AAH (All About Horsham) September 2025

AAH SEPTEMBER 2025

COVER STORY

Our September 2025 cover features Jonathan & Julie Ormerod, owners of the Horsham Hearing Centre on Worthing Road. The business is featured in this edition to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the its foundation in the town. We had planned to capture the husband-and-wife audiologists outside the Hearing Centre, using the white wall as a backdrop and highlighting its central location. This would have been similar to a shot we took for an advertising feature about a decade ago. However, in the years since, the bushes along the walkway by the bus depot have grown unabated, and taking the same photo is now impossible. So, Alan instead moved the couple inside, where the white interior provides a more clinical backdrop. From a personal viewpoint, we feel Jonathan and Julie are especially deserving of the cover, having supported AAH from the outset and playing a role in our growth, not to mention our early survival!

Other cover contenders included Joe Herzog at Flo’s Cafe, Sarah Griffin of Garden to Jar and Thakeham author Laurence Penn.

ADVERTISING

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

ADVERT RATES (PER MONTH/EDITION)

EIGHTH PAGE: £60 + VAT

QUARTER PAGE: £115 + VAT

HALF PAGE: £195 + VAT

FULL PAGE: £340 + VAT

DOUBLE PAGE: £575 + VAT

EDITORIAL/ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES

Ben Morris

editor@aahorsham.co.uk

advertising@aahorsham.co.uk (01903) 892899

2 Viney Close, Ashington, RH20 3PT

OCTOBER 2025 AAH MAGAZINE

The October 2025 edition will be online on Wednesday 1 October at aahorsham.co.uk with printed copies also out on 1 October.

ROUND-UP

Return of West Grinstead Ploughing Match and author Peter James to visit Steyning

Laurence Penn from Thakeham on his remarkable battle with Covid

Warnham artist Alison Ingram is renowned for her abstract wildlife paintings

Sarah Griffin has found a market for her range of Garden to Jar chutneys and jams

Jonathan and Julie Ormerod reflect on 30 years of the Horsham Hearing Centre

Odette Holmes at YarnFlora uses crochet and macramé to make hanging baskets

We visit two popular cafés: Flo’s Cafe in Horsham & Billy’s on the Road, Billingshurst

Katie Rollings has founded Fertility

Kelvin Glen, CEO of Horsham Matters, on

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

Editor: BEN MORRIS editor@aahorsham.co.uk (01903) 892899

2 Viney Close, Ashington, RH20 3PT

Photographer: ALAN WRIGHT alanwrightphotography.co.uk 07747 617387

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

DISTRIBUTION

We deliver directly to 5,500 homes in the Horsham District with a further 6,500 placed in our bespoke, spring-loaded stands.

DOOR-TO-DOOR:

Delivery team: Jacquie Paterson, Jill Shuker, Tom Thorne, Oliver Matson, Charlie Merchant, Alec Baker, Walker family, Ben Raymond, Browning family, Katie Drysdale, Chapman family, Palmer family, Butcher family, Jackie Fisher, Sam Hodge

AAH STANDS

Horsham: Swan Walk x 2 (M&S and D&D Cafe), Henry Adams, At Home Estate Agents, CratesLocal (all in the Carfax), Gwyn’s Bakery, Johansson’s Cafe (Bishopric), Horsham Bedding Centre (Medwin Walk), John Lewis, Pavilions in the Park, Horsham Rail Station, Horsham FC, New House Farm, New Street Butchers, Holbrook Club, Steban’s Salon.

Village Stands: Newbridge Nurseries, The Bridge (BBH) CoCos’ Salon & Beeson House (Southwater), Billingshurst Leisure Centre &Coco’s Salon (Billingshurst), Bluecoat Sports Centre (Christ’s Hospital), Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens (Lower Beeding), Warnham Village Stores, Slinfold Golf Club, Mannings Heath Golf Club, The Milk Churn (Rudgwick), Meadow Stores (Thakeham), Golden Plaice (Ashington), Rusper Village Stores, Roffey News, Roffey Park, The Bakery (Partridge Green), Henfield Leisure Centre, Steyning Leisure Centre and Cobblestone Walk (Steyning), Spring Gardens Nursery (Washington), Chanctonbury Leisure Centre, Joanna’s Tearooms (Storrington), Knepp Wilding Kitchen & Shop (Dial Post), The Clubhouse (Kilnwood Vale), Fishers Farm (Wisborough Green)

Supermarkets: AAH is available at Tesco Extra in Broadbridge Heath & Sainsbury’s Horsham, through Self Select Distribution.

Notes: Many thanks to Matthew Down, who is hanging up his yellow bag, having delivered AAH in Pondtail Road for several years since taking over the round from his brother, Joseph. We welcome Sam Hodge to the delivery team!

EDITOR’S NOTES

CAN TOWN’S REBELS FEND OFF THE UNITARY AUTHORITY?

You may have heard about plans to shake-up local government in the coming years. Yes, I know it’s a boring subject, but I’ll try to inject some humour into proceedings and I’ll even trivialise what is quite a serious debate with a tenuous comparison to Star Wars...

Firstly, a brief outline as to why the government wants to re-organise local government in the first place. The main driving factor is money of course, as it can cut costs by ‘streamlining’ services. However, another reason is outlined in a 73-page government-commissioned report by PricewaterhouseCoopers. I’ll summarise it in two lines: most of us don’t know the difference between all the bloody councils we’ve got.

Here’s a recap, even though I acknowledge that if you’re reading something as old-fashioned as a magazine, you probably don’t need it explaining. Unfortunately, most of those who don’t know their counties from their districts won’t be reading, as they studied Macbeth for GCSE English and haven’t picked up any form of printed material since. You can probably see one of them now, engrossed by their phone, scrolling through memes of that couple caught having an affair at a Coldplay concert.

Assuming you’re a local tax-paying resident, about three quarters of your Council Tax goes to West Sussex County Council. They are responsible for things like education, social services, fire services, libraries and putting out traffic cones for inexplicable reasons. About 11% goes to Sussex Police and the Crime Commissioner, while 8% goes to Horsham District Council, which is responsible for things like waste collection, street cleaning, car parks

and looking after green spaces. The rest (about 3.5%) goes to your Parish Council, which takes care of things like bus shelters and allotments, and provides some facilities for young people, typically skateboard parks, which were popular around the time Back to the Future came out.

Seeing as it gets the blame for everything anyway, the government is proposing that we get rid of West Sussex County Council and ditch the second tier too (Horsham District Council, Crawley Borough Council, etc) and create a single Unitary Authority. That way, they’d be no messing about with who does what, and you wouldn’t have councils with different political leaderships either (HDC is Lib-Dem, CBC is Labour, while Tories run WSCC, for example). Also, new housing and infrastructure could be considered by its impact on the wider area.

However, there is plenty of opposition to this idea and I think that’s partly because the term ‘Unitary Authority’ evokes some kind of sinister presence. Kind of like the Galactic Empire in Star Wars Did I say tenuous? Is there another word to describe something even more vague?

Currently, the dark forces of the Unitary Authority are gathering at the Outer Rim – let’s say Chichester. The Emperor is aboard his Star Destroyer, patiently awaiting the results of an obligatory public consultation on local government reorganisation. Everything is progressing according to his design. Meanwhile, a small band of dissidents (let’s call them Rebels) in a galaxy far, far away (30 miles north on the A24) have come together on the forest moon of Horsham to stop the Empire’s power grab.

They are trying to establish a Rebel Alliance (or Town Council), which is neither a District Council or a County Council and therefore eludes the grasp of the Unitary Authority. This would mean that Horsham town could continue to operate much as it did in the good ol’ days of the Republic (or District Council). The Rebel Alliance (Town Council) would look after landmarks like the Jedi Temple (the Bandstand) and the War Memorial, which honours the X-wing pilots who perished in the attack on the Death Star (or the names of those who died in two World Wars).

However, coming back to Earth, I do wonder if a Unitary Authority would really meddle with key community facilities? The Town Council that is being proposed would ensure that places such as Hills Farm Cemetery, Horsham Museum and Horsham Park are managed by local people with local knowledge. It might also be more likely to retain some of the fantastic events HDC helps to organise, such as Friday Lates. At the same time, I would like to believe that any new Unitary Authority would possess the collective wisdom (not to mention a fair representation of Horsham-based councillors) to avoid any major upsets.

During the initial public consultation, 75.5% of the responses received indicated support for the creation of a Town Council. I contacted the person who is projected to become the leader of the new Unitary Authority (I didn’t get his name as his voice is quite gravelly - Garth something?) and asked him for his response to this statistic. He said: “I find your lack of faith disturbing” before strangling me with the power of his mind...

LOCAL NEWS

MONTHLY ROUND-UP OF WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE DISTRICT

West Grinstead & District Ploughing & Agricultural Society are holding their Annual Ploughing Match & Show, kindly hosted by W.D Passmore & Sons at Applesham Farm, Coombes, nr Steyning, on Saturday 20 September. In addition to 12 ploughing classes including horse ploughing and a demonstration again of steam ploughing, there will be hedge laying, hedge cutting and welding competitions. The livestock show will include a range of sheep classes including the ever-popular lamb

handling classes. There will also be a selection of other rural based attractions including a parade of hounds from the Crawley & Horsham Hunt and terrier racing, ferret racing, falconry display and the Utility Gundog Society scurry. There are field produce competitions with entries later auctioned for the Society’s funds, and domestic produce stalls with a delicious range of home-cooked cakes. Other side shows include tug-of-war, sheep shearing demonstrations, tractor and trailer rides, and

Harris Fun Fair with their classic rides. There are excellent catering facilities, a licensed bar with numerous local beers, many trade stands and demonstrations, and the annual raffle. The Society, established in 1871, has been holding shows for over 150 years and is proactive in promoting the interests of the local farming community. Entry £10 (£8 in advance online, U14s free) from westgrinsteadploughing.co.uk

Leonardslee Family Vineyards is celebrating a series of recent triumphs. At the WineGB Awards, its Reserve Brut 2021 was praised for its ‘lovely energy and core focus’ as it was awarded 96 points and a gold trophy. The wine was also named ‘Best Sustainable Wine’ at the Sustainable Wines of Great Britain (SWGB) Awards and received 95 points from the Decanter Vintage English sparkling wine panel. Leonardslee’s two other wines have also received recognition. Its Blanc de Blancs 2020 and Brut Rosé 2021 were both awarded 94 points by the 2025 WineGB Awards. shop.leonardslee.co.uk

The Mediaeval Baebes perform their Twelfth Moon concert at St Mary’s Church on Friday 12 December. The vocal ensemble lead a torchlit procession to the church, where they present an evening of musical stories, poetry and theatre. The Christmas concert will include several tracks from their new album, The Spinning Wheel, being performed live for the first time. A single called December will be released in November. The Mediaeval Baebes are one of the most successful female-led folk ensembles in Europe, having released 11 studio albums and winning an Ivor Novella. Tickets £32.50 (U16s £15) from mediaevalbaebes.com

Best-selling author Peter James introduces his latest thriller, The Hawk is Dead: A Killer in the Palace, in the Coombe Court Room, Steyning Centre, on Wednesday 22 October, 7.30pm.

The novel sees Roy Grace visit to Buckingham Palace, when he is called upon to solve a murder and a possible Royal assassination attempt. Peter will discuss how Queen Camilla and King Charles came to feature in the book and shares his research into the inner workings of the Royal Household. Peter will be in conversation with an interviewer, followed by a Q&A and signing/meet and greet. Tickets £22 (includes book). steyningbookshop.co.uk

AAH News is available in audio format in association with Roundabout Talking News. horsham.mytn.uk

Millais School will accept both boys and girls from September 2026, following a decision made by the Leader of West Sussex County Council. WSCC thinks that making Millais School co-educational will address the issue of falling pupil numbers at the school and help relieve some of the pressure for secondary school places across Horsham. Cllr Paul Marshall, Council Leader, said: ‘I considered with great interest all of the responses we received, including those opposed to the change as well as those in favour. I was particularly keen to consider the views of the school’s leadership and of pupils at the school, as well as those of parents and young people across the area. I strongly believe that making Millais co-educational is the right decision. Not only will it provide much needed secondary school places in the Horsham area, but it will make Millais School, which is a very good school but one that has been undersubscribed for the past four years, more sustainable. This decision demonstrates our commitment to providing children with school places close to their local area where possible, and to giving all young people the opportunity to fulfil their potential.’ The first intake of Year 7 girls and boys at the school is due in September 2026. Existing year groups of girls will continue at the school until they leave at the age of 16. The full decision, along with a summary of the consultation responses, can be viewed on the ‘What’s New’ page (see 18 August) at: westsussex.moderngov.co.uk

Huxley’s Bird of Prey Centre at Hillier Garden Centre, Horsham has been awarded the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2025. The recognition places it among the top 10% of attractions worldwide, based on visitor reviews. Home to over 80 birds of prey, meerkats, a quirky raven and parrots, Huxley’s is almost entirely run by a team of

volunteers. Luke Lloyd, Director at Huxley’s, said: ‘This recognition is a real tribute to our beautiful birds, dedicated volunteers and the incredible support we receive from visitors. It shows that our mission to inspire, educate, and care for these amazing birds truly resonates with people.’

huxleysbop.co.uk

GUIDE STEAK to

Horsham Park has received Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award for the sixth year in a row. This is a testament to the hard work of HDC’s Parks and Countryside team, Horsham Denne Neighbourhood Council, Friends of Horsham Park and the volunteers who help maintain this much-loved space. Sally Sanderson, Chair of Friends of Horsham Park, said: ‘The award is a testament to how much we all value the park. A big thank you to everyone who helps to keep our park welcoming, safe and a fabulous green space at the centre of our community.’

Pictured: Cllr Skipp with members of HDC’s Parks & Countryside team, Trudie Mitchell (Denne) and members of the Friends of Horsham Park group.

Professional golf

coach Warren Clark has taken on an endurance feat in a bid to create a new Guinness World Record. Warren

played five full rounds of 18 holes at Horsham Golf Park, starting at 5am and putting out his 90th hole at 7pm. Warren said: ‘My aim with this World Record attempt was to show that no matter your abilities or circumstances, you can push yourself and live your dreams.’ He founded Warren Clark Golfing Dreams in 2016, a charity that promotes inclusion, diversity and community engagement through golf and other activities. warrenclarkgolfingdreams.co.uk

West Sussex Philharmonic Choir have appointed Jonathan Lucas Wood as their new Musical Director. Jonathan was previously MD of the Exeter Bach Choir and led them to acclaimed performances of J S Bach’s major choral works. He is regularly a soloist with choral societies and leads inspiring ‘Come and Sing’ workshops. In January 2024, Jonathan was appointed MD of Surrey Youth Choir and also finds time for the role of Tenor Lay Clerk at St George’s Cathedral, Southwark. The choir’s first performance under his direction will be Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle at St Mary’s Parish Church on 22 November. New members welcome. westsussexphilharmonicchoir.org.uk

Kinsbrook Harvest Festival is held at Kinsbrook Vineyard, West Chiltington Road, RH20 2LU on Saturday 13 September, at 11am6pm. Held to coincide with the season’s harvest, the festival will be a relaxed, inclusive, fun family affair featuring live music acts and entertainment, with kids and dogs welcome, as well as large groups. Festival tickets cost £ (£10 for U18s, U5s free). Free parking on site. @kinsbrookvineyard

Medallions and Banknotes

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is offering free electric blanket testing sessions this autumn. A session is being held (by appointment only) at Horsham Library on Thursday 2 October, from 10am – 4pm. Last year 37% of the blankets tested were found to be defective. If your blanket is found to be faulty, a limited number of replacement blankets will be available through partnership with SGN. These will be given free of charge to vulnerable residents who receive certain benefits, while stocks last. Testing is recommended for blankets more than two years old. The sessions will also be attended by nurses from the Prevention Assessment Team and the Sussex Fraud Team who will be on hand. You can book an appointment by calling 0345 872 9719.

A free Sustainable Energy at Home event will be held at The Rock Crafthouse, East Street, Horsham, on Monday 27 October, 7 - 9pm.

Organised by Transition Horsham Energy Group, this informative event tells you everything you wanted to know about creating an energyefficient home. The evening includes a talk about Horsham District Council’s new Energy Saving Plan Builder, views from local homeowners already using new technologies, and informal discussions. Tickets are free but need to be booked via Eventbrite at sussexgreenliving.org.uk/events-calendar/

The Sussex Green Hub will be held at the United Reformed Church, Springfield Road, Horsham, on Saturday 27 September, 10am –2.30pm. The Hub offers a welcoming space for anyone looking to have items repaired, reduce waste, save energy, learn new skills and connect with like-minded people. This month, there will be a focus on food waste, with advice from West Sussex County Council and a hands-on talk at midday on composting systems. Horsham Community Fridge is held from 10 – 11am, redistributing surplus food that would otherwise go to landfill. The Hub also includes the Green Book Library, Community Café, Home Energy-Saving Help Desk, Refill

Adverse

Shop and Horsham Repair Café. www.sussexgreenliving.org.uk

l A short walk away, Horsham Unitarian Church on Worthing Road hosts its Apple Day on Saturday 27 September, 10.30am – 2.30pm. Alongside apple tasting, homemade puddings and fresh juice, the event includes live Morris dancing, nature trails, art activities, and a talk on community orchards at 2pm.

l Vegan Fest Horsham will be held in Piries Place, Horsham, on Saturday 27 September, 9.30am – 3.30pm. This lively outdoor market features up to 16 stalls offering plant-based food, sweet and savoury treats, natural body care and sustainable household refills.

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The London South Tough Mudder returns to the Holmbush Estate in Faygate on the weekend of 20 – 21 September. With a diverse course (5K or 15K) that includes woodland trails, rolling terrain and muddy obstacles. For entry details, visit toughmudder.co.uk

Horsham Music Circle’s 84th season begins with Ensemble 360, at St Mary’s Parish Church on Saturday 20 September, 7pm.

Pianist Tim Horton and rising star Will Duerden perform Schubert’s sparkling Trout and Vaughan Williams’s lyrical early work. Renowned harpsichordist Steven Devine (pictured) presents The Bach Circle, exploring works by J.S. Bach and contemporaries, at the Causeway Barn on Saturday 18 October, 7pm. The Aurora Trio (harp, flute and viola) close the season with works by Bax, Debussy and Ravel at the Causeway Barn on Saturday 29 November, 4.30pm. For tickets visit wegottickets.com/ HorshamMusiccircle.org.uk

Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens in Lower Beeding will host arm knitting blanket workshops on Sundays 5 October at 10.30am and 9 November at 10am and 1pm. Learn the skills to create your own throw/blanket using your arms as needles this winter. Paula from Cocoon & Me will guide you through this simple art as you create a giant, vegan-friendly yarn. Cost £84pp (10% off for members) with garden entry included. leonardsleegardens.co.uk/ all-events

The Rotary Club of Horsham hosts a special Macmillan Coffee Morning at the Bridge Leisure Centre, Broadbridge Heath on Friday 26 September, 9:30am – 1pm. JubyLee Bakes, an award-winning bakery run by young adults with special needs, will provide some of the goodies at the Bridge, which kindly hosts the event. Stop by for coffee, cake and a chat, with all donations going to Macmillan cancer support. Everyone is welcome.

A Vintage Toy & Train Fair will be held at Ashington Community Centre, Foster Lane, Ashington, RH20 3PG on Sundays 14 September and 19 October, 9.30am – 1pm. Buy, sell and swap from a large range of toys old and new including Triang and Hornby trains and Dinky, Corgi and Matchbox die-casts. Refreshments and free parking. Entry £2. modeltoyauctions.co.uk

Horsham Symphony Orchestra presents an Opera Gala at the Capitol Theatre, Horsham on Sunday 19 October, 3pm (doors 2:30pm) with grandeur, drama, beauty and passion. The orchestra will feature a captivating programme of operatic favourites such as The Magic Flute, Carmen, Rusalka and more, performed by the full orchestra and soloists from the Singing Salon. Tickets £20 (U16s/students £5) at www.thecapitolhorsham.com/events/ horsham-symphony-orchestra

Billingshurst

Dramatic Society present Blithe Spirit at Women’s Hall, High Street, Billingshurst, 18 – 20 September, at 7.45pm. Nick Thorogood directs Noel Coward’s classic 1941 farce, in which socialite and novelist Charles Condomine invites eccentric medium Madame Arcati to his house to conduct a séance. He gets more than he bargained for when he is haunted by the ghost of his first wife, who attempts to disrupt Charles’s second marriage. https://wegottickets.com/ billingshurstdramaticsociety/

As part of Shipley Arts Festival, the St Mary’s Church Fundraising Concert will be held at the Billingshurst church on Sunday 21 September, 7pm. The concert is held in support of the Transformation Project at St Mary’s. The programme includes excerpts from Ravel’s Piano Trio in A minor, Mendelssohn’s Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor, Op 49 and John Ireland ‘s Phantasie for Piano Trio. Tickets £80 (includes private drinks reception). bernardimusicgroup.com/events/

Murder, She Didn’t

Write, comes to the Capitol Theatre on Thursday 2 October, 7.30pm. Edinburgh

Fringe favourites

Degrees of Error are bringing back their sell-out show for your sleuthing pleasure. They’ll create a classic murder mystery on-the-spot in this ingenious improvised comedy. Tickets £26. thecapitolhorsham.com

Direct from London’s West End, Fastlove: The Tribute to George Michael, comes to the Capitol Theatre on Friday 17 October, 7.30pm. Fastlove, now touring in 18 countries, includes a full video and light show, respectfully recreating all of the late, great singers’ best-known hits including Wake Me Up, Too Funky and Careless Whisper Tickets from £34 from thecapitolhorsham.com

The Arts Society Horsham presents The Art of the Japanese Garden: from Tradition to Modernity at Brighton Road Baptist Church, RH13 5BD on Wednesday 10 September, from 10:45am. This lecture by Professor Marie Conte-Helm, an expert in Asian art and East-West cultural relations, explores Japan’s renowned gardens. Daniel Robbins’ lecture, A Private Palace of Art: Frederic Leighton’s Studio House, is held on Wednesday 8 October, 10.45am. Daniel (pictured) brings expert insight into the house’s artistic and architectural significance. The Arts Society is a volunteer-led organisation that connects people with the arts and with each other. Guests are very welcome. For more information visit: theartssociety.org/Horsham

Horsham District

Archaeology has revealed details of its group talks for the coming months. On 17 September, Nigel Bond talks about the history and archaeology of the River Mole. Nathalie Cohen’s talk on 2000 Years of archaeology at Smallhythe, Kent, is held on 22 October. On 26 November, Simon Stevens talks about archaeological investigations at the site of a First World War training camp at Cooden, East Sussex. Talks are held at Copsale Village Hall, Bar Lane, RH13 6QT, at 7.30pm. All welcome (non-members £5). For information email horshamarch@hotmail.co.uk

A second consultation is being held on proposals to create a Town Council for the Horsham town centre area. In May, Horsham District Council issued an initial consultation inviting local residents, businesses and community groups to share their views on whether the Horsham town centre area should have a Town Council, with 75.5% of responses indicating overall support. In this second consultation, the Council is asking for views on what the Town Council should be called, how it could work in terms of the number of councillors, and which wards it should include.

The Government has recently proposed that local government is reorganised, which would mean that Horsham District Council (HDC) and West Sussex County Council (WSCC) would cease to exist. A new Town Council could help protect and manage facilities such as the War Memorial, Bandstands and Horsham Park, rather than them being the responsibility of a new Unitary Authority. The second public consultation ends on 29 September. Participate online at: www.horsham.gov.uk/consultations

As part of Black History Month, a Community Anti-racism Conference will be held at the Millenium Hall, Crawley Road, Roffey, on Friday 10 October, 10am – 1pm. The free event brings together educators, social workers, social care professionals, community leaders and local residents for a day of learning, reflection and action. Organised by Vivian Okeze-Tirado, a Horsham-based author, award-winning social work leader and head of VOT Training and Consultancy, the day has a powerful line-up of speakers alongside interactive workshops. Under a theme of ‘Let’s Talk, Let’s Learn, Let’s Change’, the event aims to inspire attendees to take meaningful action within their personal and professional spheres. Limited to 100 attendees. Booking essential. For details, email learn@vottraining.co.uk or visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/community-antiracism-conference-tickets-1461633939459/

Slinfold Golf & Country Club has adopted St Catherine’s Hospice as its first official charity of the year partner. The club will fundraise and provide gift-in-kind support to St Catherine’s, supporting the charity’s mission to provide essential specialist palliative and end-of-life care for people from West Sussex and East Surrey. Slinfold has a long history of supporting and fundraising, with golf captains selecting chosen charities to fundraise for during their tenure. www.slinfoldclub.co.uk

Storrington Flower Club meets at Sullington Parish Hall, RH20 3PP every fourth Wednesday of the month at 2pm (2.30 start) except for August & December. Michelle King’s presents a talk on ‘Crowning Glory’ on 22 October, with Coral Gardiner’s talk on ‘Tree-mendous Christmas’ on 7 November (tickets £18 from Gwen on 01903 745670). A Christmas Tea Party and festive fayre is held on 26 November. Visitors welcome (£8 on the door). Contact Chrissy Desmond on (01903) 742102.

Southwater artist Ian Walder exhibits his work at Drews Barn, Warnham Deer Park Estate, on the weekend of 13 – 14 September, 10am –4pm. Ian suffers from a rare form of Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and all the proceeds of the raffle and 20% of the art sales will be donated to the West Sussex North Branch. His work covers everything from landscapes and city scenes to a number of aquatic-themed paintings. The Lucas family, owners of Warnham Deer Park, have generously offered Ian the opportunity to exhibit his work to help raise awareness of MNDA and raise much needed funds. Entry to the exhibition is free of charge. There will be a raffle to win an artwork which has been created for the occasion. ijwhorshamart.com

Discover the fascinating history of the wartime Land Army in the Horsham Museum & Art Friends’ talk in the Wesley Hall at the Cornerstone London Road Chapel, Horsham on Wednesday 24 September, 7.30pm. An authority on Sussex agricultural history, Ian Everest will explain how he first became interested in the Women’s Land Army, how the Land Army contributed during two world wars, and its recognition in more recent times. Admission to all is £7.50 (includes refreshments).

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BEDTIME STORY

BUSINESSMAN WRITES BOOK ON HIS COVID JOURNEY

Laurence Penn from Thakeham was a fit and healthy 54-year-old until his life was turned upside down by Covid. Having spent nearly a month fighting for his life, he now since analysed his own treatment and recovery for a newly-published book, Bed No.1. Here, Laurence describes his remarkable journey…

For most of my career, I have specialised in IT and Telecommunications Recruitment, working with many global corporations. When I think back to early 2020, I can recall the growing murmurs of an outbreak of Covid-19 in China. I twice travelled to Dubai to discuss the increasing threat posed by the pandemic as – like all businesses – we were making contingency plans to ensure we survived.

Early in March 2020, several weeks before the first lockdown, I met with a colleague. He had recently returned from Africa and was clearly unwell, sweating profusely throughout the meeting. I suggested that he rest at home, which he did. However, I suspect this is how I

contracted the disease. I started feeling unwell, but didn’t think it was Covid and believed I would quickly shake it off. That weekend, I went for my regular dog walk from Sullington Church to the South Downs. Normally, it’s an easy, pleasant stroll, but on this occasion, I struggled with the slopes and was exhausted when we returned home. I fell straight to sleep on the living room carpet.

I tried sleeping it off, but a cough became progressively worse and I developed a fever. Sometimes, I was wearing a ski jacket under the duvet, yet still shivering. I was taking paracetamol but stubbornly refused to seek medical attention. My wife, Martine, finally insisted on calling the NHS hotline, as by now the global situation had changed and people were beginning to grasp the seriousness of Covid. They asked me to carry out a simple test over the phone: take a deep breath and count to 10. I reached four then started to cough and struggled to breathe. It wasn’t long before an ambulance arrived outside our home.

The paramedics were wearing protective clothing and looked like they had stepped off a spaceship. It was like the scene with the contaminated sock in Monsters Inc But they were fantastic and took me to Worthing Hospital after a test revealed my blood oxygen levels were dangerously low. I was admitted on 31 March 2020, when the number of Covid-related deaths were still low and specialist units had yet to be established.

I remember being surrounded by medics as I was transferred to a high dependency unit. My respiratory problems were serious enough for me to need an oxygen bubble to aid my breathing. This and other medication

contributed to my chilled-out stateof-mind. I still believed I would be discharged within a few hours and even sent Martine a selfie, saying I was okay and would be home soon. I wouldn’t return home for 47 days.

I was put in bed number one at the ward and believe I was the first patient at the hospital to be placed in an induced coma for Covid. My recollections from those 29 days border on the hallucinogenic and I’m unable to differentiate between dreams and reality. There are snatched moments of consciousness, before you dive back into a trancelike state. It’s a hard thing to describe, but I did experience a feeling of being driven towards an energy and light, yet at the same time I was aware that I was somewhere I shouldn’t be. I was in trouble and had to fight for life.

It is only once you are weaned off the drugs that you begin to grasp the reality of the situation, although I remained in a state of great confusion as to where I was and what I was doing there. I had to come to terms with the fact that I had been sleeping for a month, which seemed crazy. It was only later that I learned how much the world had changed and how lucky I had been; about 150 others at Worthing Hospital died of Covid while I was there and sadly their loved ones couldn’t be at their side, due to

VOLVO AUTHORISED REPAIRER

lockdown restrictions. My wife and daughters went through an awful lot too. On two occasions, Martine was told that there was a good chance I wouldn’t survive, yet she wasn’t allowed to visit.

I later interviewed Dr Luke Hodgson, an intensive care and respiratory consultant who treated me. He provided fascinating insights into that period. Often, doctors had to make quick decisions concerning clinical treatments, as they battled to save as many people as possible. I was an interesting case, as I had been a fit and healthy 54-year-old who trained in jujitsu and enjoyed mountain biking and racquet sports. They were puzzled as to why Covid had affected me so badly, when it had been thought to target the elderly or those with underlying health conditions. So, the medical staff had a vested interest in helping me recover.

New drugs were being made available all the time as pharmaceutical companies focused on treatments and vaccines. My wife enrolled me for several clinical trials in the hope they would help me. One treatment was Proning, where patients with hypoxia (low oxygen levels) are placed on their stomach to help spread oxygen to the lungs. Not all the drugs worked and sometimes my body resisted

them, but they helped keep me alive. Doctors were high-fiving me and offering congratulations, but it wasn’t until later that I understood why.

‘The NHS is an amazing organisation full of remarkable people who went above and beyond the call of duty.’

Being bed-ridden for nearly seven weeks took its toll. You quickly lose muscle mass and by the time I was discharged, I had lost 24kg. One of my vocal cords had collapsed, so I struggled to speak clearly for a long time and bit my tongue every time I ate. Having been drip-fed food and water, my stomach had shrunk too, while I was generally tired, weak and irritable. In many respects, the hard work began after I returned home.

6x income offers provide new hope

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has made a change that could help some people borrow more. Loan to income calculations normally demand that a lender has to stick within a 15% threshold of their whole loan book at a maximum of 4.5x income calculations or less.

However, the new rules allow smaller lenders, those lending up to £150m annually, to offer mortgages outside of this requirement. Simply put, you’ll see a lot more lenders that you may not have heard of offering 6x income and above in order to attract new business, but also to help many more people get on to the property ladder. This does not mean they won’t look at affordability and all the other requirements, but to borrow 6x income, or over, could open more mortgage options to you in today’s competitive market.

July saw house prices rise for the third month in a row (according to Nationwide House Price index), with signs that the market is beginning to improve. While property values remain high, a combination of modest price growth and a gradual easing of mortgage rates is providing welcome breathing space for borrowers.

As we head into autumn, the outlook is more stable than it has been in recent months. Whether you’re aiming to secure a lower monthly payment, buy sooner than planned, or finally move up the property ladder, speak to your local and independent whole of market mortgage brokers and make confident decisions in this ever-changing market. LAURENCE

I enrolled in another trial called RECOVERY, which Dr Hodgson supported. It is a way of tracking a patient’s recovery after hospital treatment and has proven to be a brilliant research project. Being involved in trials such as this inspired me to embark on various activities

The recent move in the Bank of England base rate to 4%, the lowest level in almost two years, has long been seen as a key benchmark for mortgage affordability, and the change is helping lift market confidence as we approach the autumn. The average 5-year fixed-rate mortgage is around 4.3% with some lenders now offering under 4% deals, subject to terms and circumstances.

ON YOUR MORTGAGE

and exercises, slowly building up my energy levels. This culminated in a 106-mile ride along the South Downs with a friend, Tom Simmonds. As I was fundraising for the hospital that saved my life, the story was covered by ITV News, and this publicity helped us raise about £11,000. It was an emotional day, as several of the nurses who cared for me greeted me at Storrington.

Covid is still a strange, misunderstood disease. Although I don’t have long Covid, I have experienced fluctuating heart rates that are essentially a Covid hangover. Once, these palpitations were so severe that I was taken to hospital and underwent Cardioversion to restore a regular heart rhythm. In my opinion, the NHS is an amazing organisation full of remarkable people who went above and beyond the call of duty during the pandemic.

I have also become a Research Champion, a scheme run by the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust. Champions volunteer their time to help spread the word about health and care research by talking about their experiences. Sometimes, that has meant being in meetings or Zoom calls with leading medical professionals and decision makers. This can give me a sense of impostor syndrome, but I have always been thanked for my input and I hope that participating in such projects contributes in some small way to positive changes in health care provision.

After my brush with Covid, I didn’t want to return to my previous job, as it involved too much commuting and travelling. I took a year

out to rest, recuperate and reinvent myself, before jumping back on the treadmill. I established my own independent business, still specialising in IT and Telecoms Recruitment. I work remotely from home, which has given me time to write a book. To self-publish is a hell of a journey, so I worked with Lesley Hart at Author’s Pen, who made it so much easier. As well as the eBook, Bed No.1 is available in hardback format too.

I didn’t want the book to be solely about me, so I interviewed medical staff and others involved in my treatment and recovery. I obtained doctors’ notes from my time at hospital, so

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writing the book has proved to be a cathartic process and given me more appreciation for what others did. Martine also wrote a personal segment and it wasn’t easy for her to dredge up emotional memories. These contributions elevate the book. It’s not just about one man’s brush with death, but a story of hope, love and resilience.

WORDS: Ben Morris

PHOTOS: Alan Wright

Further information: To order a copy of the book, visit www.bednumberone.com

We are a long-established family-run electrical contractor since 1978. Fusilier Electrical work within the Commercial & Residential sectors of the electrical industry throughout Sussex & Surrey. Whatever the project – large or small – we have the skills and experience to meet your requirements.

TIME TO IMPROVE YOUR EFFICIENCY

September is here! The schools, colleges and universities are waking up again and people are heading back to work, still dreaming of the holidays they’ve just returned from.

Many of us still think in academic years and use September to reset. Like New Years’ resolutions, this is a time when we want to make changes. It’s a time when gym memberships go up, job searches rise and people’s sights are set on the end of the year.

Many of us work in environments that are controlled by, and dependent on technology, systems and ultimately some software written by someone. It is amazing how the world around us is influenced by lines of computer code that someone has written. Our leisure, work, finances, retail and education are so intrinsically dependent on it.

Not all technology is created equally though. Some systems we rely on are slick and barely noticeable, while others are the subject of moans, frustrations and are islands of isolated information that require human intervention to be of any use.

‘It is amazing how the world around us is influenced by lines of computer code that someone has written.’

When you head back to work after the summer, might it be time to take a step back and plan for a reset of the technology you use?

In the eighteen years we’ve been in Horsham, this is consistently a time when people come to us for just that reason. Whether it is to automate their business processes, increase efficiency, move from a service business to a product business, create intellectual property to increase value, or protect their operations from potential bumps in the road, businesses often choose this time to come to us for advice.

Red River exists to help businesses automate and become highly tech-focused operations, creating software systems, platforms and products that improve businesses. The majority of our customers come to us with a vision and we help that vision become a reality.

Our customers are not just tech businesses wanting the latest widgets, but also businesses in and around Horsham and Sussex. Take for example the work we carried out for a funeral directors local to the Horsham district. In our initial meeting, we realised there was a market gap for a platform developed with sector knowledge and technical ingenuity.

Red River proposed this in 2017 and developed a separate product company to sell this platform, and Seker Tech was created. Launched in 2018 it has reached a dominant position by digitising the market in this sector, counting many Coop divisions in its customer base. Currently the system has managed more than 163,000 arrangements, making them the leader in their field.

There may be a hundred different reasons why you might want to reset, some we will have come across, some not. However, we love helping businesses on their tech journeys and would be delighted to connect.

www.river.red email: hello@river.red 0344 8802357

WILD AT ART

THE BEAUTIFUL ABSTRACT ART OF ALISON INGRAM

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Alison Ingram is renowned for her abstract paintings of British wildlife. Much of her output has focused on mammals, but more recently, Alison’s passion for swifts has inspired a new direction. AAH met the artist at her home studio to find out more…

NATURAL FLAIR

Living on the fringes of Warnham Deer Park, it’s no surprise that wildlife dominates Alison’s creative output. She has painted the park’s red deer on several occasions, with one of her most striking works, Stag and Swallows, being inspired by a David Schaefer sculpture of a rearing stag. Other mammals featured in Alison’s work include brown hares, roe deer, badgers, red squirrels and foxes. She also paints a lot of birds, portraying everything from bullfinches, waxwings and kingfishers to red kites, mute swans and grey herons. Some of the animals she paints are occasional visitors to her garden or surrounding fields, but when it comes to other species, Alison travels further afield to inform her art.

She said: ‘My puffin paintings have always proved very popular and I have depicted them exhibiting their natural behaviour, flying, swimming and nesting. When it comes to painting deer, hares and birds, I’m inspired by rural landscapes. So, I love visiting places like Skomer, an island on the Pembrokeshire coast which is renowned for its puffin colony. This helps me to understand the birds and capture both their physical features and movement.’

EXPRESS YOURSELF

While there are countless artists creating work inspired by wildlife, Alison’s work stands out thanks to its abstract forms. If her early work took inspiration from expressionists such as Mark Franz, Alison has since evolved a unique style, blending technical elements of graphic design with a distinctive colour palette.

‘Originally, I wanted to work in a more abstract and vague style, largely concealing the focal point of the art,’ says Alison. ‘You had to really

ART

look for wildlife within the textures and colours. I also tried to adopt more of a freestyle method, but it didn’t suit me. The process felt forced, so I moved towards a tighter style more akin to graphic design, using an abstract background to enhance a more representative depiction of wildlife.’

A NEW DAWN

In stark contrast to a finished work, Alison begins each piece with a rough sketch and light acrylic underpainting, gradually adding layers to make it increasingly more abstract and fragmented. It is through this process that she creates movement, a skill that she has evolved and refined with time.

Alison said: ‘I find the blending and positioning of colours very interesting, as this is what creates the shadow and light that gives a painting a sense of movement. I don’t follow a particular theory to achieve this; it’s just something I do intuitively. The colour palette I adopt is distinctive too. Traditionally, my work has prominently featured blues, greens and purples, and for a long time I felt comfortable working with

a limited palette. Then, I was commissioned to paint a starling murmuration over Brighton Pier at sunset, which required blends of red, pink and orange. I found this very challenging, but really enjoyed it!’

COVER STORY

Much of Alison’s recent output focuses on swifts and other migratory birds, such as house martins and swallows. Some paintings depict swifts over local landmarks, including St Margaret’s Church in Warnham, while another captures Swifts over Broomlands Farm, near Alison’s home. This painting (on previous page) won the People’s Choice Award at the Association of Sussex Artists’ annual exhibition in Horsham in 2024.

Alison said: ‘About 10 years ago, swifts started to nest in the roof of the farmhouse next door and I watched them from my studio. I was fascinated by them and would look forward to their arrival every summer. Swifts are on the UK’s red list of Birds of Conservation Concern, so it’s important we do everything we can to preserve them and their nest sites. Many share my passion for the birds, so I have received several commissions for swift paintings. One piece, Swifts and Swallows, featured on the cover of Charlie Bingham’s book, The Life Affirming Magic of Birds, while another was used for the cover to Mark Cocker’s book, One Midsummer’s Day. It has been nice for me to be involved in something different, even attending book signings alongside the authors.’

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SWIFT JUSTICE

As well as painting migratory birds, Alison looks after them too, as a volunteer for Swift Conservation and House Martin Conservation UK & Ireland. Alison takes in birds that have been found or rescued, often emaciated having fledged too soon. Following strict protocols, she rehydrates the birds and feeds them a diet of insects until they can be released back into the wild.

Alison said: ‘I approached Swift Conservation and they put me in touch with Kasia Szczypa from Reigate for training. Kasia is currently the main swift carer at Wildlife Aid Foundation in Leatherhead and has many years of experience

with migratory birds with contacts in European swift clinics. Swifts spend their whole life on the wing, other than to nest, so if one is found on the ground, it needs help. As the care that migratory birds require is challenging and very time-consuming, most wildlife centres either have a designated carer or forward enquiries to specialist organisations, such as Swift Conservation, who have a network of swift

carers across the country. All swifts that come into my care are checked by Karen Robinson, clinical director of Farthings Veterinary Group. ‘When they are ready, I release the birds into the deer park, which is always a nice moment. Each year is busier than the last with more swifts in need of care. From an artist’s perspective, it’s a good way for me to get close to swifts and understand them, giving me reference points for my paintings.’

ART FOR ALL

Alison is a regular exhibitor at Global Birdfair, an event held annually at Rutland and described as “Glastonbury for birders”. Alison has sold paintings and received commissions at the event. She also exhibited work for The Brighton & Hove Artists Open Houses this year and in October will be showcasing recent work at the Association of Sussex Artists’ (ASA) annual exhibition at Camelia Botnar Garden Centre, Littleworth.

This September, Alison will also embark on a week-long residency at the Nature in Art Museum and Gallery, Gloucestershire. As ever,

Home Decorating

she will be exhibiting paintings of all sizes, to appeal to all budgets. Alison said: ‘I work on a range of canvas sizes, as many people don’t have the money or the wall space for larger paintings. Big paintings are statement pieces for exhibitions, but are time-consuming. Swifts Over Broomlands Farm represents several months’ work over a two-year period, as I tend to work on six or seven paintings at a time due to the drying process between layers. So, I offer smaller and more affordable paintings too, perhaps depicting a single bird or animal.’

‘Although I’m fortunate to receive a good number of enquiries and commissions, it’s still very hard to make a living as an artist. It

was probably a silly career choice! But I’m one of the fortunate ones, in that I at least get to paint the animals that I love, be it puffins and penguins or swifts and swallows.’

WORDS: Ben Morris

PHOTOS: Alan Wright (Artwork images supplied by the artist)

Further information:

For a gallery of Alison’s work or to find out more about Swift Conservation, visit: www.alisoningram.co.uk www.swift-conservation.org

For more about the ASA: Association of Sussex Artists

nationaltrust.org.uk/standen

Standen

Handcrafted Histories: Exploring the Arts & Crafts Movement

Sat 19 Jul – Sun 26 Oct: 11am–4pm

Delve a little deeper into the Arts & Crafts movement, as told through a selection of special pieces from the historic collection at Standen. From exploring intricate detail in craftsmanship, to the wider social impact, the exhibition explores the eclectic influences and social ideology that made this movement so powerful and unique. Last entry to the house is at 3.30pm. Exhibition included in general admission.

The Maker’s Fair

Fri 19, Sat 20th & Sun 21 Sept: 10am–4pm

Meet over 50 makers at Standen, showcasing heritage craft & contemporary design skills. Demonstrations throughout the day in a marquee on the Croquet Lawn. Free minibus between town centre and Standen.

Nymans

The Art of Illusion: The Theatrical World of Oliver Messel

Sat 14 Jun – Sun 26 Oct: 11am–3.30pm

An exhibition exploring the creativity of Oliver Messel, theatre designer for stage and screen, and master of illusion and make-believe. From interior design to theatre props and film work, Oliver Messel’s life in design was influenced by a childhood spent at Nymans. He became Britain’s leading stage designer of the mid twentieth century with his lavish designs. Normal admission applies.

Saturday 27th September

JAM PACKED

MARKET TRADERS REACHES NATIONAL MARKET FINAL

Garden to Jar was founded by Sarah Griffin in the spring of 2024. Having established a following at Horsham Local Produce Market, the small business has steadily grown and has recently enjoyed success at a national competition for young traders. AAH visited Sarah at her Partridge Green kitchen to find out more…

PASSION FOR BAKING

Sarah was not destined to make chutneys and jams. Having enjoyed baking as a child, she gained two qualifications in patisserie and confectionery, taking an advanced Level 3 diploma after first earning a Level 2 certificate. She developed her skills further awhile working at Gail’s Bakery in the Carfax. However, when it came to starting her own business, Sarah considered other options.

Ewhurst, Surrey, GU6

She said: ‘There were already several established traders selling pastries and cakes on the market, as well as other bakeries and patisseries in town. It didn’t make sense to

launch another, as the demand wasn’t there and it would limit opportunities to set up a stall, as market operators try to offer variety. So, I thought about jams and chutneys, which nobody was offering locally. They have the added benefit of a long shelf-life too, so it made financial sense to pursue this idea.’

BARTIE LENDS A HAND

Ardingly-based business Bartie’s Sussex Faire was once a regular feature of the market. As a Great Taste Award winner, owner John ‘Bartie’ Bartlett had many regular customers, offering a wide range of chutneys, marmalades and chilli products. After John retired, Sarah spotted a gap in the market and approached him with a business proposition.

She said: ‘I decided to buy 10 of Bartie’s most popular recipes and set up my own business. Unfortunately, as he had been retired for over a year, he had sold his kitchen equipment, so perhaps I should have thought of it sooner! Over the course of two weeks, he passed on the secrets of his recipes and gave me great

advice on how to set jellies. I think he was happy to help a young person trying to establish a new business and I’m grateful for all his support.’

FRESH PRODUCE

Sarah launched her business at the Horsham heat of a Young Market Traders’ competition, organised by the National Market Trader’s Federation (NMTF). Initially, she offered the 10 chutneys purchased from Bartie: spicy pineapple, Sussex ale, spicy tomato, red onion, spiced aubergine, chilli jam, fig, carrot and smoked garlic, and piccalilli, as well as an apple and chilli jelly. Sarah called the business Garden to Jar, to represent the home-grown ingredients she used.

Sarah said: ‘Growing up in Broadbridge Heath, we were always growing and eating our own produce. We grew carrots, parsnips, peas, beans, tomatoes and other fruit and vegetables. As we don’t produce enough for to support the business completely, I also source fresh groceries from TG Fruits and Greenway Fruit Farm, both based in Sussex. But I still love growing food and have an allotment plot, with some of the produce grown there utilised in my recipes, while my nan has apple trees that I pick from too. So, it made sense to call the business Garden to Jar, as we use fresh produce for all our products.’

PICK OF THE BUNCH

If chutneys were new to Sarah, she was more at home with jams and marmalades, using traditional recipes from a family cookbook. Gradually, she has grown the range to nearly 40 products,

Extra-Gordon inary

A Day in the Life of a School Dog

Hi, my name is Gordon! I am the school therapy dog at Southwater Junior Academy

Woof! Hello everyone! It’s the start of a new school year.

Morning: Excitement and new faces! I hear the school gates open. My tail wags as I spot staff greeting pupils and parents with a big smile. I love seeing everyone’s shiny shoes and new backpacks. The corridors fill with laughter. Sometimes, children might be feeling a bit wobbly so I welcome them into school. It makes me feel pawsome to see how a tail wag can make even the most nervous children feel braver.

Playtime and lunchtime: At break times, children go out to play with old friends and new. If children prefer a calm or quiet break time, they might come to see me. They

read to me or we play games. Occasionally, children need a little help with friendships. I help them to play gently and include others.

Afternoons: Some children may need a sensory break, so they come to see me. I curl up on my special bed while pupils read or work. I love being a calm presence and help children who find it hard to settle in.

Home time: As the day ends, I wag my tail to say goodbye. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the term will bring! Paw prints, Gordon southwaterjunioracademy.co.uk

730475

introducing strawberry, plum and peach jams, grapefruit, sweet orange and Seville orange marmalades, and jellies including plain apple, grape, cranberry, and apple and chilli.

‘The NMFT competition has been good for me and I encourage other young traders to enter.’

Sarah said: ‘It’s fun developing new recipes and I don’t always get them right first time. When I made my first batch of Seville orange marmalade, my dad didn’t like it, so I experimented with black treacle until it was perfect. I love new challenges too, such as making cherry jam for a friend who doesn’t eat strawberries, and developing new greengage and Horsham blueberry jams. Last year, I put out a social media appeal for quince, which is expensive to buy from wholesalers. Many people responded and I was able to make 60 jars of quince jam, using fruit picked from local gardens. I have also introduced a new chutney to the range, great-great grandma’s apple chutney, made using an old family recipe!’

MIXED FORTUNES

A lot of preparation goes on behind the scenes, with Sarah working long hours from Mondays to Wednesdays in her kitchen on a Partridge Green Trading Estate. She cooks in small batches, usually around 50 jars at a time. Most of her produce is sold through the Horsham market, which Sarah attends on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. She also often attends a Sunday market at Preston Park in Brighton.

She said: ‘There are good days and bad days on the market, and much of your success depends on the weather. I have made good friends through markets and my partner Jozef is market manager in Horsham. As I was still a teenager when I started the business and remain the youngest trader, people look out for me. Sometimes, they can be almost overbearing, and I need to remind them that I too am a business owner! But they mean well and it feels like one big family. I love talking to customers too and some used to buy from Sussex Faire, so they’re pleased to see certain products return. I include cooking tips on some of the jars too, and people remember that was also a feature of Bartie’s.’

Café by the Lake

We offer a delicious range of hot and cold dishes, from seasonal breakfasts to hearty lunches, all crafted with care. Sweet treats and cakes are baked in-house using fresh, local ingredients, including artisan breads and burgers made with beef from our own herd.

Just here for a drink?

Take your pick from a wide selection of soft drinks, draught and bottled beers, premium spirits, and wines – all best enjoyed with stunning views over Sumners Lake. Sit back on the upper or lower deck, or get cosy in our safari-style tent, warmed by the glow of a real wood-burning stove.

Leaving so soon?

NATIONAL FINAL

In April, Sarah took part in the Horsham heat of an annual competition, aimed at encouraging and supporting entrepreneurs aged 16 – 30. The National Market Trader’s Federation (NMTF) organises the competition, with the heat in West Street, Horsham, supported by local market operators Coden Events and Horsham District Council. Having been named as the overall winner of the Horsham heat, Garden

And if you’re not ready to leave, why not stay the night? With lakeside lodges, glamping, camping and touring pitches, Sumners Ponds is more than just a visit–it’s a place to slow down, connect with nature, and feel at home.

to Jar progressed to the regional final at Broadway Market in Hackney. Here, the business was named overall winner in the ‘Grocery’ category, ensuring Sarah progressed to the national final in Stratford-upon-Avon, held in August.

Sarah said: ‘I took part last year and also reached the national final then, but I came home empty handed. However, I learned a lot from the experience and was determined to come back bigger and better, to show that I have developed the business. The feedback last year was that my products were good, but I could have done more to market the brand. So, this year I worked on a more professional promotion, with branded T-shirts and an improved layout.

Although I didn’t win, I had an amazing couple of days and the judges noted my progress. The competition has been good for me and I encourage other young traders to enter, as you don’t have to pay for your pitch and you feel really well supported.’

ROOM TO GROW

Garden to Jar has been further supported by the Council’s Green LEAP funding, allowing Sarah to invest in key equipment to reduce the business’s environmental footprint. This includes a bigger oven, new fridges and a dishwasher to encourage use of a reusable jar scheme. This will help Sarah drive the business forward on several fronts, potentially opening up more wholesale and catering opportunities.

She said: ‘I would like to add new products next year, including a range of barbecue sauces. I also enjoy working with other local producers and use Firebird’s Old Ale in my Sussex ale chutney, based on a recommendation by our friends at The Beer Mine. I like being a small, independent business, but it is reaching a point where I might need an extra pair of hands to help me in the kitchen. That would allow me to dedicate more time to growing our online presence and explore catering and wholesale opportunities. We already sell our products at Chez Polie at Highwood, but there are other excellent farm shops and hopefully we will be able to partner with some of them in future too.’

WORDS: Ben Morris

PHOTOS: Alan Wright

Further information: Order

Locally available

Joanna’s Boutique Tea Room Storrington/Chichester/Cranleigh

The Brolly Brewing Tap Room Horsham

Firebird Brewery Rudgwick

Kissingate Brewery

Lower Beeding

New House Farm Horsham

The Billi Tap Billingshurst

The Fox Inn Rudgwick

Random Hall Hotel Slinfold

The Horsham Cellar Horsham Carfax

D’arcy’s Wine Bar Horsham

Boco (’bo-co’): Old West Sussex dialect meaning ‘lots of’/’much.’ From French, ‘Beaucoup’.

HEAR’S TO YOU

HORSHAM HEARING CENTRE CELEBRATES 30TH YEAR

The Horsham Hearing Centre is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Since its foundation, the business has been owned and managed by husband-and-wife audiologists Jonathan and Julie Ormerod. AAH visited their town centre branch to find out more…

What inspired you to embark on a career in audiology?

Jonathan: I followed a family tradition by entering the profession. Both my parents were audiologists and my father, David, established a successful practice in Wales. He later expanded, opened hearing centres across the north of England and the Midlands.

What was your route into the profession?

Jonathan: I moved to Sussex and spent eight years at A&M Hearing, one of the world’s first manufacturers of hearing aids, on the Manor Royal estate in Crawley. A&M handled NHS contracts, so I travelled the country ensuring that hospitals and private audiologists were offering the latest hearing products to patients. This gave me an invaluable insight into the manufacturing aspects of hearing aids, which I utilised after qualifying as an

audiologist. Julie and I were married in 1995 and launched our own practice, the Horsham Hearing Centre, just three months later.

Where was your first practice?

Julie: Ironically, we were based in a room at Specsavers, then located on West Street. We operated independently, long before Specsavers considered offering its own audiology services. At that time, we were the only company offering hearing aids in Horsham. From those humble beginnings, we moved to a unit on Blackhorse Way, before buying our current home opposite the library on Worthing Road in 2001. Initially, I was involved mostly in administrative aspects of the business, before I also qualified as an audiologist and started working alongside Jonathan.

How have hearing aids evolved since you started out?

Julie: I still keep a screwdriver as a memento from the analogue era! Before smartphones, we used to fit behind-the-ear hearing aids, or relatively crude inside-ear devices that used analogue rather than digital sound. These could be altered by turning a screw on the side of the device, but hearing aids have

come on leaps and bounds since then. They are now made with waterproof materials, with Bluetooth compatibility which allows users to adjust the sound through their mobile.

Presumably, a lot of people need help with such technology?

Julie: We probably spend half of our time helping people with their phones! The audiology side is relatively straightforward, but connecting people – especially older generations – to hearing aids through a smartphone is more challenging. The latest hearing aids often need to be paired with a phone through an app and we slowly go through these steps with customers. However, not everybody owns a smartphone and there are plenty of hearing aids that don’t require an app. Some customers prefer a hearing aid that is fully automatic, so they can take it off at night and put it on again in the morning, without using a phone. Others like to know exactly how to operate their device through an app. However, our first priority is hearing and then everything else follows.

How many types of hearing aids are available?

Jonathan: There are only five hearing aid manufacturers in the world, but much like car

marques, each offers multiple models, such as Phonak and Unitron (both owned by the Sonova Group), Oticon and Bernafon (owned by Demant) and Audibel (Starkey). We offer all of them at our Hearing Centres. Obviously, we have favourites, as often one manufacturer will release a new hearing aid that raises the bar. Currently, two products have an edge over the competition, as they utilise second generation Artificial Intelligence (AI) and we favour devices that offer customers the best sound. However, some have other features that might make them more comfortable or user-friendly for certain customers, so we find a tailored solution. As I use a hearing aid myself, I test every product and pass this knowledge on to customers.

How is AI impacting your business?

Jonathan: AI represents the biggest change in the industry for a generation. New products even include apps that can translate foreign languages and deliver it to your hearing aid in English, which was in the realm of science fiction not so long ago. Perhaps the greatest advancement is how AI can recognise speech sounds, continually adjust background noise and filter out unwanted sounds. Many people struggle with the sound quality of modern televisions. Ultra-high-definition screens are commonplace, yet sound quality hasn’t kept pace with visual advancements. If you watch a 1950s Ealing comedy, you’ll hear the dialogue and music clearly, yet modern productions don’t offer such precise sound mixing. Young

people are used to it, but to older generations, it’s a cacophony of noise! So, hearing aids are adopting AI to resolve such issues, effectively streaming sound directly from the TV and delivering it clearly to the listener.

How else does modern technology impact hearing?

Julie: The number of people in their 40s, 50s and 60s experiencing hearing problems has increased exponentially and many of these issues are caused by headphones or earbuds. There is a generation growing up using headphones to play video games or listen to music and podcasts through wireless earbuds. They can deliver wonderful clarity of sound, but young people often listen with the volume

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

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

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

turned up too high and this is contributing to Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), which occurs when the brain and ears don’t co-ordinate. Modern devices such as AirPods have noise cancelling features that eliminate background noise. This is great when listening to music, but people who use them for long periods are finding that it impacts the brain’s natural ability to reduce background noise. Suddenly, going down the pub can become less pleasant, as they can’t cope with all the background noise.

How can people find the right device for them?

Jonathan: As we are the only independent hearing centre in Horsham, we can offer products by all five major manufacturers and choose the one most appropriate for the customer. Other hearing care providers in the town are owned by larger companies - and often manufacturersso people will only be offered one brand. Also, we are quite unique in the profession in that we have a specialist laboratory that makes custom-fitted moulds for hearing aids. So, we can customise devices to make sure that they fit properly, helping to contain sound and be more comfortable.

Has our attitude towards hearing tests changed?

Jonathan: It is still the case that many people will regularly have their eyes and teeth checked, but don’t give the same care and consideration to their hearing. It’s a shame, as I have found that those who come to us earlier adapt to hearing aids better and enjoy clear hearing into later life. Yet often we meet people who have been living with hearing loss for 20 years or longer and never had their ears tested. We have also found that wearing a hearing aid helps to stave off dementia as it mitigates the cognitive effects of hearing loss.

Hearing aids can be expensive, right?

Jonathan: Like most things in life, you get what you pay for. One thing we do that is unique in our profession is to allow customers to try hearing aids before they buy them. At most practices, people have to buy hearing aids and then return them if they don’t get on with them. In my experience, that’s a waste of everyone’s time. At the Horsham Hearing Centre, customers have a full assessment and – if appropriate – we will fit state-of-theart hearing aids there and then. They can then try them for a couple of weeks and, if they like them, order their own. We find this to be a much better way to work and our customers are far happier once they start their hearing journey.

What other services do you offer?

Julie: We offer wax removal to help protect and clean the ears. Sometimes, we see this service offered by people with no qualifications, whereas here it is performed by clinical ear care specialists. If you’re going to have anybody looking in your ear, I would suggest that you ensure they are qualified!

Have you opened other Hearing Centres outside of Horsham?

Julie: We have two other Hearing Centres in Reigate (opened in 1996) and Barnes, West London (opened in 2001). Both centres offer the same service as Horsham. We are happier working as a small team and this allows us to maintain our high level of personal service. It has also given me the time to volunteer in impoverished countries, working with charities

to provide hearing aids in places where hearing care services are not available. I have made two visits to Armenia and we continue to collect used hearing aids to help more people.

What’s the secret to your success?

Jonathan: I think it’s the personal approach that we provide as an independent business. Technology is great, but customers place more value on talking to an experienced audiologist they know and trust. As we’ve been in the same place for 25 years and each have at least 30 years’ experience – with Julie having also recently being nominated for the Audiologist of the Year award – people know they can rely on us. It takes courage for someone to admit they have a hearing problem, so we make sure they’re not just a number on a conveyor belt. Everyone is treated with respect and, over

time, we forge a long-term relationship with them. That’s why we receive a great number of referrals from satisfied customers and medical professionals, and why people have been coming to us for 30 years.

WORDS: Ben Morris

PHOTOS: Alan Wright

OFFER FOR AAH READERS

To celebrate 30 years in business, Horsham Hearing Centre are offering readers of AAH a very special offer. Quote the code “AAH30” when you book an initial consultation and you will receive a 30% discount if you go on to purchase hearing aids. This offer only applies to the first 30 people who book between 1 - 30 Sept 2025.

For further information about life at Broadbridge Park, or to RSVP to one of our upcoming events, please get in touch.

Broadbridge Park is a purposebuilt luxury care home in the desirable location of Broadbridge Heath in Horsham, offering high quality nursing, residential and dementia care. Life at Broadbridge Park is centred around our residents, their needs and wishes. We pride ourselves on a home filled with comfort and a touch of luxury, with care that comes from a genuine interest in people. All bedrooms are en suite and our home boasts facilities including stunning wheelchair accessible landscaped gardens, a cinema, hair salon, and a large bistro café that’s perfect for enjoying one of our many activities, or to catch up with loved ones over a hot drink.

There is always lots happening at Broadbridge Park Care Home - why not join us at one of our events.

Dementia Café

Every Tuesday, 2pm – 4pm

A welcoming and supportive event for carers and those living with dementia. Whether you need information or just a friendly chat and advice, we’re here for you.

High Tea at Three

Every 1st Weds of the month, 3.00pm – 4.00pm

We’d love to welcome the community to join us for high tea each month. Enjoy complimentary tea and coffee alongside sweet treats freshly prepared by our Head Chef.

BOOK YOUR VISIT WITH US TODAY

Hear Better, Feel Better

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

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

Latest Hearing Instruments

Hear in Noise with AI

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

30 Great Years in Horsham

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of our business in Horsham, we are offering readers of AAH a very special offer. Simply quote the code “AAH30” when you book an initial consultation and you will receive a 30% discount if you go on to purchase hearing aids. This offer only applies to the first 30 people who book between 1- 30 September 2025.

We fit only the latest and best technology from the world’s leading hearing aid manufacturers. One of the latest products we have is the Audibel Vitality AI instrument. It incorporates secondgeneration Artificial Intelligence (AI) processing to give you the best hearing in challenging listening situations. If you haven’t tried hearing aids for several years, come and experience Vitality. It could change your life!

Better Hearing Guarantee

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

The Horsham Hearing Centre, 22 Worthing Road (opposite the library), Horsham, RH12

www.horshamhearingcentre.co.uk | horsham@hearcentres.com

A FRIENDLY AND PROFESSIONAL TEAM

ABOUT OUR WELLNESS CENTRE

Lavina and James are a husband and wife team who have been helping individuals live their lives to the full for over 20 years. Having worked in a number of different chiropractic clinics, they were excited to bring their skills together under one roof when they opened Weald Chiropractic & Wellness in 2015.

Since moving to their new clinic premises on the Graylands Estate in 2020, they have grown their team of Horsham chiropractors with the addition of experienced practitioners to meet the growing needs of their community. Here are just a small selection of the Google reviews left by patients...

TESTIMONIALS

‘I have seen a huge improvement from the care and treatment plan provided by James. The practice and staff are thoughtful, welcoming, efficient and supportive. I would highly recommend it!’

Jenny W

‘Sian has been amazing in helping me recover following an injury. I had never before had acupuncture but I am now a convert. I was in almost constant discomfort but following several months of treatments with Sian I am massively improved. I am very happy to have found her.’

Gwynne H

I have seen Lavina a number of times and each time has been positive and beneficial.

‘Lavina is friendly, professional and so knowledgeable. I have seen her a number of times and each time has been so positive and beneficial. I booked an appointment last week as I was overdue with baby number three and was feeling pressured into booking in for an induction, despite only being 40+5. Lavina worked her magic with pins and our little bundle of joy was born in less than 24 hours. Acupuncture works!

Jess G

‘I highly recommend Michael Mallin. I have been dealing with a running injury since August last year and have tried various treatments without success. Michael correctly diagnosed the issue and, through persistent sessions, has helped me progress to running with tightness rather than pain. His professional and effective treatment has been so beneficial that I plan to continue even after fully recovering from this injury.’

Leanna H

‘I would recommend this practice to friends. They helped my husband when his consultant could do no more and suggested acupuncture. Acupuncturist Sarah-Jane also stopped his severe pain from leg surgery from years ago. Well worth the money.’

Vera S

‘I cannot recommend James and his team enough; he is absolutely fantastic and has fixed my body twice! As a personal trainer and an avid runner, I put my body through a lot and have battled with my fair share of injuries. James has eased and treated me through some tough ones and there is no one else I would want to go to other than him. The whole Weald team are lovely and I always leave feeling better than when I arrive! 10/10.

Josie H

Come and visit the Wellness Centre at 29 Graylands Estate, Langhurst Wood Road, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 4QD

FIBRE PROVIDER

BEAUTIFUL BASKETS AT BILLINGSHURST BUSINESS YARNFLORA

Odette Holmes makes beautiful baskets and accessories from her Billingshurst home, using traditional handicrafts of crochet and macramé. She also focuses on sustainability, using recycled and natural materials to reduce waste from fashion mills. AAH met Odette to find out more…

FAWNING OVER FLORA

Odette’s passion for crochet stems from a life-long love of plants. Before Covid, she propagated house-plants, specialising in exotic specimens. During the lockdowns of the

pandemic, many of us turned to decorating, increasing demand for interesting or unusual house plants. As garden centres were closed, many local ordered from smaller businesses selling online. As well as selling plants, Odette had the idea of crocheting covers for plant pots to make them more visually appealing.

Odette said: ‘By combining crochet with macramé, I found I could make hanging baskets for plants that were not only functional, but attractive too. Eventually, demand for my plants declined as garden centres and nurseries re-opened and diversified their range.

Instead, it was crocheting that developed into a business idea. When it came to a name, it was simply a matter of combining my two passions: YarnFlora.’

WEAVING MAGIC

Odette didn’t grow up with an interest in handicrafts. When her sister-in-law gave her a make-your-own crochet teardrop for Christmas, it was something of a leftfield choice! However, Odette gave it a go, following the pattern rigidly. Wrong turns ensured she had to start over again several times, but the

satisfaction she felt upon finishing the project soon led to another and Odette hasn’t stopped since. Although baskets remain her best-selling item, the product range has expanded.

Odette said: ‘The baskets are multifunctional and come in different sizes. While some people use them for indoor plants, other customers have deployed them as cosmetics baskets or to hold TV controllers. I also crochet tote bags and cutie pots, which are great to use as a keep-safe box, especially for people suffering with dementia. In the run-up to Halloween, I make ornamental crocheted pumpkins, which give way to figgy puddings and other festive decorations at Christmas. They are all finished off with a hand-made YarnFlora logo made of oak.’

‘I love the challenge of commissions, especially if it’s something I haven’t tried making before!’

A GREAT YARN

Having researched a variety of materials, Odette uses mostly recycled T-shirt yarn and recycled cotton yarn for her products. T-shirt yarn is a soft and versatile material used to make sweatshirts and stretchy

clothing, such as vests and leggings. Fabric mills often discard yarn deemed unfit for purpose and it is this excess material that Odette saves from landfill, recycling it for her products.

‘Depending on its origin, the colour, weight and thickness of yarn can vary, so I unravel and re-purpose it as a bag, basket or cutie box. My hanging baskets are very popular as they combining elements of crochet and macramé, which adds elegance. Hanging baskets were commonplace in the 1970s and there’s a hint of nostalgia about them. The macramé knots can be easily adjusted too, depending on the hanging space available in a home. Sustainability is important to me too, but products must be functional too. With this in mind, some items are made with a sturdier, nylon-based yarn, similar to that used as paracord or in rock climbing, making them more durable.’

UNIQUE APPROACH

Odette has a particular fondness for earthy tones, although her products include the full spectrum of colours. While she maintains enough stock to fill her stall at Billingshurst Artisan Market, which she attends most Sundays, it is in customised commissions that Odette truly

‘Customers often say they like a certain product, but would prefer it in a certain colour or size,’ said Odette. ‘I love the challenge this presents, especially if it’s something I haven’t tried before.

Occasionally, I have a small waiting list, but people are happy to wait a little longer for a personal, bespoke product, as they know they are getting something made with love. The most satisfying moment comes from seeing the customer’s reaction when I hand an item over.’

ODETTE HOLMES

(©AAH/AW)

The Best Local Produce

New House Farm is located in a beautifully renovated 16th century barn in the rural outskirts of Horsham. Our locally-sourced produce includes fruit & veg, bread, meats, cheeses, a wide range of Sussex beers, spirits and wine, and hand-made local arts and crafts.

Strawberry Fields Tea Rooms

Our popular Tea Room serves a full breakfast menu, as well as Ploughman’s lunch, sandwiches, toasties and baps, with a fantastic selection of home-made cakes. We have plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Hot food served until 4pm.

New House Farm Function Room

Set within a beautiful barn, our function room is available for private hire, catering for all kinds of occasions from family celebrations to corporate events.

l The Mobile Fish Company visit every Friday, 11am - 2pm.

GOING GLOBAL?

Odette sells on several online platforms including Etsy, and regular posts pictures on Instagram and Facebook. However, she believes that the best way to attract customers is for them to see and feel her creations at the market.

She also sells items at The Pulbrew, an independent café in Pulborough, and works in partnership with another small business called Wool Shred, using its natural nesting wool to fill

her ornamental crocheted items, while in return supplying yarn products for Wool Shred’s range of nesting bags. Despite these collaborations, Odette has no plans for rapid growth…

She said: ‘I can’t become much bigger, as I already devote as much time to YarnFlora as I possibly can. I don’t think a shop would be sustainable either, so I’m very happy to remain a micro-business. I love making unique products for customers, striving to make everything

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affordable, with cutie bags costing £10 and even double plant hangers costing only £30. As long as I’m busy and enjoying myself, I’m happy to continue just as I am!’

WORDS: Ben Morris

PHOTOS: Alan Wright

Further information:

Visit the Yarn Flora stand at Billingshurst Artisan Market, held on the third Sunday of every month in the Six Bells Car Park from 8:30am to 1:30pm.

BROS AT FLO’S

FAMILY FEELING AT POPULAR INDUSTRIAL ESTATE CAFE

Since opening in February 2024, Flo’s Café in Horsham has established a reputation for good quality food at low prices.

Located at Abbey House on the Foundry Lane Industrial Estate, the business has been founded on family values, with co-owner Joe Herzog often working alongside his brothers, Max and Bill.

Joe said: ‘Growing up in Croydon, food was always at the heart of family life. When we came together, we would happily spend the entire day in the kitchen, and we all shared a passion for food. My mum catered for corporate events and dad ran off-licences, one of which later evolved into a café. So, we have some experience of the hospitality industry in the family. When it came to establishing my own business, my focus was on offering good home-cooked food.’

‘We named it Flo’s Café, in memory of my mother, who passed away in 2023. It’s great working alongside my brothers and my dad. We all have different skills too, as Bill is an excellent chef and Max has previously been a project manager for major consultancy firm and utilises these skills to manage the front-of-house experience, allowing me to focus on creative elements of the business. Max will be leaving us soon, as he loves to travel with his scuba-diving instructor partner, but Bill will remain part of the team. Naturally, working with family can be fractious at times, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything!’

STAR RATINGS

Joe briefly worked in a café to earn money while at college, but after university, spent seven years working in corporate sales. So, he was entering largely unknown territory when establishing his own business. However, he was supported in the venture by his fatherin-law Peter Everitt, a former firefighter and successful businessmen who owns Abbey House. Together, they recognised the potential of a new café on the busy industrial estate.

Joe said: ‘We expected most of our trade to come on weekdays, with workers from the surrounding businesses popping in for breakfast or lunch. However, it has become more of a destination and Saturdays and Sundays are now our most popular days. We see lots of families, couples enjoying an informal meal, and also friendship groups who meet for something to eat before going out for drinks in Horsham, or heading somewhere on the train.

‘Initially, I struggled a little with the café format and had to compromise on what I wanted the business to be and what it actually needs to be for our customers. Cafes occupy an unusual pocket of hospitality, in that people want good food, but don’t expect to wait. They may be on a half hour lunch break or grabbing a bite before their train departs. It took us a while to find our feet, but we’ve become increasingly busy and our Google rating is now 4.9 stars from over 100 reviews.’

PASSION PROJECT

Like any café worth its salt (shaker), Flo’s serves a good, hearty breakfast. It offers a full English, big breakfast, lighter breakfast, vegetarian breakfast and a range of breakfast sandwiches. Its early bird special has proved popular, with a breakfast sandwich (bacon, sausage or egg) and a hot drink costing an inflationdefying £3.95. For lunch, there’s a selection of sandwiches, paninis and toasties, as well as jacket potatoes and omelettes. There are some larger plates too, with very reasonably priced burgers and chips (its 6oz beef burger costs only £9.50) and home-cooked hot meals including spaghetti Bolognese and chilli con carne. However, many customers don’t look beyond the gourmet sandwiches…

‘Gourmet sandwiches have been a passion project,’ said Joe. ‘I’ve always loved sandwiches and believe everything is better between two slices of bread. We use my dad’s ciabatta recipe and fillings include buffalo chicken, chorizo and roasted peppers, and occasional specials like Peruvian chicken. Most of what you’ll find on our menu is food you’d expect any café to serve, but people are surprised by the quality of the produce. We source quality meat from Handcross Village Butchers and distinctive coffee from The Barista Project in Henfield. However, our incentive for Flo’s was never to make lots of money, but for it to be a place where we would be happy. So, we serve great food at café prices with a friendly welcome, which is what keeps people walking through the door.’

WORDS: Ben Morris

PHOTOS: Alan Wright

Further information:

Flo’s Café, 24 Foundry Lane, Horsham Open Monday to Friday, 7am - 2.30pm Saturday and Sunday, 8am - 2.30pm www.floscafe.co.uk

Early Bird Special

Monday-Thursday, 7am-9:30am.

Bacon or Sausage or Egg Sandwich and any hot drink.

FRAN’S LAST ORDERS

We’ll answer your questions, make sure you’re fully informed and that you know your options. And if you do need to make changes, a revised Will costs only £159.00 Plus VAT

Fran Rogers has hung up her apron after 43 years at the same café in Billingshurst. For the last 13 years, Fran has been the manager at Billy’s on the Road, a café and restaurant that is popular with everyone from families with young children to motorcycle groups.

Fran grew up in the village and recalls the days when Jane’s Tea Gardens operated on the site. It was around 1980 that Little Chef took over the site and converted the house into a roadside restaurant. Fran joined the team in early 1983, once her children had all started school.

She recalls: ‘I came in two nights a week to wash up the pots and pans, in the days before industrial dishwashers. I took on more shifts and became a griddle chef, back in the days when we cooked eggs in the microwave! Gradually, I worked my way up the ladder as supervisor, assistant manager and eventually manager. During that time, I had worked with

many wonderful people. I used to travel to other Little Chef branches to carry out stock control with Zoe, who has worked here as a chef for 18 years. We were always getting lost as we didn’t have navigation systems then.’

A Travelodge hotel opened next to the café in 1989, but by the turn of the century, Little Chef’s fortunes were in decline. During the course of several acquisitions, a large number of restaurants were closed, while there was little or no investment in those that remained open. A new menu by Heston Blumenthal designed to revamp the brand further contributed to its downfall, with the Billingshurst branch closing in 2012.

Fran recalls: ‘It was such a shame to see what was happening with the company, as for a long time, it was a great business. There was no money, yet celebrity chefs were being paid a fortune for “blue-sky” thinking, which amounted to drizzling a balsamic glaze on scrambled egg. It wasn’t what people wanted from a Little Chef. We had the TV on in the corner when we heard

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the news that ours was among one of many Little Chefs that would be closing and we were going to be made redundant. It was a very sad day when we closed the door for the first time, but Billy had already expressed an interest in taking on the site and she showed faith in me and other members of staff too.’

Billy Willison, proprietor, took over the building in 2013 and has since established one of the most popular roadside cafés in the Horsham District. With its ‘fast, fresh and fun’ ethos, Billy’s is popular with people of all ages as it serves fresh food at a fair price. With Fran at the helm, it’s also renowned for its friendly and fast service.

Billy said: ‘When the Little Chef closed, I decided to have a look at the site with my sister. From the moment we walked in, we could see it had potential, but the building was on its knees as the previous owner hadn’t invested in repairs and maintenance. However, there were elements of the Little Chef premise that I liked and wanted to retain, including the front-of-house grill that brought the kitchen closer to customers, and a till at the exit so people could leave when they wanted. Even the split of brown and white sugars on the table is a remnant of the Little Chef days! We just adjusted these ideas for the 21st-century.

‘When I first took over, it was evident that Fran knew the place inside out and seemed to know everybody who walked in! She has played a huge part in our success and I’m still hopeful I can persuade her to make the occasional special guest appearance!’

Fran’s last day will be Tuesday 9 September. However, she will still have a presence at Billy’s, thanks to a portrait painted by a customer during the Little Chef days. The painting has long been used as part of the ceiling, with Fran looking down from above.

She said: ‘This building has been part of my life and it has been wonderful working with Billy. I have three grown children and my son Daniel has cerebral palsy. Whenever he needed me around, Billy was always supportive. I have spent my whole working life in hospitality and it has given me many happy memories. Often, people see it as a stepping stone and are in a hurry to move on, even though they enjoy the job and are good at it. I have always loved talk-

ing to people and here, we attract a real mix, from tradesmen and families with young children, then at the weekend, the bikers arrive and I love the batter they bring along! I will miss the place, but my family need me around and I’m too tired for full-time work now. However, I know it will be a very sad day when I leave this building for the last time.’

WORDS: Ben Morris PHOTOS Alan Wright

Further information: Stane Street, Billingshurst, RH14 9AE Tel: (01403) 784289 billysontheroad.co.uk Billy’s On The Road

The Future of Lettings: Tech That’s Changing the Game

The lettings industry is moving faster than ever, and it’s not just about legislation, rent prices or property trends. Technology is transforming how landlords, tenants and agents work together, making the process smoother, faster and more cost effective.

AI IN FRAUD DETECTION

Fraudulent rental applications are on the rise, with some tenants submitting altered payslips or fake employment references. AI driven tools can now detect these red flags within seconds by analysing document patterns, checking metadata, and crossreferencing trusted databases. Agents can identify potential issues early, reducing the risk of rent arrears and protecting the integrity of the tenancy process, without slowing down genuine applications.

SECURE PAYMENTS

Online rent collection and payment tracking is also improving. Tenants can pay securely via bank transfer or card, with instant confirmation. Landlords and agents can see who has paid and who’s overdue and generate automated statements for their records. It’s faster, more secure and reduces errors compared with manual tracking.

NEW AI PARTNERSHIP

Perhaps the most exciting step forward for us is our partnership with an AI powered platform that automates maintenance triaging and compliance checks. Instead of landlords or agents fielding reoccurring maintenance issues, the platform instantly assesses urgency, provides step by step guides or videos for easy fixes, or allocates the issue to the right contractor. For compliance, it monitors safety certificates and deadlines, instructing the relevant

contractors, informing the agent, tenant and landlord simultaneously. The combination of automated compliance, payment systems and AI assistance isn’t about replacing the human element; it’s about freeing up time. By removing repetitive admin and catching issues early, landlords and agents can focus on delivering a more personal service.

The future of lettings is here: it’s intelligent, proactive, and designed to make life easier for everyone involved.

BIRTH RIGHT

MUM-OF-THREE FIGHTS FOR FAIR FERTILITY TREATMENT

Katie Rollings is the co-founder of Fertility Action, a charity committed to supporting those facing the emotional and physical challenges of infertility, secondary infertility, or sub-fertility across the UK. AAH visited the mum-of-three at her home in Wisborough Green to find out why she’s so determined to inspire change…

HIGH EMOTIONS

I was 23 when my husband Tom and I started trying to conceive a baby. Our beautiful twins arrived seven years later, after five rounds of In vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatments, when I was 30. There can be a huge amount of emotional trauma in the fertility process, and I spent most of my twenties feeling that my body couldn’t do what it was supposed to. While my friends were having babies, seemingly with ease, I struggled to conceive naturally, which left me feeling isolated and ashamed.

As someone who has always worked hard to reach success, I felt a huge sense of failure with my attempt at motherhood. I tried anything that might help – exercising regularly, taking daily supplements and having acupuncture treatment. I even drank herbal tea, which tasted like dirty dish water! One Christmas Eve, I visited a Harley Street clinic, to pick up some of these teas, but slipped over on my way home. Slumped in the middle of the pavement, I burst into tears, sobbing as Londoners stepped over me and my spilled medication. I just thought, “What on Earth am I doing?”

I’ve always been open with Tom about my feelings. He is not just my husband but my best friend, and we talk about everything, yet hadn’t spoken openly about what we were both experiencing. It transpired that all we had been through was impacting him too, so we sought professional support and advice. Although there are charities and organisations that help those struggling with infertility, we didn’t find them relatable for our personal situation and so an idea for a new charity formed in my mind.

However, our main focus at this stage was IVF. We had five rounds of treatments, three of which were funded by the NHS. During this process, we learned about a number of inconsistencies in the system. We were among the lucky ones, as out of 42 Integrated Care Boards in England, very few offer three cycles of NHS-funded IVF, with Sussex recently reducing their offering from three to one. In most counties, people who meet the criteria are offered only one and in a minority of cases two rounds of IVF on the NHS. So, there’s a postcode lottery when it comes to treatments.

Care Boards also adopt various eligibility factors, which can relate to age (some offer IVF up to the age of 35, while in other areas it’s 41), Body Mass Index (BMI) and partnership choice. If one of the partners has children from another relationship, they may be ineligible for NHS treatments too. Certain aspects of the system are incredibly unfair and inequity surrounding this topic, and many other areas of women’s health, is a huge problem.

I strongly believe that a person’s wealth shouldn’t dictate whether they have access to IVF treatment. The World Health Organisation define infertility as a “disease of the reproductive system” and it’s time we started treating it as such. In my opinion, if you have a medical need that requires treatment, your finances shouldn’t matter - one of the many amazing things about our NHS. Currently, if you live in some parts of Cumbria, you are allowed three cycles of IVF treatment, yet if you live in Sussex, you only get one. These disparities are nationwide, despite NICE (National Institute of Clinical Excellence) guidelines, advising all ICB’s to offer three.

Those without the financial means often have no choice but to give up on their dreams of parenthood, if their treatment can’t be funded. Meanwhile, those who have money can pay

for further IVF treatments, increasing their chances of success. This discriminates against those from a number of marginalised groups, lower-income households and single women. Everyone deserves the chance to have a family and I believe it’s time we addressed these inequalities.

CAMPAIGN TRAIL

In 2025, we founded a charity called Fertility Action. We have seven amazing trustees including our Chair, Emma Whitney (Director of Embryology and Genetics for the Evewell

fertility clinic group) and other leading industry professionals advocates. We launched a petition on the official UK government website, calling for increased access to IVF and other fertility treatments through improved funding and support. We attracted over 2,000 signatures in one day and our goal is to reach 100,000, so Parliament will have to debate the issue.

In January, I partnered with Andrew Griffith (MP for Arundel and South Downs) and thanks to his support, we were able to raise key points within Westminster, launching the Fertility Access UK campaign. Since then, I have been working with

other campaigners and leading fertility organisations and advocates to establish an All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for fertility, which we hope to launch this year. To achieve this crucial milestone, we work closely with our charity Trustee Laura-Rose Thorogood from LGBT Mummies, supporting The Fertility Justice Campaign, seeking equality for the LGBTQIA+ community, so same-sex couples are offered equal access to fertility treatments too. Another Trustee is Becky Kearns, part of Fertility Matters at Work, helping employers understand what fertility entails for employees.

We hope to attract further political support by highlighting declining male fertility rates, which have dropped by 50% in 50 years. The UK’s fertility rate is now 1.44, according to the ONS, its lowest ever level. With a number of things that could contribute to male fertility issues such as a varicocele (lump commonly found on the left testicle which heats and can impair sperm) and DNA issues, to environmental and lifestyle factors too. This could have serious long-term financial repercussions.

I understand why some people would oppose improved access to NHS-funded treatments. People perceive it as a lot of money (we don’t hear about the cost of other NHS treatments) and there isn’t a guarantee of success. Some point out that many people are choosing to become first-time parents at an older age, when it’s harder for them to conceive naturally. This is definitely a societal trend, but I don’t think it’s fair to blame the women for having children in their 30s or even beyond, as there are many factors that contribute.

In our personal situation, seven years of infertility took a toll on our mental health. I was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) not long after our fertility process. We went through four rounds of IVF and had to come to terms with the loss of the baby we had dreamed about, only to be told that we would have to pay out thousands of pounds for one more try. We were lucky to be in a position to do that, thanks to the kindness and generosity of some of our family. Today, we have three wonderful children, with our third conceived naturally. For many others though, the story doesn’t have such a happy ending.

We live in an amazing country with a largely progressive mindset, yet there remains inequality when it comes to fertility treatments. Through Fertility Action, this is something we collectively aim to change and we are absolutely not giving up until this happens.

INTERVIEW: Ben Morris

PHOTOS: Katie Rollings

Further information: You can visit the petition page at: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/711621 visit www.fertilityaction.org

FINAL WORD

MEETING NEEDS & IMPROVING LIVES AT HORSHAM MATTERS

KELVIN GLEN

The newly appointed CEO of Horsham Matters explains how we can all work together to help those most in need in the local community...

Hello to all our fellow residents, community organisations, and businesses across the Horsham District. I’m delighted to introduce myself, not just as the newly appointed CEO of Horsham Matters, but as a local resident who cares deeply about our community.

Horsham Matters is a fantastic charity that has, for the past 17 years, been working at the heart of our district, meeting needs and improving lives for individuals and families experiencing hardship.

Hardship doesn’t discriminate. Any one of us, at any time, can be impacted by sudden job loss, long-term health issues, housing instability, or the devastating effects of domestic abuse. Many of the people we support are facing these challenges for the first time in their lives and have had to make the courageous step to ask for help. Without that help, they may face hunger, homelessness, mounting debt, or the crushing weight of isolation. This is where Horsham Matters steps in, to walk alongside people during their most difficult moments.

FOOD, FRIENDSHIP AND A FUTURE

Many of you may already know us through our work tackling food poverty. Every year, we support thousands of people across the Horsham District who don’t have access to enough food, or the right kind of food, to maintain their health and wellbeing. For some, it’s a choice between heating their homes or feeding their families. For others, it’s a matter of going without meals for days.

Our 16 foodbanks, spread across the district, provide vital food, often tailored for families with young children, older adults, or people with medical conditions that require special diets. These services provide immediate relief, but we know the need goes far deeper.

You may also know our beautiful charity shop, Love It Again, at 40 West Street, Horsham. It’s full of upcycled, pre-loved items from jewellery and homeware to books and crockery. Not only does it raise essential funds for our work, but it promotes sustainability and a circular economy by preventing usable goods from going to waste. We also sell larger donated furniture online, helping families furnish their homes affordably.

MORE THAN JUST A FOOD BANK

Our mission goes far beyond emergency food support. We believe in helping people move from crisis to independence, offering wraparound support that looks at the whole person and their needs. Our team help clients complete benefit applications, navigate housing challenges, access financial support, and explore training or job opportunities. Whether it’s one-off guidance or ongoing help, we offer practical, human support.

At the heart of this work are our inspiring volunteers who give their time across our foodbanks, charity shop, warehouse, and one of my personal favourites, our Connecting Cafés. These cafés offer something we all need: community and connection. Each week, people who may be struggling with loneliness or isolation gather for a nutritious meal and, just as importantly, a chat and a sense of belonging. One visitor recently told me she

hadn’t spoken to anyone in over a week. Others describe the cafés as lifelines, safe, caring spaces where they feel seen. The volunteers who run these events are referred to as “angels” by many of our guests.

POWERED BY COMMUNITY

Horsham Matters was born out of a partnership of churches and that spirit of collaboration is still very much alive. Today, we are supported by churches, councils, local businesses, voluntary groups, and of course, you, our residents. We believe true support comes from working together. That means public services, private partners, local organisations and individuals all pulling in the same direction to support our neighbours when they need us most. But we can’t do it alone. As demand grows, so does our need for help, and there are many ways to get involved. You can donate food or household goods, give financially, volunteer at one of our sites, or partner with us through your workplace or organisation. Every single contribution makes a difference.

LET’S MAKE A DIFFERENCE

As I begin this new chapter as CEO, I feel so honoured to lead an organisation that embodies compassion and action. Horsham Matters is built on love, dignity, and community, and I am excited to work alongside you to build an even stronger network of support for those who need it.