The District Post 4th January 2019 by The District Post

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Residents of the district are saddened by the sudden, unforeseen shutting of one of Horsham’s most popular restaurants – Strada in East Street. The website had been seeking Christmas bookings and everything appeared up-beat with no hint of impending closure, leaving customers shocked and distraught, because when they were in the restaurant the previous evening there was no suggestion that the business was about to cease functioning. Strada’s London Head Office were unavailable for comment but at the East Street building an announcement reads: “It is with much sadness that we have had to close our branch at Horsham due to disappointing trading and rising costs in an increasingly competitive market.” While there is no shortage of alternative restaurants in East Street and elsewhere in Horsham, the loss of the popular Strada, following the closure of the nearby French restaurant Cote (after a fire in September) has been received

with great disappointment locally, as witnessed by posts on social media, including from diners who were in Strada the night before the closure when “business as normal” seemed to be the case. The company’s statement continues: “Be assured that we have offered all of our team members the chance to relocate to one of our other branches and have been fortunate to see many of them to take this opportunity. Where this hasn’t been possible we have ensured that we have offered the right level of practical and financial support as we appreciate that this is a difficult and unsettling time for all involved. We are very sorry to have to take such actions that affect our team members and local communities alike. This closure in no way reflects (badly upon) the dedication and passion that our staff have put in to serving our loyal customers over the years and we are very thankful for their hard work.” A search on the company website for a nearest remaining Strada restaurant to our area suggests a trip to either Tunbridge Wells or Wimbledon, cold comfort for those hoping to have been able to continue enjoying meals at the Horsham branch.

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‘Big Ben’ launches free personal safety sessions bubble, perhaps concentrating on our phones and losing touch with the reality of physical dangers all around us. So, my plan is to run some free evening sessions to talk through some things that

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Professional safeguarding expert, local resident Ben Jacobs has set up a Horsham Community Safety page on Facebook to help raise awareness aimed at tackling personal safety issues. Ben’s idea was reposted by The Horsham Facebook page and received a huge response proving a need for this kind of project. While the Horsham district is happily regarded as a low crime area compared with inner city locations, crime and potential dangers are nevertheless all around us and Ben’s idea is to use his considerable, successful experience to provide advice on how people can avoid needless exposure to harmful situations, telling the District Post: “My concern is that everyone is so busy and preoccupied today and although in many ways we are more streetwise than ever, we tend to be in a bit of a

I’d just like to provide a spur to encourage people to take individual responsibility for their own safety we ought to be looking out for – and outlining some ways on how difficulties might be avoided.” 38 year old Ben attended Tanbridge House School and has lived locally all of his life, having set up his security business some years ago and been a bodyguard for celebrities around the world and providing protection for visiting foreign dignitaries, and diplomats, too. Ben continues: “The first port of

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call for anyone in difficulty should always be the police and I’m not out to encourage people to become ‘have a go heroes’, but it is clear that the spate of knife crimes and other problems compromising personal safety is creating unease and I’d just like to provide a spur to encourage people to take individual responsibility for their own safety by bringing a few useful remedies to their attention – after all, when somebody is out and about, often the only person that they can rely on is themself!” Ben’s job is to ensure the safety of individuals in his care and he is keen to pass on the necessary safeguarding skills that he has had to acquire - and needed to put in practice on a daily basis – and he sums up saying: “I’ve had considerable interest in my proposed safety sessions and am currently holding funding discussions and talking to a possible venue with a view to holding the first event in April for around 150 people and I invite anyone interesting in attending to get involved, initially by joining my Horsham Community Safety Facebook page.”

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Pancake’s at the ready

Win tickets to TJ Higgs

Win a holiday for 2

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40 year anniversary

A week’s break at Nikiana Beach Club

Record entries for next week’s race

UK’s foremost Psychic Medium at The Capitol

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For independent Scissors Hair Salon

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Page 7

Developers, Reef Estates, have started construction work to regenerate and transform Piries Place in Horsham. Their plans, which were approved by the Council in February 2017, include a new three screen Everyman Cinema, 92 Bed Premier Inn Hotel and complementary restaurants

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a Grand Prix racing car, as seen at the Formula One British Grand Prix at Silverstone and part of the Parkside Kwik Fit Road Safety Zone. Also on offer will be two additional Formula One simulators and Slot car racing located at the Council’s Parkside offices in Chart Way next to the Black Jug pub – so even more people can have a go. The Piazza Italia supported charities this year are Chestnut Tree House Children’s Hospice, The Springboard Project and The Children’s Trust. Commenting on this year’s Piazza Italia event, Cabinet Mem-

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ber for the Local Economy, Cllr Gordon Lindsay, said: “Horsham District Council is delighted to welcome you to what has become a signature celebration of all things Italian in Horsham Town Centre. “I encourage as many of you as possible to come along with your families and friends this Easter, to enjoy what’s in store, whilst also supporting three great local charities and our local traders, who are really pushing the boat out this year to support this festival.” To find out more about the event please visit: https://www.facebook. com/HorshamPiazzaItalia/

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Horsham’s signature Piazza Italia event is ready to roll this Easter weekend with a host of unique attrractions for all ages and interests. Bikes and Scooters Good Friday brings a welcome return to a massive display of Italian bikes, featuring a fascinating cross section of Ducati models and many other brands. (Bike Display in East Street from 12.30pm). The Bullseye Scooter Club will host a terrific display of Italian scooters, alongside their friends at The Bear pub, in Market Square on Easter Monday from 10am. Children’s and family activities Indoors: We have lots of indoor activities this year, should the weather not be so kind to us. On Good Friday and Easter Monday, there is slot car racing with Horsham Rotary at the Council’s Parkside building – just £1 a go with circuits for both novice and more confident ‘drivers’. We have not just one or two, but three F1 Simulators at Parkside this year. Pirelli have brought their replica F1 car as part of the Kwik Fit Road Safety Zone, and Altitude Events have their two simulators inside the Parkside foyer, with one on one challenge racing on Good Friday, and a fastest lap time competition, with a very special prize from Premier GT

as part of their Race Paddock on Easter Monday. (Both just £2 a go, or equivalent donation to Pirelli). Listen to the Mad Music Machine by STEAMCademy, as it produces tunes using samples of all your favourite supercar sounds. Not part of Piazza Italia, but a fun edition to Easter Saturday, there will be Messy Easter activities for younger children, thanks to Horsham Churches Together in Swan Walk near Toy Barnhaus. Outdoors: There are Fun Fair rides on the Forum by Bensons (Friday, Saturday and Easter Monday), and free Pizza making with Dominos on the Carfax (Good Friday). Up at the Parkside offices, there will be face painting and ice cream there, both days, and Jumpin’ Jockeys (Good Friday), plus child’s Go Karts (Easter Monday). The Springboard Project have Easter Arts and Crafts at Parkside, and huge local favourite ‘Tom Foolery’ will be down in the Carfax between 2 and 4pm on Easter Monday. Oh, and we can’t forget the eggcellent Horsham Rotary Easter Bunny Hunt, which starts on Good Friday and hops and skips with you around town through the rest of the two week Easter Holidays. Continued on page 2

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Fast cars, food Friday 30 March and entertainm and Monday ent 2 April

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Steve Darken, Head of Communities for YMCA DLG in north Sussex, said: “I’m looking forward to sleeping out to make a difference to the lives of young people. The numbers of ‘hidden homeless’ are rising, with more young people ‘sofa surfing’, staying temporarily with friends, or living in over-

I’m looking forward to sleeping out to make a difference to the lives of young people.

crowded shared accommodation. We provide safe accommodation and opportunities for young people who have been made, or are at risk of becoming homeless. Sleep Easy funds will enable us to do even more. Please sign up at www.ymcadlg.org/SleepEasy18 and help us make a difference to more local young people.” Sleep Easy will take place once again in the grounds of Horsham YMCA Football Club, making use of the club’s facilities – but not touching the hallowed turf! This

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is a special opportunity to sleep under the stars in an unusual location. A volunteer who slept out last year said: “It was a really eye opening experience. It made me think about things I hadn’t even considered before about sleeping rough. Thank you for looking after us so well. This work YMCA do is indispensable.” Another said: “It was one night that could make a difference to lots of nights for others. Great fun and nice people.” There are many young people who, for a range of reasons, find they can no longer remain living at home. Last year, across West Surrey, East and West Sussex, YMCA DLG housed around 550 young people every night who would otherwise have been homeless. The YMCA works hard to help these young people rebuild their lives and move forward, but funding is a constant challenge. The Sleep Easy event will mean that money is available to support young people beyond the confines of statutory funding. I will be taking part in the sleep out so feel free to donate by going to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thedistrictpost Could you give up one night of comfort to make a lifetime of difference? Find out more and sign up at: www.ymcadlg.org/ SleepEasy18

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Will Hallett with his Granfather Barry Hearnshaw

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continued with homage to Will’s grandfather Barry saying: “Until retirement he worked in special education, his passion, and devoted his life to improving the lives of so many and fulfilled his dream of becoming headmaster.” The family also said that the schools that benefited from Barry’s talents included Muntham House at Barns Green and that he had dedicated much of his time to charity fund raising, including at the Barns Green Half Marathon. Amid messages from friends the local pub where Will worked said: “We were proud and honoured to have you as part of our pub family.” Will was clearly a popular student at Tanbridge House School, too, where Principal Jules White described him as “a wonderful person” and continued: “He always showed the very best qualities of being kind, generous and caring and was a highly intelligent model student, held in the highest regard by peers and staff. Our thoughts are with Will’s family and friends.” Anyone attending the annual Barns Green Half Marathon will have witnessed the warmth of the village, everyone pulling together. Continued on page 3.

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Other worthy Horsham District winners on the night were, The Sussex Produce Company in Steyning – Food Shop of the Year, New Street Butchers and Deli in Horsham – Butcher of the Year, and The Artisan Bakehouse in Ashurst – Eating Experience of the Year.

Tragedy struck the close knit community of Barns Green at around 8.40 last Saturday morning when a train hit a car at the Emms Lane level crossing on the outskirts of the village. Keen footballer 15 year old Will Hallett was being driven by his grandfather Barry Hearnshaw, 72, to play in a match when the horrific accident happened, sadly both died at the scene after the car was severely damaged. Will was an enthusiastic Chelsea supporter – as appreciated by the club, who have been in contact with the family – and he played for Horsham Sparrows. As the police and rail authorities began to investigate the circumstances leading to the collision tributes of cards and flowers were left near the crossing, and Will and Barry’s family said: “One thing this tragedy has proved to us is how popular and loved Will was within our beautiful village of Barns Green, and at Tanbridge House School. He was a high grade achiever who aspired to be an airline pilot. We are utterly devastated by this tragic accident that has robbed us of our gorgeous, lovable and cheeky son.” The family

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30 March and 2 April Horsham Town Centre

ment to the healthy state of the Horsham District’s food and drink sector and the contribution it makes to the visitor economy. “We are very proud our firms and we continue to do everything we can to support and nurture these successful businesses.”

News Martin Read - Reporter

– 4pm 10am – 4pm 10am Carfax Tree House – 4pm 10am Chestnut charity and – 3.15pm 12.30pm – 3.15pm children’s displays stated) 12.30pm Sponsor display activities otherwise (unless Lamborghini display – 3pm – 4pm 10am Maserati 10am Panino, Kwik 10am with Fit – 3.15pm Parkside with Displays Road – 4pm display in partnership Carfax Safety from; painting 10am Mini activities Partnership, MarketZone face Kwik returns, offer! Fit, Sussex Children’s an Italian including Italian Institute market in Piazza with simulators, Jockeys look drink Italia new race Safer suppliers a Pirelli Slot a of Advanced car and localRoad with F1 race and Jumpin Operated racing foodsimulator from Motorist Market by Streetand drink Mad Square Music Rotary The Children’s FoodClub Operated Machine of Horsham display PARKSIDE and supercar Trust twist Sussex Catering by STEAMCadem charity OUTSIDE Go Karts bike display charity and toiletsSERV – 3.15pm Bishopric y The blood available 10am Market 10am Horsham Parkside – 3.15pm SportingSquare Jockeys General Ferrari Race Bears your Market Jumpin display Market – 3.15pm chance “Dream Parkside 11am Square in the Scooter Square to take 10am Rides”– East PARKSIDE car Paddock Market display display display a passenger – Street charity. of your – 4pm 11am 4pm INSIDE Italian ALL the dreams Scooter – 3.15pm 10am – 4pm ride you donate Parkside bike display and Supercar money simply Job Minis Slot Cars 10am for a The Children’s Premier Paddock Karts, goes Italian donation to (Rotary) ParksideGT Race with Go Café Springboard Trust, Piazza’s Children’sGT Race to 12.30pm children's Premier activities 10am – and Crafts activitiesPaddock – 3.15pm race Project. Chestnut – 3.15pm 3.15pm Pit Stop Arts simulators charities Toilets Children’s Tree with Go and Supercar 10.30am The Springboard Project House – STEAMCademy Karts, race simulators Challenge display and The Music – 3.15pm Mad Project The Springboard11am – 10am SquareTrust charity Bishopric Machine 3.15pm Arts and rides Market by Bensons Activities Horsham Abarth Crafts 10am display Bishopric The Children’s display Town Entertainment display Children’s – – 4pm Simulators 10am 4pm Centre Abarth 10am – 3.15pm and supercar Rotary – 4pm Zone Safer Road Easter and music Springboard OUTSIDE 11am Market Safety Sussex Bunny Motorist Jumpin PARKSIDE BishopricGeneral Ice Cream Hunt Fit RoadKwik Fit, Advanced Simulator Jockeys 10.30am of Kwik Horsham – 3.15pm from; Pirelli display – 3.15pm Institute race simulator Displays 12.30pm Ferrari KwikFit Zone F1 to station INSIDE Partnership, a Pirelli Go Karts Safety of Horsham Street PARKSIDE including racing Road Club Way East bike display car Monday Chart Slot by Rotary Italian Café Easter y Machine Operated to town Music STEAMCadem Days Toilets Mad by available Slot Cars Both Parkside Operated and toilets Forum Easter fun fair

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said: “These Sussex awards have been held annually for the past 12 years and each year Horsham District food and drink companies are well to the fore. “To win 50% of the awards and have so many excellent businesses shortlisted in the finals is testa-

after rail crossing tragedy

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ery, Real Patisserie, Bookham & Harrison, Southview Farm Dairy, Hoads Farm, Veasey & Sons Fishmongers, Plumpton College, R P Meats (Wholesale), T G Fruits, The Cheese Man, Deerview Fine Foods, Just Brownies, The Raw Chocolate Company, South Downs Water Co Ltd and Edgcumbes Coffee Roasters and Tea Blenders. Overall, Horsham District was well represented with 11 businesses voted as Grand Finalists – a third of all the companies celebrating on the night. Horsham District Council provides business support in the food and drink sector through its annual food and drink festival and Big Nibble food celebration, and more recently the Council has launched its Horsham District Foodies brand to give extra weight to its locally based food businesses. The Sussex Street Food of the Year Award was sponsored by Horsham District Foodies and Food Rocks this year, which was won by Garlic Wood Farm in Steyning. The award was presented by Cllr Gordon Lindsay, Horsham District Council’s Cabinet Member for the Local Economy. Commenting on the awards he

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Top marks for Horsham District food providers in 2018 Sussex Food and Drink Awards

Celebrations were in full flow last week as the Sussex Food & Drink Awards revealed the county’s top food and drink producers for 2018, all hailed as local heroes as they received their winning trophies at the Amex Community Stadium in Brighton. Hosted by Danny Pike of BBC Sussex and actress Julie Graham, representing the charity Chestnut Tree House, the glittering 12th awards ceremony saw 400 leaders in the food, drink and farming industry gather together for what is dubbed as ‘the Sussex foodie event of the year’, celebrating the cream of Sussex food and drink producers. Guests were treated to a wonderful ‘Sussex bubbly and ale reception’, sponsored by NFU Mutual Pulborough, with Harveys Ale, Carr Taylor sparkling wine, Wobblegate apple juice and Brighton Gin accompanied by delicious canapés from The Naked Food Company. This was followed by a stunning seven-course banquet created by stadium caterers Sodexo Prestige, using the very best local and seasonal ingredients supplied by Lighthouse Bak-

Horsham’s only independent newspaper

Saturday Sunday 1 and 2 September

Launching Food the Horsham and Drink District Festival

– 4pm 10am – 4pm 10am – 3.15pm charity Carfax 10.30am – 3.15pm – children’s The Project 11am – 3.15pm Springboard Carfax Sponsor 11am – 3.15pm and activitiesProject The Springboard displays Fiat 500 displays 11am – children’s displayand activities Sponsor display Premier display charity GT Fiat 500 Fiat GT supercar 3.15pm Coupe supercar –10am PremierAlfa display display display 10am – Romeo 10am 4pm Fiat Coupe displaydisplay – 10.30am4pm Alfa Romeo East – 3.15pm – 3.15pm Street 11am 10am McLaren Street 11am – 3.15pm East display display – 11am 3.15pm McLaren Forum – 3.15pm Ferrari display Forum display 10am Ferrari – 3.15pm

– 3pm

DAVEY PEARSON

As temperatures plummeted this week our first response was to turn up our heating or put on extra layers, but what must it be like for what seems to be an increasing level of homeless people in our town? Whilst some of us are happy to put our hands in our pockets or buy hot drinks for them, this is only a small glimmer of normality for these guys. It has been reported that we saw an increase in homelessness of 15% in 2017 on the previous year and Horsham hasn’t escaped the statistic. If you are wondering what you can do to help, the YMCA DownsLink Group (YMCA DLG) will be staging a Sleep Easy sleepout in Horsham on Friday 16 March. Volunteers are invited to give up their warm beds for one night and make a difference for young people in Horsham.It won’t be warm or comfortable, but this is an opportunity to do something remarkable for the local community. YMCA winter sleepout that raises awareness of youth homelessness and vital funds to change the futures of young people.

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Carfax otherwise ment Italian stated) April Carfax entertain Market 2 Italia and in Chestnut Monday with a Piazza returns, food and children’s Tree House Street newFast look cars,inMarch partnership market Sponsor charity 30offer! Food food and with Panino, activities displays and drink drink Friday twist and from Lamborghini local SERV suppliers Maserati Sussex display The blood with an display Italian Parkside bike charity Parkside display Mini display Children’s activities race simulators, with and Jumpin face Jockeys painting

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fan”, being especially keen on Big Brother. And, Eurovision has always captivated Liam’s imagination, too, he confirms: “I love how all of the amazing countries come together and celebrate equality and unity, expressing their music in different ways. It’s so moving and inspiring to so many people around the world.” Last year Portugal won the Eurovision Song Contest (for the first time), so, in accordance with tradition, they will host May’s show – the 63rd show - presented by four female presenters from the Altice Arena in Lisbon, when 43 countries will compete. The arena has the capacity for 20,000 spectators and is one of the largest indoor venues in Europe – and, of course, there will be many millions watching on TV around the world. So, how will Liam steady his nerves? “Before going on stage I always do a silly song and dance to try to relax – and I always speak to my late Nan, too!” More on page 5

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ship with Panino, with a new look market offering an even greater range of Italian food delicacies than in previous years . Responding to feedback, a larger selection of Italian style street food will be available this year. Pick up your downloadable menus from the Piazza Italia Facebook page, displaying what’s on offer during both days of the festival. There will be a range of themed entertainments around the town; ranging from professional opera singing, to go-kart racing. New this year is the opportunity to drive the Pirelli Formula One simulator – a life-size replica of

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nis centre stage, supported by HR Owen Pangbourne Lamborghini. There will also be a welcome return of Italian motorbikes, with a display zone in East Street. Good Friday’s largest ever display of fifty plus classic Minis is organised by the ItalianJob.Com charity. On Easter Monday, Premier GT are promising an amazing selection of supercars and an expanded Race Paddock. The Sporting Bears will return on both days, based in Market Square, giving visitors the opportunity to actually ride in these supercars, rather than just visualise them. As well as the amazing cars, Italia in Piazza will return, in partner-

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Horsham District Council’s Piazza Italia festival is returning for a 12th successive year this Easter weekend, on Good Friday (30 March) and Easter Monday (1 April). Taking centre stage in Horsham’s Carfax, the event celebrates all things Italian, from supercars, to fine cuisine and music, and promises to deliver more Italian flavoured variety than ever. The event will showcase thrilling displays of Lamborghinis, Ferraris, Maserati’s, Abarths, and Alfa Romeos; along with British classics, such as the Mini and McLaren. Good Friday’s Carfax display will be a first in putting Lamborghi-

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eliminator – Liam says: “It’s so relatable and emotional! We always need someone to pick us up and help us through times in our lives that are challenging and sad. We have to help others to soar in life and to be true to who they are.” Liam is a self-confessed “huge reality TV

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tom of the Opera and Link Larkin in Hairspray, shows in which he was given full rein to display his formidable talent for emotional renditions. Speaking about “Astronaut” – his song for the Eurovision

Before going on stage I always do a silly song and dance to try to relax – and I always speak to my late Nan, too!

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and the potentially ugly appearance of the plant. While, promoters of the scheme will highlight employment opportunities, possible generation of heat and electricity from the processes and the much-needed eradication of waste. The debate is unlikely to be resolved speedily.

Wednesday February 7th will be another big day in the burgeoning show business career of local boy Liam Tamne. Having got through to the final six contestants, on that day Barns Green resident Liam will be going head to head in competition with the five other contenders on live BBC TV to earn the right to perform our Eurovision Song in Portugal on May 12th. Liam is no stranger to our screens – he wowed all four judges with his audition on The Voice and was coached by Will.i.Am. On The Voice, his version of Kate Bush’s This Woman’s Work led Kate to enthuse that he is “a fantastic singer with a special talent.” And, Liam has many strings to his bow – he trained as an actor and his impressive repertoire includes Raoul in Phan-

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My dogs mean everything to me and I really want to work with dogs, perhaps in the police

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regulating such processes. But, it is certain that, whatever steps are taken to lessen the impact, the prospect of introducing a controversial recycling plant into the district’s countryside will be met with protests, ranging from worries about gas and other toxic emissions, increased road traffic,

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iel/Poodle cross – a Cockapoo, aged three, whom she began working with just before she was diagnosed. Throughout all the treatment and procedures she set herself goals and targets to reach with them training them a few minutes a day when she wasn’t in hospital. Lauren also has an older dog – Devon, a Springer, and she told the District Post: “Dogs always love you, and its

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are staging a public exhibition of their revised plans – at Roffey’s Millenium Hall this Friday (from 4pm to 7pm) and again on Saturday morning – 10am to 1pm. In Europe, Denmark and Sweden are considered to be leaders in the field of recycling plants and there are European directives

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unconditional love! My dogs mean everything to me and I really want to work with dogs, perhaps in the police, because I get great enjoyment from being active with dogs.” Lauren’s mother Dominique added: “Lauren had a check up this January and the cancer has returned, resulting in further ongoing invasive treatment. Continued on pg 2

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Horsham’s Lauren Ashby is thrilled to have been voted Young Braveheart of the Year, the annual Crufts award celebrating the achievements of inspiring and innovative young people making a difference for their dogs. The acclaimed award is for really special young dog lovers who have been nominated by the public in recognition of the way that they have overcome personal barriers to achieve success. In January 2017, 14 year old Millais schoolgirl Lauren was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma Stage 3 and has since undergone surgery and six months of intensive Chemotherapy treatment, including spells in hospital and travelling to the Royal Marsden Hospital several times a week plus home nursing visits. Three years ago Lauren started agility practice with Billingshurst Dog Training Club with Meg, a six year old Cocker Spaniel/Springer Spaniel cross, and then with Percy, her Cocker Span-

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ties of which cannot currently be recycled, and finds its way back into the food chain via the oceans. Also, cut backs have resulted in a reduction in the frequency of household waste collections and a restriction of the opening times of waste facilities, such as Horsham’s Hop Oast. While there is pressure on supermarkets and other businesses to cut down on the amount of packaging waste that they distribute, progress is slow and alternative action is urgently required if the level of landfill – which can be odorous and attract scavengers – is to be curtailed. Britaniacrest contend that they have the experience, knowledge and technology to create innovative solutions for safe, environmentally friendly recycling processes for plastics, wood, metal and builders’ rubble and that they have listened to and resolved concerns voiced about their original proposals and have lowered the height of the buildings that would be constructed. They also point out that in addition to 300 construction jobs during creation of their plant, there would then be 35 permanent positions at the facility. And, in an effort to allay residents’ fears they

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reasons for doing the skydive. If you wish to donate, no matter what amount, it will be massively appreciated- not only by myself, but also by Beat and those seeking support and guidance from the services they provide. Thank you”. To support Rebecca, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/bex-walters-beatskydive

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ness on a national scale, but to also emphasise the importance of being brave and facing your fears. “My eating disorder has chained me down for too long, and I am determined to break free, experience the taste of freedom, and leave my demons in the sky. Please take the time to visit my JustGiving page to read more about my individual story and

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Horsham girl’s charity sky dive Lauren thrilled with Crufts

the UK’s leading eating disorder charity for whom I am raising money for, is invaluable, perhaps now more so than ever; as more and more support on a local level is being slashed, their website offers a place of comfort and refuge for not only those suffering, but also family and friends who are also desperate for relief. I am jumping to not only raise aware-

will be repositioned within the square”. Reef’s redevelopment plans for Piries Place will reposition this important town centre location and create a high quality leisure led offer which compliments the existing town centre retail and restaurant provision. More on page 2

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“Eating disorders are cruel and manipulative, they will ceaselessly compare you to other unwell individuals, instruct you that you are not as sick as them, that you can’t get better yet. the catch, however, is that you will never be sick enough. You are always worthy of recovery, you warrant freedom and to live a fulfilling life. “This year, we need to use Eating Disorders Awareness Week to make our voices heard-to shout not only above the endless roar within our minds, but also the proclamations of those in power: the ones who hold the ability to invest change, yet are instead stripping local services of funding and crucial support, leaving those most vulnerable at the upmost risk. “Mental health is just as important as physical health, and I hope that one day the two will be viewed on an equal platform. Until then, we must continue to fight; battle not only against our illness, but those who continue to deminish crucial protection and relief to those most in need. “On a more personal note, I am not where I need to be, but I have come a hell of a long way from the girl I was. Sometimes my illness makes me crave that sickness once more, but I continue to choose recovery each day and I am reaping the benefits more and more. I have, therefore, decided to do a skydive to mark a year since my most recent hospital admission for my anorexia. “The work carried out by Beat,

explained: “It took a considerable amount of expertise to remove Mr. Pirie and his donkey and the artist’s representatives had to be contacted to ensure the structure was dealt with safely and securely. The sculpture is now in storage, and will remain there until close to project completion, when it

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Last week was National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity, states that, on average, 149 weeks pass before those experiencing eating disorder symptoms seek help, and according to a YouGov survey conducted for EDAW, more than one in three adults (34%) in the UK, who gave an answer, could not name any signs or symptoms of eating disorders. Rebecca Walters, from Horsham, has battled with an eating disorder for five years. She spoke, last week, about the devastating effects that Anorexia Nervosa had on her: “My illness has stripped me of my adolescence, forced me to withdraw from university, face two inpatient admissions to specialist hospitals, as well as crippling my physical health.” Rebecca wants to emphasise the importance of transparency in being open with one’s struggles. She continued: “You should not be ashamed, you should not feel the need to lie about appointments, disguise where you’ve been with the umbrella term of a ‘doctor’s appointment’ when in reality you have just sat through an hour of intense therapy, been weighed and measured. It can be hard to ‘come clean’, the hot and heavy shame of the connotations of your illness weighing heavy on your shoulders. “Yet, once you do it, once you reach out, the response is overwhelming and full of love and support. Everyone wants to help, and you deserve to be helped.

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and the demolition phase is expected to continue until the end of February 2018. The popular sculpture, Mr. Pirie and his donkey, has now been removed and will be placed in a similar position within the square on completion. Will Rohleder, Reef Estates Development Director,

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and retail. In addition, Reef will upgrade the public realm and square to create a relaxing environment for outside dining and entertainment. Gilbert Ash, an award winning UK Construction Company, was formally instructed to do the construction works last year. They have started,

As announced in last week’s District Post, plans to create a substantial 24 hour incinerator plant on the site of the former Wealden Brickworks in Langhurstwood Road on the outskirts of Horsham have been re-presented. Britaniacrest Recycycling previously submitted an application to West Sussex County Council but this was withdrawn following residents’ concerns over pollution and environmental damage. Britaniacrest are described as one of the south’s leading private waste management companies and they state that they are: “Passionate about recycling and protecting the environment” and that they have: “achieved 0% to landfill for customers - recycling 90% of the current 250,000 tonnes of waste received yearly.” The planning application comes at a time of mounting concern over the levels of packaging generated by supermarkets and other retail outlets, substantial quanti-

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Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture, Cllr Jonathan Chowen, responded: “We are very pleased that Leechpool and Owlbeech Woods have been commended alongside such prestigious world destinations. “It is a fitting tribute to the hard work put in by the council’s wardens and our volunteers from the Green Gym in nurturing and maintaining their acres of flora and fauna. “They are truly “hidden gems” and just typical of the type of rich cultural experience visitors to our district can expect to enjoy.” Leechpool covers some 53 acres and is home to lots of wildlife and a multitude of greenery. Owlbeech consists of some 55 acres of heathland, which is being encouraged back to its former glory and houses a variety of livestock. Run and maintained by Horsham District Council, Leechpool and Owlbeech Woods are free to visit and are open all year round.

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Horsham’s hidden gems Regeneration of Piries Contentious plans for Barns Green’s Liam Tamne recognised internationally Place fully underway incinerator in pipeline battling for Eurovision glory maY PEARSON

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Travel writers at the Guardian have recognised Leechpool and Owlbeech Woods in Harwood Road, Horsham as top “hidden gem” destinations in the world for 2017. The popular woodland attractions were rated alongside world renowned locations, such as Lake Gaube in the French Pyrenees, Shell Beach; one of Australia’s natural wonders of the world and the Belmonte Calabro coast in Italy and came out as one of the publication’s best hidden discoveries of 2017. Describing the experience of visiting the local woods, the Guardian said it was “transported to another world” as it explored the combined 108 acres of woods and heathland. Horsham District Council

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