AAH (All About Horsham) November 2022

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News Round-Up

New Horsham Fire Station named in honour of late Queen, and details of Santa’s grotto at Fishers Farm.

Art

Storrington based artist Nigel Emery demonstrates his dazzling use of colour at the Nifty Gallery.

Business

New England Home Interiors, a familyrun business in Horsham, expands its range of sofas and furniture.

Food & Drink

The young team at The Barn Project in Slinfold are creating something special, thanks to pizza and a little creativity.

Community

The rural village of Thakeham is buzzing as experienced chefs take over the historic White Lion pub.

COVER STORY

The November 2022 cover features Julia Sullivan and Ashley Chapman at The White Lion in The Street, Thakeham. We visited the pub on a Monday, when the doors were closed, so Ashley and Julia had time to chat. Since their arrival, there has been an influx of bookings, particularly from locals who have missed not having their village pub! After this picture, Ashley changed into a black, branded polo shirt, as photographer Alan thought his T-shirt clashed with the background. But the original shot was more relaxed and personable, so was chosen for the front. Other cover contenders included Nigel Emery at the Nifty Gallery in Storrington, Jay Large at New England Home Interiors in Horsham, and Gary Rollingson, founder of the Horsham Motorcycle Group, at Sussex Barn.

In association with Self Select Distribution, AAH is available from free pick-up points at Tesco Extra in Broadbridge Heath and Sainsbury’s in Horsham. For other pick-up points, see right.

Schools

Pennthorpe in Rudgwick welcomes 1500m World Champion Jake Wightman to open MUGA facility.

Sport

Horsham Eagles offers football to women over the age of 30, with a focus on fun and inclusivity.

Youth

Horsham Youth Centre has reopened as Hurst Cafe, offering young people a place to relax and find support.

Motors

Horsham Motorcycle Group celebrates its 1000 member with a special event at The Sussex Barn.

Final Word

Community Transport Sussex launches a Travel Buddy scheme with the help of two local actors.

ABOUT THE MAGAZINE

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

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

AAH, 2 Viney Close, Ashington, RH20 3PT

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

www.aahorsham.co.uk

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

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

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

PICK UP POINTS & AAH STANDS

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

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

Village Stands: Billingshurst Leisure Centre, Bluecoat Sports (Christ’s Hospital), Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens (Lower Beeding), Warnham Village Stores (Warnham), Slinfold Golf Club (Slinfold), Steyning Leisure Centre and Cobblestone Walk (Steyning), Spring Gardens Nursery (Washington), Joanna’s Boutique Tearooms (Storrington), The Milk Churn (Rudgwick), Meadow Stores and Cafe (Thakeham), Golden Plaice (Ashington)

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

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MONEY TALKS

For most of my life, I’ve got by with only a vague notion of how the pound is performing against the US dollar.

I knew there were heady days when we could trade one of our English pounds for two American dollars (it last happened in 2007) and that it was nothing like that now. Even if you could afford to get to Florida, buying tickets for Disney World was a whole other matter! But even given a five cent margin of error, I’d have struggled to tell you the exchange rate.

Just as a guide – I’ve looked this up – £1 would have bought you US$ 1.35 at the start of 2022. It then dropped gradually and when Boris Johnson resigned on 7 July, it was US$ 1.20. Yet still, the value of the pound wasn’t a topic of conversation at summer fetes and family barbecues. On 19 September, the day of the Queen’s funeral, £1 was worth US$ 1.14. And suddenly, it was all anyone could talk about.

There was a time when we demanded a lot of politicians. We expected them to tackle crime, cut NHS waiting lists, build schools, manage immigration, fight climate change, provide affordable homes, offer a fair welfare system, create jobs, negotiate trade deals and run effective vaccination programmes. All were factors that could potentially impact the result of an election. But none of that matters now. The only thing we need heed is the reaction of the global financial markets to any political development...

Never have the words, ‘The markets have reacted negatively/positively’ been deployed with such frequency as they have during the past month. The media’s narrative of political developments has seemingly been dictated by whether the zigzag on a graph goes up or down. In the US, Bloomberg even published an article with the headline, ‘Markets are Calling the Shots’ in relation to the UK’s political landscape.

Kwasi Kwarteng was the first victim. Ironically, he fuelled all this talk of market reactions when he hailed his own mini budget. He should have waited a few more minutes before patting himself on the back. Within hours, the pound had crashed to $1.08 (it actually dipped as low as $1.03) amid turmoil in the financial sector. There was a lot of ‘chaos’ about, wasn’t there?

Ever since then, none of us have needed to worry about keeping abreast of the exchange rates, as the news is all over it!

‘Pound hits all-time low after mini budget rocks markets.’ (The Guardian, 26 Sept).

‘Markets respond negatively to Truss speech spelling out corporation tax U-turn.’ (Sky News, 14 Oct).

‘Pound soars after Hunt rolls back tax cuts.’ (Reuters, 17 Oct).

‘Pound gains after Boris Johnson pulls out of leadership race.’ (The Telegraph, 24 Oct).

‘Investors calm as Rishi Sunak wins race for Prime Minister.’ (BBC, 25 Oct).

The Independent claimed that financial markets had given a ‘damning reaction’ to Liz Truss’ resignation and claimed sterling ‘had shot up’ against the dollar. In fact, it gained 0.4 per cent that day. We’ve also been presented with many graphs showing exchange rates. But by using short time spans (sometimes hours) within a bracket of only one or two cents in a dollar, graphs can drive a slanted narrative, either giving a sense of miraculous growth or impending doom.

I write this on Tuesday 25 October, but I’m worried about what the markets will respond to next. Will sterling plummet as President Biden isn’t sure how to pronounce our new Prime Minister’s name? Perhaps the pound will nosedive against the Euro because Rishi Sunak is even smaller than President Macron of France. Maybe it’ll recover as markets realise he’s the same height as President Zelensky of Ukraine, who’s a cool guy! Perhaps tomorrow, pensions will plummet as Wall Street reacts negatively to the Prime Minister leaving a café with a foamy moustache? ‘The global markets are questioning why the Prime Minister had a cappuccino at 3pm, when other political leaders ordered an espresso,’ said the BBC’s political editor. Him with the scruffy hair...

And where has all this talk of market reactions to government policies got us? After everything that has happened since the Queen’s funeral, what would £1 sterling buy me, as I write?

US$ 1.14.

Notes from the Editor: ‘And what has Wall Street made of it?’

NEWS ROUND-UP

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

The new Horsham Fire Station and Training Centre will be called Platinum House, in honour of Queen Elizabeth II. The announcement was made to coincide with an official topping out ceremony, held to mark the construction milestone at the site. The ceremony was attended by West Sussex County Council Leader Paul Marshall, Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue, Duncan Crow, and Cabinet

Member for Finance Jeremy Hunt, alongside West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer Sabrina Cohen-Hatton and Deputy Chief Fire Officer Mark Andrews. Sabrina Cohen-Hatton said: ‘The site will allow our firefighters to simulate more than 50 realistic training scenarios to ensure they are prepared to respond to a wide range of incidents – ultimately keeping them, and the communities they serve, safe.’

A time capsule containing items from the existing fire station at Hurst Road, as well as photos of crews at Horsham and a medal from The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, were buried on the site. The capsule will be opened by a future generation of firefighters in 50 years’ time.

WSCC’s appointed contractor, Willmott Dixon, began work in November 2021 and it is due to be completed in 2023.

Horsham Fairtrade Christmas Market will be held at St John’s Church Hall, Springfield Road, Horsham, RH12 2PJ, on Saturday 26 November, 10am – 4pm. Fairtrade Horsham is a not-for-profit group which promotes fairtrade products in the area. The Fairtrade mark is awarded to products that ensure fair prices and safe, healthy working conditions for farmers and producers in the developing world. fairtradehorsham.org.uk

Horsham Symphony Orchestra open their new concert season at St Mary’s Church, Causeway, Horsham, on Saturday 12 November, 7.30pm. The concert begins with acclaimed ensemble The Mithras Trio joining the orchestra to perform Beethoven's Triple Concerto. Conducted by Steve Dummer (above), the programme also includes Vaughan Williams’ Fifth Symphony Tickets £16 (£14 concessions/£5 U18s) from horshamsymphony.org.uk

Jeremy Quin, MP for Horsham, has been appointed Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office by new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The Paymaster General is a member of the Cabinet who is officially responsible for making government payments. Former Horsham MP Francis Maude, now Lord Maude, also served as Paymaster General in 2010 – 15.

jeremyquin.com

©AAH/Toby Phillips 2020

©AAH/Toby Phillips 2020

©AAH/Toby Phillips 2015

The topping out ceremony at Horsham Fire Station and Training Centre (©Horizon Imaging Ltd)

This year’s Capitol pantomime, Cinderella, will be performed on 8 – 31 December. Siobhan Athwal (Genie in 2021’s Aladdin) takes on the title role, with the cast also including Emma Lindars as the Fairy Godmother and Dan Smith and Antony Reed as the Ugly Sisters, ensuring a show full of slapstick, popular songs and memorable moments. For tickets, visit thecapitolhorsham.com

In addition to the panto, The Capitol hosts Santa’s Elves & The Shoemaker in the Studio on 16 – 29 December. From the producers of David Walliams’ Mr Stink, the show features song and dance, slapstick, plenty of audience interaction and a gift for every child from Santa. The cast includes Arthur Bostrom (inset), best known for his role as Officer Crabtree in ‘Allo ‘Allo. For children aged 2+. Tickets £13 (family ticket £45) from thecapitolhorsham.com

Visit Santa Claus in his Enchanted Forest at Old Barn Garden Centre, Dial Post, this Christmas. Discover a festive forest complete with elves, storytelling owl, enchanting music and a waterfall, before meeting Santa in his woodland retreat and receiving a gift. The grotto experience is operated by the Budding Foundation and profits fund local projects. Book at thebuddingfoundation.co.uk

Fishers Adventure Farm Park hosts a range of family fun this Christmas. Santa is in his grotto from the weekend of 26 – 27 November until Christmas Eve. Visitors can decorate gingerbread, choose reindeer food

and enjoy a winter walkway. After meeting Santa, children step inside the toy store.

The Fishers Barn Theatre hosts The Tale of a Christmas Calamity, while younger visitors can star in the nativity with real donkeys. fishersfarmpark.co.uk

John Lewis in Horsham offers customers the chance to meet Santa and his elves from Saturday 12 November. Children can visit Santa's Grotto and plant a magic bean, which will turn into a miniature Christmas tree. They take home a LEGO gift and can have a photo with Santa. £20 per child and accompanying adults.

johnlewis.com/our-services/santas-grotto

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Santa’s Grotto at Old Barn Garden Centre

The Mediaeval Baebes perform at St Mary’s Church, Causeway, Horsham on Tuesday 20 December, 7.30 – 9.30pm. As part of their MydWynter Tour, they will perform carols, traditional folk songs and showcase arrangements from their new album. The Mediaeval Baebes are one of the most successful female-led, early music and folk ensembles in Europe, receiving an Ivor Novella award for their performance on the BBC’s The Virgin Queen MydWynter is their 11th studio album and is released on 25 November. Tickets £26.50 (£11.50 children) from mediaevalbaebes.com

An Evening of Seasonal Music, performed by The Royal College of Music students and alumni, will be held at Saint Mary’s Church, Washington, RH20 4AS, on Saturday 26 November, 6.30pm (music from 7pm). The concert is organised by Lady Meryl Walters of The Old Vicarage, in aid of the National Garden Scheme. Performers include Colombian soprano Julieth Lozano and pianist Dmitrii Kalashnikov. Tickets £40 (includes wine and canapes) from ngs.org.uk/productcategory/tickets/upcoming-events/

The Sandgate Singers present An Evening of Christmas Carols at Our Lady of England Church, Storrington, RH20 4LW, on Sunday 4 December, 7pm. Tickets £12 (includes refreshments) from The Card Shop in Storrington or sandgatesingers.com

Horsham District Twinning Association host a Carol Concert at the Unitarian Church, Worthing Road, Horsham, on Saturday 10 December, 7.30pm. The concert features the Pleasure Singers, with carols sung in English, German and French, followed by refreshments. horsham-twinning.org.uk

Lights & Bushels Theatre Company presents The Thinning Veil at Holbrook Tythe Barn, Pondtail Road, Horsham, on 9 and 16 December, 7.30pm. Lights & Bushels revive the tradition of Victorian ghost stories. There will also be traditional winter folk songs, carols, mulled wine and mince pies. Tickets £10 from lightsandbushels.com

TOOVEY’S

Looking to sell your paintings?

Trelawney Dayrell Reed, Self Portrait, 1912, watercolour with gouache,

From old masters to modern art ~ for free, no-obligation valuations please call to arrange an appointment with our pictures specialist Tim Williams

The leading antique and fine art auction house in West Sussex SPRING GARDENS, A24 WASHINGTON, RH20 3BS

Dmitrii Kalashnikov

Pleasure Singers

West Sussex Philharmonic Choir present a performance of one of the great choral works, Brahms’ Requiem, at St Mary’s Parish Church, Horsham, on Saturday 19 November, 7.30pm. The work departs from the standard Latin text, instead using parts of the Lutheran Bible and thus is sung in German. Tickets £15 on the door or from westsussexphilharmonicchoir.org.uk

Billingshurst Choral Society perform Schubert's Mass in G and Saint-Saëns’ Oratorio de Noel at St Gabriel’s Church, Billingshurst, RH14 9QH on Saturday 19 November, 7.30pm. This will be the choir’s fourth concert since the pandemic under Music Director Marcio da Silva (inset). The programme also includes Debussy's Danse Sacrée and Danse Profane, performed by Ensemble OrQuesta. Retiring collection for Chestnut Tree House. Tickets £10 from billingshurstchoralsociety.org.uk

Christ’s Hospital Choral Society presents its autumn concert at St Mary’s Church, Causeway, Horsham, on Saturday 5 November, 7.30pm. It features Haydn’s mass Harmoniemesse and Vivaldi’s Gloria, with the choir accompanied by an orchestra. Tickets £15 from the Box Office on (01403) 247434, on the door or from chchoralsoc.org

Horsham Chamber Choir perform Mozart’s ‘Missa Brevis’ & Haydn’s ‘Little Organ Mass’ at St Mary’s Church, Causeway, Horsham, on Saturday 26 November, 4.30pm. The programme also includes music by Mendelssohn, Brahms and Schutz, as well as two of the great female romantic composers, Clara Schumann and Fanny Hensel. The choir are conducted by Olivia Shotton (inset). For ticket info, see advert (left) or visit horsham-chamberchoir.org.uk

Liverpudlian band Space perform at The Rec Rooms, Horsham, on Friday 18 November, 7pm. The trio had a string of hits in the 1990s, including ‘Female of the Species’ and ‘The Ballad of Tom Jones’, a duet with Cerys Matthews of Catatonia. The band have continued to record albums, the latest being released in 2021. Tickets £18 from therecrooms.com

West Sussex Philharmonic (©AAH/Alan Wright)

©Peter Mould

©AAH/Alan Wright

A new evening group of the WI has formed. Billingshurst Beck WI has been named to reflect the Beck sisters, who gifted a hall to the women of the village. The group celebrated its first official meeting with a toast to the late Queen Elizabeth II. They have an exciting programme planned and are looking for new members. Billingshurst Beck WI meet in the Stanley Room, Billingshurst Community and Conference Centre, Roman Way, on the first Wednesday of the month at 7:30pm. For details, email billingshurstbeckwi@wsfwi.co.uk

Sunflowers at New House Farm on Old Crawley Road, Horsham, helped to raise £3,400 for Ukrainian refugees. Max and Lucie Walton planted 2.5 acres of pick-your-own sunflowers, the national flower of Ukraine, attracting hundreds of visitors in the summer. They donated 40% of all sales to a campaign by the Polish White Eagle Club in Balham in support of Ukraine. newhousefarmshop.co.uk

The Adur Farming Cluster Group has secured £500,000 of government funding for a landscape recovery programme to improve the River Adur. The project will form part of the Wilder Horsham District initiative, a partnership between Horsham District Council and the Sussex Wildlife Trust, aiming to establish connected habitats that support wildlife and reverse the decline in biodiversity. The Adur River Restoration Project is one of 22 nationwide projects to receive funding from

the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), helping to revitalise and restore the Adur and its catchment. Land managers will each contribute a portion of their landholding (mostly floodplains) to create a connected area of at least 766 hectares of new habitat and river restoration, stretching from the Knepp estate to Shoreham, where the Adur meets the Sussex Bay restoration of kelp forests along the coast.

The River Adur (©Toby Phillips Photography)

Horsham District Council has committed over £500,000 to combat the cost of living crisis. A five-point action plan, announced at the Full Council meeting on 19 October, includes:

l Providing two new advisors through Citizens Advice to support residents.

l Funding the ‘Low Income Family Tracker’ for two years, targeting those not claiming all the financial support they’re entitled to.

l Providing £25,000 to Horsham Matters to support foodbank provision.

l Creating a flexible fund of £25,000 to support interventions identified through partners. Additionally, community drop-in sessions have been introduced. HDC has also been successful – as part of a consortium of local authorities – in securing funding from the Government’s Warmer Homes programme. Funding for eligible homes is available now, with energy efficiency measures including insulation and Solar PV panels. Apply at warmerhomes.org.uk/programme

Bright Care has opened a new branch in Wellington Road, Horsham. The company was founded in 2009 by Tim Cocking, providing private elderly care at home as an alternative to residential care, with services including visiting care, overnight care and live-in care. Bright Care’s inaugural branch opened in Cranleigh and it now has seven in England and Scotland.

brightcare.co.uk

Farlington School has appointed professional dancer Kayleigh Wells as its new dance and drama teacher. Kayleigh is the owner of KDF Academy of Dance & Fitness. Students can now take Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) examination classes in styles including classical ballet and tap. In addition, Farlington is offering classes in street dance, musical theatre and contemporary dance.

farlingtonschool.com

Horsham

Horsham Park has been recognised with two accolades by the 2022 South and South East in Bloom awards scheme. The park was awarded a Silver Gilt in the ‘Large Park’ category and a ‘Thriving’ in the ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ category, which focuses on community participation and environmental responsibility. Horsham District Council’s Parks and Countryside team and volunteers from Friends of Horsham Park celebrated the success and have set their sights on gold in 2023.

The Rotary Club of Storrington and Pulborough District has raised £10,000 to support local causes through its successful book stall.

The Rotary Club took over the Chanctonbury Lions Club’s established book selling operation last year, selling pre-owned books at Place Villerest, Storrington, on Saturday mornings. The scheme, run by Rotary’s members and supporters, has raised £10,000 for its community support programme. storringtonrotary.org.uk

Horsham Museum & Art Gallery is relaunching its Medieval Gallery, telling the story about how Horsham and the District were formed. The display includes the Shipley Reliquary, on loan from Shipley Parochial Church Council. Dating from the 13th century, the reliquary is an example of Limoges enamel from France. The precise date the reliquary arrived in Shipley is unknown, but St Mary the Virgin Church was built by the Knights Templar in the 12th century. horshammuseum.org

Here are some of the latest volunteering opportunities available in the Horsham District:

l The Friends of Warnham Local Nature Reserve are seeking to recruit two more trustees. Working with Horsham District Council, the Friends have exciting plans which will significantly add to the visitor experience over the next few years.

l Horsham Hospital League of Friends works to improve facilities and services for patients, staff and visitors through fundraising. The Friends are looking for two trustees to join the team.

l The All Aboard Club runs sessions for children with ADHD and autism and need volunteers.

For more details of these and other opportunities, contact a member of the Voluntary Sector Support team on (01403) 215191, or visit volunteerhorshamdistrict.co.uk

Mobile Curtain & Blind Showroom

Curtain and

Horsham Powerlifter Emilia Martin represented Great Britain at the IPF Junior World Championships in Istanbul, Turkey on 2 September. In the squat competition, Emilia achieved a personal best lift of 130kg, before another best of 75kg in the bench press moved her into fifth place. The third discipline was the deadlift, with Emilia once again achieving clean lifts and leaving her best until last, with a PB of 160kg. This propelled her into the bronze medal position, exceeding all her expectations and achieving two British records in her age category.

Have you thought about playing ping pong? Horsham Table Tennis Club is encouraging people to take up the sport by offering coaching for beginners of all ages at Greenway School, Horsham, on Saturday mornings. The friendly club focuses on participation and fun, and the first session is free. Additional coaching sessions for female players only will be introduced on Thursday evenings. horshamtabletennisclub.co.uk

Horsham Boxing Club presents a night of amateur boxing at The Drill Hall, Denne Road, Horsham, on Saturday 12 November, 5.45pm (boxing from 6.30pm). Boxers from various sections of the Horsham club will compete in the ring against representatives from invited clubs. Food and licensed bar. Tickets £15 (U12s £5). horshamboxingclub.co.uk

©AAH/Toby Phillips

HAODS presents 9 to 5 The Musical at the Capitol Theatre, Horsham on 9 – 12 November. The musical is based on the 1980 hit movie, featuring songs by Dolly Parton. Set in the late-70s, the story follows the exploits of three women as they fight to overcome the misogynistic views of an American workplace. Their story of friendship and revenge is outrageous, thought-provoking and a little romantic. Tickets £19.50 from (01403) 750220 or thecapitolhorsham.com

MIXED FEELINGS

VARIETY IS KEY FOR NIGEL EMERY AT THE NIFTY GALLERY

Nifty Art Gallery on Storrington High Street is the working studio of Nigel Emery. His style has evolved continually during a 25 year career as an artist, but local landscapes continue to inspire Nigel’s colourful work...

UNDER THE ARCHES

I opened my first gallery on Brighton seafront in 1996. Even as a boy, I wanted to be an artist and was reading French impressionist books while other children were listening to music. I had some normal jobs, but the idea of being an artist never went away. I lived in a cottage in Hove and would often walk by the Victorian arches near West Pier. One day, I saw a man outside the arches with a clipboard. I asked him about the units and he told me

they were available to rent. Nowadays, they’re as rare as hen’s teeth, but at that time I could take my pick. I opened a shop and called it Flotsam & Jetsam, as I was one of five children and that’s what our mother used to call us. However, I soon realised that I couldn’t paint properly. I hadn’t mastered the techniques needed to succeed and was merely emulating others. My work wasn’t good because it wasn’t original.

COLLECTIVE CONCEPT

I ran out of money and found other work, but it only made me more determined to succeed as an artist. I tried again, with a different approach. I took photos of houses and landmarks in Brighton, cut them up and arranged them to create

abstract, mixed media collages. Suddenly, people bought into my work, as they saw an original concept. It was very naïve, but there was an honesty to it. The idea evolved and I began including litter, flyers and postcards to capture the essence of the city. I love travel and have created collages of more destinations including London, Havana and New York. Although they’re abstract, everything is in its right place, with each element manipulated to create an overall sense of harmony.

WORK ETHIC

I was now making a living as an artist, but felt I needed to attend art college to improve my technique. I enrolled, but very quickly realised it wasn’t for me. People were throwing paint around and tutors

Nigel Emery at The Nifty Gallery in Storrington (©AAH/Alan Wright)

(©Nigel Emery)

(©Nigel Emery)

(©Nigel Emery)

20

Nigel Emery at The Nifty Gallery (©AAH/Alan Wright)

were praising their conceptual ideas, but you couldn’t ever sell it! You need to make money unless you want to starve. So, I didn’t go for long. I’ve met talented artists who are not focused enough to succeed. My strength was that I was prepared to apply myself to working every day.

SWIRLING FISHES

Some artists paint the same thing forever, but I often change style. Suddenly, putting together a collage felt like climbing Everest, so I needed a change. I noticed that, under the moonlight, the sea looked silver. This

inspired a new style where I used scrunched-up paper to create thick textures of crashing tides. Later in my career, I was known for swirling shoals of fish, and they still crop up occasionally on TV. I saw one in a house on a programme presented by Dominic Littlewood! I’ve had ideas that I was sure would work but which flopped, while others have been a surprising success. I’m finding now that I want to revisit some of my earlier themes and recreate them. Some of my early collages were poor, but their naivety had an energy of its own and I still feel I have that inner child.

SUNNY OUTLOOK

In my paintings, the sun is always shining. People remark on the colours as soon as they step inside the shop. I love expressing the joy of the seaside, with people eating fish and chips on the promenade, or fishing boats bobbing up and down in the harbour. When I was a child, I visited a fishing town and never found out where it was, even though I can picture it clearly in my mind. It has inspired lots of paintings and what’s interesting is that these pictures remind people of other places around the country. My best-selling print depicts the Seven Sisters and the cottages on the cliffs. My

The Nifty Gallery (©AAH/Alan Wright)

great-great grandfather was a Coast Guard who lived in one of the cottages, so I have a historical connection to it. The work has a semi abstract quality and the light draws people in.

LOCAL BEAUTY

Many scenes are of local landscapes. One scene of Sullington Warren captures the purple heather and gorse bushes, with a couple sat on a bench by the sandy path. The colours are exaggerated, which goes back to my love of French impressionism. I also have sailing scenes from West Itchenor and the Witterings, and spots on the South Downs like Ditchling beacon and Cissbury Ring. I

always take photos and sketch places I’m drawn to and although my paintings have abstract elements, I stay faithful to the layout of the land and capture what it is that makes a place special. However, I use my own narrative of light and colour.

STORRINGTON BASE

I have run the Nifty Gallery on Storrington’s high street for 14 years. I tried opening a shop in St. Ives but realised that most people in Cornwall are tourists who were more interested in sampling a good Cornish pasty than buying art. I settled in Storrington and although the footfall is low, the window helps promote my work. A lot of people drive

past and then search for my gallery online. I own the building, which has helped me survive lean times. It also means I can take time off when I want to, as I love to travel.

Cuba has a special place in my heart, but since the pandemic, I have rediscovered England and been reminded of what a beautiful country it is.

DESIRABLE ART

When people step inside the shop, they’re surprised to find out that all the work is by the same artist. Recently, I’ve had a burst of Scandinavian-inspired folk pictures, with blotches of autumn colour. Whatever I’m working on, the important thing is that it feels natural. Art cannot be forced. People immediately warm to an honest piece of art. But it is also important to ask yourself, what is art? Art is something that enhances a living space. As an artist, you must rein in your own ego sometimes and remember that for a painting to sell, someone needs to find it desirable.

INTERVIEW: BEN MORRIS

PHOTOS: ALAN WRIGHT

information:

Nifty Art Gallery, 48 High Street, Storrington, RH20 4DU

Tel: (01903) 745770

Email: nifty-gallery@hotmail.co.uk

Sullington Warren (©Nigel Emery)

Hello Sunshine (©Nigel Emery)

Busy Day at the Port (©Nigel Emery)

Visit our showroom at Hillier Garden Centre, Brighton Road, Horsham, RH13 6QA Call: (01403) 259755 Email: home@poolboy.co.uk www.poolboy.co.uk

Trading for 40 years at Hillier Garden Centre, Horsham

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NEW

FAMILY FEEL

INTERIORS IN HORSHAM CELEBRATES EXPANSION

New England Home Interiors in East Street, Horsham, recently expanded by taking over a vacant unit next door. AAH sat on a stylish Italian sofa to chat to director Joby Hardman about the flourishing family business...

When was the business founded?

New England has been going for 13 years. It was established in 2009 by my parents, Jennie Sayer and Mike Wake. They came into it with vast experience, having previously been antique dealers. They specialised in French furniture before opening a different shop in Horsham.

What was their first shop?

La Source on East Street. They ran the shop for three years before selling it (to Chris and Sylvie Holt, who still run La Source, now in Storrington). Initially, they planned to enjoy retirement in Portugal, but inevitably mum got bored. They returned to the UK after five years and opened New England Home Interiors. If mum won the lottery, she would still come into work the next day, as that’s what she’s like!

Does the business have any association with New England?

It doesn’t have a great deal to do with the American state. It was more to do with the fact that it was their new shop, with bespoke contemporary furniture made in England. However, the colour scheme was inspired by a traditional New England colour palette, so it worked on both levels!

What made New England different?

At La Source, they had sold French and Italian furniture, but also a lot of accessories. I remember they had gel burners from Holland that nobody had seen

before, so they were a good seller. But at New England, the focus was on sofas and furniture. From the outset, they travelled to trade shows in Milan and other European cities, seeking out new, contemporary designs.

When did you join the business?

I started my career at Bathstore in Horsham and later worked at And So to Bathe, also on East Street. Eventually, I took on a high-powered role working for a global brand. The money was good, but the hours were long and when my wife fell pregnant, I decided to join my parents at New England. I am now a director, alongside mum, and my focus is on marketing. The shop has always been very good, but it has relied heavily on recommendations. I’ve brought my experience to promote our products online and reach a wider audience.

What’s it like working with family?

We are good at talking through business decisions. My sister, Jay Large, also works at the shop. Jay previously worked for fashion brand Mulberry and returned to

Jay Large at New England Home Interiors (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Joby Hardman at New England Home Interiors (©AAH/Alan Wright)

26

Joby Hardman at New England Home Interiors (©AAH/Alan Wright)

New England after having children. She has an eye for colour and layout, which isn’t as easy as she makes it look. We all have our strengths and trust everyone to do their job. Mike has knowledge of the practicalities and logistics of furniture design and spots flaws that we wouldn’t notice. We’re a good team.

The shop has recently expanded… We have recently taken over the unit next door, which used to be Bathstore, where I began my career 20 years ago. We first considered the idea when Bathstore closed, but it wasn’t viable. A later plan by the owner to develop apartments came to nothing and the unit sat empty for several years, its

condition was deteriorating. So, we had another conversation and this time everything fell into place. It felt like the right thing to do, but was still a big commitment for us, as the extra space has seen the shop double in size.

What has the expansion allowed you to do? We have five new suppliers across our range of sofas and furniture. We also have the space to display homeware, accessories and decorative items including lamps, vases, mirrors and paintings. Whereas before we could only show a sofa in one size, we now have room for more variety, displaying large and small chairs in different colours to give customers inspiration. The shop is huge now, but when you start putting in giant corner sofas, it gobbles space up quickly!

Tell us about the New England range… This is essentially a fashion industry that is constantly evolving. Whether you run a clothing shop, a bathroom showroom or a

Jay Large at New England Home Interiors (©AAH/Alan Wright)New England Home Interiors (©AAH/Alan Wright)

‘In a furniture store, you need to move with the times and be on trend with materials and colours.’

furniture store, you need to move with the times and be on trend with materials and colours. It’s important for us to offer something different, so if a particular design starts to edge towards the mainstream, we look for something new. Some designs cannot be found elsewhere in the UK.

What is currently in vogue?

People are increasingly looking for furniture that not only looks nice, but offers value for money. Those with busy houses don’t want to worry about buying an oak dining table and having somebody stain it. So, although we do have some beautiful oak, we have other tables made with Dekton, a high-end, composite material which is highly resistant to scratches and stains. For our sofas, we work with leading fabric designers who utilise new technology, so that if a child draws on a sofa or someone spills drink on it, it can be washed off easily with water.

Are people limited to what they see in the shop?

We are seeing individuality in many aspects of fashion and style and it’s in the same in our industry. We work with traditional manufacturers in the UK to give people a choice of finish, size, shape, colour and fabric of their sofa. If somebody loves a design but feels it’s too soft, we can make one that’s more firm. If it doesn’t offer enough back support, we can build one that’s higher. It they want it in a different shape, we can do that through our bespoke service. There is a lot of flexibility.

What are your hopes for the future? We have some amazingly loyal customers, but because our sofas are so good, we don’t get many repeat sales! However, we do see people who bought a sofa from us a decade or so ago and want a change of style, or perhaps are moving to a new house with a different configuration that requires new furniture. There are not many shops like ours and people will seek out bespoke furniture and certain designs, which makes us a destination. That’s why it needs to be a large shop and with over 5,000 square feet, we are certainly that!

BEN MORRIS

ALAN

SERVING UP WOOD FIRED PIZZA AT THE BARN PROJECT, SLINFOLD FLOUR POWER

The Stone Baked Company was launched at the start of the pandemic, serving pizza from a converted horse box in the Surrey Hills. The business evolved and is now part of The Barn Project, located on a small farm in Slinfold. Since opening in December 2021, it has been steadily growing in popularity, thanks to its youthful team and rustic, homely charms. AAH met owner Jay to find out more…

How did this begin…

I had worked as a chef in various pubs and restaurants, including The Fountain at Ashurst and The Bat and Ball in Wisborough Green. For a long time, I had wanted to run my own street food business and COVID presented me with a chance to finally do it. I was working at The Royal Oak in Holmbury St. Mary when the country went into lockdown. With the restaurant shut, I had time on my hands, so I bought a horse trailer and converted it. That was the beginning of the Stonebaked Company.

Why pizza?

Everybody loves pizza and I love making them. Cooking over a fire is a passion of mine, so from the outset I made authentic, wood fired pizza. That means stretching the dough by hand to give it a nice, airy dough. Anyone can make a pizza, but there are many variables, from proofing the dough to sourcing fresh ingredients, so there’s a bit of science involved too.

Where were you selling your pizzas?

I was travelling around villages in the Surrey Hills. We went out four nights a week, at a different location each night. After a while,

people knew where and when to find us. Fortunately, the area wasn’t being very well catered for by takeaway outlets, so our pizza was very popular. We also visited local breweries including Firebird and the Dorking Brewery, providing food for tour days and special events. But when social distancing rules were relaxed, people had the urge to socialise, and the popularity of takeaways and pop-ups began to wane. I started looking ahead to autumn and winter when it would be beneficial to have a place with a roof.

You chose somewhere off the beaten path… I could’ve opted for the high street, but that’s not me. Since the business was founded, we have focused on rural locations. So, I wanted a place to create a venue that was more rural and rustic, using reclaimed wood and cable drum tables. I didn’t want to create something shiny and new. This is more like the food courts that have cropped up in London, which can be more informal and have an industrial look.

Kat at The Barn Project (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Jay at The Barn Project (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Jay at The Barn Project (©AAH/Alan Wright)

What was here before you?

A fibreglass factory. When I first met the letting agent and told him I wanted to transform it into a café, he thought I was mad. But I was adamant, as I had a vision of what it could be.

Did it need much work?

There was 20 years’ worth of resin inside the barn, so it needed a huge amount doing. It took two months to grind down the flooring, and there were electrical wires dangling from the ceiling. We had to vacuum the joists, as

they were loaded with resin dust too. It took six months of cleaning, with my dad and uncle working with me, before it was ready. Then in December 2021, we were able to open the doors of The Barn Project.

It’s not just pizzas now then?

The Stonebaked Company is one element of The Barn Project. There are eight pizzas on the menu, but these are merely suggestions, as customers can order whatever toppings they like. We also have a great brunch menu, which includes avocado on sourdough, or a

sausage and bacon brioche bun. We initially planned to create a small farm shop, but for now we have focused on brunch, pizza, and coffee, and that has served us well.

Was it a struggle to attract customers?

There’s a footpath nearby that is popular with dog walkers, but for 20 years they’ve not had a reason to divert this way. So, it took a while for people to discover what we were doing, and some assumed we only sold pizza. Now, we’re seeing more walkers, as well as workers from surrounding businesses.

Tash slices a wood

pizza (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Tash checks on a pizza in the oven (©AAH/Alan Wright)

The team has presumably expanded… I couldn’t do this all alone! My partner, Kat, has been fantastic, and Tash has also helped the business grow. We also work with some excellent local suppliers. Gwyn’s Bakery in Horsham’s Bishopric provides us with a range of pastries including chocolate croissants, while Kat makes delicious treats, such as Kinder or Mars bar brownie. Other savouries are from the Fine Piehouse at Norbury Park, while our coffee is from Trading Post Coffee Roasters in Brighton, and we’ve worked closely with them to serve the perfect coffee.

What are the other elements to The Barn Project?

We want to create a destination venue, so we are trying new ideas. We have the Biggest Little Bookshop, which is partly supplied by our neighbours, who run a book recommendation website called Litalist. We have even hosted book launches for authors they work with. More recently, we added antiques and homewares, with work by local artists and craftspeople. We hope to welcome a candle maker and florist too.

What are your hopes for the future?

We want to create a community hub. It’s a relaxing place where people can pop in for a coffee and a chat, or a pizza with friends, or even a place to hold an event if you’re looking for something different. We are still discovering what works, so the project is evolving all the time!

WORDS: BEN MORRIS

PHOTOS: ALAN WRIGHT

Further information: Open Wednesday – Saturday, 10am - 8pm Unit 1 Whitebreads

RH13 0RE slinfoldbarnproject.co.uk

The Barn Project in Slinfold (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Sausage

bacon

bun (©AAH/Alan Wright)

on sourdough (©AAH/Alan Wright)

FRESH LINEN

FABRIC DEPARTMENT AT HORSHAM BEDDING CENTRE

The final touches are being made to the new-look ground floor at Horsham Bedding Centre in Medwin Walk.

The four-floor town centre showroom now has more space to display a wider range of bed linen, while a second entrance at the rear car park provides more convenience for customers.

Tim Ellis, Store Manager, said: ‘In recent years, we’ve worked extensively on the layout of the upper floors, including the introduction of the Hästens range. While this has been great, it has suddenly made the ground floor look dated. While planning the new layout, we took the opportunity to create a rear entrance, making the store lighter and more open. It means our

customers no longer need to use the alleyway to the side of the store, which wasn’t pleasant and is now thankfully being sealed off.’

Inside, there is now a much-improved linen section with space for pillows, duvets, mattress protectors and fabrics to be displayed in a way that allows customers to see colours and feel materials up close. Once they have chosen the product they like, customers can take away a packaged, unhandled version.

Tim said: ‘People spend a lot of money on a new bed with a natural fibre mattress, as they want a good night’s sleep. But sometimes, they buy poor quality bed linen and don’t feel the full benefit of the bed,

because they’re using a polyester duvet and pillow covers bought online. A quality mattress should go hand in hand with a good duvet and linen. We offer premium quality, whether its latex pillows by Relyon or Hypnos, Egyptian cotton bedding sheets, Hungarian goose down duvets by Brinkhaus, woollen mattress protectors by Vispring, or stunning fabrics by the likes of Morris & Co, Ted Baker, Orla Kiely and Emma J Shipley.’

‘We have also created space for customers to browse through fabric books by leading designers, so they can choose materials for their headboard or footboard. We’re able to customise a bed to your own specification, not just in terms of size and materials, but fabrics too.’

ROARING

The White Lion in Thakeham reopened its doors in October. The idyllic 16th century coaching inn has long been at the heart of village life, but had been closed for 18 months before the arrival of Ashley Chapman and Julia Sullivan. They hope a combination of good food and a homely atmosphere will revive the pub’s fortunes…

EXPERIENCE

Ashley and Julia both have experience of working at Michelin-starred restaurants. Ashley has been a chef

for 14 years and has worked with renowned chefs including Michael Wignall at The Latymer at Pennyhill Park and Stephen Terry at The Hardwick Restaurant in Abergavenny, where he met Julia. He then made his name as head chef at Sorrel Restaurant in Dorking, maintaining a Michelin star for four years and picking up further accolades including four AA rosettes and an AA Restaurant of the Year award.

Meanwhile, Julia has spent the last four years at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, most recently as head pastry chef. She said: ‘Working at a Michelin-

38 Emilia Martin (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Julia and Ashley at The White Lion (©AAH/Alan Wright)

starred restaurant like Interlude is hard work, but it has been a fantastic opportunity. Now, we both feel it is time for us to do something new as a couple, focusing on our own business.’

LOCATION

Ashley left Sorrel in January and during the summer balanced freelance work with hunting for the right location for their new venture. They considered several options before stumbling on The White Lion in The Street. The much-loved pub’s doors were closed, leading to residents fearing for its future.

Ashley said: ‘We could see immediately that the pub had character and history. It was owned by Johnnie and Emma Kennedy, who have taken on several pubs in West Sussex. However, they were never able to open The White Lion. It has been extremely difficult since COVID, as many pub and restaurant workers found work in other industries. I have known the Kennedys for a while, as a friend of mine helped them establish The Welldiggers Arms in Petworth, and they have been very supportive of our venture here.’

We sell locally grown Christmas trees, from 2ft potted trees all the way up to 12ft. Available from 26 November. Santa will be in his grotto at our indoor forest. For dates, visit our website and socials. We are also taking turkey orders as well as other meats, cheese and vegetables.

Strawberry Fields Tea Rooms

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

Ashley Chapman and Julia Sullivan in kitchen (©AAH/Alan Wright)

SCRAPPY

Since its re-opening, locals have been regaling the pub’s new occupants with stories. Many of these involve legendary landlord Bill Newton. When he passed away in 2000, The White Lion closed and there was a campaign to save the pub.

Ashley said: ‘The locals have welcomed us with open arms and told us many tales. There was a missing plaque on the bar, and we were told it was in honour of a dog called Scrappy. The plaque has since been returned and is back in its old spot. Others have brought in relics, pictures and even trophies from a shooting party that used to

be displayed or hung here but were taken back when people thought it might not reopen. Others are bringing in tankards and gin glasses for behind the bar.’

‘We were made to feel part of the community very quickly. We’ve seen The Toffs, a group of local gentlemen, returning and once again booking the Gun Room for their get-togethers. I think the residents of Thakeham are just relieved to see a friendly team here. Although it is our pub, it is theirs too.’

MUDDY BOOTS

The White Lion’s rural setting means it attracts many walkers with muddy boots and dirty dogs. Despite backgrounds working in acclaimed kitchens, Ashley and Julia have embraced the spirit of the country pub and appreciate that many people just want to enjoy a pint of ale or a glass of brandy by the fire.

As a free house, the pub isn’t tied to a brewery. However, it has already established favourites on its taps. Julia said: ‘Everybody seems to love a pint of Harvey’s around here. We have two Harvey’s pumps (Sussex

The White Lion Inn (©AAH/Alan Wright)Beer battered fish and chunky chips (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Best and Old Ale) as well as one each from Langham Brewery and Hepworth’s. We have another guest pump and are hoping to offer beers by local breweries. We also serve Amstel, Birra Moretti, Beavertown, Inch’s cider and Guinness.’

CLASSICS

However, the focus is really on food. They have kept the menu simple, with five starters and six main courses, although seasonal dishes will appear on the specials board in due course. Starters include pumpkin soup with spiced pumpkin seeds, chalk stream trout rillette with toasted lemon rye, game terrine with cornichons and toasted sourdough, raw and baked beetroot with pink grapefruit and cashew feta, and buratta with chargrilled purple sprouting broccoli.

Ashley said: ‘Our focus is on creating pub classics with a certain quality and standard. There isn’t anything overcomplicated, but most dishes have one element that includes something different in terms of technique, or an ingredient that elevates it, without it becoming too pretentious. In time, some dishes may lean more towards fine dining, but mainly it’s about demonstrating our understanding of flavours in classic dishes.’

INGREDIENTS

Mains include pure wagyu beef burger with smoked cheese, tomato relish, baby gem lettuce and skinny fries, beer battered fish and chunky chips, sausage and mash with caramelised onion gravy, Cornish cod with creamed leeks, new potatoes and seaweed butter sauce, and

Braised short rib of beef, pomme puree, hispi cabbage with red wine sauce (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Game terrine (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Chalk stream trout rillette (©AAH/Alan Wright)

braised short rib of beef with pomme puree, hispi cabbage and red wine sauce.

Ashley said: ‘We work with some fantastic suppliers who we know and trust. Bread comes from our friend Ben White at Gwyn’s Bakery in Horsham, and we source meat from Aubrey Allen, who provide the quality we need, while vegetables are from Thornicrofts of London. Although they’re not all local, I know these suppliers and can rely on a consistently great product. It is a similar story with our seafood suppliers who can provide fresh, clean fish off the day boats, and our potato supplier, who offers seasonal produce that gives us the golden crispiness we’re looking for.’

SHARING

All of this is offered at a reasonable price, with the wagyu beef burger £16.50 and the beer battered fish and chips priced at £16.95. The rising cost of living is having an impact and we’re all counting the pennies. With that in

mind, the menu has been priced to offer good quality yet affordable dishes.

‘Some pubs are microwaving meals to keep costs down, but everything we make is fresh,’ says Julia. ‘It is difficult, as everyone in the hospitality industry is having to cope with rising costs. But at the same time, you need to attract customers and we aim to do that by delivering good food at a reasonable price. We love the idea of sharing too, especially on Sundays, when we see families with kids and grandparents

Julia Sullivan at The White Lion (©AAH/Alan Wright)

‘We have been in the industry for long enough to know that success depends on knowing your clientele.’

coming here. So, we offer roast chicken for two to share (£28.50) and our roast beef (£19.50) is served with Yorkshire pudding and potatoes on the plate, with everything else served to encourage sharing. If you want more cauliflower cheese, gravy or more potatoes, we’ll bring it out!’

STAR

With the new owners having both had experience of working and even leading Michelin-starred restaurants, is there a temptation to pursue similar accolades at The White Lion?

Apparently not, claims Ashley. ‘We are not going to obtain a star here and it’s not our goal. We have been in the industry for long enough to know that success depends on knowing your area and clientele and running a Michelin-starred restaurant in Thakeham would not be financially viable. We have worked hard over the past 20 years and the last thing we want to do is go into a business to fulfil our own ego, rather than run a profitable venture that benefits us and the community. However, if we could achieve a couple of AA rosettes and perhaps even a Michelin Bib Gourmand, that would be a huge achievement. It will take us a while to find our feet, but if we establish The White Lion as a destination, perhaps we can build a brand and – who knows – maybe five years down the line, we’ll be able to invest in a second site.’

WORDS: BEN MORRIS

PHOTOS: ALAN WRIGHT

Further information: The Street, Thakeham, RH20 3EP Tel: 01798 813141

whitelionthakeham thewhitelion_thakeham

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

The White Lion Inn (©AAH/Alan Wright)

The White Lion (©AAH/Alan Wright)

WORLD CHAMPION JAKE WIGHTMAN INSPIRES PENNTHORPE PUPILS GOLDEN AGE

Pupils and staff at Pennthorpe – a co-educational independent preparatory day school for children aged two to 13 – took to the all-weather surface for the first time as Jake delivered an inspiring talk on his sporting journey. Jake attended the school went he was very young, before attending primary school in Cranleigh. His family then moved to Edinburgh (which is why Jake competes for Scotland at the Commonwealth Games), but parents Geoff and Susan returned to Rudgwick in 2014.

At Pennthorpe, the young pupils enjoyed talking to Jake, and some even held the gold medal he won at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, on 19 July. After the ribbon-cutting, the MUGA hosted its first event, a relay race, in which a team of staff was soundly beaten by the pupils!

The 70m x 35m sand-based, artificial pitch can accommodate a plethora of sport all year round, enhancing the school’s sporting facilities which already include a sports hall, pavilion, football and rugby fields and a cricket square.

Matt Barnett, Director of Sport at Pennthorpe, said: ‘This facility is fantastic for us, as it can accommodate everything except contact rugby, no matter what the weather. We can use it for netball, hockey, athletics, five-a-side football, tchoukball and just about anything else you can think off.’

‘Because of the age range of pupils, there needs to be a broad range of activities at the school and this facility will allow the sports department to do even more. Also, we have an increasing number of sports scholars and this gives them an opportunity to benefit from top class facilities. As for the relay race, I hoped we would be a bit closer to the pupils. I was going to ask Jake to join our team, but I wasn’t sure his sponsors would allow it!’

Lydia Waller, Head Teacher, added: “The new MUGA pitch is a huge investment towards Pennthorpe, our children and the wider community. To provide such a first-class sporting facility opens another window of opportunity for everyone at the school.’

World Champion 1500m runner Jake Wightman returned to Pennthorpe in Rudgwick on Friday 14 October, to officially open the new Multi Use Games Area (MUGA).

Jake Wightman speaks to Pennthorpe pupils (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Jake with parents Geoff and Susan, and his gold World Championships gold medal (Photo courtesy of Susan Wightman)

Jake lives in London with partner Georgie Hartigan, who competes for Ireland on the international circuit. However, he maintains a connection to the local area through his parents. In the months leading up to last year’s World Championships, the couple stayed in Rudgwick while their own house was renovated, and Jake and Georgie trained along the Downs Link. Susan Wightman, Jake’s mum, coaches at Horsham athletics club Blue Star Harriers, so there was plenty of local interest as Jake stunned the world by holding off Olympic gold medallist, Jakob Ingebrigtsen of Norway, to take gold.

Speaking to AAH, Jake said: ‘As you can see by my reaction at the finish line, the result was a surprise to me as much as anybody. But as athlete, you always believe it can happen, even if the chances might seem slim. We’re all there hoping we can become world champion. Ingebrigtsen was unbeaten for the whole season going into the race and that’s why people were surprised. But that happens in sport.’

‘Tactically, the race went well for me, as Cheruiyot (World Champion in 2019) was running at the front too and I could run my

own race. To beat athletes of that calibre, while they’re running as well as ever, was cool!’

‘Steve Cram (Britain’s last men’s 1500m World Champion in 1983) was commentating for the BBC. I have known him a long time, as I went to school with his son, and he has always supported me. He was buzzing as we headed down the home straight! I’m proud to now be a part of Britain’s middle-distance heritage and hope I can inspire the next generation in the same way that the likes of Cram and Seb Coe have done in the past.

Youngsters at Pennthorpe were amazed to hear that Jake Wightman attended Pennthorpe too as a boy (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Pupils listen to Jake’s speech (©Lucy Brearley)

But now, I need to build on the win and get ready to defend the title next year in Paris.’

Jake’s victory was even more remarkable, as the stadium announcer in Oregon happened to be his dad. Geoff Wightman, who competed for England in the marathon at the 1990 Commonwealth Games in Auckland, was commentating at the World Championships with former sprinter Katherine Merry. However, it was Geoff who held the microphone during the 1500m race his son won.

Jake said: ‘Dad travels around the world commentating and has covered the Olympics, the World Championships, the British Championships and many more. If I’m not prominent in a race, he might not even say my name, as he’s very professional and maintains neutrality. But he does enjoy middle-distance races and was keen to commentate on the 1500m final. His reaction was filmed, as Katherine and my mum were both in the stadium. He managed to maintain his cool though! He punched the air as I crossed the line, as he still had a job to do.’

‘My dad is also my coach, so it was an unusual set of circumstances that made the story more interesting.’

Mum Susan also helps and takes on coaching duties when Geoff is away commentating. As a former PE teacher and international athlete who competed in the 10,000m at the Seoul Olympics, Susan knows what it takes for an athlete to reach the top.

‘I'm not sure if anyone aspires to be a World or Olympic champion,’ says Susan. ‘When you are a young athlete, it’s so far away from what you can understand.

Dale Jannels

Affordability tests impact borrowing

We’re still seeing lenders reassess many mortgage applications on revised affordability stress tests. What this means is that on the lower interest rates, at the beginning of the year, the lenders affordability calculation allowed a better outcome on the overall mortgage amount you could borrow. Based on the recent higher rates, unfortunately the outcome will often mean a lower amount of overall borrowing will be achievable. Sadly, this could happen even after you’ve fully applied to the lender, if interest rates move.

This is definitely a sign of the times and will be for some time yet. Gone are the days of a straight 4 or 5 x your income calculation. Now its affordability assessment, covering all of your monthly utility bills, council tax, livings costs, pension deductions and more. In addition, each lender will have their own individual calculation style. So, where you may borrow one amount with one lender, it doesn’t mean that other lenders will offer you the same mortgage amount.

With many lenders still running several weeks behind, make sure you use a mortgage broker who is up on technology. Streamlining the process will make such a difference when it comes to lender availability, and the need for paperwork. Many brokers these days will ask you to log onto an app for ID checks, possibly ask for Open Banking access (to check your bank statements for income and expenditure), should have the ability to offer access to a portal to securely upload your required documents and should have the ability to message you securely through a portal via text, app or online live chats. These should all be addition to actually integrating with the lenders directly to ensure quicker turnarounds.

The financial sector is certainly investing hard to make the mortgage process as streamlined as possible. This is despite some lenders continuing to stand behind their use of excel spreadsheets along the mortgage process!

Finally, rather than providing minimal, or no, notice for lenders increasing rates...we are being given lots of notice as lenders issue slight rate decreases! Obviously, rates will not reach the lows and cheap cost of funds that we enjoyed at the beginning of the year, but at least there is some movement in a reasonably favourable direction.

‘Jake’s victory was even more remarkable, as the stadium announcer in Oregon was his dad.’

When Jake was young, I felt he would be good enough to one day compete on the international circuit, but never in my dreams did I think he would become World Champion. He was good at schoolboy level, but being twins, Jake and Sam were small for their age. At U14 and U15 level, he would be running with people who looked much older than he did, and it was difficult for him as they were bigger and stronger. But he persevered. Now, I take the view of long-term development. Sometimes, youngsters are too eager to move on and compete at senior level, but others in their age group eventually catch up and it’s often those kids who make steady progress and develop the mentality needed to reach an elite level.’

These were sentiments echoed by Jake as he spoke to the youngsters at Pennthorpe. He said: ‘Since I was your age, I have dreamed of being a champion. I am very fortunate that that was able to happen, but I’ll explain some reasons why I believe it did. Number one is self-belief. Even when I wasn’t running as

fast as I felt I could, and wasn’t competing for victories, I believed I could still get to the top. You need resolve to achieve your dreams.’

‘Another factor is patience. I knew if I could make small improvements each year, that would make a difference. First, I aimed to be best in my class, then the school, then the District and County. If you keep doing that, eventually you might just compete at the Olympics. The third factor is to enjoy what you do. Doing the thing you love should never feel like a chore. For me that’s running, but perhaps there is someone here who dreams of being a footballer, nurse or singer. Whatever it is, enjoy it and keep making small steps. If you stick at it, you can achieve your goals.’

WORDS: BEN MORRIS

PHOTOS: LUCY BREARLEY

Further information: www.pennthorpe.com Pennthorpe pennthorpeschool jakeswightman

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Jake took his World Championships gold medal to Pennthorpe (©Lucy Brearley)

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HORSHAM EAGLES: FOOTBALL FOR THE LOST GENERATION KICK START

The Horsham Eagles provide women over the age of 30 with an opportunity to play football. With the focus on fun rather than competition, the recreational team has a growing membership and recently established a walking team too. As the Eagles celebrate their fifth anniversary, AAH spoke to Chair Roz Bivand, Membership Secretary Deborah Pearse, long-serving player Caroline Baker, and newcomer Rachel Matthews…

Roz: When I was approaching my 40th birthday, I joined the COGs (Crawley Old Girls), run by Carol Bates, who has done a huge amount to promote women’s grassroots football. I loved it so much that when I moved to Horsham five years ago, I wanted to establish something similar here. Along with another player, we founded the Horsham Eagles. It was always the plan for us to be a recreational team with an emphasis on fun and socialising. We started with a handful of players at Holbrook Tythe Barn, with no training equipment. As the weeks went by, more people turned up and before long, we could afford training bibs and footballs!

Caroline: I wasn’t a founder member, although the Eagles hadn’t been going long when I joined. My daughter plays football and her friend’s mum had gone along to an Eagles training session. It sounded fun, so decided to give it a go, as I’ve kicked a football about ever since I could walk, but girls weren’t allowed to play when I was young.

Roz: The Eagles welcome people over 30 because we’re the lost generation. I loved playing football with my brother and cousins when I was a girl, but never had a chance to play for a team.

Deborah: One of our members is 65 and joined us having never kicked a ball before. When she was growing up, girls were banned (the FA forbade women from playing football on the grounds of affiliated clubs from 1921 – 71). Now, she’s here most weeks, always playing with a smile on her face. That’s what we’re all about.

Deborah: We train at the home of Horsham FC on a Wednesday night. We’re not competitive, although of course it’s exciting when your team scores! We play friendlies

Horsham Eagles (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Roz Bivand (©AAH/Alan Wright)

against other teams and there are regular tournaments in Lancing too. We give everyone a chance, so it’s not about picking the best players. Tournaments are run in the same spirit, so there's no winner and we don’t keep scores.

Roz: Our matches are always played in a good spirit. We’ve been asked to join a competitive women’s league, but that doesn’t interest us. There are other teams catering for those playing at a higher level or who want faster, more competitive football, but that’s not what the Eagles are about.

Caroline: The age range and ability levels here are wide, as we have novice players, as well as those who have played for teams before. As the women’s game has grown in popularity, the standard has risen, and the game has got faster. We wanted a back-up plan for when some of us older players can’t keep up, so we’ve established a walking football team too. We want to be accessible to all and the walking game suits those who have injuries, haven’t played before, or just want to improve their fitness gradually. I believe passionately that football should be for everybody and that is why we provide opportunities for all.

Deborah: I moved to Horsham from Reigate just before the pandemic. In the summer of 2021, I was looking for an activity to keep me fit and healthy but wasn’t interested in joining a gym. I wanted something more sociable and football was the obvious choice. I’m now Membership Secretary and organise our social events. We recently celebrated our fifth anniversary at Bill's Restaurant and are now planning a Christmas party.

Rachel Matthews (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Caroline Baker (©AAH/Alan Wright)

We have about 50 members but need that many as everyone has family and work commitmentsm which mean they cannot commit every week. We recently held a newcomers’ evening and signed eight new members.

Rachel: I’m one of the new members. I used to play football at school and missed the camaraderie of team sport. I’m enjoying having that once again. I only moved to Horsham a couple of years ago and thought football would be a good way to meet people. It's been a long

time since I played, and my ball skills need improvement, but the enthusiasm is still there! It's nice that players are of mixed ability, as it makes the club more welcoming. I never felt I was being thrown in at the deep end.

Caroline: It wasn’t all that long ago that there were very few opportunities for girls to play football. Even talented girls could only play in mixed teams with boys up to a certain age and after that, there were few women’s teams they could join to stay in the game. Thankfully that has changed, and my daughter has enjoyed playing football since she was five.

Deborah: In recent years, there has been a surge in popularity in the women’s game. We are now seeing more teams at grassroots level and Premier League clubs run community sessions with qualified coaches. Certainly, the success of the Lionesses at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 (where England defeated Germany 2-1 in the final) has had an impact. Girls now have role models and

Deborah Pearse (©AAH/Alan Wright)

there’s potential for them to have a career in football. For my generation, it was impossible to become a professional female footballer. What we still need to do is encourage girls to continue playing for as long as possible, as too many give up in their teenage years.

Rachel: I watched the Euros, although it was only when England reached the latter stages that I took close interest. I don’t think the Lionesses inspired me to play again, but perhaps - subconsciously - they did! I certainly joined shortly after their victory! I’m sure their success will have had a greater impact on the next generation though.

Roz: Football is very good for your mental health and wellbeing, as it’s outdoor exercise, and there’s a great camaraderie in the team. Our coach, Sarah Osborne, helps with training and we are improving. Sometimes, I wonder if I can summon the energy to go training after a hard day, but when I’m here, I love every minute. It sounds like a cliché, but it is like a family!

WORDS: BEN MORRIS

PHOTOS: ALAN WRIGHT

Further information:

The Horsham Eagles train at Horsham FC on Wednesdays at 6 – 7pm. Walking football is held on Mondays at the Holbrook Club, 7 - 8pm. For more details visit horshameagles.co.uk

Horsham

train at Horsham

Horsham Eagles (©AAH/Alan Wright)

For generations of people growing up in the town, Horsham Youth Club on Hurst Road provided many happy memories. There will no doubt be readers who met their partner there or have tales of teenage rebellion dating back to the Friday night discos.

The attendance of youth clubs has dropped from its heyday, no doubt partially due to the rise of mobile phones and online gaming. However, it was a sudden loss of funding that nearly closed them for good.

In 2011, West Sussex County Council slashed support for youth services and instead encouraged community groups to take over the running of youth centres. In Horsham, that call was answered by an independent charity called 4TheYouth. Founded by Dean Sweet, 4TheYouth was run youth workers, many of whom had previously worked for

WSCC. They have continued to provide places for young people in the town and the surrounding villages to meet.

4TheYouth runs a Wednesday evening club in Holbrook (ages 8 – 11), Friday evening youth clubs at Slinfold (Years 6 – 9) and Broadbridge Heath (Years 6 – 8), and on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays, has clubs for secondary school pupils at Forest Youth Wing. Its latest venture sees the return of the Hurst Road venue, where the Hurst Cafe provides a different kind of support.

Paula Lintott, Youth Worker at 4TheYouth, said: ‘We know the café isn’t going to make much money, as children and students don’t have much to spend. But that’s not what it’s about. It’s about providing them with a space where they can come and be themselves. When children finish school, or when

Collyer’s students have gaps between lessons, they can use Hurst Cafe. At town centre cafés, young people can get a drink and maybe get away with sitting there for an hour, but other than that, there are few places they can go to.’

‘Here, they don’t even need to buy a drink and can stay for as long as they like. If they want it, they can get one-to-one support and advice from youth workers on a range of issues, such as wellbeing and relationships. But really, it’s about them having their own space and I hope young people take advantage of the café and develop a sense of ownership.’

REACHING OUT

The staff and volunteers at 4TheYouth have given the Hurst Road site a makeover. Outside, the hardcourt remains popular for football, while pool tables and a lounge give young people a chance to relax. However, the Hurst Café is different to other youth facilities, such as Forest Youth Wing, which provides a more traditional experience.

Paula said: ‘Forest Youth Wing is great as it has table tennis, pool, arcade machines and lots of sport activities. But it tends to attract children whose parents seek out youth clubs to keep them socially and physically active. They give them money for subs and snacks and pay for special trips. There’s nothing wrong with that, but there are young people for whom that doesn’t apply. We want to reach those people.’

Paula Lintott works for 4TheYouth (©AAH/Alan Wright)

‘There are children who don’t go home straight after school – or can’t – for any number of reasons. They might hang out in the park or town, where they can cause mischief. We offer them a place where they are welcome and can get support. When you make a connection with such children, youth work is very rewarding.’

‘When WSCC cut funding in 2011, it was so that youth services could be more targeted, perhaps focusing on young people with special needs or mental health issues. Youth Clubs became less about people coming together and more about targeted campaigns, such as highlighting the dangers of smoking. But that’s not what young people want. I find tsome of the best youth work is done over a game of pool. Someone might have had a bad day and will open up during a game. They don’t even realise they’re talking about a problem and yet they’re helping to deal with it. Sadly, that kind of one-to-one method used by experienced youth workers wasn’t enough for WSCC. So, whereas youth clubs once worked as a form of intervention, that was lost when they closed. Now, we actually have increased mental health problems among young people and maybe there is a link between that and the demise of youth centres.’

PLANNING AHEAD

A covenant is in place to ensure the Hurst Road site is used for the provision of youth services. It is hoped more organisations and charities working with young people will use it in future. Jeremy Quin, MP for Horsham, has campaigned for more mental health support for young people in the district. Inspired by the I–Rock initiative in East Sussex, run in partnership with the Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, he has driven plans for a similar scheme in Horsham. When 4TheYouth made him aware of the work they were already doing, they agreed that the hub should be based at Hurst Road. It is also hoped that local group, MATES, will return soon too.

Paula said: ‘We hope the Hurst Cafe will be used by other agencies, such as YES (Youth Emotional Support). We are converting the front office into two counselling rooms so we can cater for a wider variety of services. As for the Hurst Café, we will see how it evolves. There is a possibility that Friday night parties, be it a disco or band nights, could return, but we’ll see. Forest Youth Wing hosts discos as it’s more like the youth clubs of old. But Hurst Café offers something else, as we want to reach everyone.’

The Hurst Café is open from Monday to Thursdays, 10am – 4pm.

www.horshamyouth.org.uk

Hurst Cafe is run by a team of volunteers and staff from 4TheYouth (©AAH/Alan Wright)

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HORSHAM MOTORCYCLE GROUP CELEBRATES 1,000TH MEMBER AT SUSSEX BARN

The Horsham Motorcycle Group organised a special ride-out on Saturday 22 October, to celebrate its 1,000th member. AAH met riders at the Sussex Barn in North Heath Lane, Horsham, to find out how the group has become an important social hub for local motorcyclists…

REVVING UP

Horsham Motorcycle Group (HMG) was founded by Gary Rollingson, who lives in the town. At weekends, Gary was riding for up to an hour to meet fellow motorcyclists from work. So, he decided to look for a group closer to home. When he couldn’t find one, he started his own on Facebook. ‘I thought that if half a dozen people joined, that would be great!’ said Gary. ‘On the first day, 45

signed up, so there was interest from the beginning. A lot of people were riding alone and wanted to be part of a group. From the outset, the group was open to everyone. It wasn’t about owning a certain bike or following a scene. Nothing was predetermined. We have everything from 125cc bikes to Harley Davidsons, and motocross to superbikes. The important thing is to promote a good riding spirit.’

TRIKING GRAN

One of the most unusual bikes in the group is owned by Tess Fenter, a grandmother from Handcross. Tess is unable to operate a manual gearbox since she underwent a back operation, so now gets her riding kicks aboard an eye-catching trike. It was bought

with manual gears and a 1 litre engine, but husband Nigel customised it into a 1.3 litre, automatic trike cruiser. Tess says: ‘I love the trike, as it has kept me on the road. I started riding a moped as a teenager and although I took a break to raise a family, returned to riding when I could, as it’s part of who I am. Wherever I go, the trike raises a smile and people always want to talk about it. This year, I rode it to the Isle of Man, towing a trailer! I went around the TT course, which was an amazing experience and something I’ve always wanted to do. For me, the social side of HMG is what makes it such a special group. They have given me the chance to get out at weekends. I often sit at the back as the “tail-end Charlie”, but always know the route so I catch up with the others eventually!’

Tess Fenter with her customised trike (©AAH/Alan Wright)

(©AAH/Alan Wright)(©AAH/Alan

Wright)(©AAH/Alan Wright)

INCLUSIVE GROUP

About 100 members met at the Sussex Barn for an event to celebrate the Facebook page registering its 1,000 member. However, that number could be higher, as Gary and his committed admin team have turned down requests from all over the world, as they want ‘friends’ of the page to be able to participate in rides and events. The group’s popularity has been driven by the frequency and variation of rides, which are posted on the events section of the page. In the summer, there will often by several rides suited to different riders.

‘We have established four groups,’ said Gary. ‘The Easy Rider group is for those building their confidence, and the Inbetweeners is for those who are perhaps looking to be more progressive. The Great Escape group is for more experienced motorcyclists, and finally there’s the Top Gun. Across the four groups, people can find the one that most suits them and have an enjoyable ride. Members post their events and it’s up to people to sign up if they want to, without commitment. New sub-groups are now being established within

the main group, which is a dynamic I always hoped would happen, as it means friendships have been formed. Certainly, this is one of the most relaxed and inclusive groups around and people have come on board with the concept from the beginning. That is all down to the great work of the admin team, past and present, who put so much effort in behind the scenes. Special mentions must go to James Faulkes, Simon Clarke, Stewie Roberts, Briony Booker, Suzanne Ratcliffe, Jarrod Furlonger and Nigel Pithers.’

with

from

LAURENCE’S AWARD

The get-together was supported by local motorcycle businesses, including Public Enemy Custom Bikes in Slinfold, Moto War (a motocross shop in Rudgwick), Cycle Sprays in Cowfold, and Billy’s Motorcycles in Pulborough, which donated a signed Valentino Rossi T-shirt, which was auctioned to raise funds for the group’s charity, the Air Ambulance.

Prizes were donated for bikes in four categories: Best in Show, Muddiest Ride, Most Coordinated Bike and Laurence’s Award. Laurence Biegstraaten, 19, is an honorary member of the group and selected his favourite bike for a special award. During the pandemic, Laurence, who has had cerebral palsy since birth, became a familiar face to many, as he was often seen waving to motorists at the roundabout by the Highwood estate, off the A24.

Dad Machiel said: ‘It started at the beginning of COVID, when we lived near Bury Hill. Laurence enjoyed waving at motorists, and some would wave back or toot their horn. When we moved to Highwood, we started waving from the bridge over the dual carriageway, but it wasn’t giving him the same satisfaction, so we moved to the roundabout. Laurence loves it and drivers enjoy it too. On two occasions, the motorcycle group have arranged a drive-by so that Laurence can see the bikes. One day, Gary stopped and presented Laurence with an HMG jumper, declaring him an honorary member. It was a very touching gesture, as he loves fast cars and bikes and gets very excited when they approach the roundabout.’

The group attracts riders with

Gary Rollingson, founder of the Horsham Motorcycle Group, on his KTM

Superduke (©AAH/Alan Wright)

SOCIAL SIDE

As friendships have developed within HMG, social events have been organised too. These have included golf days, go-karting, and bowling nights, while the admin team are now planning a Christmas celebration. There have also been rides to scenic destinations, including the Lake District and Wales.

Michelle O’Neill from Littlehampton joined the group as she was looking for a friendly and social riding experience. She has since enjoyed tours to Wales and the Isle of Wight. ‘Wales is renowned for being wet, but the weather was perfect for the entire trip,’ says Michelle. ‘We rode through Snowdonia, which was beautiful, and organised a stop to Velocity 2, the fastest zip wire in the world. Gary, Simon, and the rest of the team do a fantastic job of organising the routes so that they include tourist attractions, as well as pleasant scenery. But the best part of the trips is getting to know new people and bonding as a group.’

UNFORGETTABLE ALPS

Some riders have ventured even further afield. There have already been two trips abroad, to the Pyrenees and the Alps, with further trips to Romania and the Arctic Circle of Norway pencilled in the diary. For Broadbridge Heath rider Paul Harding, riding through the Alps was an unforgettable experience.

Paul says: ‘It has long been on my bucket list, but I never really thought I’d get to do it as it’s not the sort something you want to do alone. We rode through France, Germany and Austria, then down into Italy and Switzerland, so we circumnavigated the entire Alps. The organisers must’ve spent ages planning the route, as it was incredible.’

‘As we all have work or family commitments, people can join rides whenever they want. The group has a very relaxed approach.’

Paul Harding (©AAH/Alan Wright)

was about a dozen riders and most

didn’t

and

together

But it was one of the best holidays I’ve ever had. We all had different

and experience, so if someone was tired and didn’t want to take a winding,

route around the

they could stick to the highway and meet us at the day’s destination.’

group generally has a relaxed approach, and as we all have work or family commitments, people can join rides whenever they like. It doesn’t matter if you’re not on the scene for a few months. I personally go out when I can, as riding is good for your mental health and I enjoy riding to a café and being part of a social group. We’ve also established an off-road sub-group and organise our own rides around the Surrey Hills. So, the group has made a big difference to people and brought many riders, who might otherwise have been quite isolated, together.’

WORDS: BEN MORRIS

PHOTOS: ALAN WRIGHT

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FINAL WORD

TRAVEL BUDDIES: HELPING COMBAT ISOLATION IN HORSHAM

Many readers will have loved ones or perhaps neighbours who struggle to get out and about due to age, sickness, disability or poverty. For those living in rural communities, a lack of public transport may make it even harder for people to get to a medical appointment, visit a friend or relative, attend a club or go shopping.

However, it is worth remembering that there are organisations that can help. One of these is Community Transport Sussex (CTS), which is supported by both West Sussex County Council and Horsham District Council (HDC).

On 10 October, the CTS launched a new scheme called ‘Travel Buddys’. The date was carefully chosen, as it coincided with World Mental Health Day. The Travel Buddy scheme is aimed at reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness amongst the most vulnerable in our community.

Those attending the launch included Marie Claire Mackintosh from CTS, James West of Age UK and HDC’s Director of Community Services, Paul Anderson. There were a couple of more familiar faces too, as the scheme received enthusiastic support from actors James Bolam and Sue Jameson, who live in Wisborough Green. James is well known for roles in TV programmes

including The Likely Lads, New Tricks and –for younger viewers anyway – Grandpa in my Pocket, while Sue was also a regular cast member of New Tricks. They were only too happy to promote the scheme. James said: ‘The scheme is about building meaningful friendships and restoring a feeling of community. Knowing the residents of Horsham, it’s likely to be a huge success.’

The scheme matches volunteers with residents, who may be living with mild to moderate dementia and need help getting out and about. Volunteers accompany the client as they visit friends and family, go shopping or attend appointments. It allows users to maintain a level of independence, whilst loved ones and carers receive much needed respite. Community Transport Sussex use a brilliant team of volunteers, who receive full training.

So, what exactly is CTS?

CTS runs several initiatives and charities locally. It has established partnerships with Kangaroos (helping with excursions for the fun disability club) and Age UK (providing transport for several centres in West Sussex) so you might have seen its minibuses around. Some readers may also be familiar with the Bluebird Community Partnership and Dial-a-Ride services, which also come under the CTS umbrella and serve different parts of West Sussex. Locally, these transport services are run by another of the CTS charities, called Horsham District Community Transport (HDCT).

HDCT was established in 2013 for residents of Horsham and the surrounding area. Those in need of community transport can register with HDCT and use the Dial-a-Ride service. All minibuses have tail lifts and are adapted for wheelchair users. People can also hire an HDCT minibus (with or without a driver) for private parties and excursions, while the charity also organises trips to places like the beach or garden centres.

So, if you know someone who can maybe benefit, do let them know about it. To find out more about accessing any of the Community Transport Sussex schemes, please visit www.ctsussex.org.uk or email travelbuddy@ctsussex.org.uk

James Bolam and Sue Jameson at the launch of the Travel Buddy scheme (©AAH/Ben Morris)

Partners at the launch of the Travel Buddy scheme (©AAH/Ben Morris)