AAH (All About Horsham) January 2023

28

News Round-Up

Horsham firm helps create sculptures unveiled by King Charles III, while the town’s skatepark is revamped

Care

John Lewis’ Christmas advert carried a message about foster care, leading to a recruitment drive for local carers

40

49

The Mediaeval Baebes performed at St Mary’s Church, Horsham, as they toured their new album, MydWynter

34

38

Sussex Lighting, the most dazzling shop in town, is set to close. We meet owners Andy and Suzannah Coe to find out why

Business

At Home has established itself as one of the leading estate agents in the District. Now, it is embarking on a new chapter...

COVER STORY

The January 2023 cover features The Mediaeval Baebes at St Mary’s Church, Horsham. The musical ensemble are pictured in front of the east window, before their concert on Tuesday 20 December. We had arranged to meet for photos and an interview an hour before the doors opened and found the Baebes already in costume. They were even wearing beautiful head pieces, complementing an already festive backdrop. After 25 years in music, they needed very little guidance from snapper Alan Wright, who captured this shot within moments. Other cover contenders were Suzannah and Andy Coe at Sussex Lighting, Harry Goring at All Saints Church, Buncton, and Sam Clayton at The Beer Mine, Horsham.

SUPERMARKETS

54

Food

The Pass at South Lodge has a new head chef. Can Ben Wilkinson bring back the Michelin star it covets?

Groups

Midwife Emma Savage of Horsham set up Bump, Birth and Beyond to prepare people for childbirth

Community

The All Saints Church in Buncton is one of the District’s hidden gems, yet it attracts a vibrant congregation

Drink

62

66

The Beer Mine in the Carfax offers cask, canned and bottled beers by some of the finest breweries around

Final Word

As the Capitol hosts Cinderella, we look back at the history of pantomime and its unusual quirks and traditions

ABOUT THE MAGAZINE

AAH is an independent monthly magazine, owned by editor Ben Morris, a life-long resident of the Horsham District. It is distributed to doors and pick-up points around the Horsham District.

EDITOR: Ben Morris editor@aahorsham.co.uk (01903) 892899

AAH, 2 Viney Close, Ashington, RH20 3PT

ADVERTISING: Ben Morris advertising@aahorsham.co.uk (01903) 892899

ADVERT RATES

Eighth Page: £55 + VAT (93mm x 63mm) Quarter Page: £110 + VAT (93mm x 133mm) Half Page: £185 + VAT (190mm x 133mm)

Full Page: £310 + VAT (A4 with 4mm bleed) Double Page: £520 + VAT

SPECIAL OFFER: Every 6th advert is free of charge, like a coffee shop! We can also design adverts if you need help at no extra charge.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Alan Wright alanwrightphotography.co.uk Email: alan.wright@alanwrightphotography.co.uk 07747 617387

Alan works for AAH on a freelance basis and is available for all commercial work.

www.aahorsham.co.uk

AAH is published online on the 1st of each month. Archive editions are online too.

DISTRIBUTION

The magazine is delivered to about 13,000 homes in Horsham, Southwater and villages.

DOOR-TO-DOOR TEAM Jacquie Paterson, the Judd family, Katie Drysdale, Hazel Garner, Jill Shuker, the Arliss family, the Bloomfield family, Eve Lovett, Lara Green, the Gavira family, Harvey Dold, Alessandro Cavallo, Jack Nicholls, the McCormick family, Charlie Merchant, Harry

Baker, the Walker family, Ben Raymond and Joseph Down (all Horsham), The Brown and Chapman families (Southwater), the Palmer family (BBH), the Murray family (Wickhurst Green) Luke Butcher (Mannings Heath), Lynsey Hare (Billingshurst), Derek Bradnum (Nuthurst) The Morris family (West Chiltington)

PICK UP POINTS & AAH STANDS

Thousands of copies of AAH are also available in our stands at businesses, clubs and shops.

Horsham: The Living Room (Swan Walk), Henry Adams (Carfax), Crates Local (Carfax) Pavilions in the Park, Horsham Rail Station, New House Farm, New Street Butchers, At Home Estate Agents (Caterways), The Holbrook Club, Gwyn’s Bakery (Bishopric)

Village Stands: Billingshurst Leisure Centre, Bluecoat Sports (Christ’s Hospital), Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens (Lower Beeding), Warnham Village Stores (Warnham), Slinfold Golf Club (Slinfold), Steyning Leisure Centre and Cobblestone Walk (Steyning), Spring Gardens Nursery (Washington), Joanna’s Boutique

Tearooms (Storrington), The Milk Churn (Rudgwick), Meadow Stores and Cafe (Thakeham), Golden Plaice (Ashington)

Supermarkets: Tesco Extra in Broadbridge Heath, Sainsbury’s in Horsham.

LEAFLETS

We deliver leaflets at a cost of £40 per 1,000.

AAH is printed with FSC® certified paper. This means it has been sourced from sustainably managed forests and other controlled sources, and its site of origin is proven and traceable under FSC certification.

BIRD WATCH

Notes from the Editor: Hunt for the White Tailed Eagle

I thought long and hard about the topic of my first column of the New Year. After stuffing their faces and drinking themselves to near oblivion over the festive period, what would readers want to hear?

Maybe an anecdote from Christmas Eve, when I found myself at a church in a small village in the Brecon Beacons, mumbling ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’ in Welsh?

No! I’ve got it! I know what they’d love! My thoughts on the government’s Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill, of course!

First, a quick re-cap. After Brexit, many EU laws were effectively ‘copied and pasted’ into UK law. To keep some kind of order. But the government has since published a bill that would give ministers the power to ‘repeal’ or ‘replace’ these laws. If any of the EU laws are not replaced by new UK ones by the end of 2023, there’s a risk that important legislation could disappear.

The bill largely passed me by until I read a column in RSPB Magazine. It seems that the twitchers are not happy. There’s a risk that this bill (which is still going through parliament) could pose a threat to Special Protected Areas (SPAs) and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and therefore could have a negative impact on the environment. Beccy Speight, RSPB’s Chief Executive, wrote that the bill ‘would seemingly endanger many, if not most, of the hard-won protections for nature accumulated over the last few decades.’

It is feasible – even probable – that of all the thousands of EU laws that would need to be replaced if this bill gets the go-ahead, the continued protection of environmental important areas would be at the top of the government’s ‘to-do’ pile. However, the RSPB (and other wildlife trusts and organisations) isn’t taking that chance. They mobilised a national network of nature lovers with admirable efficiency, urging them to contact their local MP (reputedly 100,000 letters were sent) to ensure that any potential threat is swiftly snuffed out. They also reminded the government of its previous commitments, the most notable of which is to protect 30% of the UK’s land and sea by 2030.

I was heartened by this response, as I’m something of a ‘twitcher’ myself. It all started when my sons were little, identifying birds on our walks. Eventually, we came to know the flight pattern of the green woodpecker and the song of the nightingale. Once, we took part in the Big Garden Birdwatch, although the boys’

interest waned after the fifth starling and they eventually lost faith in my wife’s promise of a goldfinch. Our knowledge of birds has steadily grown, and only this morning, I read an advert for a pair of expensive scopes, as though I might go as far as buying a pair one day!

Despite this interest, I don’t have the patience to be a good bird watcher. I lack the mental capacity to sit in a hide for hours in the faint hope that some rare wading bird might drop by on its annual migration. I don’t even watch the ‘diary’ section in David Attenborough’s documentaries, where the crew highlight the trials and tribulations of capturing a rarelyfilmed natural occurrence.

‘I don’t care if you caught hyperthermia while tracking polar bears in sub-zero temperatures; I just want to see one eat a seal!’

So, when I received a notification from the Sussex Wildlife Trust to say that a white-tailed eagle (also known as a sea eagle) had been spotted near Arundel, I decided I would go see it. Simple! I had no plan. I didn’t find out about previous sightings to help me narrow down my search to a certain area or a specific time of the day. Instead, I acted on instinct. I remembered a part of the River Arun, a few miles north of Arundel, which is hard for people to access. I kayaked along it in the summer and for a couple of miles didn’t see a soul, until I hit Amberley, where they hire out those awful motor boats and don’t let passing kayakers or paddleboarders dock at the pontoon.

It was this isolated spot I ventured to, with my youngest in tow. I optimistically claimed our odds of spotting the eagle were three to one, as I’m too inexperienced to know better. If I

went

We set off on a beautiful, frost-bitten morning, our feet crunching through snow-sprinkled grass along the banks of the misty river. I realised I had no idea what a sea eagle looks like. All I could remember was that they’re bloody big . With a white tail. I would’ve consulted my RSPB guidebook, but I left it behind as it was crushing the crisps in the backpack. I figured I’d know one if I saw it…

We spotted kestrels, herons, cormorants and stumbled upon a freezing pheasant that lacked the energy to scurry away. But no white-tailed eagle. However, on the route back, we stumbled upon a tree that was home to about a dozen red kites. We sat on a wall, chomping on cheese and onion crisps, marvelling as the juveniles practiced hunting techniques around us. Like many a twitcher, we hadn’t found what we we’d come to see, but nature had provided us with a different memory instead.

Sat there, I understood why such things are worth fighting for. By protecting our wildlife by preserving their habitats today, future generations can experience such sights in years to come.

Hats off to the twitchers.

l www.birdguides.com has published a very good article about the far reaching benefits for birds offered by protected sites in the UK. You can also follow Beccy Speight on Twitter @beccyRSPB

kayaking off the Canadian coast, I’d be disappointed if a humpback whale didn’t leap out the water next to me, as that happens all the time, right?

©Sussex Wildlife Trust/Steve Woodard

NEWS ROUND-UP

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

A new skatepark opened in Horsham Park on 7 December. Provided by Horsham District Council, it has been designed in collaboration with a local user group in order to provide features for skateboarders, scooter riders, BMX bikers and in-line skaters. The concrete facility includes an extended open flow section with a more pronounced hip, extension and jump ramp

line. Skateboarders can enjoy a ‘pump bump’ in the middle of the open flow bowl, while another open bowl aimed at BMX riders provides ramp heights over seven foot. The much loved ‘twostair’ in the teardrop area has been extended to include more steps, a rail and ‘hubbas’.

The facility has been created by Betongpark, who demonstrated an innovative approach to design and strong attention to technical detail. A Skate Jam is planned for the summer, which will be a free event and will include coaching and training. For safety reasons, it is advised not to use the skatepark when the surface is wet. horsham.gov.uk/horshamskatepark

The Barns Green Players hosts a seasonal pantomime, Aladdin, at the Village Hall on 20 –22 and 27 – 28 January. Written by Nigel Currie, the play sees Aladdin attempt to thwart the evil plan of the villainous Jafar and win the heart of Princess Jasmine, with a little help from the Widow Twankey and a pantomime camel. The Players have been writing and performing amateur theatre productions for over 50 years. Free parking and a licensed bar. Tickets from barnsgreenplayers.co.uk

Sussex

Visitors can bring cards which will be upcycled for resale or reuse. Donations of unwanted gifts are welcome too and will be raffled to raise funds. The hub includes the Horsham Community Fridge (10 – 11am), Horsham Eco Churches, Household Cleaning Product Refill Shop, Horsham Repair Café and recycling advice. sussexgreenliving.org.uk

outings and events. Free to members, £3 guests. steyningsociety.org.uk

Green Living hosts an Upcycling Christmas Cards Workshop at the Sussex Green Hub, United Reformed Church, Springfield Road, Horsham, on Saturday 28 January, 10am – 4pm.

The Steyning Society present a talk by winemaker Dermot Sugrue at The Steyning Centre, Fletchers Croft, on Friday 20 January, 7pm (talk starts 7.30pm). Dermot was head winemaker at the award-winning Wiston Estate until recently, when he stepped down to focus on his own sparkling wine label, Sugrue South Downs. The Steyning Society hosts monthly talks on a wide range of topics and also organises

©AAH/Toby Phillips 2019

©AAH/Toby

©sugruesouthdowns.com

Horsham Symphony Orchestra performs its first concert of the year at the Capitol Theatre on Sunday 12 March. The programme includes two classics of 20th century American music, with Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue followed by Copland’s Rodeo. In between, the orchestra perform Dukas’ The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, which famously featured in Disney’s Fantastia For tickets visit thecapitolhorsham.com

The Horsham Film Society provides an opportunity to see some of the best films from around the world on the big screen. A different film is shown once a month at the Capitol on a Monday evening, with each season also featuring a classic presentation. Upcoming highlights include Emmanuel Courcel’s Un Triomphe (9 January), Russian film Dear Comrades (13 March) and the Academy award winning Japanese movie Drive My Car (10 April). Non-members welcome. Tickets £5 on the door.

A four-year-old girl fulfilled her wish when she met Santa Claus unaided at John Lewis’ Horsham store. Yasmin Roper was born with a cancerous condition, diagnosed when she was only three months old, and there were fears that she would never be able to walk unaided. However, Yasmin defied the odds to walk and meet Santa and his elves in his grotto. Jack Howe, Branch Manager, said: ‘As soon as we heard Yasmin’s story, we knew we had to do whatever we could to make this a magical moment for Yasmin. To see the smile on her face when she turned the corner and walked into the grotto all by herself for the first time is something I will never forget and hopefully she won’t either.’

An enforcement camera has been installed to deter drivers from using bus lanes in Broadbridge Heath village. A two-way bus gate system was introduced in Broadbridge Way in 2019 and alterations were made in 2021 to support bus travel, which formed part of the planning application to divert the original A281 traffic on to the newlyconstructed A264. However, some drivers have not abided by the ‘bus only’ signage and highways officers have been working with the parish council, district council and police to find a solution. Warning notices, rather than Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), have been issued to give fair warning of the new enforcement regime, but the start date for PCNs is now imminent.

©Toby Phillips Photography

Our appropriately named on-site café and bar with its thoughtfully created Breakfast and Seasonal Menus offers a selection of hot and cold options for your indulgence.

Many of our cakes and sweet treats are handmade on site. Locally sourced ingredients feature throughout our menus including local craft bakers’ breads and burgers from our very own beef herd.

Not feeling hungry? From the bar we provide a generous choice of soft drinks, draught and bottled beers, premium spirits and a wide selection of wines all to be enjoyed overlooking our beautiful Sumners Lake. Find a comfortable spot outside on the upper or lower decking and take in the scenery or cosy up in our Safari Tent and enjoy the warmth and crackle of log-burning stoves.

Current Opening times: Monday to Sunday 9am to 4pm Food Service: 9am to 3pm

Tel: 01403 732539 Web: sumnersponds.co.uk Instagram: @sumnersponds Facebook.com/SumnersPonds

Here are the latest volunteering opportunities in the Horsham District. Horsham District Befriends need a volunteer befriender or volunteer receiver to help reduce loneliness and isolation around the district. For details, email Lucy.Hargreaves@horsham.gov.uk

Relate West Sussex is looking for a new Chair to lead the Board of Trustees and to work closely with the Centre Manager. fatima.mirza@relatesussex.org Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity requires volunteers to support young children with cerebral palsy through fundraising, helping at community events and at swimming clubs. fundraising@dvlcc.org.uk You can also contact the Voluntary Sector Support Team on (01403) 215191 or email volunteering@horshamdistrict.gov.uk or visit volunteerhorshamdistrict.co.uk

Homeless charity Turning Tides and Horsham District Council have been developing an innovative new service to support homeless people. The service at Roffey Place is set to accommodate about 50 local homeless people at a time. However, the charity is appealing for extra public support as it strives to raise £210,000 to complete the service, which aims to provide a holistic approach, helping people rebuild their lives after homelessness. It will offer 24-hour on-site support including mental health and counselling, medical help via a clinical room, substance misuse specialists, a wellbeing and sensory suite, digital inclusion, a kitchen to learn cooking skills, carpentry, craft and furniture renovation workspaces, outdoor therapy spaces, gardening skills, an allotment, beehives, yoga, mindfulness and more. Residents will stay for about six months before moving on to independent living or a lower support service. To make a donation visit: turning-tides.org.uk/ roffey-place-donate/

Horsham District

Mystery Trails are available to enjoy until March 2023.

Horsham District Council worked in partnership with Whistlestop Arts to create trails in Billingshurst, Henfield, Horsham, Pulborough, Southwater, Steyning and Storrington. The free trails offer a fun and immersive outdoor ‘escape room’ style experience for all, and are an opportunity to visit local towns and villages. whistlestoparts.org/mysterytrails

Dame Very Lynn Children’s Charity

©AAH/Toby Phillips

2012

Visit our showroom at Hillier Garden Centre, Brighton Road, Horsham, RH13 6QA

Call: (01403) 259755

Email: home@poolboy.co.uk www.poolboy.co.uk

Trading for 40 years at Hillier Garden Centre, Horsham HOT TUBSPOOLS

We are proud to be official dealers for Garden Leisure, one of the USA's leading and most-established brands of high quality hydromassage hot tubs.

Discover relaxation with our full range of energy efficient Hot Tubs. At our Horsham showcentre, we have ten of the latest models on display from Garden Leisure and other leading brands including Weekend and Cove Spas.

As well as seeing the Hot Tubs in person, you can discuss your own needs and requirements with our experienced team at a Which? Trusted Trader.

Home Counties supply and install the outstanding and original Endless Pools range of exercise pools. Experience your own precision-engineered 'Original Endless Pool' where you swim or exercise against a smooth current that's fully adjustable, with 50 speeds to suit every ability.

We have an indoor heated Endless Pool at our showcentre ready and waiting for you to put through its paces. Simply call us to arrange your test swim.

With hundreds of installations throughout the South East over 40 years, Home Counties offer top class products and a pleasurable buying experience.

Southern Water is investing £28m to upgrade the existing wastewater treatment works at its Horsham site on the Southwater bypass. This upgrade will improve efficiency and will also include new machinery, the replacement and refurbishment of existing equipment, and control and monitoring systems. Southern Water has been working with CMDP – a joint venture between Costain and MWH Treatment. Upgrades to the site started in September 2022 and are expected to be completed in summer 2024. There are several benefits to customers in the local area, ensuring the safe disposal of treated wastewater back into the River Arun for years to come. southernwater.co.uk

A team of three women who helped create and develop the Human Nature Garden in Horsham Park have decided to step back and let others take over the work. For 12 years, Steph, Hazel and Kate have tended the Human Nature Garden, which is free to the public and includes a wide variety of trees, shrubs and plants. It is also used for community events, with its grassed amphitheatre making it an ideal setting for live music.

fundraising initiatives. After an appeal from the Community Development team, donations of children’s clothes and toys, food, toiletries, books and other items were made by staff. These were donated to Ten Little Toes Baby Bank and Horsham Matters. On Christmas Jumper Day, staff at Parkside raised over £500 for Save the Children.

Freckle Productions in association with Rose Theatre present ZOG at the Capitol Theatre on 10 – 11 February. The play, suitable for ages 3+, is based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Large in size and keen in nature, Zog is eager to win a golden star at Madam Dragon’s school, where dragons learn all the things that dragons need to know. Tickets from (01403) 750220 or visit thecapitolhorsham.com

Steph and Hazel

Horsham District Council staff helped support charities through festive

River Arun (©Toby Phillips Photography)

Fortress Theatre Company present Calendar Girls, The Musical, at the Capitol Theatre on Tuesday 21 – Saturday 25 February. Having raised £1,500 for Cancer Research with 2018’s The Naked Truth, the local theatre company will this time be raising money for St Catherine’s Hospice.

The musical, written by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth, is inspired by the true story of a group of ladies from a Women’s Institute who launch a nude calendar to raise money for their local hospital. Tickets £20 – £22 from (01403) 750220 or thecapitolhorsham.com

artwork. The deadline for artists to submit is 31 January 2023, after which date, four candidates will be chosen to proceed to the next stage of the selection process. Visit shelleymemorialproject.co.uk/ artists-brief To support fundraising efforts, email shelleymemorialproject @btinternet.com 14

of Knowing you. We all need legal advice and support at times. Our services are available at competitive fixed prices, designed to give you easy access to specialist legal support when you need it most. We adhere to the Covid-19 guidance by socially distance at meetings, conduct matters over telephone, email or virtually.

Fortress Theatre Company present Calendar Girls

White-tailed eagles have been sighted at Arundel Wetland Centre for the first time. The eagles, also known as sea eagles, are the largest birds of prey in the UK. They began appearing at the wetland reserve in October and were still being spotted every week by staff and visitors into early December. Reserve Manager Suzi Lanaway said: ‘White-tailed eagles are primarily fish eaters. We have osprey stop in and hunt for fish at our site in autumn and they find plenty to eat. Our ponds and scrapes are full of fish.’ The reintroduction of whitetailed eagles on the Isle of Wight, led by The Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation and Forestry England, began in 2019. All eagles released in the programme have been fitted with satellite tracking devices to follow their progress.

wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/arundel/ ©Sussex Wildlife Trust/Steve Woodard

You work hard to support your family and enjoy life, so it makes sense that your money should knuckle down too. This is where a little expert advice can make all the difference

Our lives are busy and complicated. Families today can be fragmented, increasing demands on our time. You’d be forgiven for thinking that the latest technologies should make things easier, but that’s not always the case. In fact, information overload can often leave us feeling overwhelmed and unsure about which way to turn.

So much financial choice can bebewildering.We’rehereto guideyouandadviseonchanges tothefinanciallandscapeand theoptionsavailableforyou.

In so many areas, we rely on experts to point us in the right direction. If your car breaks down, you see a mechanic. If a tooth aches, you go to the

Why wouldn’t we ask the experts and make sure they’re being managed effectively?

Discover our holistic approach

So at St. James’s Place we strive to offer a long-term, relationship-based service that focuses on what you need, as well as what motivates and inspires you. It’s this holistic approach that means we can

match your attitude to risk.

Knowing that your investments are being managed by seasoned professionals and that your worries are our concern can be a huge relief. You can also relax in the knowledge that we’ll be here to support and

keep it that way. After all, we’ve learnt from experience

that the best wealth management service comes via thorough understanding and personalised, face-to-face advice. It’s what we’re passionate about.

Here’s where we can we help

From a broad range of funds providing the potential to grow your savings and protect them against

We can also help you make the most of retirement, business, and advise on Inheritance Tax issues. If you’re remortgaging, downsizing or buying your will work for you. Whatever it is you need, we have your needs at our core.

Wetakethetimetoreallyknow yourfinancesandfindwaysof making yourmoneyworkharderforyou

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and the value may fall as well as rise. You might get back less than you invested.

The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time and are generally dependent on individual circumstances.

Get in touch

If you’d like us to help you make the most of your hard-earned savings, give us a call. We’d like to get to know you.

HOME TIME

JOHN LEWIS ADVERT INSPIRES DRIVE FOR LOCAL CARERS

The screening of John Lewis & Partners’ Christmas advert has become a modern addition to the yuletide season, like festive jumpers or an elf on the shelf.

This year’s offering came as something of a surprise. Set to Mike Geier’s archaic cover of Blink 182’s ‘All the Small Things’, it features a forty-something attempting to grasp the basics of skateboarding. His motives only become clear when a teenage girl called Ellie, armed with a skateboard, arrives at his home with her Supporting Social Worker and the penny drops: Ellie is a foster child.

The advert ends with a message about John Lewis’ commitment to the 108,000 young people in the care system in the UK. It is more than just words, with John Lewis having become an accredited fostering-friendly employer, giving more opportunities to young people who are care experienced.

Here in Horsham, John Lewis has also formed close ties with the West Sussex County Council's Fostering Recruitment team, which has been keen to take advantage of the national publicity the advert has generated. Fostering West Sussex has updated its website to feature an image of Ellie, while also campaigning locally to highlight the need for foster carers.

Nikki Burch, Senior Marketing and Communications Officer at WSCC’s Fostering Recruitment Hub, said: ‘One of the things we loved about the John Lewis advert is that Ellie Is an older child - 64% of the children we care for are aged 11 to 17. Ellie is a perfect example of someone who needs a safe and supportive home and someone who can guide them through this important and uncertain time in their lives. The advert also captures the incredible lengths that foster carers go to in order to make a child feel welcome.’

‘We urgently need to recruit foster carers who can provide safe and loving homes to the 850 children we care for. We know that the decision to become a foster carer is a big one, but I urge anyone who has thought about it to come and speak to us.’

POSITIVE EXPERIENCE

Building on the advert’s momentum, WSCC's Fostering team held a pop-up event at John Lewis’ Horsham store on 3 December, with staff and several local carers chatting informally to customers about fostering and the difference it can make to young lives. Among the carers were Lucy Shepherd and her 10-year-old son, JJ. Lucy has three children, with two teenage daughters as well as JJ, and yet the Shepherds have fostered ten children over a seven-year period.

Lucy said: ‘I always wanted to foster. As a child, I would read books about children with no place to live and it struck a chord that always stayed with me. My husband, David, didn’t have the same feeling, but he’s a wonderful dad and agreed that fostering was something we could do as a family. Our biggest concern was how it would impact our own children, but I can honestly say it has only been a positive experience.’

‘We have all made sacrifices, but the children have learned to have empathy, to share belongings, and how to communicate with young people from all walks of life. JJ was three when we started going through the process of fostering, so he can’t remember a life without having other children in our home. We have welcomed ten children, some for one night as emergency accommodation, others for several years. They have all brought challenges, but we've not had a single bad experience and it’s been hugely rewarding.’

‘Some of the children in our care have been refugees from countries like Eritrea and Iraq. Having children of our own has made a difference, as they’ve connected with refugees in ways we couldn't as adults. When there’s been a language barrier, they’ve used games and music, and the girls have played with each other's hair. I don't think we could have done it without them!’

The John Lewis advert highlighted the need for foster carers (©John Lewis & Partners)

‘We take great pride and happiness in helping someone build their own life and eventually move on. We miss them, but they’re seldom gone forever, as we are their family in the UK and celebrate Christmas and birthdays together. That’s especially the case with those who are no longer in contact with their birth family.’

‘We continue to foster children, always thinking about who will fit into our lives as our own children grow older, because it’s been an amazing experience and helped define who we are as a family.’

SUBSTANTIAL SUPPORT

The pop-up stall at John Lewis also served as a reminder of the many different types of care, including respite or emergency care, kinship care (where a family member takes responsibility for looking after a child as an approved carer) and supported lodgings to help young people learn the skills to live independently. It also offered information about the training and support provided to those willing to help a child in need. This includes ongoing 24/7 professional support and a competitive financial package of up to £28,500 per year.

Heidi Goodwin, of the WSCC Fostering Recruitment team, said: ‘Whilst all the children that we care for are in safe accommodation, with many already living with local foster carers, a significant number of children in West Sussex are still waiting to be found a foster family and there is a need for people to step forward.’

‘I think people often discount themselves as they don’t think they’ll qualify as a foster carer. Perhaps they think their house is too small, or that they don’t earn enough, or that they’re too old or too young, or have children of their own. Some may believe that we don’t take on single parent households, welcome same-sex

Lucy and JJ Shepherd (©AAH/Alan Wright)

couples or those practicing religion, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. We want our family of foster carers to be as diverse as the children we care for, with a range of backgrounds. That’s why it’s worth having a chat to find out what is possible, if fostering a child is something you’ve considered. It might transpire that it’s not the right time for you, but the support we offer is considerable. And it might well be the right time!’

EMPATHETIC TOUCH

Another local couple helping to promote fostering at John Lewis was Graham and Sarah White. As well as raising five sons, giving them 12 grandchildren, they have supported about 60 children during their 18-year career as WSCC foster carers.

‘I wasn't sure I wanted to begin fostering at the age of 50,’ recalls Sarah. ‘We had one teenager still at home, while the others had flown the coop, and part of me thought, “I’ve done my bit!” But fostering has been a hugely rewarding experience and has kept us closer as a family.’

‘Some of the girls who have been in our care came to the UK from Africa as unaccompanied minors and spoke little or no English. Yet they connect with our grandchildren immediately

and it helps them settle. One of our granddaughters is seven and her school teacher has noted how she always looks out for children who cannot speak English well or are in need of a friend. Fostering brings out the best in all of us and makes us more empathetic.’

For some years, the Whites lived in central Africa, and that experience led to the family wanting to help others, particularly youngsters travelling from overseas. Graham said: ‘Some of

Wellcross Grange Nursing Home

Graham and Sarah White have fostered 60 children (©AAH/Alan Wright)

‘Fostering brings out the best in all of us and makes us more empathetic.’

Sarah White

the stories are heart-breaking. One girl came home from school in Africa one day and her whole family was gone. She lost contact with them and it took eight years to find her mother. That girl is now a nurse at a London hospital and is hoping to buy a home of her own.’

‘When people ask me why they should foster, I say, “Why not?” All you need is space in your heart and space in your home, and we’re fortunate to have both. I’m now in my 70s and don’t have the stamina to care for a four year old, but we have the emotional stamina to look after a teenager who may have endured a difficult childhood. Fostering covers a broad spectrum, from new-born babies to teenagers who have gone through difficult, even traumatic experiences in this country or oversees. It is challenging and not for everyone, but it has been a wonderful experience for us and our family and given us many happy memories.’

‘I met a lady only last week, about my age, and she told me that she went into foster care when she was 14. Her life had fallen apart, but her foster carers saved her life. We really do change lives, just by giving young people some support and a chance to flourish.’

WORDS: BEN MORRIS

PHOTOS: ALAN WRIGHT/JOHN LEWIS

Further information:

The West Sussex Fostering Service will be at John Lewis, Horsham, on Saturday 21 January and at Tanbridge House School on Thursday 9 March. You can also call 0330 222 7775 or visit fosteringwestsussex.org.uk You can also hear the inspiring story of foster carer James and his family on the website

Working in partnership with John Lewis

OPEN MORNING

Transformation through education

Christ’s

Hospital: The leading independent boarding school for fee assisted places

T: 01403 246 555 E: hello@christs-hospital.org.uk Christ’s Hospital, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 0LJ www.christs-hospital.org.uk

Registered Charity No. 1120090

A MODERN MEDIAEVAL SENSATION

think of local live music venues, St Mary’s Church in Horsham may not immediately spring to mind

However, it was the ideal setting for a concert by the Mediaeval Baebes on 20 December. The internationally-renowned group performed at the parish church on the penultimate date of a tour that has taken them the length and breadth of the country.

The acoustics of the church complemented the pitch-perfect harmonies of vocalists Katherine Blake, Fiona Fey, Marie Findley, Sophia Halberstam and Josephine Ravenheart. They were backed by musicians playing period instruments including border pipes, lyre and zither, with a sixth member of the Baebes, Maya McCourt, on cello.

Sophia said: ‘We have visited Horsham several times before, as there’s always a good audience and it’s a lovely venue to perform in. During this tour, we’ve been able to visit some towns for the first time and it was great to sing at Truro Cathedral, as it’s somewhere we’ve always wanted to play.’

‘We don’t normally have time for sightseeing, as we have to travel from one venue to the next quickly, but we did get to stay in Sandwich after our tour van broke down! We don’t all jump in the back of an old Transit; it’s a nice tour bus, so we can relax and pass around a box of Celebrations. But on this occasion, it let us down and we were stranded at 11:30 at night. We walked into a local pub just before last orders and they were wonderful, helping us find a hotel. It must have been a strange sight, seeing us all walk in on a Sunday night!’

The Mediaeval Baebes were formed 25 years ago when a group of friends, clad in flowing white gowns and crowns of ivy, broke into a graveyard and started singing! A quarter of a century later, they have recorded 11 albums, with their latest tour coinciding with the release of MydWynter. The album comprises traditional folk songs and Christmas carols, and a festive theme runs through the concert, with the Baebes wearing flowing green and red dresses whilst performing under a Christmas tree.

The songs on MydWynter have been arranged by founder member Katherine Blake. As well as being a fine vocalist, this multi-instrumentalist played the violin and even two recorders at the same time during the concert. And her latest arrangements have been well received by fans. ‘MydWynter mostly features Christmas songs,’ says Katherine. ‘We recorded Of Kings and Angels in 2013, which featured popular carols like ‘Good King Wenceslas’, ‘Silent Night’ and ‘We Three Kings’. With this album, we wanted to unearth ancient songs and asked fans for suggestions. They uncovered beautiful, largelyunknown carols and text, like ‘Riu Riu Chiu’ from Spain and ‘Personent Hodie’ from Finland. Three of the songs are original compositions based on ancient texts too.’

‘All of the songs are arranged to suit our voices, so we’re not copying what has come before. ‘Carol of the Bells’ can often be quite saccharin, yet our version is dark and mysterious. And some of the lesser known songs are beautiful and of course, we’re literally giving fans what they asked for!’

Katherine Blake (©AAH/Alan Wright)

The group’s music is a myriad of ancient and forgotten languages, presented though ethereal harmonies, traditional instruments and with elements of dance and theatre too (there’s even a little foot percussion!) Each vocalist offers something different and together their voices have spell-binding power.

Their arrangements of mediaeval texts and traditional folk songs, nursery rhymes and carols has seen them perform at festivals across the UK, Europe and even the US. When the Baebes joke that they are ‘massive in America’ it is with tongue in cheek. But it’s true, and they have performed to crowds in the US that would make many better-known acts quite envious.

The group has also recorded for film and television, winning an Ivor Novella Award for their performance on the BBC serialisation The Virgin Queen and a Royal Television Society award for their work on ITV’s period drama Victoria, both collaborations with composer Martin Phipps.

Marie Findley said: ‘We’re very proud of our work with Martin Phipps. The music for The Virgin Queen was partly inspired by our early albums, which Martin heard and then asked us to record the music for the programme with him. It was a great experience and of course it was nice for us to receive recognition, with nominations for major awards, including two Emmys.’

Marie Findley (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Josephine Ravenheart (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Having established themselves as the most successful, female-led, early music and folk ensemble in Europe, the Mediaeval Baebes have performed in historic venues, such as Hampton Court Palace, The Royal Albert Hall and Chateau de Fontainebleau in France. They have also supported Michael Flatley in Hyde Park, performed at the Game of Thrones Festival in Canada and picked up celebrity fans. Perhaps the most notable is Iggy Pop, who regularly plays their songs on his 6 Music show and invited them to perform live on his Christmas Day special.

As well as working with punk legends and leading classical composers, the Baebes have attracted the attention of dance music legends too. Katherine explains: ‘We were recently contacted by Orbital, one of the UK’s most successful dance acts. They sent us a demo for a track called ‘Ringa Ringa (The Old Pandemic Folk Song)’ and asked if we could perform vocals. I must confess, I didn’t realise it was a big deal until a friend confessed his love for Orbital. I heard the track, which is based on

‘Ring o’ Roses’, and knew it would work. It’s great for us, as it means new people are discovering our music through our collaborations in wide-ranging genres.’

‘Our music is difficult to categorise anyway. It’s rooted in folk but combines classical, gothic and choral elements too. Iggy Pop said “we’re comparable to no other” and I think that’s key to our longevity. Originally, we were a group of women who came together to sing, and although our sound is based on mediaeval music, we’ve never tried to be authentic. Our sound has evolved organic and that continues to be the case.’

WORDS: BEN MORRIS

PHOTOS: ALAN WRIGHT

Further information: MydWynter is out now and can be ordered at www.mediaevalbaebes.com F/T/I mediaevalbaebes

Maya McCourt (©AAH/Alan Wright)Mediaeval Baebes at St Mary’s (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Sophia Halberstam (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Katherine Blake (©AAH/Alan Wright)

LIGHTS OUT

SUSSEX LIGHTING DUO AIM TO BOW OUT ON A HIGH

Sussex Lighting, one of the brightest and most vibrant shopping experiences in Horsham town centre, will be closing its doors at the end of March. AAH met the owners, husband and wife Andy and Suzannah Coe, as they prepare to bow out on a high…

Andy: Sussex Lighting is an Aladdin's Cave of treasures. That’s what people always say. Or that it’s like a sweet shop, with countless beautiful things catching the eye. We’re proud of that, as it was always our intention to be a ‘destination’ outlet, where people could happily spend an hour or two. There are people we affectionately call ‘finger pointers’, who excitedly point out all the things they love!

Suzie: It wasn’t always the dazzling array of lighting you see today. I went into this project with no retail background and we literally had to build all the displays and partitions from scratch. We started with merely a handful of ceiling lights, whereas now there are over 60. We have filled every nook and cranny with lights from Tiffany lamps to crystal chandeliers, as well as art, glassware, antique furniture, clocks and unique gifts, so it’s become more of an emporium than a lighting shop. Our strategy has always been to buy things we like and hope that others like them too!

Andy: People assume I was the driving force behind the business, as I had previously managed a smaller lighting shop in the town centre. The experience and knowledge I brought was important, but the vision for the shop was all Suzie’s. She had always liked the idea of running a shop and we have great memories of sharing ideas and mapping out our plans. The idea of stocking high price items to create a visually stunning display was something I was hesitant about, but Suzie was adamant and has been proven right.

Suzie: We have sold lights over £10,000 and some complete house fits have surpassed £50,000, as we’ve been fortunate to be an authorised outlet for leading brands, including Swarovski. Those more expensive items don’t always sell, but they generate huge interest in the shop and inspire ideas. Customers see something they love and have a vision for what they can do in their own home, within their own budget. The shop has always been about encouraging people to explore and discover.

Andy: The shop draws people in. Even at night, passers-by see this striking display, although the effect is largely created by bouncing a few lights off the glittering chandeliers. Every day, someone quips, ‘Your electricity bill must be through the roof!’ Actually, advancements in LED technology have been so great that we run on 94% less power than we once did. Over the years, we’ve seen the evolution from incandescent to fluorescent to LED bulbs.

Suzie: For a time, we also ran a consultancy service, visiting customers’ homes and choosing the right lights for their house and lifestyle. We enjoyed doing this and met many lovely people, but it could also cause frustration. We would invest time into visiting homes, discussing ideas and sourcing products, but some people would then find the products we’d suggested at a cheaper price online. Sometimes, they did this on their phones, right in front of us! They couldn’t understand that we needed to recoup costs for our time and expertise! Fortunately, there has been a shift in recent years and people generally have more appreciation of good service.

Andy: We opened during a recession and grew through positive word-of-mouth, as we’ve always loved helping people. We have never pushed a sale and our staff have been trained with that ethos. We take great pride in helping customers and will even downsell sometimes. People come in looking for a new lamp, when all they really need is the right bulb for night reading, which might only cost a couple of pounds. We look after people, whether they’re buying a bulb or fitting out their entire home.

Suzie: We’ve had our fair share of drama over the years. One poor customer fell into the Tiffany lamps, and one time a very expensive bespoke chandelier was made with the wrong colour crystals! There was also one ‘Only Fools and Horses’ moment where a chandelier plummeted from the ceiling during installation! But it’s been an overwhelmingly positive experience on the whole. However, all good things come to an end and we want to leave on a high.

Andy: Why are we closing? When we started out, we took on a 15 year lease with a five year break clause. Running the shop successfully for 15 years was the best case scenario and we’ve achieved that.

Tiffany lamps at Sussex Lighting (©AAH/Toby Phillips)

Andy, Suzie and the team celebrate the shop’s opening

The shop sells beautiful chandeliers (©AAH/Toby Phillips)

Sussex Lighting is renowned for its unique gifts (©AAH/Toby Phillips)

Suzie: The business isn’t closing because it’s struggling. I am approaching a big birthday and it’s time to focus on new challenges. I have grandchildren that I’d like to see more of, and also want to devote more time to gardening, caring for animals and art. Drawing and painting was a childhood passion and I hope to do more creative projects in retirement. There is a sense of us wanting to go out on top too and we’ve been refreshing the shop with many new items. It’s looking better than ever before!

Andy: I will carry on with Sussex Lighting Repairs. I’ve been repairing and rewiring for even longer than Sussex Lighting has been going, and have a workshop at home. It’s my happy place! I have a colleague who is an expert restorer too, so we can cover most projects between us.

Suzie: It’s going to be a sad day when we close. However, we’re proud of what we’ve achieved and that we contributed to the town where we were born and bred. We will always have a legacy at Wakefield Jewellers on West Street too. During their extensive refurbishment, Wakefield’s used local contractors and suppliers and we were fortunate to be chosen to install the lighting. The shop looks incredible and it’s a great feeling for us to step inside, knowing we played a part in the project.

Andy: Another key to our success has been our staff, especially Tash Morley and Dan Bird, who have been here for 10 and seven years respectively. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the Horsham community too and of course our customers, many of whom have become

friends. We’ve loved it and will miss it hugely, but now it is time for us to embark on the next chapter of our lives.

WORDS: BEN MORRIS

PHOTOS: ALAN WRIGHT/TOBY PHILLIPS/ SUSSEX LIGHTING

Further information

Sussex Lighting will be holding a sale from 9 January (see advert opposite) and is scheduled to close on 31 March 2023. West Point, Springfield Road, Horsham, RH12 2PD

Tel: (01403) 241933 sussexlighting.co.uk

Abstract lighting inspires ideas (©AAH/Toby Phillips)

Ceramics, glassware and gifts (©AAH/Toby Phillips)

FEEL AT HOME

REBRAND FOR FAST GROWING HORSHAM ESTATE AGENTS

At Home Estate Agency enjoyed a remarkable 2022, opening new branches in the Carfax and Storrington whilst undertaking a rebrand. AAH met Founder Paul Davies and Managing Director Nicky Austin as the ambitious firm looks to build on its early success….

When was the business founded?

Paul: We launched as @Home in September 2015. Initially, I ran the entire operation from my house in Southwater. We grew steadily and after recruiting Kate Goodall, who still works with us, moved to a new office at Beeson House in Lintot Square. We gained a foothold by focusing predominantly on Southwater and working closely with the community, so it wasn’t long before we were able to move into our own place in Lintot Square.

You then opened a branch in Horsham too…

Paul: We wanted to offer the same service in Horsham, but didn’t want to position ourselves amongst the array of established agents in the town centre. We were still a young company and it didn’t suit who we were. So, we opened a branch on Merryfield Drive, in the same shop unit where I had my first newspaper round as a schoolboy!

You’ve since spread further afield… Paul: This year, we opened a third branch in Church Street, Storrington, at the former site of Clarke & Charlesworth. Our Southwater branch is now used for our sister business, About Mortgages, although it’s also a convenient location to meet clients from the village. As we’ve expanded, our staffing team has grown and we now have 15 employees. We have received many awards too and a couple of years ago were recognised as the best agency in Sussex, Surrey and Kent by The Best Estate Agent Guide.

You have now moved into the town centre… Paul: We had outgrown the Merryfield Drive premises, so we opened a bigger branch in the Carfax in July 2022. Now we’re more established, we felt it was important to have a presence in town. This coincided with a rebrand, including a new name and ethos that reflects who we are.

Why re-name the business?

Paul: We were initially called @Home as the concept was to be a hybrid of a traditional agency that focused on good customer service, with an online agency that adopted a modern approach to marketing. The @ symbol

and lime green logo suited us when we were a young business bursting on to the scene, but we’ve evolved and needed something that reflected who we are now.

Did people assume you were an online agency?

Paul: That was an issue with the @ logo. One prospective seller called us thinking we were an online agency, yet we could see his bungalow from our Horsham office! Around the time we were founded, there was a surge in online agencies and they rapidly took a significant slice of the market. Most people expected them to become more dominant, but that hasn’t happened. It’s one thing being cheap, but buyers and sellers don’t want cheap marketing and a poor service when they’re making the biggest transaction of their lives. Those who have opted for internet agencies are often frustrated, with no-one to assist with viewings, calls going unanswered and a lack of knowledge of the local market.

The old ways are still the best then?

Nicky: Marketing online is important, of course, but not to the detriment of good service. We build strong relationships with clients, and they become almost like family for a while. Moving house can be a bumpy ride,

At Home’s Horsham team

especially in the current climate with interest rate fluctuations and rising bills adding to the usual stress. It is emotional enough, without working with a faceless agency that is slow to respond to queries. It’s best to have somebody in your corner who understands the process and can guide you every step of the way.

Tell us about your new branding…

Nicky: We have changed the name to At Home, with new colours and a modern ethos all complemented by a redesigned website. We have worked in partnership with Fiona Hamilton at Rococo, which specialises in sustainable branding. Fiona understood exactly what we were looking for and has created branding that modestly reflects our evolution and growth, while highlighting our commitment to sustainability.

What are the sustainable elements?

Nicky: When we were fitting out the Carfax branch, suppliers were selected for their use of 100% renewable energy, recyclable materials and low impact credentials. We’ve fitted natural carpets, recycled seating, compostable dividing walls, TerraCycle bins and compostable covers for property brochures. The shift towards sustainable practices builds on the support we already provide through our Community Chest scheme and Positivity Projects.

You’ve also established core values…

Nicky: We are using the definition of three ancient symbols as our guiding principles to inspire, motivate and encourage us in everything we do. Othala is about home and heritage, as we are warm, friendly and approachable. Ingwaz represents new starts, like the joy of moving into a new home. Our

third core value is manaz, symbolising the support we give to our customers throughout their journey.

What are your hopes for the future?

Paul: The most important thing is for us to continue what we’re doing, helping people to find the home of their dreams and make every stage of the process as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, by being honest, informative and efficient. We have plans to grow, but we’re proud of what we have achieved already and our goal really is to carry on offering the same great customer service we’ve built our reputation on.

Further information: Visit the new Horsham office at 35 Carfax, Horsham, RH12 1EE athomeestates.co.uk

Paul Davies, Founder of At Home Estate Agents

WINE & D

REVIEW: BEN WILKINSON AT THE PASS, SOUTH LODGE HOTEL

It’s bitterly cold as we take the short walk from the car park to the front door of South Lodge Hotel. My wife is clinging to my arm in that anxious way people do when they’re unaccustomed to visiting five-star hotels. Or maybe it’s because it’s bloody freezing.

This is a treat for us. This is only the third time I’ve dined at The Pass, the Lower Beeding hotel’s fine-dining restaurant, and my first visit in six years. On each occasion, I’ve been invited as a member of the press, to coincide with the arrival of a new menu or chef. Last time, there was even a couple of ‘influencers’. I recall that they drank a lot, taking advantage of their brief window of opportunity, before the world tires of gorgeous people pouting in amazing places.

I push the front door. It’s not as heavy and cumbersome as it looks and, as cold air bursts inside, I recall having done the exact same thing on my last visit. We’re greeted in the marble-floored foyer by Monika Zurawska, who leads the front of house team. Her informal approach helps put us at ease. Perhaps she can sense our mild trepidation. Not that she’d need to be a mind-reader to do so. Before we’ve even sat down, I’ve apologised (needlessly) for having an old coat and told her how rare it is that we have the chance to go out as a couple. What with having two children and a dog at home… ‘Drink?’ she asks.

‘Yes please!’

We settle into our seats. The Pass has always offered an intimate, immersive ‘chef’s table’ experience, with the 28-seat restaurant offering diners a view of the team at work behind the glass. The kitchen is also used by chefs at The Camellia, the ‘house’ restaurant. We catch our first glimpse of new head chef and Monika’s partner, Ben Wilkinson. It’s his recent arrival that prompted an invitation to AAH.

‘They’re very calm!’ notes my wife, as a chef meticulously places decorative floral petals on a dish. I point out that we’re only the second guests to arrive, so they’re hardly overstretched. However, the kitchen remains a picture of serenity all evening. Lewis Hamlet, Executive Chef at South Lodge, strolls over for an informal chat. He tells me

that there’s genuine excitement about Ben and Monika’s arrival and that the team is tighter than it’s been in a long time. In recent years, The Pass has hosted a string of chef residencies, but now there’s a more settled atmosphere, promoting a culture of consistency conducive to creative cuisine. He didn’t use those words, exactly…

We watch Ben as he prepares food only yards away. His ears may be burning as I offer my wife a brief overview of his culinary experience, focusing on how he transformed the fortunes of the Cottage in the Woods in the Lake District, before accepting the challenge offered at South Lodge. I present his CV as though I have a passing knowledge of every chef in the country, but my wife isn’t

fooled.

‘Did they send a press release over beforehand?’

‘Yeah!’ I admit, a touch deflated.

I interviewed Ben later, after we had finished our meal, and he described how he first met Monika. She was on a placement year at a restaurant in the Lake District, while studying for a degree in hotel management in Poland. That was 16 years ago and they’ve been together ever since, most recently at Cottage in the Woods, a Michelin star restaurant in the forests above Keswick.

‘It was the most beautiful location, but that was both a blessing and a curse,’ says Ben. ‘People make a special trip to visit, but because of its isolated location, we were limited

Strawberry Fields Tea Rooms

Enjoy cakes, sandwiches and Ploughman’s from our Strawberry Fields Tea Rooms, with outdoor seating available. Menu includes baps, sandwiches, toasties and cake, with full English Breakfast from 10am-12pm

Ben Wilkinson at The Pass (©Exclusive Hotels)

in terms of what was possible in terms of the menu. But we had a great time, with Monika running front of house while I led the kitchen. Within a few months, we had three Michelin inspections and after only eight months were awarded our first Michelin star. I had learned from past experiences not to be overly elaborate with food. I simplified the parts and didn’t try to be too clever. I just focused on sourcing good ingredients and cooking them nicely, and it worked.’

‘We thought it would be a quiet life in the hills, but it went crazy! From the day we received the star in November 2019, there was 100% occupancy in the restaurant. There was a waiting list to get on the waiting list! I had further ambitions and wanted to push on, but

the owners were at a different stage in their careers, so I decided to look for something else and we parted on good terms.’

‘I was invited to come down to South Lodge and cooked for Dan Wait (Operations Manager) and David Connell (Managing Director). We had shared goals, so we decided to go for it. Monika and I come as a team and we’re excited about the challenge. Although it’s a more formal dining experience than what we’ve been used to, I like elegance and enjoy creating clean dishes. I’ve also been given a little more freedom in terms of sourcing the best produce, so I’m confident we can create an exciting menu here.’

Oh yes, the menu! Back to the review... ‘Do we all eat the same thing?’ asks my wife, glancing at the blank flip side of the eightcourse Taste Menu.

‘Of course!’ I reply, like a seasoned critic, although I subtly cast an eye around the other tables to check nobody else is ordering off the á la carte.

After a sublime selection of amuse-bouche, our Taste Menu experience officially begins with Chalk Stream Trout, with oyster, cucumber and roe. We both had an idea of what it might look like, as we enjoy a fair share of trout at home. An uncle of ours likes fly fishing and occasionally drops by with his catch. But what we were presented with at The Pass surpassed any of our own visions: an

Ben, Monika and the team at The Pass (©Exclusive Hotels)The Pass offers an immersive dining experience (©Exclusive Hotels)

immaculately presented kaleidoscope of choreographed colours in a small, tart. Yes, kaleidoscope is a bit of a cliché. But that’s what it was.

‘Don’t eat it!’ said my wife, as I was just about to take a bite. ‘I need to take a photo!’ Turns out a colleague at the school she teaches at likes to sample the best restaurants in the area. The Taste Menu costs £120 and the wine flight is another £85, so I suppose this colleague wants an honest opinion (and pictures!) before committing to a costly night out. When I was finally allowed to eat it, I was delighted to find the dish every bit as wonderful as it looked.

Next comes Ajo Blanco, comprising prawn, grape and almond, perched centrally within a delicious soup. Momentarily forgetting the person sat opposite has known me since I was 18, I pretend to know all about this traditional Spanish dish, which – I point out – is often served with grapes or melon. ‘Did you Google that before we came?’ asks my wife.

I abandon plans to impress her further still with other facts I had read hours earlier and will have soon forgotten, like that turbot can grow up to a metre in length.

If you’re sensing a relaxed tone to the evening, you’d be right. Whatever perceptions we may initially have had about visiting The Pass vanished quickly. There’s no pretension, and even selecting wine to match the dishes (we didn’t opt for the wine flight, but my wife sampled a few of the specially-curated wines) is a pressure-free experience in Monika’s hands. Later, the chef put this into some context. ‘Sometimes I look around the room and see several tables of people laughing, with Monika in the midst of it,’ says Ben. ‘People are having a good time and that is important. Leading the front of house and creating a good atmosphere is an undervalued skill. We want to serve great food and also have an environment to

Chalk Stream Trout (©Exclusive Hotels)

Ajo Blanco (©Exclusive Hotels)

(©Exclusive Hotels)

match. That’s why the chefs go out and talk to customers. Guests enjoy the interaction and ask lots of interesting questions about ingredients and techniques.’

Unfortunately, interesting questions escape me as the chef serves our third dish, Celeriac, featuring a rich, savoury beef cheek at its heart with fillet and black winter truffle, providing a delicate finish to this warm, wintery dish.

Heralding the business end of the menu, we were served next with Day Boat Turbot, accompanied by sea leeks, winter chanterelle mushrooms and complemented by the refreshing zing of a sauce made with sparkling wine from the Ridgeview vineyard. This was soaked up by a side of treacle bread, served with peppercorn and salted butter.

The fish was swiftly followed by a tender, earthy Fallow Venison. The rich, dark tones of the meat, beetroot, kale and red wine contrasted strikingly on the plate. Perhaps more than any other dish, the turbot and venison demonstrate how Ben’s menu marries ingredients from tried and trusted sources with new suppliers based in Sussex.

He said: ‘There is a journey for us, in terms of discovering local producers. I have friends who have put me in touch with good suppliers, and South Lodge has well-established partnerships too. Other ingredients are from suppliers I worked with in the Lake District. I know a brilliant wild mushroom forager, while I bring in truffles from Wiltshire, as they’re superb. The venison from the South Downs is beautiful, although it has subtle differences to the red deer I cooked with in the lakes, and we’re now working with a fantastic supplier who can deliver high quality, fresh fish from the day boats.’

The menu takes a slight sojourn with Three Sheep Cheeses (this can be taken after desserts if you prefer), before the meal ends with two lovely desserts, in the form of Lemon Thyme (yoghurt, lemon and olive oil) and finally Hazelnut (coffee, maple, chocolate, pear). We disagree as to which is better, but between them, they round off a perfectly balanced meal. So perfect, we had to take our petit fours home in a box.

With my wife having enjoyed wines from New Zealand, South Africa and France with all the glass swirling and sniffing of a connoisseur, she had merrily taken on the role of assistant food critic.

‘It’s all beautiful…’ she says. There’s a ‘but’ coming. ‘But…’ Told you! ‘Where’s the story?’

This is my fault. Earlier, I said that for a restaurant to earn a Michelin star, it needs to tell a ‘story’ through its menu. To take customers on a ‘journey’. I’d whispered it, partly because talking about the star is a little uncouth in a restaurant that doesn’t have one, but mostly because I was talking nonsense.

‘The story is important,’ I sigh, as I set about contradicting my previous statement, ‘but it’s mainly about the cooking. However, judges do like to see the personality of the chef expressed through their cuisine.’

I suspect the question of the star popped up at other tables too. And presumably it’s a honour that The Pass would be keen to have again.

Pennyhill Park and Manor House, both part of the Exclusive Hotels stable, already boast a Michelin star and perhaps that only fuels South Lodge’s

Ben Wilkinson’s dishes at The Pass (©Exclusive Hotels)

desire to join them. And of course, being in a hotel that has two other good eateries (The Camellia and Botanica, the Mediterraneanthemed restaurant at the spa), The Pass needs to offer something extra special to entice people. It’s a question I put to Ben…

‘I wouldn't say there’s pressure to obtain a star,’ he says. ‘It’s something I want to achieve again, but I feel as though I’ve continued to cook at that level anyway (since leaving the Cottage in the Woods). I suppose from the hotel’s point of view, that’s why they approached us and why we’re here. There is a certain standard they’re looking for and, hopefully, they believe we can achieve it. But first and foremost, we want people to see there’s a good restaurant here and

for people to talk about the experience positively. If we’re busy, that will give us the momentum to push on to the next level.’

It seems a pity to end with talk of the star, as if the success of a restaurant hinges solely on an accolade from a French tyre company. So, I won’t. Instead, I’ll refer to a conversation I had a day or two before our visit. A friend asked if I was excited about going to The Pass, to which I replied that I wasn’t, particularly.

‘Truth is, it’s not really my thing!’ I replied. And it isn’t. Not normally. I’m more of a chicken and leek pie guy. A fried eggs and ham man. I’m not someone who’s entirely convinced by the need for a water sommelier.

But as it turned out, this was my thing. Every dish got us talking excitedly, in a way only great food can. The tenderness of the venison, the lightness of the turbot, the almost obsessive colour co-ordination of the trout tart, the head-spinning zest of the yoghurt; they all contributed to a memorable evening.

WORDS: BEN MORRIS

PHOTOS: EXCLUSIVE HOTELS

Further information: The Pass is open Wednesday – Sunday, 6.30pm (last seating 8.15pm). thepassrestaurant.co.uk

Ben oversees food preparation at The Pass (©Exclusive Hotels)Lemon Thyme (©Exclusive Hotels)

Where is Heather Playgroup?

We’re located on Erica Way, off Heath Way, which is where our name derives from. The playgroup is next door to North Heath Community Primary School.

How is Heather Playgroup run?

We are a charity and our trustees are parents of children who attend or have attended the playgroup. I’m only the second Manager here since its foundation in 1978, and am supported by a Chair, Treasurer and Secretary. We work closely with parents who provide us with direction and guidance based on their needs and those of their children. Society is constantly evolving and we adapt to the times.

What big changes have you seen?

Over the years, we’ve expanded our provision from mornings only to offer all day sessions. The family dynamic has changed too and we see more dads and grandparents now. We often see both a child’s parents, which has been a positive impact of Covid, with more of us working from home. We have recently started welcoming two year olds, after parents identified a need. This is especially important for children who receive two year old funding. Getting them into a setting early on can have a big impact on their learning and development.

What is the Heather’s ethos?

We provide a safe, happy, anti-discriminatory and stimulating environment so children can enjoy learning. What makes us different is our fantastic staff retention, meaning we have a vastly experienced and dedicated team, which feels like a family. We also work closely with parents to learn about the unique traits of every child. That helps them all to settle in and reach their full potential.

What do children most enjoy?

We are passionate about outdoor learning. In the summer, we grow potatoes, tomatoes, strawberries, carrots and other vegetables, and the children water them, nurture them and finally eat the food. We also have a mud kitchen and a sandpit, while inside there are construction materials and crafts to spark their imagination. Children will learn when they’re happy, engaged and given the chance to discover. We are fortunate in that we’re not a ‘pack-away’ playgroup, so if a child is halfway through an activity, they can return to it the following day. It is important that children are given opportunities to lead their own learning. Our role is to support and extend their ideas.

Is there a place for technology?

We use tablets to complement education through play. Yesterday, a child asked what a ‘runway’ was, and we watched videos of planes taking off and landing. It would have been difficult to describe that without a visual reference. Afterwards, we made our own

runway with wallpaper, then laid out chairs like a plane’s cabin as we jetted off to Qatar to watch the World Cup.

Do you provide for children with Special Educational Needs?

An increasing number of children have SENs, so we work with other professionals and specialists, including speech and language therapists. Children sometimes need extra support within the setting, so an Individual Plan can be created, in partnership with parents and carers. We also have an outdoor cabin, offering a quiet space for one-on-one sessions to aid communication and language skills. During Covid, some children missed out on social interactions. By providing a nurturing environment with consistent staffing, we can support them to make the best progress.

Does it help being next door to a school?

It makes the transition easier, as it’s a big step up for children. We also organise special play dates with the Reception class, so they can familiarise themselves with the school, and in summer we run a ‘Friday Club’ for children about to move on. We focus on independence, resilience and confidence. They can try on uniforms, take part in team games and learn to support each other. Children practise important life skills such as managing their personal hygiene and organising their possessions as well as establishing a reading routine by taking books home. They all feel a bit more grown-up when they start Friday Club!

Heather Playgroup, Erica way, Horsham, RH12 5XL

Tel: (01403) 262320

Email: heatherplaygroup@googlemail.com www.heatherplaygroup.co.uk

AAH meets Helen Wood, Manager at Heather Playgroup in Horsham...

Creating A Room You Can Be Proud Of

Creating a bespoke kitchen to complement your tastes and lifestyle

Using the latest design technology, we can create classic/modern styling and inspired design concepts to help you visualise your bespoke kitchen, before you see it take shape with our superior quality craftsmanship. Whether traditional, modern or contemporary, with the latest innovations you can enjoy family time together and prepare food in an exclusive, functional space that is guaranteed to impress.

Book your appointment

Secure an appointment with our design team and explore the possibilities.

BABY STEPS

BUMP, BIRTH AND BEYOND GROWS FROM ITS HORSHAM ROOTS

Bump, Birth and Beyond runs antenatal and postnatal courses to prepare people for childbirth. Established by Horsham midwife and mum-of-two Emma Savage, the sessions provide participants with information on various birthing options and scenarios, as well as the practical skills needed to care for their baby. AAH met founder Emma during a class in Horsham...

MIDWIFE

Emma has been a midwife for eight years, working in busy maternity wards at hospitals in London and Worthing before becoming a community midwife at Horsham Hospital. Although Horsham no longer has a maternity ward, community midwives offer support and assistance to women during pregnancy (antenatal care) and also after childbirth (postnatal). Emma said: ‘I loved being on the maternity ward, but it can be tough, as it involves long shifts at all hours of the day. With two children of my own, it’s nice to work closer to home, while still helping women and their families during one of the most exciting and special times of their lives.’

EXPECTATIONS

In 2018, Emma founded Birth, Bump and Beyond to pass on her experiences as a midwife. Midwifery often has a teaching element, due to the number of students hoping to enter the profession, so leading the course has felt like a natural progression for Emma. She said: ‘As a midwife, I noticed that many women attended a variety of antenatal courses, but would still go into labour with little understanding of what could happen in childbirth. Most antenatal courses are run by people trained in antenatal education, but who haven’t been a midwife and therefore cannot speak from experience. Courses can also be very time restrictive and basic in their content, so I decided to write a course which was a more honest reflection of what parents can expect.’

SCENARIOS

Bump, Birth and Beyond’s five-week antenatal course is held for two hours on consecutive Tuesday nights, with Horsham sessions held at Brighton Road Baptist Church. It is mostly (although not always) couples who participate, with many dads increasingly taking a hands-on role. Sessions include practical skills, as well as information on childbirth options.

Emma Savage, founder of Bump, Birth and Beyond (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Bump, Birth and Beyond (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Bump, Birth and Beyond (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Emma said: ’We demonstrate how to wash and bathe a baby, how to change a nappy, how to dress them, how to breast-feed and express milk. We also discuss possible eventualities, so couples are prepared for inductions and Caesareans. Things don’t always go exactly as planned with childbirth and the situation can change quickly. It can be scary if you don’t have prior knowledge of what can happen during labour, and as a birth trauma practitioner, it is important to include anything I can to help reduce the risk of trauma for new parents.’

POSITIVITY

NHS antenatal classes have not been held in-person since Covid, so there has been lots of demand for Emma’s courses. Since hosting the first course four years ago, Emma has adapted

its contents, based on participant feedback. She said: ‘We have teamed up with a local company to run a session on first aid for babies at the end of the course. We will also be launching a twoweek refresher course for those who are having their second child, which will include issues like sibling regression.’

‘We plan on introducing a hypnobirthing session too, retraining the mind to think positively about childbirth. It is often portrayed negatively in film and television, with waters bursting dramatically and blood spurting everywhere, which isn’t an accurate reflection of childbirth. Hypnobirthing is all about breathing control and thinking about birth more positively.’

Nappy changing at Bump, Birth and Beyond (©AAH/Alan Wright)

FRIENDSHIP

One important aspect of the course is the bonds it forms. A WhatsApp group is started with everyone on the course included, and participants often stay in contact after their shared experience, meeting up post-natally for play dates. Emma said: ‘What's great is that, over the years, some couples have come back to the course before having their second child, and there’s been an amalgamation of different groups too, creating wider friendship circles. This is important, as having a baby can be a lonely, frustrating time. Being able to message someone who understands what you’re going through at 3am when you have a crying baby in your arms can be a big help!’

PARTNERSHIPS

Since Covid, Emma’s business has grown rapidly, with 13 midwives now running the course at various locations outside Horsham. Emma said: ‘Every hospital operates slightly differently, so each midwife incorporates into their own course the things people need to know about their own local hospital. They all have different procedures and a midwife’s knowledge is useful.’

‘We are also developing links with local businesses and services in related professions, from yoga instructors and reflexologists to baby massage courses. At the end of each course, we hand participants a pack with information and discounts for some of these services, as we want to support other businesses too.’

WORDS: BEN MORRIS PHOTOS: ALAN WRIGHT

Further information: For details of future courses, visit bumpbirthandbeyond.net bumpbirthandbeyonduk

Emma demonstrates how to safely bathe a baby (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Emma Savage, Founder of Bump, Birth and Beyond (©AAH/Alan Wright)

REDUCE YOUR HOME ENERGY COSTS

Stormdry Masonry Protection Cream is a super hydrophobic waterproof coating designed to reduce energy costs, save money and protect homes.

About Eco Warm Walls

Eco Warm Walls is based in Horsham, West Sussex and Farnham, Surrey. Our directors have over 70 years of experience in the industry. We specialise in thermal insulation, helping households reduce their energy bills.

Our latest product

Eco Warm Walls is a professional, authorised installer of Stormdry Masonry Protection Cream. At a time when energy prices are soaring, Stormdry is a cost effective way of lowering the cost of your bill.

How homes lose heat

Bricks have natural insulation, but they are porous materials full of cavities that air or liquid can pass through. So, when it rains, water soaks into the masonry and there is a build-up of moisture. This draws much more heat from inside the house. Stormdry Masonry Protection Cream is a fully breathable product that has been shown to significantly prevent heat from escaping.

How it works

Stormdry is applied in one coat. It is sprayed on to the surface of brickwork and although it looks white initially, it is transparent within 30 minutes. Rather than just protecting the surface, it absorbs into the bricks (or other materials including sandstone and concrete) by up to 17mm while allowing the brick to breathe. This effectively creates an insulation barrier that reduces the amount of water absorption by up to 95% and making your home more energy efficient. The photos

This picture shows the difference of heat escaping from a treated and untreated property

here are examples of our own work and the difference our products make. Even if bricks are only 5% damp, their thermal resistance can be reduced by up to 50%. Stormdrywhich has been certified by the BBA - keeps the weather out and the warmth inside.

A visible difference…

You can visibly notice the difference when it rains, as you’ll see water beading on the brickwork, rather than being absorbed. The same effect is seen when you apply a water sealant to protect masonry, but whereas that acts as a surface repellent, Stormdry Masonry Protection Cream is absorbed deep into the brickwork to prevent heat from escaping. Our company also specialises in water repellent (we also apply façade coating) and both these methods can also help reduce energy bills.

This picture also shows the difference of a treated property (right side of house)

Peace of mind…

Stormdry exterior coating products benefit from a manufacturer’s performance guarantee of 20 years and our 10 year insurance backed guarantee. So call us on (01403) 886904 for your free quotation or find out more about our services online.

There’s a gap in the wooden split rail fence that runs along part of Water Lane as it winds through the tiny hamlet of Buncton, in the Parish of Wiston.

From this gap, a public footpath slopes down into a wooded hollow, crossing a stream before the pathway, largely concealed by crisp, frost-bitten leaves, rises between a row of trees. Only then does All Saints Church reveal itself. Surrounded by farmland in the shadow of the South Downs, this isolated church remains one of the District’s hidden gems.

Its construction is attributed to the Benedictine monks who once lived at Sele Priory in Upper Beeding, which has long since disappeared. One study of architecture in Sussex dated the nave and chancel arch to circa 1070, making All Saints Church nearly a thousand years old.

There have been alterations, of course. In the 13th century, the east wall was rebuilt, while decorative masonry arches were added prior to Reformation and some minor renovations were made in 1906. However, this

Harry Goring at All Saints Church, Buncton (©AAH/Alan Wright)

ancient church, much like the picturesque countryside around it, has remained largely unchanged for generations. Harry Goring grew up in the parish (his family run the Wiston Estate, perhaps best known for its award-winning vineyard) and attended All Saints Church as a schoolboy. Now, as an Authorised Lay Minister, he leads most of the Sunday services.

‘When I was young, the church was quite different,’ he recalls. ‘There was a pump organ, a small choir and even a Sunday School. But there have also been times when the congregation dwindled to a mere handful of people. They kept

the church alive, although for long periods services were only held once a month. It still meant the church was being used for prayer, ensuring its continued survival. While other churches have closed to be turned into bars, playgroups or whatever else, this charming little chapel is still rattling along!’

COMMUNITY SPIRIT

You might assume that we’re in the midst of one of those lean periods today, with the church drawing a single figure congregation. But you’d be wrong. Since October 2021, services have been held every

Why Market Needs Digital Technology

I’ve moved into 2023 full of optimism with eyes wide open to handle whatever the oncoming year will throw at us all!

True, mortgage interest rates are higher than this time last year and this seems to be the main national press headlines, because they are negative! But there are some really positive signs, a main one being that a number of mortgage rates have been reducing for some weeks and, as lenders commit to their new annual targets, I suspect will come down further over the coming weeks as they try to attract more business.

There will be a large spotlight on the gap left by the Help to Buy Scheme and House Builders will be under pressure to meet targets and demands on new build properties. A large amount of interest will be centred on how technology will evolve and help speed up the homebuying journey. Sadly, there has been little in the way of real digital progress over recent years. Some encouraging news recently emerged from the HM Land Registry with the launch of a new strategy to deliver a more efficient, fully digital property market via the delivery of automation to speed up the homebuying process.

Currently, 1 in 5 applications to HM Land Registry (more than 3,500 applications every day) require it to follow up with the applicant to resolve an issue in the application. This increases to around 2 in 3 for more complex applications. Under the new strategy, many more land registration processes will be automated to significantly improve service speeds and allow more focus on complex applications.

A lack of upfront information can cause up to 8% of property transactions to fall through, costing buyers as much as £2,700 per transaction. Therefore, Land Registry plans to digitise the information conveyancers need most and allow people to access information on ownership, location, mortgages, local land charges and more in real time.

Let’s hope that this strategy delivers on its digital promises as the quicker the overall process can be, the better for all parties involved and ultimately, it will be cheaper for the end consumer.

Beds & Mattresses

Profiling beds are designed to help those with severe or critical needs to stay as healthy and as comfortable in bed and get a good night's sleep. The electric profiling beds have high powered motors to help raise the head and / or legs with ease and are always supported. Suitable for use in domestic or residential care home environments. Call for more information.

SINGLE & DUAL MOTOR RISER RECLINER CHAIRS

From £699 (exc.VAT)

Atlas Mobility offers a full range of riser-recliners, high seat fireside armchairs and complementary sofas to assist all your comfort needs. Designed and crafted by skilled craftsmen using the very best materials to create upholstery that will stand the test of time.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is an appealing option for those looking for relief from pain and other symptoms without the mind-altering effects of certain pharmaceutical drugs or marijuana. Can relieve pain, could reduce anxiety/depression and benefit heart health.

ACCESS CBD® comes in three flavours and five strengths.

Starter (300mg) £5.99

Low (600mg) £9.99

Medium (1200mg) £16.99

Strong (2400mg) 29.99

X-Strong (4800mg) £49.99

ACCREDITED DEALER FOR ACORN STAIRLIFTS

Contact us for Prices

As an accredited dealer, for Acorn stairlifts we are your local personal point of contact in providing the best solution in meeting your stair lift needs. Call us first and arrange a FREE no obligation visit from an engineer to see what is best for you (new or reconditioned stairlifts are available).

Sunday and All Saints boasts a vibrant community. The pews can seat 60 comfortably (relatively, there’s no room for embroidered kneelers!) and that has more than sufficed for most of the church’s lengthy life. Yet it isn’t always enough now. More than 90 people attended the Easter service, which Harry said was ‘like a scene from a Richard Curtis movie!’ Late arrivals often find themselves having to stand in the aisle. The recent Census revealed that this is no longer a majority Christian country and that congregations are dwindling. It would seem the news has yet to reach Buncton!

The success of this little church reflects the popularity of Chanctonbury churches under the guidance of Rector James Di Castiglione. All Saints is one of three under Chanctonbury’s umbrella, along with the Parish church of St Peter & St Paul at Ashington and St Mary’s in Washington, both of which hold two Sunday services. With his own congregations at the Parish church thriving, it was James who first approached Harry with the idea of a weekly service at Buncton.

Harry said: ‘James asked if I would take on the leadership at All Saints. My first thought was that it was a calling from God and that I should do it. Then he added there were two non-negotiables involved in the deal! The first was that I give up my post as church warden, which I’d held for about 40 years. That was a relief in a sense, although I must confess that my colleague James Peill has always taken on the lion’s share of the work. The second condition was that services would be weekly, rather than monthly. Although I was unsure to begin with, I soon understood why he

wanted to do this. When a congregation meets every Sunday, it creates continuity and you build a community.’

‘As a child, I’d sit in the church with my sister, back when the place was dull and dreary. I find it remarkable that I’m still here all these years later, with my wife Pip, speaking to a room full of life.’

Katie Mason serves coffee and biscuits (©AAH/Alan Wright)There’s a strong community at Buncton (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Nicky Lee at All Saints Church, Buncton (©AAH/Alan Wright)

MOMENTS OF PEACE

The churches in the Chanctonbury group have a shared ethos and their services follow a similar theme (they recently began exploring the Gospel of Luke, which is set to last 18 months). However, they have their own way of presenting the Christian message. Ashington, which has a larger congregation, attracts many families and offers a host of youth activities. Services reflect that energy, with James known for his vibrant services featuring music, dancing and even a little flag waving. While there is music, with songs performed by Andy Piercy on acoustic guitar, Buncton has a more traditional approach.

This suits Toby and Katie Mason, who are regulars in the congregation, with Toby often giving a reading during services. Toby said: ‘What we like about the Parish is that each of the churches has individual characteristics and it’s good to have a broad spectrum.’

At Buncton, there’s music and lots of chatting at the beginning and end of each service, but we also have moments of peace. When we read the Bible, we speak slowly and concisely, so that the congregation can follow every word. There’s less preaching, and we give people the space to work out for themselves what relevance the words have for them personally. One of the reasons why we like using old texts is that the words echo through the stones and fabric of this ancient building. If you think about the words deeply enough, you’ll find they’re still relevant. We share the same joys and heartache as those who prayed here 500 years ago.’

ANCIENT SURVIVOR

As well as those moments of peace, the building itself has at its own allure, thanks to its idyllic setting under Chanctonbury Ring. Like many Downland churches, it is made predominantly of flint, with patches of stone rubble and masonry reflecting a millennium of repairs and alterations. A walk around the perimeter reveals interesting features, including the aforementioned blocked arches on the chancel wall, dating back to Norman times. The church has long since been stripped of anything materially valuable, but a 14th century piscina (a shallow basin for communion vessels) has survived. Most of the wall paintings in the nave have been lost, although some faded fragments remain, offering a suggestion of how glorious it must once have been. Fortunately, similar 12th century murals have survived at St Botolph’s Church in Hardham.

We are a family run business based in the heart of West Sussex just five miles from the busy town of Horsham. We are passionate about what we do & pride ourselves on customer care, attention to detail & the highest quality of craftsmanship.

We offer upholstery services for both modern & traditional furniture with ‘made to order’ solid beech frame furniture now available from our showroom. Our online gallery has some examples of our work, which covers three piece suites, antique chairs, dining chairs, headboards & much more.

We can give any piece of furniture a new lease of life using traditional methods and techniques. We have a wide range of fabrics to choose from & offer free fabric samples. So for your free no obligation consultation call us today.

All Saints is Grade I listed (©AAH/Alan Wright)

The church today is Grade I listed, a status granted to buildings of ‘exceptional interest.’ But as with any building with such history, it requires constant upkeep. Andrew White, Head of Operations at Chanctonbury Church, said: ‘Like most ancient churches, Buncton needs its roof repaired. Legend has it that the monks from the priory found hot springs on this site and took it as a sign from God to build a Chapel. That same moisture has caused drainage problems ever since!’

‘The roof is centuries old and sometimes after high winds or heavy rain, we need to patch up leaks. We do what we can, although what is really required is a full roof repair, with the Horsham Stone slabs restored and refitted, the roof relined and new guttering installed. There are ongoing conversations between the diocese, English Heritage and conservationists, but the work would cost about £200,000. We are exploring ways in which we can raise the money, but for the time being, we have to accept the odd tapping of rain on the chapel floor!’

ONE WORD

For many, that’s part of the charm. ‘We love walking through the woods and seeing the seasons change,’ says Katie. ‘There’s wild garlic in spring, then the crunch of fallen acorns and leaves in autumn and frost in the winter, when it can be quite chilly in the church. Fortunately, it soon warms up when we’re all inside!’

Nicky Lee, who leads the monthly Eucharist (Holy Communion), can understand the allure. Nicky and his wife, Cila, moved to the area in 2019, after he retired as a vicar in London. In the past two years, he has seen the church flourish. While he agrees the location holds a certain charm, he attributes its longevity to just one man. ‘In terms of what it is that draws people here, I have only one word: Jesus.’

‘Now, with a weekly service, we are building a strong community through worship. Everyone here is incredibly welcoming, with new faces

made to feel part of the church straight away. It’s clear that something special is happening, not just at Buncton but across the three Chanctonbury churches.’

WORDS: BEN MORRIS

PHOTOS: ALAN WRIGHT

Further information: For more information on services at Buncton, Ashington and Washington, and to watch a film of Chanctonbury Church’s 2033 vision, visit chanctonbury.org.uk

Harry Goring at All Saints Church (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Priest

Why wait any longer!

Over the last couple of years, we have all found it difficult to hear and communicate while wearing masks. Anyone with a hearing loss has found it even more of a struggle. Now that we are free of masks, many people are realising that their hearing is not as good as it was. Amazing new technology is now available to enhance hearing like never before. Come in and find out more about Arc AI.

Rechargeable bluetooth technology

Living in isolation can be bad for your health and wellbeing. For many people, poor hearing can lead to isolation and withdrawal. A growing body of evidence points to a connection between hearing health and overall health. People who treat their hearing loss not only hear better, but may lower their risk for serious health issues such as cognitive decline and dementia. Come in and find out about new rechargeable bluetooth hearing technology!

All hearing aids amplify sounds, but ours improve clarity

l Change volume, switch memories and much more with ease from your smartphone.

l Monitor your body and brain health and set daily goals.

l Answer phone calls with the touch of a button and stream conversations directly to your hearing aids.

l New “In-the-canal” hearing aids now available - rechargeable batteries, Bluetooth connectivity and best-ever sound quality. Easy to wear with masks.

Call and book a complimentary initial consultation

At the Horsham Hearing Centre we continue to offer a safe service in a safe environment. If you have struggled to hear over the last couple of years, why not book a priority appointment with one of our Audiologists and try some of the latest hearing aids?

Experience a new normal with better hearing. Interest-free credit available over 24 months. Hear now, pay later!

HOPPY DA

THE BEER MINE OFFERS CASK BEER IN THE HEART OF HORSHAM

Sam Clayton is a familiar face in Horsham, running not one but two pubs in the town centre. He has now opened The Beer Mine, offering beers from some of the best breweries around. Here, Sam talks about the craft beer boom and our changing drinking habits…

This isn’t your first brush with craft beer then?

No. I’ve been landlord at The Malt Shovel in Springfield Road, Horsham, for almost 10 years and in November 2021 also took on The Anchor Tap in East Street. Along with my partner Marie-Clare, we established a business called Ignorant Bliss to run the pubs. The Beer Mine now comes under the same umbrella.

Why open a beer shop?

I have long felt that Horsham needed a replacement for Beer Essentials on East Street, which was run by the late Gareth Jones. Beer Essentials is partly the inspiration for what we’re doing here, in that Gareth sold craft beer and real ales with a focus on local breweries. But we wanted to adapt the idea for the 21st century.

In what way?

Some elements of the shop are traditional. We sell cask beer in two pint, four pint and five litre containers, much like Beer Essentials used to. We also support local breweries like Hepworth’s, Kissingate and Firebird. However, there’s been a boom in craft beer brewing in the past decade, which has led to new breweries creating exciting beers that are enjoyed by younger people. We champion local brewers from the Horsham District and other parts of Sussex, but also great beers from other parts of the country. Our mantra is, ‘if it's good enough, we’ll stock it’.

Are all the beers from the UK?

We will soon be introducing a continental range with beers from Germany, Belgium, across Europe and even beyond. We don’t sell

Sam Clayton at The Beer Mine (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Gift boxes at The Beer Mine (©AAH/Alan Wright)

wines, as that market is catered for by our friends at The Horsham Cellar, but I have a fondness for tequila and American whiskey and hope to offer a small selection in future. We also sell some interesting prints by a local artist, Viking-style drinking vessels by Skoll Horns, and will soon offer a range of leather tankards by LeatherMark69.

Was it important to be in the town centre?

A lot of micro breweries have tap rooms now and this has created a new kind of drinking experience. They are great places to sample beers by independent brewers and they offer beer at a low price. But not everyone can access them, as brewers are often based in rural locations. I wanted to bring them together, as I’ve formed good relationships with breweries through our pubs. It’s nice to be able to support them, as our pubs can’t sell everything they make, especially if they’re niche or flavoured beers. Hepworth’s ran a successful pop-up shop in East Street not long

ago, so we knew there was demand in town. We looked at taking on the same unit, but it was snapped up quickly. Fortunately, this shop in the Carfax became available and we could see its potential.

Bottled beers for sale (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Why should people buy cask beer?

These are hard times economically, yet the range of beers on the market is better than ever. Buying cask beer from us is cheaper than buying from pubs, as we don’t have the same overheads. It also allows people to enjoy a better quality beer at home than what they can buy at the supermarket. Drinkers have become more discerning too. When even a cheap pint is £5 at most pubs, why not pay an extra 50p and actually enjoy it? Young drinkers are now asking for pale ales and IPAs, so whereas you used to see Fosters and Carlsberg on tap, you’re now more likely to see Beavertown’s Neck Oil or Camden Town’s Pale Ale.

Will you alter beers in the shop?

With the cask beers, as soon as the beer is gone, another comes on and we list those that are coming soon on our chalk board. There are many beer enthusiasts in Horsham and some are members of Untappd, an App that anyone can sign up to and receive updates on what’s on offer at The Beer Mine and Anchor Tap.

How is The Anchor Tap doing?

We’ve been running that for just over a year. It was formerly run by Dark Star and then Pale Moon. It hadn’t re-opened after Covid, so with the Council’s approval, we negotiated a new lease. It was always a good pub, but we wanted to make it warmer and more universally appealing, as it tended to attract men of a certain age. Being amongst Horsham’s restaurant hub, it needed wider appeal, so we created a wine list after consulting Luke at The Horsham Cellar and have introduced spirits too. It’s going well as I have a great team around me, with Glenn ‘Goblin’ Foley managing The Beer Mine and of course, Marie-Clare too!

INTERVIEW: BEN MORRIS

PHOTOS: ALAN WRIGHT/TOBY PHILLIPS

information: thebeermine@ignorantbliss.uk The-Beer-Mine

Glenn Foley at The Beer Mine (©AAH/Alan Wright)

FINAL WORD

HOW PANTOMIME’S UNUSUAL TRADITIONS WERE SHAPED

A former General Manager of The Capitol once told me that it takes a year to find out if audiences enjoyed the pantomime.

‘You can write a great script and have a good cast, but if last year’s show was disappointing, it won’t sell,’ he said. Or words to that effect. In which case, things look good for next year’s Capitol panto, after the success of Cinderella

With the run having ended, a review seems immaterial. However, it does offer a chance to look at the history of this strange tradition and unearth the origins of its many quirks.

Panto is often referred to as ‘quintessentially English’ and it is, in its current form. However, most theatre historians trace its roots to Italy. In the 16th century, Commedia dell’arte was a kind of improvised outdoor theatre involving music, dance and slapstick, with performers usually wearing masks. Plots revolved around young lovers and comical servants known as zannies (the word ‘zany’ stems from this) and one of the earliest ‘zannies’ was an acrobat called Arlecchino, later known as Harlequin in French and English adaptations.

Commedia dell’arte was performed to Queen Elizabeth in 1575 and over the next century or so, elements were introduced or moulded into other theatre forms. The word ‘pantomime’ first appeared in England in 1717, but it wasn’t panto as we know it today. It was for a John Weaver production involving one dancer performing multiple roles. The word stuck though, and when Weaver produced another show featuring the character of Harlequin, people called it a ‘pantomime’.

Four years later, John Rich produced what is often cited as the first pantomime. Entitled The Magician, it too featured Harlequin. Rich’s productions were not only comedic, but also featured special effects. This year’s Capitol show featured an impressive carriage to transport Cinderella to the ball, with War Horse-style puppetry. Past special effects have included a walking, talking giant (Jack and the Beanstalk) and magic carpets (Aladdin). 200 years ago, audiences were similarly wooed by fire-breathing dragons.

One enduring tradition is the appearance of the panto dame. Cinderella’s Ugly Sisters were played with bombastic silliness by perennial Horsham favourites Dan Smith and Antony Reed. They provided some of the best lines, with even their names (Florence and Cortina) inspiring a joke about where they were conceived. The role of the cross-dressing dame was largely defined by Dan Leno, one of the great music hall stars of the 1880s. His comic songs and observations of workingclass life in London still shape the role today. It remains important for topical gags to hit the mark.

Women playing the principal boys’ part (Peter Pan, Dick Whittington, Robin Hood) has been commonplace since the mid-1800s. Initially, it gave men a rare chance to see a woman’s legs on stage, so long as she was playing a boy! Of course, there was no need for women in breeches this year, with Siobhan Athwal playing Cinderella. However, panto is always adapting and this year’s heroine went by the name ‘Ella’ and wore white trainers!

Another tradition is the celebrity guest star. This dates back to the late 19th century when the Theatre Royal on Drury Lane would hire well-known variety artists for pantomimes. In recent years, the likes of Sir Ian McKellen and Henry Winkler have starred in panto. Horsham has indulged in this tradition too, with the likes of Todd Carty (EastEnders) employed in lead roles. More recently, Horsham has opted for a smaller cast of talented rising stars. Although there may not be headline-grabbing names on the poster, the vocal performances have been exceptional and the shows are all the better for it. Cinderella was no different, with brilliant performances from Emma Lindars (Fairy Godmother), Alison Arnopp (Baroness Hardup), Niall Sheehy (Buttons) and Jonathan Carlton (Prince Charming).

There were energetic, well-choreographed dance routines from the cast, crossing generations with songs by the likes of Elton John and Beyonce. And there was plenty of naughty gags that grown-ups could enjoy, with James Camp (Dandini) getting nearest the knuckle with a remark about a disgraced member of the Royal family. The Ugly Sisters had fun too, and one quip about finding a Queen in Brighton took some explaining to my overly inquisitive seven-year-old niece!

That’s the other thing about panto today – it’s a family show. It wasn’t always the case, but for the show to go on, it must adapt. Panto is in constant evolution, with new slogans (‘It’s behind you!’) and characters (pantomime cow) introduced in the name of entertainment. And as long as we’ve still got a sense of humour, we’ll keep coming back.

Pictures from the Capitol Theatre’s joyous production of Cinderella (©Brinkhoff Moegenburg)

Estate and Lettings Agency