AAH (All About Horsham) March 2023

MARCH 2023 CONTENTS

News Round-Up

Toovey’s auctioneers sells painting by Uruguayan artist for record amount, and hospice prepares for the Midnight Walk.

Jewellery

Wakefields introduces a range of lab grown diamonds, offering maximum sparkle within a budget.

Retail

Jack Howe, Branch Manager at John Lewis, explains why the store is adding health and beauty departments.

Business

William Sugg & Co was a well-known name in Victorian times. The brand is rising again thanks to heritage lighting.

Art

Sofia Tuominen’s paintings can come from a dark place, but there are moments of light too.

COVER STORY

The March 2023 cover features Dermot Sugrue, owner of Sugrue South Downs, with his dog, Tara. We took several shots of Dermot and his partner Ana at the winery in Madehurst, but we also wanted an outside location too, that would highlight the brand’s association with the Downs. We found the ideal spot a few hundred yards down the lane at The Pig in the South Downs hotel. Dermot also manages The Pig’s vineyard, which can be seen in the background of the cover photo.

Other cover contenders included Lucy Bubb (Managing Director of William Sugg & Co in Horsham), Rory Payne at Cocoa Loco in West Grinstead and artist Sofia Tuominen at her Horsham studio.

SUPERMARKETS

In association with Self Select Distribution, AAH is available from free pick-up points at Tesco Extra in Broadbridge Heath and Sainsbury’s in Horsham. For other pick-up points, see right.

History

Dave Boorman has written a book about the hitherto little known history of cricket at Knepp Castle.

Food

Cocoa Loco in West Grinstead is making a giant version of its marble organic chocolate egg for Easter.

Sport

Horsham Rugby Club has enjoyed great success with its girls’ teams, helping to feed two women’s sides.

Drink

Sugrue South Downs was founded by the winemaker behind some of the region’s most successful vineyards.

Final Word

Dr Mark Jones, Head of Policy at Born Free, gives his views on a recent survey held by the Horsham-based charity.

ALL ABOUT AAH MAGAZINE

AAH is an independent monthly magazine, owned by Ben Morris, a life-long resident of the Horsham District. It is distributed to doors and pick-up points around the Horsham District.

EDITOR: Ben Morris editor@aahorsham.co.uk

(01903) 892899

AAH, 2 Viney Close, Ashington, RH20 3PT

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PHOTOGRAPHY: Alan Wright alanwrightphotography.co.uk alan.wright@alanwrightphotography.co.uk

07747 617387

Alan works for AAH on a freelance basis and is available for all kinds of commercial work.

www.aahorsham.co.uk

AAH is published online on the 1st of each month. Archive editions are online too.

DOOR-TO-DOOR DISTRIBUTION TEAM:

Jacquie Paterson, the Judd family, Hazel Garner, Jill Shuker, the Arliss family, the Bloomfield family, Eve Lovett, Lara Green, the Gavira family, Harvey Dold, Alessandro Cavallo, Jack Nicholls, Charlie Merchant, Harry Baker, the Walker family, Ben Raymond and Joseph Down (all Horsham), Katie Drysdale & William Fuglsig (Highwood), The Chapman family (Southwater), the Palmer family (BBH), Luke Butcher (Mannings Heath), Lynsey Hare (Billingshurst), Derek Bradnum (Nuthurst)

We are delighted to have a new stand at Steban’s Hair Studio at 6 The Parade, Caterways. Stebanshairstudio

AAH SPRING-LOADED STANDS

Thousands of copies of AAH are also available in our stands at local businesses, clubs and shops. Horsham: Swan Walk (outside M&S), Henry Adams (Carfax), Crates Local (Carfax) Pavilions in the Park, Horsham Rail Station, John Lewis, New House Farm, New Street Butchers, At Home Estate Agents (Carfax), The Holbrook Club, Gwyn’s Bakery (Bishopric)

Village Stands: CoCos’ Salon & Beeson House (Southwater), Billingshurst Leisure Centre, Coco’s Salon (Billingshurst) Bluecoat Sports (Christ’s Hospital), Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens (Lower Beeding), Warnham Village Stores (Warnham), Slinfold Golf Club (Slinfold), Steyning Leisure Centre and Cobblestone Walk (Steyning), Spring Gardens Nursery (Washington), Chanctonbury Leisure Centre and Joanna’s Boutique Tearooms (Storrington), The Milk Churn (Rudgwick), Meadow Stores (Thakeham), Golden Plaice (Ashington), Rusper Village Stores (Rusper) Supermarkets: Tesco Extra in Broadbridge Heath, Sainsbury’s in Horsham.

LEAFLETS

We deliver leaflets at a cost of £40 per 1,000. Email editor@aahorsham.co.uk for details.

AAH is printed with FSC® certified paper. This means it has been sourced from sustainably managed forests and other controlled sources, and its site of origin is proven and traceable under FSC certification.

HIDDEN GEMS

Notes from the Editor: Bringing Back the Magic of Easter

Whenever advent calendars are depicted in films, you’ll typically see an excitable child eagerly opening a ‘door’ to reveal a traditional festive scene. Maybe the angel Gabriel, or three wise men following a bright star. The kid would then skip to the window and stare out at a snow-filled sky, as if they might see Santa Claus. Which seems a tad greedy, given that there’s already hundreds of presents under the lavishly-decorated tree.

The reality – in this country anyway – is that it’s usually raining at Christmas, and most advent calendars are so indescribably naff that there are no pictures of Santa Claus, Christmas crackers, or Jesus in a manger. Just a plastic mould with ripped foil scraped to the edges. In fact, it’s hard to imagine them possessing less yuletide joy.

The last ones we bought for our two sons had the chocolate brand’s logo plastered across the front, with clip-art Christmas trees in one corner and what we assumed to be a chocolate reindeer in another. I won’t name the brand, other than to say they make malted balls with a milk chocolate coating. And it rhymes with Waltesers. One calendar split at the bottom and the inner tray fell out, so my eldest just tore the foil and ate the whole bloody lot. So little love had gone into the product that behind each door, there were no festive scenes. Just words like ‘Ho! Ho! Ho!’ Ah, the magic of Christmas!

Doors were first added to advent calendars to hide pictures about a century ago, but surely they’ve never been as unimaginative as they

are now. What’s even sadder is that – judging by the fact that many seem to undergo only minor alterations every year – most of us don’t care. These dreadful calendars are a winning formula and fly off the shelves.

My wife, however, wasn’t happy with the calendar we bought (some of the pictures behind the doors had been printed upside down!) so decided to make her own. She bought reindeer heads cut from plywood, with 25 holes - 24 to accommodate a Lindor chocolate and bigger hole in the middle for a Terry’s chocolate orange. Now I’ve written it down, it sounds like the most middle-class thing in the world, but it did at least mean that the boys abided by the ‘one chocolate a day’ rule and have something festive on the shelf, rather than an advert made of flimsy cardboard.

A similar thing happens at Easter and again, it’s not something most of us think much about. But this month, I visited Cocoa Loco in West Grinstead, for a feature in this edition (p51). They were making Easter egg moulds, and before placing the two halves together, they did something special: they put chocolate buttons inside. It made me wonder if – Kinder aside – my children have ever broken open a chocolate egg to find treats inside.

I remember the eggs I has as a child, and how I would try to break them perfectly in two with a firm whack on a hard surface, to reveal mini eggs or perhaps soft-centres within. I think even Cadbury’s used to do it, back when it wasn’t owned by a multinational corporation.

But looking along the supermarket shelves this year, I found one lone egg amongst the masses, which had treats inside. Many others deployed clever wording to suggest they do, but the scale of automated mass production these days doesn’t allow for treats to be individually placed by human hands. When confectioners initially stopped this practice, they would at least visibly display bars and sweets either above, below or beside the egg. Now, they conceal the egg and all other contents behind excessive, heavily-branded packaging. Much like they do with the advent calendars.

This isn’t a rant against commercialisation, or a localised call to arms against the Americanisation of seasonal celebrations. We’ve all got someone to buy for – partners, children, grandchildren, nephews, nieces – and cost matters. I’m sure we’d all love to give them chunky, hand-made chocolate eggs in plastic-free packaging from an independent, local producer, but when you’ve got half a dozen to buy, it’s not easy.

And I’m not suggesting that we try to engage children too much about the meaning of Easter either. Tell a five-year-old that eggs and bunnies are symbols of fertility and new life, which is why we associate them with the resurrection of Jesus, and all you’re going to get is a look of confusion!

I’m just saying that Easter is special and the gift of a chocolate egg should mean something. It shouldn’t be a hollow gesture.

Marbled eggs are made at Cocoa Loco (©AAH/Alan Wright)

NEWS ROUND-UP

Announcements & Events from across the Horsham District

Email submissions to editor@aahorsham.co.uk

A major work by Juan Manuel Blanes sold for £1.15million at Toovey’s auctioneers in Washington in February.

The painting, ‘A Gaucho on Horseback’, which depicts a horseman pointing as two other riders gallop away on the horizon, set a new world record auction price for the Uruguayan painter. Research by Tim Williams, fine art

consultant at Toovey’s, revealed the painting’s remarkable provenance, which helped to attract bidders from around the world to the auction, conducted by Nick Toovey.

Tim said: ‘Blanes’ Gaucho paintings celebrate the way of life of these independent, rugged horsemen whose lives embodied the South American “Wild West” and national identity in a

similar way to the cowboys of the United States. The open prairie beneath an expansive sky would have contrasted with the pressured urban lives of the cosmopolitan collectors who patronised Blanes’ work.’

The painting, painted circa 1875 – 1878, was acquired by a private Uruguayan collector. tooveys.com

Horsham-based business The Dog-G8 Company has appeared on BBC programme Dragons’ Den. The pitch by owners Peter and Chris Maxted secured an investment of £50,000 from entrepreneur Deborah Meaden, in return for 20% of the business. The family firm designs and manufactures concertina dog safety gates, which can fit a variety of configurations. In 2020, The Dog-G8 Company benefitted from a LEAP Small Business Grant, offered by Horsham District Council.

The Bear in Market Square, Horsham, closed on 11 February. A statement on its Facebook page read: ‘After a long time trying to get the best possible deal for our lease renewal, it has become unfeasible for us to continue our journey. With a 20% rent increase and nearly 18% increase on draught products through the brewery, it is just too difficult in the current economic situation.’ The Bear, run by the same team as The Stout House, thanked its customers and staff, past and present.

Chris Murray has been appointed as the new Headmaster at Pennthorpe, effective from Summer term 2023. Chris is currently Senior Deputy Head at Holmewood House, having held previous positions at Somerhill Prep, Moulsford Prep and Cheltenham College, as well as a stint as a rugby coach for London Wasps RFC. Pennthorpe’s current interim Head, Lydia Waller, leaves to become the new Head of Laxton Junior School, Oundle. pennthorpe.com

©AAH/Alan Wright

A Gaucho on Horseback (©Toovey’s Auctioneers)

Crawley & Horsham Point-to-Point races will be held at Parham Racecourse near Storrington, RH20 2ER, on Saturday 25 March.

The day includes six races over fences, hound parade, fun dog show, beer tent, funfair, trade stands and food and drink stalls. Families can take picnics and enjoy a springtime day at the races. Tickets £15 (children free). Gates open at 10.30am with arena displays from 11am and racing from 12.30pm.

parham-races.co.uk

Refugee Tales holds its next ‘Walk With Us’ event in Horsham on Saturday 18 March, at 11am. Walkers will meet at Horsham

Railway Station and walk to Warnham, before following the Riverside Walk back to town for lunch at the Quaker Meeting House. The walk is seven miles long and takes about five hours. Refugee Tales organises walks every month in solidarity with refugees, people seeking asylum, and people who have experienced immigration detention. By joining the walks, the community can welcome them and hear about their experiences. To book, visit the Eventbrite page at https://t.ly/fP2O. refugeetales.org

The Horsham 10k race, organised by Horsham Joggers, takes place at Horsham Rugby Club, Hammerpond Road, RH13 6PJ, on Sunday 14 May, at 11am. Part of the Sussex Grand Prix series, the race attracts club runners from across Sussex and further afield. The race, licensed by UK Athletics, is open to all and about half of entrants are fun runners and joggers not affiliated to a club. It is ideal for those who enjoy ‘Parkrun’ and are looking to step up to a longer distance. The event starts and finishes at the rugby club. It is run over a

well marshalled two-lap course that includes bridleways and roads, with water stops along the route. There is also a 1.2k junior fun run for U16s within the grounds of the rugby club. Prizes will be awarded to the 10k male and female winners across a variety of age categories and there will be commemorative medals for adult and junior runners. The race is sponsored by local independent estate and letting agent, Brock Taylor. Enter at: horshamjoggers.co.uk/horsham-10k/ horsham10k

©ARW Photography

©Sarah Hickson

West Sussex County Council is preparing to submit plans for a multi-million-pound retail park, as part of a regeneration scheme in Broadbridge Heath. WSCC wants to redevelop Broadbridge Heath Depot, a site that was identified as being surplus to requirements in 2018, to deliver a new commercial and retail space, including a discount food retailer. A planning application is being prepared and is set to be submitted in the spring. Residents can find out more and have their say at broadbridgeretailpark.co.uk

Center Parcs has withdrawn plans to develop Oldhouse Warren, an ancient woodland near Crawley. In a statement, the company said: ‘We have undertaken rigorous environmental and ecological surveys and, having analysed the details, we have concluded that the site is not a suitable location for a Center Parcs village.' The news was well received by Sussex Wildlife Trust (SWT), which along with the Woodland Trust, CPRE Sussex, Sussex Ornithological Society, RSPB and the residents’ group Protect Oldhouse Warren, had fought the proposal. The SWT said: ‘We have saved a special part of Sussex, home to rare breeding birds such as the marsh tit, goshawk and firecrest, as well as wonderful woodland flowers.’ sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk

YMCA DownsLink

Group has summited plans for an allweather 3G pitch at YMCA Horsham Football Club’s Herbert Direct Stadium at Gorings Mead. The development has been designed by McArdle Sport Tec and Tiger Turf, and YMCA Downslink Group are hoping to attract funding from local partners and the Football Foundation. Established in 1898, Horsham YMCA FC has been playing at Gorings Mead since 1929. The development would allow the club to offer a sustainable, community pitch for generations to come, with added capacity to support women’s and youth football.

ymcadlg.org

Claire Vickers was appointed the new Leader of Horsham District Council on 2 February.

Cabinet Member appointments include Cllr Philip Circus (Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Recycling and Waste), Paul Clarke (Finance & Assets), Liz Kitchen (Planning & Development), Roger Noel (Leisure & Culture), Richard Landeryou (Economic Development), Tony Hogben (Horsham Town Centre), Tricia Youtan (Housing and Communities) and Josh Potts (Environment & Rural Affairs).

West Sussex County Council plans to regenerate Broadbridge Heath Depot

©Bob Eade

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

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

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

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

The North Sussex branch of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) hosts its Spring Equinox Beer Festival at the Drill Hall, Denne Road, Horsham, RH12 1JF, on 24 – 25 March. There will be over 50 beers on offer, with Sussex cider and wines from Kinsbrook too. For the first time, there will be beer and cheese tasting events, hosted by Christine Cryne. Friday’s session is held at 6 -10pm, with two sessions on Saturday (11.30am – 4.30pm and 6.30 – 10pm). Tickets (which include a festival glass) can be bought from The Malt Shovel, Anchor Tap and The Beer Mine in Horsham, or at northsussex.camra.org.uk/equinox

Tel: 01403 732539 Web: sumnersponds.co.uk

Instagram: @sumnersponds

Facebook.com/SumnersPonds

The Midnight Walk, held in aid of St Catherine’s Hospice, takes place in Horsham on Saturday 10 June. 2023 marks the 40th anniversary of the hospice, so additional entertainment is planned, with special prizes for top fundraisers. Starting from The Bridge Leisure Centre in Broadbridge Heath, participants can choose a distance of two, seven, 13 or 20 miles. The routes all go through Horsham town and provide a safe, marked walk. Registration includes a T-shirt, refreshments and medal, as well as a glass of fizz and breakfast at the finish. stch.org.uk/midnight-walk-2023-sign-up/

Iriness Yoga & Wellbeing hosts an Open Day at Victoria House, Victoria Street, Horsham, RH13 5DZ on Saturday 25 March. The day includes introductory yoga classes with senior yoga teacher Irina Pashkevich Bourdier, to demonstrate the benefits to mental health and wellbeing, as well as physical health. Classes at 10am and 11.30am. Sign up for free at iriness.com/open-day

Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens is hosting a 'Hide & Sheep' Easter trail, bringing to life the much-loved Aardman character, Shaun the Sheep.

From 25 March - 23 April, visitors to the grade I listed gardens can use a special App to reveal Shaun in augmented reality, hiding out in a farmyard scene. Players can download the app in advance from the Apple Store or Google Play.

l Leonardslee also hosts model boats on the lake on 15 – 16 April, 10am – 3pm. There will be yachts, steamboats and warships as the Schooner Radio Control Group visit. leonardsleegardens.co.uk

Beer Festival

in Horsham (©AAH/Toby Phillips 2015)

©AAH/Toby Phillips

Local choir Cantatrice perform Adiemus by Karl Jenkins at the Drill Hall, Denne Road, Horsham, RH12 1JF, on Saturday 1 April, 7.30pm. The choir will be joined by its sister choir from Steyning, a string ensemble (led by violinist and conductor Rob Campkin) and eight percussionists. The programme also includes music by Piazzolla, Gershwin, Caplet and Shostakovich. A second performance will be held at the Steyning Centre, BN44 3XZ on Saturday 13 May, 7.30pm. Tickets £15 (U18s free) from 07880 855960 or cantatrice.co.uk

Three bands will perform at Revelations at the Roffey Club, Spooners Road, Horsham, RH12 4DY, on Friday 10 March, 7.30pm.

Revelations was established at The Rec Rooms in 2022 to promote original music in Horsham. The Rec Rooms has since closed, but it’s hoped that Revelations can continue at other venues. March’s line-up includes Rogue Awakening, a female-fronted hard/alternative rock band from Horsham, Call of Sirens, a rock band from Hampshire featured on BBC Introducing, and Sypha, a talented new band from Brighton. Tickets £5 from eventbrite.co.uk

Michael W. Phillips from Partridge Green has written a book based on 30 years’ experience as a management consultant. The Naked Negotiator, How to Negotiate the Salary You Deserve, has been published by Austin Macauley. Michael used his decades of negotiation experience to distil the key lessons into an easy-to-read and entertaining story about a young manager in desperate need of a pay rise from an otherwise good employer. The Naked Negotiator is available at online bookstores in paperback and Kindle.

Coolham Live Music

Club hosts the Cinelli Brothers and Marcus Praestgaard

Trio at Coolham Village Hall, Billingshurst Road, RH13 8QN, on Saturday 20 May, from 7.15pm. The Cinelli Brothers have been nominated as ‘Best Blues Band’ at the UK Blues Awards for the last four years’. Guitarist Marcus Praestgaard returns with a new trio, having spent the last 18 months performing in saxophonist Tom Waters’ Electric People. Tickets £20 (bring refreshments) from Rich at coolhamtickets@gmail.com

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

Cantatrice at the Drill Hall

Pictured: Hermione Indigo Curtains by Voyage Maison and Oceania Pencil Pleat curtains by Voyage Maison

Cinelli Brothers

Rogue Awakening

Horsham Men in Sheds hosts a Spring Sale at the Old Cadet Building, Duke's Square, Denne Road, Horsham, RH12 1JF, on Saturday 11 March, 9.30am - 12.30pm. All are welcome to browse a selection of pre-loved tools and equipment, as well as items made by members. The sale also provides a chance to speak to the ‘Shedders’. Cash and cards accepted. mens-shed-horsham.org.uk

Horsham District Archaeology Group brings together people with a shared interest to explore historic parts of the Horsham District.

Upcoming events include a walk around Storrington’s archaeology sites on Saturday 18 March, and Simon Stevens’ talk on ‘The Potted History of British Archaeology’ at Copsale Village Hall on Wednesday 29 March, 7.30pm. This is followed by a talk on Richard Nevell’s geophysical survey of Knepp Castle, held at Copsale on 26 April, 7.30pm, and Anne Bone’s talk on Chichester archaeology on 24 May, 7.30pm. The Society will also be organising field trips and geophysical surveys throughout the year. For details about membership and events, email horshamarch@hotmail.co.uk

Inspirational monthly talks are being held at Storrington Chapel, North Street, RH20 4DH. The first of the ‘Would You Believe It?’ talks featured JB Rose, a former member of successful boyband, JLS. The next features Terry Puttick, Director of London City Mission, on Friday 17 March at 7.30pm. Future talks come from former professional footballer Linvoy Primus on 28 April (pictured inset) and bicycle designer Stuart Burgess on26 May. Tickets £3 (£5 for couples) from 07891 201716 or email neuropsychology@talktalk.net

A 20mph speed limit and traffic calming measures are to be introduced in Slinfold. The changes were instigated by Slinfold Parish Council, which successfully applied for a County Council Community Highway Scheme to be devised. The new 20mph speed limit will apply to Clapgate Lane, Greenfield Road, Hayes Lane, Lowfield Road, Lyons Close, Lyons Road, Mitchell Gardens, Park Street, Six Acres, Spring Lane, The Street, Streetfield Road, Tannery Close, The Grattons and West Way. The scheme will be supported by traffic calming in the form of built out kerb lines to narrow the road in Park Street, The Street and part of Lyons Road. The works are estimated to cost £107,000.

Horsham District Council has launched a scheme to help residents recycle used coffee pods. Not-for-profit organisation Podback, created in partnership with coffee pod system manufacturers including Nespresso, NESCAFE Dolce Gusto and Tassimo, is partnering with the Council to deliver the service. Free collection bags will be provided by Podback for participants. To sign up to the service, visit podback.org

Here are some of the latest volunteering opportunities available in the Horsham District. Sussex Green Living are looking for volunteers to help with recycling in Billingshurst, and to create video content of projects they are involved in.

Little Lifesavers need volunteers to help deliver lessons to teach basic CPR skills to children aged between 9 and 13 in school.

The Macular Society requires someone who can help a person with sight-loss to connect with others through technology. For details about these and other opportunities in the

Horsham District, call the Voluntary Sector Support team on (01403) 215191, email volunteering@horshamdistrict.gov.uk or visit volunteerhorshamdistrict.co.uk

l Citizens Advice in West Sussex has launched an appeal for new recruits who can give their time to help people struggling with energy prices, rising bills, debt, employment issues, and housing issues. Last year, the charity saw unprecedented demand, supporting 35,781 people. For details visit advicewestsussex.org.uk/volunteering/

Pictured: Cllr Toni Bradnum with the coffee pod collection van.

St Catherine’s Hospice has unveiled a new shop in Horsham’s Carfax, in the unit that used to be the Post Office. The shop incorporates Catherine’s Bridal, which offers an array of pre-loved wedding dresses and outfits for special occasions. It also sells pre-loved books, clothing and bric-abrac, with a section dedicated to

second-hand furniture and electricals. Janet Saunders, who has been volunteering in St Catherine’s shops for nearly 12 years, performed ribboncutting duties on 9 February, with Cllr Kate Rowbottom, Chairman of Horsham District Council, in attendance. Follow the shop on social media @catherinesbridalstore

West Sussex County Council is increasing its share of Council Tax by 4.99%, the maximum permitted amount. WSCC announced the raise as it approved a net budget of £708.8m, which forms part of the Council’s total spend of £1.86b in 2023/24. This includes £883m to support 286 schools and £458m on adult social care. westsussex.gov.uk

l At a Full Council meeting on 22 February, Horsham District Council councillors agreed that its share of Council Tax would increase from £162.09 a year by £4.85 (2.99%) to £166.94 for a Band D property.

Storrington Flower Club meet on the fourth Wednesday of each month (except August and December) at Sullington Parish Hall, RH20 3PP, at 2pm. The club has announced its spring programme, with Helen Hare’s demonstration ‘East to West’ on 22 March and Gill Homer’s 'Dream Time' on 24 May. New members welcome. For information, call Chrissy Desmond on (01903) 742102.

l Horsham Horticultural Society’s Spring Show is held at North Heath Hall, St Mark’s Lane, Horsham, RH12 5PU on Sunday 2 April. Public viewing 2.30 – 3.45pm. Refreshments, raffle and plants for sale. horshamhorticulturalsociety.co.uk

Premium sparkling wine from Billingshurst

Locally available

The Horsham Cellar

Horsham Carfax

Joanna’s Boutique Tea Room

Storrington

The Billi Tap

Billingshurst

Pretty Things

Horsham

The Chequers Inn

Rowhook

Firebird Brewery

Rudgwick

Jeremy’s 2 Cowfold

New House Farm

Horsham

The Fox Inn

Rudgwick

Kissingate Brewery

Lower Beeding

The Anchor Tap Horsham

Order online at housecoren.co.uk

Please enjoy Boco responsibly

“Inside this fabulously opulent bottle is a beautifully pale sparkling wine packed with gorgeous fruity notes.”

Tamara Hinson, Evening Standard

WAKEFIELDS OFFERS IMMACULATE LAB GROWN DIAMONDS

Wakefields Jewellers in West Street, Horsham, have recently expanded their fine jewellery offering to include lab grown diamonds. Since 1911, Wakefields have exclusively stocked traditionally mined diamonds and gemstones, but have embraced the growing demand for lab grown jewellery options this year.

Managing Director Melanie Wakefield said: ‘It’s a hugely exciting step for us to include this new collection in store. We’ve done extensive research to ensure that our lab grown offering is of the highest quality.’

It is almost impossible to distinguish lab grown diamonds from mined diamonds without specialist equipment. Both share the same iconic, timeless sparkle that makes diamonds so desirable. Yet because lab grown diamonds are not as limited in their availability as their mined counterparts, higher quality stones can be selected in larger sizes, making them a more affordable option for anyone searching for maximum sparkle within their budget. All lab grown diamonds at Wakefields are D-F in colour, with VS clarity as standard, hand-chosen for exceptional cut and polish.

Designs come in a choice of 18ct or platinum, although Wakefields also offers a bespoke service, allowing customers the freedom to design their own unique piece of jewellery.

Their expert, friendly team will be only too happy to guide you through the collection, as well as their full fine jewellery offering, whilst you enjoy a glass of bubbles from the luxury bar.

wakefieldsjewellers.co.uk

Tax year-end 2022/23: lay the foundations for your 昀nancial future

With reductions in tax reliefs and allowances looming for 2023/24, now’s a good time to ensure you’re taking maximum advantage of them in this tax year.

It’s always a good idea to take advantage of your annual tax reliefs and allowances wherever you can. This year, though, it’s more important than ever. In his 昀rst Autumn Statement, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced reductions to a number of key allowances used by investors, as part of his attempts to shore up the nation’s 昀nances.

Which key allowances are changing?

Capital Gains Tax

The Capital Gains Tax (CGT) allowance for the current tax year (2022/23) is £12,300. This means that when you sell investments, you can enjoy gains up to £12,300 before you pay CGT.

But following the Chancellor’s announcement in the Autumn Statement, from 6 April 2023, the CGT allowance will be more than halved to £6,000, before it halves again in 2024/25 to just £3,000 a year.

Dividend allowance

The Chancellor also set his sights on the dividend allowance. This is the amount you can earn from company shares, including dividends from money held in collective investments such as funds and investment trusts before Dividend Tax is charged. Currently, the dividend allowance is £2,000, but from 2023 it will be halved to £1,000 and then halved again to £500 in 2024/25.

Which allowances could I be utilising?

You can shelter your investments from Dividend Tax and CGT by holding them in tax-ef昀cient wrappers, such as a pension or Stocks & Shares ISA.

Each year, you can pay up to £20,000 into an ISA or if you can tie the funds up until age 55 (57 from 2028), you can save into a pension.

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Jack Howe at John Lewis (©AAH/Alan Wright)

LIFE STYLES

NEW FASHION AND BEAUTY DEPARTMENTS AT JOHN LEWIS

The John Lewis store in Albion Way, Horsham is undergoing an extensive refit, in preparation for the launch of new services. Here, Branch Manager Jack Howe reflects on his journey with the company and why the changes mark the start of an exciting chapter for the store…

When did you first join John Lewis?

I started working at the Bluewater store on a temporary basis aged 16. John Lewis has played an important part in my life, as I met my wife there too. We unexpectedly reunited several years later, after Emma had finished university and become a teacher, and I had spent a year working abroad. We now have two young children together.

When did you become Manager at the Horsham branch?

I was promoted in March 2022, after three years as Deputy Branch Manager at the Oxford Street store. When I was offered the position, I was simultaneously informed that I would be project managing an extensive refit. I've been on a steep learning curve for the last year, getting to know the town, the store, the customers, and partners working alongside me, whilst also overseeing the refit. It’s been a challenge, but an exciting one.

Tell us about the current works…

Central to the project is the need to re-purpose the ‘At Home’ format. The store will no longer be John Lewis At Home, but simply John Lewis. Since the Horsham store opened in 2015, it has showcased John Lewis’ home and technology products. We’re now introducing fashion and beauty departments, which hasn’t been done before at a John Lewis store of this size.

Why the need for new services?

John Lewis & Partners aims to be there ‘For All Life’s Moments’ and the changes reflect that. When you start a family, we’ll support you when you buy your first car seat, buggy and baby clothes through our nursery department. As your children grow, we have toys, clothing and a shoe fitting service for their first day at school. When the time comes to spruce up your home or move house, we’re there for your soft furnishings, furniture, lighting and decorations through our home design service. Technology is part of that too, as a new TV can be the final flourish to the lounge of your dreams. To be there for all life’s moments, we need fashion and beauty departments too, with outfits for your new job, and beauty treatments before a special occasion.

Did you consider closing the store while work was carried out?

It was essential to remain open. We wanted to continue to serve our community while doing our best to minimise any disruption for

customers. This is a trial project that will inform future developments at other stores. It has brought challenges, but nothing my team hasn't been able to cope with, and they continue to be proud of the shop they work in. Indeed, we’ve been able to showcase the new departments, which has added to the excitement and anticipation amongst customers.

Which fashion brands will you offer?

Some brands have been featured on the holding boards, including Levi, Baukjen, Whistles, and menswear brands such as Kin and Barbour, with others yet to be revealed. We will also introduce a personal styling service, creating more jobs in the community. The beauty room will offer treatments such as facials and manicures, enhancing the customer experience. The feedback so far is that people are delighted about the new additions, with some customers remarking that they’ll no longer need to travel to London to buy clothes.

With new services introduced, you have surely lost something?

As the floor space remains the same, we have reduced the home department by 24% and technology by 17%. So, there has been a compromise. When the store first opened, there was much fanfare about the beautiful room settings which showcase beds, linen, furniture, lighting and decorations in a variety of themes. Since then, our home design service has been hugely successful

Opening day at John Lewis and Waitrose in 2015 (©AAH/Toby Phillips)

and we recognise the need to maintain that. So, as part of the refit, we will be launching ‘The World of Design’ to showcase home furnishings in a unique space.

Can people order products no longer in store?

The beauty of our omnichannel service is that we can order anything from the John Lewis catalogue within 24 hours, via our click-andcollect service. We’ve taken the opportunity to make changes at the front of the store too, relocating customer services to make them more accessible and convenient. It means people can now collect parcels during Waitrose opening hours, even if John Lewis is closed. That is one of the benefits of the relationship between Waitrose and John Lewis. Although both are owned by the John Lewis Partnership,

Horsham and Ipswich are the only two locations in the UK where the two share a space in this format. That’s another reason why there’s interest in our trial, with Waitrose offering food and beverages and John Lewis now offering home, fashion and technology, all under one roof.

The Horsham branch has become more involved in the community. Is this a conscious move?

If you pursue a career in retail, you must enjoy engaging with the public, and I see community work as an extension of that. I’ve worked closely with Daniel, our Brand Experience Manager, to liaise with charities and organisations, and on occasions we have collaborated with Waitrose too, making an even greater contribution to the community. At Christmas, we worked with Home Start to deliver shopping and gifts to families

who couldn’t afford certain things that many of us would consider essential at Christmas. We have supported other causes too – donating to raffles and providing retail expertise to charity shops in town – and we recently supported West Sussex Fostering, which aligned with the John Lewis festive advert.

When is the refit due for completion?

We’re expecting activity to be completed by mid-March and towards the end of the month we will contact our members with news and special events. Until then, we remain open, so customers can keep an eye on progress as we edge towards completion.

Further information: johnlewis.com/our-shops/horsham

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STREET SMART

HOW WILLIAM SUGG & CO BECAME PART OF OUR HERITAGE

You may not know the name William Sugg & Co, but you’ll be familiar with their product. For 175 years, the company has been a leader in the supply and installation of heritage lighting. After a turbulent period in which the business nearly collapsed, William Sugg & Co is enjoying a revival at Blatchford Road Industrial Estate in Horsham…

VICTORIAN HERITAGE

There is a framed poster in the offices of William Sugg & Co with drawings of its most popular street lights. Although the company now makes lighting for both interior and exterior use, it’s historically associated with lights that illuminated Victorian England. At a glance, street lights may seem identical, but a closer inspection will reveal that the bases, posts and lanterns vary in shape and decorative features. William Sugg & Co named many of its own designs after the London boroughs where they first appeared, including The Westminster, The Metropole, The Strand, The Lambeth, The Regent, The Whitehall and The Westminster. There’s an equally long list of cast columns too. One of the most common is The Trafalgar, which had bases made with obsolete cannons.

THE WINDSOR

The most popular of William Sugg & Co’s lanterns was the Windsor, which had four glass panels around a hand-crafted copper lantern, which narrowed towards the bottom. Alan Jordan is currently busy restoring 50 removed from Covent Garden. The Coppersmith said: ‘The Windsor is available in five sizes and the Covent Garden ones are small, 14” lanterns. There are several finishes available, as customers can choose a natural, lacquered or painted finish. When it comes to London lights, most choose a traditional look of rustic copper. Once I have finished these, I’ll be working on KC lanterns (Kensington &

Chelsea) which will be painted green. We have been involved in many interesting projects for museums, castles and historic buildings. We made lights for the Bomber Command Memorial in Green Park and Flambeau lights for London Dungeons. It’s very rewarding to create something that contributes to the culture and history of our towns and cities.’

ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES

There are few aspects of London that are not subject to unusual quirks of tradition, particularly those concerning the monarchy. Street lighting is no different. There are literally hundreds of patented Sugg designs (some of the originals have been lost, although many have survived) and in some cases they detail only tiny variations of a theme. For example, Windsor lanterns for Royal parks all differ slightly. However, these unique features are important when it comes to restoring or replicating them. One current project involves the restoration of 9m columns and lanterns from Admiralty Arch, each of which is adorned with miniature ships.

Coppersmith Alan Jordan works on a Windsor lantern at William Sugg & Co (©AAH/Alan Wright)

William Sugg & Co’s traditional street lights

However, William Sugg & Co caters for more than just restoration projects in the UK. General Manager Lucy Bubb said: ‘English heritage is in demand all over the world and we have received commissions from private and corporate clients from America to Asia to Australia.’

‘Sometimes, people send a photo of what they’re looking for. It could be one of our popular designs, or something that incorporates elements of several. As well as restoring heritage lights, we can design and build entirely new ones, each tailored to individual specifications. When you consider the potential variations in terms of column hight, lantern shape, ladder bar patterns, glass panels, decorative gilding, and both electrical and gas options, the possibilities are endless.’

TWIST IN THE TALE

To tell the story of William Sugg & Co, you have to go back to 1837, the year Dickens published the first volume of Oliver Twist and Queen Victoria took to the throne. Thomas Sugg had made the UK’s first gas pipes in the early 19th century and his son William pursued similar interests, setting up Sugg, Pywell & Co in Westminster in 1837. Three years later, it was renamed William Sugg & Co.

By the 1880s, the company had a reputation as one of the country’s leading lighting manufacturers, supplying and installing lighting for Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge. Its lights were made with strong materials and often incorporated the kind of ornate gilding that typified the Victorian age. Following William’s death in 1907, the Sugg family continued to be involved and it P.C Sugg developed a lighting laboratory too. Five years after a hostile takeover by Thorn Electrical Industries Ltd in 1968, Chris Sugg (William’s great-great grandson) formed a new company, Sugg Lighting Ltd, specialising in heritage lighting. This was eventually sold to F. W. Thorpe PLC, but the family name was retained and in 2019, William Sugg & Company was reformed. Chris Sugg still works for the company as a historical advisor.

Lucy Bubb, Manager Director of William Sugg & Co (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Office Manager Maggie Hinton said: ‘When we were based in Foundry Lane, Horsham, the business almost shut down, as an investor with little interest in the brand’s history stripped most of its assets. Fortunately, two new investors with a passion for the brand and its history stepped forward and relaunched the company, leading to the return of key members of staff. Now the passion and inspiration has returned and we are on an upward trajectory.’

ELECTRIC CONVERSION

William Sugg pioneered gas lighting in Victorian England and for decades the company thrived by focusing not only on gas lights, but apparatus for gas heating, cooking and ventilation too. There remains a nostalgic desire for gas lights among those seeking the sultry atmosphere it omits, so the company continues to have an in-house gas expert, Paul Lane. However, most of Sugg’s designs today are also available as electric lights with energy efficient LED bulbs.

Lucy Bubb said: ‘Local authorities across the UK are switching from gas to LED, because there are environmental benefits and they require less maintenance. It can be a contentious subject though. Some street lights are protected by English Heritage and it’s important to maintain their aesthetic appeal and authenticity. In some places, lamps have been removed by councils without consultation and that has caused a furore. A group called the London Gasketeers have campaigned against the removal of gas lights, most notably in Westminster. So, we’re flexible with our services and have created a mantle that can accommodate modern, energy-saving LED bulbs while replicating the authentic look of gas light.’

The Windsor (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Electrical engineer Neal Kriegler installs modern lights to a traditional mantle (©AAH/Alan Wright)

ROYAL DUTY

You don’t need to travel far to find a William Sugg light, which can be identified not only by the name, but also the presence of gilded oak leaves. They can be found in the Carfax and in other towns up and down the land. One recent job saw the company restore lights along Eastbourne promenade. There’s demand from tourist attractions like the Bluebell Railway and Amberley Heritage Museum, and even from Hollywood. William Sugg & Co provided 200 lights for the 2018 remake of Mary Poppins

During AAH’s visit, Sheet Metal Technician Peter Farrell was working on a special type of Windsor, larger than usual, destined for Tottenham Hotspur FC.

However, the most prestigious assignment in recent times was working on the Platinum Jubilee gift for H.M Queen Elizabeth II. General Manager Lucy said:

‘The Houses of Parliament presented the Queen with a gift at each jubilee and to mark Her Majesty’s 70th year on the throne, commissioned two bronze statues featuring the heralded beasts of the UK, which incorporated magnificent crowns to serve as illuminated beacons. They measure 1.1m high and 80cm in diameter and took several months for us to make. Sadly, the Queen died before she could see them, but King Charles officially unveiled them in her jubilee year.’

A Platinum Jubilee commission is unveiled by King Charles III (©UK Parliament/Roger Harris)

Peter Farrell manufactures a Windsor lantern (©AAH/Alan Wright)

THE FUTURE

Some experienced members of the team are helping to train apprentices, to ensure their unique skills are passed on and that heritage lights can be restored for generations to come. The company has ambitions to expand its work force further in years to come, as it explores new opportunities in both the commercial and residential sectors.

Whatever the future holds, the company will continue to honour the Sugg name, says Alan Jordan: ‘There have been difficult times, but now we are turning a corner and there’s cause for optimism. We are pricing jobs properly now, placing honest value on the skills we have in the factory. Everything is done by hand and although we’re up against production lines who can operate faster and cheaper, they don’t have our heritage and expertise. There will always be a market for such skills. This business has existed in one form or another for over 150 years and hopefully it’ll be around for a good many more yet!’

WORDS: BEN MORRIS

PHOTOS: ALAN WRIGHT

Further information: William Sugg & Co, 23 Blatchford Close, Horsham, RH13 5RG (01293) 540111 sales@williamsugg.co.uk williamsugg.co.uk

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DARK ARTS

SOFIA TUOMINEN HAS A LOVE/HATE RELATIONSHIP WITH ART

Sofia Tuominen was born in Finland, moving to Horsham at the age of 12. She has always been creative, but has struggled with mental health and channels these emotions into her paintings. Although much of her output has dark themes and sexual symbolism, there are still moments of light, as AAH discovers…

ALTER EGO

As a child growing up in Helsinki, Sofia loved to draw. Art provided an escape from reality, and while other children were outside playing, Sofia preferred to be left alone, creating a fantasy world of dragons and monsters. She also liked dressing up in costumes inspired by rock band Lordi, best known outside Finland for their 2006 Eurovision triumph.

Aged 10, she discovered Japanese manga and anime, which has influenced her work ever since. ‘I became quite obsessed by it,’ said Sofia. ‘I particularly liked stories with a strong heroine and many of my paintings depict women with big eyes, like you see in manga. These women are my alter egos. There is a darkness in much of the work, with scenes of torture, blood and death, as they’re an expression of how I felt.’

Goddess of Sexual Health (©Sofia

DEEP EMOTIONS

Sofia has suffered with anxiety and depression from a young age. After her family moved to Horsham eight years ago, she endured difficult teenage years. She left school at 15 and art has been her main focus in the five years since. Sofia said: ‘I have a love/hate relationship with art. Sometimes I know that I have not been good enough and other times I feel I’ve done well. I always expect more from myself. Do I feel happy when I finish a painting? I’m not sure if I do. But It does mean something to me when someone likes my work, even if I know they are not for everyone.’

BEAUTY & POSITIVITY

Two years ago, Sofia joined Rocket Artists, a Brighton-based group that celebrates diversity. She has exhibited with the group, and also contributed six paintings to NTKO (Not That Kind Of) Gallery in Lincolnshire, which were auctioned for a mental health charity. One of her most striking works, ‘Goddess of Sexual Health’, was selected for an exhibition called ‘Humanity’, held at Sotheby’s in London and hosted by arts charity, Outside In.

Sofia Tuominen at her studio in Horsham (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Tuominen)

Sofia Tuominen in her studio (©AAH/Alan Wright)

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Sofia said: ‘I was terrified by the thought of attending the exhibition and wondered what the outcome would be. Would it be worth it? But the exhibition went well. The painting has lots of sexual references, as it represents a bad experience in a personal relationship. Behind the central female figure, birds and butterflies symbolise innocence and sexual freedom. For me, it is about darkness and negativity, but the woman who bought it saw beauty and positivity.’

INNER STRENGTH

One of Sofia’s paintings has featured on the bottle of a Lush perfume, called ‘Karma’. The work features flowers in the form of bacteria, contrasting the artist’s love of flowers and fear of germs. It has a brighter colour palette than much of Sofia’s work, which often features splattered paint and thick layers of red, black and gold. Flowers and butterflies are a regular occurrence and can sometimes provide positivity and light against an otherwise dark theme.

Sofia said: ‘I never really know when a painting is finished, as I keep adding layers and details, depending on my mood, until I get a feeling that it’s time to stop. One painting I am particularly proud of is ‘Strength’ and you can sense that something has happened to the girl in the picture. She is scared of something and is hiding a bruised eye, but deep down she has a strength that draws people in.’

‘Karma’ portrays Sofia’s love of flowers and fear of germs (©AAH/Alan Wright)

‘Strength’ by Sofia Tuominen (©AAH/Alan Wright)

(©AAH/Alan Wright)

ANIMAL MAGIC

Now 20, Sofia has recently started painting animals. She shares her studio with Charlie, a guinea pig, and he is featured in several paintings. Others include cats wearing kimonos, or bold pictures of a bluebird in flight. ‘Earth in Your Hands’ offers a more representational interpretation of a macaw, albeit with the same unrestrained splashes of colour that define her work.

Sofia said: ‘I think my mental health has improved in adulthood. When I was a teenager, I never really found the help I needed, but now when I’m down, I’m able to help myself get back up. I see a little bit of light in my work now, especially in the animal paintings. I see more of what I want to see in the world from animals than I do from people. I don't understand people and neither do animals, and perhaps that’s why I feel a connection.’

BEAUTIFUL WORLD

As well as painting prolifically – averaging two paintings a week – Sofia is developing her skills with iPad drawings, which have a clear Japanese anime influence. She hopes to develop a website and social media pages too, while continuing her association with Rocket Artists and Outside In. Sofia said: ‘My dream is to have my own dog, as I’ve always wanted one, and make a career out of being an artist. One day, I hope to see the world as a beautiful thing, like the world I could see as a child.’

WORDS: BEN MORRIS

PHOTOS: ALAN WRIGHT/SOFIA TUOMINEN

Further information:

For more about Rocket Artists visit rocketartists.co.uk

You can also see Sofia’s work at: outsidein.org.uk/galleries/urmasdejormas/

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FIELD OF DREAMS

BOOK REVEALS DAYS WHEN KNEPP CASTLE HOSTED CRICKET

Local author David Boorman has written 'A History of Cricket at Knepp Castle’. The book lays out the history of country house cricket at the estate in rich and fascinating detail. Here, David offers a glimpse into the story…

Were anybody on the average Horsham omnibus asked what springs to mind when they think of Knepp Castle, many people might say 'rewilding.' In 2001 the current owner, Sir Charles Burrell and his wife, the award-winning author, travel writer and conservationist Isabella Tree, decided to devote their energies to implementing a pioneering rewilding project on the estate that has won them many friends among the environmental lobby nationally.

It is all Lombard Street to a China orange that nobody would have associated Knepp with cricket. Yet 'house eleven' was played on the gracious front lawn of the castle grounds from the mid-1860s (if not earlier) through to its dissolution following the Great War.

Albeit somewhat tenuous, the first mention of 'cricket' and 'Shipley' in the same sentence dates back as far as 1784 and there are more references to the sport being played locally throughout the first half of the 19th century. These include being bowled out against Horsham for just seven runs (1838), while in August 1859 a match against Southwater 'was steadily watched by a tame magpie'

There was a somewhat peripatetic feel to cricket in the parish in these early days. As often as not, the Shipley cricketers would join forces with their counterparts across the Worthing Road in West Grinstead. Matches were played at various locations including West Grinstead Park, Jolesfield Common and Coolham, but not Knepp Castle. Not, that is, until Wednesday 15 July 1863, when Shipley CC entertained and comfortably defeated West Grinstead. This is the first known reference to a match being played at the castle.

Between 1873 and 1882, the club played under the banner of 'Shipley & West Grinstead United CC'. Matches against Cuckfield, in particular, seem to have had their moments: in July 1871, a close-run game ended in a very unfair and very unfriendly manner, with Cuckfield reportedly drawing stumps five minutes before time, when Knepp required just three runs to win with nine wickets in hand. On a happier note, in a match at Cuckfield in 1875, the Shipley team 'were driven up in grand style by Captain Burrell, on his four-in-hand drag'.

In July 1874, the side made its first appearance at the County Ground in Hove, and a winning one at that. That season saw the combined XI playing home matches at no fewer than four different venues. However, all this was about to change, for in 1875, Knepp Castle Lawn was officially declared as Shipley’s new cricket ground.

Which was all very fine, as far as it went, but in June 1877, Knepp fell to a defeat of quite humiliating proportions against visitors

This is the only known photo of a Shipley/Knepp Castle CC XI, taken some time in the 1880s.

Henfield when 'the ground was not in the best possible order, the ball frequently being in closer proximity to the batsman's head than to his wickets.' This tendency was again noted in June 1879. In a match against Horsham, 'heavy overnight rain caused the ball to bump considerably'. It was also observed that the Horsham batsmen 'distinguished themselves in a most remarkable manner in the distribution of ducks eggs', which means to be dismissed without scoring.

There was another name change in 1883 when West Grinstead & Shipley CC became Knepp Lawn CC. A further – and final – change came in 1889 when the side assumed is final iteration of

Knepp Castle CC. The season before (1888) the club 'agreed to adopt a uniform dress, colour dark blue'

Part of the charm of researching Knepp Castle CC match reports is that a sense of humour could usually be found bubbling away not too far beneath the surface, albeit often of the gallows type. For much of the period 1890 – 1904, when the fixture (I suspect to everyone's profound relief) was discontinued, Knepp received some unmerciful hidings at the hands of Horsham, who were far too strong for them. After yet another mauling in June 1899, a wry plea was made by the Knepp chronicler that 'on future occasions we should like to see the wicket a

little nearer the pavilion, as it was a long way there and back with so short a stay when you got there.'

In 1902, overtures were received from West Grinstead CC to the effect that the two clubs should merge. Knepp were outraged. The question was deemed 'somewhat extraordinary' and was peremptorily declined. In July 1903 at Slinfold, there was disagreement between the umpires and players as to the fitness of the wicket following heavy rain. Taking the bull firmly by the horns, the former 'obtained a shovel and scraped the mud off and covered the pitch with sawdust. The captains then agreed to start playing.'

The Burrell Arms was the social centre of the club. It which stood at the junction of the old A24 and the B2135 Partridge Green Road. The picture was taken some time after 1903.

Sir Merrik Burrell, the 7th Baronet, was born at Knepp in 1877 and later captained the cricket club

They may not have known it at the time, but the sands were beginning to run out for Knepp Castle CC and the period between 1910 and 1914 tells of a side in a downward spiral. There was the occasional moment of light relief, such as a match against Leonardslee in June 1911 when 'the ball was hit into a rabbit hole and had to be dug out', but by the time war was declared the club was already struggling for survival.

An eerie and preternatural post-war silence had settled over the land. Without any form of prior intimation, the Shipley parish magazine for September 1920 reported that: 'The affairs of this club were wound up at a General Meeting early this year. It was agreed to sell the club material and to give the proceeds, together with a small balance in hand, to two local hospitals.'

Knepp Castle CC and its lineal predecessors had ploughed a charmingly idiosyncratic furrow across the local cricketing landscape for generations. There is no indication that the Burrell family had withdrawn its benevolently paternalistic interest in the club, but with many of the pre-war side now too old to play, there may have been nobody off the field to keep things afloat. The post-war world was a different place and (sadly) it may simply have been the case that there was no place in it for such an anachronistic entity.

Fielding an eclectic mix of villagers, estate workers, guests staying at the 'Big House' and the occasional 'hired hand' Knepp Castle CC remained throughout their existence the 'house' XI of the Burrell family, who maintained a close, patriarchal interest in their activities, on and off the field. This, coupled with a location to die for, meant they could never have been described as ‘run-ofthe-mill’ opponents.

Like most such sides, Knepp Castle CCs fortunes waxed and waned over the years. They were never at the forefront of cricket in the county, but one England captain played there, along with four Sussex captains and three other England Test players. For many decades, the club played its full part in the social life of its quiet rural community and gave a lot of pleasure to a lot of people along the way.

Further information:

David's book, 'A History of Cricket at Knepp Castle and the Parish of Shipley' is available only from the Sussex County Cricket Club Museum & Educational Trust at the County Cricket Ground, Hove, price £28 (plus £4.50 p&p). It runs to almost 300 pages and was produced as a limited edition of 50 copies. Anybody interested may also contact David directly, at dave.boorman@hotmail.co.uk

l

Knepp Castle, built between 1809 – 1812

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FULL STEAM AHEAD FOR EASTER AT FAMILY-RUN FIRM COCOA LOCO

In 2005, Sarah Payne turned her passion for making brownies into a business. She founded Cocoa Loco, with a focus on organic, Fairtrade chocolate.

It wasn’t long before the fledgling company outgrew the kitchen of the Payne family’s Partridge Green home, with production moving to a small industrial estate in West Grinstead. Sarah is now a West Sussex County Councillor, representing Henfield, and a Governor of the Sussex NHS Partnership Trust. Commitments outside of work have meant that day-to-day operations at Cocoa Loco are now led by her husband, Rory, although Sarah still conjures moments of inspiration.

‘We’re very different people,’ said Rory. ‘Sarah has a creative mind, while I’m logical and organised. She will come up with an idea for a recipe and envisage how we might market the product. I will consider the technical aspects of her idea: sourcing ingredients, assessing allergen risks, working out packaging specifications and compliance issues, to find a cost-effective way of making it. Sarah doesn’t necessarily need to be here every day to do what she does best, as inspiration can come at any place at any time.’

CHOCOLATE SPOONS

There have been many wonderful concepts since the company’s formation. Some have been limited editions or seasonal treats, while others have become regular bestsellers. Bags of chocolate couverture are ideal for home bakers, as they offer a creamy flavour thanks to the high percentage of cocoa butter. The truffles (including milk chocolate sloe gin, named in Forbes’ list of the 10 finest truffles from around the world) pack incredible flavour, while slices of dried mango dunked in dark chocolate are surprisingly moreish.

Sarah Payne, Founder of Cocoa Loco (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Chocolate flakes, packets of choc chicks and fairies, a small marbled chocolate bunny, and mango dipped in dark chocolate (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Classic bars include white chocolate lemon drizzle, dark chocolate with chilli & lime, sea salt, and dark chocolate with cocoa nibs & hazelnut. Hot chocolate spoons have become a family favourite too, as they’re great for melting into a hot mug for a fun and indulgent treat.

Sarah said: ‘The cornerstone of the business has always been quality. If it doesn’t taste good, we don't go any further. Our milk chocolate bar has only five ingredients: cocoa mass, cocoa butter, sugar, whole milk powder and vanilla. Each bar has a minimum of 37% chocolate, from single origin cocoa beans from the Dominican Republic. Pick-up the best-selling chocolate bar in a supermarket and you’ll see it has 20% chocolate, only a fifth of the bar. The difference is made up with palm fat, flavourings, raising agents and emulsifiers. We have no desire to be that kind of business.’

MARBLED INTERIOR

The chocolate spoon range includes one with a marbled effect – a combination of dark, milk and white chocolate. This has become one of Cocoa Loco’s signature products, with the marble bar also a firm favourite. This Easter, solid marble chocolate bunnies and a giant 1.25kg marbled chocolate egg have been added to the range. This comes after the 225g version was named 2023’s ‘Best Milk Chocolate Easter Egg’ by Good Housekeeping magazine. Easter’s selection also includes a lemon drizzle egg, and a Bakewell chocolate egg, decorated with blanched almonds and sour cherries.

Making dark chocolate mango pieces and (below) infusing ginger into dark chocolate Easter eggs

‘The giant eggs are heavy, almost like a rugby ball!’

Rory Payne

Rory said: ‘The giant eggs are heavy, almost like a rugby ball, and because we make them by hand, we can put chocolate buttons inside. We first pour the chocolate into a mould, then allow it to set slightly for ten minutes. We then scoop out the insides, leaving a beautiful, thick shell with real substance to it, before allowing it to properly set. Because it’s hand-made, eggs often weigh quite a bit more than the minimum 1.25kg, especially after the buttons have been placed inside.’

‘A proper Easter egg should be hiding treats, in my opinion. When I see mass-produced eggs on the supermarket shelves, with thin, hollow eggs made to within a gram or two of its minimum specification, and separate chocolate bars amidst excessive packaging, I don’t see much excitement for the consumer.’

FASTER PRODUCTION

Casting an eye around the Cocoa Loco kitchen, several products are in the midst of production. One member of the team coats Champagne truffles with milk chocolate flakes, as another dips mango slices into melted dark chocolate. Elsewhere, white chocolate is being efficiently ‘piped’ across a tray of hot cross bun truffles, while chunks of fiery ginger are being set into egg moulds at the next table.

At

Combining milk and dark chocolate (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Marbled chocolate is poured into moulds (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Marbled chocolate egg halves (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Attention to detail has served Cocoa Loco well, but the business has also turned to technology to increase production of certain products and complement its hand-made range.

Rory said: ‘Being a chocolatier is rewarding, but it doesn’t feel that way when you’re having to make thousands of “thins” over several days. The dark chocolate and mint thins are among our bestsellers (there’s also milk chocolate and orange thins) but making them can be laborious, and we’ve had to turn away large orders to preserve the sanity of the team! Instead, we’ve invested in state-of-the-art equipment which provides a degree of automation.’

‘Some things cannot be done by machine, such as our marble chocolate bars, but it can speed up the production of plain chocolate bars and thins. The other significant recent development is the introduction of plastic-free packaging across our range, which is an extension of our commitment to sustainable resources, which Sarah implemented from the very beginning.’

‘A recent development is the introduction of plastic-free packaging across our range.’

Rory Payne with giant marbled eggs (©AAH/Alan Wright)

ORIGINS AND ETHICS

The business has recovered well from the disruption of Covid, when Cocoa Loco had to adapt to a changing marketplace. Fortunately, the business was already geared towards online sales, and saw increased orders from its website, especially at Easter 2021, when people couldn’t meet with loved ones and chose to send eggs or chocolate slabs with personalised messages in the post instead.

However, Cocoa Loco also works with select stockists including National Trust gift shops, Oxfam and Abel & Cole. With non-essential stores closed during lockdowns, one major customer had no choice but to cancel a large Christmas order. Sadly, Cocoa Loco had already begun making its festive range, including chocolate soldiers, penguins and polar bears. On a more positive note, farm shops like Weston’s in Itchingfield were busier than ever. Now, as chocolate companies recover, they have resorted to tried and tested products.

Rory said: ‘Pre-pandemic, the market was leaning towards short-term novelty products. Leading brands were introducing an array of flavours and I remember Sarah being frustrated about the matcha tea flavoured KitKat, as she’d launched a matcha green tea white chocolate bar some years before that! But launching a new product requires a huge investment, with fresh artwork, packaging and marketing, not to mention all the compliance and testing required. So, Covid largely put a stop to that.’

‘We’ve also seen leading brands stepping back from commitments to organic products. When people first started to look for – and even demand – organic produce, lots of companies launched an organic range, but they stopped when there was an economic downturn. When Sarah founded this business, she was ahead of the game when it came to environmental issues and social responsibility, and compromising that has never been up for a discussion. It was the right thing to do and that remains the case, so we have stayed true to our origins and ethics.’

Lenders trying to assist the market

Despite the Bank of England Base Rate increasing again in February, to 4%, the markets have reacted pretty well. A number of lenders reduced rates towards the end of the month and others are predicted to do so again in March, especially to attract new business.

Now, it might be said by some that a number of them pushed rates up a lot higher than needed, and are now starting to reduce back to where they should be. Others will be looking at current business volumes and are doing all they can to try and stimulate the market. Either way, rates are not secure in most instances until you have fully applied with your lender. An agreement or decision in principle simply does not secure a rate.

The general census of opinion is that the Bank Base Rate may increase one more time, before it begins to stabilise and possible fall slightly over the coming years. Although, depending on what you read or who you listen to, this could be over three to four years and even then may not drop below 3.5%. So, for those ‘waiting’ to see what happens with interest rates, you could be waiting for some time.

We are seeing lenders reviewing their criteria offerings. A number of lenders have recently issued mortgages that allow a loan to income ratio of up to 6 x income and this can be joint. Most lenders consider 4.5 to 5 x income, so this is a welcome addition. However, a lender is only ever allowed a certain percentage of their offerings to be over 4.5 x income. So, when this limit is reached, the lender will have to revisit their offerings. But it’s good to see lenders trying all they can to assist the market.

Finally, and now in its 30th year, the What Mortgage Awards have been the stamp of approval which recognise and reward the very best businesses in the UK’s mortgage industry. We’ve been very honoured to have won the ‘Best Specialist Mortgage Broker’ for the last two years and are trying to make it a hat-trick! If you like what we do, and have two minutes spare, we’d be very grateful for your vote. Thank you in advance!

Sarah Payne with two of the giant marbled egg range (©AAH/Alan Wright)

KING’S TRUFFLE

Cocoa Loco continues to innovate, focusing not just on its packaging but on perfecting new recipes too. One product that is soon coming to market is the Earl Grey and honey truffle, coinciding with the coronation of King Charles III, who is known to add a splash of honey to his favourite tea.

Although costs are rising across the business, from cocoa beans to sustainably-sourced cardboard, consumer demand from overseas is increasingly. Cocoa Loco appears prominently in online searches for organic and Fairtrade chocolate, attracting orders from Europe, America and Asia, while the growth of websites like notonthehighstreet.com has opened up other sales avenues.

While the cost-of-living crisis means we’re all counting the pennies, Sarah believes there will always be a market for high quality chocolate. She said: ‘Cost is a factor, of course, but there are people who want sustainably and ethically sourced produce made with love.’

‘After 18 years in business, it’s easy to forget the journey that you’ve been on. It has been a rollercoaster, but our passion for chocolate is as strong as ever. We still have the same excitement when it comes to launching a new bar or truffle. Now, the challenge is to make sure we don’t get complacent and continue to innovate and remain relevant.’

WORDS: BEN MORRIS

PHOTOS: ALAN WRIGHT

Further information: The Chocolate Barn at West Grinstead is not open to the public, so orders can be made online at cocoaloco.com

Local stockists include Crates Local in Horsham, Kinsbrook Farmhouse and Meadow Stores in Thakeham, Weston’s Farm in Itchingfield, Parham House & Gardens near Storrington, Bolney Wine Estate (Bolney’s gin and sparkling wine is used in some of Cocoa Loco’s range), The Village Larder in Washington, and The Milk Churn in Rudgwick.

Sarah and Rory Payne at Cocoa Loco (©AAH/Alan Wright)

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TRY HARD

GIRLS’ GAME KEEPS GROWING AT HORSHAM RUGBY CLUB

On a bitterly cold February evening, the grass at Horsham Rugby Club glistens as it starts to freeze. Under the floodlights of the all-weather pitch, clouds of water vapour form from the mouths of the girls who have braved the conditions to pursue their passion for rugby.

Horsham RFC proudly boasts one of the strongest girls’ sections in the region. From its humble – and relatively recent – origins, Horsham now has two women’s teams and about 120 girls playing in its junior ranks.

Trish Lefevre coaches the U12s, U11s and U9s girls and also plays for the Lionesses, which supports the Horsham Women’s 1st XV. She said: ‘Most children first start playing rugby when they’re aged between five and seven. At Horsham, these sessions have been run for many years by Norman Blower, on Sunday mornings. The sessions are fun and girls love the “tagging’ games as much as boys do. However, when they start tackling properly, we see a huge drop in the number of girls playing.’

‘Girls can play alongside boys until secondary school at U11s, but very few keep going for that long, so it was always difficult to then move them into a girls’ only team. Something had to change, so we started offering younger girls their own coaching sessions. Some of the more talented girls also train and play with the boys too, and more than hold their own. As a club, we encourage mixed rugby, but certainly having girls’ only sessions means that we are able to maintain more players.’

GRASS ROOTS

It wasn’t all that long ago that girls were pooled from a wider age range, and a team could comprise players spanning three or four school years. This meant small girls would often face stronger girls several years older, making it too hard for some and too easy for others. A recruitment drive by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) has helped, as has the success of the England Women’s team, known as the Red Roses, in the Six Nations and Women’s World Cup. However, developing a successful girls’ programme also requires a huge commitment from clubs at grass roots level and Horsham has been more successful than most. It has established girls’ teams at U18, U16, U14 and U12 level and hopes soon to have separate teams at U12, U11 and U9 too.

Trish said: ‘We started with just a handful of players and now have good squads in each age group. But it hasn’t been easy and some parents still don’t like the thought of their

Girls’ training at Horsham Rugby Club (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Training at Horsham RFU (©AAH/Alan Wright)

daughter getting hurt. Rugby has a reputation as a man’s game and that stigma partly remains. We've had to change the minds of a few people with old-fashioned ideas, as is the case with any traditionally male-dominated sport. However, Horsham RFU has been fantastic in supporting women's and girls’ rugby. The club and has done everything we've asked of them and is now fundraising to build new changing rooms specifically for female players of all ages.’

NATIONAL SUCCESS

When Horsham RFC unveiled the artificial pitch in 2018, it outlined its intention to become a more inclusive, community-focused club. It has achieved this objective and more besides, as the girls’ and women’s teams have also enhanced social aspects of the club. Several former and current men’s players help with coaching too, helping the girls’ squads develop and achieve success. The U16s have reached the quarterfinals of the National Cup, edging out Reigate in the round of 16.

Players Scarlet Down and Evie Collingbourne says the win has generated even more excitement in the squad. Evie said: ‘We have a great team spirit, as quite a few of us have played together for several years. We have strengthened every season, but always maintained our core, so we all fight for each other. We have been on tour too and that helped form friendships within the group. Also, everyone here gets a chance to play, as the Sussex League games are used to develop the entire squad, while the National Cup provides tougher competition for others.’

Evie Collingbourne and Scarlet Down (©AAH/Alan Wright)

The U18 girls are also competitive and were unbeaten this season, until defeat in the National Cup. However, they continue to perform well in the Sussex league and have reached the semi-final of the Regional cup competition. Freya Bell and Alina Hillicks are familiar faces at Horsham, as their respective fathers (Richard Bell and Greg Hillicks) both played for the men’s teams. They have seen how far the women’s game has progressed. Alina said: ‘When I started playing, there were about 15 of us in the entire girls’ section. Now,

there are hundreds of girls and some of us help coach the younger squads too.’

TALENT PATHWAY

Some of the most talented players have gone on to play at an elite level, which inspires all who follow. Grace Clifford and Katie Shillaker were selected for the England U18 Women, while Jessie Spurrier (now at Harlequins) was among those picked for the England Talent Development Programme. Matt Brown, Vice Chairman of Horsham RFC’s Minis and Juniors

Several of the girls’ squads and coaches come together at training (©AAH/Alan Wright)

‘Horsham RFU has been fantastic in supporting women's and girls’ rugby. The club and has done everything we've asked of them.’

section, says that their success proves there is a talent pathway at the club. ‘In October 2022, Horsham hosted Harlequins Women v DMP Sharks in the Allianz Cup, a match that featured players who had once been at our club. It was fantastic for our girls to watch a highquality women’s match. Some former players have given up their time to speak to the current squads too, which gives them all added incentive to train hard and improve.’

‘We have a very good coaching team here, but the fact that some of the older girls help out with training as well speaks volumes about the club. It makes a big difference, as the younger girls connect with the U16s and U18s girls in a way that we can’t as adults.’

WOMEN’S TEAM

After finishing at U18 level, some of the best players harbour ambitions of playing at a higher level, or continuing at university. However, there are two women’s teams at Horsham offering plenty of opportunities. The Women’s team was formed in 2018, when coaches Stephen Driver and Tyrone Matthews both had daughters finishing in the U18s. The 1st XV, which added a pink flourish to the club’s traditional green and white kit, has been a great success and is now supported by the Lionesses in the same way that the Lions support the Senior Men’s side at Horsham.

Horsham U18s (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Horsham has a proven talent pathway for girls’ rugby (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Trish said: ‘We reached a point where we had about 45 players in the women’s team, so we established the 2nd XV to play friendly matches and tournaments. As well as giving a game to girls back from university during the holidays, it means that some of us older players can keep going. My daughter, Hannah, is 14 and plays in the youth teams. She says that I can’t quit until we’ve played together on the pitch. Unfortunately, that means I need to keep going until I’m about 50!’

As well as providing more experienced members of the squad with chances to play, the Lionesses gives those in the youth sides a chance to get a taste of women’s rugby. Freya Bell is among those who has recently made their debut. She said: ‘Three of us from the U18s played for the Lionesses last week and they joked that the combined age of the back row was a lot lower than usual!’

LOCAL SUPPORT

The club has also attracted help from the community and local businesses, which has helped it to grow its men’s, women’s and youth teams in recent years. Sponsorship from Henry Adams has benefitted the whole club, while further sponsorship from the likes of Invictus Wealth Consultants Ltd,

The girls’ teams have their own match and training kits (©AAH/Alan Wright)

©AAH/Alan Wright

Marshall Toyota Horsham, Stanford Wealth Management and Harris Lord Recruitment has made a difference too.

Matt Brown said: ‘Having shirts for individual age groups really does boost the girls’ confidence and makes them feel equal to the boys. It has meant we’ve been able to help out families who are less fortunate, ensuring that everyone can play rugby.’

And anyone questioning the giant strides of the women’s game on the pitch should heed the words of Neil Hobbs, head coach of the Girls’ U18s. He said: ‘About 30 years ago, I watched an exhibition game of women’s rugby and it was mostly men watching and some were laughing out loud. I was

probably as guilty as anyone. Three years ago, I took my daughter to The Stoop and watched a brilliant match featuring the same team, Richmond Ladies, and thought, “nobody is laughing now.” Those women 30 years ago blazed a trail, breaking down prejudices and growing the game for the benefit of all.’

WORDS: BEN MORRIS

PHOTOS: ALAN WRIGHT

Further information:

Visit: Coolhurst Ground, Hammerpond Road, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 6PJ

Tel: (01403) 265027

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Alina Hillicks and Freya Bell at Horsham Rugby Club (©AAH/Alan Wright)

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DREAM MAKER

WHY SUGRUE SOUTH DOWNS IS IN (ENGLISH) SPARKLING FORM

After earning a reputation as one of the UK’s leading winemakers, Dermot Sugrue founded his own company. Working alongside wife Ana, the winemaker launched Sugrue South Downs, and it wasn’t long before the Washington-based couple were receiving acclaim for their English sparkling wines. Here, Dermot describes his winemaking journey in his own words…

GAINING ACCLAIM

I studied Viticulture and Oenology at Plumpton College and even as a young man enjoyed making my own wine, beer and spirits. However, my winemaking journey truly began in Bordeaux, France, during two seasons at Chateau l’Eglise-Clinet in Pomerol and Chateau Leoville-Barton in St Julien.

I returned to the UK in 2002 and helped establish a new winery in Suffolk, before joining Nyetimber in Pulborough. In 2004, I was appointed Winemaker and contributed to the vineyard’s reputation as one of the finest producers of English sparkling wine. After a couple of years, I met Harry and Pip Goring, who had a vision for a vineyard and winery on their family estate at Wiston. They gave me the opportunity to lead a winemaking operation at the foot of the South Downs. I was Winemaker for the Wiston Estate for 16 years, during which time we were named ‘Winery of the Year’ by Wine GB on four occasions.

I hadn’t worked at Wiston long when I was approached by Catholic priests at Our Lady of England Priory in Storrington. They wanted to plant a vineyard, and their land had potential. Working alongside Father Paul McMahon, I planted a hectare of vines and made wine for the priests. In return, I took a percentage of the grapes to make my own wine, which were the ones used to launch Sugrue South Downs.

Birds devoured the grapes and put paid to hopes of a 2008 vintage. Some of our labels still features birds, as well as our lurcher, Noodles, sadly no longer with us. However, the following year we made a small number of our signature brand, an English sparkling wine called ‘The Trouble With Dreams’. The 2010 vintage was selected for a blind tasting test by wine experts from Decanter, a well-respected wine magazine. It received the highest score Decanter’s critics had ever awarded an English sparkling wine.

Whilst we had great feedback to our early wines, production was relatively small. To grow the brand, I needed to focus more on Sugrue South Downs. I had been at Wiston for many years and loved every minute, but the business belongs to the Goring family and the vineyards are their legacy. I felt it was time to try and create one of my own.

The Trouble With Dreams by Sugrue South Downs Below: Rose, Ex Machina (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Ana and Dermot with their pet dog, Tara (©AAH/Alan Wright)

TAKING TIME

‘The Trouble With Dreams’ is a song by Eels, one of my favourite bands, and the title reflects my journey in winemaking. Establishing a vineyard and creating even one bottle of wine is a monumental undertaking. You have to find the right land and buy it, then plant and nurture vines for three years before you have enough grapes to take to the winery. It requires more investment to press, ferment, bottle and store the wine, and then after waiting several more years, you can finally label it and try to sell it in a highly competitive marketplace.

For at least seven years, money only goes out. That is why most vineyards in the UK have either been started by people who have been successful in other industries and want a change of lifestyle or a legacy project, or landowners who want to diversify by planting vines rather than having arable crops. We’re different, in that we have created a brand without capital investment or land. We’ve achieved it through experience, talent and hard work.

There are ways to speed up wine production, but we do things the long, hard way. After grapes have been picked and pressed, wine

ferments in barrels or stainlesssteel tanks for about six months. Wine is then placed in bottles before yeast and a small quantity of sugar is added. The bottle is capped to maintain about six atmospheres of internal pressure, and the wine then undergoes its second fermentation in the bottle for at least three years. They often stay on the lees (the term for deposits of residual yeast that slowly gather at the bottom of the bottle) for much longer, as the wine continues to age and mature. After this second fermentation period, we invert the bottles and freeze the yeast, which is removed in a process called ‘disgorging’. Finally, the cork is added and the wine is ready to labelled, packaged and sold.

The traditional method – or ‘Champagne method’ of sparkling wine production – is what we use at Sugrue South Downs. It is time-consuming, laborious and requires a vast amount of space and investment, but you reap the rewards eventually with spectacular quality wines, if done well. You need a little luck from Mother Nature along the way too!

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locally sourced produce includes fruit & veg, fresh bread, local meats (including Bangers Galore), local beers and gins, wines from Bolney Wine Estate and Leonardslee, Sussex cheeses, unique gifts, and much more!

Alex Coutts, Head Kitchen Gardener at The Pig in the South Downs, with Dermot Sugrue (©AAH/Alan Wright)

BARREL AGED

We don’t have our own winery. Instead, we using a collaborative space in Madehurst, near Amberley, with two other producers of English sparkling wine: Digby and Artelium. We have our own storage units and a lot of our wine ages in 225 litre or 500 litre Burgundy barrels, where contact with the oak creates subtle differences to the flavour.

Working together means we can share machinery, some of which is only required for short periods of time. As we are not independently wealthy, Sugrue South Downs rents space at two vineyards, one in Storrington and the other at Mount Harry Vineyard near Lewes. Throughout my career, I’ve made wines for others, so collaborating comes naturally. Perhaps it helps that I’m an outsider – an Irishman trained in France! The wine industry in this country is still relatively young, so it’s important to share experience and knowledge as it will benefit the global reputation of English sparkling wine.

Our current vintage of The Trouble With Dreams is the 2017 (60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir) and we try to make that wine ever year. Our Blancs de Blancs, currently from 2015’s vintage, is named in memory of my late brother, Boz. We also have a rose, Ex Machina (50% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Meunier and 30% Chardonnay) and Zodo (60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir). Zodo is an abbreviation of ‘zero dosage’, so no sugar is added after the first fermentation. Making a good, balanced wine this way is extremely challenging, as it makes for an intense, fruity wine with high acidity.

Sugrue South Downs wines (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Sugrue South Downs wines (©AAH/Alan Wright)

2017 marked the centenary of my great uncle’s birth, so we launched a wine to celebrate his life.

THE GREAT UNCLE

We also have a multi-vintage cuvee blend, the Dr Brendan O Regan, named after my great uncle. He established a school for hoteliers in Ireland and the world’s first duty free shop at Shannon Airport. He also ran a restaurant in County Limerick where, along with chef Joe Sheridan, he reputedly invented Irish coffee, and was awarded an honorary doctorate for his contribution to promoting peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland. 2017 marked the centenary of his birth, so we launched a wine to celebrate his life.

h

Climate change has meant that vineyards in the south of England, especially the South Downs with its chalk soil, can produce very good wine. Some critics are of the opinion that English sparkling wine is as good as Champagne, if not better. In 2020, we were rated as the finest producer of English sparkling wine by Hugh Johnson OBE, a respected international wine author. We have twice been named ‘Boutique Producer of the Year’ by WineGB and in 2022 we were one of three finalists in the ‘Best Drinks Producer’ category of the BBC Food & Farming Awards. We were beaten by a peppermint tea producer in Hampshire!

We sell to restaurants in Brighton, London and across the UK, but the export market is growing too. We distribute to wine merchants and other clients across mainland Europe and Scandinavia, with strong demand from America and surging interest in English wines from Asia. The world is waking up to English sparkling wines and importers and distributors everywhere are exploring our best offerings. Because of my experience with leading producers, there has been considerable interest in our project at Sugrue South Downs.

Ana Sugrue in the winery (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Wine during fermentation (©AAH/Alan Wright)

PIG EXPANSION

My wife has played a major part in our success. Ana studied Horticulture in Croatia and her Masters was in Viticulture. She worked in Peru, New Zealand, California, Austria and Germany, before moving to England as Winemaking Lecturer at Plumpton College. Ana became the first employee of Sugrue South Downs in 2021 and has transformed the company. As well as taking charge of financial matters, her experience helps me develop the wines and market them too. We are in the luxury goods business and our labels and packaging represent that.

Over the years, several people have enquired about investing in Sugrue South Downs, but none of the proposals were quite right for us. Now, we have found an investor we’re delighted to being working with. Robin Hutson is the founder and chairman of The Pig group of hotels, the latest of which is down the lane in Madehurst.

Robin is a keen supporter of English wine, and his Pigs hotels have actively suppressed Champagne in favour of English fizz. The Pig in the South Downs

has planted a two-acre vineyard and we will be making the first vintage next year. So, the investment is mutually beneficial and will help Sugrue South Downs expand too.

Last year’s harvest is in sensational form. After the great, long summer of 2022, we had a reasonable quantity of grapes with exceptional ripeness. We’ve been sampling from the barrels and they already taste fantastic. You’ll have to wait a while, but the 2022 vintage will be a good year!

WORDS: BEN MORRIS

PHOTOS: ALAN WRIGHT

Further information: To buy Sugrue South Downs wines, please visit sugruesouthdowns.com enquiries@sugruesouthdowns.com

SugrueSouthDowns sugruesouthdowns

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 & MOTs, parts and tuning services, aircon re-gas, tyre fitting and 4 wheel laser alignment. We have special labour rates for older cars and offer courtesy cars.

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)

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FINAL WORD

OUR NEXT GOVERNMENT MUST PRIORITISE WILDLIFE PROTECTION

At the Horsham-based wildlife charity Born Free, we have a vision of a world where wild habitats are protected, where individual wild animals are treated with respect and compassion, and where the exploitation and suffering of wild animals is a thing of the past.

But it’s not just us who think this way. According to an extensive, independent survey of UK residents conducted by Opinion Matters in December 2022, animal welfare is an important issue for more than 93% of those polled. An overwhelming 89% of respondents think the next government should improve wildlife protection, and 88% say that it should commit to improving the welfare of animals.

Wildlife and nature are in precipitous decline, with more than a million species at risk of extinction across the globe. Here in the UK, we have lost more than half of our biodiversity since the beginning of the industrial revolution. According to the Natural History Museum, the UK has ‘led the world’ in destroying the natural environment.

While we like to think of ourselves as a nation of animal lovers, countless native and exotic wild animals continue to suffer across the country through cruel wildlife management interventions and leisure activities, in zoos and other captive situations, and even in our homes. And although some cruel practices, such as fur farming, have thankfully been banned in the UK, we continue to perpetuate the suffering of animals by allowing products of such practices to be imported from overseas.

At Born Free, we believe we have a moral imperative to protect nature and wildlife, and to ensure wild animals are treated with compassion and respect. But these aren’t just ‘nice things to do’. Protecting and restoring nature is critical if we are to limit climate change and secure essential supplies of nutritious food, water and clean air. Ensuring good animal welfare is also essential if our efforts to restore nature are to be successful, as well as preventing the

potential for diseases to emerge from animals and cross over to people. Protecting nature and wild animals is imperative for our own well-being. Much has been promised by government in recent years, but thus far little has been delivered. The conservation of our native wildlife and the welfare of the wild animals we keep remains an afterthought. This has to change.

We have therefore released our UK Wildlife Conservation and Animal Welfare Manifesto, entitled, ‘Transforming Wildlife Protection in the UK’. The document identifies the transformative actions we believe are vital to help end the crisis facing our nation and the world’s wildlife. This bold, compassionate and ambitious Manifesto calls on all UK political parties and decision-makers to prioritise wildlife protection, wild animal welfare and investment in nature. It highlights the catastrophic global crisis facing wildlife and biodiversity, and the fact that, despite numerous high-profile government commitments in recent years, the UK remains one of the world’s most nature-depleted countries.

Specifically, our Manifesto calls on any future UK government to produce clear, ambitious targets and allocate the necessary resources for nature’s protection and recovery; prioritise wildlife protection across all of government and all of society; eliminate perverse funding and incentives that damage wildlife; tackle wildlife crime; improve the welfare of free living and captive wild animals; and use its influence to improve the lives of wild animals overseas.

We are calling for a reform of our outdated and fragmented wildlife legislation including: a ban on the importation of hunting trophies; an end to the use of cruel snares and traps; improvements to the way zoos are regulated including the phasing out of animals such as elephants, giraffes and polar bears that clearly cannot thrive in captivity; a strengthening of the Hunting Act to close the loopholes that currently enable hunts to continue to kill foxes and other wild animals; the protection of wild animals from the impact of the exotic pet trade; a ban on fur imports; and an end to the inhumane, ineffective and costly culling of badgers. Independent polling demonstrates that the public overwhelmingly supports these objectives, regardless of region, age or political persuasion.

Born Free is urging those across the political spectrum to make firm, transparent, accountable and costed manifesto pledges to protect and restore our natural habitats, and to introduce legislation and policies that will transform the welfare of both native and exotic wild animals.

The message is clear. From trophy hunting to the use of traps and snares, from the destruction of native flora and fauna to the keeping of wild animals in zoos and private homes, the welfare of wild animals and the protection of our natural environment have been constantly pushed down the political agenda, and the public have had enough.

For more information visit: bornfree.org.uk

Born Free is calling for a ban on the importation of hunting trophies (©Thomas Hawk/Flickr)

Dr Mark Jones

Head of Policy

Born Free Foundation

Dr Jones reflects on the results of the ‘People’s Vote’ and why animal welfare should top the political agenda