AAH (All About Horsham) September 2024

AAH SEPTEMBER 24

INSIDE

ROUND-UP

Tough Mudder returns to Holmbush Farm in Faygate and consultation held on Capitol’s refurbishment

22 LEISURE

Hannah Miller and six-yearold daughter Seren return home after riding 300km to the Paris Olympics

AWARDS

7

Lotti Brogan from Mannings Heath scoops theatrical award for her starring role in Dick Whittington

Rebecca Renmant-Oliver collects food and essential supplies for stray cats and dogs in Ukraine

Six-year-old Freddie Dye from Kirdford is making a name for himself in Bambino karting

COVER STORY

The September 2024 cover features Lotti Brogan of Mannings Heath in the garden of Park House, Horsham. Lotti is featured on p24 having been named among the winners at the Pantomime Awards 2024. We had hoped to use the stage at the Capitol for photos, perhaps using a red curtain or spotlight for a backdrop, but our meeting with Lotti coincided with a staff training day at the theatre. So, instead we interviewed the actor at Crates Local before taking photos in the pretty Park House garden, where we utilised plants that complemented her floral jacket.

ABOUT US

AAH is an independent magazine founded in 2011. It is owned by Ben Morris, a life-long resident of the District.

Editor: Ben Morris

editor@aahorsham.co.uk (01903) 892899

2 Viney Close, Ashington, RH20 3PT

Photographer: Alan Wright alanwrightphotography.co.uk 07747 617387

Alan works for AAH on a freelance basis and can be booked for all kinds of commercial work.

Other cover contenders included karting ace Freddie Dye, Irma Westerdijk at the Association of Sussex Artists exhibition in Horsham, and Rebecca Renmant-Oliver of Rusper with pet supplies she has collected for Ukraine.

At Build an Opera, children write songs and design sets for their own musical production

DANCE

The Glynde Place Dance Studios celebrates its 40th anniversary with Timeless show at the Hawth

Loxwood Meadworks create a growing range of sweet wines using honey from their own hives

Husband and wife team join forces with Strictly Come Dancing star for new musical, Barista

ADVERTISING

As a free magazine, AAH is grateful to the support of all its advertisers. If you’d like to find out more about promoting your business in AAH, please contact Ben. We offer every 6th advert free, like a cafe. We also design adverts for free if you need help.

ADVERT RATES

(Per month/edition)

Eighth Page: £60 + VAT (93mm x 63mm)

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

Half Page: £195 + VAT (190mm x 133mm or long, upright shape)

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

SPRING-LOADED STANDS

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.

The Association of Sussex Artists (ASA) hosts its annual exhibition at the Drill Hall in Horsham

FINAL WORD

Eddie Nealon of Ashington prepares to walk famous Camino de Santiago trail in his father’s memory

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

Village Stands: Newbridge Nurseries, The Bridge Leisure Centre (BBH) CoCos’ Salon & Beeson House (Southwater), Billingshurst Leisure Centre, Coco’s Salon (Billingshurst), Bluecoat Sports Centre (Christ’s Hospital), Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens (Lower Beeding), Warnham Village Stores (Warnham), Slinfold Golf Club, Steyning Leisure Centre and Cobblestone Walk (Steyning), Spring Gardens Nursery (Washington), Chanctonbury Leisure Centre, Joanna’s Boutique Tearooms (Storrington), The Milk Churn (Rudgwick), Meadow Stores (Thakeham), Golden Plaice (Ashington), Rusper Village Stores, Roffey News and Post Office (Roffey)

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

AAH ONLINE

AAH is published on the 1st of the month at www.aahorsham.co.uk

NOTES

AAH

EDITOR BEN MORRIS RECALLS THE DAY LIAM CAME TO TOWN

It has been announced that the rock band Oasis are to reform for a series of concert dates.

Next year’s tour (assuming the Gallagher brothers don’t fall out beforehand) will coincide with the 30th anniversary of the release of arguably the Mancunian band’s finest hour, (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? As with all such things, it’s a reminder that I’m now firmly planted in middle age, with nearly three decades having passed since I joined a queue that was snaking out the door at Our Price in Swan Walk on the day Blur and Oasis released records on the same day.

I also recall that 1995 saw The Beatles release their first new material in 25 years, with the surviving members recording Free as a Bird This was big news, but as a 16-year-old, meant little to me. They may well have inspired many of the bands I loved (none more so than Oasis), but The Beatles were old men and their music was for my parents’ generation. I couldn’t understand what all the fuss was about. Now, I’m the guy saying, ‘They were kind of a big deal kids, leading the way during a really exciting time for music, you know?’

During dinner, my son asked why there was so much media coverage about Oasis and an apparent clamour for tickets (no doubt they’ll be snapped up in a frenzy of rose-tinted nostalgia, much like the glasses Noel wore in the video for Don’t Look Back in Anger). I can understand his surprise, as we listen to a lot of music at home and while there’s a solid representation of the 1990s, we rarely hear

an Oasis song. My son has even developed an ear for music from the era too and often plays songs by The Stone Roses and The Strokes. But not Live Forever. Oasis were never my absolute favourites either and my tastes have since veered in other directions. Yet still, there was a time when I devoted a shelf in my bedroom to displaying cassettes of all the band’s singles from their first two albums. I think I liked the artwork as much as anything.

What I do remember about Oasis is – whether you loved them or loathed them – they did impact popular culture in a way no other band has in this country in my lifetime. I was not in The Crown in the Carfax when Liam Gallagher popped in for a pint while the band were recording their third album at Ridge Farm Studios in Rusper. But judging by the number of people who claimed they did witness the occasion, the pub must have several underground levels I’ve never seen. It is surely Horsham’s Woodstock, in that everyone claims to have been there. A friend of mine was working in Footlocker in West Street at the time and said that Liam popped into look at trainers. It was still a few years before mobiles with cameras were commonplace, so his claim to fame was unverified!

While I didn’t see Liam downing a pint in The Crown, I do recall being there on a heaving Saturday night as everyone in the pub sang along with gusto as Wonderwall blasted out the jukebox. It must’ve been played a dozen times a night at the height of its popularity.

That’s because Oasis appealed to those who hadn’t previously cared for music. One such person was my friend and neighbour Gary, who became so besotted with the band that he started dressing like Liam Gallagher, brushing forward his hair, wearing a Parka coat and adopting a snarling attitude. To this day, he laughs when I remind him that he was so invested in his rock star persona that he once chose to ignore me when I called to him across the bar at The Lynd Cross. He responded much as Liam might have done, sporting a superior smirk before scoffing and turning away, as if I was a ‘has-been’ unworthy of his presence. Another time, he told me he’d written a song and wanted to form a band. I played guitar and we recorded a demo tape of Time is the Way (That We Live Our Day), which tells you all you need to know about its inspiration!

There was a time when the Gallaghers traded places with Princess Diana on the cover of the tabloids, whether it was them brawling (The Sun’s headline was ‘Blowasis’) or Noel claiming that taking drugs was like ‘having a cup of tea in the morning!’ You couldn’t get away from them. There is some comparison to the current clamour for Taylor Swift-related news, where reports of scientists recording seismic activity equivalent to a 2.3 magnitude earthquake during her Seattle concert makes headlines across the world, while actual earthquakes that kill people do not.

So, in answer to my son’s question, the return of Oasis is a big deal. Not necessarily because of the music, but for the memories it evokes.

Morning Saturday 28th September 2024

For September 2025 entry Thursday 10th October 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

Horsham’s only co-educational independent school and nursery for ages 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

ROUND-UP

NEWS & EVENTS FROM ACROSS THE HORSHAM DISTRICT

Tough Mudder London South returns to the Holmbush Estate, Crawley Road, Faygate, on the weekend of 21 – 22 September.

Renowned for its demanding course that mixes thick mud with extreme obstacles, the event is for those who dare to push their limits in the spirit of teamwork and personal achievement. Known as the biggest and best Tough Mudder

event, the London edition promises an adrenaline-packed weekend featuring an impressive line-up of obstacles that will test the mettle of participants. The 15K course includes more than 20 obstacles such as the Mudderhorn, Electroshock Therapy and Arctic Enema, in what is a true test of endurance. The 5K course is for those seeking a shorter

challenge, with more than 12 obstacles and there is also the Lidl Mudder, a one-mile course specially designed for kids. Finishers receive a free T-shirt, headband and refreshments. For information and registration details visit toughmudder.co.uk/events/london-south/

The West Grinstead Ploughing Match and Agricultural Show will be held at Westons Farm, Itchingfield, on Saturday 21 September, from 9.30am. It’s a great day out for the family, showcasing the best of British farming, past and present. As well as plough competitions for tractors, vintage machinery and horses, highlights include the Crawley and Horsham Hunt’s parade of hounds, livestock competitions and country crafts and produce. westgrinsteadploughing.co.uk

©Tough Mudder

The Horsham Battle of the Bands final was held in the Nature Garden at Horsham Park on the weekend of 27 – 28 July. Saturday night’s Original Bands final was won by Not Right Here (pictured), with runners-up being Spock on the Bus and Parallax. Earlier in the day, the Cover Acts contest was won by Bonejaw, with Eddie Miller and Ravens of Rock second and third,

respectively. Sunday’s Acoustic Originals winner was Lee Martin, followed by Random Beats and M.C.M. The organisers would like to thank its supporters and sponsors including Woodstock IT, Sam Khan Photography, Ignite AMR and AWAL. For details about next year’s competition, email info@horshambotb.co.uk or visit battleofthebandshorsham.uk

No Jacket Required, the UK’s leading Phil Collins tribute, return to the Capitol Theatre on Saturday 12 October, 7.30pm, as part of their 21st anniversary UK Tour. The show includes hits from Phil Collins’ film scores alongside chart-topping songs from his solo career and time with Genesis. Tickets cost from £28.50 from thecapitolhorsham.com

Transfer your favourite videos to DVD/Memory Stick to re-live all those memories ‘Lost in the Loft’

l Home Movies l Wedding Videos l Special Occasions

All formats coverted: l VHS l Camcorder Tapes l 8mm Cine Film

Direct Line: Direct Line: 01403 242882 Web: Web: www.lostintheloft.com

The Causeway Chamber Orchestra is a new group that performs lesser-played masterworks of the Enlightenment era. The orchestra was founded by Horsham-based musician Luca J. Imperiale (above), who is studying at the Royal College of Music, with performances by local musicians and guest soloists. The orchestra’s next concert features soloist Maria Noskova and is held at St Mary’s Church, Causeway, Horsham, on Saturday 5 October, 7pm. The programme features Symphony No.4 by William Boyce, Mozart’s Violin Concerto No.2 and Schubert’s Symphony No. 5. Tickets £5 (U16s free) from.ticketsource.co.uk/causewaychamber-orchestra

Coolham Live Music Club welcome Leonie Gale and her band, plus Charlie Austen, to Graeme’s Stables, Coolham, on Sunday 8 September. The club’s next gig at Coolham Village Hall on Saturday 19 October features Connolly Hayes, nominees for the UK Blues Awards 2024. Connolly Hayes (inset) play a blend of blues, rock and soul from their debut album, Remember. There will be a collection for Matt Long, guitarist and frontman of Catfish and friend of Coolham Live Music Club, who is battling bowel cancer. Coolham Live Music Club

Our new practice in Horsham has been designed for the ultimate patient experience with a zen atmosphere. We offer complete dental care with innovative high-tech treatments and a team of dedicated professionals.

l OUTSTANDING DENTAL CARE l AFFORDABLE FINANCE PLANS

l EXCEPTIONAL FACILITIES & FIVE-STAR SERVICE

l CONVENIENT GROUND FLOOR PRACTICE

l CEREC CERAMIC CROWNS IN 90 MINS

l ADULT INTRAVENOUS SEDATION (IF REQUIRED)

l SAME-DAY EMERGENCY APPOINTMENTS l IMPLANTS, 3D SCANS, INVISALIGN & TEETH BONDING

Catfish have released a new mini-album, London, with the title track released as a single in August. This five-track mini-album features three original tracks, as well as a cover of Tom Waits’ Chocolate Jesus and a 10th anniversary re-recording of So Many Roads, a live staple from their debut album, which features a stunning guitar solo from Matt Long, who is fighting cancer. London is written by Paul Long and features sensational backing vocals from Lindsey Bonnick and Chloe Josephine. London is available from catfishband.com

Melody Times hosts concerts at Roffey Club, Spooners Road, RH12 4DY on the second Wednesday of each month. On 11 September at 2.30pm, the club welcomes Andrew Varley, who will play his Yamaha Genos2. Admission £10 OTD. melodytimes.co.uk/horsham.htm

The Shelley Memorial Project presents A Celebration of Poetry at St Mary’s Church, Causeway, Horsham, on Saturday 12 October, 6.30pm. BBC Radio 4 presenter Chris Aldridge hosts an evening of poetry and music featuring award-winning poet and novelist Louis de Berniéres (inset), who will be joined by actor Emily Rose Smith to perform poetry and songs. The evening also features Sussex poets Liz Barnes, Teresa Gooda, Simon Zec and Barry Smith with musician Chris Hardy, with a prize-giving ceremony for the SMP Poetry Competition 2024. Tickets £18 (concessions £12) from Eventbrite (search ‘Celebration of poetry Louis’) or visit shelleymemorialproject.co.uk

The theatre, which is almost 90 years old, was last refurbished in 2003. Now, many aspects of its infrastructure, design and layout need to be updated to align with current and future audience and environmental needs. The current proposals include providing increased seating

capacity in the auditorium, energy saving improvements and changes to the internal layout to enhance the experience for visitors. Insights from the public will play a crucial role in shaping the future of The Capitol. The survey is open now until Monday 30 September. https://online1.snapsurveys.com/ TheCapitolRefurbishment

Photo: Toby Phillips Photography

Horsham District Council is launching a survey inviting comments ahead of a refurbish of The Capitol next year.

The CPRE Sussex Countryside Day will be held at the Knepp Estate, Dial Post, on Saturday 7 September, 10am – 4pm. The event is part of a nationwide celebration of everything that is important about the countryside and protecting nature for the benefit of all. The event is hosted at Knepp, the home of rewilding in Sussex, with talks and tours, children’s activities run by Woods for Learning, and stalls offering hands on activities such a hedge laying, and an array of farm animals. Tickets can be booked in advance (£5 donation suggested) from cpresussex.org.uk

The Pulborough Harvest Fair will be held at East Glebe Field, Old Rectory Lane (opposite the Chequers Hotel), Pulborough, RH20 1AD on Saturday 28 September, 11am – 5pm. Highlights include Harris’ traditional funfair, Arun Vet’s fun dog show, welly-wanging, a scarecrow competition and live music from Sussex Steel, Billy Nomates and Accidental Suspects. There’s also a car show with classic, vintage and veteran vehicles of all kinds welcome, and a wide range of food and drink stalls including Sussex Lamb and Hepworth’s beer tent.

Pulborough Harvest Fair.

Horsham Fairtrade mark Fairtrade Fortnight by bringing Smoothie Bikes to the mosaic in Swan Walk, Horsham on Saturday 14 September, 10am – 4pm. The bikes (one adult, one child-sized) operate blenders which will be filled with locally-sourced Fairtrade ingredients. Come along and pedal your way to your own delicious free Fairtrade smoothie. fairtradehorsham.org.uk

The Mary How Trust for cancer prevention celebrates 35 years of screenings with an evening of music, art, canapés and bubbles at Champs Hill, Pulborough, on Saturday 5 October, 6.30 – 9pm. The exclusive event offers a rare opportunity to explore the stunning art that adorns the venue, hear music by classical pianist Tim Rumsey and bid at a silent auction. The Mary How Trust offers ‘pay what you can afford’ health screenings. For tickets visit mhtchamps.eventbrite.co.uk

1. Experienced Design

We’ll

Coordination

We’ll

Our Horsham Showroom

RH13 5TX I 01403 721086 Arrange

Free parking I 9-5 Mon-Sat

Cowfold-based IT support firm Wessex IT has been recognised as the highest-ranking Managed Service Provider (MSP) in Europe by industry experts Channel Futures. Now in its 17th year, Channel Futures’ MSP 501 list highlights the best IT service providers in the world, based on a wide range of judging criteria. This year, Wessex IT claimed the number one spot in Europe and was placed 54th worldwide. Richard Maynard and Andrew Sewell started the business nearly 20 years ago after meeting at Collyer’s. Now the business is 30-strong, including 20 technicians, catering to clients including Aston Martin, the Knepp Estate, Borde Hill Gardens and At Home Estate Agents. They also invest in apprenticeships to foster young talent. wessexit.com

Impact Specialist Finance has been named Best Specialist Mortgage Broker for the fourth consecutive year at the 2024 What Mortgage Awards. The winners were announced at an awards evening at OXO2, London in July. Voted for by the public, awards reflect customer experiences with providers throughout the mortgage process, from major banks and building societies to specialised lenders and brokers. Now in its 33rd year, Horsham-based Impact Specialist Finance has grown into a premier mortgage broker, packager and distributor. impactsf.co.uk

Two Horsham-based charities have each been awarded grants of over £4,000 by the Focus Foundation Horsham Matters, which supports those in need in the local community, will be able to provide over 200 supermarket food vouchers to families this summer. Southwater Youth Project, which helps children and young people, will use the funds to provide support and enriching experiences for families. Focus Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Focus Group, based in Shoreham, was founded by Chris and Elaine Goodman to support grassroots charities. focusfoundation.org.uk

The Gatwick Airport Community Trust has announced the latest beneficiaries of its funding programme. Funded exclusively by London Gatwick, the Trust has provided support for good causes for more than 20 years and so far this year has donated £250,000. Recipients include Arunside Primary School PTA (£2,500), Roffey Cricket Club (£1,600), West Sussex Philharmonic Choir (£1,000) Yes Futures (£1,200), Southwater Cricket Club (£1,000), Southwater Academies PTFA (£1,000) and Warnham CE Primary School PTFA (£1,500). For details of applying for future funds visit sussexcommunityfoundation.org

Run Barns Green’s Half Marathon will take place on Sunday 29 September. As well as the Half Marathon, now in its 42nd year, there will be a 10k and 5K race, following routes on closed roads through Barns Green, Itchingfield, Dragon’s Green and through the grounds of Christ’s Hospital School. The Jennings Junior Jog for children aged 4 – 11 begins at 12.30pm. There is chip timing for each runner in the adult races, as well as pacemakers, with all finishers receiving a medal, with gold, silver and bronze medals to winners. The official race charity is St Catherine’s Hospice. The event recently placed fourth in the top 10 half marathons in the UK, published by the Half Marathon List. runbarnsgreen.org.uk

Horsham Sparrows runs Wildcats and Mini Kickers football sessions to encourage children to enjoy the game. Wildcats is a nationwide initiative by the Football Association to make football more accessible for girls aged 4 – 7. Local sessions are hosted by Horsham Sparrows FC at Horsham Park on Tuesdays at 5pm from April to September, moving to the all-weather pitch at Tanbridge House School from October. Mini Kickers offers an introduction to football for children aged 4 – 5. horshamsparrows.co.uk

The West Sussex Vintage Toy & Train Collectors Fair will be held at a new venue at The Steyning Centre, Fletcher’s Croft, BN44 3XZ on Sunday 13 October, 9.30am – 1pm. Buy, sell and swap toys old and new, including Triang and Hornby trains, Dinky, Corgi, Matchbox, Lego, action figures and comics. Refreshments and free parking. Admission £2 (early bird £3, accompanied children free). Further toy fairs are held at the regular venue of Ashington Community Centre on Sundays 29 September and 10 November. modeltoyauctions.co.uk

TOOVEY’S

The Alf Shrubb Memorial Race returns for the first time in eight years, with a 10km trail event starting at Slinfold Cricket Club on Sunday 15 September, 11.15am. The event is held in association with Horsham Joggers, with prizes for winners in male and female categories. All senior runners will receive a replica medal of the one awarded to Shrubb for breaking the world two-mile grass record in 1902. There are also three children’s races starting at 10am, held at the cricket club. To enter visit: alfredshrubb10k.eventrac. co.uk/e/alf-shrubbmemorial-10k-11671

Horsham District Council has submitted its new Local Plan 2023-2040 to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government for examination by an independent Planning Inspector.

The Local Plan identifies the expected number and locations for new homes and development areas for economic growth over the next 15 years. The Plan also includes policies to ensure that development which comes forward protects the environment, taking into account climate change and water neutrality. The submission of the plan follows the publication of the draft Plan earlier this year, with residents and stakeholders invited to share their views. Over 1,600 comments were received from over 1,000 respondents. These comments are being forwarded to the Inspector, along with a wide range of supporting documentation.

Cllr Ruth Fletcher, Cabinet Member for Planning and Infrastructure at HDC, said: ‘Delivering an up-to-date Local Plan is a top priority and submitting our plan for examination is a major milestone. By the time the current council was elected, the existing Horsham District Planning Framework had fallen out of date and speculative developments in inappropriate countryside sites had started to be a major problem. As we get closer to final approval, the new Local Plan gets more “weight” and we start to regain more ability to resist applications for damaging new greenfield developments that do not deliver the services and infrastructure that we need.’

‘Our new plan must deliver more homes. We all know that housing costs are a massive problem in the south-east and our plan will require a larger proportion of affordable homes, which is especially important for younger generations.’

‘We will require developers to build to higher environmental standards. This will not just reduce our carbon emissions but will also reduce heating costs and improve biodiversity. All new homes will be more water-efficient and there will be stronger requirements on

developers to create places where it is safe and attractive to walk and cycle. Many services such as schools and GPs lie outside our direct control, but our plan requires developers to make provision for these services in time to serve the new residents.’

Now that the plan and accompanying documents have been submitted, a Planning Inspector will be appointed to review it. www.horsham.gov.uk/planning/local-plan/local-plan-examination

Construction at Berkeley’s sought-after Highwood development (©AAH/Toby Phillips 2013)

Gaenor Circus at Horsham Flower Club (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Horsham Flower Club meets at North Heath Hall, St Mark’s Lane, Horsham, on the second Tuesday of the month, at 2pm. On 10 September, Jennifer Thompson presents ‘A Good Read’ before Vivien Withers provides a ‘Focus on Flora’ on 8 October. Kathryn Austin presents a ‘Merry and Bright’ workshop on 12 November and on 10 December Gaenor Circus presents ‘The Joy of Christmas’. Visitors welcome.

Storrington Flower Club meets at the Sullington Parish Hall, Thakeham Road, RH20 3PP on the fourth Wednesday of the month (except August and December) at 2.30pm. On 25 September, demonstrator Graham King presents ‘How Bizarre!’ and on 23 October, Barbara Caldecourt presents ‘Then & Now’. Visitors welcome. Entry £6. An open evening is held on Friday 1 November at 7pm with demonstrator Gill McGregor (tickets £18). A Christmas Tea Party is held on 27 November. For more information, contact Chrissy on (01903) 742102.

Do you have a piece missing?

Looking for an answer?

Feel held back?

I specialise in supporting people unlock their potential. If you know what you want to change, I can help you unlock trauma and create confidence.

You will always be in control.

The Lost Woods of the Low Weald and Downs project is calling for landowners to sign-up to a new nature corridor creation scheme, to help reconnect ancient woodlands across a large area of Sussex. The Woodland Trust-led partnership project is looking for sections of land that can be either planted or left to naturally re-colonise with trees and shrubs, to allow wildlife to move freely between ancient habitats and boost biodiversity. The project, which covers a 314sq km area spanning from Lewes in the west to Storrington in the east, aims to restore ancient woodlands (woods that have existed since 1600) to support rare species including the dormouse and Bechstein’s bat. Interested landowners will receive free advice on creating wooded habitat, voluntary help with planting trees or hedges, and support with the application process for subsidised woodland creation funding. Email lostwoods@woodlandtrust.org.uk or visit lostwoods.org.uk

Photo: James Ratchford

A coffee morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support will be held at the Comrades Club, Hollands Way, Warnham on Saturday 28 September, 10am – 12pm. As well as serving coffee and cakes, there will be stalls selling plants, cakes, books, jigsaw puzzles, Christmas decorations and a tombola.

St Mary’s Church in Horsham has received a plaque after a renovation project by Pilbeam Construction won a Sussex Heritage Trust award. The aim of the renovation was to install underfloor heating and improve flexibility of the space in the south aisle of the Grade I listed church in the Causeway, part of which dates back to 1247. Judges were so impressed with the sensitive way it was achieved that they awarded the project first place in the Ecclesiastical category.

Having picked up the award at a ceremony at Lancing College Chapel, Southwick-based Pilgrim returned to the church to hand over a commemorative plaque. Pictured are Paul Goodwin (church warden), Alan Corbett (Pilbeam MD), Nick O’Riordan (chair of Horsham Parish buildings), Julian Martin (Pilbeam QS), Laura Fletcher (parish operations manager) and Gareth Driver (Pilbeam site foreman). pilbeamconstruction.co.uk

Volunteers from the Wey and Arun Canal Trust have repainted the iconic swing bridge at Haybarn, two miles south of Wisborough Green, giving it a new lease of life. The bridge is actually in its second career, having previously been in operational service on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. It was reopened at its new site in 2005. The Wey and Arun Canal Trust is slowly restoring the complete length of the canal from Shalford to its junction with the River Arun at Pallingham, near Pulborough. weyarun.org.uk

Several local gardens will open as part of the National Garden Scheme in September. NGS gives visitors access to over 3,500 exceptional gardens across the country each year, raising money for good causes through admissions, teas and cake. The Old Vicarage in Washington, with some 3½ acres set around an 1832 Regency house, is open every Thursday until 10 October, 10am – 5pm. The Cottage in Pulborough, a quintessential English garden, is open on Saturday 7 September. Parsonage Farm, Billingshurst is open on Sunday 8 September, 2 – 6pm. Sussex Prairies, with 1,600 varieties of plant across eight acres, is open on 8 September, 1 – 5pm. ngs.org.uk

Kinsbrook Vineyard on West Chiltington Road, Thakeham, is opening its restaurant late on Fridays and Saturdays. Kinsbrook was granted consent to extend its evening hours by Horsham District Council in July. Head Chef Jackson Heron, who previously worked at 64 Degrees in Brighton, has curated a menu that showcases local produce and seasonal dishes. The restaurant has a rural vineyard setting with up to 45 covers inside and a further 30 outside. It is open from 6 - 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays. kinsbrookvineyard.com

South Lodge Hotel in Lower Beeding has opened The Reeds, eight lakeside lodges set within the estate’s 93-acre grounds. Incorporating biophilic architectural design and named after lakeside flora and fauna, the six lakeside lodges and two spa lodges invite guests to connect to the natural world. Situated around South Lodge’s wild swimming lake and accessed via a woodland trail, the lakeside lodges feature two-bedrooms, open plan living space and a range of modern features. Set back from the lake, two spa lodges offer relaxation with a steam shower, outdoor whirlpool bath and infrared halotherapy sauna. Adding a touch of natural elegance, the lake will be adorned with water lilies sourced from Monet’s renowned garden in Giverny.

Danny Pecorelli, Managing Director of Exclusive Collection, said: ‘Our aim is to provide guests with a luxurious yet sustainable retreat in line with our B Corp certification, where they can relax, rejuvenate and connect with the stunning natural surroundings.’

Rates start from £1,200 per night in a Lakeside Lodge and £1,400 per night in a Spa Lodge. exclusive.co.uk/south-lodge/the-reeds/

Brighton Road Lower Beeding RH13 6NQ

Authorised Dealership

Judith Dandy

Independent Funeral Director

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

We are committed to enabling families to plan a funeral that is personal, meaningful and affordable. We will support you to create a farewell that is appropriate and unique, thereby taking away much of the strain of planning such a significant event. We will be with you every step of the way.

Church View, Billingshurst Road

Wisborough Green, West Sussex RH14 0DY

e: judith@dandelionfarewells.com

t: 01403 701001 m: 07769 336022 www.dandelionfarewells.com

We are an official dealership for Stihl, Viking and Honda. We stock a wide range of chain saws, strimmers, blowers, vacuum collectors and hand tools

For the perfect lawn then look no further than our huge range of Honda and Viking mowers for every garden size

www.ats-machinery.co.uk

Proud sponsors of Southwater Royals FC

Mother and Daughter Cycle 300km to Paris Olympics CHAPEAU SEREN!

CHAPEAU SEREN!

Hannah Miller and six-year-old daughter Seren have returned home from a 300km cycling tour to the Paris Olympics. Hannah invited AAH to her family farm in Kirdford and shared the story of their cycling adventure…

Olympic Dream

I applied for Olympics tickets when they were first made available and secured seats for several events, including athletics and kayaking. I knew that the cheapest and most efficient way of travelling to Paris would be to cycle. I am a cycle instructor and run a bicycle repair business, Hannah’s Bike Barn, and Seren shares my enthusiasm for adventure. When Seren was three, she rode on the back of my bike

on a cycle mini tour to the Isle of Wight. We really enjoyed it, so I always wanted to plan another trip. However, riding to Paris with a six-year-old on a bike of her own was a different kind of challenge and required planning.

Safe Routes

First, we went on rides around the village, increasing the distance. Seren often rides to her school three miles away in the summer, so she’s a good young rider. We also went on a 25km cycle before setting off for Paris, which she did comfortably. The plan was to ride between 25km and 55km a day, but I took a bungee rope, so I could pull Seren when she was tired. I’m a Bikeability instructor, so I have a good understanding of cycling

Hannah and Seren Miller (©AAH/Alan Wright)

The Renters' (Reform) Bill

The King’s Speech on 17th July introduced the priorities of the newly elected Labour Government. Among the key initiatives announced was the Renters’ Rights Bill, aimed at providing stronger protections for tenants.

Background and Purpose

Originally proposed back in 2019, the Renters’ (Reform) Bill was first introduced to parliament in May 2023. The progress of the Bill was postponed due to the General Election until the new parliamentary session begun.

SEREN!

safely on highways and confidence in our little team, which I knew would help me along the way.

Ferry Fun

We left home on 29 July and were driven to Newhaven, where we cycled aboard the ferry. Seren found this very exciting; it looked like the ferry was gobbling us up! When we disembarked at Dieppe, it took a while to adjust to cycling on the right hand side of the road, but as we caught the early ferry, there was little traffic. It wasn’t long before we picked up the Avenue Verte, a scenic, off-road cycle route linking London and Paris. This first section is much like the Downs Link, albeit smoother, with sections linked by rural roads, so we could ride safely without encountering much traffic.

Staying Focused

‘On the Avenue Verte, we could ride safely without traffic.’

I carried about 30kg of camping equipment, clothes and supplies on my bike, while Seren took a teddy, colouring books and lots of snacks. She also attached a mini speaker to her bike so she could listen to music and audio books, her favourites by Enid Blyton. I encountered a problem with this though as only on the first day, I saw her nodding off on the bike listening to stories she normally falls asleep to at bedtime! It had been a long day with a 3am start, so we had to stop for a while and she took a nap under a tree. After that, we only played upbeat music while cycling and my best memories of the trip are when she was singing, cycling along with a smile on her face.

The proposed legislation promises to end "no fault" evictions and reform the grounds for possession, ensuring greater security and fairness for those renting their homes. For landlords, the Bill acknowledges the challenges faced by "responsible landlords" and aims to celebrate the large majority of landlords who do a good job. It is set to ensure they have the peace of mind should they need to repossess their property when either their circumstance change or when a tenant is acting improperly.

Proposed Changes

• Abolishing Section 21 (eviction notice), introducing clear and expanded grounds for possession

• Enhancing tenants’ rights and protections

• More consideration for allowing pets in rental properties

• Prohibiting discrimination based on benefits and co-dependents

• Strengthening local council enforcement powers

• Establishing a new ombudsman service, offering quick, affordable, and binding dispute resolutions between landlords and tenants.

What’s Next?

The Renters’ Rights Bill remains in its preliminary draft stages. Typically, draft bills of this nature undergo review by the relevant select committee before the Government decides whether to advance a comprehensive bill for approval. It could be much later in the year before tenants or landlords see the impact of the Bill.

Megan Taylor PROPERTY CONSULTANT

It’s a Triomphe!

We stayed mostly at campsites along the way. However, we did spend a night with a WarmShowers host (a platform where a bed and warm shower is offered to cycle tourists by local hosts, usually also cyclists) near Cergy, and another at a B&B to escape a storm. Every day was a huge effort for Seren, but if there was a swimming pool at the end of the day, which there often was, she was happy. After a swim, she always felt refreshed and re-energised.

We cycled through picturesque towns including Forges-les-Eaux and Beauvais, then caught a train nearer to the centre of the city to avoid heavy traffic and complete the final leg into the centre of Paris. When we arrived at La Défense de Paris, we could see the Arc de Triomphe in the distance. We cycled there, then to the Eiffel Tower and finally Notre Dame, where we enjoyed a Nutella and banana crépe. We had cycled a total of 230km at this point and had just 76km left to do before returning home.

Making Friends

We enjoyed watching athletics and kayaking at Paris 2024, but really the trip was about us being together, adventure and the simplicity of life on a bike. We made friends along the way too, including a French family who had also ridden from Dieppe with a six-year-old daughter. They invited us to their home and we spent three wonderful days with them. Seren and Gabrielle, their daughter, helped each other

with English and French. We kept friends and family back home updated on our progress and, so far, have raised over £2,800 for local causes including 1st Wisborough Green Scout Group, Plaistow and Kirdford School Association and our local churches, as well as Turning Tides.

‘I hope our journey inspires other families and single parents.’

Inspiring Story

We don’t have further rides planned at the moment, as it’s harder to find child-friendly cycling routes in the UK. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved. There is something very rewarding about overcoming a challenge like

this, even just getting out the door in the first place, let alone cycling 192 miles. More importantly, it brought us closer together and we had a great time. I hope our journey inspires other families and single parents to explore the joys of cycle touring.

Further information:

To donate to Hannah and Seren’s fundraiser, visit: www.gofundme.com/f/Serensbigbikeride or visit Seren’s Big Bike Ride’ page on Facebook

INTERVIEW: Ben Morris

PHOTOS: Alan Wright/Hannah Miller

Arrival at the Eiffel Tower Seren and Hannah after their epic ride (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Horsham Actor Lotti Brogan Scoops Panto Award In Wonderland

In Wonderland

Lotti Brogan, a 22-year-old actor from Horsham, was among the winners of the 2024 UK Pantomime Association Awards. AAH sat down for a coffee with Lotti and chatted about the magic musicals, unexpected awards and having a Dame for a dad…

I was always going to be an actor… Both of my parents act and first met while performing in a West End production of South Pacific. My dad, Michael Neilson, has many theatrical credits to his name, including playing Dean Martin in The Rat Pack Live from Las Vegas in the West End. He’s also a panto veteran, including several appearances at the Capitol. My mum, Gael Johnson, was also an actor and appeared in West End shows including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. They are both LAMDA qualified

teachers and have always been an inspiration to me. Although they never pushed me towards the performing arts, it was inevitable that I would act too!

I developed a love for performing at Millais…

As a schoolgirl, I took part in talent competitions and became known for drama, landing lead roles in school productions. During one talent show, I impersonated some of my teachers, which I wouldn’t dare do now, but at the time thought it was a brilliant idea! My form tutor was from Wales and my language

teachers had expressive mannerisms, so people found it funny and I loved making them laugh. Another time, during a school residential, a friend filmed me doing impressions and it went viral on social media, attracting thousands of views. At a young age, I loved accents and even Killing Eve) is one of the actors I’m inspired by, because of her talent for

I focused on becoming an actor at Hurtwood…

After receiving a scholarship to Hurtwood House, an independent Sixth Form in Surrey renowned for acting and musical theatre training, I

Lotti as Alice Fitzwarren in Dick Whittington (©Origin8 photography)

Lotti

I landed my first panto role in 2022…

The role was Alice in Dick Whittington in Potters Bar. Jordan Productions then invited me to reprise the role at the King’s Lynn Corn Exchange, Norfolk. As a young actor, it’s tough to make a living. For the panto, I received a living allowance, but that isn’t always the case and sometimes the cost of accommodation can be more than you earn! My parents always told me that there will be times when you don’t have acting work and have to do something else to pay the rent. There have been times when they’ve been given two weeks’ notice of a show’s closure and have been forced to make tough financial decisions. You never know what’s around the corner in this industry, so I work at Brookfield Barn in Lower Beeding too.

Pantomimes are hard work…

‘You never know what’s around the corner in this industry.’

I grew up watching my parents perform, but even though I saw dad in panto, I had no idea how hard they are. When I landed my first role, I was told that stamina was key and that I needed a flu jab, as you have to avoid illness at a time of year when it’s rife. Drama school is great, but it doesn’t teach you how tough it is to perform two or three shows a day. It takes its toll physically and it’s hard to maintain consistent vocals too. There were times when I felt I was walking on stage half asleep, but if I ever felt I was having a bad day, the smiles on the children’s faces along the front row always made me feel better. Pantos are hard but they’re also the craziest, campest and most enjoyable productions to be a part of.

MEADOWS WELLBEING

Osteopathy, Complementary & Alternative Therapies

Wonderland Wonderland

started to think about acting as a career. I studied hard for A’ levels and my teachers encouraged me to apply to drama schools. I was offered a place at Guildford School of Acting (GSA) which was great, as it was close to home and also where my dad studied. I loved every minute at GSA and landed my first lead role (as Ella Peterson in Bells Are Ringing) in my third year. My time at GSA was disrupted by Covid, but I was more fortunate than others in that I graduated at a time when theatre was beginning its recovery. I was in Witches of Eastwick in the West End in the summer of 2022, where I met John Partridge, who stars and directs the Capitol’s next pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk. Amazingly, he worked on a show with my mum called The Fix in the 1990s. He is still a brilliant stage performer and I was like a sponge, soaking up as much knowledge as I could from him and other West End stars.

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.’

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.

Brogan at Park House, Horsham (©AAH/AW)

The

It has become harder to land roles…

Casts are more diverse now, which is a positive change, but can mean there are more applicants for fewer parts. Sometimes roles come up that could have been written for you. Last year, I spent five months in Fair Play at the Gothenburg English Studio Theatre in Sweden. The play is about two female athletes – one a Nigerian Catholic and the other from Surrey – training for the Olympics. I met my co-star on the plane and we lived together for several months, which was a good experience. We even trained with elite 800m athletes to prepare for the play, which explores themes of fair competition in women’s sport.

I didn’t know about the UK Pantomime Association Awards…

Not until I heard I’d been nominated as ‘Best Secondary Lead’ for my role in Dick Whittington at King’s Lynn. I wasn’t even aware that judges had watched the performance, which was a good thing as I might have tried too hard. I’m told that 70 judges visited 249 venues, watching 728 performances last Christmas. When the awards shortlist was published in April, my panto group chat on WhatsApp went crazy and I was thrilled to be nominated. I was invited to G Live for the ceremony, with producers, writers, performers, musicians, costume and set designers in attendance. When I heard my name announced, I was shocked and ran on to the stage. I was flustered, thanking as many people as I could remember, until TV presenter Ore Oduba told me to take a breath and pointed me backstage for interviews!

The award has opened doors…

Even on the night, several producers spoke to me about future roles. This Christmas, I’m appearing in a Jordan’s Productions panto for the third time, playing Jill in Jack and the at the Princess Theatre, Torquay. My dad will be playing the Dame and this will be the first time we’ve performed on stage together. It will be strange to look across and see him dressed up as a woman, but we’ll definitely have a laugh!

My dream is to play Reno Sweeney… Reno is the lead character in Cole Porter’s Anything Goes. I saw Broadway star Sutton Foster as Reno at the Barbican and “that’s the role for me!” I love Singin’ in the Rain and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers as they have melodies that stay with you. The great thing about Cole Porter, Irving Berlin and Rodgers and Hammerstein is that their musicals have standalone songs that have since taken on a new life, such as You’ll Never Walk Alone, from Carousel. In my opinion, a lot of contemporary musicals don’t have songs of that quality, so they’re the ones I always return to.

WORDS: Ben Morris

PHOTOS: Alan Wright/Lotti Brogan

Lotti Brogan with her panto award (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Thinking of extending or improving your home?

Let’s work together.

Golden Retriever

Rusper Animal Lover Collects Food for

Rebecca Renmant-Oliver from Rusper has devoted much of the last two years to animals in forgotten villages of Ukraine. AAH met Rebecca to find out what inspires her to collect donations and how she ensures supplies reach those in need…

When did you first decide to help?

It stems from seeing footage of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. During a news report, I saw dogs tied up at a railway station and it was heartbreaking. Families were fleeing their homes to safer parts of the country, but those travelling by train couldn’t take animals and had to leave them behind. Humanitarian aid was being organised to help people in need, but nobody was doing anything about the animals. That’s why I started collecting in March 2022.

Did you have a prior love of animals? My family has always cared for animals. When

I was a child, my dad brought home two piglets to save them from slaughter, as they were the brunt of the litter. My mum also volunteered for the RSPCA and raised funds for smaller animal charities through car boot sales and street collections. So, I grew up as a vegetarian who loved animals.

How did you go about collecting for Ukraine? It started with a post on the Rusper village Facebook page. I asked residents to donate dog food, as it was dogs that I had seen on the news. The network expanded to the nearby villages of Faygate and Newdigate, then word spread through Facebook groups such as Horsham Dog Owners. Often, local people ask for help on such forums, whether that’s related to rehoming a dog or owners struggling to afford pet food, so I didn’t bombard the page with pleas for help. However, the community rallied and offered support, donating items or paying for items on an Amazon Wish List.

Retriever

Food for Ukraine Strays

border that were willing to take our donations and John made the first trip. Later, we forged links with K9 Rescue Ukraine and DogsnHomes Rescue, which provide animals with food, medical aid

To date, I have sent over 170 tonnes of aid to Ukraine. During the August Bank Holiday, we loaded another 18 pallets on to a minibus for Ukraine. Until it is transported, everything is stored and packaged at my home. As well as food, aid and veterinary supplies, I collect horse rugs, camping stoves, sleeping bags, candles for blackouts, paracetamol for animals and humans, metal dog bowls and sanitary items. We have

tables and ultrasound machines that will be sent to Ukraine soon. Everything that

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

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

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

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

Tel: 01403 732539 Web: sumnersponds co uk

Instagram: @sumnersponds

Facebook.com/SumnersPonds

Rebecca Renmant-Oliver with some of her collections for Ukraine (©AAH/AW)

crosses the border must be documented and requires a unique reference number, so there’s a lot of preparation work. I also raise funds for fuel and donations to our amazing drivers. Each HGV we send costs nearly £2,000, which is a lot but less than the cost of shipping.

Have you been to Ukraine?

No, as I don’t think I could face seeing the animals. I see enough from the photos and videos I’m sent by those in the country. We know that when the Kakhovka dam was destroyed, some animals were chained up and could not escape the floods. It is still a dangerous country to visit, so I’m indebted to Paul and John, our wonderful drivers.

Has the way you deliver aid changed?

Is the need for help still as great?

‘There are still many cats and dogs roaming the streets.’

The focus is turning to sterilisation and neutering. There are many stray cats and dogs roaming the streets and as they breed, they push the number of feral animals higher. K9 Rescue Ukraine and DogsnHomes Rescue run sterilisation programmes and we help by delivering animal crates to allow trained teams to administer medication.

How can people help?

Through Facebook, we’ve been contacted by people across the Ukraine who are caring for animals. Even in evacuated areas, there are people who stayed behind and helped abandoned animals. Where possible, we send them food and supplies. We can send small packages directly through Nova Poshta, an efficient delivery service that allows us to send deep into Ukraine. While you can still buy pet supplies in the country, many can’t afford it. Also, the quality of food and treatments is better in the UK, so we send them as much as we can and Ukrainians often post ‘thank you’ messages.

We would welcome more support from local businesses. Southern Foam have helped us load pallets on to lorries, while Covers Timber & Builders Merchants have donated polythene bags to transport supplies safely. Bryant Fixings donated cable ties and ironmongery items too. But donations of parcel tape and boxes are always welcome. I have a growing network of people helping with donations. Locally, I’ve had help from my husband Mick, daughter Chloe, and friends Sue and Liz, who organise pick-ups across the area. The support has been incredible and that all stems from people trusting me to get aid to the right people in the right places.

WORDS: Ben Morris

PHOTOS: Alan Wright

Further information: K9 Rescue Ukraine DogsnHomes Ukraine

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:

CHICHESTER THEATRE Monday 14th October

Enjoy Redlands, a play based on a strange 1967 incident with the Rolling Stones. Backstage tour and two-course dinner optional extras. Horsham pick-up. £67.50pp.

HAMILTON IN THE WEST END

Tuesday 5 November. We visit the Victoria Palace Theatre for hit musical Hamilton, based on the story of America’s Founding Father Alexander Hamilton. £109.50 per person.

BRAVEKART

Fearless Freddie Dye Already Dreaming of Formula One

Six-year-old Freddie Dye is following in the footsteps of Lewis Hamilton by competing in the prestigious Superone Kart Racing Championship.

Freddie, a pupil at Plaistow and Kirdford Primary School, first drove a kart in August 2023

youngest on the grid. However, he has improved over the course of the 12-race season and battled with the front three on his way to a 6th place finish at Fulbeck Kart Club.

Proud dad James said: ‘As Freddie is younger than most racers, our aim for the season was some top 15 finishes, so to see him clinging on to the leaders was surprising. The front-runners are usually eight-year-olds who have at least one full season of racing under their belt, so Freddie has shown he has the talent required to

‘Even as a toddler, we couldn’t get him off his pedal tractor and he loved riding bikes too. He always had a natural understanding of machinery and you see that when he’s in a kart. Although he can be aggressive at times, he’s learning about race craft and his decision making will improve with time. We hope he can eventually progress to the cadet class and from there, who knows?’

MONEY TALKS

While Freddie has talent behind the wheel, it sometimes takes more than speed to climb the motorsport ladder. Financial backing is equally important and many of his rivals have the support of wealthy parents or relatives.

While strict rules govern chassis and engines sizes, many teams employ the services of professional engine tuners to maximise their chances. As a self-employed mechanic, this is something that James does himself, making Freddie one of the few privateers on the grid. The dining room table at the Dye family’s home in Kirdford is often used for assembling engines! However, despite his engineering know-how, it can be difficult to compete on equal terms against those with deep pockets.

James said: ‘Freddie drives an RCE Bambino chassis, which can reach speeds of 55mph at some circuits. The chassis alone costs £2,500, then you have to buy an engine and wheels, which are not cheap. A helmet costs £600, a neck brace £400, racing overalls £150 and

Freddie Dye with some of his karting trophies (©AAH/Alan Wright)

karting boots another £75. When you factor in entry fees, travel costs for races and practice, and the loss of work involved in four-day race meetings, you could be looking at £40,000 a year! People warned me it would be expensive, but I didn’t realise it would be as costly as it has been!’

‘On the F1 Playstation, game, I always play as Lewis Hamilton .’

‘However, there are people who spend upwards of £100,000 a season in karting. We spent £900 on a 60cc two-stroke engine, but others have paid £8,000 for the best engines and in some cases, several of them. They spend a fortune on every component of the kart to find marginal gains, so it really is a millionaire’s paddock. Some of the children even have their own simulators to practise on, but we just walk the track with Freddie to find the best lines. Freddie likes to help tune the engine too and asks questions about machinery. A lot of kids want to jump in the kart and go fast but learning about engineering aspects will help him in the long run. At each race weekend, we take the motorhome and enjoy it as a family, with Freddie’s mum, big sister Darcey and our dog Denzil joining us too. He is relaxed when we’re all there and that helps him perform.’

FAMOUS FOOTSTEPS

Freddie’s love of speed is something he inherited from his dad, although James raced on two wheels, not four. In 2007, he won the Triumph Triple Challenge, earning him a ride in British Supersport. However, after falling at Cadwell Park, he was struck by another rider

Authentic Indian Cuisine & Pub Classics

The Hen & Chicken is located in a 250-year old building that has been a pub for the last 160 years. We offer a fusion of English pub classics and authentic Indian cuisine, courtesy of our world-renowned chef, Manohar Lal. The Hen & Chicken truly is the perfect place for all the family! Takeaway and Delivery Service (up to 5 miles) 15% OFF ON COLLECTED FOOD ORDERS OVER £20.

Freddie competes in the Bambino Superone series (©AAH/Alan Wright)

and spent two weeks in an induced coma. Amazingly, James returned to racing and won the Triumph Triple Challenge for a second time, before progressing to the Superstock 600 series. Another bad accident, this time a high-side at Snetterton, left James with a broken back, finally ending his racing career. But this hasn’t put off his son...

James said: ‘With more than 30 young drivers on the grid all wanting to win, karting can be carnage. You see some big crashes and several karts have flipped over this season, which is why drivers wear a neck brace. It’s always a relief to see the children getting up and brushing themselves down. Freddie has had a few spins and minor accidents already, so he understands the dangers involved in motorsport.’

ELECTRIC DREAM

Competing requires lots of travelling, as many karting venues (including indoor tracks run by TeamSport) only permit children from the age of eight. The Bambino series that Freddie races in ended at the end of August with two races at Shenington in Banbury. Next, he will be switching his petrol engine for an electric one to compete in Electric Bambino. To help fund Freddie’s progress, his family hope to attract sponsors. Currently, backers include Lid Lamps, Berbe Travel and a charitable cryptocurrency called Crotch Tokens. Freddie’s grandparents have been supportive too, helping him complete a full season and practice at track days.

Additional backing will be vital if Freddie is to emulate his hero, seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton. He said: ‘I play Formula One on my PlayStation and always race as Hamilton. He is my favourite driver and one day I’d love to be a Formula One driver like him.’

WORDS: Ben Morris

PHOTOS: Alan Wright

Further information: Follow Freddie’s progress on Instagram at @freddiedye17

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

We offer servicing, repairs, warranty work and MOT on Fiat, Abarth, Alfa Romeo and Jeep. Also, air-con re-gas, tyres and 4 wheel alignment. We have a waiting area with Wi-Fi and are near the Red Lion pub – alternatively we have modern low mileage courtesy cars available for our customers.

We have a vastly experienced Service Manager in Keith Avey and one of the country’s best technicians and diagnostic experts in Kevin Riddles. On four occasions we’ve topped the JD Power customer satisfaction surveys for Alfa Romeo.

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

Freddie Dye with dad James (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Munch Bunch

Kids Get Creative During Holidays with Build an Opera

It’s the beginning of the school holidays, the sun is shining and you’re looking for ways to keep the kids occupied and off their mobile phones.

You could enjoy a picnic in the park, play in the woods, build sandcastles at the beach, cycle along the Downs or enjoy a day at a theme park. But kids these days, they just want to write an opera, don’t they? Well, about 30 of them do anyway, and through Build an Opera, they spent a week in August at a beautiful barn on the foot of the South Downs writing an entirely new production.

Chris Hussey, a musical director and composer at Songbuilders, which organises the annual course, said: ‘We’ve had many discussions about changing the word “opera” but always decide against it as our original concept was to demystify opera as a genre and make it more accessible to younger generations. The word “opera” doesn’t really matter, as the week is more about the creative process and what the children produce has elements not just of

opera, but pop, musical theatre, rock and hip-hop. If you have a “Swifty” in the group, they’re going to come up with melodies that sound like Taylor Swift, and that’s fine, as anything goes. Opera is about telling a story through song more than anything, and what we offer at Build an Opera is a place where children can sing, write lyrics and be creative with art. That is what attracts people and we hope they leave us at the end of the week thinking opera is cool.’

PURE IMAGINATION

Build an Opera was founded in 2013 and having been disrupted by Covid, was this year staged for the eighth time. It was the first time it has been held at Sullington Farm, having previously taken place at Chesworth Farm in Horsham.

The concept was devised by Songbuilders, a partnership between Chris Hussey and Mark Bradbury, who trained as a professional singer at the Royal Academy of Music and is

well-known locally as both a teacher and as a director of Big Notes, West Sussex Youth Choir and other choirs. Mark runs Build an Opera with Chris and a small team, always starting with a blank sheet of paper.

Mark said: ‘We create an entirely original production and all we have at the beginning is a theme. In the past, themes have been as varied as Ancient Egypt or Shakespeare, and this year’s theme was misunderstood monsters. That’s all the input we give participants and it’s down to the children to create unique characters, write songs and develop a storyline. The first morning is spent on ideas, which helps the children get to know one another. It can be chaotic, as the only limit is their imagination. The suggestions can be bonkers, but our answer is always “yes”. They come up with more magical, mysterious and fantastical things than we ever could and our job is to manage these ideas and help them formulate them into a show that they present to their families and friends at the end of the week.’

Youngsters made their own costumes for the final Build an Opera performance

‘We work hard to help create an opera they can be proud of.’

CHICKEN SONG

Children work in groups to write melodies and conjure lyrics, and one of Chris’s jobs is to compose the scores. They are then pieced together into a narrative for an opera that typically runs to about 40 minutes. The ideas the children come up with can come from anywhere. In a previous opera with a theme of famous art, they studied Van Gogh’s painting ‘Chair’ and having mistakenly identified the onions in the background, penned ‘Is That a Chicken in the Corner? This year’s opera featured eight new

songs, providing children with ample opportunity to write crazy, zany and occasionally monstrously disgusting lyrics.

Chris said: ‘We encourage them to think about the characters they’ve created and to write lyrics that tell a story. We offer guidance on structure, so they have verses and a catchy chorus, but it’s really all down to them. When they hear their ideas in a proper piece of original music, they get a feeling of empowerment that comes from creating something new.’

‘As everyone involved in Build an Opera loves music, we naturally want it to be a quality show, so we work hard to help them create an

opera they can be proud of and will remember. We often hear from alumni who still sing our old songs, such as The Talking Cave, which youngsters always perform with gusto.’

OPERA BATTLE

As experienced musicians, Mark and Chris appreciate that an arduous song-writing schedule can take its toll. Fortunately, there is more to Build an Opera than just music, as the children also choreograph routines for their songs, build sets for the stage and create props for characters.

Chris Hussey composes the score

Anna Grey, who is also founder of Art 4 All and an art teacher at Collyer’s, has been involved in all eight Build an Opera courses. She said: ‘Sometimes kids need a break from song-writing and like to do something messy and silly. Coming up with costumes in such a short space of time can be challenging, especially with a monster theme. This year, we’re trying to create floating bodies and skeletal heads with long legs and knobbly knees! It’s not easy, but always fun and there are children who prefer the artistic side.’

Nine-year-old Hetty is among those who spent a lot of time with a paintbrush in hand. Hetty said: ‘I’m a mermaid in the opera and we’ve

spent a lot of time making a tail and mask using green paint. I have a few singing parts too, including an operatic role in a ‘rock versus opera’ battle which I have with one of my friends!’

EATEN MESS

Another characteristic of the course is that it helps forge friendships. Foxton, 10, enjoyed writing songs in small teams and was responsible for adding multi-coloured tentacles to the misunderstood monsters. Libby and Christina became friends through previous workshops and both returned this year.

Libby said: ‘In the opera, we have a ten-headed monster, but two of the

The Build an Opera team at Sullington Farm

heads have eaten the other eight. I’m one of the eaten heads, while Christina is one of the monsters that has swallowed the other eight. It was tricky to think of ways to show this on stage, so we made sculptures of skulls that represents all the eaten heads!’

Christina adds: ‘The songs are funny, with the swallowed heads singing about how they didn’t do anything wrong, but I’m one of the two big monsters, so I get to sing in an evil voice! It doesn’t matter what our ideas are, as nothing is off-limits!’

Mark, Chris and Anna are supported throughout the week by young actors and musicians too. Mark’s daughter Ellie Bradbury, who attends drama school, is a multi-instrumentalist who helps bring the opera to life. Chris’s son Isaac is also a talented musician and ensures that between the team the opera features saxophone, bassoon, accordion, piano, cello, violin and elements of percussion.

As well as giving some experience to young musicians, the workshops inspire a life-long interest in music. One former attendee, Izzy Taylor, plans to attend a music conservatoire to study composition after finishing her A’ levels. Izzy said: ‘I came to the first Build an Opera in

2013 and had such a good time that I volunteered to come back and help this year. I’ve already written orchestral music, choral and chamber works, as well as songs on the piano, and my experiences at Build an Opera have certainly inspired me to pursue a career in composition.’ n

WORDS: Ben Morris

PHOTOS: Courtesy of Maggie Michalowic/ Songbuilders

Further information:

Next year’s Build an Opera is held for 9 – 15-year-olds on 4 – 8 August 2025. songbuilders.co.uk

Participants write their own lyrics

Youngsters made their own costumes

The Build an Opera team: Anna, Mark, Chris and Ellie

Glynde Place Dance Studio Celebrates 40th Year Still En Pointe

Still En Pointe

The Glynde Place Dance Studio in Horsham celebrated its 40th anniversary with a show at the Hawth Theatre, Crawley in July. AAH was there to meet founder Heather Owens and long-serving teacher Lisa Livett to find out more about the studio...

RISKY BUSINESS

Heather developed a passion for dance at Grandison College, Croydon, which has long since closed, before finishing her teaching qualifications at Arts Educational School in London. She then taught at a dance school in Cheam but after moving to Roffey, hosted her own classes at London Road Methodist Church. After a

couple of years, Heather recognised the importance of having a permanent home in the town.

Heather recalls: ‘I found a place in Glynde Place, just off Middle Street in the heart of town. I had to sell my house to buy it, so it was a big risk financially. The site was derelict, having formerly been part of Grant’s department store, which had gone out of business. It had many rooms, making it ideal for dance and ballet classes, but needed lots of work and I was always indebted to my late brother, Dougie, who is pictured in photographs from our early years here. Our first classes were held in April 1984 and ever since then, we’ve maintained our ethos, teaching ballet, tap and modern theatre.’

Nicola Wrenn in Snow White (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Lisa and Heather (centre) supported by

family (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Pointe

STAND BY ME

Just a few months later, Lisa Livett attended a class for the first time. She had been asked along by a school friend, but Lisa soon found she had a talent for dance. After enjoying modern class, Lisa tried ballet too and dancing would become a life-long passion. She began teaching at the age of 18 and continues to run Glynde Place alongside Heather.

and creates lasting friendship. We often find they bond with people in other classes, so someone coming for tap might be encouraged to try ballet or vice versa, which helps foster a family feel across all of the age groups.’

‘Dancers have a shared passion that bonds them together.’

Lisa said: ‘Dance isn’t for everyone, but our retention rate is very high as it’s a place where friendships are formed. Sometimes, children can be having a tough time at school and having a separate group of friends at Glynde Place helps them. They have a shared passion that bonds them together

‘We have several classes for adults of all abilities throughout the week too, ranging from ballet to yoga and body conditioning exercises. Some of the advanced groups are comprised of former pupils who have danced here since they were young and still enjoy it in their 30s, 40s and beyond. They keep coming not only because it keeps them fit and active, but because they love the social side. Their days of being excited about performing on stage in the big shows are behind them,

Consolidating debts through a mortgage

Debt consolidation can be an attractive option for those struggling with multiple debts, allowing you to combine them in to one monthly payment. One approach is to use your mortgage to consolidate debt by borrowing against your property to pay off unsecured loans, credit cards, and store cards. While this method can simplify your finances and potentially reduce your monthly payments, it’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks before deciding.

Mortgage debt consolidation involves leveraging your home’s equity to take out a larger mortgage that covers both your existing mortgage and other debts. This way, you’ll only have one payment to manage each month instead of several.

One of the primary benefits of consolidating debt through your mortgage is the potential to lower your monthly outgoings. By rolling all your debts into a single mortgage payment, you can spread the repayment over a longer term, which can reduce your monthly expenses. Mortgages typically offer lower interest rates than unsecured loans, so consolidating your debts into your mortgage could lower the overall cost of your debt over time. Additionally, managing just one payment simplifies your finances, making it easier to stay on top of obligations and avoid missed payments.

However, there are significant risks to consider. While consolidating your debt into your mortgage may lower your monthly payments, it often extends the repayment period, meaning you could end up paying more in interest over time. Borrowing more against your home also reduces the equity you have in the property, which can also limit your options in the future, such as when you want to move or remortgage. The most significant risk is the potential for repossession if you’re unable to keep up with your mortgage payments. Your home is at stake, so it’s crucial to carefully consider this risk.

Given the complexity and potential risks, seeking professional advice tailored to your specific situation is highly recommended. Consulting with a whole of market mortgage broker can help you navigate your options and ensure that you make an informed decision that aligns with your financial goals.

although they did perform an Irish Tap routine before the interval at our 40th anniversary show!’

ME ‘OL BAM-BOO

Glynde Place organises a major biennial show, this year called Timeless. This is usually divided into two parts to enable as many as 300 children from all its dance classes to perform. The first half of July’s show was based on Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, and after the adults performed a well-received Irish tap routine, the second half was based on Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Heather said: ‘The shows are wonderful as they give the dancers something to work towards. However, putting them together is a lot of work, as it’s not just choreographing upwards of 30 routines, but also sourcing costumes, props and scenery and obtaining licensing permissions to use Disney music. We have to organise a venue too, usually opting for The Hawth as it has the backstage space we need.’

‘Compiling shows is a challenge too, as we present stories with a dramatic narrative, rather than individual song and dance routines where the audience feels obliged to clap after each number. There are not enough familiar songs in most musicals, so as well as songs like Heigh-Ho and Me ‘Ol Bam-Boo, we add other songs to make it interesting for the children and the audience. Some are fun pieces, such as the Teletubbies dance, while others feature club classics (Ecuador by Sash!) or beautiful classical pieces such as Blue Bird (Alexis Ffrench) as we showcase tap, modern and ballet throughout the show.’

‘Main characters feature prominently, but every class is featured at least once and we bring the little ones on to the stage during the interval to give them more experience. During Timeless, this meant having 85 children with buckets and

Youngsters perform in Timeless at The Hawth (©AAH/Alan Wright)

FROZEN FAIRIES

Classes are held every day from Monday to Saturday, with some children attending from the age of two-and-a-half. Even for children at a pre-school age, classes are structured, with children introduced gently to movements in different disciplines in a way that is both educational and fun.

Lisa said: ‘There are some dance schools that encourage musical movement at an even younger age than two and cater for pre-schoolers, but they tend to be unstructured classes. By focusing on the fundamentals of ballet, tap and modern and working towards qualifications by the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD), we attract many children from other dance schools. Some join us when they are at primary or secondary school, having already trained elsewhere, as they want to work towards dancing qualifications or have seen one of our shows and liked the standard of the performance.’

‘We focus on technique as it’s important to dance the right way to minimise injuries and avoid the development of bad habits. That’s not to say it’s not fun. Certainly, in the younger years, you’ll see children pretending to be fairies or dancing to Frozen, enjoying themselves while being educated in

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

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

An Irish Tap routine was performed during the interval (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Nikita McMahon as Snow White (©AAH/Alan Wright) Boys can dance too! (©AAH/AW)

ballet. Several of our dancers have gone on to attend prestigious art schools or danced in the West End. Andrea Davies is the current Director of Dance at BRIT School and Jarry Glavin performed with the Royal Ballet and now runs her own dance school in the west country.’

BILLY THE KIDS

‘Several of our dancers have gone on to prestigious schools.’

The 2000 movie Billy Elliot inspired more boys to try ballet or other forms of dance, but this proved to be a short-lived surge and once again dance schools struggle to attract boys. However, those that do come and continue into their teenage years not only have a good time, but are hugely important to productions and are an inspiration for younger children.

At its peak, around the turn of the century, Glynde Place Dance Studio had about 500 girls and boys coming to classes each week. There have been challenges since then, most notably Covid, when attempts to run classes online proved problematic. The increasing availability and popularity of other sports and activities for girls has had an impact too, with many children juggling dance commitments with music lessons, sports clubs, horse riding and a host of other interests. While there may be more options for children, as well as competition from other dance schools, Glynde Place continues to thrive, says Heather.

‘There was a couple of years during the pandemic when our new intake was lower than usual, but because we own our building, we were able to survive that difficult time. We’ve been gradually recovering since then, with our new intake attracting healthy numbers, as there will always be those who love dancing and performing.’

‘We’re happy to continue much as we are, with a busy schedule as we work towards

examinations and a summer school in 2025. After 40 years, Glynde Place Dance Studio remains as strong as ever.’

WORDS: Ben Morris

PHOTOS: Alan Wright

Further information: For more details about classes, call (01403) 250063 or visit glyndeplacedancestudio.co.uk

We’re proud to be recognised for our excellence in care, winning more awards than any other provider in the last three years.

If you’re considering a care home, call 01403 887055 or visit careuk.com/skylark-house

Skylark House care home

Nicola Wrenn (Caratacus Potts) and Antonia Corbu (Truly Scrumptious) with Amy Townsend and Ava Brewster as children Jemima and Jeremy in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (©AAH/Alan Wright)

BUSY BEES

Loxwood Producer Leads Honey Wine Revolution

Loxwood Meadworks produce a range of crisp, elegant wines made from honey. Having started by serving punters at a medieval festival, its honey wines are now served at top restaurants, with a new vintage set to take the business to the next level. AAH visited Loxwood Meadow and met co-founder Danny Bacon...

What is mead?

By definition, mead is an alcoholic drink made from the fermented sugars of honey. You mix the honey with water and add ingredients such as fruits, grains or hops, depending on whether you want to create a beer, spirit or wine style of mead. It’s perhaps the earliest form of alcoholic beverage as people have been enjoying mead for thousands of years.

When did you discover mead?

Along with my father, Maurice, I organise the Loxwood Joust, an annual celebration of all things medieval. There’s always an abundance of refreshments at the Joust and I came across one that sold mead, promoting it as a medieval drink. I really liked it as it was

completely different, but when I went hunting for mead in London, I couldn’t find it anywhere, which is when a business idea began to formulate. As I researched mead, my interest grew, as I could see how we could use our hives to benefit the entire ecosystem around the meadows at Loxwood and create a unique, sustainable product.

Why was nobody making it?

People have a negative perception of mead and our biggest problem has always been getting people to taste it. We did a lot of market research as we wanted to hear people’s genuine views. Most found mead heavy bodied and overly sweet, but I felt we could create a more contemporary mead. Along with my partner Emily Lambert, we founded the business and set out to re-imagine mead as a lighter, refreshing drink for a new generation, while still using traditional methods of production. We wanted a brand that changed people’s perception of mead in the same way that craft beers changed long-held perceptions of ale.

Danny Bacon and Emily Lambert, co-founders of Loxwood Meadworks

What type of mead do you make?

Because of its history, people in different parts of the world have different ways of making mead, using various alcohol content. We chose to create a wine-style mead, making it in much the same way but using honey from our hives instead of grapes from vines. My partner Emily has played an important role in developing the wines. She was the first female sommelier at the Ritz and understands what appeals to discerning drinkers. With her help, we set about creating a mead with a similar alcohol volume to wines, but with more of a liqueur style.

When did you launch the mean?

We founded Loxwood Meadworks in 2018. Initially, we sold mead that was produced elsewhere, branded as Loxwood and sold predominantly at the festival. In the meantime, we learned about the production process until we were ready to make our own, using honey from farms across the UK. We started selling to a farm shops and even some restaurants, including Restaurant Tristan in Horsham, until Covid halted our early progress. So, it feels like our journey began in earnest in 2021.

You now have your own hives too?

We have 14 active hives at Loxwood Meadows. The bees can travel several miles, helping to pollinate plants at nearby farms, fields and gardens as they gather nectar from a wide variety of crops and plants. Already, we have adopted regenerative methods, extracting honey from hives at certain times of the year, but leaving the spring crop to the bees to help them during the winter.

Tell us about your range of honey wines…

We have a range of multi-vintage meads, made with our honey as well as that from other farms, blended to our style to maintain consistency.

Wines by Loxwood Meadworks (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Danny Bacon, co-founder of Loxwood Mead (©AAH/Alan Wright)

We started with Festival, which has an off-dry sweetness with honey citrus, vanilla and floral notes. Then we launched Glow at the Glow illumination festival at RHS Wisley. For our next wine, we wanted to replicate the night sky, which is very clear from the meadows as there is little light pollution. So, we made Stargaze, a sparkling English honey wine using the traditional Champagne method, with the second fermentation carried out in the bottle. We have also made Sussex Sunset, a dry honey wine fermented in oak.

You have now produced a vintage… Vintage is a single-estate mead made entirely from our own honey. We have produced about 500 bottles of our 2022 vintage and hope we can increase that number in years to come. We’re excited about Vintage and hope it will take us to the next level.

Have you changed perceptions of mead? Our biggest challenge is still convincing people to try it. Many people are unlikely to buy mead unless they’ve tried it before, so our focus remains on getting mead on trend. We’ve had success in London, working with chefs who incorporate mead into their menu or sommeliers looking for interesting wine pairings for dishes. We supply leading venues and restaurants including South Lodge Hotel, The Dorchester London, Fortnum & Mason and Gordon’s, London’s oldest wine bar. The Mandarin Oriental has opened a hotel in Mayfair and we have been selected as their English sparkling wine, so we are moving in the right direction.

If perceptions can change, your business should be well placed to benefit… As far as we know, nobody else is making a wine-style mead and promoting it as part of the growing English wine movement. We have five years of experience behind us, with a great product and established partners. However, we are always discovering new things about honey wine to help us make an even better mead in future. n

Further information:

For the full range of products and a list of local suppliers, visit the website at loxwoodmeadworks.com

Loxwood Meadworks

WORDS: Ben Morris

PHOTOS: Alan Wright

Your Local Family Butcher

Danny Bacon and Emily Lambert check on their Loxwood hives

Special Offer on all Scooters

Free 12-month service, 3 months free insurance and £50 voucher on a scooter accessory.

Ultra Lite Mobility Scooter: Illusion

Karma Ultra Lite Wheelchairs

£379 (exc. VAT)

Ergo Lite transit wheelchairs are an innovative piece of mobility equipment from Karma Mobility. Weighing in at just 8.3kg, this lightweight chair is one of the lightest on the market; and it comes at a fantastic price.

£2165 (exc. VAT)

The Illusion is a lightweight scooter,with a contemporary design and made with aircraft-grade aluminium. It can be disassembled quickly and features an ultra lightweight lithium battery that is easy to remove. Full front and rear suspension gives an enjoyable ride. Includes: 3 Months’ Free Insurance.

Ultra Lite weight

Rollator: Zoom Plus £189 (exc. VAT)

Comes in three sizes and is lighweight and easy to handle. Features include a new braking system, soft-roll EVA tyres giving increased control on laminate flooring, and improved shock absorption and comfort. Folds quickly and effortlessly for travel and storage.

Accredited Dealer for Acorn Stairlifts Contact us for prices

We are your local personal point of contact in meeting your stair lift needs. Call Atlas to arrange a FREE no obligation visit from an engineer to see what is best for you (new & reconditioned stairlifts are available).

Single & Dual Motor Riser Recliner Chairs From £999 (exc.VAT)

We offer a full range of riser-recliners, high seat fireside armchairs and complementary sofas. Designed and crafted by skilled craftsmen using the very best materials to create upholstery that will stand the test of time.

Perfect Blend

Sussex Couple Pen Musical About Coffee Culture

A new production of Barista the Musical, written by Worthing husband and wife Nigel and Anna Newman, will be performed at the Capitol Theatre, Horsham on 12 - 21 September. AAH spoke to the co-writers and to professional dancer Pasha Kovalev, who choreographs the musical…

When did you first have the idea for Barista?

Nigel: We were inspired to write it in 2012 and it came about because of just one song. I was working in London and it was a time when our relationship with coffee was changing. As a commuter, stepping off the train and grabbing a cappuccino or latte become part of my daily routine. Exciting new drinks were being offered at a rapidly growing number of cafes. I wrote The Coffee Song with the lyrics “Choco Mocha Frappuccino, Single Filter without Cream-o, Double Shot Americano, or if you want the true supremo...” and so on. The idea grew from this one comedic number.

Do you have a theatrical background?

Nigel: Writing musicals has never been our full-time occupation. I worked as a pharmacist, but have always enjoyed writing and directing musicals. It was never something we relied on to pay the bills, but we’ve invested a lot of time into this project, writing songs together and creating an original storyline.

How did the plot evolve?

Anna: We wrote Barista during economicallychallenging times, so based the story around a young man called Andy and his struggles to run an independent café while franchises pop up all around him. But the story needed a love element too and that’s why we introduced the role of Isabella. We also wanted to tell an interesting story about coffee and its heritage, so researched different coffee-producing nations. We knew that young Colombians come to England to study, which was the foundation for Isabella’s story. She gets a part-time job at Andy’s café and they fall in love as she helps him overcome his struggles. She is also haunted by her own family’s past. Nigel writes wonderfully positive songs, whereas I perhaps

inject a darker reality, because if you don’t have jeopardy, there’s no hook!

How does the Colombian element influence the story?

Anna: When people think of Colombia, their mind typically races to violence and drug cartels. However, it’s a country we have visited and love as it’s full of wonderful, forwardthinking people. That’s the side of Colombia we portray, although there are hints of its dark past. Of course, South America is rich in culture, with an incredible musical heritage. Isabella’s character allowed us to developed music with a Latin flavour and that is why we contacted Pasha, whose love of Latin dance is well-known because of his amazing career. We didn’t really believe anything would materialise, yet to our surprise he was intrigued by our idea and brought more to the show than we ever dreamed.

What enticed you to Barista, Pasha?

Pasha: It was the originality of the production. It wasn’t a typical musical and Nigel and Anna have created something new and exciting, with

Nigel and Anna Newman have written an original musical showing at The Capitol this September

Worried about paying for care?

Long-term care in your own home or in a residential care home is expensive, but with expert advice from independent financial specialists, Carewise can help you to make informed decisions on choosing and paying for the right care.

The Carewise care fees specialists are all members of the Society of Later Life Advisers, and can give you peace of mind that you’ve explored all your options. Contact Carewise to find out how you could benefit.

carewiseadvice.com carewise@westsussex.gov.uk 0330 222 7000

charm, Latin flavour and some exquisite song writing. We have since worked on the music together during a series of workshops, changing elements so that my choreography connects to the music and narrative. It’s an interesting story, with London coffee culture intertwined with Colombian influences. That’s where I come in, as I’ve been dedicated to Latin dance all my life. Whenever I talk about ideas for stage, I automatically have an image in my mind about how to translate them into dance and make it look great.

You were born in Russia, so where does your passion for Latin dance stem from?

As a boy raised in the far east of Russia, the Latin world was far from home! It could be cold and dark, so when I heard Latin music, it had a fire and rhythm unlike anything I’d ever heard. I started dancing at a young age and found that Latin music, whether it’s from Brazil, Cuba or Colombia, has a wonderful energy that made me want to move. It’s not about technique so much as a feeling and freedom of expression.

Have your experiences on Strictly Come Dancing helped when choreographing Barista? I spent eight seasons on Strictly Come Dancing and during that time, danced with celebrities who had some experience and others with none at all. Sometimes, you have to start at the very beginning, which is a challenge! With musical theatre, you may not be working with professional dancers, but often the cast have some experience, perhaps learning ballet or tap as a child. While that doesn’t translate directly into ballroom, it helps if they have a natural ability for movement. When it comes to

Choreographer Pasha Kovalev spent eight seasons on Strictly Come Dancing

theatre, actors must transform into the character they’re playing, so if they need to improve their Latin dancing skills to do that, they will! They may not become the most technically perfect dancers, but through workshops, we can choreograph routines that audiences will appreciate and which elevate the performance.

What are the stand-out numbers?

‘Songs can drive a narrative but must be rooted in emotion.’

Anna: There is one scene where the audience is transported to 1980s Colombia and it features a stunning dance routine. The opening number, I Can Feel the Sun, is one of the more upbeat songs, while a video of Isabella singing La Unica Manera, sung partly in Spanish, has been very well received on social media. The song that means most to me is Proud of Me. It is sung by Andy and is about his wish to do his late grandfather proud by making the café a success. As we wrote it soon after my own father died during Covid, I feel an emotional connection to the song.

What are your own musical influences?

Nigel: We have huge respect for legends like Andrew Lloyd Webber and Rodgers and Hammerstein, but equally have great respect for modern works by the likes of Lin-Manual Miranda. Having been a composer and musical director for 30 years, my all-time favourite is Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story. Certainly, I like a good melody and you can see the influence of traditional musicals in Barista, in that we try to write catchy songs that get into your head with a story that relates to the times. In recent years, there have been lots of jukebox musicals and while they allow audiences to experience music they know and love, there are fewer original stories being told. We felt that maybe there was a gap in the market to do something different.

Will this be the première of Barista?

Anna: The first version of the musical was performed in Bognor in 2017 and the small run of dates sold out. That proved to be the springboard and led to us working with Evelyn James Productions to create a more professional version of the musical, which is a wonderful opportunity but increases the pressure. Sarah Redman was brought in as director and with her vast West End experience raised the level of the production immediately, while Pasha has injected a new dimension to the choreography. We also held auditions for the lead roles and to hear people as talented as Sara Bartos (Isabella) and George Crawford (Andy) singing our songs for the first time was a special moment. Sara has an unbelievable voice and has Colombian heritage too, so she is even more invested in the story.

Has the show changed much since it was originally staged?

Anna: As plans for the new production were delayed by Covid, the musical has

Established in 1975, Edwards has a fine reputation for fitting bespoke steel windows and doors. We provide a professional service from design to completion.

We work in conjunction with Wenban-Smith, a leading supplier of steel windows and doors. Steel’s slimline elegance creates a minimalist divider for the home.

Fitted with modern, efficient glazing, they give you warmer winters and cooler summers.

Wenban-Smith’s steel windows and doors are manufactured in the UK and meet British Standard requirements. All our products are purpose-made and so can be manufactured to match existing windows and doors or to a unique design.

We also supply internal partitions, fire-rated doors and door screens, sliding doors and shaped windows and doors. We offer W20, W30 and W40, as well as Standard Metal Window Sections. These can be fitted with double-glazing or single glazing on heritage projects.

Carpentry & Joinery | Cabinet Making | Steel Windows & Doors

Sara Bartos plays Isabella Sanchez in Barista - The Musical

changed a lot and anyone who came to see the show in 2017 will see a very different musical now. One lesson we have learnt as writers is that it’s important to be open in order to continually improve. The workshops are brilliant as you take the whole thing apart, throw some bits away and add new things. Professional directors will tell you what works and what doesn’t work or isn’t good enough and that’s exactly what we needed. It’s character building and you either fall apart or you toughen up! But we’re very proud of Barista and feel lucky to have the support of a production company, as thousands of people

are writing plays and musicals and few receive the backing that we have. Seeing Barista come to the Capitol is a dream come true for us and we hope people will show support for a local production.

WORDS: Ben Morris

PHOTOS: Nigel & Anna Newman

Further information: Barista is on at the Capitol Theatre on 12 – 21 September. For tickets, call the Box Office on (01403) 750220 or visit thecapitolhorsham.com baristathemusical.com @barista_musical BaristaTheMusical

George Crawford plays Andy Scott in Barista

Hear Better, Feel Better

The Horsham Hearing Centre is the longest established dedicated Hearing Centre in Horsham. Opened in 1995 by husband and wife team of Audiologists, Julie and Jonathan Ormerod, the couple still run the centre today and offer their clients unrivalled expertise and experience in dealing with hearing problems. Unique in their profession, they offer customers a “Better Hearing Guarantee”. The chance to try the latest technology hearing aids at home in your own environment to help you decide if hearing aids are for you.

Situated in a 500-year-old building opposite the Horsham Library, The Horsham Hearing Centre offers a complete Hearing Care service. Call us or call in today to book a priority appointment.

Latest Hearing Instruments

Ultimate Streaming by Arc AI

There are many different hearing aids available with different styles, features and cosmetic solutions that can enhance your daily life. Modern hearing instruments are designed to provide clear, crisp sound enhancement so that you can hear and understand better. We offer both ‘in-the-ear’ aids, custom-made to fit perfectly, and ‘behind-the-ear’ hearing aids, including the most popular style, the Receiver-In-Canal (RIC).

Hearing Aids with Bluetooth

Most hearing aids today now have built-in Bluetooth compatibility. This means they can be linked to a Smart phone or iPad and controlled by those devices. You can stream phone calls, music and more directly from your Smart phone to your hearing aids and some can also monitor your health and brain activity. Hearing aid Apps can help you better understand conversations and hear in noisy environments.

Hearcentres fit only the best technology from the leading hearing aid manufacturers. These include Arc AI by Audibel, our full line of superior sounding hearing aids that connect easily and adapt seamlessly to your life. Featuring integrated sensors and artificial intelligence, they’re designed to not only help you hear effortlessly, but also live actively. It includes a Fall Detection which notifies loved ones if you fall.

We offer you the chance to try the latest hearing aids completely free of charge or obligation. Take them away and try them in your own environment and hear for yourself how different life can be. At the Horsham Hearing Centre, we offer a professional service in a comfortable environment. If you struggle to hear, why not book a priority appointment with our Audiologists and try the latest hearing aids?

The Horsham Hearing Centre, 22 Worthing Road (opposite

CREATE A SCENE

Association of Sussex Artists Hosts Annual Exhibition

The Association of Sussex Artists held its annual exhibition at the Drill Hall in Horsham on 16 – 24 August. The ASA was established in 1928 and has a proud tradition of bringing together some of the best artists working across the county. AAH visited the exhibition and met ASA members Caroline Darke, Fiona Hooper, Alison Ingram, Irma Westerdijk and Tim Wheeler...

Alison: The ASA is a long-established association, with this being the 111th exhibition of work. There are many excellent local art groups and I’m also a member of Horsham Artists, but the purpose of the ASA has always been to represent the best of Sussex art and the committee strives to maintain high standards. We hold other occasional events, including an exhibition at Parham House in May hosted by our patron Lady Emma Barnard. However, the exhibition at the Drill Hall is the biggest on the calendar and this year attracted over 1,000 visitors.

Irma: It can be difficult for the committee to choose work for inclusion, especially art in the contemporary style. We all have different views when it comes to art and one person may love something that others don’t like, but that means a wider range of work is shown. I create sculptural figurines from wires, fabric and a variety of other materials, but I know they do not appeal to everyone. All of the work exhibited is for sale,and it’s nice when you sell something. Often, I find people don’t buy the art that they love the most, but something else that is maybe more functional or suits a particular room at home.

Tim: One of the good things about the ASA exhibition is that each artist must submit new work, With many people visiting on the preview night and during the course of the exhibition, it’s an opportunity for artists to present their best work for sale.

There is a deadline for submissions, so the final week can be intense as we’re all busy finishing work that’s good enough for inclusion!

Fiona: One of the ASA’s strengths is the quality of work across different mediums. You have painters working with a wide range of materials including acrylics, watercolours and pastels, as well as contemporary lino prints and three-dimension work too including sculptures, ceramics and woodwork. The exhibition covers all budgets too, ranging from small pieces under £100 to large canvas paintings for £8000, so there’s something for everyone.

Caroline: The exhibition is a great opportunity to meet other artists too. A rota means each member contributes

SCENE

Fiona Hooper exhibited beautiful landscapes (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Art by Irma Westerdijk (©AAH/AW)

Sculpture by Tim Wheeler (©AAH/AW)

Tim Wheeler with a swift-inspired piece of art (©AAH/Alan Wright)

towards stewarding at the Drill Hall. This means that members of the public can talk to artists about their work when they visit, while for us exhibitors, it’s a chance to come together from across Sussex to discuss ideas and meet friends too.

Fiona: This year’s exhibition was dedicated to Derek Golledge (right), a long-serving member and former Chairman who passed away earlier this year. As well as driving forward the ASA, Derek was a founder member of several other

community art groups, including Southwater Art Club. He was the key motivator in changing the association’s dynamic, as it was very traditional and he broke down that barrier and introduced more contemporary work.

Tim: Everything Derek did was done with the best of intentions. He truly wanted the best for artists in Horsham, for the town generally, and also the best for the association.

Irma: The committee no longer has a Chair and we function more as a collective. It means nobody takes on full responsibility of running the association and more of us contribute in different ways. Since Covid, we’ve met regularly on Zoom, which is a useful way to keep in touch. I’ve been a member for 11 years now and the range of work exhibited has certainly become more contemporary and diverse. I think the overall standard has improved too. We also welcome work by non-members at the exhibition, although the selection process still applies. We’re always encouraging people to enjoy art and become members of the ASA or other local groups.

Our shop has a full range of garden, ground care and estate equipment from brands including Husqvarna and Stiga. Machines are correctly assembled, inspected and come with a manufacturer’s warranty. Our workshops are run by an experienced team, keeping machinery in top condition.

We have a wide range of equipment for hire including lawn mowers, rough-cut mowers, bushcutters, strimmers, post hole borers, leaf blowers, rotavators and aerators.

Alison Ingram’s dramatic animal abstracts (left) and Caroline Darke’s landscapes are inspired by the natural world (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Alison: I’m known for abstract wildlife paintings and my most recent work, including Swifts Over Broomlands Farm, focuses on birds. I live in Warnham and would often see swifts at Broomlands Farm, until the roof was repaired and the colony was inadvertently lost. Swift numbers are in decline and that’s largely because of barn conversions and roof repairs. Thy colony moved to a neighbouring farm and I worked hard to encourage nesting at my house too, installing bird boxes. I also became involved in rescue work and by hand-rearing swifts, was able to learn more about them. There are many swift enthusiasts who like my recent work, so I’ve had commissions too. I particularly like the Broomlands Farm painting as it’s a different colour palette to most of my work with hues of purple, pink and orange that create warmer tones.

Tim: My stone sculptures also feature swifts, as well as other birds. When you’re working with stone, it only takes one mistake and all you’ve got left is hardcore! So, I started by creating abstract shapes, rather than figurative work, as people can easily notice flaws in figurative sculpture. I use Maltese limestone, which is a nice material to work with and suits the smooth, flowing lines of much of my output. Some of my latest pieces also feature stylised birds, as we live in part of the country that is rich in wildlife and natural beauty. That is certainly represented in the art on display at the exhibition.

‘Derek introduced contemporary art into the ASA.’

Irma Westerdijk creates striking sculptural figurines (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Fiona: I love painting landscapes and seascapes that represent nature. We are losing greenfield land to development, so I hope that in some small way my work raises awareness of the natural world and what we stand to lose. Most of my art depicts peaceful places, where you can hear birds sing and leaves rustling and can walk miles without seeing another person. In that way, I find painting is good for the soul.

Caroline: My abstract landscapes are inspired by the South Downs, as I live in Steyning and love to walk on the Downs and along the River Adur at Bramber. I also submitted one piece to the exhibition that I painted during an art course in Umbria, showing the view from our balcony. I like to sketch outdoors and my

paintings usually come from these sketches. I have become more abstract with time, but still like elements to be recognisable. They are more reflective of a feeling of a place, rather than a representational depiction.

Tim: We invite an independent panel to come in to judge the annual exhibition. They are people who make a living in the industry, whether as artists, critics or gallery owners. While they’re always looking for stand-out pieces in any genre, it’s difficult to judge such varied work. This year’s winners were painter Karen Grimstead and Carol Wagstaff, who won the 3D award for one of her mixed-media sculptures. Robert Eifion-Wynne, Alison Ingram and Jean Holder were all Highly Commended. We also

have a People’s Choice award, voted for by members of the public, and the results rarely correlate with the choices made by the judges! The winners were Alison’s Swifts Over Broomlands Farm and Susan Tindall’s Crisis That’s one of the joys of art; we find beauty in different things. n

WORDS: Ben Morris

PHOTOS: Alan Wright

Further information:

For details about membership and future exhibits by the ASA, visit associationofsussexartists.co.uk Association of Sussex Artists

Members of the ASA at the Drill Hall (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Swifts Over Broomlands Farm by Alison Ingram

HELPING YOU LIVE YOUR LIFE TO THE FULL

Tucked away on the tranquil Graylands Estate in Horsham is the home of Weald Chiropractic & Wellness. Established in 2015, it is led by James and Lavina, a husband & wife team.

Lavina says, ‘James qualified as a chiropractor in 2002. At the time I had a career in the City working for an investment bank, but the stress and long working hours took their toll and I needed to make some serious lifestyle changes for my health. I started a course of acupuncture treatment to help manage my symptoms of stress and it was life changing for me. I quit the investment bank and retrained as an acupuncturist and herbalist and haven’t looked back since!’

‘Marriage and children followed and circumstances meant that both James and I worked in different clinics, but we always dreamt about creating a clinic together; a place where we could help members of our community live their lives to the full.’

James continues: ‘When we were finally able to work together, the children were still young and we shared a treatment room at home. This worked well at the beginning, but we worked alternate days and hardly ever saw each other and the children had to tiptoe around the house to ensure they didn’t disturb our patients! It wasn’t ideal, so the search began for premises. Graylands Estate was perfect, as it was five minutes away from home and with free parking outside, our patients were happy to make the move. We also wanted more space. We had a great network of practitioners including massage therapists that we referred our patients to and we wanted to bring everyone under one roof.’

RELAXING ENVIRONMENT

Working with an empty space, James and Lavina had the opportunity to design the unit to their own specifications. The clinic has four spacious treatment rooms in a quiet, calm and relaxing environment.

Lavina says, ‘The reception area gives patients the chance to talk and our receptionists ensure that the information board sparks conversations, so much so that we are shortly launching a series of free health talks and presentations to dive deeper into topics of interest. The new clinic opened 12 days before the first lockdown in March 2020, which wasn’t the opening we had envisaged! However, our community of patients and practitioners has continued to grow ever since.’

‘We are focused on helping all of our patients live their best life.’

‘We have a wealth of experienced practitioners under our roof and offer a great range of services including Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Reflexology, Laser Therapy and Massage Therapy (Sports, Deep Tissue, Therapeutic, Pregnancy and Post-Natal and Scar Tissue Massage). Most importantly, we are focused on helping each and every one of our patients live their best life. So, whether an injury or pain is stopping you from doing the things that you love, the stress of your everyday life is causing anxiety and insomnia, or you feel like you are running on empty, we can help. So get in touch; we love talking all things health!’

FINAL WORD

FRIENDS PREPARE FOR EPIC WALK ON CAMINO DE SANTIAGO

EDDIE NEALON

This September, Ashington resident and train driver Eddie will follow the Camino de Santiago in the Pyrenees, one of the great pilgrim trails. He will be joined by friend Chris Eyre on the 500-mile walk with the two raising funds for charity.

‘Ah sure, that’s the way of it.’

These were the last words I heard my father speak before he passed away in January 2020. My brother had called me at Christmas 2019, sharing the news that our dad, Ned, had lost his battle with cancer and had but a short while to live. When I spoke to dad for the very last time, I simply said, ‘I am so sorry.’ He turned his head to the window to conceal any emotion and said those words, taking me right back to my childhood in Donegal, Ireland.

Two years earlier, I had been walking along the cliff edges off the north western coast of Ireland, looking out over the wild Atlantic way with my dad and my own son, Eddie. It was blowing something else, but it was an awesome sight. Dad said that a good walk was great for thinking and getting perspective on life; better than any church could achieve. The conversation turned to pilgrim routes too and he referred to ‘The Way of St James’, or the Camino de Santiago. When dad passed away, I thought about that day on the cliffs and knew instantly that I would walk the Camino de Santiago trail in his memory.

I was fortunate to have the love and support of my wife Karen and children Niamh and Eddie to help me through a challenging time. I also had support from Chris Eyre, who has been a close friend for over 30 years. We discussed walking the pilgrim’s way together, but we have both had challenging health issues that have prevented us from realising the dream.

While Chris was recuperating from a stroke, we were reflecting on life and our remaining ambitions and decided to get back on track with our dream. It is said that you can only walk the Camino pilgrimage for yourself, but I couldn’t do this without Chris. Without his enthusiasm, motivation and encouragement, this very personal opportunity may have passed us both by.

We will be setting off on our journey on 5 September. Our first step will be at the Spanish Gates at the beautiful French Pyrenean town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port as we embark on a 500-mile walk to Santiago de Compostela in north-west Spain.

‘It was always the intention to do some good in my father’s name.’

Along the way, we will take in scenic mountainous passes and valleys that Christian pilgrims have followed for over 1,000 years, stopping at picturesque locations including Roncesvalles, Estella, Burgos and León, and beautiful towns in the Navarra region. We are especially excited to explore the impressive Romanesque architecture of the region and to trek over the rolling hills of central Galicia, before reaching the granite towers of the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, a fitting destination for the epic walk.

It was always the intention to do some good in my father’s name by raising funds for good causes. We have chosen to support the Budding Foundation, a registered charity that helps improve the lives of young people in Sussex, with emphasis on those who have suffered social deprivation, trauma or disability.

In partnership with Tates Garden Centres, the charity also supports school and community gardening projects in the local area. Founder Clive Gravett and a team of committed volunteers raise funds by running a Santa’s Grotto at two Tates Garden Centres (South Downs Nurseries, Hassocks and Old Barn, Dial Post) and also through the Museum of Gardening, located at South Downs Nurseries.

We are hoping to help raise £4000 to purchase a lower and more recumbent trailer trike for Ryan, who lives in Steyning and is supported by the Budding Foundation. Ryan was born with portions of his brain inactive, leaving him unable to walk or stand and suffering from global developmental delay.

Since we launched our fundraising campaign with the Budding Foundation, we have been humbled by donations and have received outstanding support from family, friends and colleagues at Southern Rail, particularly those at Barnham, Horsham and Brighton depots. 100% of any donations made will go directly towards helping Ryan. If you can help, please visit the website below.

Chris Eyre and Eddie Nealon prepare for the Camino de Santiago by walking along the South Downs Way (©AAH/Alan Wright)

Have you seen the signs?

We sell 80% of the properties we advertise* If you want to move, try using the agency that's most likely to get you sold and moved. *Compared to the local average of 60% in the year to April 24.

Make the most of your land and property!

Henry Adams have a long history of property-focussed services, but did you know we also have a busy agricultural, rural and planning team who could help you make the most of any ‘spare’ land, redundant agricultural buildings or barns or maximise the return from your rural property?

Ryan Saunders, Head of Rural and Planning for Henry Adams explains how you could have untapped potential in your land or rural property.

“Horsham and its surrounding villages are home to numerous farms and rural properties, many featuring barns and agricultural buildings that are either unused or underutilised.

These structures present significant opportunities for extension, conversions for alternative uses, or even farm diversification.

Recent changes to planning regulations have further expanded these possibilities for rural landowners.

Notably, revisions to Class Q and Class R planning clauses now allow for the conversion of current or former agricultural buildings into residential dwellings or flexible commercial spaces, respectively, with up to 1,000 square metres of space permitted for conversion.

My team and I specialise in advising and guiding clients through the complex planning process, ensuring they maximize the potential of their land and properties, whatever their needs.”

If you have land, or buildings which may have untapped potential, or you have any other planning queries, get in touch with Ryan and his team today on 01403 282510.