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...
Lunch atop a Skyscraper has become one of the world’s most iconic photographs. The snap of eleven workers sat on a steel girder during construction of the Rockefeller Centre, New York in 1932 has been subject to countless parodies over the years. The Simpsons, the...
It started with sewing... I used to draw a lot as a child, but my true passion was needlework. This continued into adulthood. I would tailor my own clothes, regularly travelling into London to buy fabrics from Liberty or John Lewis, so that everything I created was...
My dad was a part-time artist, but art didn’t interest me much when I was growing up. Perhaps I was playing the part of the rebellious teenager, refusing to study art as my father felt that I should. Whilst I was good at drawing, I did little aside from copying LP...
During her University days, Hollie Rogers stumbled upon an interesting musical combination. She found that the lyrics of The Blower’s Daughter, the best known song by her favourite songwriter, Damien Rice, made a pleasant companion to the tune of No Surprises by...
Turquoise is, apparently, a very trendy colour at the moment. One fashion magazine recently declared that it is now “okay to use turquoise”, to the great relief of Aston Villa football club, parakeets and tropical island beach resorts. It’s also timely for Keith and...