AAH (All About Horsham) December 2019

DECEMBER 2019

COVER STORY

All About AAH AAH is an independent magazine, owned by Ben Morris, a life-long resident of the Horsham District.

EDITOR: BEN MORRIS editor@aahorsham.co.uk 01403 878026 / 01903 892899 The Editor, AAH Magazine, 2 Viney Close, Ashington, RH20 3PT ADVERTISING: advertising@aahorsham.co.uk 01403 878026 / 01903 892899 PHOTOGRAPHY: TOBY PHILLIPS tobyphillipsphotography.co.uk info@tobyphillipsphotography.co.uk 07968 795625

IN THIS

EDITION We have our usual News Round-up, including the Horsham candidates for the general election, we meet clinical psychologist Jo Johnson as her first novel is published

Toby is available for all kinds of photography, from portrait work to corporate shoots. To find out more about his work, visit his website at https://tobyphillipsphotography.co.uk WEBSITE: www.aahorsham.co.uk We publish AAH online every month.

You can read archive editions too.

Advertising in AAH The magazine is delivered to 15,000 homes in Horsham, Southwater and villages including Broadbridge Heath, Mannings Heath, Ashington, Partridge Green and new estates at Highwood and Wickhurst Green.

Thousands of copies are picked up from our stylish stands across the District. The magazine is also published online.

ADVERTISING Eighth Page Advert: £55 + VAT Quarter Page Advert: £110 + VAT Half Page Advert: £185 + VAT Full Page Advert: £310 + VAT Double Page Advert: £520 + VAT Every Sixth Advert is Free For more details or an AAH information book email advertising@aahorsham.co.uk or call 01903 892899

The December 2019 cover features Tom Clayton, author of Clayton’s Cookbook, presenting a Jamaican ginger cake at his Horsham home.

During the shoot, Toby had set up a light and organised the chef’s desserts in the background. Just as he was all set for the photo, a cookbook fell forward and caused several coconut and lime syllabub desserts in stylish glasses to smash on the floor. Unflustered, Tom prepared a fresh batch in a matter of minutes!

Other cover contenders include a stunning shot of Muntham House Head Teacher Harry Anderson, which I felt was too corporate, and pictures of author Jo Johnson and the CAGNE campaigners.

DOOR TO DOOR DISTRIBUTION Horsham: Jacquie Paterson, Dominic Goddard, The Judd family, The Rollingson family, George Voisey, Katie Drysdale, George Williams, Sam Lucas, Hazel Garner, Sam Uphill, Jill Shuker, Owen Bloomfield, The Arliss family, Charlotte Wellbelove, The Gavira Family Southwater: Connor Brown, William Britton, Tassia Chapman Villages: Nathan Williams (Mannings Heath); Lynsey Hare (Billingshurst), Harry Kent (Ashington), Derek Bradnum (Nuthurst) Ben Morris (Stands) Tanneka Scadding-Hunt (Partridge Green), Oak Tree Farm Care (Maplehurst & Copsale); The Palmer family & Amy Butler (BBH) James Hobbs (Thakeham), Tom Matthews (Storrington) PICK UP POINTS 4,000 more copies are available at businesses, clubs, organisations and community centres across the district.

AAH STANDS Horsham: Henry Adams (Carfax), Pavilions in the Park, Horsham Museum, Horsham Rail Station, Crates (Carfax) New House Farm, Swan Walk, The Capitol, New Street Butchers (New Street) At Home Estate Agents (Caterways), The Holbrook Club Village Stands: CoCo’s (Southwater); Billingshurst Leisure Centre, Coco’s (Billingshurst) Barns Green Village Store, The Bridge Leisure Centre, Bluecoat Sports (Christ’s Hospital), Leonardslee (Lower Beeding) LEAFLETS We can deliver leaflets with AAH. Email editor@aahorsham.co.uk £40 + VAT per 1,000 copies (£45 for A4 leaflets) SOCIAL MEDIA Follow us on Twitter @AAHMagazine and @tobyphillips1 NOTES We would like to thank Eshan Wakefield, who moves on after delivering magazines in Horsham. All the best for the future, Eshan.

We have great news for the villages! New AAH stands are on their way with the first two designated for Slinfold Stores and Warnham Village Stores.

The magazine is also now available at Wisborough Green Stores & Post Office.

Tom Clayton has written a cookbook solely on plantbased recipes, Maggie WeirWilson unveils Secret Horsham and Stitch embarks on a sewing revolution in Storrington

We visit Apache, which has been at the sharp end of men’s fashion for 26 years.

Muntham House is one of the country’s most remarkable special schools and we find out why it’s been deemed ‘outstanding’.

We meet CAGNE as the group fights expansion at Gatwick, and marvel at the floral paintings of artist Pam Clarke. Finally, there’s a charity focus on the West Sussex Mediation Service as it wins a Queen’s Award.

Toby Phillips (Photographer) and Ben Morris (Editor) enjoy Short Mat Bowls at Horsham Bowling Club Email your thoughts on Ben’s column or any AAH feature to: editor@aahorsham.co.uk

Notes from the Editor

The teenage drama of school trousers During our visit to Apache Menswear, I was reminded of the brief trend for drug-culture clothing in the 1990s.

It was a decade littered with questionable trends. But while shell suits, backward facing caps and Global Hypercolor T-shirts are remembered by nostalgic Top 10 lists on the internet, the popularity of brands like Dready and Dosse Posse has largely been forgotten.

I was in Year 10 at Forest when demand for such clothes was at its peak, as the last embers of a once vibrant rave culture were flickering out. I remember the pressure to fit in and one day - after making out I was literally the only child without one - I dragged my mum down to Apache. I bought an Eclipse hoodie which I assume my mum thought was the most acceptable brand for a 13-year-old, at least when compared to Dready, personified by a bug-eyed Rastafarian cartoon smoking cannabis.

I looked ridiculous in it. The hoodie came was one-size-fits-all and being the smallest boy in my year, it slumped down to my knees. Like many others, I got a record bag too. My dance music collection consisted of exactly zero

records and I’d never been to a rave, although I lied about going to an Under-18’s event at Sterns nightclub in Worthing to the extent that I almost have a memory of it! I vividly recall another Forest pupil using Tippex to daub “Take the E2 or E3 Bus to Rush” on my bag. I had no idea what it meant and now only laugh with embarrassment at what others must have made of this tiny kid with a bowl cut lugging around a record bag smeared with a daft drug reference.

1990s, anyone wearing “ankle bashers” was raising their head dangerously above the parapet and making themselves a target. The playground was tough for those committing the sin of wearing trousers a bit too small.

Now, that fashion has been reversed and my son likes the trouser’s hem to brush the ankles, so you can even see the socks. So, there was drama when my wife bought him some new trousers. They were the perfect size, which of course, wouldn’t do at all.

Eventually, there was a moral outcry against such brands, but by that time, kids were bored of it anyway and had moved on.

Roll on a quarter of a century, I have a son the same age as I was when I bought my hoodie.

Let’s face it, fads aren’t quite so weird or diverse as they used to be - except for that one about exposing your pants that struck a few years back. Teens now love North Face clothing, which in my day was for proper mountaineers who thought they were too good for Millets.

Forgetting everything we ever knew about school life, we explained that such things aren’t important. Nobody is going to pick on you for having trousers that fit. Bullies won’t pin him against his locker because they didn’t like the way the hems gently brush over the tongue of his shoes!

But these quirks of fashion can still mean everything through young eyes. And I was reminded of this recently, when I argued with my son about a pair of school trousers. In the

So, how did it all end? My son took them off, put on his old pair and snuck out.

Coming from an era when you couldn’t even wear backpacks over both shoulders like you’re supposed to, I suppose we should be more understanding...

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News & Events New Street Butchers pictured in 2018. (Photo: AAH/Toby Phillips Photography)

Send to: editor@aahorsham.co.uk

After selling out The Rec Rooms last April, Mud Morganfield returns to Horsham to perform on Friday 17 January. The eldest son of Muddy Waters, Mud is a multi-award winning artist and an established star in the Blues world. His 2012 album, Son of the Seventh Son, saw Mud nominated in the Best Album at the 2013 Blues Foundation Music Awards and he went on to appear on BBC’s Later…with Jools Holland. His latest album, They Call Me Mud, was released in March 2018 to great reviews. Tickets £16 in advance from www.therecrooms.com

Sussex Farmer of the Year. The Grand Finalists for Sussex Street Food of the Year were revealed last month. They are reigning champions Mann & Moore from Horsham, Pizza Leonati from Brighton and The BBQ Project from St Leonards-on-Sea. 18,000 public votes were received for the awards last year and the judging panel, chaired by dairy farmer and Nuffield Scholar William Goodwin, hope even more people will vote this year. Grand finalists from the ten categories will be invited to a ceremony

The Kirk Fletcher Trio perform at Coolham Live Music Club, Billingshurst Road, RH13 8QN, on Saturday 18 January.

Widely considered one of the best blues guitarists in the world, Kirk Fletcher is a fourtime Blues Music Award, a 2015 British Blues Award nominee and former lead guitarist of The Fabulous Thunderbirds. This is the US trio’s only South East gig during their tour.

Opening the evening will be one of the UK's top session guitarists, Nat Martin and his band, joined by Portuguese-born vocalist Diana Silveira. Tickets £20 from coolhamtickets@gmail.com

on 29 April 2020 at the Amex Stadium, Brighton, where the winners will be revealed. The Horsham District is well represented among the finalists, including Bangers Galore and Jengers Craft Bakery (Food Producer of the Year) New Street Butchers & Deli (Butcher of the Year), Restaurant Interlude (Eating Experience of the Year) and Jeremy’s Two in Cowfold (Food Shop of the Year).

Voting closes on 18 January at www.sussexfoodawards.biz

Photo: Rick Gould

Public voting is now open for the Sussex Food & Drink Awards 2020.

The ten finalists have been announced in categories including Sussex Food Producer of the Year, Sussex Farmers Market of the Year, Sussex Butcher of the Year, Sussex Eating Experience of the Year, Sussex Food Shop of the Year and Sussex Drink Producer of the Year.

Entries are still open (until 3 January 2020) for the Sussex Newcomer of the Year, Sussex Young Chef of the Year and Young

Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens has appointed a new head gardener.

Stephen Herrington was formerly Gardens & Parks Consultant and Project Manager for the National Trust, London and South East Gardens Programme, and Head Gardener at Nymans. Stephen said: “I am delighted to be part of this exciting and important project, to protect and upgrade one of the finest woodland gardens in England. We are still discovering rare plants and have recorded 22 champion trees including the critically endangered Abies Nebrodensis (Sicilian Fir).” www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk

Jim Duggan pictured in 2016 (AAH/Toby Phillips Photography)

The country will go to the polls on Thursday 12 December.

Candidates in the Horsham Constituency are Jim Duggan (The Peace Party) Michael Jones (Labour) Louise Potter (Liberal Democrats) Jeremy Quin (Conservatives) and Catherine Ross (Green). In the 2017 election, Mr Quin was declared MP for Horsham with 59.5% of votes.

There is no UKIP representative on the ballot paper, whilst the Something New party has also disappeared since the last election. We’re strictly neutral here at AAH, but congratulations to Peace Party candidate Mr Duggan (pictured) who is standing in Horsham for the sixth consecutive General Election, dating back to 2001.

Billingshurst Christmas Fair will be held at Billingshurst Centre, Roman Way on Saturday 14 December, 10am - 3pm.

There will be craft, gift and charity stalls, children’s rides, hog roast and a visit by Father Christmas. A Lantern Walk leaves the library car park at 3.30pm, arriving at Station Road Gardens for a Light and Music Show at 4.15pm.

Billingshurst Choral Society hosts a Christmas Cracker concert with Petworth Town

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Parkinson’s UK Horsham Branch has vacancies for two volunteers to help run the group, which is dedicated to supporting people living with Parkinson’s together with their family and carers.

A Branch Membership Secretary will be responsible for sending out reminders to members for annual subs, passing the money to the treasurer and updating the membership database. The role requires access to a computer and basic spreadsheet skills. The Branch Membership Secretary will be responsible for sending and responding to

correspondence on behalf of the branch. The role also involves producing agendas and minutes for meetings and requires access to a computer.

The retiring holders of these posts and other members of the committee will carry out a comprehensive handover and be available to give support, and Parkinson’s UK have comprehensive online training.

Anyone considering these positions is invited should call Chairman Paul Dodd on (01403) 266173 for an informal discussion.

(Photo: Toby Phillips Photography)

Horsham comedian John O’Sullivan hosts a Christmas Blues Cabaret Night at Horsham Sports Club, Cricketfield Road, Horsham, on Thursday 19 December, 7 - 11pm.

There will be adult humour, eclectic cabaret and a disco. It’s a night perfect for friends, groups and festive parties.

Over 18s only. Tickets £15 (includes a glass of fizz and nibbles) from www.eventbrite.co.uk For table reservations email admin@horshamsportsclub.com

The Capitol hosts a new adaptation of A Christmas Carol on Friday 13 Sunday 15, Sunday 22 and Tuesday 24 December. Acclaimed character actors Jack Lane (Dad’s Army Radio Show) and David Benson (Goodnight Sweetheart) play every character of Charles Dickens’ classic story. Horsham’s Jack Lane has received great acclaim for his one-man Wisdom of a Fool show and this latest adaptation has also been very well received by critics. Tickets £15 from (01403) 750220 or www.thecapitolhorsham.com

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Join Hepworths on 6th December at the brewery on Stane Street, Brinsbury, Pulborough, RH20 1DJ on Friday 6 December, 5 - 9pm. Sample six traditional ales from the brewery’s ‘Sledge’ of tasting portions, with wine and cider, live music and hot food. http://hepworthbrewery.co.uk Firebird Brewery in Rudgwick has also released Festive, its take on the classic King and Barnes Festive Ale. Kissingate Brewery in Lower Beeding will be serving up a range of specials at its Christmas Festival on Saturday 14 December, 11am - 9pm.

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Horsham Comedy Gala will be held on Saturday 18 April, 7.30pm. After the success of last year’s event, the gala returns for an evening of comic brilliance hosted by Rich Wilson. Acts include Germany’s self-appointed Comedy Ambassador Henning Wehn, Zoe Lyons and Ahir Shah. Tickets are likely to sell quickly and cost £22 from (01403) 750220 or www.thecapitolhorsham.com

Author and Chairman of Cowfold History Society Mike Burt has written an insightful account of the village during the Second World War. His book When the Lights Go on Again: The Story of Cowfold in World War 2 is written through the eyes of 11 local children. Although not directly confronted by battles or bloodshed, the children saw fathers going off to war, rationing and bombing raids.

It £12.99 from the Camelia Botnar Garden Centre or Horsham Museum.

The immortal tale of Peter Pan, the boy who wouldn’t grow up, is given a new pantomime treatment at The Capitol, running from Friday 13 December - Sunday 5 January.

The pantomime, sponsored by Horsham estate agents Brock Taylor, includes pop and musical theatre songs, colourful sets, great costumes, gags and family- friendly entertainment.

Anthony Sahota stars as Peter Pan alongside Nicola Hume (Heart FM), Nicholas Collier and

Rebecca Lafferty. The roles of John and Michael will be played by young local stars Daniel Kendon, Oscar Ward-Dutton, Dexter Lamley-Grinstead and Theo Ranganathan.

Hywel Dowsell returns as the Dame and James Fletcher is Mini Smee. The production is sponsored by Brock Taylor and Horsham Bedding Centre. There will be a collection for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. Tickets £23.50 from (01403) 750220 or www.thecapitolhorsham.com

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New images have emerged for the major new development on land north of Horsham.

Legal and General, which is developing the site, has also held two drop-in events at the Holbrook Club, Horsham, attended by hundreds of residents. L&G outlined plans for an improved roundabout at the A264 and Rusper Road junction, which is pivotal to the building of the new Bohunt School. As well as discussing infrastructure needs for the site, representatives of the developers discussed community facilities including a village centre, sports hub and pedestrian bridge over the A264.

An L&G statement on the recently updated website reads: ‘We are committed to delivering social value and building communities, not just homes. As part of this, we want to hear how you think we can support local needs in Horsham.

We will continue to engage with the community over the coming years.’ www.landnorthofhorsham.co.uk

The Floral Fringe Fair will be moving to the Deer Park at Leonardslee Gardens, Lower Beeding over the weekend of 30 - 31 May 2020. It will have the same friendly, eclectic feel as ever with plant nurseries, artists and makers, vintage stalls, street dining, picnics, food, music and a Steampunk twist. To draw attention to the rare plants at Leonardslee’s Grade 1 listed garden, there’s a celebration of Victorian plant hunters. Classic car owners are invited to attend with reduced entry.

The entry price will be £8.50 (£3 children /U4s free). www.facebook.com/floralfringefair Instagram @floralfringefair

Photo: Toby Phillips Photography/STCH

Horsham Churches Together will provide a variety of Christmas entertainment in Horsham town centre on Saturday 14 December. A Children’s Musical Nativity in association with Little Notes will be held on the Bandstand from 11 – 11.45am with children welcome to wear nativity costumes.

A Nativity Trail (12 – 3.15pm) features a real donkey and sheep, as well as gifts.

A Christmas Concert with local choirs takes place from 12 - 3.15pm, before a carol service at 3.30pm. All are welcome. www.horshamct.org.uk

St Catherine’s Hospice will be holding Tree of Light services at local churches in December.

The services include Christmas carols and readings, offering bereaved family and friends an opportunity to reflect on the year that's passed and honour someone special by dedicating a star in their memory.

Any donations from stars will allow more people to have St Catherine's expert care and support.

Last year, the hospice cared for around 2,450 people with eight in ten people looked after in

the comfort of their own homes.

Horsham Tree of Light services are held at St Mark’s Church, St Mark’s Lane, RH12 5PU on Sunday 8 December, 6pm and Holy Trinity Church, Rushams Road, RH12 2NT at 6.30pm.

A Billingshurst Tree of Light service takes place at Trinity United Reformed Church, on the corner of High Street and West Street, Billingshurst, RH14 9LG on Sunday 8 December, 5.30pm. www.stch.org.uk/treeoflight

Storrington Christmas Night will be held on Thursday 6 December, 6 - 8pm.

The festive lights will be switched on at 6pm by the winner of an annual competition. There will also be carol singing, children’s rides, live music, stalls, Thakeham Morris Dancers and much more for all the family.

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Cherry at the 2019 HAOS Art Fair (AAH/ Toby Phillips)

Horsham Museum & Art Gallery hosts an exhibition of work by Horsham artist Cherry Parsons.

Working mainly in acrylics or oils, Cherry enjoys creating portraiture, seascapes and landscapes and her work incorporates light, reflections, water or humour.

Her amusing new range of seagull images are included in the current exhibition, Light and Laughter, running until 3 January 2020 in the Watercolour Gallery.

Original artworks, prints and a range of greetings card are available to buy. www.horshammuseum.org

Steyning & District Community Partnership Visitor & Tourism Group unveiled an ornate archway connecting Newmans Gardens with Steyning High Street on 27 October.

The innovative design was created by Steyning based architect Nick Jones from Jones Architects and the archway was constructed by Sussex Ironworks, also Steyning-based. The intricate roof of the arch is laser-cut to depict the ordnance survey map

of the High Street. Horsham District Council will next lay the final surface of bronze resin bonded pebbles and uplighters to illuminate the archway, in addition to making improvements to the Newmans Gardens car park. A granite foundation stone will display the names of those involved with the project.

Funding came from the Central Sussex LEADER Programme via the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

A new exhibition at Horsham Museum and Art Gallery, looks at the developments and events that took place during the 1920s and how they affected Horsham and its residents. Boom and Bust: Horsham after the Great War runs until 11 January 2020. www.horshammuseum.org

Lydia at Art Academy in 2014 (AAH/Toby Phillips Photography)

John painting at his Horsham home in 2016 (AAH/Toby Phillips Photography)

The Charity Christmas Card Shop at Horsham Museum & Art Gallery in the Causeway offers great value cards from 19 different charities.

Local artist John Davies has painted another new snowy scene of Horsham, entitled Winter at St Mary’s, especially for the Sussex Association for Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus (SASBAH).

John has painted local views for the charity for 27 years with many of his previous designs still available as cards.

The shop also offers Christmas paper, gift bags and tags and is open until Saturday 21 December. www.horshammuseum.org

Whatever place you’re into

Lydia Sanderson has launched Art and Soul, a Monday Art School based at St Andrew's Church, Crawley Road, Roffey. Lydia has been teaching classes for adults, children and teenagers since 1990, having previously ran the Art Academy in Horsham, and continues to paint. The Monday Art School classes are warm, nurturing and tailored to supporting the individual.

All levels of ability are welcome to attend, with materials provided.

For class times and prices visit www.artandsoulmondays.co.uk

Andre Westerdijk’s Heart of Glass

“Bring out the adventurer in you!”

Our colourful arena features 11 fun themed climbing experiences and 19 individual climbing lines, suitable from from the age of 4.

The St Catherine’s Hospice HeART to Heart trail came to an end on 30 October when the 26 beautiful heart sculptures, were sold at auction. In total more than £50,000 was raised, with Ellie Our Angel attracted the highest bid on the night, selling for £12,000. www.stch.org.uk

Just £9 per session. www.thebridgeleisurecenre.co.uk

The Bridge Leisure Centre 01403 211311 Places for People Leisure Ltd. working in partnership with Horsham District Council.

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Henry Nicholls, of TV’s Dickinson’s Real Deal’s favourite antiques experts, together with his son Peter is giving the general public the chance of selling their unwanted antiques, jewellery, silver, gold, wrist & pocket watches or in fact, any unloved heirlooms.

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Photo: Maxine Dodds Alexandra Bastedo (AAH July 2011)

Maxine Dodds of Rudgwick won an annual photography competition run by Sussex Wildlife Trust, with this image of a vole in a foxglove.

‘Pretty in Pink’ was selected by a panel of judges, headed up by international wildlife photographer David Plummer, from over 600 entries. Maxine took the photo with a Canon 16 Mk II on a walk in woodland near Crawley.

Emma Varley from Pulborough was voted runner-up with her ethereal photo of a Common Blue butterfly (inset) taken at Sullington Warren.

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All 12 finalists’ photographs will feature in Sussex Wildlife Trust’s 2020 online calendar, available to download. www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk ABC Animal Sanctuary hosts an evening of music and readings with a Christmas theme at Mary’s Parish Church, Church Street, Storrington, on Saturday 7 December, 6.30 - 8.30pm.

A variety of musical artists will attend, with the audience singing traditional carols. A raffle will be held during the interval. The Sanctuary was founded by actress Alexandra Bastedo over 30 years ago and has continued to be run by her friends and volunteers since she passed away in 2014.

Tickets £10 (includes wine and mince pies) from www.abcanimalsanctuary.co.uk

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We offer upholstery services for modern & traditional furniture with ‘made to order’ solid beech frame furniture available from our showroom. Our online gallery demonstrates our work including three piece suites, antique chairs, headboards & more.

We have a wide range of fabrics to choose from & offer free fabric samples.

For your free no obligation consultation call us today.

Thanks to all our clients old & new, who have supported us over the years.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas & peaceful New Year.

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Horsham District Council is set to establish a closer working relationship with Sussex Wildlife Trust to ensure that our natural environments are protected and enhanced.

HDC and SWT will bid to reverse the decline in species and habitats across the district, as well as tackling and reducing the impacts of climate change. The proposed five year partnership will also look to create networks of land that are protected for wildlife, allowing habitats to expand, species populations to increase and encourage people to improve the local natural environment.

The proposed partnership, which was likely to be verified during a meeting of the Full Council in late November, supports HDC’s Corporate Plan for 2019 - 2023, which prioritises the protection of the local environment. In June 2019, the council committed to reducing its carbon footprint and working towards the national target of becoming carbon neutral.

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Unit 1B, Church Lane Est, Church Lane, Plummers Plain, Horsham, RH13 6LU

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Grey heron at Warnham Mill Pond (Toby Phillips Photography)

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

OV E R T H E THRESHOLD Record Inheritance Tax bills are a reminder of the need for good estate planning.

There are few more confusing – or unpopular – taxes than Inheritance Tax (IHT). For older generations, the prospect of paying up to 40% tax on what they leave behind is difficult to contemplate.

For some children and grandchildren, grappling with IHT is something they are ill-equipped to do.

Yet more and more families are having to deal with IHT. The latest figures show that IHT receipts reached £5.4 billion in the 2018/2019 tax year. HMRC’s latest estimates show a year-on-year increase of £164 million.1 The rise reflects the surge in residential property prices, as well as the strong recovery in other asset values, which has dragged more households into the IHT net.

From April 2019, the residence nil-rate band rose to £150,000, for those who qualify, and it will increase incrementally each year until it is worth £175,000 in 2020. Coupled with the fact that the first £325,000 of an individual’s estate is exempt from IHT, this will mean that, subject to certain conditions, a married couple and civil partners could

have a combined tax-free estate worth £950,000 – a figure that will rise to the million-pound mark by 2020/21.2

many options available, establishing trusts* where appropriate; and making use of annual exemptions such as gifting.

Despite this, at the heart of this problem remains the simple fact that IHT could be considered a voluntary tax; the Treasury relies on inertia and people’s reluctance to confront the issue.

If you are uncertain about where you stand regarding IHT and would like to know more about how to prevent much of your money falling into the hands of HMRC, or your local authority through long-term care fees, you should seek advice.

WIT H C A R E F U L I H T PL A N N I N G, M O R E WE A LTH C OU L D B E RE TAIN E D TO SU P P O RT F U T U R E G E N E R AT I O N S.

For further information or to arrange a no-obligation meeting, please contact Matthew Wykes by phone on 01403 710422 or by email at matthew.wykes@sjpp.co.uk.

The boost to the Treasury’s coffers is a reminder of the damaging effect death duties can have on families’ plans to create and pass on wealth, and also that there are perfectly legitimate ways of mitigating IHT through foresight and careful financial planning. The mitigation of IHT does not require high-powered tax planning; only a willingness to discuss the issue, take action and make use of the

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

Trusts are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

1

gov.uk - HMRC tax receipts, 24 April 2019 2 gov.uk/inheritance-tax, April 2019

MATTHEW WYKES Associate Partner Tel: 01403 710422 | Mob: 07974 062561 Email: matthew.wykes@sjpp.co.uk Web: www.matthewwykes.co.uk

The Partner is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products.

The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and title ‘Partner’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.

H2SJP32439 06/19

Jo Johnson at Vintage Rose Tea Rooms, Storrington (Toby Phillips Photography)

Surviving Me Jo Johnson delves into the male mind for book This month, AAH features three authors who have written very different books. Tom Clayton has turned his blog on plantbased recipes into a cookbook, while Maggie Weir-Wilson reveals the secrets of Horsham.

We start with Jo Johnson, who explains the story behind debut novel, Surviving Me. I am a clinical psychologist and have run my own practice since 2008. I specialise in neurology, having previous headed the Neuropsychology department at Worthing Hospital.

My work brings me into contact with children whose parents have been diagnosed with neurological conditions, like Huntington's disease or Multiple Sclerosis. This has a huge impact on all the family but especially children, who can be left confused by the changes that are occurring.

There is a lot of information available to people but it was traditional in its format and message and I wanted to write a

psychology book that children could relate to. I spoke to a young girl and we worked together on a book called My Mum Makes the Best Cakes, based on the story of somebody diagnosed with MS. The focus was on saying, “yes, MS is tough, but there’s still a person in there that we can celebrate.”

That led to Grandpa Seashells for children who have a relative suffering with dementia. I also wrote a quirky workbook called Shrinking the Smirch: A Practical Guide to Living with Long-Term Health Conditions. The idea was that symptoms are described as a smirch and the book suggests ways to tackle them. Some people loved it, others hated it!

Last year, I worked with Hampshire Police to help staff cope with mental stress. I’ve long been concerned about men’s health, particularly those working in our emergency services. Most police forces have trauma programmes, but essentially wait until people are broken before anything is offered. Hampshire Police has been more dynamic

than most in moving forward and I wonder if it’s a coincidence that it’s the only constabulary in the country with women at the top.

“Men have a hard time as we give them mixed messages. We want them to be sensitive and yet be providers too.”

Men have a hard time as we give them mixed messages. We want them to be sensitive and yet be providers too. They can’t get anything right! Most men over the age of 35 were raised to think that crying is weak and do not discuss their struggles with friends and family. When I meet my female friends, it’s rare that one of us doesn’t open-up about problems, be it financial fears, relationship worries or the stress of raising children. My husband tells me that just doesn’t happen with men. They don’t talk about their weaknesses.

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Suicide is the biggest killer of men between the ages of 40 - 50 in the UK. Most are regular people that haven’t made contact with psychiatric services. Many might appear successful as those who feel insecure are often social climbers in high-flying jobs who do not open-up when things take a bad turn. It was these issues of the male mind that I wanted to delve into for my first novel.

For me, writing is a way of taking my mind off work. Whilst my practice is in Storrington, most of my work involves travelling to meet people. Speaking to patients and families when they’re going through a life-changing experience is challenging, so I try and intersperse work with visits to cafes, where I like to write.

Surviving Me is even partly set in Vintage Rose Team Room in Storrington.

The book is written from the perspective of the lead character, Tom. So far, nobody who has read it has commented on the fact that a woman is writing as a man!

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Surviving Me follows a successful man as he struggles with a worsening depression as well as the story of his brother-in-law, who is diagnosed with Huntington’s disease. The tagline is ‘Tom has decided he doesn’t want to live. Adam wishes he had that choice.’ They are two regular men whose minds deteriorate in different ways.

I became so engrossed in Tom that my husband remarked, “I feel like you're having an affair and I can't even punch him!â€? On one occasion, we went to Brighton and my husband took the children ice skating while I sat writing in a cafĂŠ. I reached a dramatic point in the narrative and when my family saw me, I was in tears. They asked me what was the matter and I burst out, “It’s Tom!â€?

I went to Prague with friends and one of them was desperate to read it, so I printed out the pages and she loved it. At that stage it wasn’t complete, so I sent her a chapter every week until it was all done.

That’s how it all began. Encouraged by the feedback, I sent my first draft to a publisher but it was turned down, as it wasn’t ready.

Eventually, I came across Unbound and worked with an editor, Craig Taylor, who was fantastic and gave me a crash course in creative writing. He advised me to rewrite large sections to create a back story and adjust the pace, which I did.

Unbound asks authors to sell 300 books, so that their risk as a publisher is diminished.

I managed that in a few weeks. Finally, the published copies arrived on 14 November, coinciding with Men’s Health Day 2019.

Surviving Me has been well received. It sold out in on Amazon in two days and has received overwhelmingly positive reviews on www.goodreads.com. It’s been encouraging to hear nice things about the book. Most of the feedback highlights the character development and one reader said it made her cry on the train!

I have been asked about a sequel, as it does end on a cliffhanger. I have written parts of another book from the perspective of a female character, so we’ll see. If you were to ask my husband, he’d say, “definitely not!� But I’ve always been impulsive, so we’ll see what happens.

Words: Ben Morris Photos: Toby Phillips Photography Surviving Me by Jo Johnson is available to buy at Vintage Rose Tea Room on School Hill, Storrington and Body & Face Beauty Salon on High Street, Storrington.

It can also be purchased on Amazon.

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A young Horsham chef has produced his own cookbook, compiled solely of plant-based recipes.

Tom Clayton, who recently graduated from Reading University where he studied Food Science, was inspired to write the book after his grandad passed away. He suffered with Alzheimer’s and so all profits from Clayton’s Cookbook will go to a related charity.

Tom said: “My grandad’s illness had a big impact on the family, so I wanted to do something for the Alzheimer’s Society. I settled on plant-based recipes as they present a challenge and most cookbooks tend to focus on meat courses. More people are turning to a plant-based diet because of health and environmental benefits, and it’s increasingly common on restaurant menus, so I hope there would be a demand.”

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Busy Summer While a student, Tom created an Instagram and cooking blog, Clayton’s Cookbook, which gradually built up a following.

Many recipes he had blogged about were recreated for the book. Tom started writing down the recipes in January 2019, but it wasn’t until the summer that he had the chance to make and photograph them. He took photos of each dish himself, having previously studied photography at Collyer’s, whilst his friend Justin Smallwood helped with the design and formatting of the book.

Once completed, the book contained 75 dishes from savoury treats, breakfasts, main courses, baked treats and desserts. Tom was conscious of using easily accessible ingredients for most of the recipes, so others could easily replicate his enticing selections.

Banana Pancake Waffles (Photo: Tom Clayton

Bloody Mary Bruschetta (Photo: Tom Clayton

“I recommend people try the mushroom stroganoff and t he teriyaki tempeh buddha bowl!”

Then it was a matter of finding buyers. “Initially, I was selling through my blog, where many followers bought a copy,” says Tom. “My family and friends have been very supportive and my Aunt has sold about 50 to colleagues and friends alone!

“It’s been interesting to hear which recipes people enjoy. The Jamaican ginger cake and the

Golden Oreo Chocolate Brownies (Photo: Tom Clayton

Sultana scones (Photo: Tom Clayton

BBQ Mixed Bean Burger (Photo: Tom Clayton

Popular Choices

ultimate chocolate cake are very popular, and people love the Bloody Mary bruschetta. I recommend people try the mushroom stroganoff, onion bhaji burger and the teriyaki tempeh buddha bowl. I have a BBQ mixed bean burger that’s delicious too!”

Tom, 22, doesn’t yet harbour any ambition to be a full-time chef.

Instead he plans to pursue a career in food product development. But first he is

planning an exciting few months away, travelling in South East Asia.

Words: Ben Morris Photos: Toby Phillips Photography & Tom Clayton Clayton’s Cookbook, priced £12.50 is available through https://claytonscookbook.com with profits going to The Alzheimer’s Society. The book is also available at The Horsham Cellar, 51 Carfax.

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Book reveals fascinating history of town Dr. Maggie Weir-Wilson has spent a year compiling stories for Secret Horsham, published

by Amberley Books. While some stories may be familiar to long-term residents, there are many lesser-known nuggets of information and for those who only recently moved to the area, it’s a useful condensed history of the town. Here, Maggie explains the process behind its compilation…

I initially approached Amberley Publishing as I wanted to write a book on St Leonard’s Forest.

After retirement, I did a PhD in Landscape History, focusing on the forest’s development. I thought my research offered the foundations for an interesting book. The publishers felt the subject was too niche, and instead asked if would be interested in writing a book on Secret Horsham.

The publisher produces a selection of local history titles and has a ‘Secret Series’ which spans the length and breadth of the country. Amberley has

Church Street, Warnham RH12 3QW

previously published the A-Z of Horsham (Eddy Greenfield) and Horsham Through Time (Susan C. Djabri) but were looking for someone to add to the Secret collection.

I was restricted to 25,000 words and 100 photographs, most of which I took myself. I spent a lot of time researching at the library and Horsham Museum and Art Gallery, where Museum Manager Jeremy Knight was very helpful and gave me permission to use historical images.

I’m not a life-long resident of Horsham. I only moved to the town in 2000, but like how it hosts events and entertainment. Of course, Horsham is brilliantly located between London and the coast too. Since moving here, I’ve enjoyed getting involved in the community, running Transition Horsham for almost a decade and organising the Seedy Saturday event. But through my research for the book, I have discovered all sorts of things that have increased my interest in parts of the town.

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Many interesting people are buried at Denne Road Cemetery (Photo: AAH/Toby Phillips Photography

“The crime and punishment section includes the story of John Weekes, who was the last person to be pressed to death in the country.”

Because of the word count limit, there was a great deal that I would like to have included but couldn’t. There’s nothing on sport or politics, which is a pity as there are great stories to be told. Some of my favourites include the wife sales in the town markets, back in the days when people couldn’t get divorced!

There’s also a section of crime and punishment including the story of John Weekes, who was the last person to be pressed to death in the country. That occurred in the courtyard of the gaol, which was then in the Carfax. John George Haigh, the Acid Bath Murderer, was also held in the cells at the Town Hall before his court appearance.

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One place I found particularly fascinating is Denne Road Cemetery, where many important people from Horsham’s past are buried. You tend to visit the same places when venturing out, so to find spots so close to town that I hadn’t been aware of before made it an interesting project for me.

I have included St Leonard’s Forest, most notably in a section on industry and trade, as it was key to the iron industry and ponds from that time still exist. The forest has a fascinating history and much of the woodland survived as it wasn't suitable for agricultural development.

I may revisit the idea of a book solely about the forest in future, even if I need to self-publish.

The book launch for Secret Horsham was held at The Olive Branch, where the staff were very supportive. It’s since been selling well in Waterstones and is also available at WHSmith and Horsham Museum.

Interview: Ben Morris Photos: Toby Phillips Photography Secret Horsham by Maggie WeirWilson is available to buy for £14.99 at the outlets listed above or from www.amberley-books.com

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STITCH

Creating a Sewing Community in Storrington

A new shop in Storrington is helping to make sewing part of the community fabric.

Stitch, which opened at 21 West Street in October, has a dual purpose. As well as being a shop selling everything from dressmaking fabrics to haberdashery essentials, it hosts tutorials and courses, helping people of all ages improve their sewing skills.

There has long been a demand for craft and fabric outlets in the village. A shop operated successfully along Church Street for many years until the owner retired, and Sew Something on the High

Street had a loyal following until its closure. Now, Jan Hubbard and Sue Elliott have filled the void left behind with Stitch. “I worked at a fabric shop in Horsham for four and a half years,” says Jan. “I had an idea and needed Sue to talk me out of it, so we met for coffee and cake. Of course, she thought the plan was fantastic and we spent three hours chatting about it. Sue loves to teach and my passion is helping customers, so the concept was to combine both our skills.”

Perfect Location Having initially looked at other villages in the district, Jan and Sue came across a unit in Storrington. Not only was the layout perfect - with a compartmental shop area and a back room for group teaching - but there was a healthy sewing community no longer being catered for.

So, after calling on their husbands to help re-fit the shop, Stitch opened its doors and immediately offered one-to-one tutorials and groups classes, covering everything from making a lampshade to sewing an advent calendar.

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“We even have a group of teenagers who come in regularly, as they have selected sewing as their skill for their Duke of Edinburgh Award.”

The teaching is primarily Sue’s domain, having taught primary children at a local school and upholstery apprentices at Chichester College. “The one-to-one tutorial have been very successful,” says Sue. “We teach the basics, such as how to read sewing patterns and do small upholstery projects, right through to making curtains for those with more experience. People can request a specific subject or idea and we’ll do it if we have the knowledge.”

Sue Elliott (right) hosts sewing courses and one-to-one workshops at Stitch

As well as advent calendars, Stitch sells craft gift sets

“One-to-one sessions yield good results because people work at their own pace and ask as many questions as they need to. Some people are self-taught and want the encouragement of knowing that they’re doing things correctly. Others want to learn about sewing machines, so we demonstrate how simple they are to use. Our children’s courses are popular too. We even have a group of teenagers that have selected sewing as their skill for their Duke of Edinburgh Award and come in regularly. Our whole idea is to create a sewing community and encourage people of all ages to be creative.”

Jan Hubbard with a beautiful advent calendar

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Stitch sells a range of rural themed fabrics

Fancy Dressmaking Stitch offers a wide range of dressmaking and quilting fabrics and patterns, craft and embroidery cottons, as well as sewing machines and haberdashery. It also stocks a selection of gifts, including Christmas craft sets

by Corinne Lapierre and beautiful traditional advent calendars that can be bought as a festive sewing project.

“We know we can't compete with larger stores when it comes to the sheer range of fabrics,” says Jan. “So, we focus on blender and backing fabrics that people want for crafting. We have everything you’ll ever need for fancy dress including netting, felt and ribbons, ideal for making World Book Day or Halloween costumes. We also have patterned fleeces, and because this is a rural location, designs with tractors or foxes are very popular.”

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“We provide the materials that people need to see an idea through. That’s why we have the haberdashery too, selling everything from sequins to toy eyes, as they’re the essentials required.

And if you ever need advice or would like to improve your skills by attending one of our courses, we’ll help in any way that we can.”

Seeking Perfection?

After two months, the combination of shop and classes has attracted positive feedback from the village and beyond.

Children’s classes are growing in popularity and there’s interest from businesses too, with employees working together on sewing projects for customers or the community.

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Words: Ben Morris Photos: Toby Phillips Photography 21 West Street, Storrington, RH20 4DZ www.stitchat21.com Email: info@stitchat21.com Tel: (01903) 366510 Stitch can also be found on Facebook and Instagram

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APACHE

“Does the Peaky Blinders cap come with razor blades?” Manager Lee Hurst at Apache Menswear

The menswear outlet keeping track of fashion

For a quarter of a century, Apache Menswear in Horsham has barely missed a beat when it comes to fashion.

Trends have come and gone, but the shelves and rails of the Bishopric store have defined popular men’s fashion in the town. From classic shirts by the likes of Ben Sherman to the statement designs of Guide London; from “drug culture” brands like Dready and Eclipse to class-conscious styles inspired by Peaky Blinders, Apache has been there.

As fashion evolves, as does the shop. But it is the vast experience of owner Stuart Gordon and manager Lee Hurst that has seen Apache succeed when many have fallen by the wayside. “The reason

many fashion retailers have disappeared is a lack of product knowledge,” says Stuart. “You wouldn’t ask somebody who knows nothing about mechanics to service your car and by the same token, you wouldn’t buy quality clothing when staff have no knowledge of what they’re selling. You want good service and expertise and that’s what we’ve always had at Apache.”

Booming Trade Stuart had previously run menswear stores in Crawley, Brighton, Worthing and Eastbourne before opening Apache in November 1993.

The unit had previously been a suit shop, so Stuart offered casualwear alongside suits,

jackets and trousers. He also recognised the rising popularity of heritage-style shirts by the likes of Yves Saint Laurent and a resurgent Fred Perry and worked with a wholesaler from London’s East End to introduce labels including Sonneti.

But it was brands inspired by the dance music scene of the mid-1990s that became a phenomenon. Stuart recalls: “We had been here for two years when a friend told me about a shop operating from a lock-up on the side streets of Guildford. They were selling Dready clothing and it was flying out. I went along and had a look and sure enough, the place was heaving. I was nervous, because it was very different to what we had previously offered. I wasn’t sure I should be taking a

gamble on what was essentially drug-culture clothing, as Dready was a Rastafarian smoking cannabis.”

Stuart Gordon with Marc Darcy suits

“The man behind the brand was a fascinating character. I was willing to buy £2,500 worth of clothing and he put a package together. It arrived the next day and within a couple of weeks, word got out among the school and college kids. Whether it was T-shirts, jeans or record bags, it flew off the shelves. We used to hear a lot of arguments, as parents didn’t want to pay £45 for a Dready T-shirt.

We’d see tears in the shop as the look was so important to them.”

“The success led to other brands like Dosse Posse and we had two and a half years of incredible sales. It started to unravel when the likes of Spliffy entered the market and it made headlines.

Many people didn't understand what Dready or NASA (Nice And Safe Attitude) were about, but other names and branding were more obvious. I could see that the style’s days were numbered and dropped it just at the right time.

The secret is knowing when to get in and went to get out, because it all came to a very abrupt end.

“I could see that the style’s days were numbered and dropped it just at the right time. The secret is knowing when to get in and went to get out.”

However, the success of that gamble enabled me to buy the freehold of the shop and gave us a foundation for the future.”

Peaky Blinders Lee joined the business in the late 1990s as the shop continued to evolve with fashion. Rather than hinder the business, the popularity of Dready and other similar brands helped Apache long term, as its customers looked for new trends.

Some like Firetrap and Diesel were successful. The huge demand for Schott jackets even led to some people trying to steal

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As well as casualwear, Apaches sells suits and accessories

Apache fills its shelves and rails with the latest brands

the Velcro ‘wings’ logos and placing them on cheap imitations. Superdry is another of the shop’s successes. Stuart was in contact with founder Julian Dunkerton, who had previously represented Bench, a popular brand for both men and women. Apache supported Superdry and after a slow start, sales soon picked up and - with a little help from David Beckham became one of the biggest names in fashion in the world.

However, some ideas didn’t work out, including the opening of a women’s fashion store next door. “Women shop differently to men,” says Stuart. “So, we closed the shop, which is a shame as it would have evolved nicely being next door.”

When it comes to menswear, Apache has always been quick to identify emerging trends. On its shelves, you’ll find the vintage look of British youth in brands like Trojan and Gabicci Vintage.

There’s a not to Mod culture with Lambretta and heritage brands Lyle and Scott and Farah continue to be popular. There’s still a market for retro sports designers including Sergio Tacchini and Fila, whilst the bold, contemporary designs of Guide London are perfect for those looking to make an impression.

Another trend Apache picked up early was the emergence of Peaky Blinders style fashion. Apache has been selling Failsworth newsboy caps for years, but they have become more popular thanks for the TV programme’s success and led to a demand for Harris tweed and other smart looks. “People are always coming in asking if the caps come with razor blades, as that's what they do in Peaky Blinders!” says Stuart.

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Suits You, Sir! Fashion has now evolved to the point that Apache has gone full circle, offering suits again after 26 years.

Stuart says: “We brought some blazers a few years ago as our customers were buying dark jeans, smart shirts and tanned brogues and were looking to complete the look. I ordered blazers from Simon Templar Hughes and the representative couldn’t

understand why I didn’t want waistcoats or trousers. He insisted I try all three, so we did. We dressed a display model in the window and we couldn’t believe the response!”

“Since then, we’ve moved to Mark Darcy (twice winners of the Drapers' Independents Awards 'Menswear Brand of the Year') and it’s been a huge success. The permutations are endless as you can buy waistcoats, trousers and blazers separately or as a suit. So many people have walked by the

shop and later popped in to buy one, as they have great style.”

“We’ve continued to evolve and that’s what has kept us going. The economic climate isn't good because of Brexit, which is causing uncertainty and I’d like to see it end one way or another. I think our economy is better than people give it credit for and have the utmost faith in the British people. We work hard and do a lot of good things, so I don’t like to hear people talking us down!”

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Words: Ben Morris Photos: Toby Phillips Photography Visit Apache Menswear: 9 Bishopric, Horsham, RH12 1QA Tel: 01403 218185 Visit the Apache Menswear page on Facebook

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Feature

MUNTHAM HOUSE SCHOOL

A Special Muntham House School is a special school in Barns Green.

Set in 23 acres of countryside, Muntham House provides boarding and day provision for boys. Because of the nature of the school, every day brings new challenges. However, the school received an ‘Outstanding’ rating from Ofsted and is now expanded its programme, says Principal Harry Anderson.

What age children does Muntham cater for?

We have five-year-olds through to 18-year-olds. While they’re on one site, it's structured so that children don't crossover between pre-primary, primary, secondary and the Extended Education Unit (EEU). In Year 6, pupils attend classes in practical subjects including D&T, Science and P.E to make the transition to secondary education easier.

How does a pupil come to be at Muntham?

Often, they have been permanently excluded

elsewhere, sometimes several other schools. In some cases, Local Government authorities work with families and schools and arrange a “managed move” for a pupil. That’s when they have recognised that a boy has a serious Special Educational Need (SEN), often related to autism, which mainstream schools are not equipped to deal with.

Muntham has a reputation as a school for naughty boys…

There’s really no such thing, as behavioural issues are normally unpinned by Special Educational

Needs. Fortunately, mainstream schools are getting better at organising managed moves, which is a good thing, as it prevents a permanent exclusion being on a child's record.

Can a child be permanently excluded from Muntham?

We do everything to avoid it. We have very committed staff and there is a feeling of us having failed a child when it happens.

But we need to protect our cohort and wouldn't ever place pupils at risk. We have a strict anti-drugs policy, and a pupil caught with drugs earns an

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Place automatic exclusion. We don't budge on that. However, permanently exclusions are very rare.

How many pupils do you have?

We currently have 73. In a mainstream school, there may be over 30 children in a class, but our maximum is eight. Typically, we have six pupils with two adults, with a maximum staff ratio of three to one. That means the boys’ education is accelerated, as is their social and emotional development.

Is it hard for pupils to settle in?

It can be. Some give kudos to being excluded from school and may arrive with a reputation. So, it’s a process of stabilisation as a pupil learns the boundaries and the school’s ethos. No matter how hard things might have been for them previously, they get a clean slate when they arrive. Everyone is equal and is treated with the utmost care and attention by the staff. Children can come here after a string of negative experiences, but from day one we try to make them feel safe.

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The pre-primary classroom offers a bespoke nurturing environment

The new Pre-Primary Classroom at Muntham House

How do you maintain discipline?

It involves the effort of everybody who works here and pupils too. Everyone must line-up for morning assembly, which is formal and old-fashioned, but it works. We do the same before lessons and teaching doesn’t begin until the school is silent. This policy creates mutual respect between the pupils and staff and now happens quickly.

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How long have you been the Principal?

This is my seventh year. I was previously Deputy Head at Mount Tamar, a special school in Plymouth. Prior to that I was Assistant Head at a tough school in Croydon. But Muntham is wellestablished as a leading residential special school and I relished the opportunity to come here.

What improvements have you introduced?

My vision over the last couple of years has been to create the pre-primary facility. I knew there was a need as families have contacted us requesting help with Key Stage 1 children, but there wasn’t anything for them. It took a huge fundraising effort and meant us gaining approval to teach Key Stage 1.

However, we were successful and the facility opened in September 2019. It’s among the best of its kind in the country and we have five children with autistic or other SENs using it, alongside specialist staff.

Presumably those children haven’t been excluded elsewhere?

At that age, they will not have been officially excluded. However, in some cases pre-schools have refused to take a child back and they've been threatened with permanent exclusion, which is sad and shocking. That’s where we can step in and be a positive influence on a young person.

Is the aim to get them back into mainstream schools?

Absolutely. Through early intervention, we can hopefully integrate boys from the pre-primary classroom back into mainstream education.

How does Muntham create a comfortable learning environment for pupils with SENs? We’ve worked hard to create an autistic friendly environment. For example, our primary and secondary classrooms are identical in terms of layout, furniture, décor and carpets, with only the subject displays changing. We also have “wiggle seats” so boys with ADHD don’t become unsettled, and we use touch-screen technology to engage them in learning. Those extra details make it easier for autistic children to step up to secondary school. Consequently, there’s less stress and anxiety.

Do you hope to reach more young children?

Our numbers are about right, but there are pre-primary children with SENs that may not have been diagnosed. Mainstream schools are struggling to support

them and can’t offer what we can, so I’d like to reach those pupils in West Sussex and Surrey.

Are classes run differently to what you’d normally see?

It’s important that pupils like going to lessons and stay there, so they must be engaged in learning. We have excellent facilities and use music, art and technology to increase their learning. In many special schools, just getting children to the end is an achievement, but we do more than that. We prepare them properly for adulthood and employment.

The school has excellent IT facilities

In what ways do you do that?

We have mandatory work experience, as it’s difficult to get a job and even harder for those with Special Educational Needs.

We do everything in our power to provide the best route to qualifications and to ensuring they have life skills. We adopt the ‘Work Life Ready’ scheme for 16-18 years-olds, which covers topics like setting up a bank account. It’s all about preparing them for the next step.

You take pupils through to A’ levels then?

Boys are encouraged to learn musical instruments

Pupils can leave Muntham after GCSEs or continue for another two years. For those that do continue to Sixth Form, we often work in partnership with local colleges. One pupil is studying for three A’ levels, attending Collyer’s three days a week, where he socialises and interacts with students who have gone through mainstream education.

He attended a residential trip with them, staying in London and watching West End shows. For him, that’s a huge step forward.

What does the Extended Education Unit (EEU) provide?

We’re very proud of the EEU. It’s becoming increasingly important to offer boys a curriculum based on their vocational preferences when they turn 16. That’s what the EEU offers, with support from a personal keyworker. At that age, the boys have their own studio flat and develop more independence. We also work with the Outward Bound Trust, with pupils attending an activitiesbased residential in the Brecon Beacons or Lake District, where they’re pushed to their limits. The focus is on developing confidence and making them well-rounded young people.

“It’s been a rocky road for Junayd but there’s been a dramatic turnaround and he’s now one of our most committed students.”

Do many go on to University?

Even during my time here, we’ve had eight pupils go on to university and one has achieved a Masters. Junayd, a current Year 11 pupil, has been a true success story. He joined in Year 4 and it’s been a rocky road for him at times. However, there’s been a dramatic turnaround and he’s now one of our most committed students. He attends every lesson and revises most evenings.

Junayd received a fantastic report after work experience with Sussex Police and will sit eight GCSEs. When he arrived, he’d been deemed unteachable.

Pupils are encouraged to attend the Extended Education Unit (EEU)

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Pupils and staff enjoy a game of Monopoly

He was featured on the Channel 4 documentary?

That’s right. The documentary was called The Last Chance School and aired five years ago. Junayd was one of three boys who became key characters as they filmed here over the course of a year.

Whatever place you’re into

It was brave to invite cameras in…

I first arrived at the school halfway through filming and was sceptical, as documentaries can sometimes have a set agenda. Overall, the programme offered a good reflection of the school, even there was a little too much focus on negative behaviour. It was still clear to see the love and care that the staff have for the pupils.

Does boarding enhance the learning experience?

We try to create a home from home for pupils and boarding facilities have been improved in recent years. The kitchen space is a great communal area, so our pupils can get involved in cooking, washing up and other chores, much as they might at home. Then there’s quiet time when they can play games or watch a film, before reading time. The idea is to maximise the learning experience and create an environment where children are happy.

Do boys go home at weekends?

Yes. I think it’s beneficial for children to see their families at weekends.

However, we do offer a fun respite weekend, which is a good way of building relationships between the pupils and staff away from the classroom.

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Harry Anderson, Principal at Muntham House School

Is there an equivalent school for girls?

Not locally. We have discussed the possibility of a co-educational school, but I think it would be too much of a culture shift for our current pupils.

fortunate to have an incredible team around me, as well as an experienced and committed team of governors, and we’re all committed to making the education and care provision is as good as it can be.

What does the future hold for Muntham House School?

I’d simply like us to carry on providing an outstanding service and do all we can to turn lives around and ensure our pupils have a chance to become successful young adults. Working here can be a challenge and every day is different. However, I’m very

Words: Ben Morris Photos: Toby Phillips Photography

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C.A.G.N.E The Campaign Group Taking on Gatwick St Michael and All Angels Church serves as a reminder of the community that once existed in Lowfield Heath.

The Grade II listed building is the only one which still exists from the days before Gatwick Airport. It is now enclosed on all sides by industrial units and Europe’s busiest single runway airport. For the members of CAGNE (Communities Against Gatwick Noise Emission) it’s an appropriate place to meet. As in the opinion of members, Lowfield Heath is an indication of what could happen elsewhere if the airport’s expansion plans came to fruition.

We meet members Judy Butler, Tony Read, Ray Butler and Sally Pavey...

When was CAGNE formed?

The group was created in February 2014 when Gatwick Airport began trialling new flight paths over areas that had not previously been affected by aircraft noise. Sally, who lives in Warnham, was woken by a stream of low-flying aircraft. Angry Residents came together and soon realised other villages had been heavily impacted too. So, CAGNE was born and Sally became Chairperson.

What other areas were impacted?

It was predominantly villages to the west of the runway. Gatwick ran a six-month test of the new flight path under the code name ADNID. The ADNID route took planes heading for southern Europe in a path over Rusper, Warnham, Slinfold and Wisborough Green, where planes dispersed and headed south. Ray Butler was a Parish Councillor in Rusper at the time: “Complaints were pouring in and we didn't know what to do.

The village hadn’t been badly affected by aircraft noise before and suddenly planes were flying over every two minutes.”

Judy Butler, Tony Read, Graham Hill, Ray Butler and Sally Pavey of CAGNE at St Michael All Angels Church in Lowfield Heath

Why did Gatwick test this new flightpath?

It was for the testing of a new satellite navigation system, which allows planes to navigate more precisely. Gatwick hoped the system could help them reduce the interval between flights taking off from two minutes to one. The trial ended after six months, during which time Gatwick received thousands of complaints.

But that was not the end of the matter. When Gatwick unveiled its Master Plan for expansion, the ADNID path was included in its options. “Gatwick has since stated it in its own documents that the ADNID test was a trial of a new permanent route,” says Sally. “As far as CAGNE is concerned, Gatwick lied to local communities.”

Wasn’t Gatwick’s proposal for expansion rejected?

That’s right. In 2018, after lengthy reviews and consultation, the government announced that it would only support Heathrow’s bid for a new runway. The news was well received by CAGNE, but while the battle was won, the war isn’t over. In December 2018, French company Vinci announced

economical and that new routes lead to quicker flight times,” said Sally. “It sounds like a win-win situation. However, consultations taking place only involve the communities that are already overflown. Areas that have never been overflown before may soon find themselves under a new flightpath. People need to be aware, as local councils are not being consulted.”

“Crawley is full, so Horsham will take the housing burden. There won't be support for infrastructure as the government recommended Heathrow for expansion.” it was taking a majority share in Gatwick, which CAGNE says is behind what it calls a “drip-drip growth” of the airport. Gatwick has outlined three options to expand, the first of which is to increase capacity using what it already has.

How can they make the runway even busier?

Gatwick’s Future Airspace Strategy talks about

“modernising” air space. They’ve created a video which you can see on YouTube and the airport’s website, explaining how adding other flight paths will allow planes to ascend and descend more efficiently, and significantly reduce the impact on houses beneath current flight paths.

However, CAGNE say Gatwick is being selective about who it consults. “Gatwick is saying that modern planes are quieter, more

Could CAGNE be accused of being NIMBYs? It’s an accusation CAGNE flatly reject as they don’t suggest Heathrow should be expanded either. As well as highlighting the issues at Gatwick, the group has launched an environmental campaign to help reduce the number of flights people take.

Some members would prefer to support a plan which utilises regional airports, with people currently travelling considerable distances to access major airports for cheaper flights.

What is Gatwick’s second option for future expansion?

To bring the standby (or emergency) runway into routine use. In July 2019, Gatwick

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announced plans to widen its standby runway so that it can be used. The plan was criticised by MPs involved in the Gatwick Co-Ordination Group and CAGNE labels it a “second runway by stealth.”

How would Gatwick use the standby runway?

Currently, it’s only used when the

main runway is closed for maintenance. The two runways cannot operate side-by-side for safety reasons. Gatwick plans to widen the emergency runway by 12m to comply with safety regulations and use it for departures. However, CAGNE says that more than minor tweaks are required. “The runway would need to be moved by more than

100m, which would see it swallow up a taxiway and impose on terminal and hanger buildings. A new taxiway would need to be laid on land outside of the current boundary and the terminal piers would need extending. It’ll require a new hangar, hotels and a significant increase in car parking.

Then there’s the issue of safety, as traffic from the main runway must

cross the emergency runway to reach the terminals.”

What is the third option for expansion?

Creating an entirely new third runway on land that has been safeguarded. After the government’s decision to support Heathrow, Gatwick is not currently pursuing this option, but the

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threat has been hanging over residents in Charlwood, Tinsley Green and Ifield Wood. They would become uninhabitable, much like Lowfield Heath. It’ll also significantly impact Forge Wood, a new development south east of Tinsley Green. Sally said: “We have spoken to Forge Wood residents. If a third runway is built, this new neighbourhood with outdoor play areas and schools would be less than a mile away from the runway. Residents are already complaining that the ground noise is terrible.”

Sally Pavey, Chair of CAGNE (Communities Against Gatwick Noise Emission)

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How would all this impact the Horsham District?

Any expansion would put a huge strain on infrastructure, according to CAGNE. “Crawley is full of housing and is built up to its boundaries, so Horsham will have to take the burden. Surrey is greenbelt and Horsham doesn't have Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) so it’ll be perceived as ideal. Also, there won't be any support for infrastructure as the government only recommended Heathrow for expansion.”

Would it not be good in terms of employment?

Airport expansion wouldn’t necessarily benefit businesses, according to CAGNE member Tony Read. Tony, who joined after Sally spoke at a Rotary club meeting, said: “I have business interests in the area and am not alone in objecting to expansion.

We live in the second most densely populated part of Europe and the last thing we want is a housing and population increase.

Also, an explosion of employment opportunities isn’t good for small businesses, as they cannot compete with the airport’s inflationary wages. If you’re a business, Gatwick is a bad neighbour.”

“Do we want this area to be urbanised?

The owners of Gatwick are seeking to do something which we say is unsustainable for the local area.”

What would CAGNE have us do?

Just be aware that the threat of expansion remains, both with the possible use of an additional runway and the introduction of new flight paths that will create noise and emissions for residents in Horsham and the surrounding district. Sally said: “CAGNE is not anti-business or anti-enterprise.

We’re saying that as residents, we have a decision to make. Do we want this area to be urbanised?

The owners of Gatwick are seeking to do something which we say is unsustainable for the local area. For people who moved here for market towns, parks and to enjoy a good quality of life, be aware that growth at Gatwick will change the landscape. There will be more industry, more housing, and a serious decline in the air quality.”

Words: Ben Morris Photos: Toby Phillips Photography & stock images For more details regarding CAGNE, including information for those concerned about proposed new flight paths, visit www.cagne.org Email: cagnegatwick@gmail.com

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Meet the Artist

PAM CLARKE

Floral Explos At a glance, it’s easy to be enticed by the variety and distinctive palette of Pam Clarke’s floral images.

It is only upon close inspection that you discover there is nothing botanical about them, merely the suggestion of shapes and patterns that create a striking natural effect. Some scenes are created in only two hours and yet maintain an aura of realism while expressing floral scenes in abstract ways.

Pam, who lives in Horsham, has been painting this way for two years, with her style gradually evolving with every effort. “I am inspired by nature, but my paintings are not botanical,” says Pam. “I attended a botanical art course with Leigh Ann Gale, but I don't have the patience for it. It requires precision and that doesn't suit me. Instead, I start a painting with a colour palette in mind and possibly one or two shapes inspired by a garden or flower and see where it takes me.

Each piece has a life of its own.

I’m always searching for something as I paint but like being spontaneous, not knowing how it will end up.”

Perfect Therapy To create her distinctive effect, Pam prefers to paint on plywood rather than canvas. She uses the Gardner & Scardifield Handyman DIY store on Queen Street, where the staff cut wood to the right size and mix emulsion paint tester

pots to prime the wood. “The effect of the plywood suits my work,” says Pam. “I prime the wood with several layers of emulsion to create a cloudy abstract, before painting over it with acrylic paint or water-based oils. Sometimes I mix the two, so the painting benefits from the blending of the oils and the quick-drying acrylics.”

“My family are very supportive and give me all the time I need to paint. But it’s more than just therapy. I don't worry about any-

thing else when I'm painting. All the stress goes and it feels good to be creative. But I still love to learn and attend courses to learn new skills and techniques. I’ve done life drawing with John Thompson and courses with Rosalyn Mina and Lindsay Pearson too as I want to evolve and improve as an artist.”

A stint working abroad as an illustrator followed, before she settled in Horsham with her family. Over the years, Pam has worn many different hats. She has been a playgroup supervisor, a Horsham District Councillor and worked in Student Services at Collyer’s College. It was there that she signed up to an adult education class and took Art as an A’ level. I always thought I would go back to art, as I had always enjoyed it. My feeling is that art is something that you turn to after you’ve experienced other things, as you know it is something you will always enjoy.”

Adult Education Like many painters, Pam enjoyed painting at school and has returned to it later in life. She won an award for art in primary school and attended Wimbledon School of Art before working as a graphic designer, producing advertising and packaging for various brands.

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Bloomsbury Effect When Pam did start to spend more time in the studio, it was the floral paintings, as oppose to the portraits which she’d also dabbled in, that inspired her the most. However, every piece is very different and usually inspired by a certain palette.

The colours might reflect the Mediterranean tones of the Tresco Abbey Garden in the Isles of Scilly, or be inspired by the glass sculpture exhibition by American artist Dale Chihuly at Kew Gardens. Other works draws on ideas taken from the Bloomsbury Group of artists who lived at Charleston House near Lewes.

Pam at HAOS Art Fair in October

“I like paintings by Bloomsbury artists as they worked with muted colours and a limited palette.”

Pam also enjoys portrait work

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Pam working in the studio

“I don't like garish colours,” says Pam. “I like paintings by Vanessa Bell, Duncan Grant and other Bloomsbury artists as they worked with muted colours and a limited palette. With my latest pieces, I'm scratching into wet oils to create layers and textures, as it’s good to keep evolving. But I’m still creating these natural narratives in this style, as I can’t sit and laboriously paint in detail. People will either like it or they won't!”

Words: Ben Morris Photos: Toby Phillips Photography & Pam Clarke (Artwork) Pam Clarke is a member of HAOS and has also been invited to submit work for the Association of Sussex Artists’ next exhibition.

Email Pam at: pamclarke89@hotmail.com

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Trusted Member

Charity Focus: West Sussex Mediation Service

“Receiving the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service at Arundel Castle was a great day for all of us, especially the volunteer mediators whose hard work was being recognised.”

The West Sussex Mediation Service (WSMS) has won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Yet despite its success, many remain unaware of its work. AAH meets Service Co-Ordinator Nick Handley, Trustee Monica Hill and Chair Will Adler at the WSMS headquarters at Park House, Horsham, to find out more.

Why was West Sussex Mediation Service (WSMS) formed?

It was the brainchild of an officer in Horsham Police Station.

Officers were spending a lot of time talking to the same people at the same addresses, dealing with minor incidents that didn't require police action. It was found that 5% of police time was spent essentially telling people to

behave. So, in 2000, a mediation service was formed to break the cycle of conflict.

How was it funded?

Initially, funding came from West Sussex County Council (WSCC) and Horsham District Council as well as Sussex Police. Nine people were trained as mediators in Horsham. After a year, the service expanded to Crawley, then Mid Sussex and within a few years covered Sussex. When the title became too long, it was shortened to West Sussex Mediation Service.

But you’re no longer funded by local authorities?

We lost funding from WSCC in 2015, due to cutbacks linked to austerity. However, we formed an alliance with all mediation

services across Sussex and put in a joint funding application to the Police Crime Commissioner. We continue to operate successfully with that support and receive additional funding from grants and Trusts from local authorities and associations, as well as donations from the public.

What kind of issues do you mediate on?

Most of our work is resolving neighbourhood disputes. That includes parking problems, boundary disputes and noise disturbance. It might be that a neighbour isn’t maintaining a fence, or someone is playing drums or music at night. In apartment blocks, where you often see elderly people living next to families with young children, that can cause issues.

Do people really argue over fences?

People are very protective of their property. Arguments regularly arise from fencing and overhanging trees. People have more vehicles now, especially when older children live at the family home, and that puts added pressure on the streets and causes disagreements too. You read stories in the press about disputes that get out of hand and people end up in court. Good mediation can prevent that.

Do you mediate relationships?

We don’t mediate to couples that are experiencing problems. We do offer intergenerational mediation. That could concern a parent or step parent’s relationship with a child. This side of our work is vital as young

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Will Adler (far right) receives the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service at Arundel Castle

adults have a need for independence and when communications break down there can be a risk of homelessness. We also mediate siblings, perhaps in dispute over the care needs of an elderly parent, helping to keep communication channels open.

up with a phone call and then our mediators speak to each party. We come up with a written or gentleman's agreement for both parties to abide by. It is not legally binding, but offers a way to end the dispute in a way that satisfies both parties.

We about other types of mediation?

We do have workplace mediation as well as family mediation, which are paid-for services. Other services we have are free, but family mediation might include minimising impact on children when a couple are separating. It requires lots of training and support so there is a charge for this service, as there is with workplace mediation, as it may involve financial disputes or legal fees.

How do you assign a mediator?

We have more than 50 active volunteers as mediators. Some specialise in certain areas, but most are assigned depending on their location. They work in pairs for safety and normally visit people in their own home.

How does a session work?

After a referral, we send an introductory letter and leaflet, encourage a person to contact us.

Sometimes people change their behaviour immediately. They might not have realised they were causing a disturbance and knock on their neighbour’s door and resolve the dispute themselves.

When we are required, we follow

Do you have to remain neutral?

Absolutely. We acknowledge everything that has gone on before but try to draw a line in the sand and look to the future. We don't pick sides or encourage outcomes. Sometimes a mediator must bite their tongue, as their role is to guide the conversation and find a solution for all parties, which is quite a skill.

Do you have a good success rate?

You do get neighbours from hell whose attitudes won't change and in certain cases seem to enjoy conflict. However, our success rate of getting people talking and

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Addressing financial worries at Christmas The festive period is traditionally a time for giving, but for some people - especially those with a family to support - it can prove to be a difficult one to successfully manage. It is a season where we see more people, from all walks of life, seeking some form of supplementary borrowing, a factor which can generate additional monetary worries and financial stress, perhaps even leading to adverse circumstances down the line.

On a positive, more forums and sources of advice/ information are readily available for people to discuss topics which may have previously been considered taboo and difficult to address. Although Christmas can bring about money matters and financial financial difficulties education are areas where there is certainly still room for plenty of improvement.

One recent lender issued a study to brokers on the world of adverse credit to encourage greater understanding and more open discussion around this subject matter. After all, this is an area which is not going away anytime soon. According to the lender’s research, a large portion of the UK adult population has experienced some form of adverse credit. 15% of all participants surveyed reported that they had previously missed payments on credit commitments; had CCJs, defaults, secured or unsecured arrears registered on their credit file; or had entered a debt management plan (DMP) in the last three years.

The research outlined that adverse credit is most common amongst people who are the prime age to be homebuyers and remortgagers. The majority of people who experienced adverse credit in the last three years are said to be aged between 35-44 (43%). This compares to 33% who are aged between 18-34, and 23% who are 55+. There are plenty of specialist lenders who will consider those who have had all types of credit issues, subject to terms and conditions, and rates are probably a lot lower than you would think. But, as always, seek professional advice from the specialists.

Finally, a huge thank you for reading my columns throughout the year. Thank you to everyone who has contacted impact specialist finance for assistance in 2019 and we look forward to being of further assistance in 2020! Wishing you and your families a very Merry Christmas and peaceful New Year.

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WSMS Co-Ordinator Nick Handley at Park House, Horsham

reaching an agreement is 85%. The volunteers get a buzz when they break a deadlock and achieve a successful outcome, as they’ve helped the local community.

What if one side doesn’t engage in the mediation?

We have conflict coaching, which is needed when one side refuses to engage in discussion. In these cases, we coach one side in how to deal with the conflict and offer them a strategy going forward.

Does the work cross over with other agencies and charities?

Certain cases involve mental health problems, drug and alcohol misuse or anger management issues. We can signpost people to other support agencies when required.

How did you come to receive the Queen’s Award?

We received two nominations and then various people visited us to see our work in the community. An independent panel considers all applicants before award winners are approved by Her Majesty the Queen.

The list was officially published in The Gazette on the Queen's Birthday.

We attended a ceremony

hosted by the Duchess of Norfolk at Arundel Castle on 5 November, where the award was presented by the Lord Lieutenant of West Sussex, Mrs Susan Piper. It was a great day for us, especially the volunteers whose hard work was recognised.

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Can WSMS reach more people?

The biggest issue we have is that people are not aware of us.

Some people mistake the word mediation for meditation, or assume we’re a County-Council run service. But hopefully the Queen’s Award will raise our profile.

Words: Ben Morris Photos: Toby Phillips Photography/WSMS

For details of services offered by the West Sussex Mediation Service, visit: https://wsms.org.uk Email: info@wsms.org.uk Tel: 0300 200 0025

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