AAH (All About Horsham) February 2025

AAH FEBRUARY 2025

COVER STORY

ABOUT US

The February 2025 cover features Georgia Stables at Horsham Gymnastics Club, Pavilions in the Park. Georgia is pictured in her Team GB uniform, proudly wearing a bronze medal won at the Olympic Hopes Competition in Czechia. We contacted HGC after hearing of Georgia’s success and arranged an interview and photo shoot in the gymnasium. However, photographer Alan had to organise a second visit with his camera, as hours before our first visit, Georgia sustained a slight black eye when loose strapping flicked up and caught her while she was trampolining! It turned out to be a blessing (at least when it came to our cover shot!) as next time, we ensured that Georgia was wearing her medal and the Team GB leotard. Other cover contenders included Luke Polie at Chez Polie at Highwood Village (p19), Tino Da Silva at Jacob’s Bagels in Pulborough (p49) and Andy Hepworth at Hepworth Brewery in Pulborough (p60).

ADVERTISING

As a free magazine, AAH is grateful to the support of all its advertisers. If you’d like to find out more about promoting your business in AAH, please contact Ben (preferably by email). We offer every 6th advert free, like a cafe. We also design adverts for free if you need help.

ADVERT RATES

(Per month/edition)

Eighth Page: £60 + VAT (93mm x 63mm)

Quarter Page: £115 + VAT (93mm x 133mm - portrait or landscape)

Half Page: £195 + VAT (190mm x 133mm or long, upright shape)

Full Page: £325 + VAT (A4 with 4mm bleed)

Double Page: £550 + VAT (A4 with 4mm bleed)

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES

Ben Morris

editor@aahorsham.co.uk advertising@aahorsham.co.uk (01903) 892899

2 Viney Close, Ashington, RH20 3PT

AAH is an independent magazine founded in 2011. It is owned by Ben Morris, a life-long resident of the District.

Editor: Ben Morris

editor@aahorsham.co.uk (01903) 892899

2 Viney Close, Ashington, RH20 3PT

Photographer: Alan Wright alanwrightphotography.co.uk 07747 617387

Alan works for AAH on a freelance basis and can be booked for all kinds of commercial work.

DOOR-TO-DOOR DELIVERIES:

We deliver over 6,000 copies of AAH directly through doors in and around Horsham.

Delivery team: Jacquie Paterson, Jill Shuker, Thorne family, Oliver Matson, Charlie Merchant, Alec Baker, Walker family, Ben Raymond, Matthew Down, Browning family, Katie Drysdale, Madison Scott, Chapman family, Palmer family, Butcher family, Jackie Fisher.

SPRING-LOADED STANDS

6,000 copies are distributed through our bespoke, spring-loaded stands.

Horsham: Swan Walk x 2 (outside M&S and D&D Cafe), Henry Adams, At Home Estate Agents, Crates Local (all Carfax), Gwyn’s Bakery, Johansson’s Cafe (Bishopric), Horsham Bedding Centre (Medwin Walk), John Lewis, Pavilions in the Park, Horsham Rail Station, Horsham FC, New House Farm, New Street Butchers, Holbrook Club, Steban’s Salon.

Village Stands: Newbridge Nurseries, The Bridge Leisure Centre (BBH) CoCos’ Salon & Beeson House (Southwater), Billingshurst Leisure Centre, Coco’s Salon (Billingshurst), Bluecoat Sports Centre (Christ’s Hospital), Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens (Lower Beeding), Warnham Village Stores (Warnham), Slinfold Golf Club, Mannings Heath Golf Club, Steyning Leisure Centre and Cobblestone Walk (Steyning), Spring Gardens Nursery (Washington), Chanctonbury Leisure Centre, Joanna’s Boutique Tearooms (Storrington), The Milk Churn (Rudgwick), Meadow Stores (Thakeham), Golden Plaice (Ashington), Rusper Village Stores, Roffey News and Post Office (Roffey), Henfield Leisure Centre.

SUPERMARKETS

AAH is available at Tesco Extra in Broadbridge Heath and Sainsbury’s Horsham.

AAH ONLINE

AAH is published on the 1st of the month at www.aahorsham.co.uk

NOTES

A huge “thank you” and best wishes to the Bloomfields, who have delivered AAH in Lambs Farm Road, Roffey, for more than six years. They have had to give up the round, but it is now in the hands of their relatives the Thorne family!

NOTES

THE EDITOR REFLECTS ON THE HAUNTING OF A POP STAR

For some reason,

You may have read that the singer Adele has been accused of sabotaging the sale of a property in Partridge Green. The owner of Grade II-listed Lock House suggests that comments made by the 16-time Grammy Award winner have contributed to a lack of interest in the house. Back in 2012, Adele rented the mansion for six months and when a CNN journalist visited for an interview, the singer told him that the house gave her “the creeps”.

It seems a stretch to suggest that Adele’s remarks 13 years ago on a US broadcaster that can only be watched in the UK via a Virtual Private Network (I’ve no idea either) could have hampered efforts to sell the house. One could even argue that having a global superstar amongst its former tenants might actually increase its market potential and that perhaps other factors, say the £5,995,000 asking price, present alternative explanations. Nonetheless, Adele’s comments have been referenced in a planning application to convert the property into three residential units.

As daft as it seems, the mansion’s owner might have a point, as it transpires that many of us are superstitious about the spirit world. A YouGov poll revealed that 34% of people in the UK believe in ghosts, while Manchester Metropolitan University’s survey put the figure at 38% and London Dungeons make it 42%.

Despite this level of phantom faith, talk of hauntings has been thin on the ground in Horsham, at least until Adele’s intervention.

When Jeremy Knight was Curator of Horsham Museum, he would often write articles about the town’s history for AAH. Once, I suggested he write about ghosts of Horsham, to which he replied, ‘Well, there aren’t any!” Instead, we ran an article on crime and punishment, which included accounts of the Acid Bath Murderer and John Weeks, the last person pressed to death in England. We also ran a feature on hauntings at Chanctonbury Ring on the South Downs. There was one incident where four people claimed to have experienced supernatural phenomenon at the Ring, with one of them lifted several feet off the ground. However, they were all members of the Ghost and Psychic Investigation Group, which does cast a slight shadow over their story.

Legend has it that the Devil can be summoned by running around the Ring seven times in an anti-clockwise direction. He will then offer you a bowl of soup in exchange for your soul. One can only wonder how such legends are born. It conjures visions of young men in medieval times, drunk on mead, pranking a gullible friend into running around the trees while they all fall about laughing.

‘Yeah, that’s seven! Devil should be here any minute!’

‘Don’t forget to ask about the soup!’

‘Chicken and mushroom, if he lets you pick!’

Coincidentally – or spookily to a third of you – I read the Adele story only a few days after visiting a shop in Horsham that the current tenants believe is haunted. The staff told me

how items are often found in the wrong places, while I resisted the urge to suggest plausible alternatives. Such as shoppers picking up an item with the intention of buying it, later finding something better, and leaving the first item in its place. One visitor to the shop had identified the ghosts as an Edwardian family of four. They often are, aren’t they? Victorian or Edwardian. Which is strange, as if our spiritual form adopts our likeness at our happiest or most youthful (a theory which in itself invites scepticism) then should we not be sensing the spirits of people whose heyday was, say, the 1950s? Teddy Girl ghosts wearing drape jackets and pencil skirts, or James Dean-wannabes sporting the greaser-style look of rock ‘n’ roll, with leather jackets and denim jeans? Rather than solemnly roaming hallways by candlelight, you’d just see wispy shapes combing their hair in the mirror.

I was informed by the staff – perfectly lovely people – that the person who felt the presence of the Edwardian ghosts was a medium and very trustworthy. With every fibre of my being, I wanted to quip, “Well, if you can’t trust a medium, who can you trust?” Or ask if the ghosts had been good enough to give the medium the first letter of their name. But you have to read the room, don’t you? And on this occasion, I was sure that those present – the staff, a couple of customers, the pale chap in the bowler hat smoking a pipe while his wife in the frilly bloused bodice hovered just above the ground watching their two translucent children play checkers – were getting along just fine without such cynicism.

Adele found Lock House in Partridge Green spooky. Okay, that isn’t Lock House...

ROUND-UP

NEWS & EVENTS FROM ACROSS THE HORSHAM DISTRICT

Hardware store Gardner and Scardifield in Queen Street, Horsham was destroyed by a major fire on Saturday 18 January. West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service responded to a call at 10.07pm and at the height of the incident 10 fire engines, an aerial ladder platform, water carrier and command support vehicle were at the scene. Eighteen residents in surrounding buildings were safely evacuated and the fire was contained in the early hours of Sunday.

A white-tailed sea eagle escaped from Huxley’s Bird of Prey Centre in Horsham on Saturday 18 January. The Huxley’s team were able to track Kali with a signal from a transmitter, but were not able to quickly recover the sea eagle, which is among the largest birds of prey with a two-metre wing span. Kali was spotted around Horsham and Southwater, before confirmed sightings in the village of Barns Green. As AAH went to press on 27 January, Kali had yet to re-captured after 16 days on the loose, and was still in the Barns Green area. huxleyshorsham

A spokesperson for WSFRS said: ‘Upon arrival, crews were confronted with a well-developed fire at the rear of a large commercial premises. Firefighters worked hard to extinguish the significant fire and prevent it spreading to adjacent buildings. Re-inspections were carried out to ensure there were no hotspots. It was determined the fire was of accidental ignition.’

On social media, Gardner and Scardifield wrote: ‘Our thanks go to the emergency services,

especially the brave firefighters who did an incredible job to prevent further damage or harm and our thoughts are with anyone else affected.’ A GoFundMe page was set up to help a family who lost their home in the fire. As AAH went to press, the fund had raised £20,461. Mannings Heath Golf Club also welcomed donations of clothing and shoes.

www.gofundme.com/f/help-for-family-afterhorsham-fire

Following the decision of the Government’s Planning Inspector to cancel Horsham District Council’s Local Plan examination hearings because they needed further information, the Council has submitted this information and is now ready to proceed with the remaining examination sessions. The Council believes that it will be able to carry out any necessary Local Plan updates within the Government’s preferred six-month timescale. This means that there is a pathway open to the Inspector to resume the hearings and progress the current Plan. horsham.gov.uk/planning/local-plan/

Formal proposals to change Millais School in Horsham from a girls’ school to a co-educational have been published by West Sussex County Council. The proposals would increase the number of available secondary school places for boys in the Horsham area. An initial public consultation was held last year, with a slight majority of respondents in favour of Millais becoming a co-educational school. The proposed change, if approved, would mean that Millais would admit boys and girls into Year 7 with effect from September 2026. yourvoice.westsussex.gov.uk/millais

Photo courtesy of Nicholas Worksett & Visit Horsham

John

Early Bird tickets are available to the Big Gig 2025 at Horsham Sports Club, Cricket Field Road, on Saturday 21 June. Promoted as Horsham’s greatest family live music event, The Big Gig is hosted by Master of Ceremonies John O’Sullivan (pictured) and the musical tribute line-up includes The Tour of the Eras by Taylor Swift tribute act Hannah Jenkins, The Almost Elvis Band, a tribute to Dua Lipa by Courtnay Reddy, soul and funk by The Blunter Brothers and headliner Tony as Robbie Williams. Early Bird tickets cost £24.54 for adults with reduced rates for families. horshamsportsclub.com/ events/the-big-gig-2025/

Horsham Museum has a new exhibition, Cretaceous Horsham: Discovering Dinosaurs. The exhibition tells the story of the dinosaurs that would have walked the Horsham District millions of years ago, and features fossil bones, geological specimens and artwork. The exhibition highlights the discoveries of 19th century physician Gideon Mantell, who found fossilised teeth in Sussex, and includes manuscripts by George Bax Holmes, who uncovered the Great Horsham Iguanodon, the bones of which would be used to judge the size for the Crystal Palace iguanodon sculptures. Visitors can also see fossilised Horshamosaurus bones, while budding palaeontologists can enjoy the children’s dinosaur trail. The exhibition is open until Monday 21 April. horshammuseum.org/

Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens in Lower Beeding hosts a cupcake decorating workshop on Saturday 1 March, 10.30am - 1pm. The workshop is run by Zoe from Bouquet Bakes, who hosted a sold-out event at Leonardslee last year. The workshops provide a hands-on experience, allowing individuals to be creative and take home new skills and beautiful cupcakes. Cost £75pp. leonardsleegardens.co.uk

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Ariel Othello’s is opening a new class at Bohunt School in Horsham, with the first class scheduled for April. Ariel Othello’s is an award-winning community drama project run in partnership with Ariel Company Theatre, offering drama, singing and movement classes to young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The project currently reaches over 200 SEND students, helping them to develop confidence and essential life skills. Ariel Othello’s has a buddy system, where mainstream students volunteer and remain actively engaged in classes. The class will run on Saturdays from 5 – 6pm, with an annual performance at The Hawth. Those interested in joining can sign up for a free trial at arielothellos.com

Horsham Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society (HAODS) presents Little Shop of Horrors at The Capitol on Tuesday 11 – Saturday 15 March. In this Broadway smash, floral assistant Seymour discovers a plant with a mysterious craving for fresh blood. As the plant grows, so does Seymour’s success, but at a deadly cost. The musical has a catchy score including Suddenly Seymour and Feed Me. Tickets cost from £19.50 from thecapitolhorsham.com

The Mugenkyo Tokyo Drummers perform at The Capitol on Thursday 27 March, 7.30pm. Mugenkyo are pioneers of the art-form, thrilling audiences at performances worldwide and now returning with their first new show in five years. Recently, Mugenkyo have collaborated on the World of Gods with the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra and filmed for the movie Tin Soldier. Tickets £32 (U16s £25) from thecapitolhorsham.com

Coolham Live Music Club welcomes Will Wilde and his band, as well as Greg Coulson with Mat Day, at its gig on Saturday 15 March. Will is a phenomenal harmonica player with a voice to match, with a sound that owes as much to Gary Moore as it does Sonny Boy Williamson. He was nominated for Instrumentalist of the Year at the UK Blues Awards in 2024. Greg Coulson is a blues and jazz singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He is also a session musician and has played for artists including Burt Bacharach and Spiritualized. For his set, Greg is joined by Mat Day, a rising star of the blues circuit. Tickets £20.

Coolham Live Music Club

The third episode of Tracing the Rails, a documentary series on the lost Shoreham to Horsham railway line, was screened at Beeding and Bramber Village Hall on 11 January. The exclusive preview screening of Episode 3 Part 1 (Steyning) was held before its public release on YouTube and on television at Rewind TV. The documentary is directed by Chris Kirk, produced by Lou Kirk-Partridge and hosted by Stephen Cranford of BBC Radio Sussex. tracingtherails.com

Goodwoof will be held at the Goodwood Estate over the weekend of Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 May. Set against the spectacular backdrop of The Kennels, Goodwood Members’ Clubhouse, the event is set to offer something for everyone – whether they’re on two legs or four. From canine tales read by well-known authors and celebrities in Literary Corner, to dog disco with Ministry of Hound and brilliant architecturally designed kennels in the Barkitecture competition, Goodwoof is a celebration of dogs.

Visitors can also enjoy wellness workshops including dog yoga and reiki, talks from behavioural and veterinary experts, world class competitions from top canine athletes and plenty of activities, all of which are included in the entry price. Each year, Goodwoof celebrates a particular breed and, this year, will be welcoming dachshunds of all shapes, sizes and colours to take part in the parade which opens the event each morning. goodwood.com/goodwoof

Guilfest returns to Stoke Park, Guildford, on the weekend of 5 – 6 July. The Jacksons will headline Saturday’s main stage with Razorlight headlining on Sunday night. Other acts confirmed include Soul II Soul, Leo Sayer, Stereo MCs, Bay City Rollers, Baby D and N-Trance (all Saturday) and KT Tunstall (inset), The Amy Winehouse Band, Altered Images, Dub Pistols and The Primitives (Sunday). In addition to seven stages of music, there is a comedy tent, dance tent, arts and craft village, and dancing and drumming workshops. guilfest.co.uk

Metrobus have announced a range of improvements to its services that will come into place at the beginning of February. Routes 3, 4 and 5 will be enhanced to operate 24-hours a day, with an improved evening service too, providing new 24/7 links between Gatwick and wards in Crawley, while Route 10 will be extended to Kilnwood Vale. There will be an increase in frequency too, with buses on Route 10 every 7 - 8 minutes on Monday to Saturday day times, with an improved evening service too. Metrobus has also announced a brand refresh to mark the introduction of 34 new hydrogen buses, 12 of which are Fastway buses. metrobus.co.uk

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Horsham Symphony Orchestra returns to The Capitol on Saturday 8 March, 7.30pm. The spring concert features Elgar’s Enigma Variations, including the much-loved Nimrod. The evening begins with Sinfonia (for Orbiting Spheres) by Mizzy Mazzoli, before the orchestra present the world premiere of Angels on the Beach at Night, a recorder concerto by Thomas Shorthouse. The piece was written for Horsham musician Luca Imperiale, soloist for the performance. Tickets £20 (U16s/students £5) from thecapitolhorsham.com

Recorder virtuoso

Piers Adams and keyboardist Lyndy Mayle present Baroque Alchemy, an extraordinary electro-baroque fusion duo, at the next Horsham Music Circle concert at the Causeway Barn on Saturday 15 March, 7pm. HMC’s 83rd season ends with a performance by brass quintet Onyx Brass at St Mary’s Church on 10 May, 7pm. The programme ranges from Monteverdi and Bach to Shostakovich. For tickets, email horshammusiccircle@gmail.com or visit wegottickets.com/HorshamMusicCircle

Causeway Chamber Orchestra perform lesser-played masterworks of the Enlightenment era at St Mary’s Church, Horsham, on Saturday 22 March, 7pm. Horsham musician Luca Imperiale, a historical performance scholar currently studying at the Royal College of Music, lifts his baton to lead this new orchestral venture featuring local musicians and young soloists. The March concert includes works by Bach, including Brandenburg Concerto No.3, Symphony in G Minor (Op.6) and Cello Concerto in A Major. Tickets £5 (U16s free) on the door or via ticketsource.co.uk

The Chantry Quire, under the expert direction of Peter Allwood, performs Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610 in the stunning setting of Boxgrove Priory on Saturday 29 March, 7.30pm. The choir is accompanied by the players of the Western Wyndes and led by Jeremy West on the cornett. Tickets £20. chantryquire.org.uk

International concert organist

Jane Watts performs a recital in the Chapel at Christ’s Hospital on Sunday 9 March, 4pm. Jane will give a recital on the Chapel’s restored five-manual Rushworth & Dreaper organ. There will be a screen for the audience showing the console. Tickets £10 (U16s free) from christshospitaltheatre.savoysystems.co.uk

At a meeting scheduled for the end of January, Horsham District Council’s Cabinet were expected to adopt a Declaration for River Recovery. The Declaration recognises the importance to the natural world of rivers, tributaries and streams, and that these are increasingly under threat and in decline. The Declaration has been developed in conjunction with several neighbouring councils, as well as conservation groups and two Rivers Trusts and demonstrates a shared commitment to restore the Rother, Arun and Adur.

The West Sussex Vintage Toy & Train Collectors Fair will be held at a new venue at Ashington Community Centre, RH20 3PG on Sundays 16 February and 2 March, 9.30am – 1pm. Buy, sell and swap toys old and new, including Triang, Hornby, Dinky, Corgi and Matchbox, as well as other vintage toys and comics. Admission £2 (early bird £3, accompanied children free). For details email modelcarmart@gmail.com or visit modeltoyauctions.co.uk

Storrington Flower Club meets at Sullington Parish Hall, RH20 3PP, every fourth Wednesday of the month (except August and December) at 2pm (2.30pm start).

On 26 February, Gaenor Circus presents ‘Up the Garden Path’ before Helen Cukure’s talk ‘My Drinks Cabinet’ on 26 March and an AGM (new members welcome) on 23 April. Visitors (£6 on the door) welcome. For more information, call Chrissy Desmond on (01903) 742102.

AAH has introduced another new stand, this time at Mannings Heath Golf Club. Like others across the District, the stand has been designed to match the branding of the venue, part of Leonardslee Wine Estate. The latest stand means that AAH now has 37 of its bespoke pick-up points in the Horsham District, as well as Sainsbury’s and Tesco. We’ve also added a second stand in Swan Walk, opposite D&D Cafe. For a full list of locations, see Page 4.

(©Toby Phillips)

Reports in the national media suggest that the government is ready to approve a second runway at Gatwick Airport. Sources including Reuters and The Financial Times reported that ministers were poised to approve expansion at Gatwick and Luton and also give the green light to a third runway at Heathrow. Chancellor Rachel Reeves did not comment on the leaks when asked in the House of Commons about the expansion on 21 January, but an

Residents in Colgate have launched a campaign to bring back its community playpark, a vital hub for over 50 years. Colgate Community Playpark Appeal seeks to rejuvenate the Memorial Hall field with modern, inclusive equipment for children and facilities for adults. The original playground was removed due to safety concerns. Barry Humphries of Colgate Memorial Hall Committee, said: ‘This initiative will restore more than a play area; it will rebuild a space for our community to connect and thrive.’ https://uk.givergy.com/colgate communityplayparkappeal/

announcement was expected towards the end of January. As AAH went to press on 27 January, Gatwick had not officially commented on the reports. However, according to a recent poll by YouGov, 80% of residents across the South East who expressed a preference for airport expansion supported Gatwick’s plans for growth. Gatwick plans to bring the Northern Runway – currently used as a taxiway or for emergencies – into routine use. Gatwick claims

London Gatwick has announced the recipients of £30,000 from the third round of the London Gatwick Foundation Fund. Five good causes have benefitted, including Wealden Citizens Advice with £10,000 and Horsham Matters with £5,000. Foodbank charity Horsham Matters will use the money to form part of the salary of an advice worker, as it continues to tackle the root causes of poverty in the Horsham District. The Foundation Fund was set up in 2016 to support groups that improve local our communities. gatwickairport.com/company/community/ funding.html

that expansion would inject £1bn into the region’s economy every year and support 14,000 new jobs. Such support is disputed by campaign group CAGNE (Communities Against Gatwick Noise Emissions), who said in a statement that it was ‘disgraceful’ for the government to ignore public opinion and the findings of The Airport Commission, which found that there was only the need for one runway in the South East and it was not at Gatwick.

Saxon Weald held its third annual Youth Awards ceremony at its Horsham base in December. Winners included Lilly Halliwell, Noah Cloake, Zac Woodcock and Lejsha Newland (Local Community Awards), Samuel Shelley (Achievement in Learning Award), Sennen and Hayden Calver (Young Carer Award), Matilda Parnell (Sport and Physical Activity Award) and Holly Jenkins (Young Leader Award). The recipients were selected by the Saxon Weald staff and Board, as well as Dan Fairchild (Youth Provision Officer at HDC) and Lara Gavin from awards sponsors Jewson Partnership Solutions.

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HIGH HOPES

CHEZ POLIE GIVES HIGHWOOD ESTATE A COMMUNITY HUB

Chez Polie has opened at Berkeley’s new Highwood Village development. Managed by Luke Polie with the support of his family, Chez Polie offers speciality coffees and pastries, with a grocery section stocked with local produce. AAH met Luke and his mum Karen to find out about their aspirations for the business…

You’re a local family?

Luke: I grew up in Walthamstow, but moved to the Horsham area when my dad Jean-Francois took a job at South Lodge Hotel. He has vast experience in the food and beverage industry and is now a Hospitality Manager in London. We settled here and I went to Tanbridge House School, close to Berkeley’s Highwood development. So, I actually do remember when this estate was just fields!

How did the opportunity come about?

Karen: Most new developments make provisions for local amenities as part of its planning conditions and Highwood provided a space for the new Horsham Fire Station. However, many residents wanted a local shop

or café, so Berkeley Homes included a shop in their plans for Highwood Village, which is still being developed. When we saw an artist’s impression of the shop, we were immediately interested. My husband and I have long talked about retiring, perhaps opening a B&B in the West Country. However, when we were both made redundant during Covid, we began looking for options closer to home and this shop was the perfect opportunity.

Has it taken time to come to fruition?

Karen: We put a proposal together, then worked with Berkeley on the shop’s aesthetics and signage to ensure it complemented the surrounding area. This involved some compromise, but our visions were closely aligned anyway. Horsham-based designers Red River Interiors were brought in to bring our ideas to fruition. Often, developers partner with global brands such as Starbucks when planning local amenities, but we’re an entirely independent business. We called it Chez Polie as we want to create a homely, welcoming atmosphere.

Luke Polie at Chez Polie (©AAH/Alan Wright)

D you have previous experience of managing a cafe?

Luke: I am an actor by trade and have appeared in Sex Education on Netflix and Halo on Paramount+. Prior to Covid, I was working regularly in film and TV, auditioning several times a week. However, since the actor’s strike in America, opportunities have become scarce and it’s not a good time to be an actor. I was living in London, where the cost of living is very high, and it reached a point where I couldn’t rely on acting work. I needed to regain control of my life. When I’ve not been acting, I’ve worked in hospitality and now Chez Polie has given me a fresh opportunity. I am still an actor, but have flexibility now, as my family can support me if I’m filming or auditioning.

‘Events

a glass of wine and make new friends.’

What do you offer at Chez Polie?

Luke: We serve a great selection of coffee as well as tea, hot chocolate, smoothies, juices and pastries. Our coffee supplier is Redemption

Roasters, who now have 13 cafes around London. Working with the Ministry of Justice, Redemption set up roasteries in prisons and have been helping reduce re-offending ever since. They now run dedicated barista academies too, providing people with employment opportunities upon release. We’re delighted to work with them and as well as having a wonderful approach to business, they make fantastic coffee!

You also sell local produce…

Karen: Many residents of Highwood and Highwood Village moved there from outside the Horsham District. Some have London-based jobs that involve a lot of working from home, while others work at Gatwick. So, as well as the café, we showcase local producers, working with Source It Sussex, who deliver fresh produce. This includes fruit and vegetables, bread and pastries, cheeses from Bookham Harrison Farms, handcooked crisps from Sussex Crisp Company, skincare products by Bee Cosmetics and organic chocolate from Cocoa Loco. We also stock a range of wines, including some from local vineyards Kin and Bolney Wine Estate. Soon, we will be selling award-winning sausages by Bangers Galore too and hope to establish partnerships with other local producers in due course.

l Exceptional Facilities l 5-Star Service l Finance Plans l Implants, 3D Scans, Invisalign & Teeth Bonding l Same-day emergency appointments (including new patients. First come, first served basis) l Cerec Ceramic Crowns in 90 mins l Intravenous Sedation l Convenient Ground Floor Practice

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Andrea serves a fresh coffee at Chez Polie (©AAH/AW)

Have you been warmly welcomed?

Luke: The residents are very happy with our arrival, as some have been waiting a long time for a shop or café. Every day, we are meeting new people for the first time and we’ve also hosted evening events. As we have a license to serve drinks, we offer wine and charcuterie boards on certain evenings, which has helped spread word. We’ve also welcomed pop-up food units, such as Joe Dough’s Pizza, and hope to introduce more food-focused events and quiz nights too. Next, we welcome The Burger Truck on Saturday 8 February, 3 - 8pm. Such events give residents the chance to walk here to enjoy a glass of wine and good food, meet neighbours and hopefully make new friends.

How do you plan to grow the business?

Luke: We will be expanding our food offering, serving sandwiches and toasties, continuing to focus on local produce. We have a spacious outside patio, so hope Chez Polie will be even more vibrant in the spring and summer. We have limited parking, due to restrictions around the Berkeley development, but hopefully this will improve in future. However, we are at the heart of a growing estate that encompasses everything from onebedroom apartments to five-bedroom town houses, and we hope we can offer something for everyone. Chez Polie is a place where you can enjoy good coffee, pick up bread and milk when you most need it, and transforms into a social hub on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. So, hopefully we can help to create a close-knit community.

WORDS: Ben Morris

PHOTOS: Alan Wright

Further information: chezpolie/

Chez Polie

TRAVEL BUG

HORSHAM MUM SPECIALISES IN TRIPS TO SOUTH ASIA

Siân Williams runs an independent tour company from her home in Horsham. South Asia Uncovered specialises in immersive journeys to India, offering small group tours and private, tailor-made itineraries. Here, Siân shares her passion for India before heading off on her latest tour to Gujarat…

What triggered your interest in India?

While studying criminology at the University of Portsmouth, I watched Slumdog Millionaire at the cinema. I hadn’t been backpacking before or harboured much desire to travel, but after seeing the film, something about the country spoke to me and I had a strong desire to visit India. My parents were having kittens about it, but I booked a trip to the pink city of Jaipur.

What are your memories of the trip?

I flew into Delhi, before they modernised the airport for the 2010 Commonwealth Games. I had a 10-hour wait before a connecting flight to the Rajasthan region. When I arrived in Jaipur, it was dark, wet and I endured a long drive through chaotic traffic to a small village, where I stayed with a local family. My room was in a windowless basement with only basic amenities. On the first night, I called my parents, begging to come home, but my dad told me to sleep on it. That was the best advice I’ve ever received. Three weeks later, I cried when I had to return home!

What did you do in Jaipur?

The family I stayed with looked after elephants and I did voluntary work, helping to care for the

animals. By staying with this family-of-five in their humble home, I really got to know them and their community. I fell in love with India through its people and learned that the most cherished memories come through our interactions with others, not through visiting tourist attractions. One family invited me over for tea and having noticed that I drank Coca-Cola, bought me a can, which would have been expensive for them. That gesture made a big impression on me. As soon as I finished my degree, I returned to India – this time with my brother in tow – and travelled across the whole country.

When did you start organising trips for others?

After returning from my travels, I saw a job advert in Wanderlust magazine for an India

Siân Williams plans her next trip to India (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Tours include visits to local markets

Siân in the blue city of Jodhpur

specialist at Audley Travel. That’s how my journey in the industry began. Audley specialise in luxury, tailor-made trips, so my job was to test hotels and restaurants and meet tour guides before they were offered to clients. For someone fresh out of university, who had previously worked part-time at a pet store, it was an amazing experience and took me to every corner of India. I later worked for Greaves India and broadened my knowledge further, planning trips for famous faces and journalists writing for national publications.

When did you launch your own business?

‘Our group trips visit places off the beaten track.’

During the pandemic, I was placed on furlough, but later made redundant during tough times for the travel industry. I was eight months pregnant at the time, but it turned out to be a blessing, as it gave me the chance to evaluate my life and career. The job has never been solely about paying the bills, as India is part of who I am, so I wanted to share my passion for its people and culture. I decided to start my own business, South Asia Uncovered. As well as India, I tailor trips to Sri Lanka and have a dream to add Bangladesh in future, as it’s a country largely untouched by tourism.

What makes India special?

The country is so vast that it has more than 20 official languages, each with its own culture and traditions. The north and south are entirely different landscapes, while eastern regions are ethnically diverse, with cultures inspired by Myanmar and Tibet. They say it takes a lifetime to explore India and that’s true. Sri Lanka is an easier country to explore, especially for those restricted to only a couple of weeks. It has a mix of Buddhist, Tamil and Hindu culture and a short trip can include everything from beautiful beaches to wildlife safaris.

How do you plan a trip?

It always begins with a conversation, so I can gauge what the client is looking to get out of

Siân’s clients often visit villages off the beaten track

the trip. For those wanting a quintessential experience, I might suggest Rajasthan in northern India. A trip here can incorporate stunning forts and palaces in incredible cities such as Jodhpur, the blue city. You can stay in historic havelis and experience the hustle and bustle of markets. There are also national parks with a chance to see tigers and leopards.

What do you do differently to other tour operators?

A trip to India shouldn’t be a tick box exercise that solely takes in major attractions. I help people explore the country in a deeper way by working with independent accommodation where people can engage with their hosts and communities, and seek out experienced guides who provide insights into day-to-day life. English is not widely spoken, so it’s prudent to plan to make sure experiences are authentic. Recently, I arranged for a couple to take a guided trip to a flower market, where locals gather each morning to buy fresh marigolds. They also visited a temple for Krishna devotees and enjoyed a ride with the Pink Rickshaw Company, which employs lady drivers from low-income communities. I promote sustainable and responsible tourism, with other partnerships that support Indian NGOs including the Rescue Foundation in Mumbai, which helps young girls trafficked across India.

Do you still visit India yourself?

There are two parts to my business. There are the tailor-made trips that I organise for clients, based on their own budget and interests. These trips can include their own driver and guides, as well as flights, accommodation, restaurants

and experiences. Customers are fully supported throughout the trip and have a contact number for our Delhi office. I also organise group trips three times a year, leading groups of less than 10 people, often visiting Indian communities off the beaten track.

Do you have a favourite place?

For my next trip, I’ll be taking a group of knitting and sewing enthusiasts to Gujarat, where some of the finest handicrafts are made. Gujarat is often overlooked by travellers, yet it is renowned for textiles and crafts. On the trip, we’ll visit a bustling spice market, where we’ll probably be the only tourists. We’ll also travel

to salt flats near the border with Pakistan, a largely barren area that gives visitors opportunities to connect with communities. In the UK, many of us are privileged to be in a position to travel. What I offer is a chance for people to have meaningful interactions and learn much more about Indian culture.

WORDS: Ben Morris

PHOTOS: Alan Wright

Further information: southasiauncovered.com southasia_uncovered

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A HIGH BAR

HORSHAM GYMNAST SETS HER SIGHTS ON 2028 OLYMPICS

Gymnast Georgia Stables recently represented Team GB at the Olympic Hopes competition in Brno, Czechia. Georgia, a long-serving member of Horsham Gymnastics Club, came home with a bronze medal in the Team event. AAH caught up with the Millais pupil during a training session and discussed Georgia’s journey to date and her dreams of competing in the Olympic Games…

BUDDING TALENT

Georgia first attended Horsham Gymnastics Club (HGC) with her mum, for a parent and toddler class. These fun sessions are open to pre-school children, helping them improve their agility, balance and co-ordination in a fun yet stimulating environment. Georgia’s skills and confidence developed in the club’s pre-school classes, while a trampoline in her garden at home also contributed to her passion for gymnastics.

For school-aged children, HGC offers recreational gymnastics for all abilities, with beginner, intermediate and advanced classes held each week . Like many other young gymnasts, Georgia gradually earned badges and certificates in the HGC Awards Scheme, but it is her commitment that has seen her reach an elite level, says HGC’s Director of Coaching, Maxine Fuller.

‘We have about 1,000 children coming to the gym each week, with a broad programme catering for various ages and ability levels. We identify talent from our recreational gym classes, usually when children are aged five or six, and if they want to, they can join a development group and train for a couple of additional hours each week. By the age of eight or nine, gymnasts follow various programmes that range from a Novice level to County and Regional squads, which involve more time in the gym. The most talented and committed gymnasts follow an elite pathway, set by the National Governing Body, that could potentially see them progress to national or international competitions.’

‘To reach a National standard takes talent as well as dedication. Most children on the elite pathway have aspirations of being selected for Team GB, but only a small percentage will achieve it. One of Georgia’s greatest assets is that she’s very hard-working. I have coached many talented gymnasts during 25 years at the club and have rarely seen such dedication. She is intrinsically motivated to work hard.

Georgia at the Olympic Hopes competition in Czechia

As well as being a very good gymnast, she has great strength of character and we’re very proud of what she has achieved so far.’

NEW CONFIDENCE

Georgia is now in her GCSE year at Millais School in Horsham, yet still manages to train 23 hours a week at HGC, based at the Pavilions in the Park. She trains every day after school and on Mondays is allowed to leave early for a seven-hour gym session. There’s another fourhours on Saturdays, with Georgia earning a well-earned rest on Sundays.

The hard work has been worthwhile. In 2022, Georgia was selected for the Women’s Artistic Aspire Squad, comprised of the most promising 12 – 13-year-olds in the country. She followed this with selection for the Unni & Harald’s Trophy in Oslo, where she represented England for the first time and won individual silver in the all-round competition.

that I can still find time for school work and family time. Millais is very supportive too, not only allowing me time off on Monday afternoons, but helping me catch up with missed lessons.’

‘When I was selected for the Aspire squad, it gave me confidence and made me believe I was good enough to represent my country. There have been ups and downs, but I’ve made progress in the past year, leading to my selection for the Team GB Junior Squad. Unfortunately, I was not selected for the Junior European Championships 2024, as I didn’t perform particularly well at the British Championships.

‘It felt amazing to return home with a bronze medal!’

Georgia said: ‘It takes a lot of dedication not only from me, but also the coaches and my parents. We have to juggle things around so

‘ However, those not picked for the Europeans were given priority for the threeday Olympic Hopes competition in Czechia last November, competing against gymnasts from other nations including Canada, Hungary, Norway, South Africa, Poland and Czechia. British Gymnastics are good at giving everyone in the squad with a chance to compete at an international level, to give us all experience of a highly pressurised environment before we move up to Senior level.’

PARENT & CHILD PARENT & TODDLER CLASSES AVAILABLE

Georgia on the beam at the Olympic Hopes competition in Brno

‘It was an amazing experience. Just to wear the Team GB leotard and be part of a great team was fantastic. There are things I can improve on, in terms of my own performance, but the experience was invaluable. I finished 13th in a field of over 40 gymnasts and we won bronze in the Team competition. It felt amazing to come home with a medal and now I’ve tasted success at international competition, I want to do more!’

PEAK PRACTICE

Competing in women’s artistic gymnastics involves four disciplines: vault, uneven bars, balance beam and a floor exercise. These disciplines test artistry and grace as well as agility, flexibility and power. Top gymnasts must score highly in each event, so Georgia is focusing on consistency. She developed a new floor routine – to a piece of instrumental music called Dance For Me Wallis – for the Czechia competition, and has come on leaps and bounds on the uneven bars.

Georgia said: ‘I was struggling on bars, but something clicked last summer and I improved a lot. I love that piece of apparatus, as it’s the most wonderful feeling when you swing from one bar to the other. For a moment, it feels like you’re flying. Then then of course there’s relief when you catch the other bar!’

Georgia will need to continue her upward trajectory if she is to one day be selected for the Team GB Senior squad. As she turns 16 this year, Georgia is no longer eligible for Junior squad selection. Coach Maxine said: ‘The step up to the Senior squad is the biggest for anyone, as you’re competing against far more experienced gymnasts. To make the Team GB Junior squad is a fantastic achievement, as spaces are limited, with perhaps a dozen girls selected from a two-year age band every year. British gymnastics is now a world-class gymnastics nation, so to reach the National squad, you have to be world-class for your age.’

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Georgia at Horsham Gymnastics Club (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Georgia performs on the beam

(©AAH/Alan Wright)

‘However, reaching the Senior level is even more difficult, as it’s an open-ended age group, so some gymnasts are in their late 20s and very experienced. For 15-yearolds, it’s a big leap and they often need to go into a development squad until they can develop their strength and reach their peak.’

OLYMPICS DREAM

As part of her development, Georgia attends training camps at the National Sports Centre in Lilleshall, one of the best training facilities in the world. As well as benefiting from the expertise of coaches on each individual piece of apparatus, Georgia is supported by nutritionists, physiotherapists and choreographers. The support network even extends to pastoral care, as gymnasts reside at the centre for the duration of the camp. This level of attention is not always possible at Horsham due to the sheer number of children attending classes. However, Georgia loves training at the club and is grateful for the ongoing support of Maxine, Lisa Jestico (Head Coach of the Women’s Artists Programme) and other coaches at HGC.

She said: ‘I’ve been a member of the club for as long as I can remember and have always loved it. The coaches are wonderful and the atmosphere is incredible, as all the facilities are very modern. It has always been a warm and safe place to spend time. When I was little, I remember looking up to the older girls and watching in awe at some of the things they could do. Now, the little ones look at me that same way. It’s a nice feeling to know that I might inspire them in the same way that other girls once inspired me.’

‘I do have gymnasts that I look up to, particularly twins Jessica and Jennifer Gadirova, who were both part of the GB team that won bronze at the 2020 Olympics. I would love to emulate them and compete at major competitions, such as the Commonwealth Games and World Championships. But the ultimate dream would be selection for the LA Olympics in 1928, when I’ll be 19-years-old.’

WORDS: Ben Morris

PHOTOS: Alan Wright/Martin Stables

Further information:

To find out more about the range of classes offered at Horsham Gymnastics Club, visit hgc.org.uk horshamgymnastics hgcgymnastics

Promising Career Ahead At Specsavers Horsham

Local Employee Hopes to Become an Optometrist

At just 21 years old, Ben Lord is already an established member of Specsavers Horsham. Ben’s journey started when his own challenges with sight inspired him to fulfil his vision of finding a role where he could help others with their eye health.

Ben started working weekends at Specsavers Horsham when he was 16 and still at college. His passion for the business quickly developed and alongside battling with his own eye condition , he went on to become a full-time employee with plans to become an optometrist.

‘The main inspiration for me pursuing a career at Specsavers was due to always having poor eyesight,’ said Ben. ‘I have been wearing glasses since I was two years old. My experiences have led to me wanting to help others, and without a doubt a job at Specsavers fitted the bill. When I applied, I didn’t realise that Specsavers offered such a wide range of career routes, and it became very clear to me how enjoyable it is to help people improve their sight and quality of life.’

Career Opportunities

For anyone wanting a career that grows with them, there is a wealth of opportunities and training available at Specsavers Horsham, which recently moved to its new home at 2 Worthing Road.

Operations Manager Matt Gawn said: ‘We offer a number of different roles and paths at Specsavers, from opportunities in optics and audiology, as well as roles behind the scenes in the office. We’ll support you to explore your potential, you’ll be valued for being yourself and you can grow your career in the way you choose.’

The Future Looks Bright

As for Ben, he’s looking forward to the next five years and working towards becoming a qualified optometrist and store director with Specsavers.

‘You can grow your career the way you choose.’

He said: ‘I believe I can achieve this due to the support I have always been given by the store partners, as well as my ever-growing passion for optics. There are training pathways available with Specsavers which will support my progression from being a dispensing optician to being an optometrist. It allows me to gain a degree in optometry and stay at Specsavers Horsham while I do, working and earning while I learn.

Co-owner and Director Kumar Keshavji agreed, adding: ‘We take the careers of everyone who works for us very seriously. We believe in continuous development and working with the team to ensure they get the career progression they want from working here. We are delighted with Ben and how hard he has worked to achieve everything he has so far.’

‘Specsavers has not just been an opportunity for me to have a career, it has also been a place where I can say I have made many friends. The team at Specsavers Horsham are like a family and make every day at work enjoyable.’

Anyone who fancies joining Ben and the team at Specsavers Horsham can apply for a position by emailing their application to mgr.horsham.uk@specsavers.com

Ben Lord shares his own experiences at Specsavers Horsham

Ben joined the team aged 16

NOO LIMITS

NATTY NOO BRINGS INDEPENDENT SPIRIT TO CARFAX

What is Natty Noo?

Natty Noo is a shop in Horsham’s Carfax that sells books, arts and crafts, T-shirts and a selection of gifts and accessories. These are all written, crafted or designed by local creatives and artisans who rent shelf space, giving them a chance to sell their wares in a central location. The shop opened last March and is named after owner Natasha Murray, known as Natty.

Does Natty sell her own items?

She is a keen writer and it has been her dream to run a bookshop and sell her novels. Natty said: ‘I travelled the world, hoping to find a place that I connected with and could set up my own business. I went to Africa, America, Canada and the Caribbean, yet it was in my

home town that I found what I was looking for. I was walking through the Carfax and saw Shakeaway had closed. I immediately knew it was the right location.’

What kind of books does Natty write?

Initially, she wrote science fiction for children, but recent books have been murder mysteries. Natasha wrote four books in her Waterfall Way series during the pandemic, with stories following the adventures of Julia Bridgewater and Seth Hearn, who come from rival Sussex farming families but fall in love. She has published 14 books and organises the UK Southern Book Show, a free event which gives authors the chance to discuss their books, give readings and learn more about publishing.

Are other books sold at Natty Noo?

A significant section of the shop is devoted solely to books, with both published and self-published authors. These include Robin Driscoll, best known for writing TV comedy Mr. Bean. The shop also gives authors the opportunity to launch new material, with Sue Winstead, Lizzie Jarrett, Helen Matthews, Steve Sheppard and Jane H. Wood among those holding book signings in recent months. Natasha said: ‘Lots of authors ask me if I can stock their books, as it’s hard to find outlets when you self-publish. I help some authors edit their manuscripts and advise them on publishing on Amazon too.’

Natasha Murray with some of her murder mysteries (©AAH/Alan Wright)

But it’s more than just books, right? The shelves of Natty Noo are full of products by small, independent businesses. These include hand-made ceramics by Sarah Russell, who runs Pots & Pansies in Storrington, and crocheted accessories by Nikki Bristo at MoJo Craft Creations Klara offers loose leaf tea and other natural and holistic products, while Carole’s Glass sells stained-glass decorations. Other items include crocheted crafts by AnyBobs, decoupage by Impala Crafts, hand-made jewellery by Gazcoo Jewels, greetings cards by Belinda Walters, jewellery and accessories by AB Crafts by Alison, scarves by Helen Elliott’s World of Feathers, a range of items featuring the seagull paintings of Horsham artist Cherry Parsons, and organic skin and haircare by Twang-Love Nature. Another unique business is Tiggie’s Tiny Toes Dolls, which makes specialist dolls for children with disabilities. Natasha said: ‘Businesses appreciate the chance to rent space or sell on a commission basis, without the costs involved in running a market stall.’

‘Children spend their pocket money on amethyst and rose quartz.’

You mentioned T-shirts... Natty Noo has an area that can be used as a studio for designing clothes. Customers can create their own design and have them printed on T-shirts, sweatshirts, mugs and bags. The shop also sells T-shirts by Sussex-based Femi Creatives, whose designs are often inspired by orishas (deities) of the West African region of Yoruba. Femi has also created the ‘Horsham-ite’ range.

I hear there are other businesses based at Natty Noo?

As you’ll see in the article on p41, Alex Reid runs Horsham Records upstairs. On the level above Alex is a healing room used for homeopathy, crystal therapy, sound baths, reiki and meditation. This room is hired out by various practitioners, one of whom is Johanna Ellis, who runs Angelrose Holistic Centre. Jo also runs The Crystal Cave in the basement of Natty Noo, next to a studio that is home to artwork by the likes of Frank Delaney and Gill Jones, as well as photographer Paul Vincent.

What is The Crystal Cave?

Jo sells semi-precious stones, crystals and minerals, as well as smaller crystals and jewellery by son Francis, who runs his own business, Rock On. Many customers buy semi-precious stones as ornaments, drawn to their natural beauty, and they are particularly popular with children. Jo said: ‘Children love browsing through the stones and minerals and some of them are

incredibly knowledgeable, telling me things I didn’t even know! I still attend local markets, but I often have more success at school fetes, as children love spending their pocket money on amethyst, rose quartz and other stones.’

Are crystals also used for holistic therapies?

Some believe that semi-precious stones and crystals have healing qualities. Jo’s range includes blue lace agate, citrine, rose quartz, moonstone, fluorite, tiger’s eye, pyrite, selenite, lapis lazuli and jade, with the price of each piece dependent on its size and rarity. Jo explains: ‘They are all used for holistic treatments and each has its benefits. One of the most popular is obsidian, a dark crystal that is good for grounding, so it helps you feel

secure. Tiger’s eye is a protection stone that promotes positivity, while rose quartz focuses on emotion, reminding you of your self-worth and value. When you delve deeper into crystal healing, there are many ways that their healing powers can be interpreted. However, some of these beliefs have been passed down through the generations for centuries.’

What does the future hold for the shop?

Jo has also run the Horsham Spiritual and Healing Centre alongside mum Christine for 21 years. The group currently meets at the Normandy Centre in Denne Road. However, Jo would like to create a spiritual and holistic hub in the town offering treatments, readings and workshops in the town centre.

And what of the shop?

Natasha would like to offer more variety and welcomes new enquiries from people with interesting products. She said. ‘I want to expand so that people will find something new every time they visit. Also, I would love to grow the bookshop so that Natty Noo is not only a hub for local authors, but also a place where avid readers of all ages can discover new stories.’

WORDS: Ben Morris

PHOTOS: Alan Wright

Further Information: Visit: 44B Carfax, Horsham, RH12 1AQ NattyNooDesigns nattynoodesigns

Johanna Ellis at The Crystal Cave (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Amethyst at The Crystal Cave (©AAH/Alan Wright)

SPIN DOCTOR

ALEX REID MOVES HORSHAM RECORDS TO TOWN CENTRE

A record shop has opened at Natty Noo in the Carfax. Horsham Records sells a wide selection of used vinyl, with every 12” professionally cleaned before sale. AAH met owner Alex Reid to find out more…

THE SOUND OF MUSIC

Growing up, I was surrounded by music. We have a grand piano that has been passed down through generations and my mother loved to play, while my grandfather repaired violins. I joined an orchestra in Horsham, but stopped playing when I was a teenager. My music teacher only allowed us to play classical, but I wanted to play the folk and rock music that I listened to at that age. I gave up the violin, but my passion for music never diminished.

REBEL REBEL

The first record I ever bought was Abbey Road by The Beatles. The Fab Four had a huge influence on my generation and I still recall singing ‘We all live in a pound of margarine,’ to the tune of Yellow Submarine. The Beatles have been a wonderful advert for British music and their records are still in demand. However, it was the Glam Rock sound of David Bowie and Roxy Music that ignited my love of music. Then, the rebellious spirit of punk bands like The Clash and The Sex Pistols really captured my imagination.

FLY AWAY

I spent much of my working life as an operations manager in aviation. This took me abroad and I have lived in Germany and the Middle East. I was involved in the Operational Readiness, Activation and Transition (ORAT) programme at Hamad International Airport in Doha, in preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. It was a pressurised environment, but I always find positives in every situation, as that’s what makes you a better person.

EVERYBODY’S TALKIN’

‘It was Glam Rock of Bowie and Roxy that ignited my passion for music.’

No matter where I was in the world, I always maintained my love of music and my record collection continued to expand. Finally, it reached a point where I had to start selling some. Records dominated three rooms of my house, so I built a shed with heating and dehumidifiers to protect them. I could have sold records on eBay, but I love talking to people about music and you can’t have those interactions online. While I’m not working

full-time any more, I can still engage with people through a shared passion for vinyl.

WE’VE ONLY JUST BEGUN

Initially, I gave some records to another market trader to sell on my behalf, before setting up my own stall. I nearly called the business Music For Pleasure, in homage to an old British label from the 70s, but chose Horsham Records. I still run a market stall on Thursdays and Saturdays and love meeting people. Unfortunately, I lost my place in the Local Produce Market in the Carfax

as I didn’t meet the criteria for locally-made goods. That was unfortunate, as footfall isn’t quite as strong at the Bishopric, but the market still gives me great joy. As well as selling vinyl and CDs, people ask me to value and buy their own collections or records they’ve inherited. When Natty Noo opened, I spoke to Natasha about renting shelf space. However, to make it worthwhile for the both of us, I opened a small shop upstairs. I don’t have room to display all of my stock, but it does mean Horsham has a record shop for the first time in years. I sell everything from pop and rock to blues and jazz,

Alex Reid with an EP by Horsham-based rock band Blue Stragglers

(©AAH/Alan Wright)

and the shop gives me a base to engage with customers and help them find what they’re looking for.

NO SCRUBS

‘New generations are collecting records now too.’

I have a Loricraft PRC4i record cleaning machine, which is an expensive piece of equipment. This means that, whether they are priced £4 or £40, all the records I sell are in good condition. If it’s not playable, I won’t sell the record, as a customer sold poor-quality vinyl won’t return. I don’t have the cleaner in the shop as it takes up too much space, but it’s still a good selling point. The majority of records on sale don’t have great value, as they simply satisfy people’s desire for a particular band or genre, whether it’s ABBA or Duke Ellington.

TEENAGE RAMPAGE

The vinyl comeback of the past 10 years has been remarkable and it has been interesting to note that – as well as older music fans replacing records that they have lost or thrown away – younger generations are collecting too. When you see people playing music in TV shows and films nowadays, they often have a record player in their living room, which is inspiring people in their 20s and 30s. In this age of streamed music, there are still those who want something tangible to hold, with artwork carefully designed to represent the music. Many prefer audio to digital sound too, and take pleasure in listening to an LP from start to finish, as it was intended.

AIN’T NO DOUBT

We’re now seeing collectors who grew up listening to music their parents loved in the 80s. Records by bands such as Tears for Fears and The Human League can be very affordable, as they originally sold in huge numbers. By the 1990s, LPs were out of fashion as CDs and cassette tapes dominated. Consequently, original pressings by bands such as Radiohead, The Smashing Pumpkins and Nirvana can change hands for well over £100. But it does depend on the band. Sometimes, I rub my hands in excitement when people tell me they have a collection from the 1990s, only to find records by Michael Bolton and Jimmy Nail. Rare they might be, but nobody wants them!

DON’T STOP BELIEVIN’

The price of a record depends on many factors. Up until the early 1970s, the quality of vinyl was very good, as records were heavy and well-pressed. RCA developed Dynaflex when faced with rising oil prices and the quality diminished, as records were lighter, thinner and mass-produced. Collectors often seek out records made with higher quality materials, while there will always be demand for classic

Alex with

by bands such as Led Zeppelin and Fleetwood Mac. Even with all my experience, I still come across sought-after records that I’ve never heard of. I found an LP by a German prog band called Frumpy, with artwork featuring a chameleon. I later discovered it was very collectable. When you buy a box of 150 records, you can’t spend an hour cherry-picking, so you have to pay what you think is a fair price. Sometimes, you don’t find anything special and it takes a long time to recoup what you spent, but you’re always hoping for a first pressing of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon!

EVERLASTING LOVE

It is wonderful that many of today’s popular acts once again release records on vinyl. The

staggering, but I wonder if they’ll enjoy the same longevity as acts from past eras, because of the way music is consumed today. While I don’t sell new records by major labels, I support Horsham rock band Blue Stragglers, signed to Hassle Records. They are excellent live and when I saw them in a support slot in London recently, they blew the headline act off the stage. So, after the success of their recent EPs, I hope Blue Stragglers can release an LP soon.

WORDS: Ben Morris

PHOTOS: Alan Wright

Further Information: Visit Horsham Records above Natty Noo, 44B Carfax, Horsham, RH12 1AQ

Transfer your favourite videos to DVD/Memory Stick to re-live all those memories ‘Lost in the Loft’ l Home Movies l Wedding Videos

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We offer servicing, repairs, warranty work and MOT on Fiat, Abarth, Alfa Romeo and Jeep. Also, air-con re-gas, tyres and 4 wheel alignment. We have a waiting area with Wi-Fi and are near the Red Lion pub – alternatively we have modern low mileage courtesy cars available for our customers.

We have a vastly experienced Service Manager in Keith Avey and one of the country’s best technicians and diagnostic experts in Kevin Riddles. On four occasions we’ve topped the JD Power customer satisfaction surveys for Alfa Romeo.

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SWITCHED ON

NEW BOOK OUTLINES BLUEPRINT FOR HAPPY CHILDREN

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When you find that ‘thing’ you are born to explore, everything changes. I call it your switch, because you see it in your eyes – it is like your lights have come on. When you bring your passions and superpowers into the equation, you become highly engaged in what you are doing. As you claim your place in the spotlight, you shine with radiance.

Lights On!

When things get hard or you face a challenge, you do not give up. You dig in. You find a way to achieve at the most extraordinary level. Not because you have to, but because you want to. This is the game changer. You will want to quit at times, of course you will.

Lights Off!

But you won’t. When you love learning you know how to use your heart, brain and body to express your potential at an extraordinary level.

For two decades, I’ve been obsessive about understanding the art and science of learning. I’ve worked with thousands of children, young people and adults to shift to a sustainable model of success; where we feel happy, fulfilled and curious. My learning and living philosophy, approach and blueprint – Lights On – uses the power of your mind, the neuroplasticity of your brain, the intuition within your heart, and the energetic shifts within your body to learn, grow and flourish.

There is something magical about the embodied experience of being connected mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually to learning. It feels good, but takes courage and commitment. It can feel vulnerable and exposing to express all that is on your heart and mind.

Local author Julia Black has published a new book, On learning: A Parents Blueprint for Happy, Fulfilled Curious Kids. In the book, Julia encourages a shift in thinking, recognising the importance of both a parent and child’s mental and physical connection to learning. In her own words, Julia explains her vision...

Lights On and

Being Lights Off is a reactive state. Your thoughts limit and diminish your power. ‘I can’t do this. It’s too hard. I’ll never be successful, so why bother? I might as well give up now.’ Everything feels hard, pointless, forced and challenging. Like walking through treacle. You will likely feel insecure, anxious and under threat in some way. This internal state is, however, crucial for learning and growth. It is where your hidden potential is locked away by your limiting thoughts and emotions, such as fear, frustration, anger and despair.

In contrast, when you are Lights On, your energy is warm, welcoming and inspiring. People see it in your eyes and feel it in your presence. Your thought patterns are empowered. ‘I can do this. I have what it takes to keep going, no matter what.’ Emotions such as contentment, hope, happiness, love, joy, peace and gratitude make you feel alive. Like you can do anything. You are more creative and energised when you are Lights On and have a rocksolid belief in yourself and a positive sense of well-being. You like, or even love, who you are.

Just as quickly as you can become Lights Off, you can flick the switch into being Lights On. Toddlers are a great example of this, with huge tantrums followed by smiles!

This

is

not a soft, fluffy way to learn and live

When you engage in living a Lights On way, you tune into your curiosity, strengths and passions. As you explore your natural gifts, you face increasing levels of challenge, more frequent failure and seemingly insurmountable obstacles to success. In this deep learning terrain, you will feel emotionally uncomfortable as your inner self-talk gets louder and more negative. It’s why so many of us give up on our dreams and why many children are disengaging from education.

My vision is of a world where all children love learning because children who love learning can, and will, change the world. For this reality to play out, we need as many adults to know how to flourish through choice, not circumstance. I hope you are, or will become, one of them.

To find out more, visit lightsonuniverse.com

Hear Better, Feel Better

The Horsham Hearing Centre is the longest established dedicated Hearing Centre in Horsham. Opened in 1995 by husband and wife team of Audiologists, Julie and Jonathan Ormerod, the couple still run the centre today and offer their clients unrivalled expertise and experience in dealing with hearing problems.

Unique in their profession, they offer customers a “Better Hearing Guarantee”. The chance to try the latest technology hearing aids at home in your own environment to help you decide if hearing aids are for you.

Situated in a 500-year-old building opposite the Horsham Library, The Horsham Hearing Centre offers a complete Hearing Care service. Call us or call in today to book a priority appointment.

Latest Hearing Instruments

Ultimate Streaming by Arc AI

There are many different hearing aids available with different styles, features and cosmetic solutions that can enhance your daily life. Modern hearing instruments are designed to provide clear, crisp sound enhancement so that you can hear and understand better. We offer both ‘in-the-ear’ aids, custom-made to fit perfectly, and ‘behind-the-ear’ hearing aids, including the most popular style, the Receiver-In-Canal (RIC).

Hearing Aids with Bluetooth

Most hearing aids today now have built-in Bluetooth compatibility. This means they can be linked to a Smart phone or iPad and controlled by those devices. You can stream phone calls, music and more directly from your Smart phone to your hearing aids and some can also monitor your health and brain activity. Hearing aid Apps can help you better understand conversations and hear in noisy environments.

Hearcentres fit only the best technology from the leading hearing aid manufacturers. These include Arc AI by Audibel, our full line of superior sounding hearing aids that connect easily and adapt seamlessly to your life. Featuring integrated sensors and artificial intelligence, they’re designed to not only help you hear effortlessly, but also live actively. It includes a Fall Detection which notifies loved ones if you fall.

Better Hearing Guarantee

We offer you the chance to try the latest hearing aids completely free of charge or obligation. Take them away and try them in your own environment and hear for yourself how different life can be. At the Horsham Hearing Centre, we offer a professional service in a comfortable environment. If you struggle to hear, why not book a priority appointment with our Audiologists and try the latest hearing aids?

The Horsham Hearing Centre, 22 Worthing Road (opposite

Everything under one roof Simply think of the space...

Tailored to individual needs

We offer a comprehensive residential Architectural Design and Build service. We help those looking to extend or improve their homes, including bespoke new builds, extensions, loft conversions and remodelling. We offer a tailored service to suit your budget and your project’s needs. Simply think of the space, and we’ll do the rest, offering every service under one roof, from architects and designers to builders and carpenters.

Traditional meets modern

ABM offer the complete Design and Build solution, employing the services of experienced architects, designers and construction workers, adopting traditional building skills with modern materials. Our standards meet the FMB’s strict membership criteria and has past independent inspections that meet government-endorsed Trust Mark Quality standards, giving our customers peace of mind.

If you are looking for a company that can Design, Build, Manage and Deliver your project, then you are in the right place. Our comprehensive service enables you to focus on other aspects of your life, as we meet all your requirements. How you wish to use any of our services is always at your discretion and we provide a detailed programme of works throughout the project, including performance indicators.

PLAY DOUGH

JACOB’S BAGELS DREAM OF OPENING DRIVE-THROUGH

“I woke up one morning with a craving for bagels.”

One day in March 2020, Tino Da Silva fancied a bagel for breakfast. He set off on a hunt to find a freshly-baked bread roll with a hole in the middle, but couldn’t find what he was looking for. So, Tino decided to make his own. He had some experience of home-baking, so made a batch of bagels, sharing them with friends and family. It was a decision that would set him on the road to launching his own business...

Tino recalls: ‘It was unusual for me to have a bagel craving. I have visited America with my wife many times and presumably passed countless bagel shops, but never gave them a second look. However, on this particular morning, I needed a bagel but the only ones I could find were the major brands sold at supermarkets. I often hear people say they don’t like bagels, and that’s because they’ve only

tried mass-produced varieties with a long shelf life, not authentic, home-made bagels where the dough has been shaped by hand. When people try my bagels, they have a very different opinion!’

‘I travelled far and wide in search of a good bagel.’

While formulating a business plan, Tino travelled around the country to gauge the level of competition. He started his research in Sussex, then visited London, eventually going as far as Liverpool. However, in his opinion, nobody was making bagels as good as those he was baking at home, using fresh, locallysourced ingredients.

Tino said: ‘We use organic flour from Doves Farm in Thornton Heath, who also produce specialist flours, such as a wholemeal Khorasan, that we buy too. Doves flour is high-quality and

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Tino Da Silva with some of his freshly-baked bagels

(©AAH/Alan Wright)

gives us the right consistency. They also focus on sustainability, which is something we champion at Jacob’s Bagels, with our kitchen powered by solar energy. We use organic poppy and sesame seeds, and syrup instead of honey, so many of our best-selling bagels are vegan too. It is the caramelisation of the syrup that gives them the light, golden coating.’

‘You will not find better food than this!’

they are next passing, as you will not find better food than this! I have visited many other bagel places and we have no competition!’

‘Our new machinery means we bake 1,000 bagels a week ’

As well as plain, poppy and sesame seed bagels, Tino makes cheese and onion, cheese and jalapeno, and rosemary and sea salt varieties. He also offers sweet bagels, including chocolate chip and cinnamon and blueberry and cinnamon. There’s also an ‘Everything’ bagel, which has sesame seeds, poppy seeds, ground garlic, onion, rosemary and Maldon sea salt. In addition, Tino offers a range of filled bagels that can be collected from his Pulborough base from Tuesday to Saturdays, 10am –

‘We have a prime salt beef bagel (with sliced pickles and mustard), an Americanstyle pastrami bagel, and one with 100g of fresh smoked salmon with mozzarella, capers and fresh red onion. Customers can pull up outside and place their order, although it helps if they call ahead or order online. We also offer a bagels by post service, sending products all over the country.’

‘We are making a thousand bagels a week.’

Tino said: ‘We have a relatively small menu of filled bagels, but I would suggest that everyone stops when

Tino is a regular at local markets, including Billingshurst Artisan Market, Steyning Farmers Market and others further afield, such as Shoreham and Chichester. These have allowed him to test his products and gauge customer feedback. During Covid, the business found new customers through its delivery service, but since then, the business has grown by focusing on wholesale trade.

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Filled bagels from Jacob’s Bakery (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Jacob’s Bagels supply Joanna’s Boutique Tearooms in Storrington, Drift in Shoreham, Charlie’s Farm Shop in Bury and Secretts of Milford. With increasing demand, Tino has bought state-of-the-art equipment to help him bake more bagels.

Tino said: ‘When I started out, I could only make 12 bagels at a time and we needed three people just to make the dough balls. So, we were limited as to what we could achieve. Now, we have machinery that allows us to mix and cut dough more efficiently, while still using the same quality ingredients. Now, we have potential to make 30 dough balls every 15 seconds! It required big investment, but this has allowed us to move into the wholesale trade. Now, we make about 1,000 bagels a week and over

‘I just thought that Jacob was the right name.’

Tino worked in several industries before embarking on his quest for the perfect bagel. He spent 10 years at Virgin Atlantic, then trained as an IT specialist, which led to a job at IBM in Southwater before Tino established his own IT company. Tino also ran Business Radio, establishing a recording studio at his home in Pulborough. At Business Radio, he featured stories about small businesses, posting videos and audio clips on platforms such as YouTube and SoundCloud.

While it was enjoyable, it was hard to make it financially viable, so Tino sold his cameras and recording equipment before establishing

OPEN TUESDAY TO SUNDAY

The Best Local Produce

New House Farm is located in a beautifully renovated 16th century barn in the rural outskirts of Horsham. Our locally-sourced produce includes fruit & veg, bread, meats, cheeses, a wide range of Sussex beers, spirits and wine, and hand-made local arts and crafts.

Strawberry Fields Tea Rooms

Our popular Tea Room serves a full breakfast menu, as well as Ploughman’s lunch, sandwiches, toasties and baps, with a fantastic selection of home-made cakes. We have plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Hot food served until 4pm.

New House Farm Function Room

Set within a beautiful barn, our function room is available for private hire, catering for all kinds of occasions from family celebrations to corporate events.

l The Mobile Fish Company visit every Friday, 11am - 2pm.

New House Farm, Old Crawley Road, Horsham, RH12 4RU

(01293) 851890

Now closed on Mondays (until Spring 2025) www.newhousefarmshop.co.uk

Tino with a freshly-baked bagel (©AAH/Alan Wright)

However, when it came to branding, Tino opted against using his own name. He said: ‘This is not my first gig! When I was running Business Radio, I interviewed an Eastbourne dentist called Jacob. Immediately, I thought that Jacob’s Bagels had a ring to it that Tino’s Bagels, Pulborough Bagels or West Sussex Bagels didn’t have. I don’t even know if he likes bagels, but I thought it was a good name and have never regretted the decision. The Biblical Jacob was a hero of the Jewish people, and bagels are traditionally important to Jewish culture, so it seemed fitting. Some people assume I must be Jewish, but I’m from Madeira in Portugal and moved to the UK in 1972, when I was seven-years-old.’

‘We hope to open the UK’s first bagel drive-through.’

Tino is happy to share the secrets behind his beautiful bagels, hosting bagel-making experiences at his Pulborough home. During the four-hour courses, groups of eight work through every step of the shaping and baking process, before taking home their own bagels.

While this is a fun and enjoyable part of the business and has proved popular with groups of friends,

families and corporate teambuilding, Tino has bigger ambitions for the future. He is searching for the ideal location for the UK’s first drive-through bagel eatery.

Tino said: ‘We are reaching a crossroads, where we can either continue to grow our wholesale trade or steer towards retail. You can make a case for either option, but my hope is that we can open the UK’s first bagel drive-through by 2026. We don’t know yet where it could be, as we would need a location that has 20,000 cars passing by each day. However, we hope that it will be somewhere in Sussex as we have always supported local producers, even selling local olive oil and honey alongside our bagels. If we can secure investment, we plan to open up 20 drive-throughs over the next 10 years, so it’s vital that the first location is right to establish Jacob’s Bagels as a growing brand.’

WORDS: Ben Morris PHOTOS: Alan Wright

Further information:

Visit Jacob’s Bagels at The Old School, Stane Street, North Heath, Pulborough, RH20 1DJ Tel: 07920 488450 jacobsbagels.com jacobsbagelsuk

Tino serves hot bagels at Billingshurst Market (©AAH/AW)

Established in 1990, Shaws Glass has been proudly based in Horsham for 34 years. Our family-run business is the independent choice for windows, doors and glass.

HERITAGE DOORS

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REAL DEAL

VICTOR JANNELS HONOURED FOR CAREER IN MORTGAGES

Victor Jannels, Chairman of Impact Specialist Finance, has received a lifetime achievement award for his work in the mortgages industry. Having founded the Horsham-based business in 1991, Vic and his wife Sheila now run Impact alongside sons Dale and Neal, who have spearheaded the development of innovative mortgage-based software that has created exciting new opportunities. AAH met Vic, Dale and Neal to find out more…

Vic: This is my 53rd year in the mortgage industry. I started working at Provincial Building Society in Birmingham in 1972, becoming a branch manager in Coventry and City London. After moving to Horsham, I was head-hunted by Citibank to help run their mortgage business. Previously, I was a technician in the RAF, so had no knowledge of mortgages and had to learn fast in very different but no less challenging times. We bought a three-bedroom Victorian house in the Midlands for £2,500, at a time when interest rates often hit 15%. I dread to think what the property’s worth today!

Vic: I founded AToM (All Types of Mortgages) in 1991 together with Sheila, running the business from home for two years. We established a reputation for resolving complex mortgages, which High Street lenders couldn’t cater for, and after 17 years changed the name to Impact Specialist Finance. Our sons, Dale and Neal, joined the family business, bringing their own skills. They have ensured that Impact has continued to adapt to an ever-changing market. There have been purple patches and tough times too, especially during recessions at the end of the 1980s and the credit crunch of 2008, when – like many businesses – we had to reduce our workforce.

Dale: There are two main strands to our mortgages business. Firstly, we work with mortgage brokers around the UK, which is known in the industry as ‘packaging’. Typically, this involves a broker with their client coming to us for a lender offering competitive mortgage rates that are available exclusively to companies like ours. We give these brokers advice and recommendations, and also handle the administrative aspects of the mortgage application too. The second tranche of our

Victor Jannels, founder of Impact Specialist Finance, with sons Neal (left) and Dale (©AAH/Alan Wright)

mortgages business is direct to consumer. Clients can come to us directly for exclusive mortgage products at interest rates that are often more competitive than what they will find online or from High Street lenders.

Vic: While we operate nationally, we retain a significant number of local clients. They might not need us every year, if they have long-term, fixed rate mortgages, but we look after them when they need to renew. Some clients have moved away from the area but still come to us, and we receive a lot of business through recommendations. You are only as good as your last client, so you have to find the best deal for everyone. If you look after your clients, they will return and recommend you to their family and friends.

higher monthly payments. Thankfully, rates are slowly coming down and we anticipate further cuts in the Bank of England base rate this year. That doesn’t necessarily mean interest rates offered by lenders will come down proportionately, as there may be other inhibiting factors, and one of our jobs is to explain this process to clients and seek out the best options.

‘People shouldn’t feel obliged to show loyalty to their first lender.’

Dale: The value of the mortgages market will be worth around £230b this year, 20% below pre-Covid levels. As everyone knows, interest rates rocketed after the disastrous budget of Liz Truss’s government. Consequently, homeowners with fixed rate deals of around 1.5% that were coming to an end had to switch to deals of about 5.5%, with much

Vic: The mortgages market is constantly fluctuating and it’s not as buoyant as it was before the pandemic. Sometimes, products come on to the market for a very short period of time and we might only have a few hours in which to complete an application. As a result of Covid, many mortgage applications have specialist requirements, as clients might have been furloughed or made redundant and their financial circumstances have changed. However, we have vast experience of working with lenders who cater for individual needs and complex cases.

Dale: It is very easy to renew your mortgage with your current lender, as it only takes a click of a button. However, a computer doesn’t take the time to discover the full picture. What are you going to be doing in

Neal Jannels leads the OMS team (©AAH/Alan Wright)

five years’ time? Are you planning to have children? Will you need a bigger house? Are you nearing retirement? With this in mind, it’s always best to speak to a professional to find the best deal. People shouldn’t feel obliged to show loyalty to their original mortgage lender when there may be better alternatives available through brokers who can access tens of thousands of products.

Neal: Since 2017, we have built another arm to the business. We were searching for a software system to make it easier to source mortgage products and compile applications for our clients. There was little

available, so we developed our own Cloud-based software called One Mortgage System (OMS). It proved very efficient, simplifying the entire process and putting an end to the days of imputing a client’s data numerous times. Naturally, our competitors wanted access to OMS as well and our initial response was to protect it. However, we realised it was a fantastic business opportunity and instead worked with brokers. Today, OMS is used by 2600 brokers and handles about £1.5b of mortgage transactions a month. We expect to manage mortgages worth £18b this year and anticipate that this figure will double next year.

GUIDE STEAK to

Bridging Loans Help Investing Landlords

In a competitive property market, landlords need fast and flexible funding options to stay ahead. Bridging finance has become an essential tool, enabling investors to seize opportunities and overcome short-term challenges.

One key use is for auction purchases, where transactions must be completed within tight time frames, often just 28 days. Traditional mortgages may not meet these deadlines, but bridging loans can provide funds quickly. They can also cover refurbishment costs, helping landlords enhance properties for long-term letting or refinancing. Many landlords are now using bridging finance to increase rental yields by converting standard properties into Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). This strategy can deliver significantly higher returns. Bridging loans also offer flexibility when navigating planning delays, allowing projects to proceed while waiting for formal approvals.

The adaptability of bridging finance makes it ideal for property conversions. Landlords are increasingly converting commercial spaces into residential or semi-commercial properties, which can diversify income streams and reduce risk. Semi-commercial properties, for instance, combine residential and commercial elements, providing multiple sources of revenue.

Tailored repayment options are another advantage of bridging loans. Rolled-up interest allows payments to be deferred until the end of the term, perfect for properties undergoing renovations. Serviced interest, where monthly payments are made, suits landlords with steady income from other investments. Bridging finance can also unlock innovative funding opportunities. Some lenders allow 100% financing by securing the loan against existing property equity. This enables landlords to buy below-market-value properties, refurbish them and refinance at higher values, sometimes even covering refurbishment costs and leaving surplus funds.

Working with a mortgage broker is invaluable when navigating bridging finance. An experienced broker can identify the best lenders, streamline applications, and tailor deals to suit your goals. They’ll also help you develop an exit strategy, whether through refinancing or selling, and ensure contingency plans are in place to keep your project on track. With its speed and versatility, bridging finance is more than just a short-term solution. It’s a powerful tool that allows landlords to act decisively and achieve their investment ambitions in 2025.

Dale Jannels (©AAH/AW)

Vic: It was the boys who recognised this gap in the market and designed a seamless system to fill it. OMS attracted interest as it solved many problems, and is now a major part of our business. Initially, the software was designed for brokers, but in recent times some lenders still working with outdated legacy systems have enquired about it too. So, we have adapted the software for lenders. We have attained ISO 27 001 certification, the benchmark for cyber security in the UK, and this has helped attract major lenders.

Vic: Impact has survived by adapting to change. When we opened the Carfax office, we welcomed people off the street and opened-up a new stream of business, making us less reliant on broker-to-broker mortgages. During Covid, that business was largely curtailed, so we moved operations into our current site at Barttelot Road. By this point, OMS was growing rapidly, as most brokers were working from home and needed a Cloud-based platform that could be accessed from anywhere. As terrible as the pandemic was, it helped us to realise the potential of OMS and that in turn has helped us go from strength to strength.

Vic: Last month, I was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award from Mortgage Introducing, a leading

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industry publication. The award was predominantly in recognition for work I have done for the Bridging & Development Lenders Association (BDLA), which looks after the interests of lenders in the short-term mortgages sector. I represent 44 lenders and 48 associated firms, which together represent nearly 10 million mortgages, so it’s a significant slice of business. I ought to be at home with my feet up and I’m sure the boys sometimes wish I was! But even after all these years, I still get a buzz from the job.

Vic: I’m proud that Impact has remained an independent, family business and that we all contribute in different ways. I run BDLA aspects and help Dale with Impact’s mortgage clients, while Neal runs the OMS operations. Sheila overseas the finance department at Impact while Neal’s wife Carolyn does likewise for OMS. It is a mini dynasty and eventually the time will come when Sheila and I step aside and the major decisions will be solely up to our sons. I have no doubt that they will continue to take the business forward. After all, they make most of the decisions already!

WORDS: Ben Morris PHOTOS: Alan Wright www.impactsf.co.uk

Victor Jannels with his Lifetime Achievement Award (©AAH/AW)

Wheelchairs

ultra-light prices start from £199.00

We have the latest Ultra Lightweight Wheelchairs with an ultra compact frameperfect for frequent travel. Features include half folding backrest, swing away removable footrests and easy to use attendant brake system. At only 9.2kg this is the lightest wheelchair in our range.

Hire Scooters & Wheelchairs:

Wheelchair Hire £5.00 per day; Scooter Hire £6.00 per day

Service & Repair: Call for a free consultation and latest call-out prices.

Stairlifts

We are an accredited dealer for Acorn Stairlifts. Call us to arrange a FREE no obligation visit from an engineer. New and reconditioned stairlifts are available.

Walkers

ultra-light prices start from £99.00

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HEPWORTH

RAISES THE BAR FOR SUSTAINABLE BREWING

Hepworth Brewery celebrates its 25th anniversary later this year. Rather than resting on its laurels, the Pulborough brewery is setting new standards of sustainability in the industry.

Since last October, Hepworth’s have been trialling a pioneering heat pump which will significantly cut its carbon emissions. In what is a UK first, the brewery has installed a Greenstream, a steam-generating heat pump designed by British engineering firm Futraheat. While based on relatively simple scientific principles, putting these principles into practice is complex. However, once fully operational, it could reduce the brewery’s fuel costs by 40% and carbon emissions by 80%.

So, how does it work? As with most brewers, Hepworth heat water to generate steam to the high temperatures required to brew beer. Waste heat then rises to the top of the brewing kettles and – in days gone – would typically be released into the atmosphere via a chimney. What Futraheat’s pump does is collect this low-grade waste vapour as it rises and delivers it back to the heat pump.

At the heart of the Greenstream is a patented TurboClaw compressor, which takes the waste vapour and converts it into re-usable steam. This is heated to 130oC (far higher than what a regular heat pump can achieve) and fed back into the bottom of the brewing kettle. Although tests are still being carried out, the heat pump could eventually power all of the brewing processes at Hepworth, reducing its carbon footprint significantly.

James Tullett at the Hepworth Shop (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Andy Hepworth, Founder and Chairman, said: ‘Futraheat’s engineers have been working with us for several months, testing various processes and scenarios. This is the first Greenstream heat pump in the UK, so we’ve had to control and monitor the processes of this prototype to make sure all our parameters are correct. In January, we were able to collect steam directly from the boiler and prove the increase in temperature, so we’ll soon reach a point where we can use it to brew beer.’

‘We have always championed sustainable practices and were one of the first breweries to develop its own heat pump. I studied microbiology at university and – literally over a couple of pints – helped plan our first heat pump. It wasn’t the most sophisticated device, but it worked phenomenally well. As well as improving our green credentials, it proved financially beneficial, particularly during a period of rising energy costs. However, we knew we could be even more efficient and that led to our partnership with Futraheat, which takes us to another level.

It takes between 1000kW and 1500kW of power to boil the kettles, so if we’re brewing once or twice a day, the recyclable process will make a huge difference to our carbon footprint. While investment in green technology is great, there has to be financial benefits. It might be that the payback for us comes a long way down the road, but our vision is a long-term one.’

‘There is a demand for high-quality, low-alcohol beers.’

BREWING HERITAGE

This year, Hepworth Brewery celebrates a quarter of a century in business. Andy’s first job in the industry was as a brewer at the old H&G Simonds Brewery in Reading, which had then amalgamated with Courage & Barclay. He worked there for four years and some of the brewing tanks now at Hepworth’s were once used by Courage, dating back to the late 1950s yet as efficient as ever.

Andy then joined King & Barnes in Horsham, becoming its head brewer at the age of 30. He remained with the company until 1999, shortly before it was bought by Hall and Woodhouse and the brewery closed.

Having always said that he wouldn’t set up his own brewery, Andy did precisely that and Hepworth’s was born. Tim Goacher, who worked as an apprentice at King & Barnes, joined him from the outset and the two still work together, with Tim now Production Director. Their first beer was a bitter, Pullman, which remains one of the brewery’s best-sellers. After 15 years behind Horsham Rail Station, the brewery moved to a new location at Stane Street in Pulborough, where is has continued to adapt to an ever-shifting market place.

Hepworth continues to offer a range of heritage beers, including Prospect (pale ale), Pullman (best bitter) and Iron Horse (pale ale). Other successful beers include Conqueror (stout), Right Stuff (APA), Charger (IPA), Crazy Horse (APA), Saxon (lager) and Blonde, a crisp lager brewed with organic hops. Hepworth has also made strides into the craft beer market and hopes to find more success with new products to be launched during its 25th year.

Matthew Woodward, Marketing Manager, said: ‘We invested in a canning line in 2022 and introduced our Sussex craft beers. The Sussex range includes six beers (lager, pale ale, APA, stout and two low-alcohol lagers) in 330ml cans. Customers loved the taste, but we lost the characteristics of the individual beers by branding them all as Sussex. So, we will are repackaging our craft beers and launching them in the coming months. This coincides with the introduction of a new logo and strapline of ‘great beer, naturally’ to encapsulate our ethos

of brewing great-tasting beer from natural, high-quality ingredients, while striving to become a more sustainable brewer.’

‘Low alcohol beers are in demand and that is another area of focus. We brew two 0.5% beers – Spartan and Aztec, a lager blended with the syrup and inulin of the Agave cactus. We’ve created another 0.5% lager, UNLTD, to appeal to a different market. To celebrate our anniversary, we hope to host a festival with its own beer, perhaps based on an early Hepworth recipe, and offer more seasonal beers in future too. We already have Christmas Cracker and have mooted Oktoberfest and a summer beer, so watch this space.’

‘Every leading brand uses a segmentation model that identifies its target market. A big slice of our market is mature traditionalists, who enjoy drinking our Heritage ales. We also appeal to eco-conscious craft drinkers and health-conscious drinkers seeking highquality, low alcohol beers. Another market is young, urban drinkers and we don’t have the products to cater for them, so that’s something we will be focusing on in the near future.’

Andy Hepworth, Chairman (©AAH/Alan Wright)

CONTRACT BREWING

As well as supplying beer to pubs and bars, Hepworth sells its own bottles and cans (as well as mini kegs and polypins) at its Brewery Shop, which also stocks products from other local producers, including Silly Moo cider and gin by Cabin Pressure Spirits. However, sales of its own beers only account for about a third of production at Hepworth’s, with the rest of its business generated through contract brewing.

It has developed beers for Marks & Spencer and brews a Nepalese lager sold under the Gurkha brand. They also work with Ridgeway Brewery and Prime Time, founded by two friends from TV show Made in Chelsea. The site also encompasses the Goodwood Brewery, where beers are brewed using malted barley grown on the Goodwood estate. Beers such as St. Simon and Lucky Leap are hugely popular at events such as Glorious Goodwood and the Festival of Speed.

Andy said: ‘It can be beneficial for companies to work with a contract brewing partner, without investing in their own production facilities. They come to us as we have vast experience of brewing, as well as packaging equipment and strong sustainability credentials. We always have discussions with partners about their product, as the language of taste is not set. People perceive flavours and aromas differently, so our partners lead the development of their own beers. While they might be brewed and labelled here, partner companies design their own branding and can often be better at marketing their products than we are.’

We are a family run business based in the heart of West Sussex just five miles from the busy town of Horsham.

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For a free no obligation consultation, call today.

Tim Goacher, Production Director

(©AAH/Alan Wright)

SACROSANCT BREWING

‘There

The Greenstream heat pump is the latest in a long line of sustainability measures undertaken at Hepworth’s, including the installation of solar panels, as it aims to become 85% carbon neutral by the end of 2025. Soon, the brewery will be installing an anaerobic digester, which converts the organic matter in waste water into biomethane, a renewable energy source. A typical brewery will use six or seven pints of water for every pint of beer. Through its current initiatives, Hepworth currently uses four-and-a-half pints and hopes to reduce that figure to three pints when the anaerobic digester is operational.

COUNTIES SOUTHERN

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Andy now takes more of a back seat in the business, overseeing special projects while Tim heads up the brewery and Managing Director Leo Murphy drives forward sales and the contract brewing partnerships. The future success of Hepworth Brewery may now be in the hands of others, but Andy is confident that the business he founded will remain true to its roots.

He said: ‘Consistency is key to the art of brewing. To be consistent, you’ve got to manage the natural ingredients perfectly every time you brew. This could be done by automation if the hops and yeast were always exactly the same, or there were never any alterations in barley crops. However, there are always subtle changes and that is why brewing is best done by eye, by experienced brewers who have a feel for the machinery, the processes and the natural ingredients. When it comes to cleaning and running machines, automation is fine. But there is craftsmanship behind brewing and the level of creativity required to do it well can only be achieved by a human.’

‘Even as we strive to achieve carbon neutrality, the traditional brewing methods we use are sacrosanct. The way we produce beer – working with local suppliers, brewing without additives and preservatives – is absolutely key to our success. However, the cleaning processes we use and how we generate electricity – be it solar panels or any other source – are not of vital importance to the brewing process and by being smarter, we can become a more efficient, sustainable business.’

WORDS: Ben Morris

PHOTOS: Alan Wright

Further

Visit the brewery and Tap Room at Stane Street, Pulborough, RH20 1DJ mail@hepworthbrewery.co.uk 01403 269696 hepworthbrewery.co.uk

Tim Goacher and Andy Hepworth

Wright)

BY HOUSE COREN

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FINAL WORD

LOCAL HOSPICE RESPONDS TO FINANCIAL CHALLENGES

Giles Tomsett

The Chief Executive at St Catherine’s Hospice gives an update about the local charity’s recent challenges and explains how even small donations can make a big difference.

Last year was one of the hardest in St Catherine’s 40 year history. We had to make cost savings of £1.5 million to ensure we continue to provide our essential local services. Alongside this, the hospice sector is facing its worst funding crisis because of the impacts of high inflation. This has seen costs rise markedly which, understandably, dampens people’s propensity to donate.

With only 25% of our funding coming from government, our hospice remains dependent on the generosity of local people throughout our community. In the end, our work, the vision of local people in Horsham in the late 1970s, is only possible because of the incredible support from local donors, volunteers and supporters who believe in what we do.

Our recent cost saving wasn’t just a gruelling professional challenge; it was deeply personal. I know first-hand the life-changing difference that hospice care makes. Several friends have died under the care of a hospice. And my mother did not have the benefit of hospice care, dying in a busy, acute hospital ward after a period of end-of-life bedside care. I’ve seen the stark contrast – the relief, the dignity, the comfort, the help with care co-ordination and so much else that hospice care provides –compared to not having it. That’s why I had to lead changes that will allow our hospice to continue supporting families for generations to come. Especially because future generations, including those across Horsham, will see more need for these services given our aging society.

After careful consultations with our clinical and non-clinical teams over autumn 2024, we made the painful decision to reduce 40 roles across our charity, including some of our muchrespected nursing colleagues. It has been heartbreaking personally and professionally to lose great colleagues but also because our retreat impinges on society’s future need. People often say it takes someone special to work in hospice care…this is so true. It’s not a job everyone can do, and we are deeply fortunate that, even though our team is smaller, we retain an exceptional group of professionals whose expertise in palliative care is second to none. They are the heart of our hospice, providing their invaluable expertise and care alongside wider NHS services. Daily care that our community will always need.

healthcare professionals day and night, 365 days a year. This ensures all patients remain effectively supported, we build knowledge and confidence within the wider healthcare community and provide the ongoing provision of compassionate end-of-life care as part of more integrated healthcare services.

‘Please keep in mind that every drop makes an ocean.’

When our funding need remains so great, you may wonder if your individual support will make a big enough difference. But please keep in mind that every drop makes an ocean. Every gesture, no matter how small, ensures much needed care.

To ensure we can continue to make the biggest difference possible, our doctors and nurses now work more closely with wider healthcare professionals, allowing most patients to remain under the care of their GPs and healthcare teams, whilst those with more complex needs will be referred to us. Even though we’ve made this shift, our expert teams continue to offer relevant guidance and support to all local

If you’re wondering how you can help, there are various ways to support us. You can join our Horsham Midnight Walk in June 2025 or visit our shop in the Carfax. You can sponsor a nurse with a monthly donation, leave a gift in your Will, or enter our weekly Lottery to win cash prizes. And, of course, we’re always seeking volunteers to lend their time and skills to help us thrive.

No matter how you choose to support us, please know that your help makes an immeasurable difference – thank you.

Nursing staff at St Catherine’s Hospice in Pease Pottage

Granary, Kite Barns, Clemsfold

Nestled within the hamlet of Clemsfold, just a short drive from Horsham’s town centre, is this exceptional barn conversion, formerly the granary at Clemsfold Farm. Having been lovingly restored, The Granary is now a beautiful home set out across three floors.

Packed with both character features, modern elegance and contemporary design, this Grade II listed building is designed to embrace modern living.

The Granary has a luxury finish throughout, underfloor heating, powered by an air source heat pump and a 10 Year New Homes Warranty for complete peace of mind.