with the traffic and importantly, Horsham maintained the aura of a historic market town. Which is quite something, considering the size of that chandelier.

Scroll ahead to 2017 and Horsham District Council is consulting on ideas for another major shake-up of the town centre.

It’s currently hosting an exhibition on ideas at the library, which the public can view and - if they are fortunate enough to find the right section on the council website even offer an opinion.

Unlike 25 years ago, the changes are not driven out of necessity or shaped around the pressing needs of the town’s largest employer.

This time, planners are seemingly working with a blank canvas on the general principle of ‘we could do better.’

Which is why I’m disappointed to have been largely underwhelmed by the proposals offered so far.

After visiting the exhibition and talking to council employees, I was pleased with some aspects of the plans. Something certainly does

June 2017 Ben Morris Words & Layout Toby Phillips Photography

Thanks

Jeremy Knight of HDC/Horsham Museum for providing images & text for the Horsham development feature.

Michael Vickers for photographs in the ‘My Story’ section Emily Summers for the RSPB Pulborough Brooks column Michael Kopinski (to be featured in July 2017 edition) for allowing us to delay his ballet class for the image above (poor posture, Toby!)

Peter Thorogood and his excellent book on St Mary’s House

need to be done about the appearance of Blackhorse Way and yes, there is an extraordinary amount of pigeon poo under the iron bridge on Queen Street.

However, the artist’s impressions do not reflect what I like about Horsham.

One quote struck me in the West Sussex County Times, in which HDC’s corporate projects manager stated that Horsham lacked ‘larger footprint stores’ which would ‘attract retailers such as Primark’.

My immediate reaction to that was, ‘Well, I don’t want a Primark.’

That may not be your view. Perhaps you’d love to see larger footprint stores in Horsham. Which is fine. I wouldn’t be so naive as to present my own ideas as popular opinion.

My ideas, outlined here, are the result of a 20-minute dog walk on a humid evening. They are not the

considered judgement of someone armed with vast information and years of planning expertise.

Being a town planner must be difficult, in that you can carry out geographical surveys, consult residents, meet with business leaders, and research concepts that have been successful or otherwise in numerous towns and cities.

Yet, whatever plan you come up with is only going to appease a small percentage of the population!

However, I simply don’t like the way things are shaping up.

To me, the glass fronted multiplex planned for the west side of Swan Walk is much like the retail units along The Martlets in Crawley. It looks a little bit ‘Year 2000’ before a brick has even been laid.

And whilst I was pleased that the boutique-style Everyman cinema

may be coming to Piries Place, the design and the possibility of a chain hotel moving next door doesn’t really complement that.

Of course, something must happen in Piries Place; and soon. But rather than looking to big chains, should we look at the example of small businesses in that area, surviving in dire circumstances, for inspiration?

The likes of Blossom flowers, Sugar and Snow and The Ceramics Shack are proving that independents offering good products and customer service can be successful in Horsham.

It’s not large stores that people come here for, as The Forum has adequately demonstrated.

Would a boutique cinema not be better served by boutique shops with affordable rents for smaller independent and start-up businesses, perhaps like Boxpark in Shoreditch, or on a smaller scale, Steyning’s Cobblestone Walk? This might enhance Horsham’s market town status and complement the café culture of the area.

Everyone who enjoys Horsham town should look at the plans and offer constructive feedback, before Horsham District Council ploughs ahead. I use the word ‘plough’ with consideration, as its intentions are well-meaning. However, iffy ideas can quickly be presented as planning applications...

There are some extraordinary ideas presented, including one which would see the entire area around The Forum and Sainsbury’s redesigned primarily so that additional houses could be built.

At this stage, they are just concepts to be debated and it’s certainly positive that HDC is giving us all something to work on.

But I wonder if in 25 years’ time, we may reflect that - with the benefit of hindsight - basing our vision on larger towns with the intention of attracting major retailers was not actually the best way forward for Horsham.

Ben

6

To submit Letters to the Editor please email Ben: editor@aahorsham.co.uk

CONTENTS 10

News Round-Up HRH Duke of Gloucester at Camelia Botnar and list of election candidates

27

My Story So Far Michael Vickers travels across the world taking photographs of big cats

32

Business Raylands Caravan Park expands with new holiday homes in open meadow

37

Gardens Historic St Mary’s House and Gardens in Bramber continues to intrigue

45 Art

Carole Skinner’s work is inspired by the rugged New Zealand landscape

50

Music Horsham indietronica Chenti impress at Alvarez Kings support slot

55

Community Christ’s Hospital marks 25 years of its Community in Action programme

61

History A look at how Horsham town’s last redevelopment was successful

67

Food & Drink Meet local gin producers Cabin Pressure Spirits and Foxhole Spirits

COVER STORY: JUNE 2017 Our June 2017 cover features David Howard, who has created his own gin company, Cabin Pressure Spirits. David makes the gin from a small shed at his Horsham home, and it’s here that this photograph is taken.

There wasn’t much room for Toby to set up his studio lighting equipment and as David doesn’t stock bottles at his home, there wasn’t an abundance of products around for

a ‘staged’ shot.

However, David did find one bottle and Toby just about squeezed into a corner of the shed where distillery bottles were hanging on the wall.

Other front cover options included Chenti, who took their instruments along to this shoot in trees near John Lewis, artist Carole Skinner painting and Roger Linton in the gardens of St Mary’s House in Bramber.

AAH: THE TEAM EDITOR: BEN MORRIS editor@aahorsham.co.uk 01403 878026 / 01903 892899 LETTERS: The Editor, AAH Magazine, 2 Viney Close, Ashington, RH20 3PT

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PHOTOGRAPHY: TOBY PHILLIPS www.tobyphillipsphotography.co.uk info@tobyphillipsphotography.co.uk 07968 795625 WEBSITE: www.aahorsham.co.uk We publish AAH online every month. You can read archive editions too.

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NEWS ROUND-UP

10: NEWS

A Chris Nash Testimonial is played at Horsham Cricket Club on 21 June

Horsham district councillors have approved a planning application for a major development on land north of Horsham. This application follows the agreement in November 2015 to include this strategic site in the Local Plan, which identifies locations that could be used for housing and

economic development over the next 20 years.

The application includes provision for a new 500,000 square feet business park, 2,750 new homes, two primary schools, land and financial contributions towards a secondary school, a contribution for Special

Ashington author Tony Moyle has published his first novel, The Limpet Syndrome. This imaginative debut tells the story of a Prime Minister who has acquired a substance that has the ability to alter a person’s soul. The only person capable of stopping him is dead, but since his death has been aided by the mysterious Limpet Syndrome, all is not lost. The book, described as a cross between The Life of Brian and The Da Vinci Code, is available as an eBook and paperback. www.limpet-syndrome.com

Be transported back in time to experience the wonders and mediaeval mayhem of the Middle Ages as The Loxwood Joust returns to Loxwood Meadow on the 5 - 6, and 12 - 13 August.

Highlights include a jousting tournament, music by acclaimed singing group the Mediaeval

Education Needs school places, early years’ provision and contributions towards Sixth Form provision. Other facilities proposed include a community centre, health facilities, shops, allotments, public open spaces and provision of sports facilities.

Baebes, a Living History Village and Mediaeval Market Place, whilst a company of actors, wandering minstrels, a court jester and dance troupes entertain.

Mini Mediaeval Mayhem includes archery, pelt the peasant and a sword school. Advance tickets from www.loxwoodjoust.co.uk

11

Olly Pike (CBBC) and James Fletcher (Hollyoaks) will star in this year’s family pantomime Jack and The Beanstalk at The Capitol, Horsham. Since starring in Aladdin last Christmas, Olly Pike has continued work with his company Pop'n'Olly, to promote LGBT diversity and equality education for children. James Fletcher is best known for his role as Dylan Jenkins in Hollyoaks and returns to the stage, playing Simple Simon, following his ‘awfully big adventure’ as Peter Pan in Peterborough last year.

Tickets are on sale at www.thecapitolhorsham.com or from 01403 750220. t

St Mary’s Church in The Causeway launches its ever popular Flower Festival with an opening concert on Wednesday 14 June at 7.30pm.

St Mary’s Church Choir will be performing a variety of music, with guest violinist Judith Templeman.

The opening day of the flower festival is June 15. Visitors are invited to take a ‘Journey Through the Bible’ by looking at some of its most famous and infamous

characters. The displays will also incorporate a prayer pilgrimage around the beautiful and ancient Parish Church. Funds raised will go to the St Mary’s Thanks a Million Conservation and Renewal Project. Opening times are 10am 6pm, Thursday to Saturday (Sunday 12.30 - 4.30pm followed by a closing Celebration Service at 5pm.)

Maria Friedman visits The Capitol in Horsham on Sunday 28 May, at 7.30pm. She has starred in numerous West End musical hits including Chicago, Passion, The Woman in White and Ragtime, as well as National Theatre productions. Maria made her critically acclaimed Broadway debut in Lloyd Webber’s The Woman in White, winning her an award for best debut performer on Broadway. She is also known for her superb masterclasses and espousal of telling stories through song and dialogue. Tickets £26 from 01403 750220 or www.thecapitolhorsham.com

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NEWS ROUND-UP

12: NEWS

Many local events are posted at www.aahorsham.co.uk

Picture: Julia Rigby

The Right Reverend Mark Sowerby, Bishop of Horsham, dedicated two new headstones at Holy Innocents Parish Church, Southwater, on 7 May. The congregation of 150 assembled to bear witness to the dedication at the grave of Pte Henry Bennett and a Gallipoli stone for Lt Vivian Grey Hughes. A procession from the church was led by Scouts, with colours and representatives from the Royal Sussex Regiment and Royal British Legion.

Citations were read by veteran Bob Piper and Major Johnny Laws.

Private Henry Bennett (4th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment) suffered from Tuberculosis and was discharged from the army as medically unfit in April 1917. He

died at home in Cross Lane in 1919.

Lt Vivian Grey Hughes (8th Rifle Brigade, Hampshire Regiment) was the son of Rev Cecil Hughes, later vicar at Holy Innocents. During World War One, Vivian was badly wounded.

However, at the outbreak of World War Two, he obtained a commission and was sent to Droitwich for training, where he was taken ill and died of pneumonia in 1941. Until now, there was no indication on his grave that he served his country. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) provided and installed the stones following research on the service records of the two soldiers by Merve Goddard and Robert Piper.

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Ashington C of E School will be holding a Village Treasure Trail on Sunday 11 June.

The fundraising event offers a prize of £100 for one team. Registration starts at 1pm at the school and entries must be returned by 3.30pm. The trail is intended to be accessible for all and is £5 per team.

After the trail, families can enjoy games including a welly-wanging competition at the school. Visit www.treasuretrails.org for more information and to enter the separate online trail with a prize of £50.

The popular Sparks in the Park event is returning to Horsham under a new name, Funday Sunday, on Sunday 9 July.

Organised by Horsham Festival and Horsham Rotary Club, events will be held in Horsham Park and the Carfax, with additional activities in The Capitol and Parkside. Activities in the park include Benson’s Giant Funfair, Sports Zone with a mini golf course and several have -a-go sports, Arts Zone with music, drama, dance and literature, Food & Drink Zone and an array of children’s activities.

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Partridge Green Open Gardens and scarecrow trail will be held on Saturday 17 - Sunday 18 June, from 11am - 5pm.

About 22 gardens will be opening in aid of various charities, with many serving refreshments. Leaflets with information will be available on the day. Parking is available behind the village hall.

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NEWS ROUND-UP

14: NEWS

You can follow Ben and Toby on Twitter @AAHMagazine and @tobyphillips1

A painting by Horsham artist Heather Glenny was presented to the Friends of Chesworth Farm on 10 May. Heather was commissioned by Peter Tobutt to paint a wetland section of the popular part of the countryside, close to Horsham town. Entitled Chesworth Farm Wetland in Summer, the painting depicts a summer scene with a kestrel, three swallows, two herons, three British white cattle, a butterfly and a damselfly. www.heatherglenny.co.uk

Horsham Artists Open Studios (HAOS) hosts open studios on 8 - 9 & 15 - 16 July. About 30 local artists and makers will be showcasing their paintings and beautiful objects, either at their studios or small venues in and around Horsham. This trail of artistic talent has become a firm fixture in the calendar. All venues are free and many offer refreshments. Hours 10am - 5pm.

Venue addresses and name of participating artists will be available at www.horshamartistsopenstudios.co.uk

Horsham District Council’s Town Centre Vision exhibition has been extended until Monday 19 June. The exhibition, initially staged in Swan Walk Shopping Centre, is now at Horsham Library until 12 June.

Members of the public can express their views at the proposals, whilst officers from Horsham District Council will be on hand to answer questions about the plans to redevelop areas of the town. The council will then prepare a Town Centre Vision Statement for Horsham. Ideas range from improving Blackhorse Way to development opportunities for The Forum and Library areas, major improvements to the public realm in the Bishopric, a refurbished Queen Street area and improved wi-fi hotspots.

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15 The Sumners Ponds Model Show will be held at Sumners Ponds, Chapel Road, Barns Green, on Saturday 10 – Sunday 11 June, 10am – 5pm on both days. The annual show has display areas exhibiting boats, planes, helicopters, quads, drones, trains, cars, kites and many have-a-go areas. Model traders can bring and buy and there’s many other activities on site. www.sumnersponds.co.uk

Horsham & Mid Sussex Voluntary Action has several volunteering posts available.

Cowfold Village Hall is looking for a treasurer and booking co-ordinator.

Horsham Sea Cadets need volunteers with practical business experience to help with the management of the unit, as well as volunteer instructors. There are lots of roles to match your profession, from managing finances to teaching first aid, mountain biking and drill. St Catherine’s Hospice in Crawley seeks volunteers for its Board of Trustees. The hospice is interested to hear from people with a background and experience in finance, clinical (senior nursing), legal, retail, planning and programme management.

For more information call 01444 258102, email volunteercentre@hamsva.org.uk or visit www.hamsva.org.uk

AToM was named Best Mortgage Broker at the Mortgage Strategy Awards dinner at Grosvenor House Hotel, London. The Horsham-based mortgage broker won the coveted accolade for Short Term Lending and Bridging, and was also runner-up in the Best Mortgage Distributor category and short-listed in the Best Technology section. Chairman Vic Jannels received the award from host, England rugby international Martin Bayfield. AToM have been advising mortgage clients in the Horsham area for more than 25 years.

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NEWS ROUND-UP

16: NEWS

His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester made a visit to The Camelia Botnar Foundation, Cowfold on 27 April. During his visit, the Duke enjoyed a tour of the metalwork and carpentry workshops.

He could see at first hand the unique residential training schemes the

Horsham Symphony Orchestra perform at The Capitol on 1 July

charity has developed to meet the needs of disadvantaged young people. Many of the products produced by the beneficiaries and their managers are sold at Camelia Botnar Homes and Gardens, the charity’s retail outlet. www.cameliabotnar.com Horsham Life Saving Club is appealing for new young members.

The club, affiliated to The Royal Life Saving Society, is based at The Pavilions in The Park with the aim of teaching water safety, survival and rescue skills. Young people can also gain RLSS Lifesaving qualifications as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. If you know someone aged 13 or above, is a competent swimmer and could benefit from learning life-saving skills, contact the club at www.horshamlifesavingclub.co.uk or call David Slade on 01903 715745.

Melissa Veszi, who sings under the name Hunny B, will be donating the proceeds from her new single, Falling, to The CoCo’s Foundation. The local singer is a regular supporter of the local charity, which helps orphaned children in some of Africa’s poorest communities. Hunny B released Falling in April but it is still available on iTunes and Google Play, as well as Spotify, Amazon and Apple Music.

The West Chiltington Village Show will be held on the Recreation Ground, Mill Road, on Saturday 15 July, from 1:30pm.

Highlights include flowers and fresh produce, art and craft competitions, Owls About Town, arena displays and a dog show. Anyone wishing to book a stall at the show, help organise or get involved, visit www.westchiltingtonvillageshow.org

Brian Poole and The Tremeloes perform at The Capitol on Wednesday 14 June, at 7.30pm. It is 54 years ago since Brian Poole & The Tremeloes recorded their first record, enjoying a string of hits before Brian left to pursue a solo career. In this show, Brian Poole, Len “Chip” Hawkes and Dave Munden perform hits including Twist and Shout, Do You Love Me and Silence Is Golden. Tickets £22 from the Box Office on 01403 750220 or www.thecapitolhorsham.com

18: NEWS

Roger Arthur

Susannah Brady

To submit News/Events for consideration, email Ben: editor@aahorsham.co.uk

Jim Duggan

Morwen Millson

Catherine Ross

James Smith

There will be seven candidates standing in the parliamentary constituency of Horsham in the General Election on 8 June. They are Roger Arthur (UKIP), Susannah Brady (Labour), Jim Duggan (Peace Party), Morwen Millson (Lib Dems), Jeremy Quin (Conservatives), Catherine Ross (Green) and James Smith (Something New). Five of the candidates stood in the 2015 election, when Jeremy Quin (below) won with 57.3% of votes. Horsham has returned a Tory MP since Sir Henry Aubrey-Fletcher won the seat from the Liberal party in 1880.

Jeremy Quin

Horsham District Archaeology Group hosts a talk on the Cross Ridge Dykes of Prehistoric Sussex, by Dr Judie English, at Beeson House, Southwater on Tuesday 13 June, from 7.30pm. All are welcome, with members free (non-members ÂŁ3).

Refreshments included. Contact 01903 872309 or email horshamarch@hotmail.co.uk

19

SHIPLEY ARTS FESTIVAL 2017 Sunday, 29 January 2017 6:30 pm Sedgwick Park House RH13 6QQ

Sunday, 4 June 2017 6:30 pm Warnham Park West Sussex RH12 3RS

The Festival Preview presented

by Andrew Bernardi (violin, String Academy, Victoria Greenwood (viola), Maria Marchant (piano), Christina Maude (piano), Bruce 0DUWLQ Ĺ´XWH 0LFKDHO -HQQLQJV (composer), and Edward Eustace (sculptor), Matt and Alimento (catering) and kindly hosted by Mr -RKQ DQG &ODUH 'DYLVRQ

Music by Festival Friend and composer Stephanie Cant, Robert Schumann Piano Quintet, Rebecca Clarke Piano Trio and world premiere of Viola Sonata by DFFODLPHG FRPSRVHU 'HUHN 6PLWK SHUIRUPHG E\ 9LUJLQLD 6ODWHU

Friday, 3 March 2017 7:00 pm Bishop Hannington Church BN3 7NH %XWWHUĹ´\ &RQFHUW

Festival Friend and composer 6WHSKDQLH &DQWĹ?V %XWWHUĹ´\ &RQFHUW

Horsham theatre company Lights & Bushels are marking the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s death by premiering a new adaptation of one of her lesser-known novels. The Watsons tells the story of Emma Watson, one-time heiress but now penniless and forced to join her hilariously unsuccessful sisters in their hunt for husbands. It was left unfinished but Lights & Bushels’ co-founder, Kathryn Attwood, has completed the story to turn it into a stage comedy. Open air performances will take place in the garden of Arun House, Denne Road, the former home of Sir Bysshe Shelley.

The Watsons will be performed from 28 June - 1 July. Audiences are encouraged to bring picnics. Tickets ÂŁ12 from 020 8798 3936 or www.lightsandbushels.jimdo.com

Programme: Bernardi Music Group, Andrew Bernardi, Andy Laing, Virginia Slater, -RQDWKDQ )HZ *HPPD 0XUUD\ DQG with Esther Ward-Caddle in popular works including Schubert’s Quintet LQ & 0DMRU

Friday, 17 March 2017 7:00 pm Windlesham House School RH20 4AY 180th Anniversary of Windlesham House School, with String Academy and Community Choir performing 9LYDOGLĹ?V ĹŒ*ORULDĹ?

Friday, 24 March 2017 8 pm Charterhouse GU7 2DX String Academy perform with past and present members and &KDUWHUKRXVH 6WULQJ 2UFKHVWUD Music to include Holst’s ‘St Paul’s Suite, Binge Concerto for Saxophone and Strings (Ben Gardner solo sax) and ‘Ladies in Lavender’ (Peter $GDPVRQ VROR YLROLQ

Tickets: ÂŁ13

Sunday, 26 March 2017 6:30 pm St John the Evangelist Church RH13 6PJ Festival Friends opening Concert ZLWK 7KH 6WUDGLYDULXV 3LDQR 7ULR Music to include Mendelssohn Piano 7ULR LQ ' 0LQRU %HHWKRYHQ 3LDQR 7ULR QR DQG ZRUOG SUHPLHUH E\ 6KLSOH\ FRPSRVHU *HRUJH *ULQOLQJ One complimentary ticket for each )HVWLYDO )ULHQG Tickets: ÂŁ18

Sunday, 30 April 2017 5.30 pm and 6.30 pm St Mary the Virgin Church, Shipley RH13 8PH SP 6LPRQ 0H\HU DQG Bellringers Virtuoso Strings

The Horsham Performers Platform (HPP) Festival will be held at St John's Church, Broadbridge Heath, on 17 - 24 June. The HPP provides opportunities for amateur musicians and singers of all ages to perform in a friendly environment and to receive feedback from professional musicians. A bowed strings, guitar and harp class will be held on 17 June, with voice classes on 19, 20, and 21 June. A Woodwind and Brass class is held on 22 June, with piano and accordion classes on 23 and 24 June, with a mixed duet, ensemble and recital class on 23 June. A choir class will be held at St Mary’ Church in Horsham on 23 June. The festival celebration concert is at St John's Church on Sunday 25 June, 3pm. www.horsham-performers-platform.co.uk

SP $ YLUWXRVR SURJUDPPH of string music to include Mendelssohn’s String Octet, Faust’s Variations, and Vivaldi’s Flute and Violin Concerto in A Minor (soloists %UXFH 0DUWLQ DQG $QGUHZ %HUQDUGL

World Premiere of ‘Mandala’ by 0LFKDHO -HQQLQJV Tickets: ÂŁ19

Tickets: ÂŁ36

Friday, 9 June 2017 7:30 pm Lackenhurst RH13 0JL Music from the Movies -RKQ :LOOLDPV ĹŒ6FKLQGOHUĹ?V /LVWĹ?

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Sunday, 11 June 2017 5:30 pm Knepp Castle RH13 8LJ The Wilding Concert to include Schubert’s ‘Trout’ quintet and words of Guy Hayward and Will Parsons’ ĹŒ7XUWOH 'RYH 3LOJULPDJHĹ? 5RGHULFN Williams’s ‘Goodwood Variations’, ‘Fight or Flight,’ and Ralph Vaughan :LOOLDPV ĹŒ0RQNV *DWH Ĺ?

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Friday, 23 June 2017 7:30 pm Champs Hill RH20 1LY “I dreamt awhileâ€? – Visions of Romanticism A private concert hall in the West Sussex countryside has become a choice venue for chamber music, UHFRUGLQJV DQG OLYH EURDGFDVWV Opera South present brilliant international artists with a selection of songs by Rachmaninov and Strauss, including Strauss’s Four Last 6RQJV *DUGHQV SP _ 'ULQNV SP &RQFHUW SP _ 7LFNHWV ÂŁ35 include wine & canapĂŠs FKHTXHV SD\DEOH WR 2SHUD 6RXWK %RRN RQOLQH ZZZ RSHUDVRXWK FR XN

Sunday, 25 June 2017 5.30 pm St Andrew’s Parish Church Nuthurst RH13 6LH String Academy and the Yehudi Menuhin School conducted by Malcolm Singer perform music including Elgar’s Introduction and $OOHJUR 7]LQWVDG]H ĹŒ6L[ PLQLDWXUHVĹ? based on Georgian folk themes, Vivaldi: Violin Concerto in A minor; 'YRUDN 6HUHQDGH IRU 6WULQJV %DUWRN 6L[ 5RPDQLDQ )RON 'DQFHV DQG 0RQWLĹ?V &]DUGDV Tickets: ÂŁ12

Friday 30th June 2017 7:30 pm Nyetimber Estate Gay Street Pulborough RH20 2HH -D]] DW 7KH 6HOVH\ $UPV -D]] E\ -DNH Monday, 1 May 2017 6:30pm The Selsey Arms Coolham RH13 8QJ )UH\HU &ROOHFWLYH DQG Ć“QH IRRG

Call 01403 741537 to book a table

Friday, 2 June 2017 7:30 pm The Blue Idol Quaker Meeting House, Oldhouse Lane Coolham RH13 8QP An evening of company with Festival Musicians followed by a performance of Olivier Messiaen’s ĹŒ4XDUWHW IRU WKH (QG RI 7LPHĹ? 7KLV LV an exceptionally expressive piece of music, written in a concentration FDPS DQG Ć“QGLQJ OLEHUW\ DPRQJVW WKH 4XDNHUV DW 7KH %OXH ,GRO Bernardi Music Group: Andrew Bernardi (violin); Tim Lessels FODULQHW -RQDWKDQ )HZ FHOOR

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Sunday, 2 July 2017 5.30 pm Reception 6.15 pm Performance

&ROO\HUV WK )RUP &ROOHJH 'XFNHULQJ Hall 82 Hurst Road HORSHAM RH12 (6WRSJDS 'DQFH &RPSDQ\ SHUIRUP a specially devised dance work with live musical accompaniment from 7KH 6WULQJ $FDGHP\

%DVHG LQ 6XUUH\ 6WRSJDS 'DQFH Company create shows with disabled and non-disabled dance artists that tour nationally and LQWHUQDWLRQDOO\ 7KH FRPSDQ\ also works extensively in the community, delivering creative learning workshops, residencies and masterclasses in schools, colleges, XQLYHUVLWLHV DQG GD\ FHQWUHV This project is in association with Sussex Arts Academy and the Rotary &OXE RI +RUVKDP Find about more about 6WRSJDS 'DQFH &RPSDQ\ VWRSJDSGDQFH FRP _ \RXWXEH FRP VWRSJDSGDQFHFR Tickets: ÂŁ13

Friday, 7 July 2017 7:30 pm The Blue Idol Quaker Meeting House Old House Lane Coolham West Sussex RH13 8QP

EDINBURGH FESTIVAL

6WULQJ $FDGHP\ WRXU ZLWK 'HYRQ Camerata to Edinburgh Festival and Sistema Scotland 2017

Wednesday, August 16, 2017 12.15pm St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh Festival

Thursday, August 17, 2017 12.15pm St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh Festival

Friday, August 18 2017 12.15pm St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh Festival

Monday, August 21 2017 Performing with the pupils and tutors of Sistema Scotland at Raploch

Friday, 15 September 2017 St Mary the Virgin (off A27) Burpham Arundel BN18 9RR Concert of Bernardi Music Group and String Academy to close the 2017 Festival Popular music to include Mendelssohn’s String Octect in E )ODW 2S DQG ĹŒ:DOW] WR WKH 6WDUVĹ?

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Popular Programme of Music and Words from William Penn and 4XDNHUV 2YHU 7LPH Bernardi plays Bernardi with Bartholomeo Bernardi’s Sonata for violin, Handel’s ‘Water Music’, Handel Concerto for Oboe and music by %HQGD 3HUIRUPHG E\ *UDKDP 6DOWHU 2ERH DQG %HUQDUGL 0XVLF *URXS Tickets: ÂŁ24

Sunday, 9 July 2017 6:30 pm St Andrew’s Parish Church Nuthurst RH13 6LH Concerto Evening Vivaldi Concerto for Flute and Violin ZLWK VRORLVWV %UXFH 0DUWLQ Ĺ´XWH DQG $QGUHZ %HUQDUGL YLROLQ - 6 %DFK Concerto for Oboe and Violin with Graham Salter (oboe) and Andrew %HUQDUGL 7KH &KRLU RI 2XU 0RVW Holy Redeemer Chelsea return to Nuthurst by popular request and are FRQGXFWHG E\ 'DYLG %HYDQ LQ - 6 %DFKĹ?V &DQWDWD ĹŒ$XV GHU 7LHIH Ĺ?

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Tuesday, 11th July 2017 The George and Dragon Shipley RH13 8GE

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Friday, 14 July 2017 7:30 pm Durrance Manor Smithers Hill Lane Shipley RH13 8PE Filip Fenrych (leader of Verbier DQG PHPEHU RI 'DOODV 6\PSKRQ\ Orchestras), Andrew Bernardi (violin), Christina Maude (piano), DQG 'U &KDUOHV :RRG 7HQRU

perform salon music to include favourites such as ‘Schon Rosmarin’ DQG ĹŒ/LHEHVOLHGĹ? E\ )ULW] .ULHVOHU ‘A Nightingale in Berkeley Square’, and virtuoso pieces in a perfect English setting generously hosted by *RUGRQ DQG -RDQ /LQGVD\

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A quintessentially British evening, celebrating world-class classical Sunday, 10 September PXVLF DQG (QJODQGĹ?V Ć“QHVW VSDUNOLQJ 2017 wine in Nyetimber’s 15th Century 5 pm 0HGLHYDO %DUQV (QMR\ D JODVV RI Nyetimber Multi Vintage on arrival Sullington Tithe Barn and their RosĂŠ Multi Vintage during Storrington RH20 4AE WKH LQWHUYDO $ SHUIHFW VHWWLQJ WR listen to this virtuoso and hear the Opera Holloway presents CosĂŹ Fan 6WUDGLYDULXV 3LDQR 7ULR Tutte Tickets: ÂŁ44

%R[ 2IĆ“FH The Capitol Theatre, Horsham Tickets: 01403 750220 or online at: www.thecapitolhorsham.com For more information: 01403 741685 www.BMGLive.com

Opera Holloway returns to Shipley Festival with a hilarious production RI &RVÂŽ )DQ 7XWWH 6HW GXULQJ :RUOG War Two, sisters Fiordiligi and 'RUDEHOOD DSSHDU DV /DQGJLUOV forced to watch their boyfriends JR RII WR ZDU HDUOLHU WKDQ H[SHFWHG Through trickery and plenty of comical disguises, their sweethearts VHHN WR Ć“QG RXW KRZ IDLWKIXO WKH WZR JLUOV UHDOO\ DUH :LWK VXEOLPH PXVLF E\ 0R]DUW DQG DQ DVWRQLVKLQJO\ talented cast performing with string quartet and piano accompaniment, WKLV ZLOO EH D FDSWLYDWLQJ VKRZ 7HD DQG FDNH ZLOO EH DYDLODEOH Tickets: ÂŁ20

Henfield Agency 01273 492239 Patrons: Mark Burrell DL Gavin Henderson CBE The Rt Hon Lord Maude The Earl and Countess of Lytton Sir Charles and Lady Burrell Lord Lieutenant Mrs Susan Pyper Mr and Mrs Mark Scrase Dickins CMG DL Mr John and Mrs Clare Davison Life Friend John Snelling

NEWS ROUND-UP

20: NEWS

For details of the Horsham Festival see the Advertisement on Page 22 Leading watercolour artists are exhibiting recent work at a major exhibition at Horsham Museum and Art Gallery.

Members of the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours are involved in NOW 17, which runs until 15 July.

As part of the Festival of the Watercolour, the museum is also hosting a wine reception and talk, As if by Magic, by Nicola Moorby, on 8 June, from 7 – 9pm.

Nicola is one of the leading authorities on Turner and has spent years looking at the artist’s work, discovering his mastery and explaining it to audiences around the world. Nicola is an independent art historian, specialising in British art of the 19th and early 20th centuries. The museum also hosts a watercolour and picture valuation morning run by Nick Toovey (pictured) of Tooveys auctioneers, on the morning of 10 June. www.horshammuseum.org Local artists Paul Fearn, Alison Ingram, Chris Mills, John Thompson and Morag Warrack will be involved in an exhibit called Nature in Art: Art in Nature at Roffey Park Institute, Forest Road, Colgate, on 8 – 14 July. The artists will be exhibiting images of nature in paint, photography and heavy metal canvases.

Summer Sussex Garden Tea Parties will be held at Trenchmore, Burnthouse Lane, Cowfold, RH13 8DG, on Sunday 16 July and Sunday 27 August. The tea parties are for people with dementia, their families and friends. Enjoy live music, delicious tea and cakes. Free entry. For information, contact Joanne on 07711 698279.

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HORSHAM FESTIVAL 2017

Saturday 8 July – Sunday 16 July Join us in Horsham for an amazing week of events and entertainment celebrating and showcasing all the Arts, with live music, theatre, dance, literary events, the visual and digital arts.

Most of the events are free The Festival includes Funday Sunday, a fantastic day for all the family with events held in the town centre and Horsham Park. Enjoy Benson’s Giant Funfair, a Sports Zone, Arts Zone, Food & Drink Zone and children’s entertainment. Don't miss the live stage in Horsham Park from 12> 5.30 for a variety of music, dance, drama and much more.

Compere: Radio 4’s Chris Aldridge Other highlights of the Festival include events organised in association with the Shipley Arts Festival, the Horsham Garden Music Festival, the annual Horsham Riverside Walk, the Association of Sussex Artists, as well as numerous other local groups and organisations.

www.horshamfestival.co.uk For all the information you need visit www.horshamfestival.co.uk or our Facebook page A free programme will soon be available at local outlets

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24

The Personal Touch James for Carpets Expands with New Unit in Horsham

‘Our customers regularly comment on how polite the service is, and that we go the extra mile’

J

ames for Carpets continues to expand in the Horsham area, having taken on a new storage and office unit in Foundry Lane.

The modern facility enables the company to stock an additional range of vinyl flooring, whilst a new van has been added to the fleet to meet growing customer demand.

Managing Director James Essex said: “This new unit gives us the space to stock more types of flooring and allows us to be based in a central location.

“We’re able to keep a range of vinyl flooring here, which is very popular among corporate clients, as well as kitchens and bathrooms in residential properties.

“Landlords like to use vinyl flooring for rental homes too as they offer good insulation, are easy to maintain and clean, and

they look good too.

“We’ve also invested in another new van, which are a common sight around the district! I’ve always felt it’s vital our staff arrive in clean, sign-written vehicles, in a clean uniform, because we’re a professional business doing a professional job. That’s why, as well as fitting the carpet properly, we tidy up too!

“Our customers regularly comment on how polite the service is, and that we go the extra mile.”

Five Star Rating The business was founded by James in 2011, after he’d gained experience working for his father’s carpet business.

Since then, James for Carpets established an excellent

reputation for its friendly and professional approach, with a five star, 9.9 approval rating from over 500 Checkatrade reviews.

James said: “We're getting very good feedback and great reviews as we have a good, experienced team.

“Most of our work now is through recommendations, which is a sign that we’re doing things the right way.

“It has helped that we’ve introduced additional services that customers can utilise, such as sewing edging strips to offcuts so they can be turned into matching mats, which means less wastage and better value for money.

“However, the most important aspect of our work is that we spend the time to properly inform customers. Some retailers constantly promote special offers, yet can’t offer

advice based on the client’s own personal needs.

“So, we visit the client to discuss factors such as colour, insulation, budget and even who lives in the house and whether they have pets. It’ll all help them make an informed decision on which carpet they choose.

“We don’t expect people to know everything about carpets, so we provide them with good advice as we want to do the best we can.

“We can suit all budgets, from the smallest residential flat to the largest corporate offices, and the service is always professional.”

You can read more comments from existing customers and a full range of the services at www.jamesforcarpets.co.uk or call 01403 801802

MY STORY: 27

Michael VICKERS MY STORY SO FAR...

I

was born in Ealing, London in the middle of the war in 1943. My father worked for British Railways as a time study engineer.

I always had a passion for nature. My parents loved to have cats in the house and that inspired a life-long love of felines. I wouldn’t visit a conventional zoo now, but when I was young it was the only way to see animals. I loved all the animals but it was tigers, lions, cheetahs and other big cats that captivated me.

I loved nature programmes by Armand and Michaela Denis. They were conservationists and photographers who made great documentaries, including Filming in Africa, that were aired by the BBC throughout the 1950s. They encouraged me to take photographs of local wildlife. I had a little box camera and would take pictures of birds in the park near my home.

When I was 17, my parents decided to move to the south coast. I didn’t want to move because my friends were in London and I was happy there. I was an only child, so it was a difficult time, but my only real option was to go with my parents to Angmering-on-Sea. I did reasonably well at school but didn’t go to university. My dream job was to be an airline pilot but my maths wasn't good enough. I remember my grandfather saying, ‘You should join the Inland Revenue or the bank, as you’ll have a job for life and a good pension.’ I couldn't bear the thought of that being my future! I didn't have a clue what I was going to do until my parents called the estate agents in London. Being an impressionable fellow, I saw this chap visit us and tour the house and the thought of being an estate agent appealed to me.

I wrote to half a dozen estate agents in Worthing asking for a job, but none had a vacancy. Instead, I worked in a bookshop on Goring Road. Then, a few months later, a

28: MY STORY

Read our feature on Born Free’s Virginia McKenna online at http://www.aahorsham.co.uk/content/virginiamckenna

letter arrived from Fox & Sons. They had a vacancy for an office junior at the Goring Road branch. I took the job and after a few years there, I founded Michael Vickers & Co with a single branch in Worthing.

It was not an easy decision. I was married with two young children with a mortgage. At Fox & Sons, I had a secure job that I enjoyed and wasn’t sure if I should leave when I had so many responsibilities. When I first walked into my new office, I thought ‘I hope I've done the right thing.’ As it transpired, we were busy from the outset. We had a small team of a secretary and junior estate agent, but I worked hard six days a week to build the business.

Michael has travelled all over the world to photograph big cats in the wild ©www.tigersintheforest.co.uk

The Capitol in association with Horsham Music Circle presents one of Britain’s best-loved sopranos

DAME FELICITY LOTT

I was friends with a surveyor who joined the business and we went from strength to strength. We eventually had six branches, in Littlehampton, Lancing, Shoreham and three in Worthing. We’d been going very well for 11 years when the market changed. Major financial institutions were taking an interest in the property market, not because they wanted to sell houses, but because they were interested in making money through associated insurance, home loans or mortgage protection.

Out of the blue, I received an offer for the business. I turned it down as I had no desire to sell. But, shortly after, I was approached by someone I knew at Royal Insurance. We had lunch, discussed terms and agreed a deal. Although I worked hard, I was fortunate. At the time, institutions were buying out small estate agencies for considerable amounts of money.

Some years later, one of my former managers gave me an opportunity to rejoin an estate agents. I missed the companionship so I returned, taking care of the financial side of the business. It was fun for a while, but eventually I decided to call it a day.

After retirement, much of my life revolved around on horses. My wife Ann and I looked for a home with land where we could keep horses.

We found a farmhouse in Ashington and have been there ever since. We now have a dog, three sheep, a tortoise and an old duck!

We once had four horses and loved to ride along the South Downs.

Sadly, all four died with the passage of time. Davis was the one I rode the most. I had to make the decision to have him put down and I cried my eyes out. I was stroking him as he went to sleep and thinking about it still brings a lump to my throat.

Photography was a hobby, but I couldn’t invest much time in it whilst I was running my own business.

However, after I sold it, I had more time on my hands and in 2000, we went on our very first safari.

‘I feel an attachment to certain tigers and can easily identify some by markings’

In recital with

GRAHAM JOHNSON

SATURDAY 8 JULY 7.30PM The programme includes favourite opera arias by Handel, Chabrier and Offenbach, songs by Schumann, Britten and Noel Coward.

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Michael is a supporter of several organisations and charities helping to protect tigers in the wild ©www.tigersintheforest.co.uk

29 I read a BBC wildlife magazine and saw an advert for a safari. It was something I desperately wanted to do and Ann was keen, so we set off. We visited tiger reserves at Panna, Bandhavgarh and Kanha. It made such an emotional impression on me that I wanted to go back again to see these magnificent animals in their natural environment.

I can distinctly remember seeing my first tiger in the wild. We were riding elephants and the mahout (elephant guide) took us to a spot where a tiger had been seen at a dried-up river bed.

We saw him sitting there, looking at us with a huge belly, as he had killed a Sambar dear.

On my second trip to India, I was riding an elephant and saw two young tigers that had been left for a short time by their mother. It was incredible to see tiger cubs in the wild. I’ve been able to take up to three trips a year and it still gives me a buzz every time I see a tiger.

You have to be patient and there has been times when I’ve been waiting for several days and seen nothing other than deer and monkeys. I will take pictures of birds, elephants, giraffes, hyenas, gorillas, rhinos, otters and sloth bears too. But it’s always the big cats that I’m there for.

I love all big cats, but the tiger is my favourite. I think the stripes makes it more attractive and charismatic. I love lions and have been to Gir National Park in Gujarat to photograph Asiatic lions. However, I always come back to tigers.

There are many companies organising safari trips, but now I have experience and contacts in India, I tend to make my own arrangements, choosing my guide and accommodation. I’ve been to tiger reserves all over India, including Tadoba Andhari and Pench. However, I tend to concentrate on Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan. I feel an attachment to certain tigers and can identify some by markings alone. My favourite tigers include Machali, who was perhaps the most famous tigress in India when she died last year.

There have been moments where my heart has skipped a beat! I was on an elephant once, tracking a mother and two male cubs, about three years old, as they entered a cave to cool down.

The elephants were on the edge of a precipice overlooking a gorge. I kept quiet but an elephant snapped a branch with its trunk, startling the two

Michael’s pictures of an osprey, brown bears and a sea eagle ©www.tigersintheforest.co.uk

Michael will often take photos of tigers from a Jeep or an elephant

30: MY STORY

‘Suddenly the jaguar jumped in the water, on top of a caiman’

cubs. They both leapt just in front of me on to a ledge to the side, looking down on me. Whilst I was absolutely terrified, I was perhaps more fortunate that the elephant didn’t stepped back and send us tumbling into the gorge. It was a heart-stopping moment, but the tigers settled and I took some beautiful pictures.

There have been rare cases of tigers attacking vehicles or elephants, but you’re usually safe.

If you were out on foot, it would be a totally different matter!

When I first visited India, the overwhelming majority of visitors to the reserves were westerners. As the Indian economy has grown, there are a great number of middle class Indians earning good money.

A strong Indian economy is good for the tiger. With more Indians visiting, more jobs are created and there’s a financial incentive to protect the tiger.

Michael’s photos have helped fund a jeep for conservationists in India ©www.tigersintheforest.co.uk

I regularly speak to guides and sadly, if anything it has become harder to protect animals from poachers. In China, people like to

demonstrate their wealth by displaying tiger skins and will pay huge amounts for one. China has an estimated 6,000 tigers on tiger farms, supplying the black market, and in India poachers still kill many tigers. There is a great deal more that needs to be done.

I have been to South America to photograph the jaguar. On one occasion, I saw an elderly cat stalking the bank of the river. We were following in a small boat, when suddenly, the jaguar jumped in the water, on top of a caiman.

They were thrashing around in the water and the jaguar eventually killed it. In The Pantanal, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has done terrific work, buying land to help conservation.

Another trip took me to Katmai National Park in Alaska to see brown bears. Every morning, we would climb aboard a skiff to reach the bank and watch up to 20 bears milling around. The guide insisted we were safe as the bears’ sole interest is catching salmon. The guide told us to act nonchalantly and don't eyeball them!

31

The Jaguar in the Pantanal, Brazil ©www.tigersintheforest.co.uk

A very strange, amusing thing happened.

An adult bear sat down at the end of a line of seven photographers, right next to an American. He pawed a camera bag belonging to the American, who said, “No bear!” The bear sat there for five minutes before wandering off. He then did it again on another day, when a terrified woman was on the end of our line of seven. I wished I could have been on the other side of the river, as it would have made for a brilliant photo.

I still love to take photos of birds. I visit the Cairngorms in Scotland to see the osprey at a lake on the Rothiemurchus estate. A guide keeps in touch with the photographers in the hides and tells us when an osprey is circling overhead. You need to be ready when it dives!

I sell photographs online, but it doesn’t generate a huge amount and certainly not enough to fund my trips. This is very much my own passion. I am a supporter of conservation organisations and charities including Born Free, the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation, Care for the Wild International and the Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI). I supplied the photographs for the WPSI calendar and have financed a vehicle to help combat poaching. I’ve provided funding for Tiger Awareness to build surrounds around wells, as tigers and other animals have fallen into open wells in parts of India.

TOOVEY’S

It is a tragedy that poaching continues when so much is being done to try to protect vulnerable species. I visited Kenya and saw Maasai warriors protecting a handful of white rhinos. The white rhino horn was worth so much, perhaps more than a diamond. It's a very sad situation.

Whilst I like to travel, there is much to enjoy locally. I love visiting the wetlands in Arundel and Warnham Nature Reserve to photograph birds like the Eurasian Kingfisher. In terms of my next big trip, I’m tempted to visit northern India to find a snow leopard. However, that’s very difficult as they are only found at high altitude where it is very cold. I'm not sure I want to do that at my age!

INTERVIEW: BEN MORRIS PICTURES: TOBY PHILLIPS/ MICHAEL VICKERS

For more of Michael’s photos and for details of charities supporting wild tigers in India and beyond, visit www.tigersintheforest.co.uk

A rare first edition of Richmal Crompton’s Just William, circa 1922, auctioned for £1,200 in our April sale of Antiquarian & Collector’s Books ~ a new auction record for this author

Looking to sell your old books?

Further entries are invited for our next specialist sale of Antiquarian & Collectors’ Books on 3rd October The leading antique and fine art auction house in West Sussex

SPRING GARDENS, A24 WASHINGTON, RH20 3BS 01903 891955 auctions@tooveys.com www.tooveys.com

32

Luxury 18/10/2016 09:46 Page 1

Interested in advertising in AAH? Email advertising@aahorsham.co.uk for an Information Pack

ALL ABOUT HORSHAM MAGAZINE

1

The new development is built around an open meadow

Lifestyle at

Quiet & Tranquil

Raylands Holiday home owners enjoy the large living spaces at the park

‘The new holiday homes will be placed around an open meadow with plenty of space between them’

A new development of beautiful, modern holiday homes at Raylands Park offers a unique opportunity for owners to enjoy peace and quiet in a perfect location...

A

new development for thirty-one holiday homes at Raylands Country Park near Southwater is nearing completion.

The plots have been carefully designed for maximum privacy for each resident, with holiday homes placed within a beautifully landscaped area overlooking a central meadow in the tranquil park on Jackrells Lane.

There has already been strong demand for the holiday homes at Raylands Park, where an ‘over 50’s only’ rule has created a safe and friendly community for holiday home owners.

Rosie Kent, Managing Director, said: “Three years ago, Raylands was granted an 11-month licence, which is fantastic for owners as it offers so much more flexibility than the previous eight-month agreement in place.

“Since then, the park has been at capacity, so the time was right to continue with the next phase of our development. Our new plots will be designated to luxury

holiday homes.

“We’ve seen lifestyle changes in recent years and we know that most owners are looking for large holiday homes with all the home comforts. They need integrated fridge freezers, microwaves, dishwashers, pocket sprung mattresses, bluetooth sound systems, washing machines and large living spaces.

“People also like to have balconies in front of their holiday home, with space for garden furniture and sofas. Our holiday home plots provide the necessary space to do this.

“Many parks attempt to squeeze in as many vans as possible, but that’s not our ethos at Raylands Park. We offer holiday home owners peace, tranquility and privacy. We kept that in mind when designing the development, so all the holiday homes will be placed around an open meadow with plenty of space between them. Consequently, there's a feeling of space and privacy.”

2

10:11

33 Kathy Mortby reads a book on her spacious balcony

Choice of Modern Holiday Homes Thanks to Raylands Park’s association with Roundstone Caravans in Southwater, people can choose between a wide range of luxury holiday homes, made by leading names including ABI and Pemberton Leisure Homes Even before the development has been completed, two of the plots have been reserved, but new residents can choose from the remaining plots around the open meadow.

The top specification premium homes come with central heating and double glazing, so that they are suitable for use all year round, as well as access to free wi-fi, Freeview TV and a private parking space. Owners will be able to add extra accessories including balconies, enabling them to create their very own space, inside and outside.

Rosie said: “We are installing superfast broadband for everyone on the park, and there will be no need for each holiday home to have a TV aerial as they will be linked to a larger aerial in a communal block via underground cables, so the homes will be more pleasing on the eye.

“We have also taken the opportunity to improve the road structure around Raylands, add new landscaping and improve our facilities to make the site more modern and eco-friendly.

“The holiday home owners at Raylands appreciate the sense of community and the tranquility of the park. They don't want swimming pools and entertainment hubs. We respond to those needs. although when people are feeling sociable they can come up and make new friends at the clubhouse, which serves good food at affordable prices.

“That has helped many new friendships form around the park.”

‘Raylands is very much like a second home to me as it’s where I feel happy and comfortable’

Choice of Modern Holiday Homes Raylands Park owners must be over 50, although grandchildren are welcome and are permitted to stay over at weekends and during the school holidays.

Some of the owners live locally and have a holiday home because of the peace it offers. Some owners use a holiday home as a base whilst visiting family, whilst others may have sold their home in the UK, releasing the equity to buy a home abroad as well as a holiday home.

One owner is Kathy Mortby, who moved to the site in February.

Kathy said: “My son moved to Australia with his family, so I now look after his house as well as having my own house in Ashtead.

However, Raylands is very much

34

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There are 31 new plots available on the development

‘I can leave whenever I need to and I know my holiday home is going to be well looked after’ like a second home to me as it’s where I feel happiest and most comfortable.

“The location is ideal for me as it’s close to Gatwick, so I can close the door and fly to Australia whenever I need to.

“I first visited Raylands many years ago, as I was looking for somewhere where I could make new friends and where there is a nice community. I loved everything about the park, but it didn't work for me because of the shorter licence. When Raylands secured the 11-month licence, it made the difference.

“I visited Roundstone Caravans and saw this ABI holiday home, which is perfect because it has a lovely big bedroom with a walkin wardrobe and en-suite bathroom.

“Now, I can leave whenever I

need to and I know my holiday home is going to be well looked after. This is just a lovely way of life, as I’m surrounded by like-minded people and everyone is friendly. The wardens are wonderful and there are even dances every month with music from the 60s and 70s. Where else can people of my age enjoy a good jig?

For more information or to register your interest, please contact Sharon Jackman, Sales Manager on 01403 730218 or sales@roundstonecaravans.com www.roundstonecaravans.com

WORDS: BEN MORRIS PICTURES: TOBY PHILLIPS

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HOMES & GARDENS: 37

ST MARY’S HOUSE The Colourful History of a ‘Hidden Gem’ of Sussex W

hen you first look at the house, you may think that there’s not much to it. But it opens-up and - like Alice in Wonderland - you go down the tunnel and into another world.

Those are the words of poet, author and composer Peter Thorogood, who since 1984 has been devoted to restoring St Mary’s House in Bramber to its former glory. This responsibility has been shared with artist, designer and landscape gardener Roger Linton, the curator at St Mary’s for more than 30 years.

Whilst St Mary’s captivates passers-by with its simple charm, those entering inside enjoy a tapestry of intriguing features, with every room telling a story.

The panels of the library door are from a galleon in the Spanish Armada caught in a storm off Ireland, whilst King Charles II is thought to have evaded capture by escaping through tunnels buried under the garden.

No wonder that it’s often referred to a ‘hidden gem’ of Sussex homes.

St Mary’s has even attracted the attention of television producers.

Doctor Who’s Tardis once graced the landing for scenes in The

Silver Nemesis, starring Sylvester McCoy. HRH Prince Edward visited in 1998 whilst filming his series, Crown and Country, whilst Eric Knowles filmed at the house for the antiques quiz, Going for a Song.

However, the house’s origins go back to the days of the Knights Templar…

A Little Bit of History It was following the death of Philip de Braose in 1125 that his widow, Lady Aanor, gifted the Knights Templar five acres of land at Bramber.

The Knights built a Chapter House, which was then passed on to the Monks of Sele. It was the only building in Bramber to have survived a fire in 1286, but still the house fell into decay.

In 1470, William of Waynflete, Bishop of Winchester, stepped in to restore the Chapel House, as well as the Chapel and the bridge in Bramber. At that time, the house was primarily used as an inn by pilgrims on their way to the tomb of St. Thomas of Canterbury.

Over the years, the house came to be known as St Mary’s and alterations – including a staircase and chimneys –were added.

38: ST MARY’S HOUSE

Many Wilde Owners The house was owned by many distinguished individuals. Sir Henry Calthorpe, MP for Bramber,

divided St Mary’s into two tenements and a tenant farmer kept cattle on the ground floor.

The Hon. Algernon Bourke and his beautiful wife Gwendolen were the inspiration for characters in Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest.

Algernon, owner of a celebrated gentleman's club and Chairman of the Grand Hotel in Monte Carlo, made huge alterations to St Mary’s. He added a new wing and landscaped the gardens with lime avenues and circular orchard. He also created the majestic Music Room, which still graces cultural events today.

Roger Linton in the gardens of St Mary’s House in Bramber

Many distinguished guests visited, perhaps including Queen Elizabeth I. Roger said: “We may never know for sure whether the Queen stayed here or at Wiston. Legend has it that the wonderful trompe l'oeil style painting of a sea battle between King Henry VIII and the French was created in the upper chamber for the Queen’s arrival.�

Another house legend concerns King Charles II. After losing the Battle of Worcester in 1651, the King descended on Bramber as he evaded parliamentary troops. He may have stayed at St Mary’s. The two sons of a 19th century owner of St Mary’s were given the middle name Charles, having both been born in The King’s Room.

Children also played a game called ‘The King’s Escape’ in which they would scramble through a secret door and along a tunnel under the gardens.

Read our feature on Warnham Deer Park on the Special Features section at www.aahorsham.co.uk

Early in the 20th century, St. Mary's was sold to the socialite, Alfred Musgrave, the inspiration for Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes story, The Musgrave Ritual.

Alfred decorated the house with extraordinary furniture and ornaments, including Louis XV carved gilt pieces.

After the Great War, the McConnel family allowed St Mary’s to be used as a ‘finishing school’ for wealthy girls. Stories abound of

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THE GOOD BEER GUIDE ‘Algernon Bourke and his beautiful wife were the inspiration for characters in Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest’ young men flying from Shoreham Airport to drop love letters on to the lawn.

During the Second World War, the house was designated as a base for several regiments.

Whilst many Canadians billeted there died in the Normandy landings, several returned to Bramber in later life.

After the war, the house was saved from demolition by Dorothy Ellis. She found ivy growing in the Music Room and the panels green with mildew, but spent 35 years at St Mary’s preserving it for posterity. It was Dorothy who first opened St Mary’s to the public.

Finally, in 1984, St Mary's was purchased by Peter and Roger.

They embarked on an extensive restoration that would earn them an MBE in the Queen's 80th Birthday Honours.

Floorboards like Trampolines It was an historic association with St Mary’s that inspired the Thorogood and Linton families to

buy the listed house, which was close to being purchased by a commercial organisation.

Peter said: “Our families were joined in the 19th century through shoemaking. Samuel Thorowgood, my great-great uncle, went into partnership with Thomas Deeble Dutton to form Dutton and Thorowgood, the Royal shoemakers to Queen Victoria and Edward VII. This firm was associated with Edwin Hearsey, Roger’s great-great uncle.

“Whilst our families have a business connection, we also had strong links to St Mary’s. My family’s links date back to when the McConnels owned the house, whilst Roger’s mother, Renee, worked here for many years. St Mary’s has long felt like a second home.

“When we discovered that it was probably going to be closed to the public, we set about raising the money to buy and restore it.

“Friends told us it would be very difficult, so we researched and attended courses to gain an understanding of heritage buildings and to find ways in which we could raise funds.”

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40: ST MARY’S HOUSE

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1

The Octagon (right) hosts many costume dolls and leads to the splendid Music Room

Peter Thorogood and Jean Whitaker in the Library, which holds a vast collection of Thomas Hood books

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It was a combination of family support and creative talent that enabled Peter and Roger to restore St Mary’s to its former glory.

Peter’s aunt, Irene Swann, mother of the musician and entertainer Donald Swann, donated the funds for the restoration of Bourke’s Victorian Music Room, where she had played the viola as a child. Other relatives funded improvements to the gardens, all to Roger’s designs.

In 1996, Peter and Roger founded the Waynflete Heritage Trust, enabling St Mary’s to invite financial support through bequests, covenants, donations and grants. St Mary’s and its family furniture, archives, special collections and historic memorabilia was placed into Trust by Roger, Peter and Roger’s sister Mary Thorogood, securing the house for future generations.

Peter said: “We had to learn the hard way and experienced many ups and downs. It is not an easy thing to have a heritage building. Somebody once said that if you really hate somebody, leave them a heritage property in your will! There’s an element of truth to that!

“When we bought it, St Mary’s had become rundown and dangerous. The floorboards were like trampolines, the ceiling was crumbling, there were broken windows, ivy growing in the rooms and the plumbing and electrics were a mess. Everything you could possibly imagine that could be wrong with an old house was wrong.

“But we’ve been successful because of the different set of skills we possess. I use my experience and contacts to organise events. We’ve held many concerts and productions here, with performances by the likes of Paul Scofield, the tenor Neil Jenkins, and dancers from the Royal Ballet.

“Roger has most of the good ideas and is the person responsible for the look and design of St Mary’s, particularly the gardens. It was his experience that gave us the courage to take on the project. He previously restored the Linton family home in Suffolk and the success of that project gave us the confidence to tackle St Mary’s.”

House of Hidden Charm Arguably the most visually attractive room is the Octagon, where photos from the Bourke family album

2

10:11

‘Thomas Hood was a great artist and comic poet.

Nobody leaves this house without hearing about him!’

complement a fascinating collection of costume dolls.

The pretty Octagon room, created and decorated in a pre-Raphaelite style, leads to the Music Room, where Algernon Bourke would take advantage of the fine acoustics to host elegant musical soirees for Victorian London’s high society.

Now, the room is a perfect setting for weddings and musical performances.

In the Warden’s Room, it’s the decorative 17th century inglenook fireplace, complete with original pot crane, that captures the eye, whilst in the Drawing Room you’ll find a fireplace depicting flint-lock guns, bayonets and cannonballs.

You’ll be fortunate (or intoxicated) to see manifestations of the ‘mysterious monk’ or ‘lady in grey’ reputed to haunt the halls, but in The Painted Room you can certainly see an early example of trompe l’oeil three-dimensional painting.

Another interesting room is the Library, largely devoted to the work of 19th century poet, caricaturist and wood carving artist Thomas Hood.

Peter, the leading authority on Hood’s work, said: “Thomas Hood is not very well known, but he was a great artist and comic poet and nobody leaves this house without hearing about him!”

The Lost Gardens If Peter is responsible for the Thomas Hood collection, Roger is responsible for the beautiful gardens.

Features of the formal gardens include unusual animal topiary, whilst two red chestnuts complement the hawthorns, with pools, fountains and a shaded stream among the water features.

The terrace garden was re-landscaped by Roger after the 1987 hurricane. It includes a fine example of the Ginkgo Biloba, the world’s oldest species of tree, and a stunning Magnolia Grandiflora bearing lemon-scented blooms in late summer.

The ‘lost’ Victorian walled and pleasure

The Music Room continues to host musical performances, as it did in Victorian times

41

Roger, Joan and Peter in the Music Room

42: ST MARY’S HOUSE

gardens lies to the west. This part of the grounds was sold in the 1940s and bought back in 1997. Overgrown and neglected, a Lost Gardens Appeal was established and today they’ve been transformed.

Roger said: “One of the three glasshouses remained intact, as did a 14ft Victorian fruit wall and a rare circular orchard.

“As time’s gone by, we’ve brought back Victorian features and created new facets to the garden, including the Jubilee Rose Garden and Terracotta

Garden. We’ve also established an English Poetry Garden with a curved pergola and circular broad walk, which is a peaceful place for us and visitors to enjoy and reflect.”

Helpful Volunteers Whilst St Mary’s owes much to the Thorogood and Linton families, a team of 45 volunteers offer a warm welcome to the 5,000 annual visitors.

The Friends of St Mary’s was

formed in 1991, with the purpose of raising funds, and continues as a thriving and enthusiastic group.

Volunteers run the Orchard Tea Rooms and gift shop, which stocks a range of souvenirs, including books and music by Peter.

Roger said: “We are fortunate to have the support of fantastic volunteers performing various jobs. Whether it’s stewarding, running the ticket kiosk, helping at concerts and weddings, gardening or making tea, they love it here. They’re a very

friendly group and we never ask volunteers to do more than they bargained for. We always say that their private life comes first and St Mary's second.

“Jean Whitaker, a life-long friend of Peter’s, has devoted a huge amount of time to St Mary’s.

“We’re also grateful to people who help with our events. We’ve hosted Shakespeare productions in the garden, opera, musical concerts, comedy and drama.

“Previous guests have included Dame Vera Lynn, Dame Thora Hird and Lady Olivier. They’ve

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‘We’ve hosted Shakespeare productions in the garden, opera, musical concerts, comedy and drama’ helped raise the profile of St Mary’s and make the work we do stimulating and worthwhile.”

Nothing Grandiose?

Having recently welcomed a Royal guest (sadly after AAH’s press deadline!) St Mary’s is preparing for a busy 2017 summer programme which includes The Covent Garden Minuet Company in the Music Room on 1 July and Diva Opera on 15 July.

Tenor Neil Jenkins provides a unique programme of music based on the poems of Thomas Hood on 14 October, before the traditional Christmas Cracker, when regular supporters Susan Jameson and James Bolam are among those scheduled to be involved.

It is hoped that 2017 will be another step forward in securing the future of this important part of the South Downs’ heritage.

Peter said: “People love St Mary’s because there is nothing too grandiose about it, yet there are many aspects that they find interesting. Some visitors like the technical side of the marquetry, some love the paneling on the furniture, some enjoy the stories of Royal escapes and ghostly sightings, some love wandering around the garden whilst others

appreciate the wall paintings.

“There are many absolutely magnificent stately homes in this country, but this house offers something different. It is an historic home where people have lived and died for 650 years. It has that aura of people having lived here and continuing to live here, and visitors take comfort from that.

“We feel very conscious of the house belonging to Sussex and that it shouldn't be allowed to get into the wrong hands. This mean we always need to work very hard with fundraising and finding benefactors. You have to fight for every penny.

“We’re totally committed to doing that. You need to persevere and have plenty of faith to keep going.

Not to the bitter end; but hopefully to the happy end!”

WORDS: BEN MORRIS PICTURES: TOBY PHILLIPS

St Mary’s is open from April through to September. For opening times and a full events programme visit www.stmarysbramber.co.uk Ben would like to acknowledge the significant contribution of Peter Thorogood’s book, St Mary’s Bramber, on his article.

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ART: 45

ABSTRACT SECRETS

Cowfold Artist Carole Skinner Unearths ‘Microscapes’ Tough Beginnings I never studied Art at college. School was difficult for me, as my mother died when I was 12 and I never knew my father. My older brother took me under his wing, but his sole interest was motorbikes! In my final year at school, I was hardly ever there.

My brother would look at my awful school reports and find them funny. I shouldn’t laugh, but in all honesty, we had a blast!

The only class I enjoyed was Art. Although I took a course in cartoon illustration, I wanted to find a job and contribute to the housekeeping, so I didn’t give much thought to further education.

Maintaining an Interest I was always drawing, just for fun, and one day a friend bought me a basic art set with an easel. I spent a lot of time on a portrait of Lady Diana, when she was engaged to

Prince Charles. I surprised myself as the portrait was very good, and friends started asking me to draw people or pets. But I worked at a building society and then married and had children, so I didn’t have much time for painting. It was only when the children were old enough for school that I found I could commit to it. I became involved in Lewes Artwave, an annual festival of artists, which was always very successful for me. However, I divorced after 20 years of marriage, which was a painful time for my family. I wanted to invest my emotions in my children, so painting again went on the backburner.

Love Inspires Work I met George and after eight years of being together, we married. He is very supportive of my art and that gives me a lot of confidence. He suggested that I quit my job as a teaching assistant in Lewes,

which came with a heavy workload because teachers themselves are under so much pressure. I moved to Cowfold with George and fell in love with the environment around us. We have ponies in the field and we enjoy walking in the countryside. I feel that George has taught me about love and that has changed me as an artist.

Woodland Scenes I used to draw a lot of portraits. I’ve always been fascinated by horses and never need much encouragement to paint an equine scene. However, I didn’t want to just draw people or animals. I take photographs of anything that grabs my attention. This led to a series of paintings called Woodland Gems, which are close-ups of leaves, twigs, berries and natural scenes that captivated me with their shape or colour. They are very detailed, without being botanical in

Carole is inspired by natural beauty

Read our feature on Abstract artist Rosalyn Mina on the Art section at www.aahorsham.co.uk

A painting from Carole’s Woodland Gems series

Enchanted Gorge by Carole Skinner

46: ART

style. This developed in to a second series called Woodland Treasures.

Whereas the ‘Gem’s are detailed paintings of small things, the ‘Treasures’ depict a wider view of natural scenes.

New Zealand Influence About 15 years ago, me and my ex-husband tried to emigrate to New Zealand with the children. We sold our house, whilst friends and family organised a farewell party.

However, we were back home just a few days later, as the trip was a disaster. We tried again, 18 months later, travelling around the country to find the right location, but nowhere felt like home. However, I was totally absorbed by the scenery.

Everything about New Zealand was vast and rugged. I painted whilst I was there and a couple of galleries exhibited my work. New Zealand continues to influence my art, particularly my abstract work.

An Abstract Direction You are forever evolving as an artist and your interests change. At this time, it is the abstract work in my Serendipity collection that I want to develop further.

I love abstract paintings and the reaction it inspires.

I’m not necessarily trying to produce dark work with this collection, but there is something dark about the vast emptiness of New Zealand, which I try to capture. Evaporation is inspired by a place called Rotorua, a town on the North Island famous for its geothermal activity, with bubbling mud pools and gases. Woodland Reflection is based on a lovely

47

stream just a mile from my home, which is full of dead trees and has all manner of plants hanging over it.

Creating Microscapes When it comes to creating my abstract landscapes, I start by choosing colours and gradually add layers. I'm not one to randomly splash colours over the canvas.

I tend to work gently and rotate the canvas to allow colours to run and create different effects.

Then, I step back, study the work and hopefully see things that wouldn’t have occurred by design. If you look closely, you can see tiny landscapes, or microscapes, in the painting.

New Zealand’s “vast emptiness” inspires much of Carole’s recent Serendipity series

‘If you look closely, you can see tiny landscapes, or microscapes, within the abstract paintings’ Having identified these scenes, I will enhance and draw attention to them. I add layers in the hope and expectation that I can create depth to these secret features of a painting.

Sometimes, I don't see any such microscapes at all, so I’ll scrap the entire painting!

Exhibition Time I recently contacted The Capitol, Horsham, and they were very kind and allowed me to exhibit my work in the Art Gallery.

The response was lovely and I sold Enchanted Gorge, one of my abstract paintings. I hope my new Woodland Treasures series will be completed in time for a June exhibition at High Beeches in Handcross and hope to

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48: ART

Carole working at her Cowfold home

Erosion contains several ‘microscapes’

Why follow @AAHMagazine on Twitter when you could go for a nice walk instead?

exhibit at Horsham Museum & Art Gallery in 2018.

Having enjoyed being involved in the art scene in Lewes, I am involved in the Art Trail with Horsham Artists Open Studios this year and the Art Fair hosted by HAOS in October. I went along to the event last year and was very impressed by the various artists and makers, so decided to get involved.

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My children are now grown up and I'm a grandmother, so I feel this is my time.

I’ve done more painting in the last six months than I have in a very long time.

When I start working on a piece of art, I sometimes cannot stop! George occasionally tells me that I should take a break and sit down, but if I'm working and in the right mood, I want to carry on as it's not easy to find that creative flow. You can’t put it down and simply pick it back up again.

I’m still learning an awful lot. You always develop as an artist, but because I am self-taught I’ve perhaps had to learn a little more. But I fell my work is now benefitting from that journey.

INTERVIEW: BEN MORRIS PICTURES: TOBY PHILLIPS/CAROLE SKINNER

For more information, visit Carole Skinner’s Art page on Facebook or the website at https://www.caroleskinner.com

50: MUSIC

Synthony Orchestra

Ones to Watch: Horsham ‘indietronica’ fourpiece, Chenti

So, who’s this then?

This is Chenti, a four-piece Horsham band featuring Will Martins (vocals and guitar), Pip O’Neil (Vocals and Electronics), Nathaniel Hill (Drums) and David Richmond (Guitar).

Chenti?

We made the mistake of asking about that too. It is partly inspired by ‘innocente’ the Italian word for innocent. What is for certain is that it offers little inspiration for a headline!

The important thing is that the band hope to build a following with their blend of indietronica.

What’s indietronica?

It’s a fusion of indie and electronic music that has been hugely successful for bands such as Bombay Bicycle Club, Foals, Future Islands and Two Door Cinema Club. Nat said: “The genre is influenced by lots of harmonies and a synth sound. The style is very popular in current indie music.”

Who writes Chenti’s songs?

The writing is a collaborative effort between the band, with songs tending to be refined at the Horsham

house shared by several members of the band. Will said: “We’re all easygoing with similar tastes in music, so we’re usually on the same wavelength.

But we don't want to upset our neighbours. They’re understanding, but we don’t plug the amps in very often.”

Are they riding high in the charts?

It’s still early days. Although they have known each other for some time, Chenti only formed last year, announcing themselves to the music world with a self-titled EP in November.

Whilst it was primarily produced by

51 ‘Running Through the Walls was quickly picked up by BBC Introducing: The South and played on radio’ the band, Southampton-based producer Neil Kennedy - who has worked with bands including Press to Meco - provided his expertise to give the recordings a polished sound.

What are Chenti’s songs about?

Nat said: “The opening track is really about the frustrations of having to be adult! You need to work and so other things don’t move as quickly as you would like them to. But we were very selective about the tracks on the EP. It took us a long time to settle on a sound we were all happy with and we scrapped an awful lot of ideas along the way. We didn't want to release anything we weren’t 100% happy with.”

Was the EP well received?

The first track, Running Through the Walls, was picked up by Melita Dennett at BBC Introducing: The South and was played three times.

The final track on the EP, War Games, has also received airplay. However, even with a string of very good, wellproduced songs, finding the right avenues to promote the music has been difficult.

Isn’t it all about social media these days?

That’s part of it, but there are so many avenues all saturated with new music, that making an impression is tougher than ever. Will said: “We have our music on iTunes, YouTube, Spotify, Bandcamp and all of that, but it is hard. We’ve had some success with Instagram, as it allows you to have conversations with people. A lot of people respond to that and they play our music as a result. But it's a very manual process, as you’re conversing with just one person each time, rather than addressing a large audience. You need to work for every single listener. We’ve tried Facebook and Twitter, with mixed results. It’s been a learning curve!”

It’s a different world!

Chenti have even created their own playlist on Spotify of songs band members are listening to. Will said: “Whilst people can pay to download our music, we’re not really expecting people to do that. It’s not how

people listen to music now. We encourage people to listen to our music for free, because there are a lot of bands out there and you have to do what you can to push yourself to the front.”

Do they perform live?

Chenti have performed live several times. They played when launching the EP at Bleach, a Brighton venue known

for supporting up-and-coming acts, and were part of the Fat Tuesday event in Hastings. They also supported Alvarez Kings, a band singed to Warner Bros, at The Camden Assembly (formerly The Barfly) where they played a good show and created a buzz on social media.

Were they ‘trending’?

I don’t know much about that. But it

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52: MUSIC

Read our feature on Hollie Rogers on the Music page at www.aahorsham.co.uk

‘We were really surprised to be playing with Alvarez Kings’

Pip

Will

certainly helped that Pip, who shares vocals with Will, used an ironing board as a keyboard stand. Pip said: “We were really surprised to be there with Alvarez Kings, as they picked their support act from about 40 bands.

That was a great night for us and we gained some new fans. It's good to play with established bands as they attract a crowd for the support act too. That’s better than going to small venues and playing to practically no-one.”

What’s next for the band?

Chenti hope to release a single soon and play live in the Horsham area. Nat said: “Perhaps after releasing a few more singles, we might take it all more seriously and record a full-length album.”

David

Nathaniel

Are they not taking it seriously already?

Will said: “None of us are under

any illusions; it’s extremely difficult to make a breakthrough.

We do this because writing and playing music with friends is great fun. We all work full-time and play when we can, so we don’t need to be frustrated by the journey.”

INTERVIEW: BEN MORRIS PICTURES: TOBY PHILLIPS

You can listen to all four tracks; Running Through the Walls, A List of Lies, What You Need and War Games, on several websites including YouTube, Spotify and Bandcamp at https://chenti.bandcamp.com/ album/chenti-ep You can also follow the band on Twitter and Instagram.

COMMUNITY: 55

Perfect Partnership Christ’s Hospital Marks 30 Years of Community Action

C

How did Community in Action begin?

In 1987, the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) was compulsory. Several pupils that didn’t particularly enjoy it, asked for an alternative and were offered the chance to work in the community. They initially helped out at a nursery school and the project was a success. Thanks to the expertise and efforts of two teachers, the late Vicky Askew and Muir-John Potter, the former Head of Community Action, the initiative expanded and grew in popularity. I came to the School 20 years ago and have been involved ever since.

Is the programme compulsory for all pupils?

Community in Action is just one of 40 co-curricular activities offered at the School.

It is not compulsory, 99 9 99 9

The Community in Action programme sees pupils engage with elderly people

hrist’s Hospital School is celebrating 30 years of its innovative and inspiring Community in Action programme, which sees pupils volunteer at local organisations and projects.

Four afternoons a week during term time, pupils aged 14 - 18 take part in the programme, a vital part of the School’s work in the community.

We meet Graham Chandler, Head of Community in Action at Christ’s Hospital School...

although it is one of the most popular activities, alongside CCF. From humble beginnings, it is now a totally ‘self-recruiting’ programme as pupil members share their positive experiences and encourage others.

How many pupils are involved?

It varies between 150 to 250 pupils at any given time, depending 9 on demand. When I 99

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How many projects are pupils involved in?

The School has established 35

partnerships and new ones are being initiated. It’s one of the most comprehensive outreach programmes of any independent school in the country and part of my role has been to encourage other schools to establish their own community initiatives. There are several options available to pupils, including helping at nursery schools, schools for people with learning difficulties,

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56: COMMUNITY

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Although, a report from Prudential has also suggested that Mum and Dad worry about how their money is being spent and would like control over the funds. One in four worry it could be given to their children's spouse in the case of divorce and one third are mindful their children could squander the funds altogether!

First Time Buyers currently have a good number of options available to them, including mortgages up to 95% of the property value and where possible, parental guarantor mortgages.

Are most partnerships within the Horsham District?

Long-standing partnerships have been established with primary schools including Shelley School, Broadbridge Heath, where pupils have participated in a drama club.

We’ve had a long and successful association with Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee School in Horsham and the Ready and Able Club, run

by Horsham District Council for people with disabilities. Whilst most partnerships are within the Horsham District, we also work with St Barnabas House Day Hospice in Worthing.

How much time is spent there?

The School minibuses deliver

Do elderly people appreciate young pupils visiting?

Because of the generation gap, they have a lot to talk about. I remind the pupils that the elderly are recycled teenagers that may have led incredible lives. One of the challenges for pupils is to unearth those stories. By visiting weekly, it allows relationships to build. If we concertinaed that exposure into one day every term, we would not see those same bonds develop. That engagement and the mutual benefit gained is what underpins the programme.

Can the experience have a profound effect on pupils?

Yes, although it is very much in

‘One third are mindful their children could squander the funds altogether!’

Already, most people will start their home buying process via the Rightmoves and Zooplas of the world, but some commentators are also predicting that the whole home buying process will soon become a digital revolution. With more effective use of technology cutting down the mortgage process, and many lenders now processing everything online, I can see how that can happen.

However, at the same time, I can also see many customers just wanting to speak to someone face to face. Especially those who have not grown up with technology! Plus, as mortgage volumes are increasing, we will see more and more customers fall out of the 'technology only' bracket. So explore all options and if the technology becomes to confusing, pick up the phone!

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Can pupils take their pick?

We match up each pupil with a project that suits them and we give them a choice every term of staying or moving on to a different programme. Pupils are actively encouraged to work their way around the different projects.

pupils to the partnerships. This can represent a challenge, but we aim to ensure that the pupils spend at least an hour working.

On average, there are only two pupils at each placement, as they each need to have an induction with necessary supervision. Pupils are also given training beforehand at CH, to ensure they are properly prepared.

Graham Chandler, Head of Community Action at Christ’s Hospital

What we are also seeing is lenders adjusting to fit the younger generations technological requirements.

Some of the newer lenders now offer a lot of their functionality via an app, including voice and face recognition. Impressive hi-tech stuff indeed.

care homes for the elderly and charity shops.

57 ‘The programme is very much in alignment with the School’s ethos’ alignment with the ethos of CH. We have pupils here that have challenging circumstances and they may relate to one strand of the programme. The School was established to achieve to help those in the community most at need, so Community in Action perfectly reflects our mission to prepare young people for work and service in society and to develop a high sense of responsibility towards themselves, their families, their associates and to society at large.

Does it benefit the pupils academically?

Many senior pupils, not least prospective medical students, find the diversity invaluable. The work also benefits sixth form students who are undertaking Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) as part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. A

new project was held this term with refugee children at Northolmes Junior School in Roffey, who speak English as their second language.

How did CH pupils help?

A group of Deputy Grecians (Year 12) who study English as an additional language led seven sessions with 16 children with 11 different home languages. The sessions were initiated by Ellen Hovmand and Faye Saulsbury, after discussing ways in which they could help children develop their English. What was so powerful about these sessions is that our pupils could relate to the refugees, who are adapting to a new culture and new language, by sharing their own experiences.

Is the CA programme running at maximum capacity?

We could increase the number of

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“We worked in small groups, one Christ’s Hospital pupil with four or five pupils at Northolmes Junior School, to provide individual assistance with pronunciation and spelling, as well as in large groups so that everyone was able to interact with each other. We were aware that the children already received extra English lessons and we wanted our sessions to be less formal, to show that language learning does not always have to be done in the classroom. The focus was on speaking and this was done through learning tongue twisters, playing memory games and getting the children to pick out words or phrases from pop songs.”

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58: COMMUNITY

For details about Christ’s Hospital Theatre events visit https://www.christs-hospital.org.uk

Angelle Roberts, GE (Year 11) “I’ve really enjoyed going to the day hospice as the patients are so lovely. They are all interested in what life is like at CH, and hearing their stories is very refreshing. Last week, we played ’20 questions’ which was a nice thing to do as everyone joined in. I feel our visits have a big impact on the patients and it’s refreshing for them to see new faces and hear new stories. I always feel we’ve made a difference.”

ALL ABOUT HORSHAM MAGAZINE

WRITTEN BY LOCAL PEOPLE AAH is an independent magazine, owned and produced by Ben Morris, a life-long resident of the Horsham District.

Since the magazine was first published in May 2011, AAH has been renowned for its colourful features and superb images by Toby Phillips Photography.

We believe that our editorial content is unrivalled in the Horsham District, with innovative ideas such as our ‘My Story So Far’ and ‘News Round-Up’ features.

ADVERTISING IN AAH Each month, the magazine is delivered to 15,000 homes in Horsham, Southwater and villages including Broadbridge Heath, Mannings Heath, Ashington, Partridge Green, Copsale, Storrington and Washington.

In addition, AAH is distributed to hundreds of businesses.

Thousands more copies are picked up from our stylish spring-loaded stands as well as Sainsbury’s and Tesco.

The magazine is also published in a high resolution format online at www.aahorsham.co.uk

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pupils involved, but the challenge would be to develop an already very busy programme without skewing the experience. We are developing new strands in response to pupil interest, focusing on environmental and animal welfare. One such project is at Natural Nurture, a nursery near Billingshurst where young people interact with the natural environment. We have been approached by Phoenix Stroke Club and we’re exploring a new partnership there too.

So, CH still welcomes new projects for the programme?

We’re extremely grateful to everyone in the community who have provided opportunities for our pupils to grow through these experiences and we are always very pleased to develop new partnerships.

Has the Community in Action programme spread beyond the local area?

We have run successful international projects, primarily in Romania. We once offered a twoweek residential project working with a group of young people with learning difficulties. However, changes in legislation has meant

that it is far more difficult to organise such activities. However, we are still engaged with many partner charities offering aid, including the Link to Hope Shoebox Appeal. Our pupils help sort and wrap shoeboxes that are collected across the country before being transported to eastern Europe.

Are pupils keen to continue volunteering after CH? We speak to many pupils who have every intention of continuing volunteering in some capacity if their time allows for it. We have also found that pupils who have been involved in Community in Action are more likely to initiate their own ideas because of their experiences here.

INTERVIEW: BEN MORRIS PICTURES: TOBY PHILLIPS/ CH SCHOOL

For more on Christ’s Hospital visit ww.christs-hospital.org.uk

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HISTORY: 61

Sacrifice of St Mark’s

I

t was 25 years ago that re-development work in Horsham town centre was finally completed, after four years of dramatic change.

As Horsham District Council once again looks at ways in which it can ‘deliver an aspirational vision’ for the area, we look at what triggered the changes of the 1980s and how the town reacted.

Our story begins in 1986…

The Tesco superstore in Broadbridge Heath was opened, whilst in the town, a planning application was made by Shearwater to develop the area behind the old Woolworth’s building at the end of West Street (now the end of Swan Walk).

Waitrose put forward a proposal for a new supermarket and there were pleas to save the Central Market frontage, whilst the council held secretive talks with Sun Alliance over office expansion.

St Mark’s Church was under threat, though rumours were thought to be unfounded...

Top Gun was the highest grossing film of 1986

1987 Councillors turned down a proposal for the Agate’s Yard development, a scheme of ultra-modern glass and steel buildings.

Meanwhile, the Co-op bakery site in Denne Road was proposed for development, though some hoped to save the blue fascia tiling.

There were continued arguments over the location of a bus station and 1 January 1988 was announced as the start date for the new developments in the town centre.

Rick Astley’s ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ was the bestselling UK single 1988 A public exhibition of developments including Swan Walk, the St Mark’s Church area and Burton’s Yard was mounted.

The improvements to the Park House area were approved, whilst the Horsham Society’s suggestion for mixing homes, shops and offices in Burton’s Yard (now Piries Place) was taken up.

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The demolition of St Mark’s Church (© Image HDC/Horsham Museum & Art Gallery)

25 Years since Horsham Town’s last major re-development

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62: HISTORY

18/10/2016 09:46 Page 1

Interested in advertising in AAH? Email advertising@aahorsham.co.uk for an Information Pack

ALL ABOUT HORSHAM MAGAZINE

(Š Image HDC/Horsham Museum & Art Gallery)

There were suggestions that the market from Burton’s Yard should be relocated to the Carfax.

Architects, Simpson Grey, redesigned the new Sun Alliance building to show part of the tower and spire of St Mark’s Church after vigorous campaigning, which attracted national media attention to save the church. The Queen signed the order that made St Mark’s Church redundant.

Canadian Ben Johnson being stripped of Olympic Gold was the year’s biggest sports story

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Development work around the Carfax

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1989 St Mark’s Church was demolished and a new St Mark’s Church sited in North Heath Lane was proposed.

There was a competition to name the Burton’s Yard shopping development and Frank Holmes suggested Piries Place, after the name of the developer of the Victorian cottages that stood on the site. Pirie was also a popular headmaster of Collyer’s School.

The Raglan contractors at Burton’s Yard discovered that the frontages of Central Market and Pop’s Choice had no foundations. The frontages were pulled down and rebuilt.

Swan Walk opened after refurbishment, although complaints were made about the blue colour of Swan Walk.

Sainsbury’s announced they had no intention of leaving Swan Walk.

It was so suggested that HDC would bring forward the completion date of the pedestrianisation of the Carfax.

Meanwhile, the new library opened, virtually opposite the first library in the town, which ran in the early Victorian period from the United Reform Church.

Nintendo’s Game Boy sparked a hand-held gaming revolution in 1989

2

10:11

1990 Sainsbury’s announced that they would be moving to the Lower Tanbridge House School site and a campaign to find a replacement store was launched.

It was also announced that the new Tanbridge House School was to be built at Farthings Hill.

The council made a land swap with the County, acquiring the Lower Tanbridge House School site for an 11-acre housing site, which allowed WSCC to raise capital to build the new school.

After BHS moved to the site, it was noted that the shopping mix of Swan Walk changed, with people going to the mall to shop generally, rather than doing food shopping.

Horsham was listed as the ‘top boom town in Britain' out of 280 towns and cities.

Then, in November, the swans ‘landed’ in Swan Walk in the form of a bronze fountain sculpture by Lorne McKean.

Lorne also sculpted the ‘William Pirie and his donkey and cart’ sculpture in Piries Place and the Horsham Heritage Sundial sculpture in The Forum. Piries Place opened to no complaints.

Ghost was the highest grossing movie of 1990

1991 It was a relatively quiet year, although there was a fire at Springfield Park and there were rumours over whether it was deliberate or accidental.

The designs for the Tanbridge House development were issued, whilst the Southdown Bus Garage in Denne Road was pulled down. The area opposite Horsham Rail Station was proposed for development.

Everything I do (I do it for You) by double-denim Bryan Adams spent 16 weeks at No. 1

(Š Image HDC/Horsham Museum & Art Gallery)

Destruction of Stockland House

(Š Image HDC/Horsham Museum & Art Gallery)

Markets continued as work was carried out

63

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FOOD & DRINK: 67

Shed Heaven David uses a vacuum pump Still to maintain high quality

David Howard has founded Cabin Pressure Spirits in Horsham, making traditional gin with an innovative distilling method from the comfort on his shed!

The Timing Was Right

Elements of Trial and Error

I was working as a software developer and my role was coming to an end. The time was approaching when I needed to find another job within the industry or do something different. I’d been making gin in my spare time, just in small batches and bottling it in jam jars or whatever was lying around the house.

After giving it some thought, I decided to establish a business.

I spent a year experimenting with flavours and ingredients before settling on the recipe. You can't simply throw the equipment together and make gin; finding the right method of distilling and creating the desired taste requires a lot of trial and error. We only have a two litre capacity, as I work in a shed in my garden, but the equipment I use offers a high level of quality control.

Changing Views on Gin

Adopting a Vacuum Pump

There are many companies trying to fill a gap in the market that has probably existed for 100 years. The gin market has been dominated by big players, such as Gordon's Gin, for generations. Now, people are making craft spirits in a way that mirrors the growth of microbreweries making beer. People are drinking less alcohol but are choosing quality over quantity. I believe drinkers are willing to experiment a little more too.

What makes our gin standout from the rest is the vacuum method of distilling that we adopt. The usual way of making gin involves mixing botanicals with alcohol and heating at high temperature.

This dilutes much of the flavour of those botanicals. The ‘Nano-Still’ we use has a vacuum pump to reduce air pressure inside the still. This makes evaporation easier and distillation is achieved at a much lower temperature. We preserve the subtle flavours of the ingredients.

68: FOOD & DRINK

18/10/2016

Interested in advertising in AAH? Email advertising@aahorsham.co.uk for an Information Pack

09:46

Page 1

ALL ABOUT HORSHAM MAGAZINE

1

Keeping it Simple We use only six botanicals in our gin. That’s not unusual, although there are gins with 30 or 40 botanical ingredients mixed together. We didn't want to bring another cocktail gin to the market. There are a lot of gins out there with an unusual botanical or geographical identity, but our focus was on making a gin that looked great and is fundamentally an enjoyable drink.

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Only six botanicals are used in the gin’s recipe

15/12/2016 09:20 Page 1

The name, Cabin Pressure Spirits, was something my wife, Emily, came up with. It focuses on the fact that the gin is made in our shed and the ‘pressure’ relates to the low-pressure vacuum distillation we adopt.

Some people think it’s not a good idea to promote the gin as being made in a shed, whilst others believe we’re right to shout about it, as it’s such a British thing to do!

Targeting the Right Market I can’t make a huge amount of gin as we don't have the space.

So, we are targeting the higher end of the market. I didn't want to diminish the hand-crafted, cottage-industry feel of the product, so we have bridged the high-tech approach to the gin’s creation and the hands-on process of the bottling and packaging. We number each bottle relating to its batch and tie a little bow around the wax seal. Emily has been brilliant, helping with design, marketing and giving feedback on the

taste too. She also keeps the lights on at home by working a proper job!

Smooth, Mellow Taste On the palate, the gin carries a surprising touch of citrus, despite there being no citrus component. That comes from the limonene in coriander.

There’s a hint of liquorice that comes across too, which gives the gin its mellow flavour. The overriding characteristic is that it's a very smooth gin. As well as juniper berries and coriander, we use green cardamom, which is a powerful botanical so you need to be careful with the balance. We also use angelica root, liquorice and ginger.

No Secret Ingredient There’s nothing too ‘hipster’ about it; we don’t have a secret ingredient. We wanted to make a drink that people could use for a gin and tonic in front of the TV or just to enjoy at the pub. The feedback has been encouraging as people say it is a very ‘drinkable’ gin. Some people have huge collections and even host gin parties, but we didn't want to be another bottle that would sit on the shelf for years.

Signing on Launch Day We held a launch event at Crates in the Carfax in March. I was blown away by how enthusiastic everybody was and we ended up staying for several hours. Even the local MP turned up! We sold so much gin that we needed to bring more stock.

Some people were asking for first batch bottles and requesting that I sign the labels. I later

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10:11

Cabin Pressure Spirits gin bottles have a wax seal and are individually numbered

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realised that these bottles are probably being kept, just in case we ever become a well-known producer!

An Ideal Gift We are restricted by how much gin we can make because of the small scale of our production. It was always going to be a high-end product, so we haven't cut any corners when it comes to presentation. I hope it’s a bottle that you’d be proud to give as a present.

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Pubs Spread the Word As well as Crates, our gin is sold at Shelley’s Budgens on Coltsfoot Drive, Taurus Wines in Cranleigh and the Liquid Gold Whiskey Company in Ashtead. We are also working with Tristan's Restaurant in Horsham, which we’re delighted with, Ockenden Manor in Cuckfield and about 15 pubs around the area. Some are doing a brilliant job of promoting us, as they like the story of it being made by one man in a shed!

Extending the Range We are looking at selling online later in the year, but we’re still riding the crest of the wave that followed the launch. We have plans for Cabin Pressure Spirits to extend its range, but that’s not likely to happen any time soon. Hopefully though, we’ll be around for a long time to come.

INTERVIEW: BEN MORRIS PICTURES: TOBY PHILLIPS

You can find out more on Cabin Pressure Spirits’ Twitter/Facebook pages or www.cabinpressurespirits.com

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FOOD & DRINK: 71

Meanwhile, Foxhole Spirits has created a unique gin based on the fruity flavour of grapes picked from the award-winning Bolney Wine Estate.

We meet Managing Director James Oag-Cooper...

72: FOOD & DRINK

Read our review on Benguela brasserie at Mannings Heath on the Food & Drink section at www.aahorsham.co.uk

Foxhole Gin is made at Silent Pool in a 350-litre copper distillery heated by a wood-fired steam boiler

James, who is involved in Foxhole Spirits?

We have three partners in the business.

I am the Managing Director, in charge of day-to-day operations; Sam Linter is Chairman and advises on strategy, whilst Graham Linter is Finance Director.

Sam is also the Managing Director of the award-winning Bolney Wine Estate, where Foxhole Spirits is also based.

How did the association with Bolney Wine Estate come about?

I started working there in 2012, initially in the café. After a few months, I decided to study wine-making at Plumpton College, so I could work in the winery. In 2014, I was involved in the harvest of the vintage and loved the entire process.

14:46 Page 1

Award-Winning Sausages by David Bell

Also find us at New House Farm in Horsham, Sussex Produce in Steyning and Capel Stores. You can also enjoy our sausages at cafe’s including The Olive Tree (North Heath Lane) and New House Farm Cafe

Made using only British Quality Assured Pork. Available every Saturday at the Local Produce Market in the Carfax and many other quality stockists We are a family run business & pride ourselves on using only the finest ingredients for all our sausages. We are continually creating new varieties to complement the more traditional flavours.

Some of our most popular sausages include: Traditional Pork Cumberland Pork, Sage & Red Onion

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How did you come to make gin?

It was the wine-making process that inspired the idea for gin. Essentially, the grapes are picked from the vineyard and pressed so that the grapes can be used to make wine. However, we only extract about two thirds of the grape juice and the rest would go to waste.

This same process is adopted across the industry in the UK, which surprised me as there is still usable juice in the grapes. Whilst it might not be good enough for Bolney wine, it can be used in other ways. In Europe, for example, wine estates regularly use it to make drinks such as Grappa. I discussed various options with Sam, who is a fantastic wine maker, and we agreed that distillation was the best way to go.

So, in 2014, we pressed the leftover grapes and saved the juice for gin.

Did this impact on Bolney’s wine?

The wine making process remained the same; we just took what was left over.

However, the real challenge was to find the time to fit this additional pressing into an already busy schedule. During harvest time, the winery is working at its absolute capacity. The grapes must come in precisely at the right moment and it's a 24-hour operation. So, to have the winery press out an extra 30 or 40% of the juice is difficult. We needed to work together to find a way it worked for everyone.

Do you have a gin distillery?

As we are a small start-up company, we didn’t have the funds to set up our own distillery, which involves a big investment. Because of the volume of wine that we require to be distilled, we can't use a small still like home-grown

73

gin companies. Yet we also didn’t want to use a huge distillery, because there are certain elements of the quality that we want to control. We met the team at Silent Pool Distillery in the Surrey Hills and they’ve been the perfect partner for us. We use a 350 litre copper and stainless steel distillery, heated by a wood fired steam boiler. It’s a medium-sized distillery that allows close control of flavours.

How did you choose Foxhole gin’s flavour?

We started with a blank canvas and tasted lots of other gins to work out the profile we wanted.

We tried various botanicals, always working with Silent Pool to try them. Throughout the testing period, the defining flavour that everyone enjoyed

came from the grape spirit.

Usually, you would distill at a level that neutralises the grape spirit before adding botanical ingredients. We decided to distill at a lower level to maintain the fruity characteristics of the grape spirit. This gives Foxhole Gin a unique taste, as you can't make a gin like it unless you are using grapes from an English wine estate and go through the same pressing process. Ours is completely different to other gins on the market, of which there are a great many!

Did the botanicals alter the flavour?

We designed our botanical recipe to complement the grape spirit, so these ingredients are merely part of the supporting cast. That ensures that the gin is

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Foxhole is popular with bartenders as its useful for many short cocktails

‘We decided to distill at a lower level to maintain the fruity characteristics of the grape spirit’

74: FOOD & DRINK COLUMN James Oag-Cooper is MD of Foxhole Spirits

RSPB Pulborough Brooks

true to its origins. We chose eight botanicals and were it not for the grape spirit, ours would be a traditional gin recipe. The predominant botanical is juniper and we also use orris root, liquorice root, angelica root, coriander, grapefruit zest, lemon zest and bitter orange, which gives the drink its citrus characteristics. The grape spirit is so potent that it needs to be diluted to balance the flavour with botanicals. For me, four elements come through: juniper berries, florals, citrus and the rich, complex aroma from the grape spirit.

When did you make the first batch?

The first bottle of Foxhole Gin was only made last year, from the wine vintage of 2014. We had spent a long time working on the branding before launching on 20 September. The first batch has sold out and we are well into the second batch, made from the 2015 harvest. We collected more grape juice from the 2016 harvest as gradually the team at Foxhole Spirits and in the Bolney winery are gaining a better understanding of the process.

Why was the gin not branded as Bolney Wine Estate?

The idea for forming Foxhole Spirits was born from an interest to be more sustainable and create less waste. There are over 450 vineyards in the UK, producing massive amounts of grape juice to be turned into wine, but about two thirds of the grape isn't being used. So, as well as creating our own gin, we are hoping to encourage other wine estates to do something similar. Bolney only has a finite quantity of grapes and in future we may reach a point where we've used all the estate’s resources and can perhaps work with other wineries in the south-east, particularly Sussex, to turn their unused grapes into gin. So, adopting a long-term view, we decided to name the business

Red Campion Image: Anne Harwood/RSPB

The flower once used to heal snake bites Foxhole Spirits, after the road leading up to the estate.

Is the gin market changing?

Gin is a category I adore! There are many gins that are unique and I believe there is space on the market for different styles.

However, what is consistent is that people are looking for quality. Ten years ago, the craft gin movement was very small in this country, but now it is expanding rapidly.

There’s been a change and now people are willing to spend more and yet drink less.

They shop for quality rather than quantity. It is a similar case in the craft beer world and that has always been the case in the wine world.

Where can people buy Foxhole gin?

We work with independent specialist retailers, who offer products to the premium end of the market. You can also buy bottles at the Bolney Wine Estate shop and at some farms shops, including Crates. Foxhole Gin does have a story behind it, so outlets are keen to talk to customers about it. We also have a good following in Brighton, where bartenders love to use Foxhole Gin as it's incredibly versatile. We’re told that Foxhole is good to use in many short cocktails as it has a richness and leaves a nice feel in the mouth. It's a great validation for us, because clearly people are talking about it and enjoying the drink. We sell online too and we’re seeing orders placed across the country, so evidently word is spreading!

INTERVIEW: BEN MORRIS PICTURES: TOBY PHILLIPS/ FOXHOLE SPIRITS

You can find out more on the Foxhole Spirits website at www.foxholespirits.com

Many of the wildflowers you may see on your walks around the countryside have some fascinating folklore behind them.

Before modern medicines were invented, the healing properties of plants were readily taken advantage of and many wildflowers are still associated with particular ailments.

Widespread in woodland and fields, agrimony has tall, yellow spikes of flowers with a delicate apricot scent. The name derives from the Greek word argemone, meaning plant that heals the eye; you might be able to guess what maladies they used this flower to treat! The Anglo Saxons also used agrimony to heal snake bites and warts, and to stop wounds from bleeding. If you were unlucky enough to get nipped by a snake and didn’t have agrimony to hand, the seeds of red campion might also have worked (although I certainly wouldn’t recommend trying it nowadays!) You’ll be able to enjoy this pretty, pink flower in most areas of countryside. Look out for a tall plant with heart-shaped petals; it will most likely be bustling with bees and butterflies as the nectar is highly sought after.

Greater stichwort is a pretty little flower, with five pairs of white petals arranged in a star shape. This shape earned it the name star of Bethlehem, but it also goes by poor man’s buttonhole, adder’s spit and pixy flower. It was thought that picking one of the flowers might get you carried away by pixies or bitten by an adder; there are certainly a lot of snake references in the world of wildflowers!

Emily Summers RSPB Pulborough