AAH (All About Horsham) May 2024

AAH (ALL ABOUT HORSHAM) MAY 2024

NEWS ROUND-UP

Ariel Company Director Nicci Hopson writes Barnet Hawks about men’s mental health.

The May 2024 cover features Laura Sayers, Manager of the new Specsavers store in Worthing Road, Horsham. The store has been established in the town for more than 30 years, but has now moved to a spacious, renovated unit at the opposite end of West Street. The staff had all arrived early for a training morning on Friday 19 April, a week or so after the store opened. We had an hour before customers started arriving in which to take photos and conduct interviews, with Alan even able to take a group shot outside (page 41). We wanted a combination of sales and eye test images and this was one of the showroom shots. Laura, who has worked at the store since she was 16, will soon head to Canada for an exciting new role with the company. Other contenders for the cover included Jon Meadows at Meadows Wellbeing, author Lisa Brace with her new book Star Survivor and Sophie Burstow, co-owner of the M Bar in Piries Place.

AAH is an independent magazine founded in 2011. It is owned by Ben Morris, a life-long resident of the District. Here’s our cover from 10 years ago (May 2014) featuring members of the Friends of Warnham LNR.

EDITOR

Ben Morris editor@aahorsham.co.uk (01903) 892899

AAH, 2 Viney Close, Ashington, RH20 3PT

PHOTOGRAPHER

Alan Wright alanwrightphotography.co.uk 07747 617387

Alan works for AAH as a freelancer and is available for all commercial work.

As a

ADVERT RATES (Per month/edition)

Eighth Page: £60 + VAT (93mm x 63mm)

Quarter Page: £115 + VAT (93mm x 133mm - portrait or landscape)

Half Page: £195 + VAT (190mm x 133mm)

We also have the long, upright shape

Full Page: £325 + VAT (A4 with 4mm bleed)

Double Page: £550 + VAT (A4 with 4mm bleed

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES

Ben Morris editor@aahorsham.co.uk advertising@aahorsham.co.uk (01903) 892899

2 Viney Close, Ashington, RH20 3PT

DOOR-TO-DOOR DISTRIBUTION TEAM: Jacquie Paterson, Jill Shuker, Bloomfield family, Gavira family, Alessandro Cavallo, Charlie Merchant, Harry Baker, Walker family, Ben Raymond, Joseph Down (Horsham). Katie Drysdale & William Fuglsig (Highwood), Chapman family (Southwater), Palmer family (BBH), Luke Butcher (Manns Heath), Derek Bradnum (Nuthurst)

SPRING-LOADED STANDS

AAH is also available in our stands at local businesses, clubs and shops.

Horsham: Swan Walk (outside M&S), Henry Adams, At Home Estate Agents, Crates Local (all Carfax), Gwyn’s Bakery, Johansson’s Cafe (Bishopric), Horsham Bedding Centre (Medwin Walk), John Lewis, Pavilions in the Park, Horsham Rail Station, Horsham FC, New House Farm, New Street Butchers, Holbrook Club, Steban’s Salon. Village Stands: Newbridge Nurseries, The Bridge Leisure Centre (BBH) CoCos’ Salon & Beeson House (Southwater), Billingshurst Leisure Centre, Coco’s Salon (Billingshurst), Bluecoat Sports Centre (Christ’s Hospital), Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens (Lower Beeding), Warnham Village Stores (Warnham), Slinfold Golf Club (Slinfold), Steyning Leisure Centre and Cobblestone Walk (Steyning), Spring Gardens Nursery (Washington), Chanctonbury Leisure Centre, Joanna’s Boutique Tearooms (Storrington), The Milk Churn (Rudgwick), Meadow Stores (Thakeham), Golden Plaice (Ashington), Rusper Village Stores (Rusper), Roffey News and Post Office (Roffey)

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

Lisa Brace of Horsham launches debut novel Star Survivor at Waterstones.

EDITOR’S NOTES

IT’S TOUGH KEEPING UP WITH ONLINE FRAUDSTERS

I’m not sure Rishi Sunak’s visit to Horsham generated the levels of excitement that other more charismatic political leaders might have done in the past. However, the PM’s visit - made to coincide with new strategies to help combat retail crime - was still one of the most talked-about local events of the last month.

I would like to say I was there, armed with a notebook, firing questions at the PM while pacing backwards along West Street. Do we need more police on the streets, Prime Minister?

Are we too soft on youths, Prime Minister? Did you enjoy your sausage roll from Panino’s, Prime Minister?

Did you not get crumbs on your suit, Prime Minister?

But I wasn’t. In fact, oblivious to his visit, I was at the other end of town, armed with a cloth and multi-purpose cleaning spray, wiping down AAH stands on a refill run. I had to catch up with the story later, with Jeremy Quin’s office supplying me with photos. I essentially lifted the story in the News Round-Up from a video the Horsham MP had filmed in the Carfax.

Mr Quin made one comment that I found particularly interesting. He claimed that, fraud aside, crime had fallen by 50% in the last 14 years. It’s a good stat, but I found myself responding to the video by saying, ‘well, fraud does count!’ I also wondered if those who used to commit other crimes now find fraud a more profitable option, with possibly a lower risk of detection too. These thoughts were almost certainly slanted by the fact that I had just come close to becoming the victim of a cunning deception...

The time had come to sell my kayaks. I love kayaking along the Adur and Arun, but we didn’t use them at all last year, so best to make a little money on them while we still could. I listed them on Facebook Marketplace, using my wife’s account as I don’t do the socials. When I checked a couple of hours later, three people had expressed an interest, but I gave the first respondent first dibs. They wanted both kayaks, which was ideal. Less hassle.

‘Where do you live?’ they asked.

Ashington in West Sussex. (Best to be precise, as there’s an Ashington in Northumberland).

‘Perfect, we can pick them up tomorrow.’ Great!

‘Can you accept payment through PayPal?’ No problem!

My wife gave them an email address and looked out for a payment of £400 in her PayPal account while we arranged a collection time. The following morning, there was another message. It was a screengrab showing the buyer had made the payment and that we should have a PayPal notification in our inbox. Everything seemed normal, although the money didn’t immediately appear in our account and there was no confirmation email either.

My wife was suspicious. ‘PayPal transfers normally come through straight away!’ she said. I thought she was worrying needlessly.

The buyer messaged us again, suggesting we check the junk folder, as the email might have gone there. Voila! A message from PayPal! It was a relief, as it meant the sale was back on track. But there was another problem. The

payment was listed as ‘pending’ by PayPal. According to the email, PayPal cannot accept payments of over £300 unless it’s being made to a verified business account. To upgrade, I would need to ‘expand my account limit’ by receiving a minimum initial payment of £600. I must confess that I didn’t realise it was a scam and at this stage was still in conversation with the supposed buyer...

Bear with me! PayPal has an issue with payments over £300 if it’s not a business account. Will try to resolve. Unless you can cancel the order and pay by BACS instead?’ ‘Oh, your account has gotten to a limit!’ replied the buyer. ‘I went through this once before! I will have to make an additional payment of £200 to help upgrade your account to receive the money, as stated by the PayPal email. Can I trust you to refund back my additional payment once your account is upgraded? This happens a lot and we just have to follow instructions.’

Finally, I got it! What a bonehead I had been! It was a scam for an easy £200. On a second glance at the email, I saw the suspicious hyphen in ‘pay-pal’ that ensured the message had been dumped in the junk folder. After a quick message to say we’d uncovered the scam, I blocked the ‘buyer’ and reported them to Facebook. I’m sure Zuckerberg has his best man on it.

Fortunately, the other two buyers were both local and genuine, and my kayaks were gone by morning. However, the affair was a reminder that while some forms of crime may have decreased, we need to be more vigilant than ever when it comes to fraudsters.

5

LIVE LIFE IN FULL

Leonardslee offers an escape into a world of natural beauty , a place where the worries of everyday life melt away with every step. So, take a deep breath of fresh spring air, immerse yourself in this picturesque landscape , and reconnect with nature’s wonder.

Springtime Enchantment Awaits

”A walk through nature is all the therapy I need,” wrote Wallace J. Nichols. And at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens in springtime, nature provides the ultimate therapy session. Based just outside of Horsham, West Sussex, this enchanting destination explodes with colour, captivating scents, and a renewed sense of wonder for visitors of all ages.

Spring’s arrival at Leonardslee is a masterpiece in progress. The two-century-old rhododendron and azalea collection, meticulously curated over generations, takes centre stage. These magnificent shrubs erupt in a vibrant spectacle, transforming the landscape into a breathtaking tapestry of colour.

Beyond the floral masterpiece, Leonardslee offers a journey of discovery. Following the Spring Walk, a path that winds down the valley toward the seven lakes, envelops visitors in vibrant tunnels of colour, while reflections dance on the tranquil water’s surface at the bottom of the valley.

Step off the beaten track and explore the spring detours, encountering over 150 sculptures from local and international artists nestled amongst the vibrant blooms. The estate’s commitment to biodiversity is evident throughout the gardens. Surrounded by captivating woodlands, glades and lakes, the gardens provide a sanctuary for an array of wildlife. Watch playful squirrels scamper by, listen to the sounds of bees buzzing through the blooms, and catch a glimpse of fallow deer or the free-roaming wallabies. Springtime brings the estate to life with a vibrant display of birdlife – electric blue kingfishers darting through the air, yellow wagtails flittering by, herons gracefully stalking the lakes, and even buzzards soaring overhead. Look closely, and you might be lucky enough to see the new life gracing the estate, from baby joeys peeking from their pouches to fluffy goslings taking their first wobbly steps.

New for this spring, Leonardslee offers a delightful addition for families – a brand-new play park! Designed to spark imagination and ignite a sense of adventure, this immersive space caters to children of all ages. Junior explorers can embark on mini Leonardslee House adventures, while older children can conquer the climbing challenges, zipline, and explore St. Leonards Dragon. The park seamlessly blends learning with play, encouraging families to bond and explore together in an inclusive environment. Visit Leonardslee today and Live Life in Full Bloom!

Day tickets and memberships available. Visit www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk for more information.

Welcoming applications for Reception in September 2024

Whole School Open Morning Saturday, 11th May 2024

Sixth Form Open Evening (Year 10 introduction) Thursday, 13th June 2024

Advance booking essential for all Open Events. Please visit www.farlingtonschool.com to book.

“Everyone looks out for one another in this small, caring school” ISI INSPECTION REPORT, FEBRUARY 2024

Co-educational independent school and nursery from 6 months to 18 years

Farlington School | Strood Park | Horsham | West Sussex | RH12 3PN | UK

Tel: 01403 282573 | Email: admissions@farlingtonschool.com | www.farlingtonschool.com

NEWS ROUND-UP

Rishi Sunak, Prime Minister of the UK, visited Horsham town centre on Wednesday 10 April.

He met Horsham MP Jeremy Quin and Katy Bourne, Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, to coincide with the launch of a new strategy to tackle crime in retail environments. This includes assaulting a retail worker to be made a standalone criminal offence

and electronic tagging for violent behaviour or serial/prolific shoplifters. Police will benefit from a £55m investment to use facial recognition technology to prevent shoplifting and to help catch perpetrators. The PM visited Horsham Police Station, Boot’s Pharmacy in Swan Walk and Panino Café in the Carfax, where he bought a sausage roll.

HAODS presents KippsThe New Half a Sixpence Musical at the Capitol Theatre, Horsham, on 14 - 18 May. In its 70th year, the Horsham Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society presents a new musical adaptation of H.G. Wells’ autobiographical novel, Kipps: The Story of a Simple Soul. With a revised libretto by Julian Fellowes and new songs, the musical tells the tale of the changing fortunes of Arthur Kipps, an orphan and draper’s assistant at Shalford’s Bazaar in Folkestone at the turn of the 20th century. Kipps is an easy-going working-class lad, happiest with his banjo. When he inherits a fortune, he is suddenly propelled into high society. Tickets cost from £19.50 from (01403) 750220 or thecapitolhorsham.com

The team behind Tracing the Rails (featured in AAH, April 2024) will be showcasing the documentary at Steyning Methodist Church, High Street, Steyning, on Saturday 1 June, from 5pm. Held as part of the Steyning Festival, there will be an hour-long preview of the latest episode of the documentary, followed by a live Q&A session with presenters Stephen Cranford (pictured) and Mike Jaimes, and a panel of guests who are connected to the railway. Meanwhile, the team expect to have released the first episode of the documentary on YouTube at the end of April. steyningfestival.co.uk tracingtherails.com

Shipley Arts Festival continues with Words and Music at Warnham, the first of two concerts held at Warnham Deer Park, on Sunday 2 June, 7pm.

The Stradivarius Piano Trio will be joined by Chrissie McGinn and Richard Hewitt for an uplifting evening of words and music. Expect music from Beethoven, Chopin, Fauré and more. This concert is followed by Mozart at the Manor at Durrance Manor, Shipley, on Sunday 30 June, 7pm. The event is hosted by festival supporter Dr Gordon Lindsey. Highlights of the musical programme include Mozart’s Clarinet Quintet K581 and Julian Marczak’s The Heart Lives On. Tickets for each concert £35. bernardimusicgroup.com

The Prime Minister and Jeremy Quin at Panino Cafe

A fundraising campaign has been set-up in support of local musician Matt Long, best known as the singer and guitarist of rock blues band Catfish. Matt, 29, is battling bowel cancer and in the past month has been told that chemotherapy hasn’t worked as well as hoped and that the cancer has spread to his liver. With treatments limited on the NHS, Matt’s family are looking at private treatments in the USA and have so far raised more than £75,000. In 2020, Catfish were named Band of the Year at the UK Blues Awards, with Matt winning an individual award as Blues Instrumentalist of the Year. The band, who have released two albums, an EP and a live album that captures their energetic performances, have curtailed a European tour and cut back on UK gigs as Matt seeks further treatment. To support the campaign, search ‘Matt Long’ at gofundme.com or use the link on the home page at catfishband.com

Horsham heavy rock band Rogue Awakening are thrilled to be playing their first major festival, Guilfest. The band will play the Cave Stage at the festival, held at Stoke Park, Guildford, on Saturday 29 June at 12:45pm. Lead singer Kimberley said: ‘It’s so exciting to be taking our show to the next level and be playing a huge festival alongside the likes of The Stranglers and Sam Ryder.’ Before the festival, the band will be playing at the Roffey Club, Spooners Road, Horsham, on Friday 10 May. roffeyclub.co.uk

Matt Long, lead singer of Catfish

(©Silfan van der Kapp)

Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens has opened a new play park, designed to mix recreational play with the attractions of the woodland gardens. The park includes a 5m multi-level champion tree tower with slides, a St Leonard’s Dragon play structure with climbing nets and a 32.5m zipline ride. There is also a mini rock garden, teepee den, balancing beams, a range of swings and a crawling tunnel. The park is designed to provide a safe and engaging environment for children to play and explore. It also caters for younger visitors with a Little Explorers junior area, complete with a miniature indoor kitchen and outdoor double slide. Other features include a creative drawing station, talking tubes and wallaby spring riders. There is accessible level flooring with wheelchair -width doorways, with designated play zones for children of all abilities to participate. The Hut café offers freshly baked doughnuts and Sussex ice cream, plus other refreshments. leonardsleegardens.co.uk

Southwater Dabblers

Model Boat Club is celebrating 35 years of model boating at Southwater Country Park. To celebrate, the Dabblers host an Open Day in the Church Room of Holy Innocents Church, Church Lane, Southwater, on Saturday 18 May, 12 – 2.30pm. At the free event, visitors can meet members and learn about their hobby whilst enjoying a display of radio-controlled boats. The Dabblers is a friendly club with nearly 100 members. Besides sailing for fun, the Dabblers race IOM and DF 95 yachts, sail steam powered boats, submarines, working boats and a variety of scale boats including Donald Campbell’s Bluebird K7. dabblers.co.uk

Compton Tennis Club at Leechpond Hill, Lower Beeding, hosts an Open Day on Sunday 19 May, with free tennis sessions running from 11am – 2pm for players of all ages and abilities. The club, which celebrates its 60 anniversary this year, invites all in the local community to attend and give tennis a go. From 2 – 4pm, anyone can join in with mixed social tennis sessions on the club’s four artificial clay and three hard courts. To book a slot in one of the sessions or to secure a court to play with family and friends, visit comptonstennisclub.org.uk

TOOVEY’S

A selection of gentlemen's wristwatches auctioned over the past year at Spring Gardens for a total of £29,500

Time to sell?

Horsham Park Bowls Club hosts an Open Day on Saturday 25 May, 12 – 4pm. Located in the park behind the tennis courts, the Open Day offers a free, gentle introduction to this social game. Other taster sessions are held on Saturdays at 11am -1pm and Tuesdays at 10am – 12pm. No equipment needed. horshamparkbowlsclub.co.uk

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

Next sale of watches: Thursday 23rd May

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

The new play park at Leonardslee

(Photos: James Ratchford)

Here are some of the local gardens opening to the public in May and June as part of the National Garden Scheme (NGS)

l Fittleworth House, Bedham Lane, RH20 1JH is a 3-acre country garden with a walled kitchen garden growing fruit, vegetables and flowers including dahlias. A 115ft cedar overlooks the wisteria-covered Grade II listed Georgian house. The garden is open on Wednesday 12 and 19 June, as well as Wednesday 10, 17 and 24 July.

l Bumble Farm in Drungewick Lane, Loxwood, RH14 0RS opens on Saturday 1 and 15 June and Sunday 16 June, 12pm – 5pm. This large country garden has features including a newly-developed white garden, wisteria pergola, kitchen and fountains.

l The Old Vicarage, The Street, Washington, RH20 4AS is open every Thursday until October, 10am - 5pm. The 3½-acre gardens are set around a 1832 Regency house with features including a Japanese garden with waterfall and pond.

l St Mary’s House Gardens, Bramber, BN44 3WE opens on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 June (2 - 5pm). The five-acre gardens include Victorian Secret Gardens with a 140ft fruit wall with pineapple pits, a rural museum, terracotta garden and Jubilee Rose Garden.

l Other gardens opening for the NGS in the next two months include Warnham Park on 20 and 23 June, Sedgwick Park on 9 and 19 May, 9 Puttock Way, Billingshurst on 26 and 27 May Foxglove Cottage, 29 Orchard Road, Horsham on 26 May and 3 July, Oaklands Farm, Hooklands Lane,

The Parent Hub will be held at The Venue at Broadbridge Heath (next to The Bridge Leisure Centre) on Saturday 22 June, 9:30am - 12:30pm. The free event gives parents the chance to meet experts in exercise, nutrition, body and mind therapies, coaching, decluttering, infant sleep and more, helping parents prioritise their wellbeing so they can restore balance and thrive. Children and families welcome. Refreshments served by WolfPack. More information on social media. @laurathompsontraining

A Well Woman Evening will be held at Billingshurst Community and Conference Centre, Roman Way, on Monday 3 June, 7.15 - 9.30pm. The free event is a chance to share experiences of the peri/menopause and explore ways to support symptoms in a welcoming space. The session include a presentation from a local GP, with therapists from Meadows Wellbeing discussing ways to help ease symptoms using acupuncture, homeopathy, health coaching and other therapies. The Coco’s Style team will offer hair advice, with goody bags and samples to hand out. Free parking. To book your place, contact Sharon on 07885 747525 or visit CoCo’s in Southwater or Billingshurst.

Old Vicarage, Washington (Photo: James Walters)

Warnham Park opens in June

Foxhole Cottage, Horsham (©AAH/Alan Wright)

7 STUNNING VENUES IN SUSSEX & KENT

Our 14th season screening new & classic blockbusters, for movie magic on the silver screen, under the stars, at 7 stunning handpicked venues. You’ll find us at - Saltdean Lido – Brighton / Lewes Castle – Lewes / Leonardslee Gardens –Horsham / East Sussex National Hotel –Uckfield / Gatwick Aviation Museum –Gatwick / Michelham Priory - Hailsham & in Kent at Chartwell House – Westerham.

The Cinestock Outdoor Cinema experience

As the UK’s longest-running & South East’s largest outdoor cinema provider, you can expect cinema-quality sound & vision at every screening. Alongside excellent food and drinks at all the outstanding venues, with the chance to explore the stunning venues, while enjoying live musicians or DJs while the sun sets and before we hit play on the films. It’s got all the makings of the perfect evening under the stars

Fantastic priced tickets (plus 10% OFF for readers)

We’ve got fantastic economy-beating ticket prices for everyone. Offering early bird tickets, alongside discounted tickets for couples, groups and families. Much cheaper purchased in advance, and even better value with the 10% discount code for readers. (code does not apply to the early bird, discount adult single tickets & premium ticket packages).

Competition Time. win group & family tickets

All you have to do, is answer the question: What number of seasons is this summer's outdoor season of cinema for Cinestock?

4 sets of tickets up for grabs, for a group of 4 adults or family of 5. (Please note this does not include the screenings at Lewes Castle)

To enter, email your answer through the contact form on our website, with the magazine name and your answer.

You can still grab advice discount priced tickets, for if you win, we’ll refund 100% of your ticket including the booking fee.

scan the qr code below for all the info on our 2024 summer season

The construction of a new Centre for Energy Recovery (CHER) proposed on the Wealden Works industrial site in Horsham could be jeopardised by a new government directive. The CHER project, owned by Qair, proposes to generate energy from the waste facility. Qair says that by processing around 230,000 tonnes of West Sussex’s non-recyclable waste a year, the CHER will generate enough energy to power the equivalent of 47,000 homes. It could also create 300 jobs and divert waste from going to landfill or from being exported. The project was given consent following a public inquiry in 2020, with the Environment Agency issuing a permit to allow for the operation of the facility in 2022. Construction work was due to begin last year but has been delayed, with the No Incinerator 4 Horsham (Ni4H) group among those who have fought the proposal. Now, Defra Minister Mark Spencer MP has issued a Direction to the Environment

Agency under the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016, requiring a short-term pause in the determination of applications for environmental permits for certain types of waste incineration facilities. In a statement, Ni4H said:’ We understand that, in theory, the Environment Secretary also has the power to direct the Environment Agency to revoke previously granted Environmental Permits, such as the one granted to the Horsham incinerator.’

Jeremy Quin, MP for Horsham, has written to Mark Spencer, requesting that the recently issued Direction is extended to include sites like Horsham, which have been permitted but are not yet under construction. He said: ‘It is critical that the Government gets our waste manage infrastructure right. We do not want an over-capacity of incineration which would harm our recycling rates.’ cher.energy / ni4h.org

Horsham Matters, which supports residents suffering from food and energy poverty, is taking some of its services on the road with a Mobile Advice Hub. The vehicle, kindly donated by GT Railways, has been refurbished to provide a comfortable, accessible meeting space and carry emergency food. It will travel across the District to groups, coffee mornings and community centres, providing support and advice. The project was also supported by the Shanly Foundation, Ian Askew Charitable Trust and HDC. horsham-matters.org.uk

Housing developer Cala Homes has supported Horsham District Foodbank through voluntary work and a £1,500 donation. Ten members of staff assisted in tasks at the foodbank and warehouse, while Cala also participated in the ‘tin-tastic’ campaign organised by Horsham Matters, the charity that operates the Horsham District Foodbank. Cala Homes is currently building homes at the Hawksbourne Development at Mowbray. cala.co.uk

Lights & Bushels, Horsham’s awardwinning community theatre company, is back with another premiere this June.

Booked! written by Lights & Bushels co-founder Barry Syder, is a comedy set in the quaint Sussex seaside town of Withering-on-the-Vyne. The year is 1937 and Withering is hosting possibly the country’s first literary festival. A number of well-known authors have agreed to attend. What could possibly go wrong?

Performances take place in Rusper Village Hall on 15, 21 and 22 June, 8pm. Licensed bar. The audience are encouraged to dress in 1930s style if they wish. Tickets £16 from lightsandbushels.com

The Rude Mechanical Theatre Company perform at West Grinstead Recreation Ground and Dial Post Village Green as part of their summer tour.

The open-air theatre company, celebrating 25 years of touring, present The Dressing Book, a comedy set in the late 18th century in Tunbridge Wells. It has been re-written for six actors with new music. The Rudes will be in West Chiltington on Wednesday 12 June and Dial Post on Thursday 13 June. Performances begin at 7.30pm with gates open for picnics from 6pm. Tickets £24 (£22 conc/£10 child) on the door or from therudes.co.uk

Billilit, Billingshurst’s first ever literary festival, will be held on Saturday 11 May. There will be talks and workshops from a variety of authors and performers across three venues, offering literary inspiration for people of all ages.

The main venue is the Women’s Hall, High Street, where Steyning poet Simon Zec will compère the day’s events, to include an illustrated talk by Peter Beckingham (Sussex Showcase: 2000 Years of Great Art from Bignor

FREE BOWLS

IN HORSHAM PARK

Horsham Park Bowls Club Open Day

Saturday 25 May, 12 - 4pm or come along to a taster session on Saturdays at 11am-1pm, or Tuesdays at 10am-12pm A fun, gentle introduction to this social game, in the delightful setting in Horsham Park – next to the tennis courts. No experience or equipment needed. Try before you buy!

to Brighton), a presentation by the Shelley Memorial Project team and talks by writers including Daisy White, Lisa Brace, Nicola Garrard, Ted Gooda and Kathryn Attwood. There will be a host of author-led workshops (costing £15 – 20) to spark your creativity at the Chapel, Laker’s Meadow, Billingshurst, while children’s poet Maria Smallman hosts free poetry reading sessions for children at The Depot. Workshops cost from £15. Billilit.

1st Shipley Scouts held a celebratory event on 10 April to mark the completion of its new accessible shower block. The block, together with the recently completed purpose-built external meeting space and kitchen, provides more children with the chance to enjoy learning experiences. It was made possible by contributions from local businesses and the community, including Billingshurst Lions, Willmott Dixon, Saxon Weald, Dudman Group and Tugwell Heating Co. The official opening was attended by guests including Horsham MP Jeremy Quin, Chairman of the Council Cllr David Skipp, Scouts County Commissioner Tom Dalton and Lady Louise Burrell. 1stshipleyscouts.co.uk

The 20th Mel’s Milers 10k race was held on 24 March. The multi-terrain race started and finished at Christ’s Hospital School, with fouryear-old Imogen Green setting the runners off. First man to finish was Gary Tomlinson (Horsham Joggers) in 34:32, a course record for the veteran male 40+ age group. Rob Sherwood was second, followed by Bradley Burke (Blue Star Harriers). Elspeth Turner (Blue Star) won the women’s race in 39:37 with Kirsty Phillpot second and Sally Alexander third. The U18 male category was won by Ryan Rothe (Blue Star) in 44:39, with fellow Blue Star runner Rylee Rothe winning the female U18 category in 47:53. Other winners included Dan Celani (male 40+), Melissa Galea (female 40+), Simon Perkins (male 50+), Sally Forster (female 50+), Tim Canham (male 60+), Jenny Hughes (female 60+), Tony Lintern (male 70+) and Maggie Statham-Berry (female 70+). Bluecoat Sports sponsored the medals and profits go to the Elizabeth Foundation for pre-school deaf children. melsmilers.co.uk

Run Wisborough will be held in the picturesque village of Wisborough Green on Sunday 9 June, 9.30am. Now in its 8th year, the popular event includes a 5K and 10K course, as well as a colour run for kids. Sponsored by Bluecoat Sports, the chip-timed race is held on closed roads with a warm-up to music, trophies for the winners and medals for finishers. Held under UK Athletics rules. Registration is open at runwisborough.co.uk

Look Good Feel

Better invites everyone to join SWALK, a sponsored walk, on Sunday 19 May to raise funds for people living with cancer in Sussex.

Participants can sign up for a 10km Mighty March or a 3km Steady Stroll in the surroundings of the Knepp Estate. Look Good Feel Better, which marks its 30th anniversary this year, delivers cancer support services across the UK. lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk/events/swalk/

WESTERN CARS HORSHAM

1st Shipley Scouts at the new accessible shower block

Mobile Curtain & Blind Showroom

Local Independent Business Covering Sussex

Classical chart-topping artist Damian Montagu and sculptor and field recording artist Hazel Reeves release collaborative single Knepp Dawn on Sunday 5 May. Released to mark International Dawn Chorus Day, the composition for piano was inspired by the Knepp Estate, where Hazel records soundscapes of the rewilded nature park. Damian said: ‘When I heard Hazel’s recordings of the dawn chorus, including nightingales, cuckoos, turtle doves and white storks, it inspired me to compose a piano piece that could sit in the soundscape itself and celebrate the natural sounds.’ The single features artwork by Sussex artist Sandra Reeves and will be released on the Moonshot Music label.

l Made to Measure curtains and 7-day express curtain service available.

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l Awnings, canopies, poles, tracks & soft furnishings

l All kinds of blinds and shutters

l Professional fitting & installation

Horsham Borough Band has won the London and Southern Counties Regional Championships. The result has been hailed as the band’s best result in a brass band competition since its heyday in the 1930s and 40s and means the band will represent the region at the National finals in Cheltenham in September. Brass bands are graded into five divisions, known as sections, with the highest being the Championship. HBB compete in the next division – the 1st section, which still demands high standards of musicianship. At the Regionals, all 15 bands had to play High Peak, written by Eric Ball, with HBB’s performance under conductor Will Wilkins judged the most accomplished. The band’s next local appearance will be at the Park Bandstand on Sunday 21 July, 2pm. The band currently has vacancies for good cornet players. horshamboroughband.co.uk

Christ’s Hospital Choral Society hosts Summer in France at the school Chapel on Saturday 8 June, 7.30pm. The concert features music by French composers including Gabriel Fauré’s Cantique de Jean Racine, Ave Verum Corpus (from his Requiem) and Tantum Ergo, as well as Maurice Duruflé’s Requiem (including his setting of In Paradisum and Ubi Caritas from his Quatre Motets) and Pierre Villette’s Hymne à la Vierge. For tickets, call the Box Office on (01403) 247434 or visit chchoralsoc.org

West Chiltington

Silver Band host a Spring Concert at West Chiltington Village Hall, Mill Road, RH20 2PZ on Saturday 25 May, 7.30pm (doors open 7pm). The band present an entertaining trip to London Town, with opportunities for audience participation (Pearly King and Queen outfits optional) with unique ‘Brassaoke’ pieces. Refreshments available. Tickets £10 (U16s free) from Julie at simplythebest21@btinternet.com or Richard at rabarron@btinternet.com

Damian Montagu

Experience Josh Mann at Camellia restaurant

Experience the epitome of elegance at Camellia, with an added touch of sparkle this May and June - a complimentary glass of Ridgeview on us!

Josh Mann leads a talented brigade at this stylish, comfortable restaurant, offering a beautifully presented table d’hote menu full of flavour and local produce. Set in modern, elegant surroundings with terrace seating in warmer months and views out to the South Downs. The restaurant’s name is inspired by the beautiful camellia that has bloomed for generations on the outside terrace of the historic lodge.

Menu from £85 per person.

Quote AAH24 in the ‘Additional Requests’ section when booking online to receive a complimentary glass of Ridgeview English sparkling wine (Valid Monday to Thursday in May and June, maximum of four diners).

01403 892235 South Lodge, Brighton Road, Horsham, RH13 6PS

Scan the QR code to find out more, or visit www.camelliarestaurant.co.uk

Thinking of extending or improving your home?

Let’s work together.

Horsham Children’s Parade returns on Sunday 7 July. The free parade starts in Denne Road, Horsham at 11am and ends an hour later in Horsham Park, where it will mark the opening of the Rotary Club’s Funday Sunday.

Hundreds of children from across the District will showcase their creations and costumes made in workshops with community artists. The theme is ‘Spirit of Sport – Olympics & Paralympics’. Expect to see a wide range of Olympics and Paralympics sports celebrated, as well as the origins of the games and the iconic torch, medals and rings.

The carnival music will be provided by drumming band Boom Tribe, Brighton School of Samba and the Kings of Dhol. The parade is organised by Community Arts Organisation Happy Accidents and is made possible this year with sponsorship and support from childcare provider Rocketeers, Brock Taylor, Sherlock and Neal, The Bridge Leisure Centre, Saxon Weald, Arts Council England, Horsham District Council, Horsham District Community Lottery and the Co-op. facebook.com/horshamchildrensparade

AAH Magazine is now available for free from a new stand at Johansson’s Cafe in the Bishopric. The stand has been designed in the colours of the Swedish flag to match the branding of the cafe, owned by René Fay (pictured, centre).

This new stand means that AAH now has 34 of its stylish, bespoke pick-up points in the Horsham District, with several in the town centre alone, including Swan Walk, Henry Adams, Crates Local, John Lewis, At Home Estate Agents and Gwyn’s Bakery. We also have a new stand at Golden Plaice in the village of Ashington. johanssonscafe.co.uk

Storrington Flower Club meets at Sullington Parish Hall, Thakeham Road, Storrington, RH20 3PP every fourth Wednesday of the month at 2pm (2.30pm start). Upcoming talks include Kathryn Austin’s ‘Celebration’ on 22 May, Dennis von Wonderen’s ‘The Joy of Summer’ on 26 June and Lucia Dean-Taylor’s ‘Breeze on Flowers Drift’ on 24 July. In addition to members, the club welcomes visitors (£6). For details contact Chrissy Desmond on (01903) 742102.

Arunside Primary School at the 2023 Children’s Parade (©Jim Carey Photography)

A ‘breakthrough treatment’ for Nerve Pain Relief

Keith Atkinson, local Horsham therapist, is offering a new method of pain relief called external neuromodulation.

Labelled ‘a breakthrough for nerve pain relief’, Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital in London did a clinical test and noted a ‘dramatic reduction in pain’. In 19 of 35 cases, the hospital reported a 100% improvement with pain reduced to zero. All these patients were suffering from chronic neuropathic pain.*

Here, client and keen walker Jan Borlace describes her recent experiences at Horsham Nerve Pain Clinic...

* ‘External stimulation: simplistic solution to intractable pain?’ St Thomas’ Hospital.

‘Keith’s treatment has given me my life back.’

Through 2022 and into 2023 I had this terrible pain in my right leg and groin that was really getting me down. I love being outdoors and walking and it had got to the stage where I simply couldn’t walk more than a 100yds and even then, it was so painful. I remember the situation looking at my husband and daughter standing and queuing for something and I had to sit to one side as standing for a small period of time was so sore. It had really started to affect my mental health as I was feeling so down.

I was getting nowhere with my GP. He had suggested strong medication which I was dead against. I felt it must be something that could be fixed without using strong drugs. He also felt it was likely that I had a hernia in my groin that need an operation. I then saw another specialist who felt it was a hip problem and mentioned bursitis. I also had an MRI done which indicated

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I had degeneration in the spine. So I had lots of different diagnosis but no indication of how to solve it aside from strong medication or an operation.

At this stage I was in a dental practice reception and opened up a magazine, Sussex Living. By chance it opened on a page with a headline indicating a new breakthrough for nerve pain. It just seemed like fate made me open that page and read the testimonial of a woman who seemed to have the same symptoms as me. The fact that the original study was done at St Thomas’ seemed reassuring and when I looked at the Horsham Nerve Pain website, the different case studies all pointed to a drug free, safe alternative that seemed to be doing wonders for people who had severe nerve pain.

I decided then to give it a go. I wasn’t sure whether it would work for me but I seemed to have no other options. I made the appointment in June 2023 and within a week I was in Keith’s practice discussing my problem. He listened to me and armed with the MRI and scans kindly forwarded by the doctors, he was able to determine that it was a problem in my back and not my hip or a hernia. He was straightforward and optimistic without promising the world. He said he would do three treatments and review.

He sent pulsing current onto my leg and although it felt pricky, I wouldn’t say it was painful. After that first treatment, it felt so much better and when I saw him the next week, I explained that it was improved but the pain in my

• Sciatica lower back and leg pain • Shoulder and neck pain

• Frozen shoulder • Facial pain and TMJ

• Bel’s Palsy • Thoracic back pain • Repetitive strain injury

• Tennis/golfer’s elbow • Knee issues

• Achilles tendonitis • Ankle and feet pain

• Plantar Fasciitis • Sporting injuries

• Post operative pain

• Complex regional pain syndrome

• Other nerve related pain.

thigh was still there. The groin pain had already completely disappeared. However, after a second treatment there was more improvement and after a third treatment the pain was almost gone. I was back walking and in July I did a 5-mile walk! Considering I wasn’t able to walk 100yds just a few months before I was over the moon!

I’m now pain free. I have decided to see Keith ever 6-8 weeks for a check up mainly for my own piece of mind as I never want to have that pain again. I can safely say, Keith and his treatment has given my life back to me and I would really recommend him to anyone suffering the sort of nerve pain I had endured.

Jan Borlace (Eastbourne 2024)

‘Jan responded with significant relief.’

Jan’s symptoms of pain down the outside of the leg combined with pain in the groin is very typical for nerve impingement affecting both the lateral cutaneous and femoral nerves. The MRI showed spinal degeneration in the lower lumber but the impingement affecting these nerves would either be L2/3 or L3/4. I used pulsed radio frequency down these nerve pathways and she immediately responded with significant relief. I’m so pleased to see that she is now pain free and enjoying her outdoor hobbies again.

Keith Atkinson (2024)

All testimonials and case studies are printed with the consent of the individuals concerned.

20-minute consultation at the Practice or over the phone

Horsham Nerve Pain Practice, 46 Depot Rd, Horsham, RH13 5HD

Tel: (01403) 256332

Mob: 07768 537846

Email: keithatkinson5455@gmail.com

Video case studies and testimonials at www.horshampainrelief.co.uk

STAR QUALITY

HORSHAM AUTHOR LISA BRACE PUBLISHES DEBUT NOVEL

Star Survivor, the debut novel by Horsham writer Lisa Brace, has been published by The Book Guild. AAH caught up with the author and journalist following the book launch at Waterstones…

This is my elevator pitch…

Four celebrities are taking part in a fictitious reality TV programme called Star Survivor UK, set on an island in the South Pacific. The celebrities all have their reasons for taking part. Zoe Stenson is a famous young actress who needs to rebuild her reputation. Emily Chase is a ‘mumfluencer’ who hopes the experience will lead to a book deal, while Toby Masters is a children’s author whose past infidelities have been well-documented. The fourth contestant is June Sharp, who has recently divorced and discovered she’s going to be sacked from her job as a daytime TV presenter. They’re expecting five-star comfort in paradise, with many aspects of their ‘survival’ being manipulated by the production team. However, when they’re left on the wrong

island, they must fend for themselves using only the items they brought with them and anything the island can provide.

Ben Elton obsession…

As a young reader, I loved Ben Elton’s books, such as Popcorn. They were witty and satirical, yet he could also create suspense and drama. One of his books, Dead Famous, was about a murder that takes place on a reality TV show similar to Big Brother. It has a climactic twist that heightens the reader’s suspense and it’s that kind of engagement that I tried to emulate. Having spent many years working as a journalist, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to use news headlines to drive the plot. The world’s media speculates on what could have happened to the celebrities and this leads to further revelations in the press about the characters. I really enjoyed replicating the various ‘house styles’ of news websites like Mail Online and The Sun to create tension on the island.

Creating genuine emotion…

Another author I admire is Marian Keyes, who writes about modern women in the modern world. Keyes’ characters often have underlying issues that give the humour a different context, and that influences my work too. Three of the four main characters in Star Survivor are women, all at different stages of their career. I enjoyed using this age disparity to expose their differences through dialogue. I like formulating action scenes too and it has been nice to read reviews from people who have been tearful during one particular scene, when the fate of one of the celebrities hangs in the balance. When I wrote it, I was emotional too, as I was so invested in the characters! To hear others feeling the same way means a lot.

I keep pinching myself…

Star Survivor was launched at a signing at Waterstones on 11 April. Writing a novel and having it published has been a life goal, so to see people buying a copy from Waterstones was a dream come true. I returned to the shop

Lisa Brace with her new novel, Star Survivor (©AAH/Alan Wright)

the following morning and my book was on display alongside those by well-known authors, so it felt surreal. A copy of every published book has to be sent to the British library and copies have also been distributed to libraries in Horsham and Southwater, which is exciting. I keep pinching myself! One thing I’ve had to adjust is my signature. Like most journalists, my handwriting is awful, which stems from writing shorthand. I’ve had to make an effort to write messages in books more clearly.

Writing a book is only the start...

‘You need to form a protective shell or be eaten alive.’

very disappointed. There are about 200,000 books published every year in the UK alone, so it takes time for the wheels of traditional publishing to turn. I was first told my book was going to be published last August and it has taken eight months to finally have a copy in my hand, as there is a constant dialogue with editors and publishers throughout the process.

Brace yourself for reviews…

Things are happening relatively quickly for me now, but it has taken a long time for Star Survivor to reach this stage. I wrote the book in 2020 and submitted the manuscript to many agents before being signed by A for Authors in 2021. After another year of rejection and disappointment, my agent Annette found a publisher, The Book Guild. Getting your work published is extremely difficult and there is no guarantee of success. Occasionally, an author might find an agent and publisher quite quickly, but my story is not an unusual one. Writing a book is 1% of the process and anyone who imagines securing a big publishing deal is likely to be

You have to be prepared to step away from the book being solely yours as others will have a degree of control. You must be prepared to listen and accept advice. While I love the cover of my book, I had little role to play in the process, other than to select a favourite. There’s a lot of jumping through hoops and you need to form a protective shell, otherwise you’ll be eaten alive! Then comes the reviews. There’s a website called NetGalley where readers receive a free copy of a book in exchange for a review and you have to harden yourself to the fact that not everyone will love your work.

Curing up on the sofa…

Star Survivor is my debut novel, but I have written novellas under the pseudonym Holly Green. These are romantic comedies of about 40,000

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Lisa’s next book is based on an inspirational Olympian

words, far shorter than a novel. They are light fictional works aimed at 18-25-year-olds. They are not truly indicative of who I am as an author, but I love writing them. I have a soft spot for cheesy, Hallmark rom-coms made for TV. We all know they’re predictable, but sometimes I like to curl up on the sofa with a hot chocolate and watch one. I hope to create a series of ‘Secret’ books and have so far published Secret Santa – a modern interpretation of A Christmas Carol – and Secret Valentine, with Secret Crush due out in the summer.

No great secret…

founded the business to publish our novellas quickly, maintain control of the process and retain the lion’s share of royalties. The novellas have sold well, with Secret Santa shifting 2,000 copies.

Inspirational women…

The Secret series is published by Blue Pier Creative, which I co-founded with my friend and fellow author Daisy White. As well as publishing our own work, we host writing retreats, workshops and online courses. Daisy has had about 20 books published by the likes of HarperCollins, but her lighter thrillers and mysteries are released through Blue Pier. We

I have several books in the pipeline. My next novel is called The Street, also based around a reality TV show. I have also turned my hand to historical fiction with Swim, released this May. Swim tells the story of Lucy Morton, a swimmer from Blackpool who became the first female British swimmer to win a swimming gold at the Paris Olympics in 1924. I love writing about inspiring women as they drive me to greater things.

Further information:

Star Survivor by Lisa Brace is available on Amazon, as well as Waterstones and all good book shops. bluepiercreative.co.uk

WORDS: Ben Morris

PHOTOS: Alan Wright/Lisa Brace

GAME CHANGER

GAME CHANGER

ARIEL PLAY TACKLES

A new play written by Nicci Hopson, Company Director of Ariel Theatre Company, is coming to the Capitol Theatre on Friday 31 May – Saturday 1 June. Following a sell-out run in February 2023, Ariel presents Barnet Hawks, an inspirational musical comedy-drama that centres around nine footballers in a changing room. AAH met Nicci (opposite, inset) to discuss the fascinating topics at the heart of her play…

What is Ariel Company Theatre?

Ariel was founded in 1993 and stages musicals, plays and revues across Sussex. The company’s first production was a musical called A Slice of Saturday Night, performed at the Capitol. As well as our senior company, Ariel operates seven academies, including one in Horsham, teaching drama, singing and dance to nearly 1000 students. Having performed our first show at the Capitol, it’s great to be returning there with Barnet Hawks

Do you write your own productions at Ariel?

We mostly perform musicals and plays that have been successful in the West End, while our academy showcases comprise popular songs and musical numbers. So, writing and producing our own play has been a novel experience. My dad was a journalist and I inherited his passion for writing. I often write short stories or monologues to challenge our students with new material, but it was only during lockdown that I decided to write my first full-length play. I found it came easily to me and I enjoyed the process.

Why base a play on men’s mental health?

The motivation was my sons and grandsons. Even though awareness of mental health is growing, most men still find it difficult to talk about their problems and suicide remains the biggest killer of men under 50 in the UK, with thousands of lives lost every year. In recent years, well-known personalities such as Roman

or down the pub after a game, yet they don’t open up about struggles with depression or addiction. Men can be good friends yet know almost nothing about one other’s family, home life or job. Someone could have suffered a terrible loss and be struggling with depression and hide it from their team-mates. So, I wrote a play based around nine men in a very average team who have never won anything. Apart from projected scenes of the team playing football, the entire play is set within a changing room. You see a gradual meltdown from one of the players and slowly others open up too.

Why base the play on an amateur team?

Five-a-side football brings together people who wouldn’t normally mix. It is not unusual to see teenagers playing with someone in their 50s or 60s. Choosing a football team opened up different

story streams and from the outset I had certain actors in mind, who I had worked with previously and knew would add depth to the various roles. There is one particular character who is a vile, bullying bigot, with traits that may be familiar to anyone who has played or watched football before. By using players of different ages and backgrounds, the play confronts topics like depression, social isolation, bullying and homophobia, both with humour and sensitivity.

There’s music too?

Barnet Hawks is a jukebox musical with songs by the likes of Queen, Blur, The Libertines, Elvis Costello and Billy Joel. There are a few musical numbers too, including songs from The Greatest Showman, making it accessible to those who enjoy musical theatre. There are some excellent vocal performances, as we have an excellent cast.

Est. 1975

CHANGER MENTAL HEALTH Edwards

Kemp have had a positive impact by talking about their battles with depression, but millions of men of all ages still suffer in silence. They fear that to admit otherwise shows vulnerability, when traditionally they are meant to be breadwinners. I think that some men don’t quite understand their place in modern society. They’re told to be more sensitive and emotional, yet are still expected to be strong and successful. What I tried to do was to approach men’s mental health from a comedic angle. British humour often skirts close to tragedy and that’s something I tried to capture.

Who or what are the Barnet Hawks?

They are a five-a-side football team. My dad only had daughters, but I suspect he would have liked a son, as he loves football and coached youth teams. What is interesting is that players share a camaraderie, with lots of witty banter in the changing room

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Is this the play’s premiere?

‘British humour can often skirt close to tragedy.’

We first performed Barnet Hawks at New Bury Theatre at Hurstpierpoint College. The first night sold out and it snowballed from there. I was extremely nervous, as it was my first proper play. Ariel’s patron, Nigel Harman (best known for his roles in EastEnders and Casualty) came to watch and I asked him to give me an honest opinion, as I didn’t want to make a fool of myself! He really enjoyed it and the feedback has been extremely positive, which has given me huge encouragement. Now we’re excited to bring the production to Horsham.

You are raising funds and awareness for men’s health too?

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

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

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

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

We want to encourage men to talk about mental health, so we support a social enterprise called Breathe Men, based in Haywards Heath. Breathe Men meets weekly and encourages men to come together in a friendly and informal environment and just chat. Often, friendships and smaller social groups come out of the meetings. Men don’t tend to go to pubs as often as they used too, and since Covid many have become more isolated, so we hope to encourage more men of all ages to think about their mental health.

Do you think the play can attract those who would benefit most from seeing it?

If there’s one thing harder than getting men to talk about mental health, it’s getting them to go to the theatre! That’s one of the reasons why I chose football, as I hoped it might encourage men to watch it. The cast and crew have really got behind the project, putting their heart and soul into it, and if it inspires one person in the audience to open up about their struggles afterwards, then that would be a wonderful result.

Further information

Tickets to the Capitol Theatre shows cost £15 - £17 from thecapitolhorsham.com ArielCompanyTheatre

WORDS/INTERVIEW: Ben Morris

Barnet Hawks is set almost entirely in a changing room

Barnet Hawks is based on the struggles

Why wait any longer!

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At the Horsham Hearing Centre we continue to offer a professional service in a comfortable environment. If you have struggled to hear over the last couple of years, why not book a priority appointment with one of our Audiologists and try some of the latest hearing aids?

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Rolex-trained watchmaker

James West and After-Sales Manager Cédric Chamaillard at Wakefields Jewellers

FACE VALUE

ROLEX AUTHORISED SERVICE CENTRE OPENS AT WAKEFIELDS

Wakefields Jewellers in West Street, Horsham has opened the first Rolex Authorised Service Centre in West Sussex. AAH met Dominic Wakefield, who co-owns the business with sister Melanie, After-Sales Manager Cédric Chamaillard and Rolex-trained watchmakers James West, Lyndon Jones and Mark Murran to find out more…

Dominic: Back in 2012, shortly after we celebrated our centenary as an independent, family-owned jewellers, Wakefields proudly became an official retailer of Rolex and Tudor watches. This required a major refurbishment, including the installation of a bar and new luxury showrooms, so customers could experience the full range of watches on offer. Our staff trained intensively to acquire the technical knowledge needed to sell and handle Rolex watches. Without a doubt, it was one of the most exciting developments in the history of Wakefields and has proven to be a hugely successful partnership. The natural next step was to have an in-house workshop dedicated to the servicing and repair of Rolex watches.

Dominic: We purchased an additional unit behind the shop to give us the space for a Rolex Authorised Service Centre upstairs and a new jewellery workshop on the ground floor, which is scheduled to open later this year. Every piece of equipment has been approved by Rolex, with much of the machinery specially-built in Switzerland. The climate is meticulously controlled through an HVAC system (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) which regulates temperature and air purity, with self-contained areas for polishing and cleaning, minimising the risk of dust particles entering the workshop.

James: I learned watchmaking from my father, who adopted more of an old-school approach. The way he worked is a world away from an Rolex Authorised Service Centre, which is more like a clinical facility, even down to the white lab coats we wear. The traditional methods may have charm, but our modern approach is far more concise and ensures there’s no contamination.

Cédric: There’s a good reason why there are only a select number of Rolex Authorised Service Centres in the UK. Each centre must use cutting-edge technology and employ watchmakers who have been trained to meet Rolex’s standards of excellence. Even if you’ve been educated at one of the world’s finest watchmaking institutions, you still need to learn how to work specifically with Rolex watches and to gain even the first level of Rolex accreditation takes months of preparation followed by an on-site training course at Rolex’ headquarters in London. It was not easy for us to find three skilled watchmakers to work at Wakefields, as they are in high demand. If you’re technicallyminded and enjoy working with your hands, it is a fascinating and rewarding career.

Mark: Lyndon and I both studied at the British School of Watchmaking (BSOW) in Manchester, which offers two internationally-renowned courses. There, we were given a very good introduction to watchmaking, working on a variety of timepieces. Now we work exclusively

Rolex-trained watchmaker Lyndon Jones at the new Rolex Authorised Service Centre at Wakefields (Photos: Toby Phillips)

for Rolex, which has its own accreditations. We are qualified to work on all the modern Rolex timepieces within the Classic range, which includes the Rolex Datejust models. As we gain experience over the coming years, our ambition is to be trained on the more complicated chronograph movements, seen in watches such as the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona.

‘It feels right for us to be bringing this artisan skill back to Horsham’

Cédric: During a service, we fully dismantle the case and the movement of the watch. Every component is thoroughly inspected and cleaned. We use a wide variety of wheels and brushes to polish different materials of the cases and bracelets, such as Oystersteel or gold. During the cleaning process, we use specific equipment which produces tiny vibrations to dislodge any unwanted particles

before the watchmakers re-assemble individual parts in the workshop. One of the key purposes of a service is to make sure the watch is accurate. There will always be slight timing variations due to the nature of a mechanical watch, so we test each timepiece in six positions on different charges to minimise the deviations in timekeeping. The watchmaking industry benchmark during the production phase for measuring the accuracy of a watch is tested by an independent company called Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC), which translates to Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute. Rolex performs far better than the COSC standard time deviations, thanks to its high-quality movements and its seal of precision is confirmed with Rolex’s own Superlative Chronometer testing certification.

Lyndon: We use a Rolex approved computer programme that details parts of every Rolex model, helping us disassemble and reassemble watches, much like a complex model kit. Some components are so small that we use high-definition microscopic equipment to inspect them and check for scratches or abrasions which might be invisible to the naked eye. We change from 12 to 15 parts as standard, but if there is a slight scratch on any other components, they are also replaced.

James: Rolex uses Oystersteel for its steel watch cases. Specially developed by the brand, Oystersteel belongs to the 904L steel family, alloys most commonly used in high-technology and in the aerospace and chemical industries, where maximum resistance to corrosion is essential. It also looks beautiful once it has been polished. RLX titanium is a high-quality grade 5 titanium alloy specifically selected

Wakefields Jewellers is an official retailer for Rolex and Tudor watches

Oystersteel is specially developed by Rolex

Every single component of a watch is inspected during a service

Rolex-accredited watchmaker Mark Murran inspects a timepiece

by Rolex, notable for its finishing potential. At Plan-Les-Ouates in Geneva, Rolex has its own foundry so it can guarantee the purity of 18-carat yellow gold and also create an exclusive Everose, a combination of gold and smaller amounts of copper, palladium and indium. However, watchmakers must handle each material correctly, as even using steel tweezers to pick up tiny brass components could potentially create a scratch.

Lyndon: The Oyster case is a feature of Rolex watches. It ensures that the watch retains a waterproof seal and models such as the Submariner, Sea-Dweller and Deepsea can withstand the pressure of extreme depths. So, every case is rigorously tested in a water tank specially manufactured in Switzerland for this purpose.

Cédric: A Rolex is a treasured possession, to be passed down from one generation to the next. So, when it comes to a service, we ensure every watch leaves the workshop with its original functional and aesthetic specifications. Even if a watch is working well, we recommend a service every 10 years to maintain efficiency, in the same way you service a car after a certain number of years or miles. A watch is very different of course –more like a heart than a car – as it never stops ticking. So, from time to time, you have to make sure that the wheels keep turning.

Dominic: To be accredited as an Rolex Authorised Service Centre is a huge honour for us. When my great-great grandfather John Wakefield first rode into Horsham on a Penny Farthing in the 1890s, he found work as a watchmaker at Jury Cramp’s Jewellers on West Street, before starting his own business in 1911. So, it feels right for Wakefields to be bringing back the artisan skill of watchmaking to Horsham.

Further information:

Wakefields Jewellers, 11 West Street, Horsham, RH12 1PF

Tel: (01403) 264001

wakefieldsjewellers.co.uk

Words: Ben Morris

Photos: ©Toby Phillips/Wakefields

‘A Rolex is a treasured possession, to be passed down from one generation to the next.’

Rolex-trained watchmakers James West (standing) and Mark Murran

Dominic Wakefield, After-Sales Manager Cédric Chamaillard, Rolex-trained watchmaker James West and Melanie Wakefield at the new Rolex Authorised Service Centre

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A NEW SPEC

NEW SPECSAVERS STORE BREATHES NEW LIFE INTO TOWN

Specsavers in Horsham has moved to a new store in Bishop’s Weald House in the heart of the town centre.

The site at 2 Worthing Road, 150 metres from the old West Street location, is three times larger than the previous store, offering more space for customers and staff. It has been vacant since the departure of McDonald’s in 2014 and Specsavers hopes the move will help to rejuvenate this end of the town.

Amar Jogia, who joined the Horsham store 16 years ago and is now an Optometry Director, said the response has been phenomenal. ‘We have always offered excellent service, but some regular customers would sometimes jokingly remark about our need for a bigger location,’ he said. ‘They were right, as while we

had renovated and extended our former store to its limits, it was time for a change.’

‘Moving into the new store has been wonderful for our team too. They have more space not only for consultations and interactions with customers, but also to relax, with large staff areas including what can best be described as a chill-out room. From upstairs, you can look out to West Street, which makes us all appreciate how lucky we are to be working in such a nice town. Everyone is proud of the new practice and enjoying the sparkling, spacious environment.’

While the old store had relatively limited downstairs consulting capacity, the new location allows everyone to be seen on a ground floor, with optical and audiology

services available seven days a week. The Specsavers Hearcare audiology service is led by local audiologist and business partner, Carolyn Lawrence, with two bespoke audiology clinics on the ground floor.

WE’RE A BIT O.C.T

All the extra space means there are three Diagnostic Rooms where eye patients (both NHS and private) are seen by Clinical Assistants prior to an examination. By carrying out a variety of visual checks, retinal photography and scans, Assistants pass on extra information to the Optometrists, allowing them to give the best recommendations regarding a patient’s prescription and eye health. These diagnostic pre-tests include auto-refraction, retinal photography,

The Specsavers team outside the new store in Horsham (©AAH/Alan Wright)

The Specsavers team at the modern new store on Worthing Road, Horsham (©AAH/Alan Wright)

tonometry (used to measure eye pressure and to help screen for glaucoma) and perimetry (used to check for visual field defects). These tests can also include an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scan.

Kumar Keshavji, Co-Owner of Horsham Specsavers, said: ‘An OCT works in a similar way to an MRI in that it provides the Optometrist with a highly detailed cross-section through all the layers of the retina and can help identify issues relating to eye health at an earlier stage. As recently as a few years ago, an OCT scanner was considered exclusively as hospital-grade equipment, but now they’re a feature of all our stores. We have always invested in the latest technologies to provide customers with the best eye care experience, embracing advancements in modern optometry. This is a neverending commitment to invest in our services and customer experience.’

FACIAL FREEDOM

glasses. With more space, many spectacles previously kept in cupboards can be displayed, so now there’s a vast range of styles to suit all tastes. Specsavers have their own ranges of frames, including low-priced models that can be purchased with NHS Optical Vouchers for those who qualify for such support. They also work with brands such as Hugo Boss, Tommy Hilfiger, Quicksilver and Viktor & Rolf, with many designs made exclusively for Specsavers.

‘OCT machines are one way that eye tests have advanced over time.’

The spacious, modern store gives Specsavers the opportunity to showcase its range of products, as well as its clinical services. Great consideration has been given to the layout and the first thing greeting customers is a spacious showroom dedicated to

There is also an area designated to contact lenses, increasingly popular as contact lens technology becomes even more practical and easy to use. Terri Bacon, Contact Lenses Manager, said: ‘I only learned how to use contact lenses when I joined Specsavers, having worn spectacles for 40 years. They’ve been fantastic for me as they offer facial freedom. I love going to gigs and always wear my contacts as it means I feel relaxed and don’t need to worry about losing my glasses. They have so many other practical uses too, especially for those who enjoy playing sports.’

‘The technology has come on leaps and bounds and contact lenses today are soft, light and easier to wear than ever. We have lenses to suit people of all ages and customers can take advantage of

Directors Kumar Keshavji, Amar Jogia and Alan McLean at the Horsham store (©AAH/Alan Wright)

a free trial before signing up to our Lensmail home delivery scheme.’

SUCCESSFUL SLOGAN

This year, Specsavers celebrates its 40th anniversary. Its famous slogan was only introduced in 2002, yet ‘Should’ve gone to Specsavers’ has become part of popular culture. It has been used by many journalists and reporters covering news and sport, and featured in countless social media memes. What is less well known is that Specsavers stores are locally-owned and operated by people who live in the community.

The Horsham branch is no exception. It is jointly owned by Amar, Kumar and Alan McLean, who boast over 60 years of collective Specsavers experience.

Alan has been with the company for 35 years, running stores in Scotland before he was appointed Operations Director for the whole of Specsavers. Along with Kumar, he is co-owner of four stores in Sussex (Horley, Crawley, East Grinstead and also Horsham, where Amar is the third co-owner) and likes to share his knowledge and experience with others who are just beginning their own Specsavers career journey.

Alan said: ‘Specsavers stands out from others because it is owned primarily by optical and audiology professionals. It’s not a PLC generating share value for investors or pension funds, but a business run by local professionals for the benefit of their community. Because those behind it are committed to professionalism, customer care and satisfaction, we have grown continuously for the 35 years I have been involved. We have a culture of encouraging anyone who joins to become the very best they can be.’

‘We place individuals on development pathways where they can become accredited Retail Managers, Dispensing Opticians, Optometrists or Audiologists. Some go on even further to own their own Specsavers business. Many people who have joined us as Sales Assistants or Clinical Assistants have progressed through the Specsavers Pathway, gaining accreditations, diplomas and degrees to advance their career. For that reason, we’re always looking for new talent. You don’t necessarily need to have any retail, optical or audiology experience, as long as you possess a genuine willingness to help others, we’ll be interested in meeting you.’

CANADIAN DREAM

‘It’s a once-in-a-life time chance to work overseas, doing what I love.’

day is different. Specsavers has also given me opportunities to further my career. Some people aim to become an Optometrist, but I prefer life on the shop floor, meeting and greeting people, so managing a team for the past four years has been incredible for me.’

‘Specsavers is now expanding in Canada and appealed for candidates interested in being part of that journey. I flew to Ontario to meet several partners who had already made the move and I knew then that it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work in a different country, doing exactly what I love to do. I could never have imagined when I joined as a 16-year-old that the job would take me to a whole new life in a different continent.’

Having developed a passion for optics, Laura took internal courses and became a qualified Dispensing Optician, before gaining ILM (Institute of Leadership and Management) qualifications. Laura is now Manager of the Horsham store and will soon be taking on an exciting new role within the company.

Laura said: ‘It was a very easy job to fall in love with, as optics offers not just retail experience but medical aspects through patient care, so every

Matt Gawn, Head of Operations, has been with Specsavers for more than 20 years, many spent as Manager of the Horsham store. He is on his own Pathway towards ownership of a Specsavers business and says that Laura’s story is indicative of the company’s commitment to its team.

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Laura Sayers, Manager (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Ben Lord, Dispensing Manager (©AAH/AW)

He said: ‘It does feel like a community, because we’re all given opportunities to develop our skills and progress in our careers. Laura’s journey is a source of great pride to all of us. She first came to Specsavers as a shy 16-year-old and has risen through the ranks to become a fine leader. Now, she has all her accreditations and is heading to Canada for an exciting new chapter and that is really what we’re all about.’

CONFIDENT FUTURE

As Laura prepares to head to Canada, others will lead the way at the new Horsham store. Ben North also joined the team as an Optical Assistant aged 16 and five years later is training to be an Optometrist.

Ben said: ‘I have wanted to work in optics for as long as I can remember, as I’ve worn glasses since I was eighteen months old. I’m currently taking a course to be a registered Dispensing Optician and have two more years of studying at university to go and then hope to go on to become a qualified Optometrist. As I’m experienced in wearing glasses, I do feel I have more confidence when helping younger people coming in for their first prescription. Children can often be a little apprehensive about wearing glasses, but I reassure them and tell them that they will thank their parents for it in years to come!’

While a new chapter begins at Horsham Specsavers, it is the journeys of the individuals that are just as important to co-owner Alan McLean. He said: ‘If Amar, Matt, Laura or Ben had decided to walk into any other High Street retailer when they were teenagers, they would not be where they are now, with accreditations and exciting prospects. Our slogan is, ‘You should have gone to Specsavers’ but for me that applies to your career too!’

Further information:

Visit the new store at 2 Worthing Road, Horsham, RH12 1SL (01403) 275115 specsavers.co.uk

WORDS: Ben Morris

PHOTOS: Alan Wright

MEADOWS WELLBEING

Prioritise Your Health and Wellbeing In 2024

Meadows Wellbeing opened in June 2020 in the heart of Billingshurst and has grown rapidly under the thoughtful direction of founder, Jon Meadows.

Jon devised the wellbeing centre to fulfil a dream of providing a full range of complementary and alternative therapies to support patients at his flourishing Osteopathy practice, which many locals will remember as Billingshurst Osteopaths.

Jon, who has 30 years’ experience as an Osteopath and lives in Horsham, said: ‘Often, I feel that my patients would also benefit from the care of a therapist with different skills to mine, and this inspired me to develop Meadows Wellbeing, encompassing a comprehensive range of complementary and alternative therapies and treatments to support the overall wellbeing and health of my patients.’

The five-strong Osteopathic team provide Structural and Cranial Osteopathy, treating conditions including back and neck pain, joint pain, trapped nerves, headaches, sports injuries, pain associated with arthritis, as well as cranial treatment for newborn babies. There is also a dedicated Mental Health Support team providing Counselling, Psychotherapy, CBT and Hypnotherapy.

Other treatments include Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine, Sports Injury, Rehabilitation and Sports Massage/Soft Tissue Therapy. Meadows Wellbeing also offers a Foot Health Clinic, Reflexology, Homeopathy, Reiki, Aromatherapy, Swedish/Holistic and Pregnancy Massage. There is also Health Coaching, Blood Flow Restriction Training, Medical Herbalism, Indian Head Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Luxury Facials and Ear Wax Removal.

LOVE OF LOCOMOTIVES KEEPS MODEL RAILWAY CLUB ON TRACK STEAM AHEAD

Horsham Model Railway Club held an Open Day on 6 April, attracting railway enthusiasts of all ages. AAH met chairman Peter Reed and members Gail Tomsett, Tim Shevington, Alf Edes, Steve Borrill and Harry Lynsdale-Nock for find out more…

Peter: Horsham Model Railway Club was formed in 2008 to bring together people with a shared passion. Early meetings were held at Hurst Road Youth Club but for many years now we’ve met at St Leonard’s Hall, Cambridge Road, Horsham, with several founder members still involved.

Gail: During lockdown, we managed to keep the club going. When restrictions allowed it, we met in small groups in Horsham Park and one evening were even serenaded by a singer with

a guitar! We also started a Facebook group as a way of maintaining friendships and interest. Membership has recovered in the past two years and now stands at around 40, with several junior members too.

Alf: The social side of the club is important. We meet on Wednesdays at 7 – 9.30pm, but on the second and fourth Wednesdays we start from 2.30pm, giving us the time to set up our main exhibits, which can take a couple of hours to construct. Club evenings are great as we can fix and repair trains and layouts, work on scenery or talk about model railway events or layouts we have at home. My wife Janet doesn’t share my interest, but she comes along and helps run the kitchen. She just gets on with a jigsaw when we’re all too engrossed in our locomotives!

Peter: Most model railways use either an OO (2mm to 1ft) or N (4mm to 1ft) gauge, but some members also take an interest in other gauges such as HO (a continental equivalent of OO) or G scale (about 10mm to 1ft). Our main club layout uses an OO gauge, although we also have N gauge exhibits, as they’re the two most popular and even today most popular starter sets use those scales. People need to be aware of what they’re buying, especially if it’s a gift for someone who already has model railways, as there are many other gauges, such as Hornby’s TT, and they’re not compatible with one another.

Tim: Like many members of the club, my passion stems from childhood. I loved watching TV programmes like Thomas the Tank Engine and Ivor the Engine. My grandparents

Harry Lynsdale-Nock is one of the club’s junior members (©AAH/Alan Wright)

used to take me to a bridge over the mainline in Ash, Surrey, and I would wave at passing trains, hoping for a horn salute from the driver. That passion stayed with me.

‘We can create entire towns with cars, buses, cinemas and pubs!’

Alf: My first train set was a Hornby Dublo 3-Rail, a classic set for my generation. I remember coming down on Christmas morning and seeing the box under the tree! At the time, Hornby were made by Meccano at the factory on Binns Road, Liverpool. I loved the three-rail system as the central rail helped locomotives run smoothly on the track, before the company switched to a two-rail system. I gradually added to my first model set and eventually passed the hobby on to my son, who in turn has passed it on to my grandson!

Gail: Most members love old locomotives like the Flying Scotsman, but what I enjoy most is making scenery. You can buy model railway kits that can be built to fit a space and decorated to suit a certain era. However, I like to make a lot of the surrounding scenery myself, including trees, bushes and grass. The club’s main layout is called Two Fills, after two members who started it years ago who were both named Phil. The track and trains are only one part of a layout as we also create stations, platforms, depots and in some cases an entire town or village with cars and buses, cinemas, shops, garages, estate agents and pubs. Our main layout has The Albion Inn and a close look reveals that they’ve just received a delivery of beer!

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Gail Tomsett takes a scenic view (©AAH/AW)

Janet and Alf Edes (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Tim Shevington, Horsham Model Railway Club (©AAH/AW)

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

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

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

Our upcoming trips include:

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Gail: Much of the interest comes from small nostalgic touches that create miniature pieces of living history. Some members are skilled with electrics and add lights to buildings, so layouts look fabulous at night.

Peter: We have two big events each year. We host the Open Day at St Leonard’s Hall and at the end of summer we host an exhibition, organised jointly with Dorking and District Model Railway Club, as hiring a venue is too much for a single club to absorb. The Dorking Club also had its own layout at our Open Day. This year, we also welcomed the Crawley Model Engineers who run the Goffs Park Light Railway. We all have a common interest, so it makes sense to work together and promote all model railway clubs in the area.

Steve: Another of the layouts at the Open Day has a number of features of local interest. Although the railway itself is not based on Horsham Station, as we wanted an exhibit inspired by the Colonel Stevens light Railway locomotives of the 1920s, the buildings along the track will be familiar to some. So far, we have built the original Dog and Bacon pub (now cottages next to the current pub) and the Mill House at Warnham. We will soon be making a Mill Pond and lock, before looking at other historic buildings in the town.

Peter: We only started the local layout a year ago and although the rail line is running, these exhibits are long-term projects that take time to come together.

However, the new layout has generated interest and Horsham Museum has supported us by researching the history of local buildings. We have a rich rail history, with routes such as the Steyning Line which create added local interest.

Gail: The Open Days bring in people of all ages. We always attract older members as it’s a hobby people often take up in retirement. However, we also see many children and their love of trains never dwindles. During Covid, when we couldn’t travel abroad, families enjoyed visiting places like the Bluebell Railway instead and we’ve certainly seen more young faces in recent years.

Harry: I like seeing all the different layouts on the Open Day. One of my favourite dioramas has a Jinty locomotive (Class 3F) and a Digital Command Control (DCC) which means you need to operate it yourself. I don’t have a model train set at home, but I bring my trains to club meetings so I can run them on the OO gauge and N gauge layouts. I first loved trains from watching TV programmes, but

now I have about 20 trains and love club nights, even if I am one of the youngest.

Tim: If you ask a child to draw a train, you can guarantee it will be a steam locomotive, as there remains something magical about them. There’s always going to be interest as long as steam trains continue to run. Last year, I took my niece to the Bluebell Railway and she loved it so much that we bought her a Brio wooden train set. She has since got an extension set to make an even bigger layout. That’s where it all begins and although my niece is still very young, it is that interest in steam that can develop into a hobby for life. That’s how clubs like ours can survive.

Further information:

For more details visit the website at horshammrc.org.uk

WORDS: Ben Morris

PHOTOS: Alan Wright

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Steve Borill with a layout featuring the Dog & Bacon (©AAH/Alan Wright)

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WELLBEING CENTRE BRINGS TOGETHER HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

Meadows Wellbeing in Billingshurst brings together expert health professionals offering a wide range of osteopathic, complementary and alternative treatments and therapies. AAH visited to find out more...

FANTASTIC TEAM

Meadows Wellbeing was founded by Jon Meadows, who first established an osteopathy practice 25 years ago. Having grown up in nearby Shipley, Jon attended The Weald in Billingshurst before embarking on a career in the Army. He served for five years before a road traffic accident left him with a fractured lower back and pelvis, curtailing his career.

After returning to the area, Jon’s injuries and subsequent rehabilitation led him towards a career in healthcare. He took A levels in physics and human biology before studying at the British School of Osteopathy in London, graduating in 1996. After working in various practices, he established his own business, Billingshurst Osteopaths, in 1999.

Jon said: ‘Having gone to school in the village, I never envisaged returning to set up a practice

in Billingshurst. However, I found osteopathy fascinating and something that I wanted to pursue. I ran my practice above an estate agent on the High Street but always dreamed of opening a multidisciplinary practice, as I felt many of my patients would benefit from the care of therapists with different skills to mine. My vision was to have a centre that offered not just osteopathy, but a wide range of trained therapists and counsellors as part of one fantastic team.’

BRANCHING OUT

‘There’s a connection between our mind, body and spirit.’

people to expand our team, finally opening the doors in June 2020, by which time the building had been transformed into a professional, welcoming Wellbeing Centre that Billingshurst could be proud of. We now offer treatments and therapies including osteopathy, acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, reflexology, counselling/ psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, massage therapy and foot care, with therapists committed to giving patients the best possible care.’

OSTEOPATHY TEAM

In 2018, Billingshurst was rocked by the closure of three banks on the High Street. Whilst there was disappointment, it presented an opportunity for Jon to realise his dream of a wellbeing centre at what had been a Natwest branch. He visited the site with wife Salli and immediately fell in love with the building.

He said: ‘It was a run-down, 100-year-old building but we could see its potential and embarked on an extensive renovation project. Throughout the work, we recruited skilled

Jon and his team from Billingshurst Osteopaths are just one aspect of the centre. Structural osteopathy is the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries including back and neck pain, trapped nerves, headaches and sports injuries. These can be treated by manipulating joints and working the muscles, tendons and ligaments using stretch and massage techniques. Naomi Earthrowl has been part of the team since the Wellbeing Centre first opened and is one of five osteopaths at the practice.

Jon Meadows, founder of Meadows Wellbeing in Billingshurst (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Naomi said: ‘A lot of people come in with neck, shoulder and lower back pain. Sometimes, they have undergone medical treatment and rehabilitation therapy and are either looking for something else to complement these treatments, or still have persistent niggles and pains and hope alternative therapies can provide a solution, which they often do. With some clients, their problems can be partly attributed to age, whereas others may have arthritis that causes pain and inflammation. At this time of year, we also see an influx of clients with ankle and knee pain, as people start running and cycling again! We have all witnessed wonderful results from the various osteopathy treatments provided here.’

rhythm that courses through us. Cranial osteopathy involves a gentle, hands-on massage technique that encourages fluids into different areas, helping to relieve headaches or neck pain.’

‘Cranial osteopathy can also be used on children and babies. Sometimes, a child is delivered with the help of forceps or a vacuum cup, or in some cases a caesarean is required. This can lead to tensions and stresses that could contribute to disrupted sleep, feeding issues, as well as other symptoms such as sinus congestion or ear infections. Of course, cranial osteopathy with babies is very subtle work, but I firmly believe that by adjusting and releasing these tensions it helps with a wide range of symptoms.’

Jon has also attended courses in cranial osteopathy, which can help release stresses and tensions in the head and body. This remains a strong passion of his. He said: ‘Studies suggest that our cranial bones move about a dozen times a minute. Our entire bodies are in constant motion and these subtle fluctuations in cerebrospinal fluid pressures are part of a beautiful

POSTURAL SUPPORT

As well as osteopathy, Meadows Wellbeing has three sports therapists, including Ian Kulka (above). Ian draws on a range of techniques to address musculoskeletal issues, postural imbalances and pain related to soft tissue injuries.

Osteopath Ben Pieniazek (©AAH/Alan Wright)

He said: ‘As well as symptoms such as runner’s knee, tennis elbow and muscle and ligament sprains, we see a lot of clients with back pain and postural issues. Sometimes it is related to desk work, as spending hours in front of a computer does impact your posture. As well as identifying problems and treating them with massage, I can refer clients to other services if they need help in other areas, for example to relieve headaches and migraines. As we rely more and more on computers, we are seeing postural imbalances in people of all ages. We are even speaking to parents whose children have neckache because of screens.’

The Meadows Wellbeing team also includes specialists in acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and homeopathy, a holistic form of medicine which uses highly diluted substances to trigger the body’s healing mechanisms. Other complementary therapies include aromatherapy massage, Indian head massage, and spiritual healing methods such as Reiki.

Meadows Wellbeing also has a Foot Clinic, with Karen King among the foot health practitioners. Karen offers regular foot health check-ups to treat symptoms and ailments including in-growing toe nails, athletes foot and dry skin.

TAX EFFICIENCIES

What is the most tax efficient way to set up your property ownership? This really depends on your strategy. Setting up in your own personal name provides capital gains allowances and Principle Primary Relief on your capital gains if the property was previously your home.

Alternatively, a limited company can help to reduce tax liability on your income as the initial deposit can be a director’s loan into the business, and you can allow rents to stay within the business, thus potentially allowing many years of rents without income tax.

This can be perfect for higher rate taxpayers looking to eventually reduce their employed income, those close to retirement, or people looking to grow their portfolio. However, setting up a partnership can allow you to set up in your personal names and change it to a limited company at an opportune time, without incurring extra stamp duty. Before you do purchase a buy to let, make sure you get expert advice from a qualified tax planner as the correct set up could save you thousands.

'Whilst personal buy-to-let rates are cheaper, limited company rates are getting competitive.'

EFFECT ON MORTGAGE RATES

The cost of financing can rapidly eat into, or increase, your returns. Whilst personal buy to let rates are cheaper than limited company rates, limited company rates are getting more competitive. All of which means, if you’re considering the tax advantages of setting up as a limited company, then you have more to consider than just headline interest rates.

Getting the manner in which you own the property right from the start can also save you money in mortgage interest, so speak to an accountant from the outset.

Megan Taylor

Reception area at Meadows Wellbeing (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Aromatherapy is designed to help maintain physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing by the application of pure essential oils. Its primary uses are to calm, detoxify and reinvigorate. Diane Chandler has been a complementary therapist for over 25 years and is based at Meadows Wellbeing two days a week. She said: ‘I started out as an aromatherapist and had such a passion for it that I also trained in reflexology, flower remedies, Indian head massage, hot stone massage, Reiki and ear candle therapy. There is a connection between our mind, body and spirit and these therapies help to reduce stress and anxiety and improve our overall wellbeing.’

HUMANIST APPROACH

Almost everyone, at some stage of life, will need someone to talk to about their feelings and emotions. So, Meadows has a counselling team on hand to talk to clients about modern day life and its associated pressures such as relationships, social media and money worries.

‘There’s a connection between our mind, body and spirit.’

‘Lots of people are struggling to see a doctor, not only for issues relating to stress and anxiety, but also for physical symptoms. So, they’re taking responsibility for their own health while awaiting medical appointments. Sometimes, people have received a gift voucher for therapies they would never have had otherwise. They can sometimes be reluctant about complementary therapy, yet leave feeling far more positive about their health and wellbeing.’

Lisa Williamson said: ‘I am a humanist counsellor, which is built on a person-centred approach to counselling. Another school of therapy would be psychoanalytic or psychodynamic counselling, which can help delve into issues such as childhood trauma. A humanist approach tends to focus on the “here and now” and gives clients the chance to talk about relationships, work stress or anything else.’

‘Men are sometimes more reluctant about accessing therapy and talking about their emotions. Fortunately, it has become common parlance for younger generations to share their struggles and well-being, which is a positive step. Whatever the situation, I believe talking things through with somebody who is neutral, rather than being part of your family or friendship group, can be extremely powerful. Just to be seen, heard, understood and for your feelings to be validated can do a world of good.’

Diane Chandler, complementary therapist (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Jill Corbey adopts a more pluralistic approach, calling on a range of therapeutic skills from hypnotherapy to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and psychodynamics to help clients. She said: ‘Particular problems such as anxiety, childhood trauma or OCD is best approached using CBT, whereas breaking a habit such as smoking or overcoming fears such as flying might be better dealt with through hypnotherapy. That is why it’s good to have a wide range of complementary therapists at Meadows Wellbeing, as we can refer a client to someone else if required.’

While perhaps not everyone is in need of complementary and alternative therapies, Jon says that the services offered at the centre can make a huge difference to a person’s health and wellbeing. He said: ‘Scientific research can be very difficult when it comes to treatments such as cranial osteopathy and I know that an individual’s response can be subjective. However, after 25 years, I can say with certainty that we have a highly dedicated team here and our clients leave feeling more positive about both their physical and mental wellbeing.’

Further information: Meadows Wellbeing, 57 High Street, Billingshurst, RH14 9FJ. (01403) 786081 meadowswellbeing.com

WORDS: Ben Morris PHOTOS: Alan Wright

Jill Corbey, counsellor and hypnotherapist (©AAH/Alan Wright)

THE MIXMASTERS

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The M Bar in Piries Place, Horsham, is rebranding the restaurant part of its business as Sabi. Established in 2019, the M Bar combines a fusion of Asian cuisine with mixology at its popular cocktail bar. Now, co-owners Sophie Burstow and Benz Suwanmongkol hope to attract more people to savour its dining experience...

FOOD

Sabi at the M Bar serves a fusion of Asian food inspired by Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Thai and Singaporean cuisine. It promotes Tapas-style dishes that are best shared, with favourites including pork belling bao buns, crispy Thai chilli squid and tempura soft shell crab salad. The menu is regularly changed and recent additions include sizzling lobster and citrus coconut sauce.

Benz said: ‘The food is very high quality yet affordable. When we prepare ramen (soup noodles) we use authentic ingredients such as shiitake mushrooms and adopt slow cooking methods to bring out all the flavours, whereas

other restaurants use ready-made stock. Food is prepared by experienced Asian chefs, even though we sometimes modify dishes for western palettes. Firecracker chicken is a bestseller, although ours is milder than what Koreans would usually eat, otherwise customers would leave with burnt lips!’

SUSHI

The restaurant has a sushi menu which includes dragon roll (tempura prawn, avocado, sesame seeds, wasabi mayo, umami sauce), softshell crab maki (crab, spring onion, yuzu

Bao buns (Toby Phillips/AAH 2019)

Benz Suwanmongkol at the M Bar (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Brokers can secure tailored mortgages

In the maze of the UK mortgage market, finding the perfect deal can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. With numerous lenders, varying rates, and complex terms, navigating the world of mortgages can be overwhelming. This is where a mortgage broker steps in as your guiding light, simplifying the process and helping you secure the right deal for your needs.

MIXMASTERS

mayo, tobiko) and a choice of nigiri and sashimi. From the outset, the M Bar has demonstrated a flair for the dramatic, with sushi served surrounded by a mystical fog formed of dry ice, adding an element of theatre.

Benz said: ‘Our sushi is excellent and we are one of the very few local places that makes freshly-rolled sushi to order. Some venues offer 60 or 70 options on their menu, whereas ours is smaller. However, that does mean it’s fresh, with quality seafood brought in every week.’

DRINK

Anyone who enjoys Horsham’s nightlife will know that the M Bar is hugely popular on a Friday and Saturday night. As the height of summer, it’s not unknown for queues to stretch as far as the Piries Place Car Park. Benz is an experienced mixologist and ordering one of their signature cocktails such as The Old Man and The Sea, Bacon Pancakes or a Golden Moon Bellini remains enthralling.

Benz said: ‘We’ve been successful with signature and classic cocktails and mocktails as we have fantastic mixologists who prepare drinks fresh at the bar. However, the cost of living crisis and Covid have had an impact, so we are improving other parts of the drinks menu. We already serve great Champagne and sparkling wines (including several from local vineyards such as Sugrue South Downs) and soon we hope to introduce craft beers too.’

Mortgage brokers are seasoned professionals with in-depth knowledge of the mortgage landscape. They understand the intricacies of different mortgage products, lender criteria and market trends. By leveraging their expertise, brokers can provide you with personalised advice tailored to your situation and homeownership goals. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or seasoned homeowner, a broker can offer invaluable guidance every step of the way. One of the most significant advantages of working with a mortgage broker is access to a diverse network of lenders. While you might be familiar with mainstream banks, brokers have connections with a plethora of lenders, including specialist and niche providers. This means they can scour the market to find deals that suit your requirements, whether you have a unique financial circumstance or are looking for a particular type of mortgage product. Some brokers/master brokers/mortgage packagers, like Impact, also have access to exclusive mortgage products, and lenders may put their own staff in to the broker’s offices to assist with your applications. This allows speed of transaction and also can help with more complex scenarios. Your relationship with a mortgage broker shouldn’t end once you’ve secured a mortgage. They should continue to support you throughout the home buying process, or remortgage, from the initial application to the completion of the mortgage. Whether you have questions about paperwork, need advice on refinancing, or require assistance with insurance, your broker will be there to provide guidance and support.

A mortgage broker is your trusted ally in the complex world of home financing. From providing expert advice and access to a wide range of lenders to saving you time and money, their invaluable assistance can make all the difference in finding the right mortgage deal. So, if you’re embarking on your home buying journey in the UK, or looking for your next mortgage, consider enlisting the expertise of a mortgage broker to help you navigate the process with confidence and ease.

Authentic Indian Cuisine & Pub Classics

RESTAURANT

The M Bar is located in what was for many years B52’s and benefits from upstairs and downstairs space. Sabi is open for evening dining from Tuesday to Sunday, opening for lunch as well from Thursday to Saturday. Downstairs (including outside seating in summer) is mostly utilised for drinks and nibbles, which include Thai prawn crackers, duck spring roll, edamame, crispy Thai chilli squid and beef tataki, with upstairs offering quieter dining.

Sophie said: ‘For those who want a proper dining experience, we suggest sitting upstairs and enjoying full table service. Sometimes, customers say that the last time they were here they were dancing at 1am! So, to have a beautiful area upstairs with views of Piries Place is great, as it means we can offer people a more relaxing atmosphere, whether it’s a couple enjoying a meal together, a corporate event (we don’t charge for hire) or a family or group of friends celebrating a special occasion.’

Sophie Burstow at the M Bar

PEOPLE

Several key members of the team, including Benz and head chef Yoshiki Saito, previously worked at Japanese restaurant, Wabi. When the restaurant closed, Benz was determined to open a new venture and succeeded in retaining several staff that had previously helped the East Street restaurant earn two AA rosettes. Sophie’s dad, businessman Don Burstow, was an initial investor in Wabi, which was overseen by former Nobu head chef Scott Hallsworth and opened to great fanfare in 2010.

She said: ‘Most people don’t know that we are an independent business run by local people, especially as we’re in Piries Place alongside well-known brands. But my family has a long association with the town, while Benz also grew up here. His mum has run pubs and restaurants in Horsham and still discusses ideas with Benz regularly, while his dad’s family used to own River Kwai restaurants.’

NAME

The name of the M Bar is a tribute to the late Melanie Burstow, a respected businesswoman in Horsham who owned restaurants including China Brasserie. The name Sabi comes from Wabi-Sabi, which was mooted as a potential name for Wabi.

Sophie said: ‘The M Bar is a subtle nod to mum’s memory, while we thought it was fitting to name the restaurant Sabi as so many of us were involved in Wabi. I keep a photo of mum on the wall near the bar downstairs. It was taken when she worked at one of her first bars, Dimples, where she first met my dad. It make me feel that she’s part of our journey too.’

Further information:

M Bar, 19 Piries Place, Horsham (01403) 253063 bookings@thembar.co.uk thembar.co.uk

WORDS: Ben Morris

PHOTOS: Alan Wright/Natalie Humphrey, Digital Marketing Specialist

Yoshiki Saito previously worked at Wabi (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Sabi at the M Bar (©Natalie Humphrey)

‘One of the joys of the supper club is that it can be chaotic. Although the food is always great, something usually goes wrong! But we thrive on that chaos and the unpredictability contributes to people’s enjoyment of the evening. There is very little room for the chefs to operate and diners watch the action unfold in front of them in an area usually reserved for serving coffee. That is all part of the experience and we find many people who come along to one night will return, as there’s a great communal atmosphere.’

‘We can offer chefs a chance to be more creative.’

‘For the chefs, it’s challenging. We don’t have the cooking space of a restaurant, so a lot of the preparation needs to be done beforehand and serving courses efficiently takes planning. But for chefs like Fergus, it’s fun as it puts them front and centre, with a chance to be try ideas. We’ve invited Alkemio several times now and the chefs chat to diners and get feedback on each course, including

a mystery course. For guests, there’s an element of being a food critic and we often find that the close proximity of the tables means that dishes spark conversations around the café. As we embark on a new era as Wolfpack, we hope to encourage other chefs, in addition to Alkemio, to come here for supper clubs. There are some fantastic chefs looking for opportunities and we can offer them a chance to be creative with their food.’

While the name of the business might have changed, the team behind the WolfPack remain. Prior to opening the café in November 2022, India was Director of Operations for the company behind Brod + Wolf, so adopting the name of a brand that has a loyal customer base in Brighton and Hove was logical at the time. However, India has since taken the Horsham café in a different direction and is now keen to extol its independent spirit.

MENTALITY

A café in Horsham’s Carfax is expanding its customer base through its unusual supper club. WolfPack, formerly Brod + Wolf, is best known for its fresh pastries and breads, homemade cakes and speciality coffee. Now, once a month, chefs are invited into the bakery café to prepare a menu full of surprises.

On 19 – 20 April, chefs from Alkemio Kitchen served up a seven-course menu, as well as a welcome cocktail. Founded by Fergus Blair, Alkemio specialises in pop-up restaurants, supper clubs and private chef events, whilst also producing a range of chilli condiments. The Wolfpack events provides Fergus with a chance to demonstrate his flair for creative fusion cuisine.

India de Silva, owner of WolfPack, said: ‘This was our 14th supper club and they’ve become increasingly popular. We held two last December when we served a festive-themed menu, but otherwise have resisted the urge to organise any more. For regulars, it’s a special evening and something they look forward to, so I wouldn’t want to dilute that excitement.’

Fergus and Abe of Alkemio (©AAH/Alan Wright)

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She said: ‘We have created our own identity and yet are still perceived by many people as being part of a chain. I live in the town and know that Horsham is proud of its independent businesses, which is what we are. We want to operate with that same freedom and contribute more to the town’s success. Horsham is already an amazing place to live, but it could be even better.’

‘By having our own identity, we can continue to explore new ideas, like the supper clubs, which isn’t something that happens at any other Brod + Wolf. Although the new name does bear some relation to the old one, there are personal reasons behind it. My German

Shepherd is called Wolfie and I also love the ethos of a wolfpack, working together for the good of all. That is ultimately what I hope to achieve here by bringing people together, be it for a coffee, a glass of wine, a wreath-making workshop at Christmas, or our supper club. We want WolfPack to be a place for everyone and everyone’s place.’

Further information:

The next Supper Club will be held on 31 May and 1 June 2024, with Alkemio returning to the kitchen

WolfPack, 18 Carfax, Horsham WolfPack Horsham

WORDS: Ben Morris

PHOTOS: Alan Wright

KING & STEVENS LTD

PLANT & TOOL HIRE

We hire an extensive range of mini-excavators, dumpers and cherry pickers. We also have a full range of tools and gardening equipment to hire, such as sanders, generators, breakers/ drills, etc.

SERVICE & REPAIR

We also sell, service and repair most makes of horticultural, arboricultural and construction equipment too. Visit our garden machinery shop or our website – we’re always happy to help!

Understanding your bigger picture

Nick Hapgood - Director of Residential Sales

Nick is proud to call Horsham his home, and is a familiar face in the area as he has worked within the property industry for over 20 years, predominantly within Horsham. Nick has unrivalled knowledge of the local property market making him perfectly placed to provide the best-selling advice and to understand how to attract the best buyers in a competitive market.

Alison Martin - Assistant Manager

Alison lives just a few minutes’ walk from the town centre with her beautiful sausage dog Olive. As our expert Assistant Manager with two decades of experience in the property industry under her belt, she is on hand to provide the very best level of advice to our vendors and purchasers alike! The lovely Ali has helped countless people with selling their property and finding their next home.

Will Papworth - Sales Manager

Will boasts a fantastic 20 year career in the industry, and has primarily been based within the Horsham and surrounding areas. The main aspects of his role now involve valuing properties and bringing them to the market and supporting clients through the conveyancing process. Will lives locally in Pulborough with his wife, two young children and Labrador, Bailey.

Will Rowe-Britton - Sales Negotiator

Will has lived in Horsham since the age of three, so he is an expert in all things Horsham & what makes living in the town so special! In his role as Sales Negotiator, Will is one of the key point of contacts for our purchasers during the initial stages of their property search, helping to match applicants with their dream new property and then guide them through the conveyancing process to the day that they pick up the keys.

Millie Davis - Sales Support

Millie boasts an impressive 13 years working in property, with her experience spanning various parts of the industry including sales, lettings, new homes and property management. This experience ensures she is perfectly suited to her role as Sales Support, an invaluable part of the team, and assisting with the day-today running of the department. Millie loves people and loves houses, with her role offering the perfect combination of both!