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Members of the Horsham BID Task Group (©AAH/Alan Wright)

HORSHAM BID SCHEME APPROVED

Businesses in the town centre recently voted in favour of becoming a Business Improvement District (BID). Horsham BID has produced a strategic business plan that aims to improve life for those working in or visiting the town. Full story here.

Ifield Meadows are popular with dog walkers (©AAH/Alan Wright)

SAVE WEST OF IFIELD GROUP

West of Ifield in planning documents - has been earmarked by Horsham District Council for development. It would initially accommodate 3,000 new homes, making it the largest new site for ‘strategic scale’ development in the latest version of the HDC’s Local Plan. Full story here.

Carla and Tom are both Collyer’s Ambassadors (©AAH/Alan Wright)

COLLYER'S COLLEGE IN HORSHAM

There have been many changes to Collyer’s since it was founded 491 years ago,yet today, it has a reputation as one of the leading sixth-form colleges in the region while remaining true to the ethos of its founding father. For full story click here.

Mark Hart of Barnes Construction, Giles Tomsett, Chief Executive of STCH and Terry O’ Leary, Chair of Trustees, at the key handover (©AAH/AW)
ST CATHERINE'S HOSPICE MOVES TO PEASE POTTAGE

Work on the new 19.5m St Catherine’s Hospice at Pease Pottage has been completed. Barnes Construction presented a ceremonial key to the charity on Thursday 23 November, symbolising the end of construction and the start of a new home for the charity, which has until now been located at Malthouse Road in Crawley. Full story here.

Duncan and Kate Heath at Hazel Hide (©AAH/Alan Wright)

HAZEL HIDE AT HEATH FLOWER FARM

Kate and Duncan Heath have built a beautiful timber-framed cabin in an isolated location at Heath Flower Farm, Ashington. AAH met the couple to find out more about their quirky venture. Read the full story here.

Morris Dancing (©AAH/Alan Wright)

FLORAL FRINGE FAIR

This year was the 10th staging of the Floral Fringe Fair, founded by Jean and Stephen Jackman in 2012 to celebrate all things quirky and eccentric. After moving between several venues, the fair was held in Loxwood for the first time. For full story, click here.

ABC Animal Sanctuary

ABC ANIMAL SANCTUARY IN WEST CHILTINGTON

The West Chiltington-based charity cares for a wide range of animals including pigs, goats, cats, birds and horses. A recent Open Weekend gave visitors a chance to groom Shetland ponies Buddy and Raffles, and revel in the mischievous antics of Paddy, one of three Boer goats. For full story, click here.

Sabrina Cohen-Hatton with ‘Menace’  (©AAH/Alan Wright)

HORSHAM FIRE STATION

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (WSFRS) has opened its new training centre and fire station in Horsham. Full story here. 

Shipley Soapbox Derby (©AAH/Alan Wright)

SHIPLEY SOAPBOX DERBY

The Shipley Soapbox Derby was staged for the second time on Saturday 3 June. Hosted by Shipley CE Primary School, the event attracted a large crowd, who cheered competitors of all ages as they flew down the short downhill track. AAH was there to speak to some of the star performers, as well as organiser Sarah Cuthbertson. Click here for full story.

The Wildlife Garden at Chesworth Farm (©AAH/Alan Wright)
CHESWORTH FARM WILDLIFE GARDEN
Chesworth Farm is a popular, scenic escape for many Horsham residents. In May 2023, a new wildlife garden and viewing platform were opened, improving the experience for visitors and encouraging more animals to the 90-acre farm. For full store, click here.
The Refill Shop (©AAH/Alan Wright)

SUSSEX GREEN HUB

The Sussex Green Hub is held on the last Saturday of every month at the URC on Springfield Road (opposite St John the Evangelist Church and near The Lynd Cross) from 10am – 4pm. The event offers information on recycling schemes as well as a community café. For full story, click here.

Harry Goring at All Saints Church, Buncton

ALL SAINTS CHURCH, BUNCTON

Surrounded by farmland in the shadow of the South Downs, All Saints Church at Buncton remains one of the District’s hidden gems. Read the full story here.

John Lewis Christmas Advert 2022

FOSTERING IN WEST SUSSEX

John Lewis has also formed close ties with the West Sussex County Council's Fostering Recruitment team, which has been keen to take advantage of the national publicity the advert has generated. Full story here

Ian WIlliams demonstrates horse ploughing (©AAH/Alan Wright)

WEST GRINSTEAD & DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY PLOUGHING MATCH

The 151st West Grinstead & District Ploughing & Agricultural Society held its annual Ploughing Match & Show on Saturday 17 September 2022. For the report and pictures click here

The Meeting House in Worthing Road, Horsham (©AAH/Alan Wright)

THE HORSHAM QUAKERS

“I often say that I can’t understand why everyone isn’t a Quaker,” says Tony Cocks, a familiar face at the Meeting House in Worthing Road, Horsham. “It seems to me that the Quakers lead the way in terms of reflecting society. We are concerned about the environment and climate change, have strong views on war and human rights, and  accommodate practically any definition of God.” Click here for full story

Wey & Arun Canal (©AAH/Alan Wright)

THE WEY & ARUN CANAL

The Wey & Arun Canal links the River Wey in the north at Shalford (just north of Bramley) and the River Arun at Pallingham in the south. Along the 27-mile route, it fringes or passes through villages including Cranleigh, Dunsfold, Loxwood and Wisborough Green. Full story here

Outdoor activities are important to the pupils (©AAH/Alan Wright)

NEW BARN SCHOOL

Tucked away in a rural location on Guildford Road, Broadbridge Heath, New Barn is a purpose-built school for children and young people on the autism spectrum. Currently, it caters for pupils aged 7 - 19, with both primary and secondary provision. Full story here

Adam Streeter, General Manager at Leonardslee  (©AAH/Alan Wright)
LEONARDSLEE GARDENS IN LOWER BEEDING

It may be that the days of world fame are long gone, but there is great excitement and anticipation now that the Leonardslee estate has been bought by entrepreneur Penny Streeter. Click here for more.

Isabella Tree on the Knepp Estate  (©AAH/Alan Wright)

KNEPP ESTATE REWILDING PROJECT

The Knepp estate is home to one of the most successful rewilding projects in the country. Having been intensely farmed for generations, longhorn cattle, Tamworth pigs, Exmoor ponies and red and fallow deer now freely roam the 3-500-acre estate. Click here for full story

A Carthusian monk steps into the Church (©AAH/Alan Wright)

THE MONKS OF ST HUGH'S

In 2011, AAH visited St Hugh’sCharterhouse, Parkminster. Readers have asked us about it ever since, fascinated by the lives of the men inside the only Carthusian Monastery in the UK. Here, we return for the first time in ten years. Click here for full story

The Headteacher takes a stroll with pupils (©AAH/Alan Wright)

BOHUNT HORSHAM SCHOOL OPENS

The District has a new secondary school, with the opening of Bohunt Horsham. Situated on the new north Horsham development, recently named Mowbray, the school welcomed pupils for the first time after the Christmas break. For full story, click here

Roffey Vaccination Centre

ROFFEY VACCINATION CENTRE

Bluecoat Sports Centre in Christ’s Hospital has administered over 75,000 vaccinations and is one of the country’s leading centres for the booster roll-out. AAH visited the Millennium Hall to meet medical staff, immunisers, managers and volunteers…For full story, click here

Farlington School

FARLINGTON SCHOOL CELEBRATES 125 YEARS

Farlington School celebrates its 125-year anniversary this year and its third as a co-educational school. The arrival of the first boys in 2018 was followed by the first Headmaster, James Passam. For full story, click here.

Horsham District Council wants to bring the community closer to nature (Courtesy of Horsham District Council)

ROOKWOOD HOUSING DEBATE

Of all the green spaces being considered for development in the Horsham District, one is proving to be more controversial than the rest. Rookwood. For full story, click here

Coronavirus Volunteers in Horsham ©Sharon Goldring

VOLUNTEERS DURING CORONAVIRUS IN HORSHAM

 response to Coronavirus, Volunteer Hubs were established to help the most vulnerable people. Horsham District Council worked in partnership with social media and community groups to co-ordinate a fast and efficient response to enquiries, ranging from food shortages to emotional support. For full story, click here

Muntham House School

MUNTHAM HOUSE SCHOOL FEATURE

We visit Muntham House School in barns green. Is there more to it than a school for naughty children? Click here for More

Holbrook Animal Rescue Centre

HOLBROOK ANIMAL RESCUE CENTRE

Holbrook Animal Rescue in Horsham centre predominantly focuses on caring for and re-homing domestic animals - mainly dogs and cats . For full story, click here

Article on Lodge Hill

LODGE HILL ACTIVITY CENTRE

Every year, about 28,000 people enjoy the remarkable outdoor activity centre at Lodge Hill in Pulborough. For full story click here

Woody's Attic at Cobblestone Walk

COBBLESTONE WALK IN STEYNING

Visitors could easily miss the shopping arcade in the heart of Steyning’s High Street. But those who do venture inside Cobblestone Walk are treated to fascinating shops full of character. For the full story click here

Stephen Jackman Clock Courses

STEPHEN JACKMAN'S CLOCK COURSES

Stephen Jackman has worked with clocks for 14 years. His full-time business is repairing, servicing and making them, specialising in Grandfather clocks and musical pieces. Full story here

Amberley Museum & Heritage Centre

AMBERLEY MUSEUM & HERITAGE CENTRE

Traditional Crafts & Skills on show as Amberley Museum & Heritage Centre celebrates 40 years. For full story click here

Britaniacrest Recycling in Warnham

PLANS FOR INCINERATOR IN HORSHAM

In 2018, plans for a new incinerator in Horsham were rejected by West Sussex County Council.Now, Britaniacrest Recycling is attempting to overturn the council’s decision. Full story here

Lifespring

LIFESPRING: A NEW CHURCH FOR HORSHAM

Lifespring is a reincarnation of King’s Church, part of the Newfrontiers network of evangelical churches around the world. For the full story click here

Sussex Prairie Gardens

SUSSEX PRAIRIE GARDENS

Sussex Prairie Gardens near Henfield is celebrating 10 years as one of the most unusual gardens in the District. Read the full story here

Unitarian Church

HORSHAM UNITARIAN CHURCH

The difficult to define Horsham Unitarians meet in what is undoubtedly the most unassuming of Horsham’s churches.For full article click here

Denne Road Cemetery

DENNE ROAD CEMETERY IN HORSHAM

Denne Road cemetery is an important part of the town’s historic heritage. Buried here are people whose lives and work contributed significantly to the Horsham that we know today. For full story click here

East Clayton Farm

EAST CLAYTON FARM IN WASHINGTON

Pitched at the foot of the South Downs, a charity is offering the chance for people in need to engage in rural life. We visited East Clayton Farm on Storrington Road, Washington. Full story here

QEII Silver Jubilee School

QEII SILVER JUBILEE SCHOOL: A CREATIVE EDUCATION

Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee School uses performing arts to enhance pupils’ education. For the full story click here

St Mary's House Bramber

ST MARY'S HOUSE IN BRAMBER

Whilst St Mary’s captivates passers-by with its simple charm, those entering inside enjoy a tapestry of intriguing features, with every room telling a story. For full story click here

Horsham Ice Rink

HORSHAM ICE RINK

Horsham ice rink proved to be a pleasant surprise, adding some much-needed magic sparkle to Christmas in Horsham. Read the full story here

Knepp Safari

KNEPP SAFARI

The Knepp estate is running safari tours to demonstrate the success of its rewilding project. For full story lick here

RSPB Pulborough Brooks
RSPB PULBOROUGH BROOKS

Through binoculars, I’m looking out across the wetlands of Pulborough Brooks, to a willow tree where a Peregrine Falcon is perched. It dawns on me that this is the first time I’ve seen one in the wild; at least one that I knew was a Peregrine. Click here for more

Parham House
PARHAM HOUSE AND GARDENS
Parham Gardens is one of the region's most fascinating homes, with a garden on the verge of chaos delighting both Parham's residents and thousands of annual visitors. Click here for full story

Horsham Riverside Walk

THE STORY OF HORSHAM RIVERSIDE WALK

The Riverside Walk is a 13-mile trail around the outskirts of Horsham, taking in many beautiful and historic sites. Full story at https://aahorsham.co.uk/content/riversidewalk

Horsham town Christmas lights

HORSHAM BLUEPRINT FORUM

 Horsham Blueprint is an open forum for the people who live or work in the town to contribute ideas for a neighbourhood plan. https://www.aahorsham.co.uk/content/blueprint

Roots to Growth

ROOTS TO GROWTH

Roots to Growth is a scheme run on the edge of the Wiston Esatte in Washington, in which vulnerably housed people can grow their own produce. Full story at https://www.aahorsham.co.uk/content/roots2growth

CoCo's Foundation

STORY OF THE COCO'S FOUNDATION

The team have recently returned from another emotiuon trip to South Africa. Next, the charity - formed by a team of local hairdressers - could expand to Nepal.. Full story at https://www.aahorsham.co.uk/content/cocos

Girlguiding Horsham

GIRLGUIDING IN HORSHAM

Despite major changes in modern society, the Girlguiding movement remains as popular as ever here in Horsham, thanks in part to the gift of a campsite. For a full report see https://www.aahorsham.co.uk/content/girlguides

Sedgwick Park House

SEDGWICK PARK HOUSE

Sedgwick Park House is one of the most historic sites in the district. We meet current owners John and Clare Davison, who have big ideas for the future. Full story at https://www.aahorsham.co.uk/content/sedgwick

 

Billingshurst Unitarian Chapel

BILLINGSHURST UNITARIAN CHURCH

The Chapel may be tucked away off Billingshurst High Street, but after an English Heritage grant, the Unitarians are making a song and dance in the community.  https://www.aahorsham.co.uk/content/unitarians

Oak Tree Farm Care

OAK TREE FARM: RURAL CARE

A focus on outdoor activities that appeals to the people (most of whom have an autistic spectrum disorder) that visit Oaktree Farm Care each week. Full story at https://www.aahorsham.co.uk/content/oaktree

Horsham Gingerbread
REVIVING HORSHAM'S FAMED GINGERBREAD
Horsham's was famous for its gingerbread, but was all but forgotten for nearly 100 years. Now, Horsham's traditional gingerbread is back on the shelves. Story at https://www.aahorsham.co.uk/content/gingerbread
Guy Bridgewater, Vicar of Horsham
HISTORY OF ST MARY'S CHURCH IN HORSHAM
We visit St Mary's, the ancient parish church of Horsham, and meet a vicar who is trying to balance all aspects of the church in a modern world. For the full story visit https://www.aahorsham.co.uk/content/stmarys

Warnham Nature Reserve

WARNHAM NATURE RESERVE REMAINS A HIDDEN GEM

Warnham Nature Reserve continues to be one of the ebst spots in Sussex to view local wildlife. As well as having one of the county's biggest heronry, rare sightings have included an Osprey and Avocets. For the full story see https://www.aahorsham.co.uk/content/warnhamnature

 

North Horsham

CONCERN FOR GREENFIELD LAND IN NORTH HORSHAM

Horsham Council has outlined a plan to build on land in North Horsham. But the plan has been labelled 'illogical' by the Horsham Society. For the full story visit https://www.aahorsham.co.uk/content/northhorsham

 

 

Storror
STORROR: A FREE RUNNING SENSATION
Storror, a group of free runners, may have started life in horsham but they have gone on to thrill crowds around Europe with their incredible stunts. Click here for more.
David Hellyer
THE PUPPET MASTER
David’s full time job is as a Youth Leader at Kingdom Faith Church, but in his spare time he runs Hellyer’s Puppet Workshop, creating puppets similar to those on Sesame Street or The Muppets.  Click here for more
St Leonard's Forest

THE STORY OF ST LEONARDS FOREST

St Leonards has spent more than a century recovering from two great battles. Firstly it was plundered for its timber, and then it came under attack from an army...of rabbits! Click here for More

Spitfire Experience
SPITFIRE EXPERIENCE IN WISBOROUGH GREEN CABIN
A fantastic replica cockpit of a World War Two spitfire has been connected to a simulator to create a unique experience in a Wisborough Green cabin. See menu link...
Pond near Mannings Heath

HOW HAMMER PONDS DROVE THE IRON INDUSTRY

Horsham is fortunate in that it boasts a number of beautiful, tranquil ponds, which are located across the High Weald. But once upon a time these ponds were bustling sites of an extensive, environmentally destructive iron industry. Click here for More

Ridge Farm Studio

RIDGE FARM STUDIO IN RUSPER

Just five years after the release of Be Here Now by Oasis, Ridge Farm Studio in Rusper closed. Here is the story of one of the great rural studios. Click here for More

The Blue Idol

THE BLUE IDOL QUAKERS AND WILLIAM PENN

The Blue Idol in Coolham was founded by Quakers including William Penn, a man who would have a huge impact on the history of America. Read about his life. Click here for More

Warminghurst Church

THE MAGIC OF WARMINGHURST CHURCH

Warminghurst Church is far from being one of the wonders of the world. But any visitor to the church will be in little doubt that they have found one of the great hidden treasures of the Horsham district. Click here for More

YMCA Horsham

YMCA: THERE'S NO NEED TO FEEL DOWN

We tend not to think of Horsham as a town that has an issue with homelessness.That's largely down to the work of Horsham Y Centre. Click here for More

Jonathan Lucas

WARNHAM DEER PARK: SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST

Breaking the record for the number of points is not the ultimate goal at Warnham Park Estate which has been world-renowned for its Red Deer for over a century. Click here for More

West Grinstead Station

WEST GRINSTEAD STATION

Ken Bartlett was the station master on the last day, and 46 years since his last day at the station, he remains a local resident. Click here for More

Dame Vera Lynn Trust School for Parents

DAME VERA LYNN TRUST SCHOOL FOR PARENTS

In Five Oaks near Billingshurst, there is a special school that is achieving incredible results in helping parents develop the skills of children with cerebral palsy. Click here for More

Colditz Glider

RE-CREATING AN ESCAPE FROM COLDITZ

During World War Two, British prisoners of war at Colditz Castle began work on one of the most daring of escape attempts ever considered. Click here for More

Great House Farm

FIGHT FOR GREAT HOUSE FARM

Barry and Owen Charman have switched from dairy farming to beef farming at the historic Great House Farm in Southwater. Click here for More

Tom at the Amber Foundation

AMBER FOUNDATION: GIVING PEOPLE A SECOND CHANCE

No to days are ver the same at The Amber Foundation in Ockley, which helps troubled young people get back on their feet  Click here for More

Kingdom Faith

KINGDOM FAITH CHURCH'S GROWING INFLUENCE

Kingdom Faith has been growing steadily over the years, but in recent years its impact and influence on Horsham has been more evident. Click here for More

Christ's Hospital Band

ONCE A BLUE, ALWAYS A BLUE

Christ’s Hospital School is unlike any other school in the world. We visited on a very special day to find out why... Click here for More

Chanctonbury Ring

ARE THERE GHOSTS ON CHANCTONBURY RING?

Chanctonbury Ring has, for many years, been a site of great archeological and historical interest. But is it haunted Click here for More

Camelia Botnar Foundation

THE CAMELIA BOTNAR FOUNDATION

In Cowfold on the rural outskirts of Horsham, the Camelia Botnar Foundation has been providing incredible opportunities for such young people for more than 30 years. Click here for More

Duncan at The Greets

THE STORY OF THE ACID BATH MURDERER

When the head of Horsham CID forced open the door of a small brick building in February 1949, he had walked -unwittingly - straight into John George Haigh’s workshop of death. Click here for More