AAH March 2022 by AAH (All About Horsham)

/#4%*

AAH (ALL ABOUT HORSHAM) MARCH 2022 EDITOR: Ben Morris editor@aahorsham.co.uk (01903) 892899 AAH Magazine, 2 Viney Close, Ashington, RH20 3PT ADVERTISING: Ben Morris advertising@aahorsham.co.uk (01903) 892899

Villages: The Palmer family (BBH) the Murray family (Wickhurst Green) Nathan Williams (Mannings Heath); Lynsey Hare (Billingshurst), Nick Morris (Ashington), James Hobbs (Thakeham), Derek Bradnum (Nuthurst) The Morris family (West Chiltington)

Whistlestop Arts hosts Tours and Talks on towns and villages, with associated craft activities

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

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 family portraits, as well as corporate and commercial work.

PICK UP POINTS & STANDS Thousands of copies of AAH are also available in our stands at businesses, clubs and shops... Horsham: Living Room at 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)

9 News Round-Up Michelin stars retained by two local restaurants and the Floral Fringe Fair returns to Leonardslee

17 Community

Fashion Peter Christian is a Partridge Green business specialising in gentlemen’s clothing 4

33 Special Feature Ten years on from our last visit, we meet the Carthusian monks at St Hugh’s monastery, Parkminster

47 Music

COVER STORY The March 2022 cover features Annalees Lim and Luna Russell, co-founders of Whistestop Arts. We met them at Kaya Café, but spent the first half an hour talking about the monks at Parkminster, where we’d spent most of the day. We had planned to take a photo of Annalees and Luna in Horsham Park, which is the subject of a Whistlestop Virtual Day Trip. However, sunlight was fading and the park doesn’t look its best in February. Fortunately, we’d spent so long chatting about the lives of Cathusians that the café had closed and we were the last customers. The staff kindly let us stay a while longer for the photo shoot, with Alan using the beautiful, floral wallpaper as a backdrop. Other cover contenders include one of the monks walking the Grand Cloisters at Parkminster, and Ruaraidh Sutherland, Musical Director of the CH Choral Society. ABOUT AAH AAH is an independent monthly magazine, owned by editor Ben Morris, a life-long resident of the Horsham District. It is distributed to doors, as well as pick-up points around the Horsham District.

AAH ONLINE aahorsham.co.uk AAH is published online on the 1st of each month. Archive editions are online too, along with past features. DISTRIBUTION The magazine is delivered to about 13,000 homes in Horsham, Southwater and villages including Broadbridge Heath, Billingshurst and new estates at Highwood and Wickhurst Green. DOOR-TO-DOOR TEAM Horsham: Jacquie Paterson, the Judd family, the Rollingson family, the Voisey family, Katie Drysdale, the Garner family, Jill Shuker, the Arliss family, the Bloomfield family, Eve Lovett, Lara Green, the Gavira family, Harvey Dold, Alessandro Cavallo, Jack Nicholls, the McCormick family, Charlie Merchant, Harry Baker, the Walker family. Southwater: The Brown family, the Chapman family

Christ’s Hospital Choral Society rehearse in the School’s Chapel, preparing for a Jubilee concert

Ooh, that’s exciting...

From April 2022, in association with Self Select Distribution, we’ll be printing extra copies for the free pick-up points at Tesco Extra in Broadbridge Heath and Sainsbury’s in Horsham. We also have a stand in the Living Room at Swan Walk Shopping Centre (right) If you’d like to advertise your business in a publication that always promotes the best of the District, please contact Ben at editor@aahorsham.co.uk

Health At Kerwin Court in Slinfold, people who have suffered brain injuries are helped with their rehabilitation

BACK ISSUES We keep copies of past editions. They cost £3.50 each (includes postage). For enquiries email editor@aahorsham.co.uk LEAFLETS We can deliver leaflets with AAH at a cost of only £40 + VAT per 1,000. For details, email Ben at: editor@aahorsham.co.uk NOTES Jake Lovett moves on from his delivery round in Merryfield Drive, with the Walker family stepping in to take over. Best of luck, Jake! Nathan Williams is moving on from his delivery round in Mannings Heath. All the best for the future, Nathan. If anyone is interested in taking over this village round, please contact the editor. The AAH stand has now returned to Swan Walk Shopping Centre in Horsham. It can be found in the Living Room.

HIDDEN GEMS

Notes from the Editor: Exploring Horsham’s Best Kept Secret

Chris Wintermeyer at The Capitol (©AAH/Alan Wright 2021)

People often ask me for my opinion on Horsham’s best kept secret. Well, actually they don’t. I don’t think anybody’s ever said, “Hey, you run that mag, don’t you? It’s always bothered me, where’s the one place in Horsham that’s more beneficial or enjoyable than its popularity would currently suggest?” But for a moment, let’s pretend it happens all the time… Whenever I’m asked this question, a few obvious contenders spring to mind. The Knepp estate, where you can look out from tree-top viewing points at storks nesting high in the trees; Warnham Local Nature Reserve, where you can see herons wading on the fringes of Mill Pond; Sumners Ponds, where even a novice fisherman like me can catch carp and silver bream; RSPB Pulborough Brooks, where you can scope out peregrine falcons from Hanger View; Horsham’s Riverside Walk, where you can amble along The Causeway and within minutes feel a world away from town. But they’re not really secrets if you live in the District, which if you’re reading this, you probably do. Unless you’re a visitor who’s picked up AAH from the rail station on the way back to London, in which case, can I politely request you stop stuffing your discarded train tickets down the side of my stand? I have to stick my hand down there to clear them and I worry about spiders.

To suggest any of the above as Horsham’s best kept secret would be a legitimate yet predictable answer, wouldn’t it? Like picking The Godfather as your favourite film or inviting Albert Einstein, Nelson Mandela and the Dalai Lama to your imaginary dinner party. So, I’d sit down and ponder the question in more depth. “Hmm, Horsham’s best kept secret?” A few venues could be possible contenders. Ridge Hill Studios in Rusper, where Queen, Oasis and The Three Tenors recorded; St Mary’s House in Bramber, where HRH Prince Edward once filmed an episode of Crown and Country; The Blue Idol in Coolham, the historic Quaker meeting house; Huxley’s Bird of Prey Centre, where you can hold out an arm and flinch as a Harris hawk swoops towards you; Steyning’s Cobblestone Walk, where you can try out wonderful Himalayan Singing Bowls while your partner lets you know through a series of scowls that buying one will not be met with approval. Maybe even St Hugh’s Charterhouse in Cowfold, featured in this edition (p33). Then again, there’s a reason why that’s a secret, isn’t there? It’s for Carthusian monks who have given up all worldly possessions to live a life of solitude. It’s bad enough me going there to take pictures; labelling it “Horsham’s best kept secret” wouldn’t be something they’d thank me for!

I could suggest a few dining out spots, Restaurant Tristan in East Street and Interlude at Leonardslee being the obvious two. But others that do what they do brilliantly as well. Billy’s on the Road in Five Oaks, Joanna’s Boutique Tea Rooms in Storrington, Chequers at Rowhook, The Green Man in Partridge Green... Then again, there’s no secrets when it comes to food and drink in Horsham, is there? As I found out when I tried to grab a bite to eat on a Friday night without booking first! We were turned away from The Black Jug, China Brasserie and Monte Forte (it wasn’t even worth asking at Cote, Ask and Wagamama’s) before a wonderful waitress at Pizza Express went above and beyond to make space for us. Or I could suggest a regular night of entertainment, such as Horsham Arts Club, featuring jazz/funk/blues band W3. Regular readers will recall we featured trumpeter Chris Wintermeyer (who lives in Horsham) on our June 2021 cover, before HAC had even launched. It has gone on to be a great success and it’s normal to see the entire audience get up (“get on up!”) to dance, then hang around afterwards as W3 host a relaxed “jam” session in the bar. What started as a “hidden gem” has quickly evolved into a scramble for tickets. So maybe, there’s no such thing as a “best kept secret.” After all, if something’s worth shouting about, we tend not to keep it to ourselves, do we?

Horsham’s only co-educational independent school for ages 4 to 18

OPEN MORNING Saturday, 12th March 2022 10am-1pm Advance booking essential

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

9 Tristan Mason (Photo courtesy of Emma Wyatt/Restaurant Tristan)

Stan’s Way in 2008 and it has long been a favourite of diners for its rustic charm and creative dishes. restauranttristan.co.uk Restaurant Interlude was created within Leonardslee House, with South African

Jean Delport at the helm. The 21-course ‘Estate Experience’ menu takes inspiration from the surrounding gardens. Recently, the rooms above the restaurant were transformed into a hotel. restaurant-interlude.co.uk

Mel’s Milers (©AAH/Toby Phillips)

Restaurant Tristan in Horsham and Restaurant Interlude at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens in Lower Beeding have both retained a One Star rating in the 2022 Great Britain & Ireland Michelin Guide. Tristan Mason established his restaurant in

Mel’s Milers hold a 10k race on Sunday 3 April, at 10am. The scenic, multi-terrain course starts at Christ's Hospital and takes in the Downs Link and Southwater Country Park. This is the 18th year Mel’s Milers have organised the race, this year held in support of Over the Wall, a charity for the families of children who face serious health challenges. There are medals for finishers, with chip timing and prizes for leading male and female runners in age categories including U18 and over-40, 50, 60 and 70. UK Athletics rules apply. Entry £16 (£14 for affiliated runners/£10 U18s). melsmilers.co.uk

A new community centre has opened on the Needles Estate in Horsham. Blackbridge Community Centre in Three Acres has been created by refurbishing and integrating St Peter’s Hall and the Royal Air Force Association Club (RAFA). The Horsham District Council building has a large hall for community use and events and a smaller hall for meetings, with LED lighting, free Wi-Fi, fully-furnished kitchen, free parking and wheelchair access. horsham.gov.uk/community/rooms-forhire/blackbridge-community-centre

Parham Racecourse hosts Point-to-Point, an amateur version of National Hunt racing or the Steeplechase, on Saturday 23 April. The course, at Hurston Lane, a mile west of Storrington, has hosted racing for 65 years. The Countryside Arena displays start at 11am and include terrier racing, bale scurry, Jason Mayhew gundogs, falconry, the dog and duck show and a dog show. Pony racing starts at 12pm and the main racing at 2pm. parhamraces.com

Floral Fringe Fair 2019 (©Louise Adams)

Connor Selby and his five-piece band perform at Coolham Live Music Club at Coolham Village Hall on Saturday 19 March, at 7pm. The singer/songwriter has received rave reviews and won two UK Blues Awards in 2020. He also opened for The Who at Wembley Stadium. Support comes from duo David Migden and Joe Gibson. Bring your own refreshments. Tickets £20 from coolhamtickets@gmail.com

Olivia Shotton (©Helena Cooke)

Horsham Chamber Choir presents Music for Reflection, headlining with Fauré’s Requiem, at St John the Evangelist Church, Springfield Road, Horsham, RH12 2PJ, on 2 April, at 8pm. In her first full season, Royal Academy conductor Olivia Shotton is already expanding the choir’s repertoire. The concert includes music by Zoltán Kodaly and Lili Boulanger. Organ accompanist is Richard Gowers, violin soloist is Angus Bain. Reserve tickets for £15 (U18s £8) from information@horsham-chamberchoir.org.uk horsham-chamberchoir.org.uk

The Floral Fringe Fair returns to Leonardslee Gardens, Lower Beeding on 4 – 5 June, from 10am - 5pm. After two years away due to COVID, the event will coincide with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Expect artists and makers, vintage stalls, plants, food stalls, beer tent, a vintage pop-up cafe and all the ingredients for a picnic in the park. Dressing up in vintage or Steampunk theme is welcome, or just wear a nice hat. Owners of classic cars can use a special car park with reduced entry price.

Jubilation!

Dogs welcome on leads. Entry £10 (children £5/U4s free). Price excludes entry to Leonardslee gardens. floralfringefair.co.uk Leonardslee hosts Spring Sounds on 18 – 22 and 25 – 29 May. There will be 10 evenings of live music with an eclectic mix of jazz, swing, opera, classical and flamenco across five stages, with ticket holders able to enjoy five performances each night. Tickets £35 (children £15) from leonardsleegardens.co.uk

The Rude Mechanical Theatre Company perform Gods and Dogs at Dial Post Village Green on Thursday 28 July, 7.30pm. The Rudes perform their own brand of high tempo, physical theatre. This new comic dystopian allegory is set in 2084 on the fictitious island of Abatina, in a world where people are either glamorous celebrities or slobbering, dog-like followers gripped to their telepafones. The story follows Tina who enters Marriage Maker, a gameshow where you can marry a glamorous footballer and divorce him after the weekend. But things go wrong when they fall in love. Tickets £22 (Students £15, Children £10) from 01323 501260 or therudemechanicaltheatre.co.uk

Jeneba Kanneh-Mason

Petworth Festival will be held at Seaford College on 28 - 29 May. To celebrate the Royal Jubilee, Saturday’s programme includes A Royal Variety Performance featuring Joe Stilgoe, Jeneba KannehMason, Liane Carroll, The Dunlop Sisters and Judge the Poet. Sunday’s programme includes an audience with Royal biographer Robert Lacey (11.30am), a Big Picnic (1pm) and Vintage Tea-Dance with 78rpm (from 3pm). Stewart Collins, the Festival’s Artistic Director, said: “I’m convinced our combination of events will both help celebrate the remarkable phenomenon that is our Queen, and also ensure that people get back out and about and start enjoying themselves again in the company of some superb artists.” petworthfestival.org.uk

Horsham Symphony Orchestra (©Toby Phillips Photography 2017)

Horsham Symphony Orchestra performs its Spring Concert at the Capitol on Saturday 12 March, at 7.30pm. In their 50th anniversary season, HSO perform Stravinsky’s delightful Divertimento from the ballet The Fairy’s Kiss. Acclaimed local soloist Pavlos Carvalho joins the orchestra for a performance of Schumann’s lyrical Cello Concerto, with the concert closing with a roof-raising performance of Sibelius’s majestic Second Symphony. Conductor is Steve Dummer. Tickets £16 (Over-60s £14, U18s £5) from 01403 750220 or thecapitolhorsham.com

TOOVEY’S 11

Discovered by us on a routine valuations visit to a family home in West Sussex: a Japan Meiji 10-yen Year 3 pattern gold coin 1870, auctioned in our January sale of coins for £260,000 ~ a world record auction price for an example of this rare coin

Looking to sell your coin collection? Entries are invited for our next specialist sale of Coins & Banknotes on 12th April For free, no-obligation valuations, please call to arrange an appointment with our coin specialist Mark Stonard The leading antique and fine art auction house in West Sussex

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

Windlesham House has opened a swimming academy for pupils to receive elite training. Selected pupils will train up to six days a week with coaches from within the school and from Worthing Swim Club, in the school’s fivelane pool, opened by five-time Olympian Mark Foster in 2018. Through the academy, pupils will

(©AAH/Toby Phillips)

develop in line with Swim England’s Optimal Athlete Development Framework. They will also learn how to play water polo and take part in open water swimming in the sea. Windlesham also offers a swimming scholarship and scholars will be invited to join the Academy. windlesham.com

Mark Foster at the opening of Windlesham School’s pool (©AAH/Toby Phillips)

Horsham District Council is holding a public consultation into the existing markets in the town centre. There are a number of street markets operating on Thursdays and Saturdays and the Council is asking residents and visitors what they would like to see in future, including the potential for permanent indoor market space. https://bit.ly/HorshamMarket Survey

Toyfairs will be held in Ashington and Broadbridge Heath in the coming months. Buy, sell and swap toys old and new including Hornby trains, Dinky and Corgi die-casts and TV & film merchandise. Toyfairs are held at Broadbridge Heath Village Hall, Wickhurst Lane, RH12 3LY on Saturdays 23 April and 30 July, and Ashington Community Centre, RH20 3PG on Sundays 13 March, 17 April and 1 May.

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.

To find out more please contact: Gemma Spencer (Solicitor), or Sarah Kench (Solicitor), or Philip M Lansberry (Partner and Head of Legal) For all your business, tax and wealth needs Call: +44 (0)1403 253 282 Email: enquiries@krestonreeves.com Visit: www.krestonreeves.com We adhere to the Covid-19 guidance by socially distance at meetings, conduct matters over telephone, email or virtually.

We can help you with: •Will writing •Setting up a trust •Probate and estate administration •Arranging lasting power of attorney

Results from a food waste collection trial amongst residents have been analysed by Horsham District Council’s Recycling and Waste team. About 100 households took part in the trial, separating food waste and Absorbent Hygiene Products (e.g. nappies and incontinence waste). Participants were given free bins, including a lockable food waste recycling bin, and a handy kitchen caddy. Participants recycled 2,657kg of food waste in 12 weeks, each household collecting on average 3.05kg of food waste a week. Cllr Toni Bradnum, HDC’s Cabinet Member for Recycling and Waste, said: “No decision has been made on the future pattern of waste collections but this trial should pave the way to building upon our current great recycling record.” horsham.gov.uk/foodwaste Storrington friends Jack Evans and Sam Alford are trekking some of the tallest mountains in the UK to raise funds for local children’s hospice, Chestnut Tree House. The two 18-year-olds plan to climb Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England and Snowdon in 24hours, having previously ridden from John O’Groats to Land’s End in aid of Macmillan. They set off for their Three Peaks Challenge on Saturday 2 April. To support the pair, visit: justgiving.com/fundraising/jack-evansand-sam-alford

New information boards at Coolham Airfield

New information boards have been installed around Coolham Airfield, telling the stories of those who served and died there in the Second World War. Paper information sheets were placed around the perimeter in 2019 to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day, along with a memorial bench and information board, built by Shipley Men Shed. For those walking around the historic site, they provided details about the runways, as well as tragic incidents at the airfield. Now, 20 permanent signs are in place, thanks to efforts by the Horsham and Shipley Community Project, supported by Shipley Parish Council. It is hoped these new signs will keep the history of this special place alive. Coolham Airfield is also one of the Horsham Heritage Trails, available on the Horsham Museum website.

Awa A Awar Award-Win Award-Wi Award-W AwardAward Award-Winning Award-Winn Award-Winni Award-Winnin w Gourmet Gourme SSausa Gourm Gou Gour Go G Sausag aand Sausage Saus Sausages Sa Sau an QQu Qua Qual Quali Qualit M Quality Me Mea Meat Meats 13

Fantastic selection of meats and sausages available from the Horsham Local Produce Market every Saturday from 8am - 4pm. Here is a small selection of what we have to offer you: Rolled turkey breast with a bacon lattice * Ribs of Beef * Pigs In Blankets Sausage Wreaths * Sausage Meats * Gammon Joints Go to our website to see the full range available

10% OFF

Valid until 31 March 2022. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Redeemable from Horsham Market or as a pre-order collection (from Blatchford Close)

(01403) 262233 infobangersgalore@gmail.com Unit 10 Blatchford Close, Horsham, RH13 5RG @bangersgalore

Visit us online at www.bangersgalore.co.uk

©www.nick-helm.co.uk

Horsham resident Mel Swain has written The Medway and the Military, focusing on one of the longest rivers in the south east and the impact of the Royal Engineers on Medway towns. When did a football team from Chatham win the FA Cup? Why did a Medway castle store more gunpowder than the Tower of London? The answers can be found in the book, which costs £5.99 from Amazon.

Tony Turner’s book, Winners & Losers, focuses on the race to produce the world’s first modern airliner. Between the two World Wars, governments and early aviation pioneers turned their attention to commercial aircraft for the carriage of mail, goods and passengers. Tony’s book highlights how nations pursued the idea differently, with the USA eventually emerging as world leaders. The 190-page book isn’t available in shops. It can be purchased from Tony for £9 (plus £1 p&p) at tt.consultancy@sky.com

Nick Helm headlines Friday Night Comedy at The Rec Rooms, Horsham, on Friday 1 April, at 7pm. Nick is best known as the star of BBC comedy Uncle. Ivo Graham, Kate McGann and Donal Vaughan also perform, while Danny Ward comperes. Tickets £20 (tables of two, four or six available) from therecrooms.com

T9[

A&HFurnishingsLtd

Gina Hollands, an author with local links, has launched a new book, The Fall and Rise of Ronni Fairweather. It tells the story of Ronni, who thinks she has it all, until one day her life changes forever and she is forced to start again. Gina has written four other novels and several novellas. Published by Ruby Fiction, the book is available on Amazon in paperback or as an ebook. ginahollands.com Horsham author Andrew Ostrer’s new book, The Spanish Claimant, has been published by Pegasus. One of Andrew’s lifetime ambitions was to write a thriller, which he has done after attending WEA courses in Creative Writing and becoming a member of Lingfield Writing Group. For a synopsis of the book or to buy a copy, visit pegasuspublishers.com

E:>6 E@ 4=62? J@FC @G6?0 =6E FD 5@ E96 ;@3 J@F 92E6

@gV_d Ɠ 8cZ]]d Ɠ 6iecRTe`cd

7Z]eVcd 33Bd >ZTc`hRgVd

Ɠ Ɠ Ɠ

9`Sd CR_XVd 282d

$Q\RQH OLYLQJ LQ +RUVKDP , YH MXVW KDG PLQH GRQH E\ 6FRWW $OIODWW IDQWDVWLF MRE

4R]] DT`ee `c X` `_]Z_V W`c R WcVV bf`eV

!($&* #**("! `gV_T]VR_ T`^

WE ARE LIVE IN YOUR COMMUNITY

WITH ULTRAFAST FULL FIBRE BROADBAND Use code: ATLAST

300Mb/s Box Community 300

Box Community 100

100Mb/s

Box Community 1000

1Gb/s

Symmetrical*

internet usage, gaming, streaming and sharing

Our hyperfast Gigabit service is ideal for high-volume streaming and uploads. Great for working from home.

£24.95 per month

£34.95 per month

£59.95 per month

*Average speeds, achievable by 50% of users,

*Average speeds, achievable by 50% of users, are 900Mb

Symmetrical

transform your enjoyment of standard broadband services.

18 Month Contract

We mean business... Check out our business range and connect your company to Ultrafast Full Fibre broadband today. Say goodbye to keeping customers waiting and with our 4-hour support service included within both packages, you won’t be kept waiting either!

1Gb/s

10Gb/s

Box Pro

Box Enterprise

Symmetrical*

Symmetrical

With this package, you can access all your cloud-based services, use online conferencing, share documents, stream videos

This service includes an enterprise-grade rack-mounted

£129.95 per month

Available upon survey

Installation - £299.95

Get in touch today:

0330 113 0180 sales@boxbb.co.uk boxbroadband.co.uk

*Subject to demand variations

GO WHISTLE WHISTLESTOP ARTS TAKES PEOPLE ON A VIRTUAL TOUR

Annalees Lim and Luna Russell at Kaya Cafe in Horsham Park (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Whistlestop Arts is a Community Interest Company providing creative projects in the Horsham District. We meet founders Luna Russell and Annalees Lim as they prepare to launch the Mystery Trails…

COME TOGETHER The co-founders previously worked in similar fields, Luna in community arts development and Annalees in accessible arts projects. But it wasn’t until the Horsham District Year of Culture in 2019 that the two became firm friends. Annalees was involved in the Horsham District Street Pianos project, while Luna led Edge-to-Edge, a sewing initiative in rural towns and villages. As the Year of Culture ended, they met for a coffee to discuss ways of carrying on community work. “We weren’t sure exactly what we should do,” recalls Annalees. “One idea was to extend Luna’s bunting and sewing project, which had brought together the community. It had worked well in

villages like Partridge Green and Bramber and there was scope to extend it into Horsham and larger villages like Steyning and Pulborough. Then COVID hit and changed our direction.”

HAPPY TALK Before the pandemic, Annalees ran craft sessions at Brighton Road Baptist Church for the visually impaired. It was held twice monthly and was a highlight for those that attended. So when it was cancelled due to COVID, Annalees wondered how she could help them when they most needed it. The duo established Whistlestop Arts as a Community Interest Company (CIC) and applied for a Sussex Community Foundation grant to fund a series of Talks. In the talks, Luna and Annalees explored the local countryside and places of cultural interest, recording their thoughts and interviewing people with specialist knowledge. The edited pieces were made available as audio recordings on USB sticks, which could be

delivered directly to doors. Luna said: “We had realised by this time that we could talk to each other all day, so that wasn’t a problem! Our first Talk was at Horsham Museum, with former manager Jeremy Knight speaking about various aspects of the museum. This was followed by talks at Woods Mill Nature Reserve, Rudgwick Heritage Trail and Petworth Deer Park.” Annalees added: “Most of the people we were reaching were well used to USB sticks, as they received the talking newspaper in the same format. So, we could drive around and deliver the talks, along with materials for a craft activity.

MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THIS To accompany the museum talk, people could make a memory box with decoupage and fill it with their own photos and memories. The talks were also placed online, where people could download craft sheets too.

Craft activities at the Phoenix Stroke Club in Horsham

GIRLS ON FILM They expanded on this idea in a project called ‘Visit…’ commissioned and funded by Horsham District Council. In this series, Whistlestop Arts visited Horsham town as well as Henfield, Billingshurst, Steyning, Pulborough and Storrington. In collaboration with Silvertip Films and Horsham TV, they made six videos, which were available on their website and YouTube, as well as audio podcasts. As before, a craft activity accompanied each Visit, while a Visit ‘passport’ was available to 18

Luna and Annalees recording a voiceover

download so people could keep a record of where they’d been. Luna said: “We researched the heritage of each location, and always interviewed someone with local knowledge. The Visits included practical information like where to park, locations of public toilets, public transport services and disabled facilities. That helped people prepare their visit and gave them more confidence. During COVID, some towns implemented one-way systems on footpaths, which was difficult for people with visual impairments, so to have such information available beforehand made a difference.”

DAY TRIPPER By now, Luna and Annalees were starting to enjoy being in front of the camera! The success of the ‘Visit…’ series led to more funding for Virtual Day Trips, with the duo once again acting as tour guides. The Day Trips focus on places of interest in more depth, with the first one featuring Horsham Park. The team met people connected to the park including gardeners, volunteers who created the bee hotel, and members of the bowls club. Working with Age UK West

Luna Russell, co-founder of Whistlestop Arts (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Sussex Brighton and Hove, they also took the Horsham Park Day Trip to residents of Lavinia House and other local care homes, showing them the video and running associated craft activities to small, socially-distanced groups, finishing in the usual fashion – with tea and cake! Luna said: “We spoke to some wonderful people, including a writer in the park’s Poetry Corner who gave us a great reading of his father’s poem. Sally Sanderson, Chair of the Friends of Horsham Park, another project partner, was a great help too, while her husband led a tai chi and chi gong session virtually. Afterwards, people shared their memories of the park. Some hadn’t been there for many years and didn’t know about its new features, while some recalled meeting partners or husbands there.”

“We hope the Mystery Trails appeal to everyone, from couples out for a stroll to businesses looking for team building activities.” Luna Russell

THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE During organised visits to community groups such as Age UK or the Phoenix Stroke Club, craft activities have proved particularly popular. To accompany the Horsham Park tour, people can make their own bee hotel, using basic materials. The feel of the bamboo and the scent of lavender makes it a sensory experience, especially for those who haven’t been able to explore much during COVID.

Annalees said: “What we’d like is for more care homes and afternoon clubs to take advantage of the Virtual Day Trip. We have created resource packs including video, audio and the materials they need. It’s all there ready to download on our website, free of charge. They provide a fun, informative activity, and often inspire people to visit the places they’ve seen or heard about. The craft activities can be done very cheaply and anyone who wants to deliver a session can contact us and we’ll happily guide them.” 19

Wellcross Grange Nursing Home www.wellcrossgrangenursinghome.com

Family run home providing high quality nursing, residential and respite care for the elderly Accepting admissions on a risk assessed basis. Vaccine priority group

Wellcross Grange Nursing Home, Five Oaks Road, Horsham management@wellcrossgrangenursinghome.com * As at December 2020

SWEET LITTLE MYSTERY Whistlestop Arts’ next project will be Horsham District Mystery Trails, a commissioned by HDC. The initiative is supported by the Welcome Back Fund from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The Mystery Trails will be in the same six towns as ‘Visit…’, with Southwater added too, and will have an outdoor escape room twist. Local libraries will be the main hub for the trails, based around a fictional character called Answare. Annalees said: “Answare is President of the Curators’ Alliance and in each location, you’ll meet a different curator. Their nemesis is the Grey Shadow, which is creating misery and trying to steal the secret formula for ASHENPIPS. To throw the Grey Shadow off the scent, the curators have hidden clues for the Secret Seekers - the players of the game – to find. By following the clues, players discover what ASHENPIPS is. There’s a sticker at the end of each trail and once you’ve collected all seven, there’s a special eighth one. A secret code from each trail can also be unscrambled to reveal a password, which in turn can be used on the website to reveal the final chapter of the entire story.” 43 20

C’MON EVERYBODY

Annalees Lim, co-founder of Whistlestop Arts (©AAH/Alan Wright)

The Mystery Trails feature graphics and illustrations by Annalees, who has experience of designing children’s craft books, and launches on March 31 (whistlestoparts.org/mystery-trails). However, as Luna explains, it isn’t just for kids. “Annalees is a fantastic artist and has created something colourful and imaginative that children will love. But we hope the Mystery Trails appeal to everyone, from couples out for a stroll to businesses looking for team-building activities. They are challenging, as we wanted to create an escape room feel. We’ve taken the idea outside and made it more accessible and affordable. The Mystery Trails offer a real exploration of the District’s towns and villages, with opportunities to take a break at a local café for a slice of cake. What more could you ask for?”

WORDS: BEN MORRIS PHOTOS: ALAN WRIGHT Further information: whistlestoparts.org For a free set of resources for a Virtual Day Trip of Horsham Park, email: whistlestoparts@gmail.com whistlestoparts

RELAX | TRAIN | PLAY BOOK YOUR FREE VISIT TODAY! for your chance to try our impressive facilities

Modern & spacious gym • Wide range of classes across 3 studios • Outdoor functional fitness zone Modern lounge & bar • Fully staffed crèche • 18 hole golf course • 9 hole Academy course Swimming pool • Relaxing Retreat spa • Flood lit Driving range • Steam room & Spa pool

TO CLAIM YOUR FREE GUEST VISIT WORTH £15.00 SIMPLY REGISTER USING THE QR CODE

01403 792620 www.slinfoldclub.co.uk Stane Street, West Sussex RH13 0RE E X P E R I E N C E

T H E

C O U N T R Y

C L U B

L I F E S T Y L E

OPEN S G N I N R O M CH & R A M 2 AY 1 SATURD PRIL A 0 3 Y A SATURD

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

LORD TROUSERS,

OUTDOOR SEATING AVAILABLE

THE STYLE

KING Focus on Peter Christian

Renovated 16th Century Barn New House Farm Shop and Tea Room is located in a beautifully renovated 16th Century barn in a quiet spot on the rural outskirts of Horsham. People come from all over to enjoy our cafe and local produce.

Strawberry Fields Tea Rooms Based on the Star Road Industrial Estate in Partridge Green, Peter Christian is a growing brand in the world of online men’s fashion. Founded by Nicholas Alderton (known as Lord Trousers) and wife Miranda, the business is now making waves across the pond. AAH paid a visit… Nick, when did you start the business? We were previously involved in a menswear business with relatives, but disagreed on the company’s direction. So, in 2003 we decided to go it alone, with Miranda responsible for buying while I oversee the marketing operation. The Alderton family has a long association with gentlemen’s fashion… The family mythology is that Samuel Alderton walked from Suffolk to London and was offered a job at an East End tailors after unpicking his waistcoat and re-stitching it. He founded his own shop in 1860 and the Alderton’s name grew,

opening branches across the city. But one night during the blitz, all eight shops went up in smoke. At one point, there was also an Alderton’s opposite King Alfred’s in Brighton, as it was a naval station and officers could get their uniforms fitted there. Why didn’t you call your business Alderton’s? When we started out, we wanted to advertise in national newspapers, which involved putting up a large deposit that we couldn’t afford. Peter Christian was a family-run firm in Ormskirk, Liverpool. They were struggling to make it work but already had a national marketing campaign. At the time, it made financial sense for us to buy the business, which at the time focused on shoes. Having been as successful as we have, of course there’s some regret we didn’t revive the Alderton’s name, but it wasn’t viable at the time.

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

Locally Sourced Food & Drink Our locally sourced produce includes fruit & veg, fresh bread, local meats (including Bangers Galore), local beers and gins, wines from Bolney Wine Estate and Leonardslee, Sussex cheeses, unique gifts, and much more!

TRY!

Candles and sustainably-produced everyday luxuries from West-Sussex based KimmyB...

Visit us on Facebook for latest info on opening dates & bookings

www.newhousefarmshop.co.uk (01293) 851890 New House Farm, Old Crawley Road, Horsham, RH12 4RU

Now open 7 days a week with outside seating

“There are only a handful of mills and yet Harris tweed is in demand all over the world.”

What were your initial aims? We didn't know shoes like we know menswear, so we switched our focus to men’s clothing. When I was growing up, there were independent gentlemen's outfitters in every town. They were always immaculate with polished parquet floors and mahogany cabinets with gleaming glass tops, where old men in suits would fuss over you. I loved these shops, but gradually they were pushed out, first by department stores and later by the online market. I look back with nostalgia at such times and wanted to recapture that magic.

Kate Peat adjusts a pair of corduroy trousers (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Shaws Glass has been part of the business landscape in Horsham for over 20 years. Our family firm is the region’s independent choice for all things glass, including:

How can you do that online? We offer the same traditional service in a modern way. Rather than fussing over customers in a shop, we do it online or on the phone. Our sellers know the stock very well and impart that on to the customers.

CONSERVATORIES

What do you sell? Everything you’d expect of a top gentlemen’s outfitters. Trousers in a range of materials, from tweed to chinos, as well as suits, waistcoats, jackets, knitwear, shirts and shoes. We also have accessories including leather baker boys’ caps, Sherlock Holmesstyle Deerstalker Harris tweed hats, velvet smoking caps, berets and paisley scarves. Some of these items don’t sell in vast quantities, but they’re a bit nutty and there’s plenty of nutty people out there! Peaky Blinders did us a huge favour. We already offered 1930s driving style caps, but the programme helped other caps become popular.

Brochures & examples of our stunning conservatories and orangeries online Shaws Glass is an official outlet and installer of Livin Room by Ultraframe

WINDOWS

FlushSash windows offer modern performance with weatherproof PVC-U, which will never need sanding or repainting.

WINDOWS

At our Horsham showroom, view beautiful front and back doors, patio and French doors and concertina bi-fold doors

66 North Street, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1RD Tel: (01403) 211133 Email: mail@shawsglass.co.uk

www.shawsglass.co.uk

Southern Company of the Year 2018 Winners – The Master Window & Conservatory Installers Association

Miranda, are these Peter Christian’s own designs? We do sell clothes and accessories by some hand-picked brands, such as Geox, which makes insulated jackets, complement our range, like Ben Sherman shirts, or make specialist accessories, such as Dents driving gloves. However, most of what we sell is labelled as Peter Christian, which is good quality, made-for-purpose clothes accessible to everybody.

The website is regularly updated (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Where are the clothes made? Our clothes are made from fabrics that we’ve chosen at trade fairs and made at overseas factories to our specification. Our clothes are made using comfortable and durable fabrics like moleskin, chino, corduroy, cotton, wool, tweed and khaki. They often have hidden waistband extenders for extra movement and comfort. How often do you replace the range? Menswear hasn’t changed much in decades. Men still love wearing corduroy or moleskin trousers, tweed jackets and woollen scarves. High-end fashion is constantly evolving, but most men stick to fabrics and colours they

Miles Goatley in the warehouse (©AAH/Alan Wright)

know and love, and I don’t think British style will ever go out of fashion. One of the reasons customers return to us is that we maintain consistency, so when it comes to replacing corduroys bought five years ago, it’s not a problem. Have you ever sold women’s clothing? We tried and we failed a long time ago, before we established Peter Christian. We didn’t appreciate that women shop in an entirely different way. Tweed remains popular… We buy a lot of Harris tweed and have built up good relationships on the Scottish island,

where the cloth is handwoven. I’ve been there several times myself. It’s good to have established partnerships, as there are only a handful of mills and yet Harris tweed is in demand all over the world, especially America. Once, an Afghan man turned up at our warehouse with his driver and bought four Harris tweed suits! How did you fare during COVID? We thought everyone would go into survival mode and shut down, but that’s not what happened. We closed when we were supposed to, but customers kept calling. Amazon was still selling clothes online and we couldn’t see the difference between 27

#& :063 #&45 4&-'

" QMBDF PG EJTDPWFSZ EFEJDBUFE UP FWFSZ DIJME T DPOGJEFODF BOE TVDDFTT

"O JOEFQFOEFOU 1SFQ 4DIPPM GPS DIJMESFO BHFE 3VEHXJDL 8FTU 4VTTFY

XXX QFOOUIPSQF DPN

them and what we were doing. So, Nick and I started processing orders. It ended up being a productive period, as people were stuck at home and had a genuine need for new clothes, as shirts were frayed and socks were holed. Nick, are men becoming more adventurous with clothing? In terms of colours and patterns, they are. When we started out, we introduced bold new colours which drew customers who were fed-up of only having beige, brown, navy or black to choose from. There’s always been a perception of brightly-coloured trousers being exclusively for older men. Michael Portillo is one example and I myself have the nickname Lord Trousers. But bright trousers are now popular with young people too, while style is returning to weddings again. For too long, men would just hire a black or grey suit and white shirt, but now they want distinctive styles with tweed waistcoats and lavish cravats. You have your own distinct logo... Our logo features two boxing hares. I’ve only even seen boxing hares once, in my teens, but it had a profound impression on me. So, we commissioned an artist to produce it. It has been worth every penny as it features heavily on our branding. Do you have celebrity customers? A well-known chef buys from us and we have great fun spotting our clothes on the Antiques Road Trip. We once received an order for eight pairs of corduroys from an F. Coppola and it turned out to be the film director. We now call him The Cordfather!

Nick Alderton, aka Lord Trousers (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Dad’s memory might be fading but he can still tell stories about his old jag... Make a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) to help to deal with his ﬁnancial aﬀairs

Creating an LPA will cost £149.00 Plus VAT at the current rate We can keep the price low because we are the local specialists in Wills, Probate, Powers of Attorney and Estate Planning Flackwoods Solicitors are members of the Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners. Our offices have Free Parking and Ground Floor Disabled Access To get half an hour’s FREE Advice - just phone: 01403 738777 or email: office@flackwoods.co.uk

Ask foor ur ’s h half anadvice E E FR 2 2 L I N T O T S Q U A R E S O U T H W AT E R H O R S H A M R H 1 3 9 L A

01403 738777 - FLACKWOODS.CO.UK - WILLS - PROBATE - POWERS OF ATTORNEY - ESTATE PLANNING

He contacted you from America? Our son Max came into the business to focus on e-commerce, as that’s something his dear old dad didn’t understand. He had ambitions to break the American market, so we gave him some room to play with and it has been a huge success. Just a year ago, it was about 15% of our market and it’s now double that and growing. Marketing to a worldwide customer base requires money though. We spend eye-watering sums on print advertising in publications such as the Wall Street Journal, and every day it’s a battle to be top of the Google rankings. It’s worth it, as it brings in customers, but we’re not riding around in our own helicopter yet!

INTERVIEW: BEN MORRIS PHOTOS: ALAN WRIGHT Further information: 01273 493393 helpdesk@peterchristian.co.uk peterchristian.co.uk Facebook: PeterChristianOutfitters/ Instagram: lord_trousers/

QUOTE AAH FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

Hey! Horsham you deserve the fastest, most affordable full fibre internet.

PRE-PREP AND PREP | AGE 4 -13 | GIRLS AND BOYS

BOO PRIVAT K A OR VIS E TOUR OPEN IT OUR M ON SA ORNING TUR 7TH M DAY A AT 10A Y M

‘PREP SCHOOL OF THE YEAR’ TATLER 2020/21 WINNER

‘INDEPENDENT SCHOOL OF THE YEAR’ TES 2019 FINALIST BUCHAN HILL, PEASE POTTAGE, WEST SUSSEX, RH11 9AU WWW.COTTESMORESCHOOL.COM TEL: 01293 520648 TO REGISTER, PLEASE EMAIL: OPENMORNING@COTTESMORESCHOOL.COM FOR ALL OTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE EMAIL: ADMISSIONS@COTTESMORESCHOOL.COM

SILENT PARTNERS A Carthusian monk steps into the Church, under a statue of St Hugh of Lincoln and his swan companion (©AAH/Alan Wright)

THE CARTHUSIAN MONKS OF ST HUGH’S, PARKMINSTER In 2011, AAH visited St Hugh’s Charterhouse, Parkminster. Readers have asked us about it ever since, fascinated by the lives of the men inside the only Carthusian Monastery in the UK. Here, we return for the first time in ten years...

One of the monks greets us before we even reach the front door of St Hugh’s. Almost immediately, Brother Patrick quashes some of our preconceptions. He’s wearing a stiped apron over a blue habit, the name given to a monk’s long, flowing garment. The hood is lowered and he’s wearing a woolly hat to keep warm. He’s a surprisingly good conversationalist too. By the time we’ve walked the slightly arched bricked pathway to the church, we’ve already discussed the challenges of pressure washing a listed building, and why

Looking at the entrance from above the Church (©AAH/Alan Wright)

The workshop is now rarely used by the monks (©AAH/Alan Wright)

the statue of Saint Hugh depicts him with a swan at his side. In transpires that while at Lincoln, the swan was St Hugh’s constant companion, even guarding him as he slept. The 203ft spire at the heart of the 240-acre monastery (also known as Parkminster) can be seen from several miles away, nestled amongst farmland between Cowfold, Shermanbury and the hamlet of Littleworth to the west. In the first half of the 20th century, the monks would often by seen walking in Cowfold village, but now tend to stick to rural footpaths during their weekly walk outside the grounds.

The beautiful Chapter House (©AAH/Alan Wright)

A monk in blue habits (they also wear white) rings the church bell (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Inside the Chapel, at 12:30am every night, the monks come together for Night Office, where there is silent prayer, readings and Gregorian chanting over the course of two to three hours, depending on the day. Each monk has a Book of Psalms, with scripture from the Old Testament. Small electric lights dimly illuminate the Latin text, while the Church itself remains in darkness. “It’s best to go to bed about 7:30pm,” says Brother Patrick. “That gives you four hours’ sleep and then you can go back to bed for a few more afterwards.”

Fathers chant from a Book of Psalms (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Mass is held in the morning (there’s no breakfast for the monks) with Vespers in the afternoon, where the monks chant from religious scripture. A source of continued intrigue to the outside world, recordings of Carthusian chants are available from the ‘Shop’ section of the Parkminster website. And we’ve not even made that up! At St Hugh’s, there are Fathers (sometimes referred to as hermits, choir monks or priests) and Brothers (monks converse). The Fathers spend most of their day in solitude

Your Feet in Caring Hands

Painful feet? Embarrassing feet? Difficult to reach feet? Thorough, honest treatments for all foot and toe nail conditions. Professional and friendly podiatrists (chiropodists).

01403 249 083 www.feetandmotion.co.uk Horsham@feetandmotion.co.uk Unit 2, 55a Park Terrace East, Horsham RH13 5DJ

in their individual houses, called cells. They occupy their time with prayer and reading, and it is the Fathers who are associated with chanting. The Brothers also commit to a life of solitude, but their prayer routine is perhaps less stringent. They are more likely to be seen in blue habits – rather than the white habits used for prayer - as they’re involved in occupational aspects of the monastery, as cooks, gardeners, librarians and janitors. There’s also a tailor who shapes and sews the habits from fabric.

The Chapter House features paintings of the Carthusian monks of the London Charterhouse, killed during Reformation (©AAH/Alan Wright)

The Chapter House features incredible (if grisly) paintings of the Carthusian martyrs of London Charterhouse. Eighteen Carthusians were martyred for refusing to accept Henry VIII as the Head of the Church in England. Paintings show the monks being hanged, drawn and quartered, with one forgiving his executioner. During Reformation, the Church of England broke away from the rule of the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church. All of England’s nine Carthusian monasteries (including London) were dissolved between 1538 -39. St Hugh’s wasn’t founded until 1873, bought to house Carthusians exiled from the continent. It was designed by French architect Norman Clovis and took 600 workers about six years to complete. The Chapter House is where each monk is first introduced to the St Hugh’s community. Brother Patrick said: “Initially, you attend a retreat. If you’re happy and want to stay longer, you become a Postulant for several months. The monks then

vote on whether that person can stay as a Novice for two years, during which time they can walk out at any time or can be asked to leave. After this period, they take the vows of obedience and conversion and commit to three more years. The Profession is then renewed for two more years. If everyone is satisfied that he can live the Carthusian life after seven years, he can make his final and solemn Profession, which includes disposing of all worldly possessions.” “The Carthusian vocation is an extreme way of life. There’s a lot of solitude as you’re cutting yourself off from the world. You can see how some would benefit from spending a couple of years here, but few can devote their entire life. So, the process allows people to gain an understanding of what they want from life. There are different Catholic orders, including Benedictines, Cistercians and Trappists, that some may be better suited to. It depends on the life you wish to lead.”

The clock is ticking, don’t be late... With all that is going on around us, it’s easy to miss important dates and suddenly it’s too late. Make sure you don’t miss out on your tax-free ISA allowance. The amount you can save in an ISA is £20,000 (2021-22 tax year). The deadline to use your allowance is April 5, 2022. If you don’t use it then it will be gone for good. Don’t miss out, contact us now. 01403 230440 LQIR#UHGZRRG ÀQDQFLDO FR XN ZZZ UHGZRRG ÀQDQFLDO FR XN Redwood Financial Services, 10 Foundry Court, Foundry Lane, Horsham, RH13 5PY

Independent Kitchen & Bedroom Specialists

Book Your Appointment Our showroom is open! If no other customers are present, please come in and see us. However, we are admitting one customer at a time to ensure the safety of our staff and customers, and will make an appointment for you if we are I\Z` ;OHUR `V\ MVY `V\Y \UKLYZ[HUKPUN HUK MHJL THZRZ T\Z[ IL ^VYU WSLHZL

Individually designed to complement your tastes and lifestyle Featuring the latest technology, classic and modern styling and inspired design concepts, visualise `V\Y WLYMLJ[ RP[JOLU OVTL VMÄJL VY ILKYVVT HUK experience its creation with Holmewood Interiors. Starting from the design process through to the completed installation, our superior quality and workmanship will always JYLH[L H ZWHJL `V\ JHU IL WYV\K VM

t: 01403 254090 e: info@holmewoodinteriors.co.uk www.holmewoodinteriors.co.uk

The cemetery is surrounded by orchards, the Great Cloister and then the individual “cells” of the monks (©AAH/Alan Wright)

There are currently 26 monks, meaning some of the cells are unoccupied. A century ago there was closer to 100, as Parkminster housed exiled monks from across Europe. Today, Brother Patrick is the only Englishman among them. There have been no new arrivals yet in 2022, but two joined last year, both Americans. That might not sound a lot, but it’s an influx compared to the latter part of the 20th century. Brother Patrick arrived in 1994, a year after another man, but before that there had only been one new Carthusian in the UK in about 20 years, resulting in a much older community.

Approved Servicing for:

The monks’ workshop is more often used by three outside workers who help maintain the site. Thus the stereo system! (©AAH/Alan Wright)

When a monk dies, they’re buried in the cemetery. There are no administrative hassles, as they’ve given up all worldly possessions. Brother Patrick said: “Monks are carried out on a wooden plank, wearing their best habits. It’s a nice and very simple ceremony.” The cemetery is surrounded by four acres of orchards, which in turn are bordered by The Great Cloister. A kilometre long all the way around, it’s one of the largest of its kind in the world and monks sometimes use bicycles to relay messages. Behind the cloisters are the cells where monks live. The Fathers usually only leave their cell three times a day (for Night Office, Mass and Vespers) with their meals left outside of

their door. Each cell is the size of a detached house, but without the luxuries. Downstairs, there’s a wood-cutting room with an axe and small pile of wood for the stove, with a second room used for indoor work or storing gardening tools. Upstairs is a prayer room with a statue of the Virgin Mary. The main living area, the Cubiculum, has a wooden bed with a blanket and pillow, a stove, study table, small eating area, bookshelf and a toilet, shower and basin. In 1990, there was a costly renovation, partly funded by English Heritage. The Carthusians considered selling the site and moving to a more isolated, less ornate building. For many reasons, this idea was dismissed and essential repairs were made instead.

Also Approved for

NOW AN APPROVED JEEP SERVICE CENTRE Jeep owners concerned about the closure of Horsham Car Centre can now have their Jeep serviced and warranty work carried out by Fiat Group trained technicians at Monza Sport. Call us for details.

Monza Sport is an approved service dealer for Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Abarth and now Jeep, offering the highest levels of customer satisfaction. We offer servicing & MOTs, parts and tuning services, aircon re-gas, tyre fitting and 4 wheel laser alignment. We have special labour rates for older cars and offer courtesy cars. We have a vastly experienced Service Manager in Keith Avey and one of the country’s best technicians and diagnostic experts in Kevin Riddles. On four occasions we’ve topped the JD Power customer satisfaction surveys for Alfa Romeo. (*No.1 out of 165 Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Chrysler Jeep dealers for customer satisfaction in the UK, Jan - Mar 2018)

Monza Sport, Bridge Garage, London Road, Ashington, RH20 3DD

Tel: (01903) 891174 www.monzasport.com

The monastery has its own allotment where potatoes, leeks and onions are grown. However, most food comes from the shops. Brother Patrick has been the chef for more than a decade and lives above the kitchen for convenience. Meals are simple affairs, including tuna fish, curry and rice, omelettes and soup, but no meat. During the great monastic fast, supper usually consists of a glass of wine and a crust of bread. There’s no shortage of fruit with apples, pears and plums grown in the grounds, but there’s not enough hands for the monks to be self-sufficient. “Growing food is labour intensive and there’s not enough of us to do it,” says Brother Patrick. “Certainly, it there were 10 more brothers, we could easily find work for them.” As we walk the cold and draughty Great Cloisters, brightened intermittently by bursts of sunlight reflecting through the windows, we talk to the Brother about his own life and how he came to be at St Hugh’s. He grew up in Norfolk and arrived at the monastery aged 39. Having previously worked in computing, he calls himself “a white collar monk” who lacks some of the skills of previous generations, who would often use the monastery’s forge.

He said: “I was a single man who was rushing around, working hard. I had a nice detached house with a third of an acre, but was constantly toying with issues surrounding my life. How badly did I need all these things? What should I do next? People talk about travelling and seeing new places, but I found I just took my troubles with me. It’s nice sitting on a beach, but I would still ask myself, “What am I doing here?” If you look at your life as a work of art, I didn’t know what I wanted the result of my life to be.”

“We want to be open and approachable, but the monks have chosen a life of solitude. If you show people around, it changes the atmosphere.”

“I was always impressed by Mother Teresa and although I couldn’t serve people in the way she could, she inspired me to take a different path. When I arrived here, I immediately felt I was in the right place. I was Baptised a Catholic, but didn't take to it particularly well so people who knew me long ago would be surprised that I became a Carthusian monk.”

changed a lot since and my communication with my family has improved since I have been here.”

The monks can invite family to stay in guest houses once a year. Brother Patrick has three brothers and the closest to him in age has visited many times. “My family were supportive when I first came here, but my decision was hard for them to understand and I‘m not always able to articulate exactly why I’m here. My parents, when they were still alive, visited regularly. When they saw I was happy, they were accepting. I have

“When it comes to other guests, there needs to be a balance though. We want to be open and approachable, but monks have chosen a life of solitude. If you show people around, it changes the atmosphere. We just walked by a brother pulling a trolley full of firewood, and it’s very unusual for him to see visitors in the Cloisters. If that happened daily, it would change things, because there isn’t solitude.”

Authorised Dealership

Brighton Road Lower Beeding RH13 6NQ

Proud sponsors of Southwater Royals FC

Judith Dandy Independent Funeral Director Dandelion Farewells warmly invites you to contact us if you have any questions about the funeral you need to arrange. We are committed to enabling families to plan a funeral that is personal, meaningful and affordable. We will support you to create a farewell that is appropriate and unique, thereby taking away much RI WKH VWUDLQ RI SODQQLQJ VXFK D VLJQLßFDQW HYHQW We will be with you every step of the way.

MS-180 We are an official dealership for Stihl, Viking and Honda. We stock a wide range of chain saws, strimmers, blowers, vacuum collectors and hand tools. For the perfect lawn then look no further than our huge range of Honda and Viking mowers for every garden size.

Church View, Billingshurst Road Wisborough Green, West Sussex RH14 0DY

e: judith@dandelionfarewells.com t: 01403 701001 m: 07769 336022

www.dandelionfarewells.com

01403 891580

www.ats-machinery.co.uk

43 39

St Hugh’s has a beautiful library where a statue of Our Blessed Lady looks out across a collection of rare books and manuscripts. One book in the cabinet is a handwritten copy of The Cloud of Unknowing, a spiritual guide to contemplative prayer written in the late Middle Ages. The copy was written by one of the Carthusian martyrs depicted in the Chapter House paintings and remains in excellent condition after almost 500 years. Brother Patrick said: “Many of the books don’t have much practical use, but are part of Carthusian heritage. Much of it is scripture, liturgical works, moral theology, or Books of Psalms. We also have countless documents, as the Vatican never stops creating new ones. I believe some books were donated by the King of Naples and we have the complete works of Italian philosopher St Bonaventure. While they have their place, they’re out of date and not much use to scholars.”

The old library has thousands of rare books and manuscripts (©AAH/Alan Wright)

The books have acclimatised to the chilly temperature and maintained a remarkably good condition. However, the monks are gradually creating a new library downstairs and transferring important works on to computer. As well as modern books on Catholic philosophy, theology and scripture, there’s a selection of classic fiction too by the likes of Dickins and Tolkien. The monks also receive a weekly newspaper from the Vatican, a Catholic magazine called The Tablet and National Geographic, which provides some information on world events for those who wish to know.

MARTYN EDWARDS

Handwritten copy of The Cloud of Unknowing, written by one of the Carthusian martyrs (©AAH/Alan Wright) 41

Only £895 for a fully fitted electric door.

APPROVED

Gotta get a Garolla.

Garolla garage doors are strong and solidly built. They’re made to measure in our own UK factories. The electric Garolla door rolls up vertically taking up only 8 inches inside your garage. Our expert installers will fit your new door and take away the old one so there’s no mess. Give us a call today and we’ll come and measure up completely Free.

GOTTA GET A GAROLLA

NOW ONLY

£895

CALL US TODAY ON

WAS £1,354 INC VAT

WHAT’S INCLUDED WITH EVERY DOOR:

MOBILE

)5(( (;3(57 0($685,1* ),77,1* 7:2 5(027( &21752/6 $&2867,& 7+(50$/ ,168/$7,21 $9$,/$%/( ,1 &2/2856 )5(( ',6326$/ 2) <285 2/' '225

2IIHU YDOLG IRU RSHQLQJV XS WR P ZLGH LQF UHPRWH FRQWUROV PP ZKLWH VODWV LQWHUQDO PDQXDO RYHUULGH

www.garolla.co.uk

The new library at St Hugh’s (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Apple wine barrels in the cellars (©AAH/Alan Wright)

CALL US FOR ALL YOUR SECURITY NEEDS

(01403) 271746

info@directsecuritypartnership.co.uk

PROVIDING COMPLETE SECURITY SOLUTIONS

The final part of our tour took us to the cellars, where the monks make apple wine. The Carthusians have a long and illustrious association with alcohol, having made Chartreuse, a French herbal liqueur, since 1737. It is named after the Grande Chartreuse monastery in the Chartreuse mountains of Grenoble. The liqueur is still made today, with only two monks knowing the secret recipe. Chartreuse still provides a source of income, but doesn’t sell in the volumes it once did. At Parkminster, the monks have made apple wine for more than 30 years and have previously sold it at nearby farm shop, Jeremy’s Two. Sadly, it’s not currently being made, although some wine still remains in the barrels. Production has been overseen by one of the Brothers, but he is now among the older monks and isn’t strong enough to make it alone.

HORSHAM-BASED SPECIALISTS IN: INTRUDER ALARM SYSTEMS DOOR ENTRY SYSTEMS CCTV SYSTEMS ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS GATE AUTOMATION, GRILLES & SHUTTERS CENTRAL STATION MONITORING

www.directsecuritypartnership.co.uk 18 Blatchford Close Horsham RH13 5RG

Brother Patrick said: “Last year, the cold April meant we had a poor crop and we didn’t make any apple wine. If we get a good crop this year, perhaps the Brother will supervise production, otherwise we will lose that knowledge. When that happens, it can be difficult to get it back. But us younger monks don’t drink the wine in the quantities that the monks used to. To be honest, we prefer a nice cup of tea!”

WORDS: BEN MORRIS PHOTOS: ALAN WRIGHT

Further information: For more on the Carthusian Order and to buy books, postcards and music of Carthusian chants, visit: parkminster.org.uk

G&S

PROTECTING YOUR

ROOF

Roofing Specialists Ltd

The Confederation of Roofing Contractors stands for INTEGRITY, RELIABILITY & CUSTOMER PROTECTION.

All members of the CORC can offer customers the benefit of a fully insured 10 and 20 year back up guarantee

Visit us at: www.gandsroofing.co.uk

Th e

Ne Fl xt G at R ene o o ra fin tio g n

RESIN MATERIAL OUTLASTS THE BUILDING FIRE RETARDANT CANNOT BE CUT MAINTENANCE FREE NO JOINTS, SEAMS OR WELDS UV RESISTANT & WATERPROOF ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY THREE FINISHES / THREE COLOURS 25 YEAR GUARANTEE

We Specialise in...

New Roofs Flat Roofs Tile & Slate Roofs Re-pointing Chimney Stacks Leadwork Valleys Renewed & Repaired All Roof Repairs New PVC Fascias & Gutters External Painting Moss Removal

F r e e E s ti ma t e s

No Ob l i g a ti o n

P a y No De p o s i t

ALL WORK FULLY GUARANTEED!

OFFICE: 01403 560172 / 01483 378511 MOBILE: 07425 396324 EMAIL: gsroofingspecialists@gmail.com

Trusted Member

CLEARANCE

SALE NEW SEASON UP TO

% OFF

*up to 60% off RRP. Clearance items only.

THE REGION’S MOST TRUSTED BED RETAILER SINCE 1946

FLOORS OF BEDS

Friendly, independent expert advice

LUXURY POCKET-SPRUNG BEDS & SLEEP COMFORT Central House, Medwin Walk, Horsham, W. Sussex RH12 1AG horshambeddingcentre.co.uk T. 01403 274222 FREE DISPOSAL OF YOUR OLD BED

| FREE DELIVERY | 0% FINANCE

Divorce laws get biggest ‘shake-up’ for 50 years Charles Tennant, Family Partner looks at how the divorce process is changing this year with new updated laws which come into effect on 6 April. In recent years, the process of obtaining a divorce has changed from an old fashioned system reliant on paper documents being filed at your local court to a vastly improved electronic process that had instead been centralised at a number of courts focused on delivering divorces more efficiently. However, the law of divorce has not changed since 1973. Under the current law those couples who have not been separated for two years or more have no choice but to blame or criticise the other in order to obtain a divorce. This has often led to unnecessary tension and antagonism. Fortunately, the law of divorce is changing. The new law will come into effect on 6 April 2022. Whilst the marriage will still be dissolved on the basis that it has irretrievably broken down neither spouse will have to blame the other or give

Call: 01403 210200 Email: info@coolebevisllp.com www.coolebevislaw.com

examples of what has led to the failure of the marriage. This will be entirely positive and should minimise unnecessary antagonism and friction. Hopefully, this should ensure that the spouses are able to focus on key issues such as the care of the children or any financial settlement but without the emotion of a fault based divorce undermining that process. Under the new law it will also be possible for divorce to be applied for jointly. This will be an alternative to either spouse bringing the divorce against the other. Helpfully, the old fashioned language from 1973 will be replaced with more modern and comprehensible language. In the future a spouse will apply for a ‘Divorce Order’ as opposed to a ‘Divorce Petition.’ The divorce process itself will still involve two stages, with a conditional order being made initially and then a final order at the conclusion of the process.

The new divorce process will not, however, be a quick one as ordinarily it will include a minimum period of 20 weeks from the initial application before the conditional order can be applied for. This is to give the spouses time to reflect on this important decision. It is advisable to contact a matrimonial solicitor as early on in your legal process as possible. If you are unsure about your situation, it is best to seek expert legal guidance so you know how to take the next step.

‘Under the current law those couples who have not been separated for two years have no choice but to blame the other in order to obtain a divorce.’

MON 28 MAR–SAT 2 APR 1 ą SRÔSÓ ×ÕSÒÒS | è 2 7 è

TOO HOT TO HANDEL CH CHORAL SOCIETY PREPARE FOR JUBILEE CONCERT As the Christ's Hospital Choral Society prepares for a series of concerts and workshops, AAH slipped in amongst the tenors during rehearsals at the School’s Chapel. Later, we spoke to Conductor and Organist Ruaraidh Sutherland, Society Chairman Jonathan Copeland, alto Esther Clark, husband and wife choristers Mike and Patsy Cade, and Richard Phipps, one of a handful of Old Blues involved… Jonathan Copeland, Chairman (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Jonathan: The CH Choral Society was founded about 40 years ago, initially for staff and select pupils of the School. Later, it welcomed people from the wider community and today, there are not many staff or Old Blues (former pupils) involved. The Society’s Director of Music has always been the School’s own Musical Director. Now, that’s changed slightly, as we’re led by Ruaraidh, the School’s Organist. Ruaraidh: The tradition of the choir being led by the Director of Music started in the 1980s and I’m the first person to break the cycle. Alex Hodgkinson, Musical Director at

CH, passed the baton to me not long before COVID struck. But it’s always been kept in-house and run by musicians at the School. If I cannot be here, somebody else from the department would step in. The choir has members from inside the CH community as well as people with no affiliation to the School. Ideally, I’d like to see more parents, former parents and Old Blues involved than there are currently.

our daughter and her family. I was reading an article in the County Times about the Society, which didn’t exist when I was a pupil, and thought I’d go along, as I enjoyed music as a pupil, joining in with choral activities and playing the piano and organ. There are two organs still at the School that I used to practice on. For me, it’s sounds rather than sights that bring back memories. When I heard the organ again, I instantly recognised its distinct notes and it was the same with the School bell. To be back at CH after so long away is a strange phenomenon! Esther: When I was a girl, I sang in musical groups and loved it. When you have a family, you give certain things up, but singing was something that I missed. I didn’t grow up with choral music, but decided to come along for the first time eight years ago. If I’d seen rehearsals beforehand, I’d have probably been too intimated, but fortunately I didn’t and I’m still here!

Richard: I attended CH as a boarder from 1957 – 64. After retiring, my wife and I decided to locate to the area to be closer to

Mike: My wife and I joined about 15 years ago, having sung in other choirs in Horsham. One of our neighbours and friends was Head of Chemistry at CH and his wife taught piano too. They sang in the choir and invited us along. People assume it’s a School choir or that you need some affiliation to CH, but that’s not the case. I was a bit scared initially, as I thought the choir would be so good that I’d be chucked out immediately! But it’s very friendly and you’re not pressured into learning how to sight read either.

KEVIN GRIFFIN CARS

Jonathan: I sang when I was at Dulwich College and got to perform at venues like Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral. I find that the things you love as a child tend to stay with you throughout your life, and for me singing is one of them. So, I joined the Choral Society in 1994 and it has been wonderful. I’m a tenor, which is great as tenors are in demand. Very few men sing, which is a pity. We welcome anyone though and although an

ability to read music helps, it's not crucial and several members can’t. Ruaraidh: I choose the programme for concerts, but there’s input from the committee. They have been known to tell me they don’t like a certain piece and we find something else to sing! Planning this year’s concert programme was hard, as we didn’t know what shape the choir would be in after COVID. We met online for a year and now the choir is picking up again. Although I don’t like the phrase “build back better”, that’s essentially what we’re doing. Esther: We normally host three or four concerts a year, but not much happened for a year and a half. We held a workshop in the Chapel last August, which was a success, and also held a Christmas concert. Patsy: Our Christmas Concert is a mix of carols, where everyone can join in, as well as other festive songs. About 250

A family-run Horsham business with a great reputation and over 40 years experience...

PARENT & CHILD PARENT & TODDLER CLASSES AVAILABLE

Our fully qualified technicians provide quality repairs on all makes of Cars and Vans

Servicing & Repairs Cambelts & Clutches Brakes, Tyres & Alignment Exhausts, EGR & DPFs Radiators & Cooling System

MOTs - Cars, Vans & Motorbikes Latest Diagnostic Equipment Aircon Service & Regas Steering & Suspension Body & Paint Repairs

FREE LOCAL COLLECTION & DELIVERY OR LOAN CARS (Subject to Availability) Kevin Griﬃn Cars is an Autocare qualiﬁed Hybrid service and repair centre. Read Customer Reviews on Facebook & Google

Kevin Griffin Cars, Nightingale Road, Horsham, RH12 2NW (01403) 750500 kevingriffincars@btconnect.com www.kevingriffincars.co.uk

Luxury private pool Pool Heated to 33.6° Swim England registered Award winning swim school Classes over seven days a week

info@horshamswimschool.co.uk telephone: 07500 808898 www.horshamswimschool.co.uk

Dale Jannels Director impactsf Ltd

(01403) 272625

www.impactsf.co.uk

Turn down for a mortgage? Tailored deals are available For many people, job losses, salary cuts, multiple income streams, payment arrears and the escalating cost of living such as rising energy costs has started to impact on household finances. Some people have run up debt and defaulted on payments because of the economic challenges brought about by the pandemic, while others have had to change the way they work by starting new businesses, moving to part-time employment, or taking on multiple jobs.

people attended and we had mulled wine and mince pies too, which was wonderful after what we’ve been through with COVID. For some people, the Christmas concert is part of their traditional festive rituals. Jonathan: Next up is the Angus Ross Concert, an annual music highlight at CH School, where we will sing Faure’s Requiem. I April, we present Happy & Glorious, our Jubilee concert, at St March’s Church in Horsham,

where the audience will be invited to join us in singing pieces such as Parry’s Jerusalem. For me, the most satisfying music to perform are those great works - Mozart’s Requiem, Handel’s Messiah, Faure’s Requiem – as they are joyful and uplifting. And I don't even speak Latin! I’ve sung in many choirs, but this is the one I’ve stayed with and that’s partly because we sing the greatest music that’s ever been written.

In many cases, these people are often turned away by mainstream lenders because they have a low credit score, missed payments, CCJs or defaults on their credit profile. In some cases, they can even be unknown to the borrower due to a house move, or other similar reasons. However, these factors should not prevent them from buying a home.

Even those with more serious and long-term adverse credit ratings can be catered for.

Even those with more serious and long-term adverse credit ratings such as secured loan arrears or IVA/bankruptcy can be catered for, as many specialist mortgage lenders take a view of the bigger picture by assessing each case on its own merits and tailoring solutions for those borrowers who fail to meet the strict criteria of high street lenders. The fact is that there are a wide choice of specialist mortgage lenders available and most of these lenders are unavailable directly to customers. A good mortgage broker will have extensive experience in helping such customers and so it does not need to be complicated. It does, however, require more individual attention and so by assessing each application individually and tailoring solutions to address the needs of each individual, specialist lenders deliver a variety of product solutions to a growing number of non-mainstream borrowers and help us to help customers who are unable to obtain a mortgage on the high street. Always do your homework, seek professional advice and always read recent customer reviews on any company you are looking to deal with.

A DV E RT I S I N G F E AT U R E

You’ve focused on your business, now let your business focus on you It’s never too early to consider your business exit strategy and future wealth plans

f you own a successful business, you know what you need to make your business succeed. You, your employees and business advisers focus on ensuring your business continues to create value for your customers, maintains your competitive advantage and exploits market and competitor opportunities. However, successful business owners tend to focus their time and energies on their business, sometimes at the expense of their personal needs. One key challenge for any business owner is how you can extract the rewards for the MFWI \TWP FSI UJWXTSFQ XFHWN‫ܪ‬HJX ^TZ made in building your business, to create ‫ܪ‬SFSHNFQ NSIJUJSIJSHJ KTW ^TZWXJQK FSI your family.

savings can be made and demonstrating a good track record of expense control all help. To maximise your exit value, the business must stand alone without your involvement. This means recruiting a strong management team to whom you can delegate the running of the business. Your products and services should also be scalable and your business should have unique selling points, whilst you keep an eye on competitors.

When exiting your business, it is always best to plan as far ahead as possible

A strong client base is needed with measures established to protect it. Set up long-term contracts with key customers but also reduce dependence on key clients. Similarly, you should have appropriate commercial contracts with key suppliers, employees or any individual or entity that could impact your business. Ultimately, you should consider that a potential purchaser will conduct his or her own due diligence prior to a sale.

A close examination of your business to understand its strengths and improvements, can considerably increase the value you can achieve. If your business can demonstrate a track record TK XYWTSL LWT\NSL UWT‫ܪ‬YX NY \NQQ FYYWFHY potential purchasers. Knowing where your expenses are being incurred, where

When considering your options, you will need to take advice and consider the taxation consequences of the variety of options open to you; and where to invest your wealth. Whilst it may be practical to delay investment decisions until you have become accustomed to the funds you have, it will increase the taxJK‫ܪ‬HNJSH^ FSI ‫ܫ‬J]NGNQNY^ TK ^TZW TUYNTSX

if you decide, before you sell, what to do \NYM YMJ UWT‫ܪ‬YX As part of this process we will work closely with your existing professional advisers, helping you make the most of your business assets. Similarly, we will work with you to maximise your personal assets. To achieve your goals, you need an adviser who understands you and your business and will work with you to help ^TZ TGYFNS YMJ RF]NRZR GJSJ‫ܪ‬Y KWTR FQQ your hard work.

You should plan for ^TZW ‫ܪ‬SFSHNFQ XJHZWNY^ FX rigorously as you plan for your business success The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds you select and the value can therefore go down as well as up. You may get back less than you invested. The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time. The value of any tax relief depends on individual circumstances. Exit planning may include referral to a service that is separate and distinct to those offered by St. James’s Place.

0$77+(: :<.(6 &KR2(5 3ULQFLSDO

0$77+(: :<.(6 ),1$1&,$/ 6(59,&(6 3DUWQHU 3UDFWLFH RI 6W -DPHV̸V 3ODFH :HDOWK 0DQDJHPHQW

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

Ruaraidh: We’ll always sing the classics, because that's what the choir enjoys most. It is also the music I believe people should be exposed to. Without getting into a cultural debate, people should have at least a passing awareness of great works like Handel’s Zadok the Priest. By performing them, they’ll continue to be known and loved. Esther: I like singing music that has layers, where you’re always discovering new things within the piece and adapting as a choir. In

other words, music that challenges you. I also find it interesting to research the stories behind the music. At the Jubilee concert, we’ll sing Zadok the Priest, one of Handel’s Coronation Anthems (football fans will recognise it as the UEFA Champions League anthem) and found out that it’s set to biblical text that has been used at every Coronation since King Edgar was crowned in 953. Mike: It’s a privilege to sing in such beautiful surroundings. Of course, the CH Chapel is

very special and has lovely acoustics, although as a choir we prefer to rehearse in the Hertford Centre. The Society is an important part of our lives. My wife and I keep busy and do other things individually, but singing is one thing we love to do together. Jonathan: In May, contemporary composer Matthew Coleridge hosts a Requiem-in-aday choral workshop, which will be quite an experience. It’s hard to imagine he’ll ever be as renowned as someone like Mozart, but

Home Decorating

No Job Too Small!

All aspects of tree surgery, hedge cutting & garden maintenance covered. Call for your FREE quotation. Ed: 07812995475 |Carl: 07754337926 Email: thetreemensussex@gmail.com

Experienced local decorator Friendly, professional manner Interior & low-level exterior projects Competitive pricing Painting & Wallpapering Help choosing the perfect colour scheme for your home Please contact Tony on 01403 754089 or 07526 658688

FREE quotation Fully insured Excellent references

“The most satisfying music to perform are those great works Mozart’s Requiem, Handel’s Messiah, Faure’s Requiem – as they are joyful and uplifting.”

those that first sang Mozart’s Requiem would never have thought it would still be popular more than 200 years later. So, meeting a modern composer and understanding how and why he wrote his own will be fascinating.

Esther: Normally, you think of a Requiem as being something composed centuries ago, but Coleridge has written a contemporary piece that still sounds very classical. Whereas requiems are usually associated with death, he wrote his after the birth of his son, so

it’s lighter and has fabulous harmonies. Workshops attract people from other choirs, as they’re open to non-members, so hopefully we can attract new face. Certainly, learning a piece from the composer and performing it isn’t something you often get a chance to do. Ruaraidh: We’re also working towards our November concert, performing Haydn’s Harmoniemesse. It’s technically challenging and not the sort of piece the choir is used to singing. But I think with time and preparation, they will rise to the challenge, as vocally, it remains a very strong choir.

INTERVIEWS: BEN MORRIS PHOTOS: ALAN WRIGHT Further information: The CH Choral Society rehearse on Tuesday evenings at Christ's Hospital School, 7.30 - 9.30pm. For details of the Angus Ross Concert (27 March), the Jubilee Concert (30 April) and the Sing with the Composer workshop (14 May) visit chchoralsoc.org

SOUTHERN COUNTIES

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Alterations & Conversions

Re-Roofing & Repairs

Southern Counties Home Improvements have built an impeccable name for ourselves for over 15 years

We have had thousands of satisfied customers in Horsham and surrounding areas. We undertake all aspects of roofing and our work is guaranteed. We are fully insured and offer FREE quotations. References available.

EPDM Rubber Flat Roofs

Flat Felt Roofing uPVC Roof Line Installation Chimney Maintenance Dormer & Velux Windows Loft Conversions

Fascia, Soffits & Gutters

Call us on:

Hear Better - Feel Better New “mask mode” features

Over the last year, 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, new technology is available to enhance hearing and overcome the muffling effect of masks. New features such as “mask mode”, rechargeable batteries and Bluetooth connectivity are now available in the latest hearing instruments.

Improve your health & wellbeing

Living in isolation can be bad for your health and wellbeing. For many people, poor hearing can lead to isolation and withdrawal. 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. Let us help you to unlock your hearing and re-connect with the world.

All hearing aids amplify sounds, but ours improve clarity New Apps available on smartphones allow you to change volume, switch memories and much more. Monitor your body and brain health, set daily goals, and answer calls with the touch of a button, streaming conversations directly to your hearing aid. New “in the canal’ hearing adds are available, with rechargeable batteries, Bluetooth connectivity and best-ever sound quality. They are also easy to wear with masks.

Brands include:

Call and book a complimentary initial consultation

25 Years in Horsham

At the Horsham Hearing Centre, we have continued to use “Covid-secure” clinics throughout the past year and we are proud to have looked after all our customers during this difficult time. All our audiologists and support staff have had Covid vaccinations and we continue to offer a safe service in a safe environment. If you have struggled to hear over lockdown, why not book a “Covid-secure” appointment with one of our audiologists and try some of the latest hearing aids?

Interest-free credit available over 24 months. Hear now, pay later!

Call the Horsham Hearing Centre on 01403 218700 and quote “AAH” for our technology upgrade offer The Horsham Hearing Centre, 22 Worthing Road (opposite Horsham Library), Horsham, RH12 1SL

www.hearcentres.com | horsham@hearcentres.com

Wide Range of Scooters, Wheelchairs & Walking Aids

Now Available - Profiling 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.

CANNABIDIOL (CBD) FOR PAIN RELIEF

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).

ATLAS MOBILITY (SUSSEX) LIMITED Phone: (01403) 263553 | Email: info@atlasmobility.co.uk Web: http://atlasmobility.co.uk Visit us: 64 East Street, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1HN

BRAIN GAINS

SLINFOLD REHABILITATION CENTRE HELPS PEOPLE WITH BRAIN INJURIES

The Disabilities Trust’s website has a fascinating and often moving ‘Case Studies’ section, describing the various ways in which the charity has helped people. One such case study tells the story of Erika, who fractured her skull when she fell off a horse. She was airlifted from the scene and treated at the Princess Royal in Haywards Heath. After leaving hospital, Erika was still suffering the effects of a traumatic brain injury, including loss of balance, co-ordination and short-term memory. So, she was admitted to Kerwin Court in Slinfold, run by the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust (BIRT).

As an accomplished pianist and oboe player, music was key to a gradually improvement in her condition. However, everyone is different, as AAH found out when visiting the centre… About Kerwin Court… The Disabilities Trust is a charity, largely funded by the NHS and local authorities. The DT provides care, rehabilitation and support for people with profound physical impairments, acquired brain injuries and learning disabilities. It has centres focusing on Physical Disability Services and Autism Services, as well as more than a dozen

GARDEN MAINTENANCE GRASS CUTTING HEDGE CUTTING PRESSURE WASHING BILLINGSHURST-BASED BUSINESS www.gardeningwonderlands.co.uk 07794 539657 | info@gardeningwonderlands.co.uk

offering Brain Injury Services, located across the UK. Kerwin Court is one of them, serving the South East. Who uses Kerwin Court? The centre works with people who have experienced an acquired brain injury. This may be as a result of a road accident or fall, or a stroke or heart attack when the brain doesn’t receive sufficient oxygen. Kerwin Court helps those who are medically stable (out of hospital) but in need of community rehabilitation. Sara Goldstone, Lead Occupational Therapist (OT) at Kerwin Court, said: “It’s often the case that people

“Cognitive deficits can be hidden and it’s not until a person returns to work or lives independently that they notice anything is wrong.”

Sara Goldstone

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

are medically okay and no longer require doctors and nurses, but are not yet able to return home because of the resulting disabilities of a brain injury. They need rehabilitation to get back to independent living, or as close to independent living as possible. Most of our referrals are from hospitals, but not always. Sometimes people suffer a brain injury but the full impact isn’t discovered until later. Cognitive deficits can be hidden and it’s not until a person returns home from hospital or attempts to return to work that they may start to struggle with more complex tasks or difficulties with managing their behaviour. We may then receive a referral through social services or a community therapy team.” Do people react to brain injuries differently? There can be behavioural consequences as a result of damage to the brain – so people may be disinhibited or have difficulty controlling feelings of frustration. Some people may not be able to recognise that they have difficulties at all and others may experience a huge sense of loss after their injury. Sara said: “It can be difficult for our service users to adjust, as it's not like a progressive illness where you slowly adapt to changes. With brain injuries, you’re one person one minute and the next, everything has changed.” How many people use the centre? Kerwin Court has 23 beds. 16 are within the main unit, where all new referrals stay. There are also two flats and five bungalows, where service users can stay as they edge towards independent living. As well as BIRT centres, there are community housing schemes (including one in Horsham) where staff provide round-the-clock support to a small number of residents.

How do they rehabilitate service users? Everyone admitted to Kerwin Court is individually assessed and allocated a key worker from within the team of therapists. This key worker will often be someone who can best cater for their needs, be it an Occupational Therapist (helping with everyday tasks), Physiotherapy (helping to restore movement), Speech Therapist or Psychologist (helping with emotions and behaviour). During the first two weeks, service users are introduced to all aspects of the rehabilitation programme and a personalised timetable is made for them. Sara said: “We’re helping people regain function and that doesn’t happen by practicing something only once a day. So,

our rehabilitation model incorporates the service user’s goals into everything that they do. If the goal is to improve communication, they might visit Stooks Cafe and place an order. Afterwards, they’ll sit with their support worker and chat over coffee. Others may follow a checklist for having a shower, or making their own breakfast. It’s important to recognise small achievements, as they make a big difference.”

health and social care services stretched, it’s not something the charity can offer as standard. The unit fundraises to help with provision of extra activities such as music therapy and the development of a sensory room. There’s been a great response from the local community to cake and plant sales, as well as donations of jigsaws, sewing and craft materials, plants and seeds.

Does about other forms of therapy? Kerwin Court has a small gym and runs a number of groups, such as coffee morning, cycling and gardening. There’s a visiting music therapist and these sessions are very popular. However, with funding for

Do service users go into the community? The staff and support workers encourage them to practice in the community as often as possible. In fact, it’s an important part of BIRT’s ethos. They have helped local conservation groups like the Green Gym, 57

Ascot Care, 6 Kings Court, Harwood Road, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 5UR

www.ascotcare.com l 01403 218511

as well as volunteering at charity shops and organisations like the Phoenix Stroke Club. Alison Gough, Senior Specialist Occupational Therapist, said: “For some, this acts as a stepping stone back into work, while also helping them work on their conversation skills and improve fatigue levels. Sadly, some service users may never return to work, but there are still ways of giving them a role in the community. Unfortunately, COVID has stopped a lot of community work, but hopefully we can pick most of it up again soon.” COVID must have been tough... Yes! Getting out into the community to practice the things that have been worked on at the centre has been impossible. And of course, relatives have had to adhere to restrictions when visiting the vulnerable service users. However, one of the bungalows was freed up for such visits, while Zoom became an essential tool in keeping people connected. When can service users move on to more independent lives? For most, a stay at Kerwin Court only lasts a few months. When someone is ready to move on, the staff work with other agencies, most notably Social Services, to find accommodation. The number one priority is always for the individual to return home. Sometimes, that means providing extra support, ranging from a personal assistant who only needs to visit once a week, to a carer who may visit several times a day. There are also community houses which offer supported living for a small number of residents with brain injuries, or schemes similar to sheltered housing, with carers are permanently on site. Alison said: “We work closely with families, with lots of home visits during the transition and overnight stays, which help them resettle. We can provide training for relatives too, to help them adjust. In every relationship, there’s a certain dynamic but that changes with a brain injury. Somebody might have played a role in the family that they’re no longer able to fulfil and adjusting to that can take time. So the support may be there long after they leave us.” WORDS: BEN MORRIS PHOTOS: ALAN WRIGHT Further information: For more on the DT and Kerwin Court: thedtgroup.org/brain-injury/ourservices/kerwin-court @theDTgroup If you have items you would like to donate, please contact: kerwin.court@thedtgroup.org

Let us help you put down new roots this spring Find out more

Call 01403 886288 or visit athomeestates.co.uk for a free instant valuation on your home scan the QR Code

5|¸ ±¾Í ÑƇ é ± × ¾· Ñ |Ñ× Í × |¸ × _3 |è Í| Ƃ

5 × ¢¸ ŗ |ïÑ

_3 è Í| Ñ×|× ¸×

5 × ¢¸ ŏŒ |ïÑ

&¾é ÌÜ¢ ¯±ï ¾Ü± é ± × ï¾ÜÍ ÊÍ¾Ê Í×ïƍ "¢è ÜÑ | |±± ¾¸ ŎŏŒŎő ŐŖŐœŎŎ ×¾ ÑÊ |¯ ×¾ ¾ÜÍ × |· ¾ 5 ××¢¸ Ñ îÊ Í×Ñ

Ƃ |Ñ ¾¸ ¸Ü· Í ¾ |ïÑ Í¾· | è Í×¢Ñ · ¸× ¾¸ Q¢ ×·¾è ×¾ ± × | Í Ƈ ÑÜ × ×¾ Í Í ¸ ¢¸ ƌ

Ŕ |Í |îƇ &¾ÍÑ |·Ƈ Q&ŏŐ ŏ l Ǐ ŎŏŒŎő ŐŖŐœŎŎ U|± Ñ

5 ××¢¸ Ñ

5|¸ |¸ < é &¾· Ñ

¾·· Í ¢|±

Í¢ Ü±×ÜÍ