AAH (All About Horsham) Magazine January 2025

AAH JANUARY 2025

COVER STORY

ABOUT US

The January 2025 cover features Luke Lloyd and Egor the golden eagle at Huxley’s Bird of Prey Centre, Hillier Garden Centre, Brighton Rd, Horsham. The old photographer’s adage of ‘never work with children or animals’ didn’t apply in this case, as Egor seemed happy posing for shots, on the understanding that he be rewarded with some tasty chicks to eat. We visited on a pleasant day in December when the centre was closed to the public, but Luke and several volunteers took the time to give us a tour and introduce some of the star attractions, including the eponymous Huxley, a Eurasian eagle owl. Alan also captured Egor in flight, while both he and editor Ben took the chance to hold Egor while wearing a falconry glove.

Other cover contenders included Chris Simmons, Manager of Broadbridge Heath FC, Ken Wood, the aptly named walking stick craftsman at Amberley Museum, and Matthew Effemey, Venue and Productions Manager at The Capitol.

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. Jacquie Paterson, Jill Shuker, Bloomfield family, Oliver Matson, Charlie Merchant, Alec Baker, Walker family, Ben Raymond, Joseph Down, Browning family, Katie Drysdale William Fuglsig, Chapman family, Palmer family, Butcher family, Derek Bradnum

SPRING-LOADED STANDS

6,000 copies of AAH are also distributed through our stylish, bespoke, spring-loaded stands.

Horsham: Swan Walk (outside M&S), 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, 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

In association with Self Select Distribution, AAH is available at Tesco Extra in Broadbridge Heath and Sainsbury’s Horsham.

AAH

NOTES

THE EDITOR REFLECTS ON HIS FATHER-IN-LAW’S RETIREMENT

In December, I had the unusual task of interviewing my father-in-law, Robin Grange, upon his retirement.

Robin has run his Southwater-based business, Grange Domestic Services, for about 40 years and may well have fixed your washing machine, cooker or dishwasher at some point.

It seems like he has been talking about retirement for years, but there was never much conviction in his statements of intent and I suspect he would like to have continued for a while longer, as he loved the job. He should really have been called a Domestic Appliances Philosopher, as he does like to chat while his head is inside a Hotpoint. If a sentence is proceeded by the words ‘If you want to know the truth...’ then you know Robin is about to deliver a pearl of wisdom.

Having talked about it for so long, Robin’s final day at work seemed to sneak up on him and there was more than a hint of reluctance as he hung up his tools. Apart from his wife Janey, who ran the office, and my two sons who sometimes help him deliver appliances, Robin worked alone. So, there was no office party with farewell speeches and a big cake in the shape of a Zanussi tumble dryer. Instead, we invited him over for dinner and gave him a retirement card. I picked it out myself from Steyning Stationers, my favourite card shop. Like most cards for 18-year-olds joke about being legally able to do all the things you’ve been doing since you were 15, most retirement cards feature gags about becoming a full-time handyman for children and grandchildren.

Sure enough, within days, Robin was back in his overalls, lying on his back on our bathroom floor, impersonating a plumber. My wife had spotted a small puddle of water behind the toilet and a closer inspection revealed a slow drip from the pipes. She asked me to look at it, but might as well have asked me to build a rocket to Mars. Having failed to tighten a brass nut I had (incorrectly, it transpired) identified as the root of the problem, I made matters worse by trying to squeeze a funnel under the pipe to channel dripping water into a Tupperware box. In stretching the pipe, I simply increased the frequency of the drip.

‘I’ll call my dad!’

Now, every time my father-in-law helps with a mechanical, electrical or plumbing based problem, there are some absolute certainties. He will – with his head wedged between the basin and the toilet – make repeated references to all the wonderful, relaxing things he could be doing in his retirement. He will – while fitting a new discharge pipe into the wall – joke that I didn’t fancy doing it myself then! He will ––while bending his arm under the pan to fasten a bolt – make exaggerated claims as to how much it would have cost us to call a plumber, who would have taken all the tiles off the wall and pretty much torn down the house to stop the leak. I can cope with all this, partly because I know that – deep down – he likes helping us, but mainly because it’s only costing us an extra guest for Sunday roast!

Even on the one occasion that I was required to step in and help by removing a particularly stubborn, corroded screw, I’m reminded of my handyman shortcomings. ‘Well done, Ben, I couldn’t get much purchase in that small gap as my hands are too big.’

As I loosened the screw, I was reminded of a scene in Trading Places, where Jamie-Lee Curtis holds the hands of Dan Ackroyd’s stockbroker and says ‘Soft hands. And a manicure. Never done a hard day’s work in your life, have you?’ Frustrated by the reality of my unworkmanlike hands, my thoughts progressed to the point where I imagined giving up AAH altogether and turning my hand to restoring classic cars instead. Maybe a Trans-Am, like the one in Smokey and the Bandit. Until another part of my brain reminded me that I wouldn’t know where to begin and that the Trans-Am would inevitably sit in storage until it was rusty and mouldy, at which point I’d sell if for a quarter of the price I’d paid for it.

While I joke about it, I enjoy my chats with Robin, particularly as his current experiences may be something I too have to contend with in future. Whilst his time as a businessman has come to an end, Robin’s three daughters have been on social media and found many comments from his customers. Like me, Robin cares little for Facebook or whatever Twitter is now, but these kind words have given him some pleasure, as they’re confirmation that he was good at his job, made a difference to the community and will be much missed. If you want to know the truth, that’s as much as any of us can really ask for.

Robin Grange (©AAH/Alan Wright)

ROUND-UP

NEWS & EVENTS FROM ACROSS THE HORSHAM DISTRICT

On only the third day of the scheduled fourweek Horsham District Local Plan examination hearing, Horsham District Council was surprised when the Government-appointed Planning Inspector announced a pause in the examination process to consider extra information. The Inspector has written to the Council stating that he is ending the hearings, an important stage in the Local Plan process. No explanation or feedback was initially shared with the Council regarding the decision.

Cllr Ruth Fletcher, Cabinet Member for Planning and Infrastructure at HDC, said: ‘This delay is incredibly frustrating. The benefits of passing this plan are obvious in terms of controlling speculative development. Passing the plan will mean more affordable homes. It will mean that new homes will be warm homes that residents can afford to heat, and that help us meet our carbon standards. It will mean better protection for our green spaces and wildlife. It will mean getting infrastructure such as schools, doctors, leisure facilities and networks for walking and

cycling delivered along with the housing. The Government has a stated aim to ensure all areas of the country are covered by a Local Plan and we will continue to explore every avenue to meet this requirement so that decisions about where new homes go in our District can be taken locally.’

The Inspector did not invite responses but the Council has sent an open letter to him, which can be viewed at: horsham.gov.uk/localplan

Swan Walk in Horsham has been acquired out of receivership by CUBE RE (Cube).

The shopping centre, home to leading retailers including M&S, Boots, H&M, Superdrug, Next and WHSmith, has over 300,000sq ft of retail space, as well as offices at Sierra Place in Springfield Road (near the former Wilko). These offices will be the new home of Horsham District Council, which will soon be leaving Chart Way. Swan Walk has been acquired via Cube’s Joint Venture Hathaway Opportunity Fund (HOF) and Cube plans to push forward with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)-focused building improvements and look at its development potential, recognising Swan Walk as a focus for retail in the town.

Development to the West of Horsham (©AAH/TP 2013)

Horsham District Council Cabinet has agreed to work with the Fields in Trust organisation to assess the viability of placing Horsham Park into trust. This would help protect the park in perpetuity to ensure long-term accessibility for the local community.

Fields in Trust is a charity set up in 1925 as the National Playing Fields Association. It protects parks and green spaces and promotes the cause of accessible spaces for play, sports and recreation in British cities and towns.

Cllr David Skipp, HDC Cabinet Member for

Leisure and Culture, said: ‘We will work with the Fields in Trust scheme to explore how best to preserve the park for the benefit of our residents and the natural environment.’

l A new bench has been donated to Horsham Park by local company Sussex Iron Ltd. Horsham District Council installed the bespoke bench in the maze area of the park. It is created from metal and boasts a dragon motif design, reflecting the St Leonard’s dragon in the centre of the maze and celebrating local culture.

Visitors to Denne Road Cemetery in Horsham can discover the history of some of the notable individuals laid to rest at the site, as well as learning about the area’s flora and fauna. Two interpretation boards have been created in a collaboration between Horsham District Council, The Horsham Society and Denne Neighbourhood Council. One board has been funded by The Horsham Society and highlights some of the figures included in their popular Stories from the Stones guided walk. QR codes linked to the Horsham Museum & Art Gallery website enable visitors to reveal the stories of six of the town’s prominent individuals and families. There were over 3000 burials at the cemetery from 1852 to the 1900s.

The life and times of crime novelist Agatha Christie will be the subject of speaker David Allen’s talk for the Friends of Horsham Museum & Art Gallery in the Lounge at London Road Chapel, Horsham, on Wednesday 26 February, 2pm. David (inset) will explore the incredible story of the writer, from her days roller-skating on Torquay pier to her glittering career and mysterious disappearance. All are welcome. Admission £7.50. horshammuseum.org

Knowing you.

We all need legal advice and support at times.

We can help you with:

•Will writing

•Setting up a trust

•Probate and estate administration

•Arranging lasting power of attorney

For all your business, tax and wealth needs

Call: +44 (0)1403 253 282

Email: enquiries@krestonreeves.com Visit: www.krestonreeves.com

Windlesham House in Washington has installed a golf simulator for pupils. The simulator provides an accurate tracking of every shot, with detailed analysis of ball speed, launch angle, spin rate and club path. Pupils have access to over 80 courses, allowing them to virtually experience iconic venues like St. Andrews and Augusta National. Professional PGA golf coach at Windlesham House, Rob Callaghan, who is also the Sussex County girls’ coach and England golf regional coach for the South East, uses the simulator’s features to provide personalised instruction. The school also has a 9-hole golf course on campus. windlesham.com

Community Transport

Experience An Audience with Sir Bradley Wiggins at the Capitol Theatre on Thursday 27 February, 7.30pm. He is the only rider to have won World and Olympic championships on both track and road, as well as winning the Tour De France. Wiggins also won a gold medal at four successive Olympic Games from 2004 - 2016 and held the record as Great Britain’s most decorated Olympian. This evening will be a chance to hear Sir Bradley’s story told by the man himself. The second half of the show features a Q&A with the audience. VIP tickets available. Tickets from £32 from (01403) 750220 or thecapitolhorsham.com

Sussex partnered with Swan Walk to create a Christmas Alpine Adventure, complete with a gondola ski lift. Located outside Superdrug, the gondola presented visitors with photo opportunities in support of Horsham District Community Transport, a vital service operated by CTS. HDCT provides accessible transport for children with SENs, as well as elderly and disabled people. Visitors to the Alpine Adventure could also enter a competition to win £500 in Select Travel vouchers.

Horsham District Council is trialling two new collection points for used disposable vapes and batteries to encourage residents to safely dispose of items for recycling. The collection points are at The Pavilions Leisure Centre in Horsham and the Chanctonbury Leisure Centre in Storrington. Batteries, vapes and small electricals have been a major cause of fires in waste collection vehicles. The scheme will be trialled for six months. For alternative ways to recycle vapes and batteries, visit horsham.gov.uk/recycling

The Steyning Bookshop celebrated the 40th anniversary of its opening on 8 December. The bookshop opened late and served bubbles and mulled cider to customers.

Julia Donaldson, author of The Gruffalo, Stick Man and many more, cut the cake, provided by Scholastic UK. Julia has been a long-standing supporter of the bookshop, which sells signed copies of her books. The bookshop also hosted a Drawing Ding-Dong featuring Steyning-based author Jim Beckett and illustrators Sophy Henn, Steven Lenton and Adam Stower. SteyningBooks

A selection of gentlemen's wristwatches auctioned over the past year at Spring Gardens for a total of £87,600

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 6th March

The leading antique and fine art auction house in West Sussex SPRING GARDENS, A24 WASHINGTON, RH20 3BS 01903 891955 auctions@tooveys.com www.tooveys.com

West Sussex Music presents a massed choir performance at Christ’s Hospital on Thursday 27 February, 6pm. Sings Live! North will bring together around 500 students from 20 secondary school, colleges and SEND schools, performing music by Laura Mvula, Moira Smiley and Kerry Andrew. West Sussex Music worked with The Sixteen to deliver singing sessions, with workshops held since the autumn to prepare for this event and a Sing Live! South concert being held in Worthing. Tickets £10 (£5 concessions) from ticketsource.co.uk

Horsham Music Circle continues its 83rd season with the Sussex Chamber Players playing Mendelssohn’s Octet at St Mary’s Church, Horsham, on Saturday 15 February, 4.30pm. The programme also includes Frank Bridge’s Sextet in E Flat and works by Moskowski, Fauré and Ellington. Email horshammusiccircle@gmail.com or visit wegottickets.com/HorshamMusicCircle

Melody Times Horsham welcomes Elizabeth Harrison to its monthly meeting at the Roffey Club, Spooners Road, RH12 4DY, on Wednesday 8 January, 2.30pm.

Elizabeth is resident organist at the world-famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom and will perform on a Yamaha Stagea. February’s meeting on Wednesday 12 sees ‘Doctor of Music’ Chris Stanbury playing popular big band, Latin and orchestral music on his Yamaha Stagea. Admission £10 on the door. melodytimes.co.uk/horsham.htm

Billingshurst Choral Society will perform Puccini’s Messa di Gloria at St Mary’s Parish Church, Horsham, on Saturday 1 March, 7.30pm. The Society, joined by Hastings Philharmonic Choir, will also perform Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite No.1 and Sibelius’ Finlandia. The concert also includes a Come & Sing event, with the audience invited to participate. Tickets available in the New Year. billingshurstchoralsociety.org.uk

Coolham Live Music Club hosts its first event of the year on Saturday 15 February. The evening features two bands new to the Club, Rosco Shakes and Nothing in Rambling. Rosco Shakes are a blues and rock ‘n’ roll band inspired by the Chicago Blues scene. Rosco Shakes guitarist Andy Twyman also plays in a duet with vocalist Sister Suzie, under the name of Nothing in Rambling, lifted from the title of a Memphis Minnie classic. Tickets £20. Coolham Live Music Club

1. with Quality Products

We’ll get to know you and your project requirements, providing you with a highquality design and fixed price quotation. Inventive Design

2.

Project Coordination

3.

Installation

Our award-winning tradesmen will fit your project to very high standards. Plus, we’ll guarantee our work for 12 months.

AWARD SUCCESS FOR WEST GRINSTEAD SWIM ACADEMY

West Grinstead Swimming Academy finished in the top three swim schools in the country for the second year running, receiving the Bronze award at The Swim England National Awards in Birmingham.

They were nominated for the prestigious Swim School of the Year for the second time since opening in 2023, awarded by Swim England, the country’s national governing body for swimming. After claiming Silver at last year’s awards, WGSA is now in a very select group of swim schools to have placed in the top three in consecutive years.

There were 1500 applications from swim schools up and down the country which were whittled down to 100 based on the feedback from their customers. Swim England’s Learn to Swim team then chose their top 10 and conducted video interviews to decide the finalists. Nick Isaacson and Vikki Heal, who run the academy, traveled to the award ceremony in Birmingham on 30 November to receive their award. The awards are a fantastic celebration of the best in aquatics across the country, with Nick and Vikki celebrating alongside Olympians and hall of fame inductees.

The awards are one of the greatest achievements a swim school can achieve. Technical Director Nick Isaacson said: ‘It is very easy to search online and find a company who will issue an award, often with no competition or meaning, but we feel this can mislead customers. Our awards are the real deal and are awarded by industry experts at the top level for swimming in England!”

said: ‘We cater for all levels of swimmers from new babies to adults. We offer both group and private lessons and work with charity partners such as Level Water to provide lessons for children with disabilities. We strongly believe everyone should love the water as much as we do and our pool is the perfect place to learn.’

‘Our awards are awarded by top industry experts’

West Grinstead Swimming Academy were praised for their innovative and inclusive approach to swimming lessons and the judges loved their use of themed weeks around the Olympics, Halloween, Drowning Prevention Week, Easter, Christmas and more. Vikki Heal

Nick added: ‘It’s a real honour to be named in the top three in the country for the second consecutive year. We are always working hard to improve our lessons and go above and beyond for our customers. To be recognised by such a prestigious organisation is hugely rewarding. In the last decade, there has only been one other swim school that has been in the top three for two years in a row and we have achieved all of this in our first two years of business.’

THE POOL

The purpose-built pool was opened in 2020 by husband and wife Vikki and Victor Heal. The pool has been designed to be an optimal environment for children to learn to swim. The 10-metre pool has a constant depth of 1.2 metres with a fully automated dosing system controlling chlorine and PH levels, ensuring a complete water turnover every 60 minutes. The pool is heated to a toasty 32 degrees – perfect for training and for keeping little ones warm during lessons. There are dedicated male and female training changing rooms with baby changing facilites, with WC and shower facilities available. There is also ample on-site parking outside.

THE CLASSES

WGSA now has over 500 swimmers throughout the week, from newborns to advanced swimmers. With experienced teachers who love what they do, lessons are comphensive and tailored to individual needs and abilities. Baby and pre-school lessons are held thoughout the week and weekends, with a child-led approach that follows Swim England’s Ducklings Awards. After-school lessons are also held thoughout the week and weekends and follow Swim England’s Learn to Swim programme 1-7. In addition, WGSA offer they own badges and awards to recognise progression.

Group lessons are £14 and baby and pre-school lessons – parent in the water – are £16. WGSA offers free trials to new swimmers (book online). WGSA also partners with Level Water to offer children with disabilities discounted lessons. Charity events are held regularly, with Nick swimming in aid of Rockinghorse Children’s Charity last summer. This year, WGSA will be helping Watoto raise funds for a swimming pool in Uganda for orphaned children and babies. n

Vikki and Nick at the Awards ceremony

Teachers Hayley, Vikki and Nick

WGSA is ideal for young swimmers

Georgia Stables from Horsham represented Great Britain’s junior gymnastics squad at the Olympic Hopes competition in Brno, Czechia. The three- day competition, beginning on 29 November, saw leading gymnasts from Czechia, Canada, Hungary, Norway, Poland, South Africa and Great Britain competing on the vault, bars, beam and floor. Millais School pupil Georgia put in

Rugby player Charlotte Roberts returned to Collyer’s in December to speak to students on the rugby academy programme. Charlotte left Collyer’s in 2022 on a scholarship to Lindenwood University, Missouri, where she studies Business Management and Business Law. She has since won the USA Rugby National Championship for Division 1 Elite. She answered questions from students on rugby pathways and opportunities offered in the USA, and presented Collyer’s with a signed rugby shirt. collyers.ac.uk

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

Special Limited Time Offers for New Patients

New Patient Examination Fee, only £49 (usually £89) with two small X-rays free of charge! Emergency Appointments at a special rate of £39 T&Cs: Appointments are limited, once available appointments are filled the offer will expire at the discretion of the practice. X-Rays & Treatment charged

a solid performance, ranking 13th in a field of over 40 gymnasts and helping Great Britain claim a bronze medal in the Team event. Georgia, a long-standing member of Horsham Gymnastics Club, has previously represented England, but this was her first GB international. AAH will feature an interview with Georgia in February’s edition. hgc.org.uk

AAH Magazine is now available for free from a new stand at Henfield Leisure Centre. Like many others across the District, the stand has been designed to match the branding of the popular leisure centre, where work has begun on new padel courts. The latest stand means AAH now has 36 of its stylish, bespoke pick-up points in the Horsham District, including eight in Horsham town centre at locations including Swan Walk and John Lewis. The magazine is also available at Sainsbury’s and Tesco. aahorsham.co.uk

Arun Automotive is a premier service and restoration company specialising predominantly in Jaguar, Land Rover, Aston Martin and Maserati. Our team of experienced technicians provide top-quality services to our clients.

SERVICE: We keep your Jaguar performing, using genuine parts with a 2-year warranty. While renowned as Jaguar Land Rover specialists, we also work with classic Jaguar, Aston Martin and Maserati models.

We offer performance upgrades, detailing, leatherwork, wheel refurbishment and vehicle storage.

Georgia Stables at the Olympic Hopes competition in Czechia

JAGUAR LAND ROVER GROUP SPECIALISTS

Horsham District Council launched its People’s Budget funding scheme last June, encouraging residents to vote for deserving local charity groups or community organisations delivering projects to support children and young people under 25. More than 3,500 votes were cast and the winning organisations are Happy Accidents (Horsham Children’s Parade), 4 The Youth, 1st Shipley Scouts, Hillside Scout Campsite, Horsham Matters, West Sussex Scouts, Holy Trinity School, Queen Elizabeth II School and the Springboard Project. A funding pot of £100,000 was made available and funds will now be distributed in line with the results of the public

vote. Groups applied for grants of up to £20,000 for their proposed activities.

l In collaboration with Digital Islands, Horsham District Council has also launched a programme which seeks to hone the entrepreneurial skills of young talent. Through the ‘Horsham Young Entrepreneurs’ programme, young adults aged 18 -30 can access free online resources and one-to-one support to assist them in turning their dream of starting a business into an actionable plan. The project has received £49,000 from the Government to deliver the programme. Visit: horsham.gov.uk/business/ horsham-young-entrepreneurs-programme

We have over 25 years’ experience in organising group trips to the theatre, local and national attractions and short breaks.

We ensure a hassle free experience, with someone always on hand to offer guidance, with discounts on tickets to nationwide attractions. Our programme takes in West End theatres, stately homes, palaces and gardens, river cruises, steam train rides and afternoon teas.

For our short breaks, we visit beautiful towns and cities, as well as an annual trip to continental Christmas Markets.

Our upcoming trips include:

ANDRE RIEU

Friday 4 - Monday 7 July. Visit the Cathedral city of Mechelen, Belgium for two nights before heading to Maastricht for the famed violinist’s hometown concert. Pick-up 7am, Dorking Halls. £645pp (B&B basis)

MOULIN ROUGE!

Wednesday 26 February. Winner of 10 Tony awards including Best Musical and Best Choreography. See the breathtaking Moulin Rouge at Piccadilly Theatre. Pick-up 4.30pm, Dorking Halls. £99.50pp.

Greenway Junior School opened a new nursery on 15 November to coincide with BBC Children in Need. Children dressed up for charity and also put Horsham MP John Milne through his paces with the school’s own version of PM’s Question Time. Mr Milne was greeted by headteacher Claire Williamson and was treated to a performance by the 85-strong choir singing the new school song, Aim High. He was accompanied by Julian Drinkall, CEO of GLF Schools Multi-Academy Trust, of which Greenway Junior is a member, and the Trust’s Becky Jones, director of SEND, Inclusion and Vulnerable Groups.

A neighbourhood coffee shop and grocery store opened at Highwood Village on Saturday 14 December. Chez Polie is a family-run store offering coffees, pastries, local wines and beers, and groceries including jam, honey, eggs, bread and milk. A launch event was held with residents enjoying the new village amenity while sampling pizzas from Joe’s Dough. Chez Polie is open six days a week from 8am - 5pm, and opens as a wine bar on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings until 8pm. As Chez Polie becomes more established, the grocery store hopes to offer more local produce. highwoodvillage.co.uk

Horsham

Children’s Parade

(@Jim Carey Photography)

Following a public consultation, Horsham District Council is changing the support it gives to vulnerable residents to help them pay Council Tax. At a meeting of the full Council on 11 December, councillors voted unanimously to pay 100% of the Council Tax due for the most low-income taxpayers of Horsham District, an increase from the current 90% discount. Other changes to the means tested criteria within the Council Tax Reduction Scheme have also been agreed which will benefit eligible residents. Currently, the Council only helps residents up to a sum equivalent to the Council Tax of a property valued at Band D. This will be increased to Band E and the Council has also increased the limit on the savings people can have before it will help them to £10,000. The changes are implemented on 1 April.

Horsham German Club has announced its programme for the first half of 2025, when it will celebrate its 40th birthday. This friendly club is a social group for anyone with an interest in the German-speaking countries of Europe and their cultures. The club has members of all language abilities. Meetings are usually held on the third Friday of the month in Park Barn (opposite The Capitol) and are mainly in English, but some German is used with subtitles in presentations. Upcoming meetings will include an illustrated talk on the Harz mountains, a German art film and a music evening. The club also runs informal German-language pub meets once a month. horsham-german-club.co.uk

Horsham Twinning Association have a vacancy on the committee for a Chair Person. The association holds various social gatherings and works closely with Horsham German Club. The group visits Lage, Germany and St Maixent l’Ecole, France every few years, staying with host families or in a local hotel, while French and German friends visit Horsham in return. Email secretary@horsham-twinning.org.uk or visit horsham-twinning.org.uk

Horsham Lions Club hold their 14th Swimarathon at The Pavilions in the Park, Horsham, on Sunday 23 March. Teams of up to six swim for 55 minutes, raising money for good causes through sponsorship. Over the last 13 events, the Lions have raised over £71,500. For an application form, email david@trowbridge.me.uk or visit horshamlionsclub.org

Courtney Green Lettings Scoop National Award

Courtney Green Lettings is officially the best lettings agent (single branch) in the UK.

The agent, based in the Carfax in Horsham, received the recognition at the Best Estate Agent Guide Awards 2025. The award was given for outstanding marketing, service and results in the category of ‘Best Lettings: Single’.

Best Estate Agent Guide, working with industry experts Property Academy, a business development company and market data specialists TwentyEA, analysed the performance of every lettings agent in the UK, tracking key property statistics such as number of lets agreed, new instructions, time taken to agree those lets and the contents of adverts, as well as assessing comments and scores left by customers on Google Reviews. The result is unbiased evidence of the best performing agents, statistically and through customer satisfaction.

The impressive result is echoed by property portal Rightmove, which shows that Courtney Green Lettings has been No.1 in postcodes RH12 and RH13 for the last four years.

Lettings Manager Rob Knapp said: ‘I am immensely proud of our tight-knit team, where all aspects of the lettings process are handled in-house and everyone plays a vital

Trading Post Coffee

role in ensuring the success of the department. At a time where the market has proved challenging, and with legislative changes looming next year, the level of service and advice that we offer is more important than ever. Winning this award is recognition for a job well done and we are looking forward to building on this success in 2025. Being an independent agent gives us the freedom to offer the market something different when it comes

‘We look forward to building on this success in 2025.’

to tenants and landlords. We frequently receive feedback that we are responsive, approachable and break the mould of the usual agent. With a personal, face-to-face approach, we ensure that we are always available to deliver a superior service to all, including property management, rent collection and compliance management.’

Courtney Green Lettings, established in Horsham for more than 30 years,

Roasters opened a new coffee bar at 57 West Street, Horsham, on Wednesday 18 December. Queues formed outside as the coffee roasters offered complimentary drinks on opening day, along with discounted rates on food. The first Trading Post Coffee Roasters opened on Ship Street, Brighton, in January 2017, featuring a coffee roastery, coffee bar and eatery. The success of the first store soon led to a second Brighton coffee house and another in Lewes. Just seven years later, there are now 10 across Sussex, while the Brighton-based roastery supplies hundreds of businesses across the UK. tradingpostcoffee.co.uk

operates within a 10-mile radius of Horsham. Their nine-strong team of property experts, led by long-standing Director Jon Evans, all live in the Horsham area and have unrivalled local expertise and years of property knowledge.

In the six-month period that the judges collected data, Courtney Green Lettings received over 3,000 enquiries, agreeing 82 lets in that time. Senior Negotiator Freddie Wilson said: ‘I pride myself on making sure that every enquiry we receive is responded to (all 7,000 of them this year!) and this award validates those efforts. I meet so many people every day and always wish we had more properties to let, as the demand far outweighs supply. With ever-changing market conditions, legislation changes and constant challenges, we have been adapting and incorporating new processes to simplify the application process for new tenants and continue to deliver the best service to our landlords.’

Further information: Visit us at: 25 Carfax, Horsham, RH12 1EE

Sales: (01403) 252222 sales@courtneygreen.co.uk Lettings: (01403) 252200 lettings@courtneygreen.co.uk www.courtneygreen.co.uk

Saxon Weald launched their first Christmas grotto in December to spread some festive magic to children. The free event for Saxon Weald residents, sponsored by TSG Building Services PLC, offered families the chance to enjoy seasonal fun at Saxon Weald’s head office in Horsham. Visitors were welcomed by Santa’s elves and taken through to his workshop to take part in festive crafts, before children met with Santa in his grotto. saxonweald.com

South Lodge Hotel in Lower Beeding has been named amongst the Top 50 Boutique Hotels in the UK. The list is compiled from votes by more than 100 Top 50 academy members from the hospitality industry. South Lodge, part of the Exclusive Collection, has been recognised for its innovation and dedication to enhancing the guest experience. Those visiting have access to three restaurants, including the Michelin-

starred restaurant The Pass, with head chef Ben Wilkinson at the helm. Alongside the 88 luxurious rooms in the main house, last year South Lodge opened The Reeds, eight lakeside lodges set within the estate’s 93-acre grounds. The Botanica spa was also crowned Best Spa in the South-East 2024 for the second year in a row at The Good Spa Guide Awards. exclusive.co.uk/south-lodge/

The Courtney Green team at the Carfax, Horsham, with their award

The Reeds (@AAH/Alan Wright)

Feed your senses

As the New Year unfolds, prioritise your wellbeing by indulging in a delightful experience at Botanica. Our Mediterranean-inspired, zero-waste restaurant offers the perfect blend of nourishment and sustainability.

You’ll discover a menu that celebrates fresh, locally sourced ingredients crafted into exquisite dishes. Enjoy laid-back lunches, or unwind after a long day with a satisfying meal that balances taste and nutrition, setting the tone for a restful evening.

There’s a feast for your eyes too. The South Downs serve as your wallpaper, with lush hills and emeraldgreen landscapes, nature joins the table. Botanica is a place to feed your senses, so come and make your dining experience an escape from the ordinary.

Monday to Thursday – 8am to 5.30pm

Friday to Sunday – 8am to 8.30pm To book online scan the QR code, or visit botanicarestaurant.co.uk 01403 892235 Brighton Road, Lower Beeding Horsham, West Sussex RH13 6PS

HORSHAM ARTS SOCIETY MOVES TO BAPTIST CHURCH

The Arts Society Horsham held a Christmas coffee morning at its new home of Brighton Road Baptist Church on 11 December.

Formerly known as NADFAS (National Association of Decorative & Fine Arts Societies), the local branch of the Arts Society hosts a monthly lecture by guest speakers. These have formerly been held at The Capitol, but with the theatre expected to close for refurbishment, the Society has found an alternative venue.

As members gathered in the church hall for the first time, presiding Chair Ann Rattray said: ‘We have all heard rumours about The Capitol’s closure, but nobody has been able to tell us precisely when the theatre will be unavailable and for how long. Faced with uncertainty, the Arts Society will be staying at Brighton Road for two years to ensure stability for members and fairness towards the church.’

The coffee morning also provided an opportunity to announce changes to the committee, including Vice Chair Christine Knight’s impending appointment as Chair. Christine formerly served the committee as Young Arts Coordinator and has returned to the Arts Society after a stint as Ladies Captain at Cottesmore Golf Club.

She said: ‘When I told Ann that I would be willing to take on the role of Vice Chair, she almost fell off her chair, having been without one for so long! I love the Arts Society and think it’s wonderful when lecturers speak so enthusiastically each month. I will do my best when I take over as Chair in July and I’m sure the Brighton Road Baptist Church will be a great home for us.’

Christine Knight and Ann Rattray

With some 400 members, the Horsham branch of the Arts Society is among the most successful in the south of England. The Society’s primary function is to provide a monthly lecture for members and guests, with a balanced programme covering a range of subjects including painting, architecture, furniture, textiles and sculpture. As well as educational aspects provided by lectures, the Arts Society offers members social benefits too. Meetings provide an opportunity for people with a shared interest in the arts to come together. As well as lectures, the Arts Society also organises visits to art galleries and other places of interest.

The current season of lectures began in September 2024, with talks to date covering paintings by Old Masters in the Frick Collection, the signature buildings of eight different faiths in London, and the work of Banksy and others in the east London street art scene. The first lecture at

the Baptist Church will be held on Wednesday 8 January, with Aliki Braine highlighting selfportraits by largely forgotten female painters.

On 12 February, Monica Bohm-Duchen’s lecture focuses on the work of renowned sculptor and draughtsman Jacob Epstein, before Aaron Hunter discusses the science of art at the National Gallery in his lecture on 12 March. Other lectures scheduled will focus on the architecture of Mughal India (9 April), the art of Wassily Kandinsky and Franz Marc (14 May), the life and works of textile designer Marion Dorn (11 June) and the Age of Jazz (9 July).

Further information:

Lectures are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 10.45am, with coffee available from 10am. For membership details visit theartssociety.org/horsham

CREEPING UP

CAPITOL HOSTS ITS MOST SUCCESSFUL PANTOMIME

Audiences flocked to The Capitol in Horsham to watch Jack and the Beanstalk over the festive period. AAH met Venue and Productions Manager Matthew Effemey to hear his thoughts on the pantomime’s success and find out the latest on a major refurbishment project scheduled at the theatre…

This year’s panto was well received by audiences. Was it also a Box Office hit? At any regional theatre, the success of a pantomime depends largely on the reception to the previous year’s show. For the past few years, we’ve staged a very good production, but 2023’s Beauty and the Beast raised the bar considerably. I feel that we might have just raised it again. Advanced ticket sales were very strong and only a few days into the run, Jack and the Beanstalk became the best-selling pantomime ever staged at The Capitol. Back in 2009, we welcomed 16,099 people when CBeebies presenter Justin Fletcher starred in Cinderella. Since then, audience figures have typically dropped to around the 12,000 level, but last year we bucked that trend and 15,000 people watched the panto. This year, we needed to add several dates at the end of the run as by opening night we only had tickets left for performances in January!

What’s the secret behind this success?

We are steadily trying to build a brand for excellent in-house productions at The Capitol. When it comes to pantomime season, some theatres work with production companies, who have their own team of writers, actors, sets and costumes. They are very professional, but sets arrive in the back of a lorry and they can sometimes look dated, or need adapting to your own venue. The alternative is that you do everything in-house, which is the approach we now take. For several weeks in the summer, we bring in carpenters to work alongside Set Designer Jack Lane, Costume Designer Reah Butterly and our own production team to build sets and design props for the show. Audiences at the HAODS production in the autumn would never have known, but set pieces we use in pantomime were hanging up above the stage as there was nowhere else to store them! Jack is a seasoned actor and has written and starred in his own productions, including Wisdom of a Fool, so he has created wonderful sets bursting with colour. It has taken a Herculean effort but audiences notice the difference and it makes for a far better show.

Is the script written in-house too?

We are not Jacks of all trades, so we work with professional writers, which helps us to shape jokes that will be appreciated by Horsham audiences. This year’s script was penned by Jon Monie, who has written award-winning pantomimes for Bath’s Theatre Royal, where has he also presented comedies and Christmasthemed productions. Working with talented writers costs money but pays dividends at the Box Office. There are some great jokes for the grown-ups that are smart rather than crude, and sail over the heads of children. The comedy also comes from many different places, perhaps most notably through Genevieve Nicole’s performance as Dolly the Cow. We veered away from the traditional interpretation of a panto cow and turned it into a more central role with lots of narrative and singing. It worked well and Genevieve was fantastic, perhaps getting the best audience reception of the cast.

John Partridge stars as Fleshcreep in Jack and the Beanstalk (©Brinkhoff-Moegenburg)

Steven Cleverley as Gloria Trott (©Brinkhoff-Moegenburg)

(©Brinkhoff-Moegenburg)

John Partridge stars as the villain, but also makes his directorial debut. How did that come about?

Last year, we cast John as Captain Gastoff in Beauty and the Beast. It was clear very early in the run that audiences adored him and he really took to Horsham too. We were barely halfway through the run when he mentioned that he would be interested in directing a pantomime. I spoke to people who have worked with him in the past and they all felt he had the necessary qualities, so we dined out in town, discussed ideas and decided to give it a go. He is a stage veteran and of course spent eight years in EastEnders. But perhaps more importantly, he is incredibly hard-working and if your company see you working hard, they will feel compelled to do likewise. I have never seen a cast so well-rehearsed on an opening night. It has been like a military operation and that’s down to John’s professionalism.

‘Emma Lindars has one of the best voices in all of musical theatre.’

Horsham seems to have adopted John as one of its own…

He is certainly infectious and popular, even claiming the honour of turning on the town’s Christmas lights! In the summer, the Friends of Horsham Hospital approached us to ask John if he might open the hospital’s Summer Fete. This was far beyond his contractual responsibilities, but he didn’t hesitate in stepping up, which says a lot about the man. As well as being a personality, which a panto needs to sell tickets, he is genuinely talented and even presented a one-man music and dance show at The Capitol in the spring. Often, panto

Jack and the Beanstalk at The Capitol

(©Brinkhoff-Moegenburg)

John Partridge also directed

stars are sent on to the stage for a few lines and then disappear as they can’t sing, can’t dance and haven’t rehearsed like the jobbing actors around them! Johnny is not like that. He is good for sales but elevates the entire production.

You had a small but very talented cast…

We were lucky, as John has worked in the industry for many years and people are eager to work with him, especially when he is directing. There is what’s known as ‘panto snobbery’ and some actors avoid the format entirely, which can cause some casting headaches. However, we recruited a young and talented cast, including Archie Durrant (a recent graduate of Laine Theatre Arts) as Jack Trott and Emma Lindars, who has one of the best voices in musical theatre. Her opening solo number, Once Upon A Time, set a very high standard for the rest to try and follow. Johnny and I visited Bird College Conservatoire of Dance and Musical Theatre, which he once attended, looking for ensemble dancers. One of those auditioning was Taziva-Faye Katsande, who was only 16 at the time. She could not only dance and tap, but had a great voice and we both thought that she had huge potential and cast her in a principal role as Princess Jill.

The voice of the Giant sounded familiar?

In an uncredited role, the Giant is voiced by Romesh Ranganathan. We have a good relationship with a relative of Romesh and his boys have appeared in previous pantomimes, so we asked the question and he said yes! Romesh came to us to record his parts and was happy taking direction from Johnny, doing exactly as he was asked. He was the ultimate professional and very funny. Everyone at the Capitol is a big fan of Romesh so it was great to have him on board.

What is the latest regarding the Capitol’s refurbishment?

Currently, it is still uncertain although we anticipate news in the New Year. The Council had a budget for improvements and selected a contractor to carry out the work. The contractor later notified the Council that it had recalculated the costs involved and the work would be much more costly than previously expected. HDC correctly decided to re-evaluate, as the Council cannot go over budget on a project funded by taxpayers. The scale of the project may need to be revised and once again decided by local Councillors. In terms of the most important aspects of the refurbishment, the Council is keen to make the Capitol

Matthew Effemey, Venue and Productions Manager at the Capitol (©AAH/Alan Wright)

more environmentally-friendly as it bids to become carbon neutral, so the installation of air-sourced heat pumps was a major factor behind the initial refurbishment. From an aesthetic perspective, the seats are close to end-of-life and need replacing, as do carpets that were laid 20 years old. It was originally proposed that the theatre would close for 18 months while work was carried out. It might be a shorter closure now, depending on what the Council agrees. However, we’re lucky to have a Council willing to invest in the arts, through the theatre and events staged in the town centre, as many local authorities do not show the same commitment.

Will there be a Capitol panto next year?

We are now committed to staging a pantomime next year. Even when we were talking about a long-term closure, there was always hope that we could still find the time for a panto, as it’s so important to the venue. Next December, we will be staging Robin Hood. Although we’ll be adding another week to the run in the hope of improving this year’s record attendances, we still advise people to book early, especially if they want to see it before Christmas.

Will John Partridge be returning?

It is too soon to say! Horsham audiences love him, but how many times can one actor return

as a star before people need a change? When we first worked with John, he had just taken a break from performing after throat surgery, but he has since returned to his best and enjoyed a resurgence. It wouldn’t surprise me if one of the major pantomime producers knocked on his door with a cheque book, and he might be looking for a new challenge elsewhere too. But certainly, he is very fond of Horsham and we’re very fond of him, so we’ll see. n

INTERVIEW: Ben Morris

PHOTOS: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg & Alan Wright

Taziva-Faye Katsande and Archie Durrant

Your Local Legal Specialists

Residential

New

Shared

Retirement

Commercial

Buy

Land

Wills

Probate

Lasting

Deputyship

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.

NICE WORK

ABSOLUTE HEALTH & FITNESS ADOPTS A FRIENDLY APPROACH

Absolute Health and Fitness has moved from the Knepp Estate in West Grinstead to a new home at Horsham Sports Club in Cricket Field Road. Here, owner Stuart Wilkinson talks about his passion for personal training and how he has created a friendly, welcoming atmosphere at the gym…

STARTING OUT

I qualified as a personal trainer and sports massage therapist 25 years ago, but since then, PT has been my sole passion as I love helping people to get fit and healthy. I spent a decade as a trainer at Cottesmore Golf & Country Club before establishing my own business, Absolute Health and Fitness. For five years, I hired the gym at South Lodge Hotel, steadily growing the number of regular clients. However, when the hotel developed the Botanica Spa, I needed to find a new home.

The business moved to a small yet comfortable barn on the Knepp Estate. It wasn’t always plain sailing, as we had to survive the pandemic and sometimes new clients struggled to locate us, occasionally finding themselves avoiding herds of deer near the castle! But I have many happy

memories from Knepp, as my eldest son was born during that time and grew up enjoying the countryside around us. However, the time came when I considered other options and it was then that I came across Horsham Sports Club.

I knew that there used to be a gym based at the Sports Club, but the space it occupied was no longer being utilised. It was the perfect size for Absolute, with an amazing view, looking out across the cricket field and beyond to Denne Hill, where I used to run cross-country as a pupil at Tanbridge House School. I grew up nearby and used to wave at trains from the railway bridge behind the sports field. Now,

I take my own children to the bridge for the same reason, so it feels like the ideal location.

Everyone loves the view and it takes away the pain of exercising. During the summer, clients have occasionally walked into gym equipment while engrossed in a cricket match! Even when there’s no sport on, it’s nice just to look out at green space or watch the trains fly past, rather than staring out to traffic or an industrial estate. Many people don’t realise just how close we are to town either, but it’s only a five-minute walk from the Carfax, with free parking for gym users too.

FRIENDLY FEEL

As well as personal training, we run group sessions at times that suit modern lifestyles, from 6:30am to 7pm, with sessions held every day apart from Sundays. Group sessions are limited to eight people and the impact can be powerful, as groups include a range of abilities. There’s a friendly, community feel to the gym, with no egos or undercurrents of competition. A gym should never be scary, yet some can feel like walking into a locals-only pub, where everyone stops to stare. At Absolute Health

Stuart Wilkinson (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Absolute Health & Fitness (©AAH/AW)

and Fitness, everyone feels welcome and we have friendly groups that take people under their wing. Starting at a new gym will always have the feeling of a first day of school, but we try to make it less daunting and nobody will be judging you on how you look or what you wear.

‘The job still gives me the same sense of satisfaction from helping people.’

Sessions include cardiovascular work, strength and conditioning, toning exercises, core work and general fitness. In the group sessions, people move around, working individually or in pairs. We might split a session into two groups, with one focusing on lower body work and the other on upper body exercises, before swapping around. There might be gentle elements of competitiveness, if for example we set groups a collective target to achieve on a treadmill or exercise bike, but the focus is always on encouragement and teamwork. In the summer, we hope to introduce outdoor exercises too, taking advantage of the sport club’s setting.

On the personal training side, we offer three, six and 12-month packages, so there’s flexibility. We tailor sessions to each individual, so that they can progress and achieve their goals, taking into account any injuries or limitations to help them train safely. If you want to be able to run 5km, you may only need a three-month package, whereas someone who wants to lose five-stone may need longer. We use these different timeframes to engineer a programme that suits the individual and set achievable targets.

PLAY TIME

We have a range of state-of-the-art cardiovascular machines, as well as weights and other functional equipment. This includes a traditional treadmill and a curved treadmill, which is self-powered and has less impact on the knees. The gym also has a recumbent bike, which has a backrest and positions the user lower to the ground, which works the upper legs harder, as well as a pair of Concept2 exercise bikes.

Cross-trainers offer a full-body workout, so are great for general fitness. We also have two Concept2 rowing machines and two SkiErg machines, which imitate movements

Stuart Wilkinson, Absolute Health & Fitness founder (©AAH/AW)

skiers use to propel themselves down the slopes. We also have a cable machine that can be used for a wide range of workouts. Our functional exercise equipment includes medicine balls, steps and dumbbells.

In my opinion, there are people who ‘play’ at exercise and go to the gym just so they can post a picture on Instagram. That is not what we’re about. All our group sessions are coached, whether that’s me or Henry Stell, another experienced personal trainer. So, there’s always an instructor around to help. Sometimes people join a gym but they’re not shown how to use the equipment properly and don’t know what to do. Typically, they will not progress with their fitness and will soon stop going to the gym at all.

I have had opportunities to take on management roles at hotels or country clubs in the past, but always turned them down as training people is what I love doing. I wouldn’t want to step away from that to work behind a desk, as I still love running and keeping fit myself, having competed in many ultra marathons, with several more planned for 2025. When somebody achieves their goal and tells me that they wish they’d done it years ago, I still feel the same sense of satisfaction and fulfilment that I experienced when I first qualified as a personal trainer all those years ago.

WORDS: Ben Morris

PHOTOS: Alan Wright

Further information: Visit Absolute Gym at Horsham Sports Club, Cricket Field Rd, RH12 1TE. For details about sessions and to contact Stuart, visit the website at absolutehealthandfitness.co.uk

The gym has great views of

Start your 2025 by JOINING

Start your 2025 by JOINING

...relax ...make friends

...relax ...make friends

...AND ENJOY

EAST

Modern & spacious gym

Modern & spacious gym

Wide range of classes across 3 studios

Wide range of classes across 3 studios

Outdoor functional fitness zone

Outdoor functional fitness zone

Modern lounge & bar • Fully staffed crèche

Modern lounge & bar • Fully staffed crèche

18 hole golf course

18 hole golf course

9 hole Academy course

9 hole Academy course

Swimming pool • Relaxing Retreat spa

Flood lit driving range

Swimming pool • Relaxing Retreat spa Flood lit driving range Steam room & spa pool

Steam room & spa pool

ROYAL RAMBLE

THE PRINCESS ROYAL ENJOYS AMBERLEY MUSEUM VISIT

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal officially opened the newly-restored Bagging Shed and Loading Bay at Amberley Museum on Thursday 5 December.

Having met volunteers at Shoreham’s National Coastwatch Initiative and toured the RollsRoyce plant at Goodwood in the morning, Her Royal Highness spent the afternoon at the industrial heritage museum in the heart of the South Downs. She was greeted by Museum Director Katrina Burton, Chair of Trustees Surrie Everett-Pascoe and dignitaries including the Lord Lieutenant of West Sussex Lady Emma Barnard and HDC Chairman Nigel Emery. Touring the site on foot, the Princess also met some of the museum’s dedicated volunteers and during a speech congratulated them for collectively receiving the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

The museum, founded in 1978, is built on the site of a former industrial quarry, where for more than a century chalk was extracted for lime. Many of the museum’s attractions focus on transport, including an important collection of narrow-gauge railway equipment, locomotives and rolling stock. Many of the locomotives have been restored to working order by the volunteers and run along sections of railway that provide transport for visitors

Museum volunteer Gerry aboard a Hudson Hunslet (©AAH/AW)

The Princess Royal enjoyed a tour led by Amberley Museum Director Katrina Burton (©AAH/Alan Wright)

entrance of the old quarry tunnel, which was used for filming dramatic scenes in the 1985 James Bond film, A View to a Kill.

Gerry said: ‘I’m in my 38th season as a volunteer at Amberley, working with various locomotives at the museum. During the Royal visit, I operated the Hudson Hunslet, which was manufactured in the 1940s. It’s one of several engines in our collection that was once used at local brickworks, such as Warnham. Most were built for narrowgauge railway lines, but there was no narrow gauge when the chalk pits were open. It instead used standard gauge and the line ran from a siding close to where Amberley Station is today, along what is now the path to the museum entrance and down to the de Watt kilns.’

‘We do have one standard-gauge locomotive that is similar to the industrial engines once used at the chalk pits, which continues to generate interest from James Bond fans. In the film, you see them enter the tunnel and Grace Jones’ character (May Day) is killed in an explosion outside the pit. Two locomotives and some of our tipper wagons can be seen in the film. They were all painted with the logo of Zorin Industries for filming and we still have one engine with the logo!’

The Princess Royal walked around the Witt Kilns, which once homed 18 firing chambers, when the site employed over 80 people and reverberated to the noise of explosions, furnace blasts and rumbling trucks, trains and horses. From the 1840s to the 1960s, chalk was quarried here, then heated in kilns with coal to create quicklime. Water was then added to create hydrated lime, which could be sold as a source material for fertiliser, mortar, cement and concrete.

Want to be in control of when you start your next chapter? We can take a 360-degree view of your business and personal goals to create a long-term financial plan that will get you there.

The Princess Royal unveiled a plaque (©AAH/Alan Wright)

The chalk pits featured in Bond film

View to a Kill (©AAH/AW)

She then met volunteers at the Wheelwright’s shop (which originally stood at 54 London Road in Horsham) then the team at Southdown Bus Garage. The garage is among the most popular exhibits, as it invokes memories of the yellow and green livery of the Southdown Motor Services, which once operated across Sussex and Hampshire. She also took the time to meet volunteers next door at the village garage and cycle shop, which dates back to the late 1920s. Nick

‘The Cycle Repair Shop takes visitors on a nostalgic journey.’

Strain has volunteered at Amberley for four years after spending a long career developing air traffic control systems. He can often be seen riding around the site on the shop’s trade bicycle.

Nick said: ‘In 2021, when the museum re-opened after Covid, I decided to volunteer in the garage. I have a 1940 Ford truck and love tinkering with classic vehicles, but I especially love the repair shop as everyone has their own bicycle story. What is great

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

Judith Dandy Independent Funeral Director

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

We are committed to enabling families to plan a funeral that is personal, meaningful and affordable.

We will support you to create a farewell that is appropriate and unique, thereby taking away much of the strain of planning such a significant event. We will be with you every step of the way.

Church View, Billingshurst Road

Wisborough Green, West Sussex RH14 0DY

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

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.

(01293) 851890

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

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

Nick Pidgley with ‘Joan’ the Road Roller (©AAH/Alan Wright)

about the shop is that it really existed, with Mr Floyd running his successful cycling shop and repair business in Littlehampton. We are sometimes visited by his relatives or former staff members and customers, and when they see Mr Floyd’s old counter and tools, it takes them on a nostalgic journey. When you’re working with these tools, you can feel the history they carry too.’

‘I often ride the trade bike around the museum, always wearing a helmet and goggles, as it’s important to set a good example to younger visitors. We welcome a lot of school trips as there’s an important educational aspect to our role. As well as the repair shop, the museum has a collection of bicycles spanning 190 years, so children can learn about the evolution and history of cycling.’

The Princess Royal also visited the Arundel gin building, where the Worshipful Company of Plumbers demonstrate their craft, before being presented with a walking stick hand-made by craftsman Ken Wood. Ken is a member of Saxon Stickmakers and has been based at the museum for 15 years. The stick-making workshop is one of several craft attractions at Amberley, with wood-turners, a blacksmith, cobbler, ironmongers, potters and broom-makers also on-site. Ken shares a workshop with another stick-maker so that it can open to the public four days a week. He often polishes and finishes sticks that he has cut and crafted at his home in Ashington.

Ken told AAH: ‘I usually use chestnut for the shanks, as it’s a hardy wood and areas are coppiced around the South Downs. The cuttings I require are too thin for timber yards, but they’re perfect for my trade. I was very proud to make a stick for The Princess Royal. The museum team asked me to carve a horse’s head for the handle, which I’d never done before, although I have carved dogs and several birds. A horse’s head is quite large, but I wanted to make it small to ensure the stick remained comfortable and functional. I shaped the shank from hazel, but the handle is made from walnut,

finished with a silver collar. I was still working on it the night before the Princess’s visit as I wanted it to be just right. She looked pleased with it. I did ask if she needed it cut to size, but it seemed a good fit!’

Before departing, Her Royal Highness visited the restored Bagging Shed and Loading Bay, located near the museum entrance. This late-19th century building was once at the heart of the bustling chalk pit and has been restored thanks to a grant from the DCMS Museum Estate and Development fund, administered by the Arts

Council. Before leaving, she also unveiled a plaque during a short outdoor ceremony attended by museum volunteers and invited guests. In the speech, she praised the dedication of the volunteers for the transformation of the Bagging Shed, then joked she was sure that – rather than resting on their laurels – the volunteers would soon find something else that needed doing!

The volunteers hope that the Royal visit will inspire others to explore the museum, with exhibitions covering everything from vintage vehicles to electrical goods. Gerry Cork said: ‘It’s great to have something like this happen as it gives us positive publicity. We are getting better at publicising our attractions and events such as steam rallies and vintage bus shows, but for a long time Amberley Museum was called “the best kept secret in Sussex.” Ideally, we’d like it to be less of a secret, so that we can share our passion with more people.’

WORDS: Ben Morris

PHOTOS: Alan Wright

Further information: Visit the website to find out more about opening dates, ticket prices and special events. amberleymuseum.co.uk amberleymuseum amberley_museum

The Newly-restored Bagging Shed (©AAH/Alan Wright)

The winners of this year’s Christmas Magic Displays Competition, organised by Horsham District Council, were revealed over the festive period.

Over 80 businesses and charities from across the Horsham District took part in the competition, part of the Council’s Buy Local Gift Happy campaign to support local businesses, sharing photos of their festive windows and market stall displays.

The public were invited to vote for their favourite displays online or in-store, with over 1,600 votes cast. The winner of the Public’s Choice competition was Carmela Deli in Horsham’s Carfax, with Amici Coffee Co in East Street and WolfPack in the Carfax also polling strongly. Carmela’s owner Rossella Raciti has created a popular display for several years now and this year opted for a nativity theme. Truffles in Billingshurst won the Public’s Choice award for the best internal display and Love It Again in Horsham the award

THE FEST

for best Charity Display. The Council also collaborated with media partners, including AAH, to boost the Buy Local Gift Happy message, with all winners receiving a framed certificate. Thanks to votes submitted through the magazine, the All About Horsham Readers’ award went to Stitch in Storrington.

Stitch opened on West Street, Storrington in October 2019, selling a wide range of dressmaking fabrics and patterns, as well as thread, craft kits, sewing machines and an extensive range of haberdashery. After only a few months, the nation went into lockdown, but Stitch established a loyal customer-base by focusing on home deliveries. With time on their hands, many people discovered a passion for sewing, but not all materials were easy to source, says Stitch founder Jan Hubbard.

‘The festive lights in Storrington always look great.’

‘Lots of people were making scrubs and face masks during the pandemic, and after a while it was hard to meet the demand for elastic. We had to set a limit of 10m of elastic per customer, as so many people wanted it. Usually, people like to see and feel fabric, but they couldn’t do that when they were consigned to their homes, so we improved our website and communicated with customers via video calls, so they could still hand-pick textiles!’

Since then, the shop has continued to thrive, while its sewing studio offers one-to-one sessions and group workshops for sewing enthusiasts of all ages and abilities, including one group devoted to teenagers, inspiring a new generation of embroiders and textile designers. As one of the few independent fabric shops in West Sussex, Stitch tries to support UKbased suppliers of fabric, ribbon and other craft products, including

Stamp Duty Deadline Fuels Market Interest

The housing market in Horsham and across West Sussex continues to show resilience, despite recent fluctuations in interest rates. Many are speculating about the potential for mortgage rates to ease, with whispers of February bringing some positive news. While nothing is certain, this possibility is already sparking renewed confidence among buyers and sellers alike. Consumer sentiment seems to be shifting and with it, activity in the market is showing signs of picking up.

In fact, professionals in the mortgage industry are reporting one of their busiest periods in recent years. This uptick reflects not only growing confidence but also a recognition that opportunities exist for those ready to take the plunge. With careful planning and expert advice, the dream of homeownership remains firmly within reach.

For first-time buyers, however, there’s a looming deadline that deserves attention. On 1st April 2025, the temporary changes to Stamp Duty Land Tax thresholds introduced in September 2022 will come to an end. At present, first-time buyers enjoy a 0% stamp duty rate on homes valued up to £425,000. After the deadline, this threshold will drop to £300,000.

To put it into perspective, a property purchased at the current upper limit of £425,000 would incur no stamp duty today but would attract a £6,250 rate under the new rules. This significant change is likely to spur many first-time buyers into action before the deadline, injecting even more momentum into the market.

While changes like these may feel daunting, they also highlight the importance of seeking independent advice. Whether navigating interest rate shifts, understanding tax implications, or simply finding the right deal, a knowledgeable mortgage adviser can make all the difference. The housing market, as dynamic as it is, offers plenty of opportunities for those who are informed and ready to act. Here’s to making the most of what’s ahead!

businesses based in Haywards Heath and Worthing. In the run-up to Christmas, the shop’s window display was merely one stitch amongst a patchwork quilt of seasonal splendour in Storrington.

Jan said: ‘For some years, the village has looked very festive, with Christmas trees lining the High Street and a number of shops getting involved in the Council’s window displays competition. Every Christmas, we design a new festive window at Stitch after supporting Remembrance Sunday in November. This year, our wonderful team created a Christmas skirt for our window model, which we then

adorned with festive decorations, including some hand-stitched from craft kits that we sell in the shop, and surrounded it with hanging trees.’

‘The display has attracted admiring glances from passers-by as it looks fantastic, especially at night, and we hope some of them voted for us. As we put such focus on our displays, we wanted to do well in the competition and asked customers to vote for us and spread the word on social media. The window has helped with sales too, as we sold out of our Christmas fabrics and have

taken many bookings for sewing workshops in the New Year. We’re grateful for the support from customers and also HDC, who have offered lots of support to small businesses such as ours and continue to do so.’

Other winners of the Christmas Magic Displays Competition include Amici Coffee Co (in partnership with Experience Sussex), Jasmine’s Florist (Henfield BN5), Tottington Manor (Sussex Exclusive) and The Pulbrew in Pulborough (Sussex Living). For more about the Council’s Buy Local Gift Happy campaign, visit horsham.gov.uk/buylocal

WORDS: Ben Morris

PHOTOS: Alan Wright

Jan Hubbard, owner of Stitch in Storrington (©AAH/Alan Wright)

The beautiful display at Stitch in Storrington (©AAH/Alan Wright)

What you do with your life

Become a Foster Carer with WSCC and make a difference every day. Receive comprehensive training, ongoing professional and peer support, as well as up to £31,338* a year (per child)

and duration of time in your care

CLUB TOGETHER

BROADBRIDGE HEATH FC THRIVES ON COMMUNITY SPIRIT

Broadbridge Heath Football Club has sat largely in the shadow of Horsham FC since it was founded in 1919. It has endured turbulent times, but has recently emerged as a strong independent club, offering community football from Under-7s to Under-18s, with a titlewinning Under-23 squad supporting a Senior team playing at the highest level in its history.

AAH visited the club on match day and met 1st Team Manager Chris Simmons, Club Captain Andy Waddingham, Chairman Chris Higgins, Club President Keith Soane, Press Officer Andy Crisp and Junior Club Chair Cabz Howell to find

Chris S: Broadbridge Heath FC is a club that is close to my heart. I enjoyed six or seven seasons at the club as a player, both with the 1st Team and the Reserves. I returned to coach the Under-23 squad before being appointed 1st Team Manager in January 2020. It was a tough start, as we had two Covid-disrupted seasons. But we’ve improved since then, culminating in us winning the County League in 2022/23 to gain promotion to the Isthmian League South East Division, only one tier below Horsham FC. Many of our players have made over 100 appearances for the club and I dare-say that several could have played at a higher level, but they’ve been very loyal.

Chris W: I started playing for Broadbridge Heath U7s when I was a pupil at Shelley Primary

School. Although I now live and work in London, my parents still live in the village. My first manager was Nigel Teasdale, who is still a committee member and is often working in the ticket booth on match days! I stayed with BBH all the way through the youth leagues, when we played most of our matches at The Fort, next to the Village Centre. After a few games for the Reserves, I made my 1st Team debut when I was still at secondary school. Since then, we’ve climbed three tiers of the football pyramid. Every step is a bit tougher, but I have managed to raise my level and love the challenge of testing myself against better players. You have to be a little stronger, faster and more tactically astute, but over the years I’ve worked a few things out to help me keep pace with the youngsters!

Chris Higgins (©AAH/AW)

Venue at

(©AAH/AW)

1st Team Manager Chris Simmons at BBH FC (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Cabz: I look after 17 teams in the junior section. They range from U7s to U16s and in some year groups we have multiple teams. Most compete in the Horsham District Youth League, although a handful of teams enter the Mid Sussex Youth League. One of the great things about BBH is that there’s a pathway from the juniors to the U18s and every season we have players making that transition. Some of the most committed and talented players progress to the U23s, which is a very good team and helps to support the Senior squad. We want young plays to enjoy the game and continue into adult football and if they can remain part of the club, that’s fantastic.

Chris S: Our 1st Team is very youthful, but we’ve grown over the past few seasons. In our first season after Covid, we finished 7th in the Southern Combination League Premier Division, one position behind the club’s highest ever finish. The following year in 2022/23, we won the league convincingly. On the pitch, the players have been fantastic and stuck together, while off the pitch, we have an incredible committee and team of volunteers who do so much behind the scenes. This includes securing about £90,000 of improvements that allowed us to progress to the Isthmian League.

Chris H: I used to play for BBH FC and coached youth teams while my son played in the junior teams. We moved to the USA for several years,

but when we returned, I was keen to be involved with the club once more. By this time, the club had secured a wonderful new home, but the committee needed help with establishing the facility and I felt I could help. Keith Soane, now Club President, had been Chairman for more than 30 years and done an amazing job. The time had come for someone else to step up and take on more responsibility.

Keith S: Broadbridge Heath is stronger now than it has ever been at any time during my 54-year association with the club. As I had previously played for Mickleham FC, my neighbour invited me to join him at training and I signed for BBH for the 1970/71 season. We trained behind The Shelley where there was a

Volunteers at BBH FC (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Chris Simmons talks

Wright)

(©AAH/Alan Wright)

couple of workshops – one stored old cars and the other was our changing room! We played in the North Sussex Football League on a sloping pitch and it was almost tribal football against other villages. There used to be an Army Base on the site we occupy today. When the Army moved out, we converted one of the Nissen huts into a clubhouse. The players did most of the work, tiling the shower block and installing a bar, and that established us as a serious club.

Andy C: We had two adult pitches, a junior pitch and a clubhouse. After a while, we wanted to improve the facilities with a new pavilion, so we approached Horsham District Council, who told us about Tesco’s plan to redevelop the entire site. The Council said that if we agreed to the plan, we would have our own facility within the new sports centre (which has since replaced by The Bridge) with our own pitches and a clubhouse bar. We were delighted, but after we moved in, everything changed. Although our rates were discounted, we had to pay to use the pitches for our men’s, junior and ladies’ teams, while the Council took half the bar takings. We couldn’t afford to operate and struggled for many years. The juniors had to become self-sufficient, as did the U18s, ladies and Sunday team, leaving us with just the mens’ teams

for a replacement facility, culminating in The Bridge. However, we were out on our ear and played at Pixies Hollow in Horsham for a season. Keeping BBH FC going was hard and committee members raised funds in various ways, from car boot sales to sponsored bike rides, to keep the club afloat.

Andy C: There were six of us involved in decision-making at that time and three of us – myself included –wanted to pack up. However, we’d just been promoted to County Division 1, which is now the Premier Division. The manager wanted to carry on and we had to give him that opportunity. If it hadn’t been for that success, we probably wouldn’t have continued. However, there were reasons to be optimistic. The Chief Executive of the Council had said that it wasn’t beyond the Council’s control to find BBH FC their own facility, separate from the new leisure centre. That dangling carrot kept us going.

Keith: By 2005, plans for a West of Horsham development were gathering momentum. Money would be available from Countryside Properties under the Section 106 Agreement, in which housing developers provide funds for community projects, and we would be one of the beneficiaries. Sports England set the specification for

Changes Coming to the Lettings Market in 2025

The most significant change anticipated for 2025 is the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Bill, which is expected to be passed as early as the spring. Read on to find out what this means for both landlords and residents.

For Landlords

The main challenge will not only be understanding the Renters’ Rights Bill, but implementing the changes required to ensure full legal compliance; as the Government pushes to raise standards and strengthen enforcement powers for local councils. In 2025, with the Bill limiting rent rises to once a year and outlawing ‘bidding wars’ for new tenancies, we expect to see landlords pricing new lets optimistically. Meanwhile, energy performance standards are a key concern for many landlords, particularly the potential requirement for properties to achieve an EPC rating of ‘C’ or higher. While these changes aren’t set to take effect until 2030, landlords are already evaluating how they will impact their plans in 2025 and years ahead.

For Residents

Tenants can have confidence that regulation changes are there to help provide them with a number of improvements including fit-for-purpose accommodation, zero deposit schemes (make renting more affordable) and more specific insurance policies designed to help with damage or loss to their possessions.

Artificial Intelligence

AI is emerging as a transformative trend in property technology, revolutionising the industry. From virtual tours with detailed floor plans to advanced tools that blur personal information in photos. AI-powered solutions are also enhancing efficiency by optimising and streamlining lettings processes, including property inspections and diagnosing appliance issues. By improving both resident satisfaction and operations, AI is reshaping the future of property management for landlords and tenants alike.

Megan Taylor PROPERTY CONSULTANT

Andy Crisp, a longserving volunteer

Club President Keith Soane (©AAH/AW)

HOME IMPROVEMENTS COUNTIES SOUTHERN

Andy C: We did everything to secure a permanent new ground, attending every Council meeting about the development! Broadbridge Heath Parish Council were very supportive, in particular the late Malcolm Curnock. Others at the Council, including Jonathan Chowen and Trevor Beadle, appreciated what had happened to us in the past and helped throughout the process. It took longer than we anticipated, as we lost the bar at the old sports centre in 1998 and moved to our new home in 2019! However, it has been the catalyst for our recent success.

Andy H: When we were presented with a new facility, we didn’t simply turn it into a typical clubhouse with framed shirts, trophies and football photos on display. We wanted it to have more general appeal and to support community activities throughout the week, generating income for the club. We met with experts from The Club Programme, run by the FA to help clubs plan for the future, and saw what others had achieved across the country. This inspired the look and feel of The Venue. It’s there for the club and has a licensed bar, but is also available for hire. Helen Kowalkowski, Community and Events Coordinator, has done an amazing job in building a business and now we have mother and toddler, yoga and slimming groups using The Venue, while it also hosts private parties and functions.

Keith S: BBH has always been a super club full of great people. However, Chris Higgins has taken it to another level and with support from Peter Thirkettle (Secretary) and Matt Wright (Treasurer) they’ve introduced professionalism. Everything is spot-on, from health and safety procedures to the match day programme to the youth structure. For a long time, we were the forgotten club of Horsham, but we’ve come on leaps and bounds.

Andy C: After promotion two seasons ago, we needed to upgrade our infrastructure to be compliant with the FA’s Step 4 ground grading. So, we built a covered 50-seat stand, a canopy over the double

doors facing the pitch, outside toilets and infill fencing round the pitch. We received a grant from the Premier League Stadium Fund and an additional grant from HDC, with the remainder being self-funded. Much of the work was completed by volunteers, which has contributed to the great spirit at the club.

Chris W: When I started playing for BBH, our big derbies were against Loxwood and Alfold, but we’ve made huge strides since and the committee has done a great job of growing the club. When Chris Simmons came in as manager, I don’t think anyone would have believed we’d be promoted within two seasons. Last season, after a poor start, we turned results around and now compete comfortably at this level. I’m an exception, but one of our strengths is a commitment to youth. Young players are given a chance and are thriving.

Chris H: We’ve had great success with our 1st Team and U23s, who won the Southern Combination North League last season. Now, we’re looking at how we can develop junior players to reach a County standard at U18s. That’s the next step, to strengthen our pathway into adult football.

Cabz: The junior side of BBH is strong, with several teams challenging for titles, yet it remains a community

club that is inclusive and welcoming. We also have a girls’ team in the U13s Sussex County Women and Girls League, while other girls play in mixed junior teams.

Chris S: As for the 1st Team, things are going well. We set ourselves a threeyear target after gaining promotion to the Isthmian League South East Division. The aim for our first season was to avoid relegation, with a top 10 finish the following season and pushing on towards the play-offs in the third. In our first season, we finished ninth, so aiming for the top 10 this season seems conservative! However, second seasons can be difficult and if we can improve on last year’s position, that will be progress. As much as we’d love to reach the play-offs, there are clubs in our league with far bigger budgets, paying players more than we can afford.

Chris H: The club’s in a good place and it’s true to say that if we were to be promoted again, certain things would change. However, that’s a challenge every club wants. Yes, there would be changes on the pitch and we would need to expand our facilities and our team of volunteers even further. But give us that challenge; we’ll see if we can rise to it!

WORDS: Ben Morris

PHOTOS: Alan Wright

Monza Sport is an approved service dealer for Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Abarth and now Jeep, offering the highest levels of customer satisfaction.

We offer servicing, 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.

(*No.1 out of 165 Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Chrysler Jeep dealers for customer satisfaction in the UK, Jan - Mar 2018)

Young players at Broadbridge Heath Bears (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Scooters

Top speed 4mph, range 6 miles, transports easily. Puncture proof tyres. From only £535*

Rental £30 per day or £45 for a weekend

Wheelchairs

This model has a robust steel frame with puncture-proof tyres. Special offer: £120*

Rental £12 per day and £30 for a week

Walkers

This lightweight large wheel walker has a revolutionary design to offer stability. Adjustable height with tray. Only £266*

Family-owned local Business

We are a local provider of mobility scooters, wheelchairs, walking aids and specialist seating, with over 30 years’ experience in the industry.

As well as offering the latest range of new products, we offer servicing on scooters (including batteries), rise and recline chairs, and incontinence products.

Rollators

This super lightweight rollator is easy to operate indoors and outdoors. From only £175* Rental £18 per weekend or £30 for a week

Incontinence

We have a wide range of incontinence products from wipes to pants, which can be delivered direct free within the Horsham District

Chairs

Wide range of rise and recline chairs

Prices from £850*

Rental set up fee £35 then £75pw/£187pm.Delivery of new chairs 3/4 days.

Free Delivery in the Horsham area (15-mile radius)

Ask us for a home demonstration. We also have a range of quality second-hand scooters

REAL HOOT

HUXLEY’S BIRD OF PREY CENTRE HOPES TO SOAR AGAIN

Huxley’s Bird of Prey Centre has been established in Horsham for more than 30 years, yet remains a hidden gem for many. Three years after the passing of its founder Julian Ford, the centre is now writing a new chapter with a dedicated team of staff and volunteers. However, as AAH discovered, Huxley’s needs more public support if it’s to successfully navigate the challenges of winter…

FOUNDING FATHER

Huxley’s was founded by Julian Ford, a keen horticulturist with a passion for birds of prey. Julian opened the centre in 1993 and named it after a Eurasian eagle owl that he owned from birth. While he may not be as mobile as he once was, Huxley is still alive and will turn 48 in

(©AAH/AW)

January, making him one of the oldest known owls in captivity anywhere in the world. Julian passed away in 2021 after a short battle with cancer, and for a while his son Shane continued his father’s legacy. However, the business is now spearheaded by a small yet passionate team led by owner/manager Luke Lloyd, with the support of more than 20 volunteers.

Luke said: ‘I volunteered at Huxley’s when I was 15 and a pupil at St Wilfrid’s School in Crawley. I got to known Julian and he inspired my love for birds of prey. After only a few months of volunteering, I brought home my first bird, a Harris hawk named Tyler. Gradually, birds became an important part of my life and I even took a baby barn owl into school in a cat basket, so I could draw it for my GCSE art project!’

All aspects of tree surgery, hedge cutting & garden maintenance covered Call for your FREE quotation.

Ed: 07812995475 |Carl: 07754337926 Email: thetreemensusse x@gmail com

Casper Austin with Egor the golden eagle (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Huxley celebrates his 48th birthday soon

HERITAGE DOORS

‘I moved away from the area for a while but when I heard Julian was unwell, I returned to Horsham to visit him at his home behind Huxley’s, shortly before he died. He was devoted to the birds and I don’t recall him ever taking a holiday. Julian was also a horticulturist prior to working with birds, and one of his final wishes was to insulate the cactus house, home to his cacti collection. We managed to do that only days before he passed away. I returned from Cornwall to manage the centre alongside Julian’s son, but circumstances changed and I now manage the site alone, with support from an incredible team of volunteers. Coming here is a great educational experience for youngsters as the volunteers know everything about the birds!’

GOLDEN YEARS

Julian was known to be particularly fond of falcons and always provided a home for a falcon in need. However, there is much more to be found at Huxley’s. Star attractions include bald eagle Dakota, Egor the golden eagle, Coco the crested caracara, Hades the peregrine falcon and Cillian, a beautiful Chilean blue eagle (right). There is a focus on native species too, with a midday show featuring British birds including barn owls, little owls, tawny owls and kestrels.

Dakota, bald eagle (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Another resident is Polaris, a snowy owl, which is not native but is known to migrate to the snowy peaks of the Scottish Highlands. Polaris can be seen flying only during the winter season, as it’s too hot for snowy owls to fly during summer.

‘We lead small groups on woodland walks with hawks.’

Luke said: ‘We have flying displays at 12pm and 2pm. There’s a focus on native species at the midday session and in the afternoon we fly Frodo the eagle owl, as well as Harris hawks. Often, we fly two hawks together, which is a fantastic spectacle. Then we fly Egor the golden eagle and finish with a falcon display. We used to give all visitors the chance to wear a protective glove and hold the birds, but being passed around can cause the birds stress, so we now adopt a different approach that is more considerate of their welfare. We instead host a 15-minute experience at 1pm, during which a select number of visitors can fly and handle our resident barn owl, Casper.’

‘We also organise experiences including a Hawk Walk. We have access to nearby woodland and lead small groups on a walk, with the hawks following us, flying from tree-to-tree and occasionally coming down to the glove. We also host an Owl and Raptor afternoon for two, where visitors can hold a variety of birds including eagles, buzzards, hawks and falcons.’

Luke Lloyd with Egor (©AAH/Alan Wright)

CONSERVATION ROLE

There are people who feel that all forms of zoos should not be allowed. Whilst the birds at Huxley’s have been bred in captivity, not captured in the wild, there will always be concerns about animal welfare at attractions such as Huxley’s. As animal lovers first and foremost, the welfare of the birds is not lost on the staff and volunteers…

Luke said: ‘I understand why some people don’t agree with any form of zoo and believe all animals should live freely in the wild. I agree with them, but until we stop interfering with nature and sacrificing habitats for economic development, zoos will continue to play an important role in conservation, particularly for animals endangered in the wild. In the UK, conservation efforts have contributed to the population growth of birds such as the white-tailed sea eagle, which have been persecuted for centuries by landowners protecting livestock, even though their diet consists mostly of fish. Red kites and ospreys have enjoyed a resurgence too, but we have lost other species through persecution, including the eagle owl. Today’s laws offer wildlife better protection, but centres such as ours still educate people. We also help with conservation efforts, contributing, for example, to a breeding plan

run by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) to help save the Chaco owl, which is a species in sharp decline.’

‘Having said all of that, we know the size of the site doesn’t allow much room for flight, particularly for the bigger eagles. They don’t have much lift space, so it is difficult for them to soar to greater heights. Egor, one of our golden eagles, has been great and always looks to achieve more height, but it’s harder for our Chilean blue. In future, we hope to build two towers at opposite ends of the site, to allow them to fly between higher points.’

‘We also need to carefully consider the number of birds at the centre. Perhaps in the past, we’ve been guilty of providing a home for any bird that needed it, but if you have 30 falcons, you can’t fly them all and spending days tethered down is not much of a life at all.’

MEERKAT MANOR

As well as birds of prey, there are additional attractions at Huxley’s, including meerkats. Luke has friends at a zoo in Cornwall where a number of meerkats had been separated from the main social group. In need of a new home, he brought them to diversify Huxley’s offering. However, Luke and the volunteers need support to make further improvements and continue into the future. They have set-up a fundraising page (see end of the article) to raise awareness and keep the centre open through winter.

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 war mth and crackle of log-bur ning stoves

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

Tel: 01403 732539 Web:

Fearne Dore with Banda, an Indian eagle owl (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Liz Hughson, Volunteer Fundraising Manager, said: ‘For the last few years, we have struggled with finances during the winter. We are busy in the spring and summer and that helps us return to a more stable financial footing, but during the colder months we see fewer visitors and yet still need to feed and shelter the birds. The money only goes one way and it becomes a vicious circle. Since July, we have been registered as an official charity, which will help us apply for grants, and we hope that gift aid

supplements upon admission will generate additional income to see us through the more difficult times of year. Since Luke became sole manager, the centre has had better direction. We’ve brought in the meerkats, updated some bird houses, introduced a newsletter to email subscribers, while tickets and experiences can now be booked online. This year, we increased our visitor numbers by about 500, so we’re going in the right direction and hopefully the future for the team and the birds at Huxley’s is looking

WORDS: Ben Morris

PHOTOS: Alan Wright

Further information: Visit Huxley’s at Hillier Garden Centre, Brighton Road, Horsham, RH13 6QA huxleysbop.co.uk justgiving.com/campaign/helphuxleys

Sit back and relax and let Kim and her team coordinate your window dressing needs, from start to finish. With over 15 years of experience working for leading blind brands before establishing her own business to offer a local, family-feel company that cares about service and quality. Offices based in Southwater and Angmering.

Egor the golden eagle on the hunt (©AAH/Alan Wright)

The Blind Lady is a female run business which provides quality blinds and a friendly, professional service.

Dakota is a favourite with volunteers and visitors (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Polaris the snowy Owl at Huxley’s (©AAH/Alan Wright)

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

Aluminium Lightweight Tri-Wheel Walkers feature a lightweight aluminium frame that is easy to manoeuvre, making them ideal for use indoors or outdoors.

Able2’s new Saturn rollator (below right) is a lightweight design rollator with four wheels and a modern look. Good for indoor and outdoor use.

Scooters

Recliners

Car-boot scooters from £899.00

The Apex Alumalite is a lightweight, compact travel scooter. Easy to put into the boot. Aluminium frame makes this our lightest four-wheeled scooter yet.

£2,165

The Mirage is a groundbreaking scooter combining revolutionary lightweight design and stability with easy folding and storage.

£2,299

From £799.00

Our Rise Recline Chairs offer a blend of comfort and medical assistance, without compromising on style. The Largo Rise Recline Chair (pictured) is an embodiment of dignified living.

We also stock walking sticks, crutches, bathroom/living room aids & incontinence products

MR TUMBLE

RETIREMENT BECKONS FOR GRANGE DOMESTIC SERVICES

Robin Grange, owner of Grange Domestic Services, is well-known in the Horsham District, having serviced and repaired electrical appliances for four decades. Here, he reflects on his business journey as he embarks on a well-deserved retirement…

When did you start the business?

Grange Domestic Services was launched in 1983. I had previously worked as an appliances engineer for Hotpoint, but when I moved to Southwater with my wife Janey, I lost the ‘London weighting’ income and had to find employment elsewhere. I worked at Grant Handling, a forklift truck company in Cranleigh, but with three young daughters, needed to earn more. As I had been a Hotpoint engineer and also an electrical apprentice at Seeboard, I asked the Rev Paul Messenger if I could place a one-line advert for electrical and appliance repairs in the Southwater Parish News. We weren’t sure anyone would respond, but sure enough, residents started to call us.

Was it difficult in those early days?

I used to return home from my job in Cranleigh at 6pm, then work several hours every evening on my own business, as well as all day on Saturdays and Sundays. I didn’t see much of my daughters, but you have to make sacrifices when starting a business. Janey has always been by my side, handling incoming calls, ordering machinery and parts, and until recently sorting the accounts too, enabling me to focus on what I do best.

How did the business evolve?

Having gained a handful of local customers, we reinvested funds back into the business and placed adverts in the West Sussex County Times and Crawley Observer, which helped us expand into Horsham and Crawley. After a year, we had enough customers to make it my full-time occupation and we haven’t looked back since. We gradually expanded our coverage, covering coastal towns to the south and going as far north as Redhill and Reigate. Since those early days, Horsham and Southwater in particular have grown considerably and there has been enough local custom to keep the diary full. However, some customers from further afield have supported us for decades and we’ve continued to help them. As well as residential properties, we’ve had many commercial clients, including Horsham District Council, Saxon Weald and several Lettings agents in Horsham.

Have domestic appliances changed much? Initially, we were working mostly on Hotpoint machines, as they were the most popular manufacturer. We couldn’t survive on one

Robin Grange, owner of Grange Domestic Services (©AAH/Alan Wright)

brand alone, so gradually started repairing and servicing other brands of washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers and cookers. Forty years ago, most appliances were similar and finding replacement parts was easier. Since then, more manufacturers have entered the market and as technology has advanced, the job has become harder. However, there are very few models that I haven’t come across, be it Bosch, Zanussi, Miele, Candy, Whirlpool or anything else!

Did you ever consider growing your workforce?

For a while, we did have a plumber and an electrical apprentice working for us. The recession towards the end of the 80s hit us hard and sadly we had to let them go and I’ve carried on alone since then. It is difficult to take on additional staff without passing on higher call-out fees, similar to those charged by manufacturers, to our customers. One of the reasons we’ve been successful is that we’re a cheaper option.

Unfortunately, manufacturers don’t train apprentices like they used to either. At Hotpoint, I was mentored by an experienced engineer, but opportunities are more limited now. It’s a pity, as important skills are not being passed on.

What are your thoughts on retirement?

Part of me is reluctant to retire, as we’ve remained busy right to the end and are going out on top. Sadly, Janey has struggled with her health in recent years and can’t manage the workload she used to, which is one of the reasons why we’re closing. But it means I have more time to pursue my passion for dinghy sailing and can spend more time with my five grandsons. I have daughters living in Derbyshire and Dunblane in Scotland, so I hope to see more of them.

No political ambitions…

I did briefly serve as a counsellor on Southwater Parish Council and was a driving force for the War Memorial in Lintot Square. We had an excellent committee working on the project and I’m proud of what we achieved. We knocked on doors asking for support and the community response was incredible, helping us raise £20,000 in three months.

That project aside, I found local politics frustrating, as I have never harboured strong political views and simply wanted to contribute something to the community.

What will you miss most?

The best bit about my job is the people you meet. In the comfort of their own home, people often open up and talk about their work, family or even what’s in the news. I will miss that social side of things. I have got to know some customers very well over the years and several have been kind enough to ring up and leave goodwill messages, which means a lot. I shall miss them and would like to thank them for their support. n

Robin Grange thanked his loyal customers

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 the library), Horsham, RH12 1SL www.hearcentres.com | horsham@hearcentres.com

FINAL WORD

HAVE YOUR SAY IN OUR WOMEN’S HEALTH SURVEY

Dr Emma Woodcock & Cheryl Berry

Emma is GP Managing Partner at Orchard Surgery Horsham & Co-Clinical Director of Park and Orchard PCN. Cheryl is the Community Partnership Lead at Healthwatch West Sussex,

In recent years, women have told us about increasing challenges they face in accessing health care in the Horsham area. In discussion with many of our patients, clinicians and the community, the problems appear to have worsened due to severe demand for appointments on GP practices, poor access to clinicians with expertise in some areas of women’s health and long waiting times for hospital appointments.

For example, it has become clear that many perimenopausal and menopausal women cannot access the help they need. In addition, women in Horsham District experience disadvantages in accessing sexual health services based in Crawley. There has also been a significant increase in immigrant females of all ages in the District who often struggle with language and cultural barriers and as a result are disadvantaged in accessing healthcare.

It is well known that local GP practices are experiencing increasingly high demand. Patients tell us they struggle to access support from those clinicians with a special interest in women’s health. We have seen increasing need for mental health and wellbeing support for women and have a sense of more women suffering domestic abuse than ever before. In the last 2 years, Park and Orchard GP practices have developed several opportunities for menopausal women in Horsham.

l The Menopause Café Horsham (Gather to eat cake, drink and discuss menopause) in the town centre on alternate months.

l Regular Menopause Information Evenings in collaboration with Horsham Wellbeing Hub (Horsham District Wellbeing, provided by WSCC and HDC).

In addition, they provide Menopause Group consultations for patients. This is a service that could potentially be accessible if a Women’s health Hub was developed in the future.

National Evidence and Strategy

Although women and girls make up 51% of the UK population, the evidence suggests they are not receiving the same level of care, investigation or treatment for common and important diseases when compared to men. The consequence of this inequality is that women end up with poorer health in more significant disease areas than men.

In response, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), published the Women’s Health Strategy for England in August 2022, which sets out NHS England’s ambition for improving women’s health over the next 10 years. The national strategy set out a six-point action plan to ensure women’s voices are heard, to improve access to services, address disparities in outcomes, provide better information and education, and improve the way in which the health and care system engages with women and girls.

collaboratively as we want to ensure your voice is heard. We also want to gain insights into the potential benefits of developing a specific Women’s Health Hub for the benefit of women in the Horsham District area.

Women’s Health Hub

‘Clinics could be run at the weekend and weekday evenings.’

A Women’s Health Hub brings together healthcare professionals and community services to provide an integrated women’s health service within the local community. A Hub can offer a variety of services such as contraceptive services, cervical screening, menopause, and emotional wellbeing support. To understand your needs better, we would like to learn your views and extend a warm welcome to carers, family members and individuals who wish to share their thoughts.

Local data for Horsham District in the last 2 years shows that smear uptake is lower than the national average, contraceptive uptake has reduced from pre-Covid and there has been an increase in sexual offences locally.

Horsham Women’s Health Survey Park and Orchard Primary Care Network, Horsham Local Community Network and Healthwatch West Sussex are working

Please do complete the survey which closes the end February 2025. https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/horshamwomenshealth/

Our survey aims to discover if you feel this type of approach would improve timely access to good quality care for women, by having the opportunity to explore health related issues with appropriate professionals in a safe space. Clinics could potentially be run at the weekend and weekday evenings. We are also very interested to learn of any potential barriers you’ve encountered in accessing women’s health services. Your answers are important to help us lobby for and develop this local community service that will be designed to better support you and your family needs now and in the future.