T9[ A&H Furnishings Ltd

Handmade Curtains & Soft Furnishings

We specialise in the creation of high quality hand-made soft furnishings including curtains, pelmets, blinds, cushions and re-upholstery.

In addition we supply roller, vertical and venetian blinds as well as all types of curtain tracks, poles and accessories. We offer a complete service from free quotations and advice through to installation.

Unit 7, Church Lane Estate, Plummers Plain, RH13 6LU (01403) 891122 ahfurnishings.co.uk

Horsham Museum & Art Gallery is hosting an exhibition on the life of Frederick DuCane Godman (1834 – 1919). Godman was a natural scientist and collector who built South Lodge in Lower Beeding. The exhibition features artefacts from the museum’s collection, loans from private lenders and institutions, and contributions from Godman’s relatives. Perhaps the pinnacle of his work was the Biologia Centrali-Americana, a 63-volume encyclopaedia documenting the biodiversity of Central America. Edited by Godman and his friend Osbert Salvin, the first part was released in 1879 and was finally completed in 1915. George Champion, who specialised in insects, was part of Godman’s research team and a morpho peleides caught by Champion is among the butterflies on display, loaned by his great grandson, James Champion. Other items include Godman’s election certificate to the scientific academy, endorsed by Charles Darwin, and a collection of Islamic ceramics once displayed at South Lodge and later donated to the British Museum. Frederick DuCane Godman: The Legacy of a Collector is at Horsham Museum until 23 September. horshammuseum.org

Horsham District Council is now under the control of the Liberal Democrats, following the local elections on Thursday

4 May. Liberal Democrat candidates won 28 of the 48 seats on the Council (a gain of 15) with the Conservatives taking 11 (a loss of 18). The Greens were also well supported and are now represented by eight councillors, with one independent (Malcolm Eastwood, Henfield). Claire Vickers, formerly Leader of the Council, was among the Conservative candidates to miss out in the Southwater north ward. 67 Polling Stations were open across the District from 7am - 10pm, with the count taking place on 5 May at The Bridge Leisure Centre. The average turnout at the election was 37%. The results and can be found at: horsham.gov.uk/council-democracy-andelections/elections/election-results

The Freemasons of Horsham’s Aviation and Combined Services Lodge celebrated their 50th anniversary in May. The lodge was founded on 5 May 1973 by Captain Vic Townsend DFC and 21 others, most of whom had served in the military and later pursued careers in civil aviation. The Lodge committed to ‘tend to the Masonic needs of brethren and gentlemen who have in the past served, or are presently serving, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, or her late respected father, His Majesty King George VI, in the Armed Forces of the Realm, and particularly those engaged in aviation in all its forms, especially in the Gatwick area.’ Secretary Mike Alderson said: ‘If you are looking to explore what Freemasonry can offer, get in touch. You don’t have to wait to be asked to become a Freemason, it’s a myth!’ aviationlodge8504.org.uk

St Mary’s Church in the Causeway, Horsham, hosts its annual Flower Festival on 22 – 25 June. There will be 30 displays inspired by books of the Old Testament, including the stories of Moses, David and Goliath, and Jonah and the whale. The theme is aimed at developing on the interest and understanding of the Old Testament shown after the St Mary’s Bible Marathon in March. The displays come from the church’s own arrangers and groups, as well as local schools and other churches. There will be an opening Service on Wednesday 21 June at 7:30pm, before St Mary’s Primary School perform Country Dancing in the Causeway (weather permitting) on 22 June at 2pm. The festival is then open Thursday to Saturday, 10am - 6pm and Sunday at 12 - 5pm, with the Bethany Cafe open throughout and lunchtime musical recitals planned too. The festival ends with a celebration concert by St Mary’s Choir on Sunday 25 June, at 6pm. stmaryshorsham.org.uk

Storrington Flower Club has announced details of its summer programme. On 28 June, Linda Bryane presents a demonstration entitled ‘Celebration of Senses’, then on 26 July, Michelle King’s presents ‘Once Upon a Time’. Club meetings are held once a month at Sullington Village Hall, RH20 3PP, on a Wednesday at 2pm. Floral demonstrations are followed by refreshments, with floral designs raffled. All are welcome to attend (£6 on the door). Email chrissyldesmond@gmail.com

Several beautiful and interesting gardens are opening for the National Garden Scheme (NGS) throughout the summer.

Sedgewick Park House in Horsham is holding a pop-up opening on Thursday 22 June. With formal gardens by Harold Peto, the gardens has fantastic views of the South Downs. The Old Vicarage in Washington has 3½ acres of gardens set around an 1832 Regency house. It opens every Thursday until 12 October and also on Monday 28 August.

Fittleworth House near Pulborough (pictured) was built around 1720 from locally quarried stone. The gardens open on Wednesdays 7, 14

Petworth Late hosts a Summer Solstice on Wednesday 21 June, 7 -10pm. Visitors can spend the summer solstice watching the sunset in the Pleasure Garden of the National Trust property, nestled in a 700-acre deer park, while South Downs Folk perform. Entry £10. Petworth House also hosts a free Festival of Colour community day on Sunday 11 June, 10am - 5pm. For more details on these event, visit: nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/petworth and 21 June, 12 and 19 July, and 9 August.

Foxglove Cottage has a fabulous garden in the heart of Horsham, recently featured on Gardeners World. Enjoy tea and cake, browse plants for sale and chat to the knowledgeable owners, Peter and Terri Lefevre. It opens on Wednesday 5 and Sunday 9 July. Other gardens opening include 4 Ben’s Acre (by arrangement) and Oaklands Farm, Shipley, on Saturdays 3 June and 15 July.

The NGS supports Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK and Parkinson’s UK. For more information, including entry costs and times, visit ngs.org.uk