It’s Saturday morning and the halls are alive with the sound of music at Millais School in Horsham. A youth orchestra are busy rehearsing Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance, while youngsters in the early stages of their musical education are learning to play...
A well-established, all-female choir in Horsham has undergone a transformation, changing its name and expanding its repertoire. One Accord choir, which meets at the Holy Trinity Church in Rushams Road, Horsham on Wednesday afternoons, was founded about 65 years ago...
West Grinstead-based artist Claire Harrison creates semi-abstract works inspired by the natural world. Her latest series of paintings, Portrait of Nature, explores mankind’s relationship with the earth and has been featured in a renowned art publication. Here, Claire...
So, who’s this then? Ben Downton, a 34-year-old drum and bass producer from Horsham. Under the pseudonym Low:r he recently released his debut album, Can You Hear Me? What is drum and bass? A genre of electronic music that emerged from the ashes of the UK jungle scene...
The Horsham Ukulele Society meets on alternate Tuesdays at the King’s Arms in the Bishopric. The Society was formed in 2019 by Matt Gunning, who had previously established a ukulele group in Balham, south London, before moving to Horsham. Matt said: ‘I started playing...
When I first walked into the Nifty Gallery in Storrington High Street, I was struck by the vast variety of art displayed. First to grab my attention was the abstract paintings of fields of cows or sheep, as well as the bright colours in pictures of geometric houses....
The COVID lockdowns inspired many of us to take up new hobbies or embark on a creative journey. For Steyning artist Sarah Duffield, a pandemic side project has presented exciting new directions. Feeling that she was becoming “stuck” in her artistic approach, Sarah set...
Lize Kruger established herself as an artist in South Africa, before a family tragedy led to an extended sabbatical. Now living in Horsham, her astonishing, multi-layered, digitally enhanced art is in demand all over the world. Here, Lize describes her journey…...
During the long Easter weekend, you may have been listening to Classic FM’s Hall of Fame, an annual countdown of the 300 greatest pieces of classical music, as voted for by listeners. You may have wondered where you own favourite would appear, or if Vaughan Williams’...
Steve Bicknell worked as a professional photographer before finding further success in publishing, specialising in calendars and children’s books. In recent years, he has pursued a passion for sculpture, working from a studio in Thakeham. Here, Steve describes his...
Horsham Folk Club meets at the Normandy Centre in Denne Road, Horsham, every Sunday evening. Formed during a folk revival inspired by artists such as Martin Carthy, Peter Seegar and Bob Dylan, the club has survived countless venue changes over more than half a...
Founded more than 40 years ago at Manor House in the Causeway, the small amateur dramatics group Manor Theatre Group perform everything from comedy sketches to murder mysteries to adapted plays. After a lengthy lay-off due to COVID, the group returned with a raucous...
The West Sussex Philharmonic Choir, Horsham’s leading choral society for more than 40 years, performed its first concert under new Musical Director Sean Bui in November 2021. Joining the 60-strong choir to sing Haydn’s ‘The Creation’ at St Mary’s Church was a trio of...
Sometimes, it’s hard for a casual observer to appreciate the hours behind an artist’s creations. But that’s not the case with Horsham-based textile artist Vicky Glyn. The intricate mesh of colours and shapes is immediately apparent in works such as ‘Presence,’ made...
South Downs Strings featuring violinists Sheraine Lynsdale-Nock and Dawn Kelleher, cellist Emily Mitchell and Bimbi Urquhart on viola. They perform at weddings and events across West Sussex and beyond. A String Quartet then? It’s more a collective of musicians....
Former tattoo artist Danny Fuller has turned his hand to model making, with a new range of figures inspired by his interest in the realms of fantasy. Danny describes his journey in the own words... TATTOO LEGACY Many people know me from my time at Red Dragon Tattoo...
Jamie Ampleford resisted the pressure to explore more contemporary forms whilst studying Fine Art. Instead, he paints and draws his own way, with a focus on achieving a perfect likeness in his portraits. Now, with a growing portfolio of work in an impressive array of...
The Barns Green Players has been pivotal to village life for generations. Still as strong as ever, the Players staged their annual pantomime at the village hall in January. As AAH watched the dress rehearsal, director Graeme Muncer, cast members Neale Francis and...