It has been a very busy and interesting week around Horsham.
It was a glorious weekend – and fabulous to see the brand new Cricket Pavilion opened for Nuthurst Cricket Club (which has been playing since 1830) on Mannings Heath Common. On the other side of the Common the Village Hall was celebrating its refurbishment and looking great. Brighton Road Baptist Church on Saturday celebrated the arrival of Michael Hogg who joins them as the Church’s Leader in Community Evangelism. Sunday – under the same bright skies that witnessed the Battle of Britain 79 years ago – a commemoration was held in Carfax of those that fought that Battle and those who have continued to defend us since. While we were sorry to miss the RAF cadets this year they were very much in evidence the preceding day raising funds around town for the RAF Benevolent Fund and its good to have a very active detachment (the 1015 (Horsham) Squadron ATC) locally.
I provided independent oversight to the counting of votes for the Billingshurst Parish poll on whether or not to invest in a “Youth Café” to enhance facilities for young people in the heart of the village – the resolution was approved with 80 per cent in favour. It was also a pleasure to join the “Rusty Brains” walk for Alzheimer’s UK for the third year in Horsham Park. Also supporting those living with dementia and their families is the Billingshurst Dementia Café: held every second Saturday morning in the month, to which all are welcome. It was great to pop in having seen the Billingshurst Fire Station wow the village with a great display.
Many will have been thrilled by the huge success of the Horsham Beer Festival and we are indebted to Nick Southon and Tim Pitts for keeping it going this year (and, they have brilliantly promised, next) in memory of Gareth Jones whose Beer Shop was known to many and who was the mastermind behind the Festival for many years. Local brewer, Weltons, produced a “Gareth’s Dark Ruby Mild” in his honour and funds were raised for St Catherine’s Hospice. I think we all hope that this popular festival and showcase for our brilliant local brewers can thrive for many years to come.
Photo Credit: Jeremy Quin joined Chairman Barbara Scarborough, Sponsors, Supporters and local fund raisers to celebrate the completion of the refurbishment of Mannings Heath Village Hall on Saturday.