NEWS ROUND-UP

Announcements & Events from across the Horsham District

Thousands of homes and businesses lost their water supply on Saturday 13 May. This was due to low levels of chlorine being detected at Southern Water’s Hardham Water Supply Works, where water is sourced from reservoirs at Upper Nash and Itchenfield. Around 40,000 customers in Horsham and villages including Billinghurst, Broadbridge Heath, Pulborough, West Chiltington, Rudgwick, Barns Green and Slinfold, experienced no water or low water pressure during the weekend.

A bottled water station opened at Billinghurst FC, with further stations established at Pulborough’s Toat Cafe and Horsham Park and Ride on Sunday, with lengthy queues forming. Deliveries of bottled water to vulnerable customers were organised, with 19 tankers supporting hospitals and supplying places most in need. Chlorine levels stabilised at about 1pm on Sunday 14 May, although some still had intermittent problems, particularly in Turners Hill, where water was ‘injected’ straight into the local supply network. Problems in other parts of the county continued into the week, with water stations established in Crawley, as it took longer for the water pressure to return to normal levels at the Itchenfield Reservoir. The issues were fully resolved on Tuesday 16 May. Southern Water has apologised for the disruption and will be contacting customers about bill rebates, based on its Guaranteed Standards Scheme (GSS). southernwater.co.uk

Horsham District Council has worked in partnership with market operators Food Rocks to organise evenings filled with food, drink, and live entertainment every Friday throughout June. Friday markets will be open for business from 12pm, with entertainment starting from 6pm. Highlights include a Jazz Night (2 June), Shoreham sea shanties group Wellington Wailers (9 June), Mythago & Broadwood Morris dancers (16 June), acoustic pop from Bloomfield Avenue (23 June) and La Escuela De Bachata (30 June). For details, visit horsham.gov.uk/community/events-in-horshamtown-centre

The Jazz, Gin and Blues Festival will be held at Loxwood Meadow, RH14 0AL, on Sunday 30 July, from 12pm (music from 1.30pm). Curated by Simon Bates, founder of Loxwood Jazz Club, acts include the Nigel Price Organ Trio, BPM, The Simon Bates Quartet with Harry the Piano, Ashton Jones and Harry Green. Guests can also participate in a saxophone workshop. Gin comes from independent producers including Cabin Pressure Spirits, with ale from Langham Brewery, cider from Silly Moo and mead from Loxwood Meadworks, and a wide range of food stalls. Advance tickets £25. Free Parking. jazzginblues.co.uk

The new skate park in Horsham Park hosts an open day on Saturday 3 June, 11am - 6pm. The event is aimed at encouraging more people to have a go at skateboarding, BMX, scooter and in-line skating. Horsham District Council is working in partnership with professional demo group Team Extreme to organise the event, with pro-riders leading workshops and coaching sessions.

Competitions for riders of all ages and abilities will be held later in the day (registration opens at 11am). U18s must have parental consent and helmets are required.

@horshamskatepark2022

Farlington School will launch a year-round nursery, Little Farlington, catering for ages six months to four years, will open in September 2023. Ros Clayson, Head of Farlington Lower School & Nursery, said: ‘Our extensive grounds complement our approach to outdoor learning and Forest School. Our youngest learners will embrace possibility at every turn, as they explore, discover and adventure.’ Email admissions@farlingtonschool.com

Southwater Village Hall has a new outdoor classroom and artificial grass area for its preschool. It was opened on 12 May by Heather Clark, who recently retired as Preschool Manager and Village Hall trustee after 27 years of service. The Preschool’s running has passed into the capable hands of Emma Buckland. The new facility was funded by the Preschool Committee and grants from Southwater Parish Council and the Co-Op.

Horsham Children’s Parade returns on Sunday 9 July. The parade starts in Denne Parade, Horsham at 11am and ends at midday in Horsham Park, where its arrival marks the opening of Funday Sunday. Hundreds of primary school children from the Horsham District will be involved, showcasing creations and costumes made in workshops with community artists. The theme for the parade is ‘Classic Stories – Old and New’, to inspire characters from authors such as Roald Dahl, J.K Rowling, Julia Donaldson and Onjali Q Raúf. Carnival music is courtesy of Boom Tribe, Brighton School of Samba and others. The parade is held in association with community arts organisation Same Sky, supported by Arts Council England and Horsham