NEWS ROUND-UP

Announcements & Events from across the Horsham District

Email submissions to editor@aahorsham.co.uk

The Rec Rooms in Albion Way, Horsham has closed. The venue, at the former Park Recreation Centre, opened in March 2018 and has hosted many memorable music and comedy nights, with the likes of Mud Morganfield, the James Taylor Quartet, Dr Feelgood and The Brand New Heavies among the stand-out acts. However, despite its many successes, the venue has struggled to recover since the pandemic. The Clubhouse Bar & Grill, the venue’s sports bar, has also closed with immediate effect. The Rec Rink (pictured) continues to trade as usual. A statement on the Rec Rooms website reads: ‘It’s with a heavy heart we must announce that we are closing The Rec Rooms. Whilst there have been moments of light, rising energy costs, lockdowns and rising costs have become too much. We want to thank our customers and our team, who have worked with us over the years.’ The Rec Rooms hosted two gigs shortly before closing, with Mainly Madness playing a sell-out Christmas show before Dreadzone performed on 17 December. therecrooms.com

Best-selling author Julia Donaldson and a cast of four return to the Capitol, Horsham with The Gruffalo, The Giant & The Mermaid on Thursday 13 – Sunday 16 April. The show is based on Julia’s much-loved stories and songs, including The Smartest Giant in Town, The Singing Mermaid, and The Gruffalo. Join Harry and Betty for their scarecrows’ wedding and go on an adventure with Cave Baby and a woolly mammoth. Performances followed by a book signing. Tickets start at £12. thecapitolhorsham.com

Horsham Lions Club hold their 12th annual Swimarathon at the Pavilions in the Park, Horsham, on Sunday 26 March. This year’s nominated charity is The Samaritans, which is celebrating 50 years of service to the Horsham community in 2023. There are still spaces available for the popular event, which enables teams to raise revenue for their clubs as well as helping The Samaritans and the Lions. For entry details, email David Trowbridge at david@trowbridge.me.uk

Litter droppers will face increased fines from 1 February. The maximum on-the-spot fine in the Horsham District is increasing from £75 to £150 in an effort to prevent littering. Cllr Toni Bradnum, HDC Cabinet Member for Recycling and Waste, said: ‘The increased fine will help to tackle this type of anti-social behaviour by hitting culprits in the pocket.’

To report instances of littering, visit: horsham.gov.uk/waste-recycling-and-bins/ litter-and-street-cleaning/litter

Highways teams from West Sussex County Council continue to review potential solutions following a landslide on the A29 at Pulborough. On 28 December, part of the embankment collapsed, sending debris on to the road below. Since then, the road has been closed with warning signs and safety barriers installed. Joy Dennis, WSCC Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: ‘We understand the frustration of residents facing a lengthy diversion route and would like to assure them we are making every effort to re-open the road as soon as possible. The issues involved are complex and the landslide occurred at the narrowest part of the A29, where both sides are flanked by steep embankments.’ westsussex.gov.uk/a29-pulborough

Work is progressing well to repair the embankment at Wiston Bends on the A283 Washington Road near Steyning. The embankment was damaged in an accident in mid-November and temporary traffic lights have been in place while stabilisation work is carried out by contractors, Landbuild. This includes installing rock-filled gabions along the foot of the embankment, and a new vehicle safety barrier.

Senior councillors at Horsham District Council have voted to pause development of the Horsham District Local Plan until later this year. The plan, which was set to go to a Regulation 19 consultation in February, sets out how the District will deliver the required number of homes in a sustainable way, supporting the requirements to be water neutral and the delivery of infrastructure, transport links and local employment. The decision led to the resignation of Council leader, Cllr Jonathan Chowen. l Cabinet members at HDC were due to meet at the end of January to set the Council’s budget for the financial year 2023/24. The Cabinet was expected to recommend to the Full Council that the level of Council Tax should increase from £162.09 by £4.85 (2.99%) to £166.94 at Band D. The Council is budgeting to break even in 2023/24, with the net budget requirement of £13.5m being £1.2m higher than in 2022/23, reflecting the impact of inflation and salary cost pressures. Despite the cost increases, the Council is committing £1m to help vulnerable residents struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. The proposals will be recommended to the Full Council on 22 February.

A major refurbishment is underway at John Lewis in Horsham, with new additions to include the introduction of fashion and beauty ranges. Jack Howe, Branch Manager at John Lewis Horsham, said: ‘The multi-million pound investment will provide a major boost for the town centre and encourage more shoppers to visit. Our new look store will not only offer a superb selection of products, but provide outstanding experiences and inspiration, which give customers a sense of occasion when they shop with us.’ John Lewis Horsham opened in 2015 as a John Lewis at home store, focusing on homewares, electrical and home technology. Customers will see updated offerings from these areas, alongside new services. johnlewis.com/our-shops/horsham

Dandelion Farewells warmly invites you to contact us if you have any questions about the funeral you need to arrange.

Heath Flower Farm in Park Lane, Ashington has launched an A-frame cabin for ‘back to nature’ stays. Designed by a Sussex architect, Hazel Hide is a two-storey cabin that can sleep four adults, with a bespoke kitchen and bathroom. Heating is provided via a log fire and solar panels provide electricity. There are woodland walks nearby, as well as vineyards and pubs. airbnb.com/h/thehazelhide

A series of new free puzzle trails have launched as part of the Mystery Trails in seven towns and villages across the Horsham District.

Horsham Plumbing and Heating Supplies Ltd is an independent, family-run business. We have provided quality plumbing and heating materials to traders and individual customers since 1988.

Catering for all your plumbing needs

Heating supplies (radiators, copper tubes, insulation etc)

Modern, energy-efficient combi boilers

Plumbing materials (heating pumps, cylinders, sundries etc)

Beautiful bathrooms, toilets, kitchens and bedroom units

We are committed to enabling families to plan a funeral that is personal, meaningful and affordable. We will support you to create a farewell that is appropriate and unique, thereby taking away much of the strain of planning such a signi昀cant event. We will be with you every step of the way. Church t: 01403 701001 m: 07769 336022 www.dandelionfarewells.com

Starting at the library in Billingshurst, Henfield, Horsham, Pulborough, Steyning, Southwater or Storrington, puzzlers can pick up a quest card and solve a botanically-themed mystery. Those who solve the puzzle and return to the library will receive a pack of wildflower seeds. The Mystery Trails, created by the team at Whistlestop Arts (pictured) will run until 31 March. whistlestoparts.org/grow

The Gatwick Airport Community Trust is calling on local groups and projects throughout the Sussex area to apply for grants to support their ventures. A total of £200,000 is available for groups in Sussex, Kent and Surrey, with an application deadline of 31 March. The GACT supports schemes that benefit diverse sections of the community, with previous recipients including Kangaroos in Haywards Heath (pictured). gact.org.uk

Time to sell?

The auction market for vintage watches is buoyant! If you are considering the sale of your watches, our experts will be pleased to provide valuations free of charge and without obligation at our Spring Gardens salerooms. Please ring to arrange an appointment.

Next sale of watches: Thursday 2nd March

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

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

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

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

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

Bowls Bash will be available at Horsham Park Bowls Club this season. The concept, devised by Bowls England, is the sport’s equivalent to T20 cricket. A Bowls Bash is usually a pairs game but can be adapted for individual challenges, with matches lasting about an hour. They are held on a ‘pay and play’ basis and £3 an hour (£5 for two hours) with scorecard and equipment provided. Bowls Bash is available every Friday and Saturday from 5 May, 11am - 1pm. For details, email prclaridge@gmail.com or visit horshamparkbowlsclub.co.uk

Tel: 01403 732539

Web: sumnersponds.co.uk

Instagram: @sumnersponds Facebook.com/SumnersPonds

The Mel’s Milers 10k will be held on Sunday 26 March, at 10am. The race starts in the grounds of Christ’s Hospital School and follows a mainly flat course over pathways, track and trail between Christ’s Hospital and Southwater Country Park. This year’s race is held in support of Horsham Matters. The 10k is a friendly, club-run event, ideal for first time 10k runners or those preparing for longer runs, like a marathon. There are medals for all competitors and trophies for U18, 40+, 50+, 60+ and 70+ categories in male and female categories. For entry details visit melsmilers.co.uk

Horsham Flower Club holds meetings at North Heath Hall, St Mark’s Lane, Horsham, RH12 5PU, on the second Tuesday of each month at 2pm. The 2023 programme begins on 14 February with Stephen McDonnell’s demonstration ‘Orient Express’, followed by Nina Tucknott’s ‘When Art Met Flowers’ on 14 March and Graham King’s ‘Journey to Creativity’ on 11 April. The club, affiliated to the Sussex Area of NAFAS, welcomes visitors. Entry £8. For information, contact Nancy on (01403) 264482.

The Spa at South Lodge Hotel in Lower Beeding hosts a natural immersion spa experience on Saturday 25 March.

Helena Skoog is the founder of Forest Bathing Sussex and an expert in Shinrin-Yoku, a traditional Japanese form of meditation. The weekend experience includes sessions of Qigong and breath work in the holistic studio, as well as lunch in Botanica, forest walks and time for relaxing in the spa. exclusive.co.uk/south-lodge/experiences/ nature-immersion-spa-experience/

Food Rocks has retained the operating contract for Horsham’s Carfax markets for another three years, with an option to extend by one year. Markets are held on Thursdays and Saturdays and feature local produce, arts and crafts, and some great street food outlets. Food Rocks plans to launch new initiatives and promotions in the near future. Horsham District Council has also revealed a rebranding for the Horsham General Market in the Bishopric. Run by Coden Events, it is now called the West Street Entrepreneurs’ Market to reflect a change in profile. horsham.gov.uk/buylocal

AAH has placed five new spring-loaded stands across the Horsham District. Shoppers at John Lewis in Albion Way, Horsham, can pick up a free copy from a white stand by the store’s ‘What’s On’ notice board.

With AAH already available at leisure centres in Horsham, Steyning and Billingshurst, we’re pleased to now have a stand at Chanctonbury Leisure Centre too. This is the second pick-up point in Storrington, with the magazine also available at Joanna’s Boutique Tearooms.

In addition to the long-established stand at CoCo’s Salon, we have another new stand in Lintot Square, Southwater. The navy blue stand can be found at Beeson House, home of the Parish Council and the village library. CoCo’s is further supporting AAH by accommodating a silver stand outside its salon on Billingshurst High Street. We also have a new beige stand at the communityowned Rusper Village Stores, in the heart of the historic village.

Empty stands will be replenished as quickly as Ben can get there in his old van. We have more stands arriving soon, with further locations to be announced next month. For a full list of AAH stands in the Horsham District, see page 4.

Christ’s Hospital Choral Society hosts a musical workshop on Mozart’s Requiem at Christ’s Hospital, RH13 0LJ, on Saturday 11 March, from 10.30am - 4.30pm. Peter Allwood, currently music director of the Chantry Quire in West Sussex and formerly Head of Music at Christ’s Hospital School, leads the workshop. Participants will rehearse the entire work before the day culminates in a full runthrough of the Requiem Singers will be accompanied by Jon Lee, organist at Christ’s Hospital, on a Steinway piano. The Requiem is among Mozart’s most famous compositions and features prominently in the Academy Award-winning film, Amadeus All singers are invited to join the workshop. Tickets £20 from chchoralsoc.org

On Sunday 19 March, the CH Choral Society will be joined by the Christ’s Hospital School choir, soloists and an orchestra as they perform the Requiem at the Angus Ross Concert.

No Jacket Required, the UK’s leading Phil Collins tribute, return to the Capitol in Horsham on Saturday 18 March as they celebrate their 20th anniversary. The 11-piece band perform a two-hour show featuring tracks from Phil’s solo career and his time with Genesis, including Against All Odds, Invisible Touch, Sussudio and In The Air Tonight. Tickets £24.50 from thecapitolhorsham.com

Kissingate Brewery on Church Lane Industrial Estate, Lower Beeding, RH13 6LU, brings back its popular curry night on Friday 10 February, 7pm. Enjoy a chicken or vegetable curry with a selection of cask beers available at the taproom bar, along with spirits and soft drinks. Tickets £15. The brewery also hosts a Vintage Cream Tea afternoon on 4 March. kissingate.co.uk

Coolham Live Music Club welcome highly regarded young blues singer, songwriter and guitarist Connor Selby with his Band on Saturday 25 March. David Migden and Joe Gibson are also on the bill. The club’s first gig of the year, featuring Amba Tremain and Jazz Morley, has already sold out. For ticket information visit facebook.com/coolhamlivemusicclub