AAH SEPTEMBER 2018 by AAH (All About Horsham)

SEPTEMBER 2018

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BEN’S COLUMN

Tackling a Triathlon on a BMX

Exaggeration at the Hyperbowl... When I was 12, I experienced one of the more embarrassing moments in my life. At least, one of the moments I’m willing to publicly confess. It’s not one of those truly horrendous memories that trigger a person to involuntary break into song whenever it pounces from the dark recesses of the mind. I was competing in a junior triathlon. I climbed out of the pool dead last, as I was a lousy swimmer, before throwing on a fake Nike Air T-shirt which had the logo drawn on with a permanent pen. You may recall me writing about it in July’s column. That’s not why it was embarrassing. Neither was it the fact that I was the only competitor on a BMX. It had foam pads around the frame, with chequered flag patterns. You know, so my rivals knew I was fast! Not that all the other triathlon competitors had lightweight, carbon composite hybrid bikes, like you see nowadays. People had less money back then. Nonetheless, they did have mountain bikes like the Raleigh Lizard. With actual gears.... Still, on the cobbled course, my BMX came into its own and I was scything through the pack. This was detected by the commentator and I heard my name booming over the PA system. “Here’s Ben Morris, flying towards the transition area on his BMX!” I must have got carried out with the fame and adulation, as I took this as my cue to show off. I started riding no-handed, sporting a smug expression that said: “I can do wicked wheelies and skids too!” Suddenly, I lost control and smashed into the barrier, taking out half a dozen parents before limping back to my crumpled bike and kicking it, as through it was a mechanical error. I still imagine that, 27 years later, those parents would recognise me and laugh if they were to ever pass me on the street. I only write about this harrowing

rather than damp squib; or ‘put on a pedal stool’ rather than pedestal. A work colleague once said ‘It’s a doggy dog world’ instead of dog eat dog. I myself used to pronounce ‘hyperbole’, the word for an exaggerative statement, as ‘hyper-bowl’, as in a ten-pin bowling alley with flashing lights, disco music and dads who do a crap moonwalk when they score a strike. Which is concerning, given that I studied A level English.

SEPTEMBER 2018 Ben Morris: Words & Design Toby Phillips: Photography Thanks

Jeremy Knight for words relating to the feature on 125 years of Horsham Museum (p54) Joe Whelan at Nymans for sending additional notes about the gardens’ rare and exotic plants (p32) John Thompson for sending additional images of his artwork (p39) Heather Joy for providing notes about the Loxwood Joust (p45)

personal tragedy as a form of therapy, as I’m gearing up for further embarrassment that might stem from the release of my first novel. Before it even hits the shelves - I can just about get away with the plural as it will be sold in two shops – I’ve been made aware of a big error in my book, The Last Farrington. I was blissfully unaware that there was a difference between hypothermia, the state of extreme cold, and hyperthermia, the state of extreme heat. It was only when my wife, a science teacher, was reading her freshly-printed paperback copy of The Last Farrington that my ‘blind spot’ was noticed. She also took issue with some “bad science” involving a central character walking in deep water with the assistance of sandstone rocks. I dismissed that with an ’artistic licence’ excuse... I can pin-point the precise moment that I decided I hated

science. It was a Year 8 class at Forest, when I was told to draw diagrams to show the difference between white and red blood cells. I just drew little circles, some closer together than others, without any explanation or context as to what it meant. It was all downhill for me from there. I tumbled to Set 6, where the only ‘science’ pupils were interested in was getting Tippex tubes to stick to the ceiling. Consequently, science has led to me fearing embarrassment with the book. I’ve imagined critics and bloggers basing their reviews around my lack of a basic understanding of extreme temperature inflicted conditions. I’m probably over-reacting. Maybe people will forgive me for reaching the age of 39 without knowing the difference between hyperthermia and hypothermia. After all, we all have our ‘blind spot’ don’t we? There are people who say, ‘damp squid’

I’ve just realised that I’m not doing a great job of selling my book here and should make a last ditch attempt to properly promote it. After all, embarrassing error aside, I am hugely proud of it. Also, it feels exciting to offer something for others to judge. That may sound strange coming from someone who writes every article in his own magazine each month, but AAH is done to a set style. I present articles in the subject’s own words or as extended captions based around Toby’s photos, in-keeping with magazine trends of the day. With my book, I had 450 blank pages in which to write to the best of my ability, which I’ve done. Albeit with the type of science knowledge that earns you a ‘D’ at GCSE level. I have organised a book signing, which I’m dreading now. I’ll probably sit there for an hour with the only visitor being a County Times photographer who captures my pitiful expression next to a pile of unsigned books for a humiliating article. So, if you know me, or you enjoy these columns, or if AAH has ever done you a good turn, please, please come along. I can’t promise you’ll enjoy the book. As a reading experience, it could be blisteringly hot, or it might be awfully cold. Evidently, I can’t tell the difference. But I still want to know what you think of it, either way...

Ben

CONTENTS 10

News Round-up Horsham AmeriCARna comes to town and Nish Kumar at The Capitol

Motors P&D Custom Bikes in Slinfold has won an award for its ‘Baby Blue’ Triumph

Business KJF Clothing makes bright, ethically produced fashion items for children

COVER STORY: SEPTEMBER 2018 Our September cover features Kim Fentiman, owner of KJF Clothing. Kim is pictured working with her colourful fabrics at her Horsham home. The fabric rolls and sewing machine offer a nice backdrop and there’s a gentle colour tone. Toby considered using natural lighting but did set up one studio light. It was quite a squeeze! A photo of Ben, the Editor, was another contender. He is pictured (second from left) with his first book. But it’s one thing running

AAH: THE TEAM

AAH Editor Ben Morris discusses his debut novel, The Last Farrington

EDITOR: BEN MORRIS editor@aahorsham.co.uk 01403 878026 / 01903 892899 LETTERS: The Editor, AAH Magazine, 2 Viney Close, Ashington, RH20 3PT

Books

Gardens

Nymans gardens is popular for vibrant plants and woodland walks

40 Art

John Thompson is the prolific artist-in-residence at Nymans gardens

Events The mediaeval jamboree of the Loxwood Joust draws big crowds

History Horsham Museum marks the 125th anniversary of its foundation

ADVERTISING: KELLY MORRIS advertising@aahorsham.co.uk 01403 878026 / 01903 892899 PHOTOGRAPHY: TOBY PHILLIPS www.tobyphillipsphotography.co.uk info@tobyphillipsphotography.co.uk 07968 795625 WEBSITE: www.aahorsham.co.uk We publish AAH online every month. You can read archive editions too. ADVERTISING Eighth Page Advert: £55 + VAT Quarter Page Advert: £110 + VAT Half Page Advert: £185 + VAT Full Page Advert: £310 + VAT Double Page Advert: £520 + VAT Every Sixth Advert is Free For details or an AAH information book email advertising@aahorsham.co.uk or call 01403 878026 ARCHIVE EDITIONS/PHOTO SALES Past editions can be purchased for a cost of £3. Contact the Editor. Images can be purchased, either as digital downloads or prints. Contact Toby for details. DOOR TO DOOR DISTRIBUTION Horsham: Max Paterson, Jacquie Paterson, Dominic Goddard, Kathryn Bland, Lewis Spiller, Richard Judd, Pat Gibbs, The Cocoracchio family, Tom Haylor, George Voisey, Gemma Voisey, Mattie Boys, Katie Drysdale, George Williams, Edward Hitchings, Hazel Garner, Kirsty Pattenden, The Arliss family

an article about it and another putting it on the front cover! Toby liked the picture of Queen Georgiana of Loxwood and the young knight. However, he’d taken the photo at Loxwood Joust without Ben knowing and sadly the Queen was not one of the people he interviewed. Ben did speak to Paul Frost (far left) who was involved in the battle re-enactment. But Paul is a member of the Wessex Medieval Alliance, so Kim got the nod for her local links...

Southwater: Connor Brown, Jack Taylor Villages: Samuel Dauncey (Mannings Heath); Lynsey Hare (Billingshurst), Adam Browse (Warnham) Tommy Charlwood (Ashington), Ben Morris (Stands), Mike Hoare (Nuthurst), Connor Wykes (Partridge Green), Oak Tree Farm Care (Maplehurst & Copsale); The Palmer family & Amy Butler (BBH); James Hobbs (Thakeham), Callum Matthews (Storrington) PICK UP POINTS 4,000 more copies are available at businesses, clubs, organisations, and community centres across the district. Our stands can be found at... Horsham: Henry Adams (Carfax), Artisan Patisserie (Market Square), Pavilions in the Park, Horsham Museum, Horsham Rail Station, Crates (Carfax) New House Farm, Swan Walk, The Capitol, New Street Butchers (New Street) Village Stands: CoCo’s (Southwater); Billingshurst Leisure Centre, Coco’s (Billingshurst) Barns Green Village Store and Sumners Ponds, Broadbridge Heath Leisure Centre, Bluecoat Sports (Christ’s Hospital). LEAFLETS We can deliver leaflets with copies of AAH. Please email editor@aahorsham.co.uk for details and distribution details. The cost is £40 + VAT per 1,000 copies (£45 for A4 leaflets) SOCIAL MEDIA You can follow Ben and Toby on Twitter @AAHMagazine and @tobyphillips1 AAH is not on Facebook but you can follow Toby Phillips. TOBY PHILLIPS Toby is available for all kinds of photography, from portrait work to corporate shoots. To find out more about his work, visit his website at https://tobyphillipsphotography.co.uk

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NEWS ROUND-UP

Photos from the 2018 AmeriCARna (Toby Phillips Photography)

Horsham AmeriCARna returns to the town centre on Sunday 30 September, from 10am – 4pm. At last year’s inaugural event, almost 200 cars and bikes parked around Horsham, including NASCARS, Corvettes, Mustangs, Firebirds and Camaros, classic 50s and 60s cruisers, Hot Rods, and Harley Davidson motorcycles.

Sir Michael Parkinson relives historic and iconic moments from his remarkable career at The Capitol, Horsham, on Tuesday 9 October, at 7.30pm. In conversation with his son Mike and showing highlights from the Parkinson archive, the show provides a unique opportunity to get an intimate, entertaining and informative look at Sir Michael’s journey from humble upbringings in a Yorkshire mining town, to becoming one of the most familiar faces on television, interviewing the likes of Nelson Mandela, Marlon Brando and Mohammed Ali. Tickets cost £28.50 from (01403) 750220 or at www.thecapitolhorsham.com

The Carfax Bandstand hosts American inspired music and dance, organised by Horsham Rocks. A selection of bands and solo artists are playing from 11am - 3pm, followed by a finale. Follow event details on www.facebook.com/ horshamamericarna

The Pink Gift Fair returns to Parkside, Chart Way, Horsham, RH12 1RL on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 September, from 9.30am - 4pm on both days. Alongside a host of 60 retail therapy stalls comprising jewellery, home accessories, fashion, children’s clothing and toys, books, stationery and food and drink, the wellbeing elements of the fair will be expanded, with Total Therapy Studios offering visitors a chance to

Artist Dr Rachel Gadsden has been working on a project with students at the Queen Elizabeth Silver Jubilee Special School in Horsham. The project, funded by the Arts Society and the Patricia Fay Fund, involved eight of the school’s Gifted and Talented students. They joined Rachel for a day at The Tate Modern and under her tutorage, the students looked at different art mediums, learned about techniques and made numerous sketches. Back at school, the students then spent two days creating paintings based on these sketches, incorporating self-portraits and displaying their personalities. The culmination of the project was having their work on display in The Capitol Theatre’s gallery. Rachel, who has exhibited internationally and who works across the mainstream and disability art sectors, has worked with the school before, when students’ work was incorporated into a 3-D installation which featured in the opening ceremony of the Paralympics in Brazil.

try Yoga and Pilates and talk to professionals about hypnotherapy, massage, acupuncture and mobility. The Pink Gift Fair, held at the modern, spacious facilities of West Sussex County Council and Horsham District Council, is a fundraising event for the Sussex Cancer Research Laboratories. Admission £3. Additional details and times of free demos can be found at www.pinkgiftfair.co.uk

NEWS ROUND-UP edge of Hoe Wood and has seen the owlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s return, with five chicks being weighed, aged and fitted with ID rings by licensed owl ringers. This success, coupled with the recent fledging of six Woods Mill kestrels, shows that the Reserve has a healthy habitat, alive with mammals.

ÂŠ Ryan Greaves/Sussex Wildlife Trus

Barn Owls are once again breeding at Sussex Wildlife Trustâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Woods Mill site near Henfield. The ghostly silhouette of a barn owl has long been a regular sight at Woods Mill, but the owl hadn't bred on the Reserve since 2012. Last year, a new nest was installed at the

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Horsham Heritage Guided Walks take place every Wednesday and Sunday until the end of September. The free walks, hosted by The Horsham Society and Horsham District Council, start from outside Horsham Museum in Causeway at 2.30pm, irrespective of weather conditions. No booking required, just turn up on the day. For more information contact The Horsham Society on (01403) 256289 or (01403) 261905.

Parham House & Gardensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; annual Autumn Fair will be held on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 September. The fair has the best of local produce and activities including falconry displays, working dog demonstrations, duck herding and guided deer walks. James Golding, chef at The Pig, deliver a cookery demonstration on Saturday, whilst on Sunday guests can enjoy a demonstration from Parhamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s head chef, Neil Rusbridger. The event is held between 10.30am - 5pm daily. www.parhaminsussex.co.uk

West Sussex Drones have Permission for Commercial Operations issued by the UK Civil Aviation Authority to carry out videography, photography and asset surveys. We have been engaged to provide photographs/video for DUFKLWHFWV VXUYH\RUV IDUPHUV EXLOGHUV URRÂżQJ FRQWUDFWRUV and estate agents, for sales brochures, websites, social media, greeting cards, by business and the consumer. Prices for photos in a rural location start at ÂŁ150 but costs can be dependant upon location and client requirements so contact us for a no obligation quote.

South Downs RDA pictured for AAH in 2014

Due to redevelopment, South Downs Riding for the Disabled (RDA) has relocated from Bridge House Equestrian Centre, Slinfold, to a new home at Horsham and Mid Sussex Equestrian Academy (HMSEA) in Albourne. The group enjoyed five successful years at Bridge House, with owners Liz and Chris McIlwraith and the liveries kindly loaning ponies to the group. Now HMSEA have extended a warm welcome to the South Downs RDA, which continues to run three sessions on Wednesday mornings. The group is keen to attract new volunteers to help. For further details, visit the group’s Facebook page or www.southdownsrda.org or call Carolyn on (01403) 711867.

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Double Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee, Nish Kumar brings his new show ‘It’s in Your Nature to Destroy Yourselves’ to The Capitol, Horsham, on Wednesday 10 October, at 8pm. Nish, a familiar face thanks to his TV work (The Mash Report, Live at the Apollo, Have I Got News For You) presents jokes about politics and mankind’s capacity for self-destruction. Tickets £21 from (01403) 750220 or www.thecapitolhorsham.com

To celebrate its 10th anniversary, Horsham Model Railway Club is holding a model railway exhibition at the Drill Hall, Denne Road, Horsham, on Saturday 6 October, from 10am - 5pm. There will be 14 layouts at various scales and gauges, with traders selling new and second-hand model railway items. Sunny Hill will be there as a ‘have-a-go’ layout for young visitors. Entry £5 (Under 16 £2/U10 free). The club has over 50 members who meet every Wednesday at the St Leonard’s Church Hall, Cambridge Road, Horsham. www.horshammrc.org.uk

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Horsham Museum & Art Gallery will be hosting an exhibition to celebrate 250 years of making, debating and exhibiting art at the Royal Academy. The Museum’s exhibition will explore the historic and sometimes uneasy relationship between the Royal Academy and watercolours, showcasing paintings by Royal Academicians past and present. The display includes work by Humphrey Ocean RA, Professor of Perspective at the Royal Academy. Thanks to funding from the Royal Academy’s RA250 event, support from The Art Fund, as well as assistance from Toovey’s of Washington, the Museum has supplemented its own collection with over 30 watercolours on loan from Sussex galleries and private lenders. Alongside the exhibition, the Museum will host children’s art workshops, as well as talks by leading watercolour historians at The Capitol. Timothy Wilcox‘s talk on ‘Watercolour in Britain in the 20th Century: Mainstream or Margin?’ is held on 11 October at 7.30pm. Greg Smith’s talk on ‘Thomas Girtin: A Royal Academy and The Republic of Watercolorists’ is held on 18 October, at 7.30pm. www.horshammuseum.org

HAOS artist Jo Willis pictured for AAH

NEWS ROUND-UP

The Horsham Artists Open Studios Art Fair is held at Parkside, Chart Way, Horsham, on 20 – 21 October. See over 40 HAOS artists exhibiting under the same roof with a programme of informative demonstrations. Artists include painters, print makers, sculptors, ceramicists, jewellers, glass and textile artists, with an opportunity to buy original work. An extra space will be used to exhibit work by art students from local Sixth Forms. www.horshamartistsopenstudios.co.uk

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The New Horizons Appeal’s annual Autumn Gift Fair, held in aid of St Catherine’s Hospice, takes place later this month in the beautiful surroundings of Knepp Castle, Shipley, RH13 8LJ. An exclusive preview evening is held on Wednesday 19 September, from 6.30pm – 9pm, ahead of the main fair on Thursday 20 September, from 9.30am – 4pm. The preview evening offers guests a peek at over 80 exclusive stalls whilst enjoying a glass of bubbly and canapés. Offering everything from fashion, gifts, homeware, children’s items and local produce, the prestigious Autumn Gift Fair provides guests with a unique, high-end shopping experience. Tickets for the main fair cost £5 on the door. Tickets for the preview evening cost £15 and must be purchased in advance from (01293) 447367 or by emailing newhorizons@stch.org.uk

NEWS ROUND-UP

Picture: Horsham Table Tennis Club for AAH in 2012

Horsham Table Tennis Club (HTTC) is now running weekly match play evenings at Collyer’s Sixth Form College, Horsham. Supported by Horsham District Council’s sports development team, the club is trying to encourage more people to start playing and competing in table tennis. The Friday evening sessions provide fun, friendly and informal competition opportunities to accommodate players of all ages and experience levels. Whether you are male or female, young or old, fit or unfit, ablebodied or disabled, you’ll be welcome. With 15 tables available, there will be a range of options including team nights, individual tournaments, doubles-play and handicap events. For more information visit www.horshamtabletennisclub.co.uk and click ‘Weekly Programme’ or email Ian.ford@horsham.gov.uk

TOOVEY’S Horsham District Archaeological Society hosts a talk by Jane Russell on ‘The Construction of a Neolithic World on Orkney’ at Brighton Road Baptist Church, Horsham, on Wednesday 12 September, at 7.30pm. The talk will discuss monuments of the Neolithic period, looking at the development of the various chambered tombs, domestic settlements and the ceremonial heartland of Orkney, including excavation at the Ness of Brodgar. All welcome, members free, non-members £3. For details call (01403) 731695 or email horshamarch@hotmail.co.uk

A selection of enamelled advertising signs in our past two Automobilia sales, auctioned for a hammer total of £6,950

INVITATION TO CONSIGN The Arts Society Horsham’s autumn lectures begin with David Rosier’s talk ‘Qing Dynasty: A Journey Through the Imperial Wardrobe’ on Wednesday 12 September. Sarah Dunant’s lecture on ‘The Most Famous Family in History: The Borgias’ is held on Wednesday 10 October. On Wednesday 14 November, Jo Walton lectures on ‘Eric Ravilious and The Lure of the Everyday.’ Lecture meetings are held at The Capitol, Horsham, at 10.45am. Coffee is available from 9.45am. Visitors are welcome for an admission fee of £5.

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NEWS ROUND-UP

Dave Batchelar of P & D Custom Bikes with Baby Blue (Toby Phillips Photography)

The West Sussex Bump, Baby & Toddler Show will be held at The South of England Showground, Ardingly, on Saturday 29 September. The event has over 60 exhibitors, workshops, taster sessions, goody bags and children’s activities. Entry is free for those who pre-register at www.babytodd.co.uk/shows or £5 on the door.

Following on from his acclaimed concerts in the USA, Elio Pace and his band bring the Billy Joel Songbook to The Capitol, Horsham, on Saturday 29 September, at 7.30pm. The show features over 30 classics including Uptown Girl, Just the Way You Are and My Life, as well as fan favourites. Tickets £25.50 from (01403) 750220 or www.thecapitolhorsham.com

Billy Hemstock triumphed over Dave Coupland in a one-hole play-off to claim victory at the HotelPlanner.com PGA EuroPro Tour Nokia Masters at Mannings Heath Golf & Wine Estate. Adam Streeter, operations director at the club, said: “The Nokia Masters is a great showcase for golf as anyone can walk the course with the pro golfers for free and feel part of an exciting event.”

NEWS ROUND-UP P&D Custom Bikes in Slinfold has again picked up an award at the Kickback British Custom Bike Building Championships at Stoneleigh Park. ‘Baby Blue’, based around a 1971 Triumph Daytona, won the freestyle category. It is the second time in three years that P&D Custom Bikes has claimed the honour. The 500cc big bearing engine was rebuilt, whilst the frame, tank, seat unit, fairing, exhaust pipes and front end (made of billet aluminium, then anodised blue) were fabricated in the workshop, before ‘Baby Blue’ was given a fresh paint job by Stig’s Custom Paint in Charlwood. P&D Custom Bikes handle all types of fabrication, welding and upholstery for custom motorcycles. For details, visit its Facebook page.

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The Museum of London's new exhibit, Bluecoats in the City, explores the history and legacy of The City of London's first orphanage and school, Christ's Hospital. The display delves into the history behind the School’s creation, its iconic historic uniforms and traditional practices, alumni and centuries- long relationship with London. The exhibition runs until 7 October.

Cote Brasserie in East Street, Horsham, has re-opened after a fire caused its lengthy closure. The French restaurant has been improved by additional features including a balcony and booth seating. For more visit www.cote.co.uk/horsham In a further boost to East Street, Brewhouse and Kitchen has opened at the former site of Wabi. As well as brewing unique craft beers on-site, the venue matches food dishes to a style of beer. www.brewhouseandkitchen.com

Lights and Bushels Theatre Company are combining with Billingshurst Dramatic Society to perform A Trip to Scarborough, a new adaptation of a Sheridan play written by Horsham playwright Barry Syder. It's 1781 in the Georgian spa resort of Scarborough, where Tom Worthy has arrived penniless, hoping to squeeze some money out of his notoriously mean brother, the outrageously camp dandy Lord Foppington. Tom’s inheritance is in trust until he marries and Lord Foppington attempts to keep him in poverty to ensure this never happens. But Tom has a dastardly plan of his own! Performances are at Fishers Farm on 11 -13 October, starting at 7.45pm. Tickets available from from Mansell McTaggart in Billingshurst or www.billingshurstdramaticsociety.com

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20 Vélo South – a new 100 mile cycling event held on closed roads, comes through the Horsham District on Sunday 23 September. However, campaigners unhappy with the event route - which will disrupt the lives of many local residents - is gathering pace. As it stands, Goodwood will welcome 15,000 cyclists for the start, with the course taking in the villages of Pulborough, Ashington, Wiston, Partridge Green and Horsham and effecting many others, including Southwater. Organisers CSM Active claims the event promotes a healthy lifestyle, generates tourism and raises funds for good causes. Campaigners at Stop Velo South (www.stopvelo.com) say that 165,000 homes will be cut off as the cyclists pass through and businesses will be affected. www.velosouth.com

Barnstormers Comedy returns to The Capitol, Horsham, on Sunday 16 September, at 7.30pm. Kevin Precious will be on hand to oversee the proceedings, with this month’s line-up including the improvisatory skills of Patrick Monahan, the twinkly-eyed raconteur that is Paddy Lennox and the delightfully offbeat Markus Birdman (pictured). Tickets £10 in advance, £12 on the door, from (01403) 750220 or www.thecapitolhorsham.com

Having toured with some of the biggest and brightest acts on the British folk scene, Tom Moore and Archie Churchill-Moss perform at The Capitol, Horsham, on Friday 5 October at 7.45pm. Moore and Moss, shortlisted for the FATEA Instrumental Album of the Year 2017, push the creative boundaries for English instrumental music. Tickets £12 from (01403) 750220 or www.thecapitolhorsham.com

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BUSINESS

KIDS STAND OUT IN KIM’S

FABULOUS FABRICS

I formed KJF Clothing in April 2016, after the birth of my daughter. The idea had been there for a while, but I wanted to wait until I had children of my own, to give me a better understanding of what parents were looking for. From the outset, it was a priority was to create clothing that could accommodate cloth nappies. Cloth nappies? Disposable nappies contribute hugely to landfill waste, so parents are turning to cloth nappies. People are increasingly concerned about recycling and are more conscious of what goes into their bin, especially in these times of fortnightly collections. That brings environmental issues to the forefront. So, my clothing caters for a cloth nappy.

Kim Fentiman designs a range of colourful children’s clothes at her Horsham home. With an admirable approach to running the business ethically, KJF Clothing is attracting customers for many reasons, as Kim explains... In what way? The clothes are baggier with a harem-style drop crotch to accommodate the bulkier cloth nappy. This helps children move more comfortably and yet high street shops tend not to cater for that market. I make clothing for children aged up to six. Most of my customers don't use cloth nappies for their children, but they like the style as it offers freedom of movement, particularly with the rompers.

Rompers? They are an all-in-one item, with a top combining with shorts. I also make T-shirts, dresses, shorts and accessories,including sun hats. I also make bibs backed with a sustainable bamboo fabric. I’m committed to running an ethical and sustainable business, so all our materials are certified to ensure they comply with our ethos and ensure everyone involved, from the cotton farmers to those involved in making the fabrics,

are treated and paid fairly. Why? The fashion industry doesn’t have the best reputation when it comes to the environment and human rights. Fashion is an easy industry for people to be trafficked into and I want to support the fight against that. So, I donate 50% of KJF Clothing profits to things like A21, a charity that supports people caught up in human trafficking. Eventually, I would like to train people who find it difficult to get into work, such as refugees who have settled in the area. By providing training, we can help them take the first step. But that’s a vision for the future!

“Lots of women do Yoga, Pilates and exercise classes and are looking for something comfortable to wear.” Small steps… It’s only two and a half years since I launched the business, initially making blankets and other items that were easy to do. My background is in accountancy and business management, which has helped me in certain ways. But when it comes to making clothes, I’ve developed my skills as the business has grown. I’m now in a position where I am creating fresh designs.

Award-Winning Farm Shop New House Farm Shop and Tea Room is located in a beautifully renovated 16th Century barn, hidden in a quiet spot on the edge of Horsham. People come from all over to enjoy our cafe and locally sourced produce.

Featuring what? KJF Clothing is known for bright colours and quirky designs. Our summer range included fabrics with pineapples and giraffes. People love dressing their children in animal outfits, so items with pandas or dinosaurs are popular too. I source fabrics from the EU, primarily Finland and Sweden, but certain things I haven’t been able to find. So, I created my own! My new Christmas fabric has a woodland theme with foxes and fir trees.

Must be expensive? The quantities that I need to make that financially viable are greater than if I buy through a designer that has the scope to supply fabric to different clothing companies. Currently, only about 30% of my items feature my own designs, but I hope to increase that figure in future. All my designs are quite simplistic. The idea is that the range embraces childhood, as they’re under pressure to grow up so quickly these days and maybe my clothes help them have a bit of fun. Are they unisex? There are some gender specific items, as many people still like pink for a girl. I am selective about what I choose for boys’ clothing as the high street doesn't offer a great selection. There are many beautiful things that you can buy for girls, but shops tend to play it safe when it comes to boys’ clothes. You are

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Items in the the KJF Clothing range

Our locally sourced produce include fresh fruit and veg, freshly baked bread, fresh meat from local farms, beers and gins by local brewers, wines from the Bolney Estate, Sussex cheeses, greetings cards and great gifts!

BUSINESS

starting to see brighter designs is stores, but it's still mainly traditional. So, customers come to me looking for something different. Some parents even look for items for themselves. Such as? Last Christmas, a parent asked me about leggings, so I made matching sets for mums and children, which have sold well. Lots of women enjoy Yoga and Pilates and are looking for something comfortable to wear. Why not make a statement with your leggings whilst you’re at it? It's all hand made, so I only produce very small batches for select shows. What shows? Having initially sold on Etsy, an online website which promotes hand-made items and crafts, I soon discovered that targeting the baby and toddler market was more successful for me. The first event I attended was The Bump and Baby Show in Brighton and that went well. Soon, I’ll be attending the Babytodd event at the South of England Showground in Ardingly. A few of these, combined with online sales and social media, drive the business. What’s next? I’ve been fortunate in that I’ve been able to work around my family and my husband’s work is flexible too. But I may have more time when my daughter begins pre-school. I may expand the range to offer clothing to older children, particularly as my daughter gets older, as I’ll see what she likes to wear and what is missing on the high street.

INTERVIEW: BEN MORRIS PHOTOS: TOBY PHILLIPS KJF Clothing is on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter. You can also visit the website at https://kjfclothing.com

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GET AWAY IN

n o s a e S n Golde

Rosie Kent ns Roundstone Carava

With autumn just around the corner, you’d be forgiven for thinking the holidays are over. However, the beautiful colours, sights and sounds of the season mean that holidaying in the UK and Europe in autumn can offer a stunning alternative – or addition – to the normal summer getaway. This year, Southwater family-run business Roundstone Caravans is taking an exciting new direction by stocking a range of Compass caravans. British-built, they’re ideal for the British climate. Here Rosie Kent, Managing Director of Roundstone, shares her tips on getting away in the golden months.

Q. What are your recommendations for a caravan holiday in autumn? A. Scotland would be my number one. You’d be hard

Q. Is a caravan really a good option for holidaying at this time of year? A. There’s something just so cosy about getting away

pushed to find anywhere as picturesque as Glencoe.

in a caravan during the colder months. Even if the rain

Renowned for its wildlife and rugged landscape,

is hammering against the windows, you can snuggle up

it really is unforgettable.

by the fire and enjoy home comforts, knowing you don’t have the stresses of everyday life to contend with.

For a weekend away with the family, the New Forest is my go-to destination. We love seeing the wild ponies

The new range of Compass Caravans we’re introducing

and exploring the woodlands.

this autumn includes models with stargazer rooflights, en-suite options, and oven, grill and dual fuel hobs.

Wherever you go, the important thing is you’re

Some even have surround sound!

well-prepared. At Roundstone we have an accessories shop selling everything you could possibly need for

Compass’s cutting-edge ‘SoLiD’ technology means their

a trip away. Our staff are all caravan enthusiasts with

caravans offer durability and longevity. The brand has

great depth of knowledge, and are happy to help

invested so much into the quality and testing of their

with any questions you may have.

product, and we can’t wait to show the new range to our customers.

www.roundstonecaravans.com

01403 730218

Q. How do you keep entertained if the weather turns? A: Instead of hoping for good weather, embrace the

Compass Caravans’ ‘StrongLite’ aluminium one-piece sides

season. I love getting wrapped up to crunch through

provide a sturdiness, which many marques just cannot

leaves on a scenic walk. Ending up at a country pub

match up to. The technology is such that Compass has

for a hearty lunch is always a good reward! Outings

managed to increase strength while keeping the caravans

like that just aren’t the same in summer.

super light. They also have a fantastic track record when it comes to quality and reliability. An underskin added to

There’s nothing like returning to the comfort of your

the floor of the caravan provides a water resistant barrier.

own caravan to get warm and relax. The interiors of our new Compass range are aligned with British tastes.

Our new range of caravans are as safe, secure and well-built

They’re comfortable, yet stylish and modern, and are

as any holiday cottage, with the added advantage you can

beautifully decorated in subtle shades. They’re fully

move on when you’re ready for a new location. That’s the

equipped so that all you have to do is set off!

beauty of caravanning.

Q. Is it safe to drive a caravan at colder, rainier times of year?

The new range of Compass caravans will be on display at Roundstone, Southwater, from mid-September. Rosie and the team invite anyone interested to visit the park, where they

A. If you passed your driving test before 1997, you can

will be welcome to view the caravans and ask

tow most caravans on your current licence. It can take

the expert team of staff any questions they

practice, but most people find they master the art of

may have.

towing fairly easily. Of course, whatever you’re driving, you have to be careful on the roads, but generally speaking, unless it’s torrential rain or gale-force winds, then you should be fine to take your caravan.

For enquiries please call 01403 730 218

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BOOKS

NOVEL APPROACH AAH Editor Ben Morris Writes Adventure Book So, who’s this then? On the right is Ben Morris, the editor of AAH, who has written his first book, The Last Farrington. He’s using his own magazine to promote it? I know. A bit narcissistic... And on the left? That’s Sonia Morris, an artist from Broadbridge Heath. Sonia, who is Ben’s cousin, has drawn 31 illustrations of individual characters for the book. That’s a lot of characters? Most of them only make a

fleeting appearance before dying in unexpected fashion. As is evident on the sleeve, members of the Farrington family have been speared by a narwhal, poisoned by a spider, dropped from a mountain by a golden eagle and diced into tiny pieces by a wood chipper. It’s a horror then? Not at all. It’s aimed at the young adult market, although it helps if they come with a warped sense of humour. It’s also a great book for anyone who grew up in the 1980s.

What’s it about? Warren Farrington is the last surviving member of his family, famous for generations as both brave, intrepid adventurers and pioneering businessmen and women. For 200 years, they have died in inexplicable accidents, leading to Warren living an isolated existence at Farrington Towers. Every aspect of his life is managed to meticulous levels of safety by the enigmatic Director and the elite guards of the Farrington Protective Force. Warren’s only friend is an 80-year-old bowtie collector. His life changes forever shortly after his 15th

birthday, when a deranged man in a bird costume claims to have kidnapped a twin sister Warren never knew existed. That’s all we’ll say without a spoiler alert. Does it include magic? There are no wizards, elves, orcs, goblins, magic wands or dragons. Instead, the reader is treated to German pop music, cow tipping, lawnmowers, Victoria sponge cake and The Wirral Young Farmers’ Association. The Wirral Young Farmers’ Association? The book has rural themes

“It was the era when people rejoiced at discovering new things on the internet, and one day an email was distributed about The Darwin Awards.”

Sonia Morris has illustrated many members of the Farrington family

running through it. Thus the farmyard setting for the photo. Ben said: “My sons love reading but it seems that most modern books, even those outside the fantasy genre, offer impossible plots. Central characters have James Bond-esque adventures or utilise their video game skills to prevent Armageddon. But you can create page-turning thrills with more mundane scenarios - a tractor chase for example - through good dialogue, rather than excessive action.” Sounds dull! It has its dramatic moments, but if you’re looking for a story where the hero stops a nuclear bomb one second before detonation, The Last Farrington isn’t the book for you. Ben said: “I’m not totally at home when writing action, although the feedback to the book’s dramatic

scenes has been very positive. I prefer witty dialogue and I’m very proud of the relationships that form, particularly between Warren and his unlikely companion, Gary, who is proving to be a lot of people’s favourite character.” People have read the book then? Ben gave an early draft to several members of a local book club and the feedback was hugely encouraging. They made just one suggestion; to cut the last line. It has indeed gone. Not everyone has loved it though; Ben’s youngest son, who is 10, quickly ditched it for a dinosaur encyclopaedia... Where did Ben get the idea for the book from? The plot came together during dog walks along the South Downs. However, he had a

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BOOKS

library of weird death concepts from a job he had after college. That needs explaining… Ben said: “I went along to a Horsham job agency with a friend, Gary Coleman. We both took a job at an electrical meter reading company and I ended up spending four years there. The work was so tedious that we would constantly exchange emails and there was always comical aspects to them. It was the era when people rejoiced at discovering new things on the internet and one day an email was distributed about The Darwin Awards, which highlighted weird deaths reported around the world. Me and Gary ended up writing our own fake Darwin Award contenders. George Farrington’s grisly demise is one of those that I came up with 20 years ago.” Why has it taken so long to write? The full plot of the book only developed recently and it’s all been written over the last year. Ben said: “A couple of years ago, I interviewed Matt Charman, who I went to school with at Forest. I then hosted a Q&A with Matt at The Capitol, after he was nominated for an Academy Award for his work on Bridge of Spies. Seeing Matt again did give me a bit of a kick up the backside, as he’s achieved so much. So, I decided to do something with my old ideas and The Last Farrington was the one I chose to focus on first.” Where can I buy a copy? Ben has printed just over 100 copies of the 460-page paperback book. It’s only available at Crates in Carfax and at Horsham Museum in Causeway, from 7 September.

Is it on Kindle? Yes, and it’s a better bet! Ben said: “Inevitably, there are a few small errors in the book. They’re so much easier to spot in print! As I mentioned in my column on P5, I’m a little embarrassed about one or two of them. These have been corrected on the Amazon Kindle version, which also has a slightly different first chapter. I felt the opening two pages didn’t flow like the rest of the book, so I made tweaks.” Who has published it? Ben has published it through AA Publishing Ltd. He hopes that, after processing feedback, he’ll have the confidence to submit the book to literary agencies and publishers. Ben said: “I’ve found the rules for submitting to agencies a little frustrating. They want to see the first few chapters. To be honest, not a great deal happens at the start of The Last Farrington and a key character doesn’t enter the fray until much later. So, I’ve gone rogue!” Buy The Last Farrington (ISBN 9781916436008) for £7 at Crates or Horsham Museum. Ben will be signing copies at Crates on Saturday 15 September, at 11am. The Kindle eBook can be purchased for £3.99 at www.amazon.com

Ben with a paperback copy of The Last Farrington

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PICTURE PERF Nymans Gardens in Handcross constantly evolves A POTTED HISTORY....

RESTORING RUINS...

The history of Nymans Gardens is dominated by the Messel family.

No great historic home would be complete without a tale of woe.

Ludvig Messel moved to England from his native Germany in 1870 and proved so successful as a stockbroker that he bought Nymans only 10 years later. He set about creating a quintessentially English garden filled with rare plants and bright herbaceous borders, with head gardener James Comber bringing the estate owner’s vision to reality. James’ work was complemented by his son, Harold, who became a globe-trotting plant collector, bringing exotic specimens back from South America and Tasmania. Ludwig's descendants continued to develop the gardens in the early 20th century, turning Nymans into one of Edwardian England’s most beautiful and romantic settings.

For Nymans, this occurred in 1947, when a devastating fire left much of the house a roofless ruin. Only in recent years have some of the repaired sections been accessible to the public. Forty years later, the gardens suffered extensive damage during the Great Storm, but have since recovered. Today, an enthusiastic team are looking to create a new attraction within the ruins. Zara Luxford, General Manager of Nymans, said: “The ruins are not currently accessible outside of an occasional hard-hat tour. We've invested in stabilising the buildings and now we're considering ways for visitors to enjoy them. We want to create something exciting, with gardens in the ruins that you can wander through.”

GARDENS

ECT to stay ahead

34 CHILE COLLECTION It is primarily thanks to Harold Comber that Nymans hosts the country's second most significant collection of Chilean plants after Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Gardens.

THE HOUSE Parts of Nymans house are currently utilised for office and storage rooms, but plans are afoot to make more rooms available to public viewing. Recently, the house has provided a space for exhibitions, hosting artefacts from the V&A Museum in 2016. This Christmas, it'll be host a production of The Snowman and The Snowdog. Zara said: "The downstairs rooms are open to the public and are much as they were when the last member of the

Messel family lived here. But without access to the bedrooms and other upstairs rooms, it's difficult for visitors to gauge the full history of the house. In future, we’d like to offer that to them.”

Howard was an avid plant hunter and gathered 3,000 on expeditions to Chile. One of his more important finds was Weinmannia trichosperma, which can grow 30m tall, although the one at Nymans is currently only 5m. Other interesting plants include Luma apiculata, Embothrium coccineum, Davidia involucrata and the country's tallest Persea lingue. With an on-site nursery, much propagating is done at Nymans, with plants like the hybrid Eucryphia Nymansensis ‘Nymansay’ for sale. Joe Whelan, Head Gardener, said: “It's great that visitors can look around, see what they like and then take it home. A lot of our work is in propagation and this becomes vital during long hot summers or wet springs, as it provides us with alternatives if a plant cannot survive. “This year has been challenging, but by collecting rain water and giving priority to the more significant plants, we have survived and now the gardens are prospering.”

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GARDENS

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BRIGHT FUTURE Nymansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; appeal for gardening enthusiasts all year round also owes much to the efforts of former Head Gardener, Anne Ross. Ludvig Messel established key aspects of the garden, including the pinetum and rock garden, whilst in competition with neighbouring gardens of distinction, most notably Leonardslee at Lower Beeding. As the wealthy owners of these country homes and gardens battled for the biggest collection of exotic plants, Anne was more interested in aesthetics. Joe said: "Anne improved the summer borders, making them brighter and more diverse, and we continue her work today. Nymans has never stood still and we are always trying to do new things to stay exciting and relevant. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are planting 1,000 Crocus, Iris reticulate and Chionodoxa in October, along with 5,000 bulbs in other parts of the garden. A key focus is to improve our snowdrop and snowflake collection and to tackle the "dirty corners" between features to create a more attractive experience for visitors.â&#x20AC;?

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YEAR ROUND ATTRACTION Nymans has developed into a yearround attraction. The gardens are beautiful in spring, with magnolias, crocus and snowdrops bursting to life. But there's something to see in all seasons, from rare trees native to Tasmania and Southeast Asia to beautiful red oaks in autumn; from a stunning collection of Chilean plants to a vibrant South African garden. Even in winter, people visit for the views over the Weald and South Downs, whilst there is

growing interest in the conifers within the gardens' important pinetum. Joe said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are three areas of the garden that come into their own in summer. The house terrace contains plants including Ensete, Tetrapanax and Tibouchina urvilleana, with plenty of bold colours. The South African beds are now established and have performed well this year, whilst our collection of annual and perennial Salvias are impressive. This is far from being just a spring garden."

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Each National Trust location is a self-sufficient entity, so every penny spent at Nymans - from entrance fees to cups of tea - is invested back into the buildings, gardens and surrounding woodland. As well as boosting the plant collection and hosting exhibitions in Nymans house, the management team have invested in the facilities and infrastructure too. A new car park has helped prevent queues forming along the road, making Nymans more appealing to the public. Zara said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have many regular visitors from the local area. That's great for us, as we want to be the back garden for residents of Horsham and Crawley and people know that they can come here for a relaxing afternoon in the gardens and woodlands. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We do see international visitors, who come here for the reputation of the gardens. The likes of Sissinghurst Castle Gardens and Hidcote Manor welcome more tourists, as their name is more widely known. However, Nymans deserves similar renown, as the gardens are exquisite. Other destinations have stolen a march on us in the past and now we're rising again, although there is still work to be done." INTERVIEW: BEN MORRIS PICTURES: TOBY PHILLIPS For details about opening hours at Nymans, as well as events, visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ nymans

Zara Luxford, General Manager at Nymans

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Artist is NATURALLY HAPPY

MEET HORSHAM’S JOHN THOMPSON, ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE AT NYMANS I always wanted to be a painter, but when I was a student I was advised to become a commercial artist, as there was no money in painting. I don't have any regrets about that, because I learned a great deal. But I was always working to somebody else's brief. I illustrated children's books, created drawings for the Natural History Museum and even designed posters for films including Tarka the Otter. It wasn’t until I was 26 that I bought an easel and paint brushes. I stood in front of a blank canvas and was terrified, as I didn't know where to begin. Gradually, I embarked on a journey of experimenting and finding my voice as an artist. I'm a ridiculous optimist and see the

positive things in life. My paintings reflect that. They are a celebration of my love of the countryside and the natural world. The transition from having many friends at Art college, bouncing ideas around and being quite gregarious, to working alone in a small flat as an illustrator, was difficult for me. I wanted to put myself into a situation where I could interact with people again. For that reason, I went into education. I taught art for many years but continued to paint, holding occasional exhibitions. When I stopped full-time teaching, I decided that it was time to have a proper crack at being a painter. I exhibited in London galleries, but it’s not easy to transport large piece

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Examples of the vibrant paintings created in John’s studio at Nymans Gardens

“The danger of working from a photo is that you tend to slavishly copy and things die a little bit.” of work to the City and the commission they charge is high. So, I approached gardens, painting at Leonardslee, Wakehurst Place and Borde Hill. Then, I came to Nymans and it suited me, which is why I’ve been here for nine years. I’m here from March to November, as it’s too gloomy in winter for painting! I arrive early in the morning, as the gardens are tranquil and have a mystery about them that inspires me. I tend to paint from life in the first instance. I'm fortunate in that I have a good visual memory and once I’ve drawn something, I can recreate it in my studio to a larger scale. The danger of working from a photograph is that you tend to slavishly copy and things die a little bit. By working from memory, it’s not rigid. If I want a splash of red in the corner, I

can add it. It's an expressive way of painting. I complete between 150 to 200 paintings a year. It's a nice way of making a living and it’s good for the gardens too. When my children were younger, we visited National Trust gardens and there wasn't usually much for children to do. Nymans had been looking at creating other points of interest and an artist-in residence was one of the ideas they came up with. My studio is open to the public and many visitors pop in for a chat. I occasionally invite children to help me with a painting and you can see their parents are terrified, fearing what they might do! I also help with other Nymans events, like painting little mittens for a Christmas trail based on The Snowman and the Snowdog.

ART

VISUAL DELIGHTS I work quickly and that gives my paintings life. I admire botanical artists, who spend ages working on tiny details, as it takes me three seconds to create an illusion of detail. I find that as soon as I start to illustrate, the work starts to die as that is not where my interest lies. As well as scenes from Nymans, I paint seascapes of Scotland or the Gower Peninsula in Wales. I have underwater images inspired by a trip to The Maldives and I painted a tiger after a visit to India. Everywhere I go is a visual delight! During my winter months off, I explore other art styles. I’ve experimented on wacky portraits influenced by Caribbean art and have tried my hand at abstract too. I used to teach life drawing, but from a commercial perspective, figurative painting doesn't have mass appeal. Obviously, I need to sell my work. I pay a daily rate to Nymans and price my work around that. As I’m not paying huge commission to galleries, I keep prices low, making art more affordable. Many people tell me: ‘This is the first painting I’ve ever bought in my life!’ That's lovely, because original art isn’t often accessible. I'm just looking for a modest fee. If a painting takes me seven days, I'm going to price it at £700, plus £50 for the canvas. Everybody understands that format and they're happy with it.

ART WORKSHOPS Whilst interacting with the public, people expressed an interest in art workshops. Over the years, they’ve become popular and I now run

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“The workshops are art therapy, because you think about nothing aside from the painting.” three every month. Many people enjoyed art at school, but then life gets in the way and they come back to it in later life, perhaps after retirement. I run a one-day workshop and it’s hard work. Each workshop has a different theme, so in March it was seascapes, in April we visited Bluebell Woods and in May the focus was on meadow flowers. I have a blank canvas and so do my students, and gradually we work through ot one stage at a time. Two things happen: One is they walk away with a nice painting. Secondly, and more importantly, they understand the process. We analyse each step carefully and when you do that, painting becomes much easier. We use different techniques during the workshops, even using our hands and fingers to apply paint. The style is sometimes very free and loose. If you closely inspect my output,

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all you’ll see is blobs of paint. It's only when you take a step back that it all comes together. So, the workshops create a feel-good factor and encourage people to be creative. People ask if I run art therapy workshops, but really all the workshops are art therapy, because you think about nothing aside from the painting. It is like rebooting the brain! I’m very lucky, as I still leap out of bed every morning and can't get to Nymans fast enough; I still sell paintings, so every year is a winner for me! INTERVIEW: BEN MORRIS PICTURES: TOBY PHILLIPS/JOHN THOMPSON John is at Nymans until November before taking a break over the winter. To see more of John’s work or to enquire about a workshop, visit http://johnthompson.theartists web.co.uk

Louise Sloan Opticians: Looking After Your Eyes Louise Sloan Opticians have been reflecting on all the changes they’ve made since taking over the business 3 years ago in September 2015.

MECS Registered Louise has been accredited as your local MECS registered optometrist.

Louise qualified in the 1990s and since then has had an extensive range of experience in NHS eye hospitals, and in different high street practices.

This means you can book yourself in at short notice if you feel you have an emergency eye condition. Also, she can take GP or pharmacy referrals at short notice for emergency minor eye conditions, which can avoid unnecessary referrals to hospital services. So you know you are in safe hands.

For Louise, optometry is something of a family business. Her father Chris was the optometrist in the original Piries Place practice when the previous owners were selling up. He encouraged her to take over and since then it’s gone from strength to strength. Louise has always been committed to helping people get the best out of their vision. Her examinations are not simply about testing sight. She also considers individual lifestyle and health so she can make recommendations that work for the way we live our lives.

Three Years On In the last three years, Louise has completely upgraded and replaced all the testing equipment in the practice. She redesigned the shop to create a calm, friendly space so people can choose the frame they want in a relaxed atmosphere. With the introduction of a new state-of-the-art OCT scanner, her sight tests now include the very latest technology available to help detect eye disease. The OCT scans through layers of the retina, macular and optic nerve to produce

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a 3D image giving much more detail than a retinal photograph or than simply looking into the eye. Regular testing helps Louise spot the early warning signs of glaucoma, cataracts and age related macular degeneration. She can then make appropriate recommendations or referrals to specialists which can in many cases help slow down or prevent any loss of vision. Louise also understands the importance of a really good dispensing service and a high quality fitting. Some people find it hard to find frames on their own. They value the guidance of qualified dispensers to find something that suits their needs and style.

It’s important to Louise to be able to offer a valuable service to families and the local community. That’s why she has reintroduced a full contact lens fitting service. She has also expanded the range for kids, offering a wider choice of robust, stylish and affordable frames for children and teenagers. The shop is wheelchair and buggy-friendly for easy access to all.

25% OFF a second pair of lenses when you buy a complete pair of glasses Many people find that one pair of glasses simply doesn’t cover all their needs. It can be useful to have a second pair for computer work or for driving. Or you might appreciate having a pair of prescription sunglasses. Some of our patients have an extra pair specially designed for sport, or playing a musical instrument or other hobbies. Our multi-lens offer is from top lens manufacturer Essilor and is valid on orders placed before 30 November 2018. Conditions apply, ask for details when you come in.

Our new state-of-the-art OCT scanner includes the latest technology to help detect eye disease Louise Sloan Opticians is at 1 Piries Place, Horsham, RH12 1EH Open Monday to Friday 9am-5.30pm and from 9am-2.30pm on Saturdays

Call 01403 264682 or follow us on Facebook or visit www.louisesloanopticians.co.uk

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BLAST FROM THE PAST LOXWOOD JOUST DRAWS CROWDS BY BRINGING HISTORY TO LIFE ‘You are now entering the 15th Century. Laws of the year 1455 now apply. You have been warned.’ That’s the message on a sign at the gates to Loxwood Joust, one of the more unusual success stories on the annual events calendar. The mediaeval festival was created by Legend Presents in 2002 at Berkeley, Gloucestershire, where it ran successfully until 2007 when the site flooded. After several years of looking for an alternative site, the event has been held at Loxwood Meadow since 2012. Starting as a one weekend event, it expanded in 2015 and is now a permanent fixture on the first two weekends of August. Full of the wonders of the Middle Ages, the Joust offer the public the opportunity to enjoy thrilling jousts, converse with an executioner, listen to traditional folk music, sample mediaeval recipes, browse stalls of handcrafted goods, engage in sword fights, learn about English history and cover their ears as cannons are fired during enthralling battle re-enactments.

The festival, which prides itself on adding new attractions each year, continues to attract big crowds due its diverse activities. Children can try working in a blacksmith’s forge before, just yards away, learning about the nature spirits from the Faerie Goddess Mother in the woodland Faerie Realm! The event was started by Maurice Bacon of Legend Presents and he now runs it with his son, Danny. Maurice said: “The Loxwood Joust provides an insight into life in mediaeval times, with living history creating and making it interesting, informative and fun for young and old alike. “It is great to see visitors getting into the spirit of the mediaeval ages whilst trying on armour, handling swords and taking in the shows from the executioner, mediaeval housewifes, chefs and Queen Georgiana of Loxwood. Once again, the feedback we have read on our social media pages has been amazing, so we look forward to next year.” AAH spoke to a few of those dressing up to entertain the crowds to gain a picture of the mediaeval feast at Loxwood...

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John White (Aka Gilbert Savage) Torturer and Executioner Throughout history, there has been executioners all over the world. Being an executioner in London was once more or less a full-time job. People were executed in Tyburn and they called the hanging days ‘fairs’ as people would travel for miles to see them. There were hawkers and sellers as it was a proper jamboree! Public execution was meant to deter people from criminal activity, but it didn’t work. In fact, it was the best show in town! When they moved hangings to Newgate, huge crowds would gather in the narrow streets outside the prison. People would fall from rooftops and children were crushed in the crowd as they were so desperate to watch. Before he started offering holiday tours, Thomas Cook ran execution special on the railways! I am a performer who presents a range of historical characters at castles, museums, National Trust houses, heritage centres and events like this.

One of my characters is Gilbert Savage, an executioner and torturer. Gilbert is a fictional character, as we don't know the names of mediaeval executioners. Everything I say in my shows is 100% true. You don't have to make things up when the truth is better than fiction! I start each show by defining treason and how people were tortured into confessions. I use a collection of authentic torture tools for this! Then I talk about execution methods. I have been dressing up for 25 years and have been involved in this event since it was held in Gloucestershire. People come back year in, year out. One lady said that her daughter had started medical school after being inspired by Gilbert’s show when she was a little girl. Another visitor came along with an old photo of Gilbert posing with her two young sons. They came along to recreate the shot, but now they tower over me!”

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John White revels in the role of Gilbert Savage, an executioner

EVENTS The Copper Pot We are a Worcestershire-based business that makes a range of food and drink based on authentic historical recipes.

“There is a myth that people were stupid in the past, but they had fantastic food.”

Nick with his incredible range of mediaeval food

Nick Trustram Eve

As well as working with museums. we attend events to demonstrate mediaeval cooking practices. The products we sell are as close to the original as possible, with some recipes dating back to the 13th century. Among our popular items are a mediaeval stew, a curry dating from 1740, 17th century hot chocolate and 18th century gingerbread. I fell into the business by accident. I worked for the National Trust, dressing up to cook traditional recipes in an 18th century house. I often thought: “These are the ingredients they should be selling in the gift shop!” Instead, they sold rubbers, bookmarks and things like that. When I’ve been to a mediaeval castle, I want to take a mediaeval stew home! But such items haven’t been available and we’re only just

starting to see such things being sold in gift shops. Mediaeval food is seriously good. There is a general myth that people were stupid in the past, perhaps partly down to TV programmes like Horrible Histories. But the food they ate was fantastic. Aristocrats used food as a statement of wealth and social

standing, in the same way that we use fashion and cars today. They had spices because they were expensive and few people could afford them. Most people at events like Loxwood Joust want to learn about traditional cooking and they’re interested by our talks and demonstrations and we have a growing following, especially

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for our hot chocolate. We also make a 17th century Spanish milk chocolate with chilli, orange peel, cinnamon, anise, cloves and vanilla that people love. We ensure that all of ingredients can be easily used in modern cuisine. Everything we have is ready for ‘one-step cooking’ so you don't need a mediaeval cookbook to use it! www.thecopperpot.co.uk

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Base Rate Increase May Lead to Fixed Rate Rise

Bank Base Rate has increased to 0.75% and is at its highest point for nine years. It’s not quite panic stations just yet but I would watch this space, as this could be the start of base rate uncertainty again. For those who had a mortgage back in 2006-2008, you may recall we were guessing month by month whether rates would change or not and the last nine years have at least had some consistency. What’s next? Who knows. Rates are low generally, we’re in the midst of the hottest summer for some time, having just finished the World Cup with Brexit just around the corner and as such, lenders are short of business for this time of year. So, for at least the next few weeks, I can’t see too much happening. Fixed rate monies will inevitably rise, but I wouldn’t suggest too many changes until at least mid to late September. Five year fixed rates still sit around the early 2%s with three year fixed’s around 1.75%, based on criteria and terms and conditions etc. Lenders are nearly all offering free valuation and free legals on remortgages, so there are minimal costs to change. What we are also seeing is some great rates to stay with your current lender. This was not so freely available just a few months ago. Lenders now need you, as much as you need them! Just speak to a broker first before committing as sometimes brokers have better deals to stay with your current lender than maybe you are being offered elsewhere. Finally, as demand exceeds supply, we are currently seeing a number of properties selling for over the asking price. However, this can have an adverse effect on the mortgage side when a valuer goes out as the ‘eyes of the lender’ in confirming the property’s value for security purposes. We are seeing a number of properties being down valued and when this happens the lender will only advance against the lower of purchase price or valuation. If that leaves a gap in your budget, you’ll need to find the difference, without recourse to further borrowing!

Vivienne of Lorien (right) dresses in a way that helps her communicate with spirits

Vivienne or Lorien Spiritual Healer I'm not a witch. I am what would nowadays be called a wizard, although I use the term shaman as I work with the spirits of the Earth, sky and plants. I'm from Glastonbury, where I tend to hide very nicely! Witches were wise women who knew when certain herbs or plants would grow. Shamans use that energy in much the same way today. I use the consciousness of sky, wind, Earth and mountains, and their energies help me to offer a different kind of healing. I never say that medicines are not relevant. But if they are not working, there is a natural route that can help. Medicines are made with natural ingredients, but if you take these plants from their natural setting without giving honour to them, they’re not going to be as effective, as the spirits won’t be working with you. If you believe that every living thing has a soul

and a spirit, everything from under the Earth needs to come up to complete the circle. Therefore, I call on the spirits. I also help make people aware that this planet is our only home and we all need to care for it. If you cut something down, plant something to replace it! Children appreciate that message and understand the sacredness of the natural world. Sometimes, children come to me with problems, like bad dreams. They feel the magic and energy passing through them. One little girl came to see me six times, as she could feel calmness and energy. If children are worried about the way I look, I explain that as a shaman, I dress myself in a way that I can communicate with the nature spirits. It’s not dressing up for people; it's for the spirits. That way, the good spirits know I am friendly, as spirits come to me for healing just as humans do.

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Ian Lycett-King Swordsman I have been playing with swords since 1989. I was a member of The Sealed Knot, a re-enactment group that works in the community. I became good with a sword and someone eventually asked if I would attend a historical event to run a sword school for children. I now do this at a handful of select events, including Loxwood Joust. My day job was as an IT teacher at a North London school and I’m now chief examiner for an educational board. I find that I transfer some of my teaching skills into the sword school.

Take the train to visit Santa in his beautifully decorated grotto in the woods.

Here he will chat with every child and give them a quality gift. Adults are welcome to take a family photo in the grotto. Adults only will be offered a glass of mulled wine, whilst waiting to visit Santa. After your visit please complete your train journey back to Stopham Road Station. Trains operate between 11.00am and 3.20pm and run every 20 minutes. Please ensure you arrive at least 10-15 minutes before the departure time of your train, then check-in at the Ticket Office, where your ticket will be available for collection. There will be no on the day tickets. Please go to our website and book through our SANTA pages.

“It's a simplified version of Talhoffer’s teachings, as we don't hit or skewer people!” The swords we use are as authentic as we can feasibly make them, although they are blunt. We teach a method from the mid-1400s based on a book called ‘To Fight Earnestly’ by Hans Talhoffer, a German fencing master. It's a simplified version of his teachings, as we don't hit people and we certainly don't skewer them! Children pay five groats for a half hour class and that's enough to learn four basic attacking positions and some defence moves. Adults can try it too and can use a steel blade if they progress. Even grown men can tire quickly though, if they are not accustomed to using their arms in the way a swordsman would. Some people can strike a golf ball 300 yards as they have power, which I can’t do. However, using a sword requires a very different set of muscles. I love the camaraderie of these historical events. Last night, my van was stuck in the mud after heavy rainfall and - before I knew it - there was a group of people all pushing me out. It’s like a community in that way.

Ian (pictured in background) runs a sword school

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50 Paul Frost (Wessex Medieval Alliance) The Wessex Medieval Alliance attend history events and fight virtually every weekend over the summer. I’m semi-retired, but I still buy and sell armour. That gives me the chance to upgrade my own re-enactment costume and find things like these glasses, based on the spectacles on Henry VIII’s horned jousting helmet! As the Loxwood event is held over two weekends, I stay on site during the week. The Joust is a real eventer’s event as it was created by re-enactors. The public are almost a sideshow, but they benefit as everything here is authentic. We even spent £4000 on the living history set-up in our camp, to make everything look genuine. When you're involved in battle re-enactment, you do get an adrenaline rush. The battles are well organised and we know which side wins before we step on to the battlefield. I fall in the next fight, but triumph this afternoon! There are always reluctant ‘fallers’ who don’t want to die; we call them Teflon warriors! I don't wear earplugs during the battles, as my helmet covers my ears. If you are stood close to the cannons, you open your mouth to equalise the pressure. One was fired three feet from me at Tewksbury last month and that wasn't good! We have people specially trained for cannons and the muskets. I

prefer to use a sword, but I sometimes use a spear if I need a weapon that gives me distance. Occasionally, there are injuries, as it’s a contact sport. If you moan about it, you shouldn't be here! However, if someone hits your head or neck, then that's usually down to people getting carried away or perhaps belonging to a club that allows head shots. Some have a full contact background, but the Wessex Medieval Alliance is semi-contact. Swords must be blunt at the point and edges. Every weapon is checked before we enter the battlefield and anyone carrying a sharp weapon cannot participate. It’s viewed as quite a disgrace if that happens, as nobody goes out there to hurt anyone or get hurt themselves. I’ve been knocked down at Bosworth and it’s not nice when everyone is treading over you in hobnail boots! I always say battle re-enactment is the most fun you can have with your clothes on. It can be a bit of an addiction and you can spend a lot of money on weapons and armour. But no more than people spend on golf!

INTERVIEW: BEN MORRIS PICTURES: TOBY PHILLIPS The 2019 Loxwood Joust will be held on 3 - 4 and 10 - 11 August. For information visit http://legendpresents.co.uk/ loxwoodjoust/

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FINAL SPRING SAVINGS I am production supervisor at Ibstock Ltd. I have always led a very physical life and dealing with brick production, the job has demanded a lot of manual labour. Things really got worse in 2015 going into 2016 when I developed sciatica in my buttock and down my left leg. I simply couldn’t shake it off and the pain was extreme. I had seen physios and osteopaths in addition to my GP. I just wasn’t getting anywhere and I was been prescribed stronger and stronger medication. Finally I was on high levels of morphine in addition to amitriptyline. While this managed to keep me going at work, but by the end of the day and particularly driving home I would often end up screaming in pain! Medication was not solving the problem and I was getting desperate for a solution. I was then advised that the company was setting up a clinic for nerve pain. A colleague had had good results attending Keith Atkinson’s practice in Horsham and the company generously offered this clinic for staff suffering from back pain and other ailments. I can seriously say I was sceptical and not expecting much from my first

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MAKING HISTORY

HORSHAM MUSEUM CELEBRATES ITS 125TH ANNIVERSARY The Foundations... On 3 August 1893, during the annual meeting of Free Church members, the foundations for Horsham Museum were put in place. The idea for a museum had previously been discussed by the Sunday School teachers and its committee, but it was at this meeting that this resolution, moved by Rev. J. J. Marten, was carried: That it is desirable to form a Church and School Museum and that steps be taken for its commencement.' The Rev. J. J. Marten had come to Horsham from Great Yarmouth in 1892. As Minister of the Free Christian Church, he established a Congregational Society for the

discussion of social, literary and scientific topics. He was also pivotal in organising a successful public meeting in honour of the poet Shelley's centenary. It was felt that a Museum was needed as visitors had enquired as to the town’s flora and fauna and would increase knowledge among young people. Although its beginnings were humble, it was hoped that the Museum, located at The Free Christian Church on Worthing Road, would eventually become a valuable educational resource.

Early Exhibitions The early displays were simple, answering questions like 'What does a blackbird egg look like?'

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Rupert Toovey of Toovey’s auctioneers, presented two watercolours to Jeremy Knight of Horsham Museum, for the Museum’s growing art collection

The Museum Society understood the importance of keeping records and early registers of items donated survive. However, the Museum didn't have a permanent home. The Free Church gave the Society space to store its rapidly growing collections, but couldn't offer a permanent area for display. So, items were kept in storage and displayed three times a year. Howeve, some of the items, including photos of a deformed potato and a hairless horse, didn’t have much value or importance!

First Curators David Matthew George Price, a founder member of the Museum Society and a well liked member of the Free Church, was the First Honorary Curator. He was an amateur entomologist, but unfortunately his collection of butterflies deteriorated so badly

that by 1946, only a fraction of it remained. David served as Curator for about 20 years, before poor health prevented him from active involvement. Miss Ruth Albery was appointed the following year. Her chief service during her five year tenure may have been in encouraging her brother, William Albery, to take a prominent role in establishing a more permanent home for the Museum. This finally happened in 1928 when Park House, the historic mansion in North Street, was sold to the Urban District Council (which later became Horsham District Council) by Colonel A.R. Hurst for £18,000. When it became apparent that the council only planned to use Park House for their own offices, an outcry ensued. Townspeople had hoped that it would be used as civic rooms with a library, reading room and as a home for the Horsham Museum Society. The council gave way and offered

HISTORY

RACHEL WELLER I have been here for six years as an Administration Assistant. I also organise children's activities, run the shop and oversee marketing. When I arrived here, I had a threeyear-old and felt there was something missing for young children. So, I organised children’s activities with my daughter in mind. Initiatives like the children's trail and the activity playroom have since been expanded. Miranda Mitchell runs activities and they can be anything from arts and crafts sessions to Lego challenges. Parents love these events as they’re fun, affordable and the make history interesting for young people. The Museum staff and volunteers are quite a quirky bunch with different skills to offer. That's what keeps the place evolving. We're not just telling people about old Horsham; we're looking forward and inspiring the next generation.”

the Society what had been the kitchen. In May 1929, the Museum Society held a public display at Park House and the following year, after alterations to the building, the Museum opened there.

Clear Statement At the 35th AGM of the Society in 1929, Mr. J.B. Shrewsbury, Art Master at Collyer’s School, took up the post of Honorary Curator. He took the role seriously and the Museum flourished. He produced a clear statement: “I have seen pass the age of hairless horses, human shaped potatoes, bottled monstrosities, freaks, fancies and futilities, and the dawn of an orderly arrangement of the natural resources, history and art of the locality. There is a wealth of meaning, however, in the word ‘display’. We are now showing our collections – but we have not reached the era of display – for display means showmanship in a building specially designed, having space, light, warmth and colour."

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YVONNE FUNNELL When Elizabeth Bridges took over, the Museum was a mess. She started to bring it out of the dark ages. I worked in the costume department initially, documenting and organising everything. I would also give talks to children and run holiday activities. I got on well with Elizabeth and when she left, there was a year with an Acting Curator when nothing happened. Then Jeremy came in and I thought he was very arrogant. I didn’t appreciate the struggles he’d had

througout his life and career. Once, I had to go to Chris Dier, his boss at HDC, and he kept him in line! Jeremy was bursting with enthusiasm, but there were people who kept a lid on him when he had outrageous ideas.

However, the Museum today is incomparable to how it was when he arrived. It was dead! I think he has attempted to go elsewhere over the years, but I'm glad it hasn't worked out, as I think he needed this as much as the Museum needed him.

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With the outbreak of WWII, the council required more office space. The Museum also needed more space for their collections, so in 1941, Causeway House was leased from Captain Anthony, the last owner to live there. The Society was given two rooms for display and storage purposes, on a temporary basis only. After the war, Causeway House came up for sale, presenting an opportunity to acquire a permanent home for the Museum in one of Horsham’s most historic buildings. William Albery offered the town his superb collections of documents and saddlery, if the council would provide a home for them. This was a great incentive to action! Horsham Urban District Council applied pressure on the West Sussex County Council Education Committee to buy Causeway House and the Museum finally had a permanent home after 56 years. Whilst the Society provided volunteers to run the Museum, the council was financially responsibility for running the building.

Last Honorary Curators

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After J.B. Shrewsbury's retirement in 1949, G.F.W. Hart took over as Honorary Curator. A colourful character, he reportedly moved into the Museum, where his bed contained five mouse nests in a room where exhibits were mixed in with rubbish. A.H. Yeaxlee was appointed as temporary Honorary Curator in 1964. His first job was to take back items “that may have been accidentally removed” by Mr. Hart. He wrote the first guide to Horsham Museum and helped rescue Albery's saddlery collection from total decay. However, he fell out with the Committee and resigned. In 1966, HUDC took over the running of the Museum. However, the Society chose not to give its collections to the council outright. Instead, they were granted to them on permanent loan. Even today, items collected up to 1966 belong to the Museum Society and those after 1966 to Horsham District Council. Current Museum and Heritage Manager, Jeremy Knight, said: "In the past, some councillors haven't fully appreciated the Museum. I recall one looking for things the council could flog off! I reminded him that the items belong to the Society, not HDC. In that respect, the Society has been a godsend."

HISTORY

“Modern exhibits like the Irregular Choice display sit alongside local history items on saddlery or Shelley.” The Professionals Stephen Harris was the first full-time professional Curator employed by the council (1966-70). He started the collection of agricultural machinery, much of which has since been given to the Weald and Downland Museum. His successor, Kevin Chapple, helped grow the costume collection and created the toy room before being replaced by Robert Keith Dunham. Robert had many innovative ideas and began hosting temporary exhibitions. He also undertook an inventory with a team of volunteers, where many 'lost' items were brought to light. Evan Perry took up the post in 1974. Perhaps his greatest achievement was raising funds for the Sussex Barn from Hill’s Place to be reconstructed behind the Museum. However,he didn’t keep a detailed register of donations

and loans, whilst relaxed security resulted in items disappearing. Jeremy: "In days gone, there wasn't any cataloguing of items and things went missing. When we evaluated all of the artefacts, it became evident that the Museum had 230 Egyptian items, including a solid gold Eye of Horus. I thought it would be good to exhibit them, but we couldn't find them. Nobody had seen them for years! Sadly, only six remained. Curators sometimes gave away or swapped artefacts that they didn't feel were relevant to collections. That is wrong, as these items are not ours to give away. They belong to the community and people of Horsham and it’s our job to look after it."

LISA EATWELL I've been at the Museum for 13 years and now work on the Visitor Information Centre. We don't have that many tourists coming in, as our information for events and accommodation is online. Yet our visitor numbers have increased. The Museum is still quite traditional and people like that. It has bright, modern exhibitions like the Irregular Choice display, alongside exhibits

Chaotic Situation Elizabeth Kelly took over in 1983 and largely succeeded in bringing order to a chaotic

on watercolours or local history, such as saddlery or Shelley. We have lots of events for children, especially in summer, and parents love coming here because it's free and encourages children to take an interest in history. Throughout my time here, I've had to stand under a big fish. It's a fibreglass replica of a fish that Millais caught in Canada, so its link to Horsham is tenuous! I tried to have it removed when we re-modelled, but it somehow survived!

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Horsham Museum has a vast collection of lorinery as well as dinosaur fossils and a mummified cat in its ‘cabinet of curiosities’. Temporary exhibitions have included the first ever exhibition of Irregular Choice footwear

situation. During her four year tenure, Elizabeth improved the Museum's documentation and introduced year books and donation forms. She also catalogued the geological collection and produced the first proper management plan. In 1987, she left on maternity leave, which led to her resignation the following year, when Jeremy Knight was appointed Curator.

Taking Register One of the major issues facing Jeremy was that Horsham Museum was full of objects without proper documentation and creating a register has been a meticulous process. The council funded a temperature-controlled archive to store the Museum Society's collection of documents and, after some discussion involving the Society and HDC regarding ownership, the uncatalogued photographic collection followed. Volunteers spent the next 20 years meticulously going through the images to properly document names, dates and locations. Jeremy said: “Documentation is vital. A register needs to be kept in an acid free, permanent bound book in indelible ink which can last 100 years, so that it stands up in court. When I arrived, there was a letter here from somebody asking for a doll donated in the 1930s to be returned to the family. I was immediately wary as the same doll had been valued at £300

on The Antiques Roadshow. Fortunately, the claimant also sent us a copy of the letter that her relative had originally sent us, stating that she was giving the doll to the Museum. Otherwise, we would have had no proof that it wasn't a loan and would have returned it. "We suspect that long ago items were taken home, possibly for safe-keeping originally, by Society members. When they died, these things have been auctioned by their family, unaware that they belong to the Museum. Long ago, the Museum had a poster advertising the first railway to come to Horsham. That poster came up at auction, but because we didn't have any proper documentation, we couldn't prove it was ours. That can no longer happen as we register everything."

Out of Sight... There has been additional funding along the way that has helped increase the Museum's offerings and services. A Heritage Lottery grant provided funds for new galleries and a computerised system of collections, whilst a bid for funding for Millennium projects lead to the creation of the Heritage Trail. The Museum also now hosts the Visitor Information Centre, runs a parish outreach programme, has helped establish five local history groups and operates a lending service, whilst its commitment to temporary

exhibitions have ranged from quirky Irregular Choice shoes to a V&A exhibition of cloisonne ceramics. One of the Museum's most popular rooms is the Art Gallery, which promotes local artists as well as work of wider acclaim. This year, the Royal Academy of Watercolour Artists celebrates its 250th anniversary and Horsham Museum will be hosting a selection of its artists' work. J The expansion of the Museum is only possible because of the efforts of staff, volunteers, and the support of the public. Jeremy said: "Once the Museum started to become more successful and attract more visitors, naturally people wanted to join us and the work they do is invaluable. The public continue to come in with donations or loan items, which for me demonstrates the popularity of the Museum. We all do the best we can with the resources we have. In my opinion, even the council doesn't know what a good thing it has here. Because we don't cause problems, we are out of sight, out of mind. That's understandable when you have so many problems to deal with. So, we're happy to carry on like that!" WORDS: JEREMY KNIGHT/BEN MORRIS PICTURES: TOBY PHILLIPS/HDC’S HORSHAM MUSEUM

The Humble Blackberry Blackberry picking is surely one of our favourite autumn activities. Coming home with purple fingers and a Tupperware box filled with delicious, juicy berries is something the whole family can enjoy, made even better by the thought of enjoying warm blackberry and apple crumble or blackberry jam. However, as much as we enjoy the fruit of the bramble, it’s important to remember that much of our wildlife enjoys it too and some species even rely on this food source to help them survive the colder months. While most butterflies are found feeding on flowers, the sweet, sticky juices of blackberries are irresistible to the comma butterfly, easily recognised by its vibrant orange wings with jagged edges. Many small mammals, including dormice, wood mice and bank voles will take advantage of the glistening fruit too and on warmer days they may be joined by common lizards who will be forgoing their usual meal of spiders and ants. Even when the berries are all gone and only the spiny foliage remains, many birds will use the dense cover as protection from the winter weather and in the spring, the brambles provide a great place for nest-building and raising young. Due to the heatwave, there are less berries about so it’s even more vital that we make sure to leave plenty of food for wildlife when out foraging. Bramble patches can often be like mini nature reserves so while away some time and see what you can spot!

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