The Town Crier
Let’s Thrive!
Horley Edition serving the communities of Horley, Smallfield, Gatwick, Copthorne, Burstow, Outwood, Salfords and the surrounding areas
Welcome to the January 2026 Issue of the Town Crier, Horley Edition
I am delighted to present you the January 2026 issue of the Horley Town Crier, your community magazine.
Once again, I extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the charities, businesses, community groups and so forth who played their part in putting this issue together.
You are all much appreciated.
For our policies regarding free promotion, paid advertising and so forth, please see this page where I've tried to give you a succinct guide.
Submit!
The door is now wide open for your submissions for the February 2026 issue. The deadline for the February issue is 6pm on Febuary 19th.
For a guide as to the type of features we are looking for and how to submit, please visit the Town Crier website here
To contact the editor, please email: horleytowncrier@gmail.com
To make a much-appreciated donation and help me keep the show on the road go here
The cover photograph is by Horley’s favourite photographer Julie Suttle.
In this Issue
Franklin Music page 2
Trefoil Guild page 3
Age Concern page 5
Let’s Dance Melange page 6
British Sugarcraft Guild page 7
Horley Library page 8
Blenchingly Spring Fair page 10
Crawley Down Ladies Choir 11
JJ’s Epic Eats page 12
Poem for my Valentine page 14
And from the Bleak Crags . .p15
Happy New You page16
Commended/Recommended 20
Town Crier Distribution page 22
Genghis Kant page 23
Thinking Outside the Box p24
Franklin Music February 2026
A Season of Live Music, Creativity, and Community
Franklin Music Centre continues to bring weekly live music, creativity, and connection to the heart of our community. Whether you love to sing, play, perform, or simply listen, there’s something here for everyone!
We’re excited to welcome Bob Cranham (of the British Bluescasting Corporation) to the Franklin Music Team. With 40+ years as a session guitarist and producer, Bob has performed worldwide, toured with chart-topping acts, played in West End shows, and produced over 50 albums. He also leads his band, teaches guitar, and runs an Artist Development Programme. We’re thrilled to have him on board and can’t wait for the energy, expertise, and inspiration he’ll bring to our community.
Looking Ahead:
Franklin Music Youth Choir – Starting 14 April 2026, every Tuesday, 4:30–5:45pm. Led by Nikki Franklin, this choir is perfect for young people who love to sing, develop their musical skills, and take part in termly concerts and
community events. Sign up now!
Coming Up in February:
Franklin Drama Club for Adults –Wednesdays, 8:00–9:30pm, Reigate Community Centre, £12. Explore acting, storytelling, and performance in a friendly, supportive environment. Sign up today!
Franklin Voices Community Choir – Mondays, 7:30–9:00pm, St John’s Refectory, Earlswood, first session free. A welcoming choir for all abilities. Come sing with us!
Tuesday Suppertime Concert: Trio Voyager – 3 Feb, 6:30–7:30pm, St John’s Centre, £10 (free for children & students). Enjoy a clarinet trio performing works from Stravinsky to Khachaturian. Book your tickets now!
Reigate College Music Showcase –10 Feb, St John’s Church, Free Admission. Our talented A-Level students will perform a mix of classical and contemporary music. Support the next generation of talent!
Musicians Collective – 10 Feb, 7:30–9:30pm, The Ivory Lounge, £15. An inclusive evening for instrumentalists of all abilities. Reserve your spot today!
Vocal Collective Workshop – 25 Feb, 7:30–9:30pm, The Ivory Lounge, £15. Warm-ups, harmony work, and solo/group singing in a friendly space. Come explore your voice! Continued on next page
Franklin Music Continued from previous page
Get Involved:
For tickets, bookings, or more information, visit www.franklinmusic.net. Join us for live music, workshops, and community gatherings this season!
Would you like a localcommunity where youcould be with friends, undertake activities & challenges, goonoutings, and laughtogether?
Well, welcome tothe TrefoilGuild, part of Girlguiding. It is for all adults aged eighteenand over. There is a guild in most areas, and they are alldifferent tosuit the interests,time and abilities of its members. Typicalactivities are talks, games, trips toplaces of interest, crafts, raising money for charity, lunches, walking and so muchmore.
Want tofind out more about Trefoilthencome along onMarch 11th between12noonand 9pmto our OpenDay at ‘Faurefold’, Lince Lane, Westcott, RH4 3LX. It is just off the A25 near Dorking withcar parking available. There willbe members fromdifferent areas of Surrey East totellyouallabout TrefoilGuild.
For more informationabout the OpenDay or about a guild in your local area please contact Lesley at surreyeast19@gmail.com
Unlock More Time with Surrey Libraries
Super Access!
Horley library is excited to introduce Super Access, a service designed to make Surrey Libraries even more accessible and convenient for you. Whether you have a busy schedule or simply want more flexibility, Super Access gives you the freedom to visit beyond regular staffed hours, letting you use library spaces whenever it works best for you. How does it work?
New technology has been installed which means that SuperAccess library members can enter the library outside normal opening hours, using just their library card and individual PIN code. Then they can use library services independently when staff are not
present.
With Super Access you can: -
o Explore shelves filled with bestsellers and new titles
o Easily manage your books with Self-Service kiosks
o Access free Wi-Fi and library computers
o Print with ease
o Create your perfect work or study space
How can I get a Super Access library membership?
To upgrade any Young Adult (16 plus) or Adult library membership to Super Access a short introduction is required. This will ensure that customers have a safe and thorough understanding of how the technology works. Just book your introduction through the Super Access Eventbrite page: continued on next page
Horley library continued from previous page
Visit Super Access Introduction at Horley Library Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite
By extending our opening times, we’re unlocking the full potential of our library buildings, providing more opportunities for everyone in the community to enjoy these valuable spaces. With Super Access, you can study, read, work, or just unwind in your local library on your own schedule. Because we believe that everyone should have the chance to benefit from all that our libraries have to offer!
Visit www.surreycc.gov.uk/superaccess for further details or pop into Horley library and ask a member of staff.
Follow us for up-to-date news on events & activities! Facebook: @Horleylibrary @surreylibrariesUK Instagram: @horleylibrary @surreylibrariesuk
BLETCHINGLEY SPRING FAIR -
SATURDAY,
21ST MARCH
VILLAGE HALL, RH1 4PA: 10.00
A.M. - 3.00 P.M.
With spring on the horizon in the not too distant future, we are busy preparing for this much-loved event.
Would you like to take a stall? We'd love to hear from you! Please email mailto:janine.marks@sky.com as soon as possible for further details. Stalls are £35 and stallholders must have Public Liability insurance. Please ensure you include as much information as possible about what you make and sell - photos of your stall are always useful too.
In particular, we are seeking stallholders selling locally produced cheese, meat, wine - handbags, cushions, hair accessories, make up, candles, soap, baby and children's clothes, fresh flowers, gifts for the home. Please note, we have jewellery and cakes covered.
Pop the date in your diary and come along to browse the stalls, enjoy a chat, and treat yourself at the Spring Café. We'll be serving refreshments, homemade sweet and savoury treats and freshly prepared light lunches - all at very reasonable prices.
And, we'll also be having the following stalls:
- Home-made cakes and prizewinning marmalade.
- Spring Raffle with some great prizes.
- Spring Hamper, including a Cream Tea for two.
- Guess the Name of the Spring Lamb.
- 'Free' to enter children's competition with a prize for the winners.
Admission: £1 for adults and accompanying children free entry.
A lovely way to welcome spring - we look forward to seeing you there!
Why not come along? You can be assured of a warm welcome into our group of amateur singers with no audition required.
We are a choir comprised of soprano and alto voices and sing a broad range of pieces both old and new, from Christmas songs and favourite carols at Christmas to more secular music such as songs from the musicals, pop, rock and other genres.
The Crawley Down Ladies Choir returned from the Christmas break on January 12th to begin practising for their Summer concert to be held in the evening of June 13th in the Dorothy Hatswell Hall at The Haven Centre, in Crawley Down.
The “Come and Sing” evening on our first day back, January 12th, is a chance for anyone to do just what it says … Come along and Sing with us and perhaps even become a member.
If you are interested in joining us please contact Elaine 07799 6523032 for details or see our website for more information at crawleydownladieschoir.co.uk
JJ’s Epic Eats - the Best Grub Guide in Town
Restaurant Review: Zeno Italian Restaurant
Happy new year to my Foodie readers, I hope you had a good one!
I had the pleasure of dining at ‘Zeno’ last week, an Italian restaurant that has been in Horley for 8 years and that delivers not only exceptional food but also a warm and welcoming atmosphere that made our evening lovely and memorable.
Located just off the main Horley high street, and close to the Guest houses along Massetts road, the building has a kind of art deco feel from the outside, yet inside you will find a modern Italian restaurant, clean, white tablecloths, good quality glasses and crockery, plenty of space between tables and large pictures of well know Italian places on the walls.
From the moment we arrived, it was clear that Zeno’s is a place where quality, passion, and genuine hospitality come together. We went as a group which was myself, my mum, my mum’s friend, her husband, and my friend, and the great company only enhanced this fantastic dining experience.
To start, I ordered the Gamberi all’aglio, which ended up being the
Rating: 9.175/10
highlight of the night for me.
This dish featured perfectly cooked king prawns served with fresh bread in a rich plum tomato sauce. The prawns were juicy, flavourful, and cooked to perfection, while the sauce was beautifully balanced slightly sweet, slightly tangy, and incredibly moreish. This was easily my favourite dish of the evening and deserved a solid 10 out of 10. I enjoyed it so much that I shared it with my mum, and we ended up ordering extra bread just to soak up the incredible sauce!
The rest of the table also enjoyed their starters, which included cheesy garlic bread and a mixed seafood dish.
Continued on next page
JJ’s Epic Eats continued from previous page
The cheesy garlic bread was doughy and garlicky, as it should be, with a generous amount of cheese and a strong but not overpowering garlic flavour. The seafood dish was praised highly as well, with fresh ingredients and well-balanced seasoning that showcased the quality of the produce Zeno uses.
For my main course, I chose a pizza topped with chicken, olives, and pepperoni. The base was thin and crisp, the toppings were generous, and the flavours worked together perfectly. The chicken was tender, the pepperoni added a smoky richness, and the olives provided a sharp contrast that brought the whole pizza together. My friend opted for a classic Margherita pizza, which was simple yet expertly done, proving that Zeno excels in both simple off the menu dishes as well as accommodating requests for changes like I did.
My mum and her friend chose pasta dishes, each of which was thoroughly enjoyed. My mum’s friend had a duck ragù pasta, which was rich, hearty, and full of deep, slow-cooked flavour. My mum had a chicken pasta dish with creamy nduja sauce which was fresh and delivered a satisfying kick without
overwhelming the dish’s balance. Meanwhile, my mum’s friend’s husband ordered the Cotoletta Milanese. It was generous helping with Spaghetti and chips accompanying it, fresh, and wellseasoned. Every dish was wellpresented and clearly made with care and attention to detail.
To finish the meal, my friend and I shared chocolate ice cream for dessert. While simple, it was creamy, smooth, and a perfect way to end the evening, on a sweet note.
Beyond the food, what truly sets Zeno apart is the service. The owner is genuinely amazing—friendly, attentive, and clearly passionate about the restaurant. The server, Jessica, was equally impressive, continued on next page providing excellent service throughout the meal and making us feel welcome and well
JJ’s Epc Eats continued from previous page
looked after without being intrusive.
Overall, Zeno offers outstanding food, excellent service, and a fantastic atmosphere.
Combined with great company and a memorable dining experience, this visit easily earns a 9.175 out of 10.
I would highly recommend Zeno to anyone looking for high-quality Italian food served by people who truly care about their customers.
Apoem for Valetine’s Day
by Steve Cook, novelist and author
A Sonnet for my Valentine (For my Wife)
Throughout our years my love hath grown more fine, The more I find of thee the more to love, ‘Til ev’ry day becometh Valentine’s As the heart’s red rose burgeons from its bulb, Or like the fruit that groweth on the vine Blessed by kindly climes and a gentle sun, Matures until it maketh sweetest wine And sipped by lips benign leaves thirst undone. When all around decays and dies with time And even mortal flesh at length succumbs, E’en yet do we defy that base design For love dies not but groweth yet more strong. And mine is stronger now than e’er it was And thou its inspiration and its cause.
by Steve Cook
And Nestled among the Bleak Crags of my Imagination . . .
With Burns Night coming up on January 25th (the day before my birthday which to be fair is a somewhat less momentous occasion), I thought I'd commemorate the occasion with the following excerpt from my tongue-in-cheek supernatural thriller, “Death Whisperer" which was the only effort of mine I could find that was even remotely appropriate. This, if nothing else, proves the adage that some people will try anything to get attention.
The excerpt refers to Castle MacLaird, an ancient Scottish castle nestled among the bleak crags of my imagination. Here it is:
“Situated just south of the village of Ledaig, it was built in the late 16th Century and crouched like the fossilised carcass of some vast, disconsolate beast on a rocky promontory overlooking Ardmucknish Bay and the entrance to Loch Etive.
“A combination of fortress and residence, the castle was also constructed, so rumour has it, to intimidate the MacDougall fortress, Dunstaffnage, to the South.
“It had no moat but it did have the
cold, restless waters of Ardmucknish Bay on three sides and a steep approach by winding path on the fourth. It had no portcullis but a very strong front door with a very large and very scary brass knocker.
“In fact, it received a few lines of mention from the famous Scottish poet Rabbi Burns (not Robbie Burns, but a Jewish contemporary who happened to have the same surname - the two are often confused). The lines appeared in his epic battle poem ‘Gae Boil Ye Heed Ye English Poof’ :
The tower McAbbadon upon yon shores
O’er fine Ardmucknish Bay doth brood.
Its shadow o’er the braw bricht moonlit brine hath cast despair
Across the fair and seething sea’s uneasy waves,
As if a shipwrecked ark abandoned to the Shades,
Within its stoney heart a lair of devils made both grey and chilly.
Built in ages dark and half forgot it squats with aspect grim
Enough to give Clan MacDougall’s bravest hearts the willies . . . “
Happy New You
byAngela Sarah West
Looking for a fresh start?After some wellbeing inspiration?
Here are a few New Year wellness tips from a couple of my celebrity interviewees to help you get motivated:
Photo: Joe Wicks
Joe Wicks’Top Tips for Physical & Mental Health
The nation’s PE teacher and lockdown saviour, Surrey born-andbred Joe Wicks (aka The Body Coach), is the second-most influential person in the food industry and author of the UK’s second bestselling cookbook of all time – just pipped at the post by Jamie Oliver!
Joe chatted with me and my son Harry about his top exercise tips, the importance of good nutrition, not just for physical but also for mental health, the dangers of eating highly processed food, plus how to boost your mood through food.
Read my exclusive interview with Joe here!
www.ladywimbledon.com/2022/01/f eel-good-food-work-out-with-joewicks/
Optimise YourAge with Olympian Sally Gunnell
Celebrated Olympian Gold medallist Sally Gunnell’s mission is to promote health and wellbeing for all in the UK.
A passionate champion of initiatives that encourage families to be more active, the motivational speaker and TV presenter told me about continued on next page
Angela Sarah Weat continued from previous page
how both nutrition and exercise are key to optimising our age and divulged her healthy eating plans and recipes focusing on her effective strategy.
Photo:
Olympian Sally Gunnell OBE
Check out my exclusive chat with Sally Gunnell OBE here: www.greatbritishlife.co.uk/magazines /essex/23266304.sally-gunnell-obeessex-olympian-wellbeing/
Seeking some deep rest, restoration and rebalancing?A short drive up the A217 to Tadworth took me & my bestie Julie (The Horley Town Crier’s cover photographer- a peaceful new healing) to The Sacred Garden
Sanctuary sound bath space supporting deep rest and restoration.
Surrey’s Sacred Garden Sound Bath Sanctuary offers a spiritual haven of calm, where the lovely Liz Tilbrook will energise, realign and rebalance even the most burnt out among us with a magical mixed set of alchemy Crystal bowls that support you across your entire system - body, mind and soul.
Perfect for profound relaxation and renewal, crystal bowl sound baths induce a soporific ‘theta’state, helping to heal from within. Dropping into your heart to receive intuitive messages, these soothing self-care sessions release physical and emotionalmblockages held in the body, balancing the chakra system and bringing overall stability and coherence at a cellular, physical, emotional and mental level.
Continued on next page
Angela Sarah West continued from previous page
Each one unique, the crystal bowls are 99.99% crystal quartz and are infused with harmonious fusions of precious metals and elements, such as gold, platinum, iron and quartz, to create an array of special sounds and tones.
Rediscover your essence and inner light via the varying notes and frequencies, and Liz will personalise your session to bring body, mind and spirit back into alignment.
Offering everything from 1:1 private sound and energy healing to smallgroup sound baths for up to eight people, sessions can include sacred cacao ceremonies and energy healing with Reiki, too.
Liz also hosts specific events such as New Moon and Full Moon sound baths, along with special sessions on occasi Surrounded by romantic rose petals and flickering candles, check out her Deep Love Sound Baths for couples (or besties!) over the Valentine’s weekend, along with her ‘Coming Home to Love’women’s gatherings on 14th & 15th February found the perfect equilibrium of energies in your chakras!”
@the_sacred_garden_sanctuary
www.thesacredgardensanctuary.co.uk
Photos: Julie Suttle @purepicsbyjules
Surrey Fashion Week Fundraising + New Charity
Single with the ‘X Factor’!
Born and based here in Horley, my Surrey Fashion Week celebrity charity catwalk events fundraise for Surrey’s Royal Marsden cancer hospital via star-studded runways and charity auctions.
Together with Surrey Rocks magazine’s prestigious SurreyAwards, for which I am a judge, we raised over £2,000 last year for our county’s fantastic cancer hospital, which is close to my heart after curing both my dad, who had aggressive prostate cancer, and my husband, who was recently diagnosed with acute leukaemia (AML).
Continued on next page
Angela Sarah West continued from previous page
Thank you to all readers who placed bids on our premium prizes and luxury experiences in our 2025 charity auction and congratulations to the winners!
Details of our next Surrey Fashion Week celebrity charity concept show will be announced soon @surreyfashionweekuk
In the meantime, please continue to help us fundraise for the Sutton branch of the amazing Royal Marsden cancer hospital by downloading our Surrey Fashion Week performer, ‘X Factor’star Russell Jones Jr.’s charming new charity single, especially recorded in collaboration with multiinstrumentalist James Jones.
Available on iTunes here: https://music.apple.com/gb/album/se nd-me-one-present-or-two-featjamesjones/1862050218?i=1862050219
Happy listening!
Zeno - Horley’s Go-To Italian Finally, we enjoyed a fab friends & family meal with Julie and
her son JJ - of Horley Town Crier’s ‘Epic Eats’ fame - at Horley’s goto Italian restaurant Zeno on Massetts Road last week. The ultimate destination for those seeking authentic Italian flavours,with a focus on fresh, delicious food, Zeno and his team are passionate about providing both high-quality gastronomy and service.
Offering a variety of Italian dishes prepared with the finest ingredients to the highest standard, enjoy a memorable experience with mouthwatering meals including traditional and contemporary pizzas, pastas and other traditional Italian dishes at this top family-friendly restaurant right on our doorstep.
‘Til next time, happy eating,
Photo: Russell Jones Jr. after his performance at the Ideal Home Christmas 2025
Commended & Recommended
Horley’s Diamond Signature Cleaning Servicerecommended by our columnist Angela Sara West
@angela_sara_west
Looking for a home refresh? Your office calling for a deep clean? Look no further than Horley’s Diamond Signature Cleaning Service, delivering reliable residential and commercial cleaning direct to your door.
From residential homes, office spaces, classroom and commercial buildings, bringing their signature touch of excellence and care to every clean, Diamond Signature’s team is dedicated to making every environment shine.
Established for 15 years and on a mission to provide exceptional, spotless results with care and precision, the lovely Helen and her top cleaning team save you time and give you peace of mind, specialising in:
• Home cleaning
• Office & commercial cleaning
• Deep cleaning
• Move-in/move-out cleaning
• Post-construction cleaning
• End-of-tenancy cleaning
• School & private property cleaning
Fully insured and DBS checked, offering you the highest level of trust and professionalism, Diamond Signature Cleaning Service’s experienced staff use contemporary equipment coupled with eco-friendly cleaning products.
With a 100% satisfaction guarantee, this exceptional company’s commitment to excellence strives to exceed expectations, adding their signature touch and shine to your space every time!
www.diamondsignaturecleans.co.uk
SUPPORT LOCAL. BE SEEN. GET RESULTS.
Put your business in front of the people who matter most your community.
The Town Crier offers limited advertising space for local businesses, with highly competitive rates on quarter-, half-, and full-page ads.
✔ Build local goodwill
✔ Become a community sponsor
✔ Attract new customers
Spaces are limited don’t miss out.
Email me now at horleytowncrier@gmail.com
Grab this Special!
I am now running a Special on paid advertising in order to help local businesses as much as I can.
Until further notice, ads will cost:
£12 per issue for a quarter page (about the size of this box)
£25 per issue for a one-half page
£50 per issue for a full page
Email me now to book your ad in the February issue.
mailto:horleytowncrier@gmail.com
The next meeting of Horley Local History Society will be on 22nd January at the Regent Hall, Albert Road, Horley.
We shall meet at 7.30pm for an 8.00pm start to hear the 2nd part of The History of Aviation by Peter Griffiths.
Guests are welcome for just a £2 entry fee.
Full details on our website at www.horleyhistory.org.uk or by e mail from treasurer@horleyhistory.org.uk.
Thinking Outside the Box
by Kate Megson, The Purple Funeral Celebrant
We all have opinions and thoughts about every aspect of our lives –what will we eat tonight, what new series shall we start watching, but have you ever asked yourself what you would like for your funeral? Or have you asked a loved one about their wishes as to what they want to happen to their body following death, and how they would like their life celebrated?
Death is guaranteed to come to us all, but it shouldn’t be a taboo subject, talking about it doesn’t bring it on, and it can be an enlightening conversation to talk about how life can be celebrated.
There are so many options available to us now amongst the traditional and well know cremation and burial. What you are laid to rest in has developed so much over the last few years – you could be in a cardboard coffin which family members have decorated, a woollen shroud or even a mycelium pod which is a coffin made from mushroom spores.
You can opt for a natural burial in the beautiful natural burial sites in Sussex and Surrey – ensuring that you are laid to rest at one with nature and with minimal environmental impact.
Ashes can be incorporated into memory bears, vinyl records, memorial jewellery or glass to make a vase or a piece of art. Ashes can even be sent into space or scattered by drone over a favourite place.
Reduce costs by having an unattended cremation – so no mourners at the Crematorium, but then have a Celebration of Life event at a place that means something to you – the golf club, the beach or in beautiful woodland.
Your service can include your favourite pieces of music, play sound effects related to your interests like birdsong or a steam train. Photos of the memories you made in life can be shown on screens, and mementos of your passions can be displayed on your coffin or at your celebration of life.
You might like those attending to wear a particular colour or motif that really represents you. At a celebration of life event, guests can sing along to songs, dance, be invited to share memories or each given something to remember you by, such as wildflower seed balls which have your ashes incorporated into them.
You might think you don’t have any strong desires or wishes, but be brave, and start a conversation with someone, as when you talk about it, you will help those you leave behind to know what to do.
Continued on next page
The Purple Celebrant continued from previous page
As a funeral celebrant who leads services throughout Surrey, Sussex and Kent, it’s wonderful when family and friends are able to fulfil their loved ones wishes. If you would like a Purple Plan to help capture your wishes, please email me at kate@thepurplecelebrant.co.uk, note down your thoughts, and file it away for when it is needed.
Farewell for now!
The February 2026 issue is already under construction so please don’t miss out and get your submissions in early.