Sounding Out Horsham

South African chef Jean Delport is described as the 'culinary visionary and creative force' at Restaurant Interlude, the Michelin-starred restaurant at the Leonardslee Estate.  Jean has been wowing diners at the restaurant where he leads the team as executive chef since it opened in 2018 and in March 2025 he impressed the judges - and viewers - of the 20th series of the BBC TV show Great British Menu with his culinary wizardry, winning the chance to create two of the five dishes for the final banquet.  A couple of weeks after his TV appearance, on a beautiful spring day, we headed down to Restaurant Interlude to talk to Jean all about his experience on the show, Interlude, his journey as a chef, his love of local produce found in and around Horsham and much more!     

English romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley was born at Field Place in Warnham in 1792, spending his formative years at his family home. His family is well-connected with the Horsham District too.  While he wrote famous poems such as Ozymandias, Queen Mab and To A Skylark and influenced many poets and writers, including Robert Browning, WB Yeats, Thomas Hardy and George Bernard Shaw, Shelley - whose second wife Mary Shelley authored the famous gothic novel Frankenstein - never knew fame during his lifetime.  Despite Percy Bysshe Shelley's posthumous influence and literary reputation, many of us are unaware of the writer's connection to Horsham and know little about his life, other than his works. However, our guests for this episode - Carol Hayton and David Hide - directors of The Shelley Memorial Project - are among those hoping to change that.  The Shelley Memorial Project wants to create a lasting public memorial to Percy Bysshe Shelley to commemorate Horsham's famous former citizen.  To find out more, we gathered around a table at the Shelley Arms in Broadbridge Heath to talk about Shelley, his connection to Horsham, and the project's plans to honour him.   

Did you know that famous dinosaur the Iguanadon was discovered in Sussex? And that Horsham has its very own dinosaur - the Horshamosaurus?  These facts and more were some of the fantastic discoveries we made by talking to George Graham-Payne, assistant curator at Horsham Museum, where there's a new exhibition dedicated to, yes you've guessed it, dinosaurs!  For fans of palaeontology and anyone interested in learning more about the creatures who inhabited the earth millions of years ago.  Creataceous Horsham: Discovering Dinosaurs runs until 21 April at Horsham Museum. Find out more here.   

After performing live in venues around West Sussex for a couple of years, local band Graffiti released their first single.  Nobody Knows Where We Are Going is now available on all streaming services and is gathering rave reviews. Written by 17-year-old musician Charlie Shuttleworth, who founded Graffiti with friend Alex Wadham-Smith, and produced by Jamie Amos it's the first step in this young band's route to stardom.  You can hear an excerpt in this episode where we met with Charlie and Alex  just before the release of their new tune, to talk about their music and their future plans. Follow Graffiti on Instagram @graffiti_band22

Anna and Emma speak to some of the individuals who make the festive season extra special for us in Horsham. Download this Christmas special 2024 to hear from Reverend Canon Lisa Barnett about the services planned at St Mary's Church; Rebecca McDowell at the Rec Rink about turning a roller rink into an ice rink and Simon Teesdale at Horsham Food Rocks on plans for festive shopping and festivities in the Carfax.  Merry Christmas!  Sound effects credit: Pixabay - Sergei Chetvertnykh, Bryan Jesus De Los Santos Breton, Calvin Clavier

Allotments: Maybe not the most fascinating of topics on the surface, but as we dug deeper (yes, we love a pun!) with guest Maggie Weir-Wilson we found out there's more to them than you might think. Maggie, who had an allotment for 10 years, spent two years researching information for her latest book - Growing Together - Horsham's Town Allotments - where she unveils the history of Horsham's allotment sites and shares her own passion for allotmenteering.  In this episode we also discuss how Maggie took up a new career in retirement and talk to her about her previous and future books on Horsham.  Maggie's books - Secret Horsham, St Leonard's Forest and Growing Together - Horsham's Town Allotments - can be found in Waterstones, or on Amazon UK.  For more information about Maggie Weir-Wilson and her work visit https://maggieweirwilson.co.uk/

Jodie Munday is a force to be reckoned with. Having carved out a name for herself as a talented singer-songwriter who has strummed a guitar and sung practically everywhere in Horsham (as well as outside it!), she started teaching ukulele to primary school children.  If that wasn't enough, in 2021, she took on the running of The King's Arms pub on the Bishopric which she has turned into an award-winning boozer. There are even more strings to Jodie's bow, as we found out when we visited her at The King's Arms.  Find out more about The Kings Arms here: https://kingsarmshorsham.com/ Follow Jodie on Instagram for music updates @_the_singing_landlady

Ahead of the General Election on 4 July 2024, Anna and Emma quiz the candidates standing for election in the Horsham constituency to find out what issues they think matter most to Horsham's electorate; what governmental areas are most important to them and why they should get your vote.   

Interest in our episode on foraging with James Plumb has been high - it's one of our most downloaded! - and since we met James in September 2022 for our tour around Leechpool Woods, he's been gradually learning more and more about plants and fungi that grow around Sussex and beyond.  With all this in mind, we thought we'd meet up with James again. This time, to find out about the plants growing in Horsham during spring and summer. We headed to Horsham Park* for a wild food identification and foraging foray with our favourite forager (we love alliteration)  James, who is now running guided foraging tours in the area, told us about the types of plants that are consumable - and warned us of those that should be avoided due to their toxicity.  *Horsham Park was selected as the perfect location to drive our awareness of the types of plants you can find foraging in the countryside for this episode. Please do not take any plants or flowers from Horsham Park.  Please do not consume any foods found in the wild without checking they are safe to eat first.  Follow James on Instagram on @south_east_foraging and find details of his courses on eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/south-east-foraging-horsham-west-sussex-uk-72397911543

In this episode we talk to psychic Sue Durdle (who happens to be Emma's mum) about the 'gift' she found herself with 40 years ago.  Sue gives an insight into her work as a clairvoyant and shares many unexplainable instances and stories of people she has met over the last four decades. 

A YouGov survey carried out in 2015 found that author was the most desired job in the UK, with 60% of Brits stating that would be their dream occupation. It's not an easy job to come by, however and, as we found out by speaking to our guest, Lisa Brace, takes A LOT of hard work and persistence to land a publishing deal.  Lisa's first novel - Star Survivor - is out in March 2024 so we talked to her all about her new book, how she managed to get published, future plans and more.  This episode is a must-listen for book lovers and budding writers.  To find out more about Lisa Brace and her work visit https://www.lisabrace.co.uk/

As a celebrant / OneSpirit Interfaith minister, Jean Francis has led many life events and celebrations, including weddings, naming ceremonies and funerals.  Although it sounds like a morbid area, it's the last type of ceremony on the list, and the subject of death, that Jean was keen to talk to us about. Understandably, many of us shy away from talking about what we'd like to happen when we die, but as we discuss in this episode, it can be beneficial for us and our loved ones if we give some thought to how we'd like to celebrate and commemorate our lives when they end.  Besides, as Jean points out when we met her: "Just talking about something, doesn't mean it is going to happen." You can find out more about Jean's Last Wishes Workshops here All proceeds from her workshops are donated to  www.sussexgreenliving.co.uk.

Get the festive feels in this special Christmas episode recorded in December 2023. Join Anna and Emma as they discuss Christmas traditions - in Horsham, the UK and Sweden - and their favourite things about 'the most wonderful time of the year'   Sound effects from Pixabay

You might not know sculptor Hannah Stewart, but you probably know her work. Hannah's wonderful Horsham creations include the St Leonard's Dragon in the centre of the maze in Horsham Park and the Iguanodon in Lintot Square in Southwater.  Hannah has also carried out many other private and public commissions over the last 20 or so years and her beautiful bronze sculptures can be found in all parts of the world.  In this episode we visited Hannah in her Horsham studio to find out more about her work and what life as a sculptor entails. To see her work and find out more visit https://www.hannahstewartsculpture.co.uk/

If you, or your children play - or have played - football in Horsham in the last three decades, you will probably have come into contact with our guest for this episode - community football legend Trevor Evershed.  Over the last 30 years Trevor has worked with North Sussex Soccer Academy, waking early every Saturday morning to lead football training sessions in Horsham Park.  He also plays for Roffey Veterans football team while carrying out his 'day job' as a caretaker in a local school. Trevor's tireless work and enthusiasm in supporting grassroots football has meant he's inspired some of Horsham's most talented football stars and we were honoured to catch him for a chat about his work.  To find out more about North Sussex Soccer Academy visit the Facebook page @NSSAHorsham

Dr Nikki Tagg is a conservation scientist, who, since 2018, has been working with Horsham-based international animal welfare charity Born Free Foundation, most recently as Head of Conservation.  In this episode we find out about Nikki's conservation work and what it entails while gaining a fascinating insight into her time in the African rainforest where she  was posted to better understand the causes of biodiversity loss and study the co-existence between people and animals.  For more information on the human-wildlife conflict appeal Nikki talks about in the episode, visit www.bornfree.org.uk/conflict-appeal.    

We divert from our usual format to bring you this pet care Q&A with Zoe Blake The Friendly Pet Nurse.  Zoe, who gave us advice on choosing and looking-after dogs and about her viral campaign Respect The Lead  in Episode 14, returns to answer questions from our listeners about caring for their pets - from answering queries about dribble and scratching issues with cats, to discussing why dogs should avoid playing with sticks and why they're so obsessed with poo!   

We talk to René Fay about ‘living her dream' as the owner of Horsham's Swedish-themed café Johansson's Café which she opened in The Bishopric in 2020. René left her small hometown in Sweden more than 20 years ago and, aside from an eight-year stint running a B&B in Austria, has lived in the UK ever since. René dreamt of running her own business – specifically a café – for many years before her dream finally became a reality. But it hasn't been plain-sailing. Just as she got started, the world went into lockdown to stop the spread of Covid-19. In this episode, we find out how René overcame this challenge to create a thriving independent business and get her top tips for following your dream, while gaining an insight into Swedish culture. We guarantee that after listening you'll be embracing ‘Fika' and be ready to make your own dreams a reality. 

Winter nights might feel gloomy to many of us, but for astronomers, they provide more time to get a closer look at what's in the sky. One person who revels in clear, dark, long nights is astronomy photographer Claire Bradshaw. Over the last few years, Claire has indulged her passion for planets and marvel for milky ways by capturing in-depth images of the night skies on camera. Using a telescope, digital camera and a computer programme Claire creates awe-inspiring images of constellations, nebula and planets. In this episode Anna and Emma talk to Claire about her love for astronomy and how she creates her images.  To view Claire's photography visit her on instagram @astronomywithclaire. Sound Effect by Free Music And Sound Effects from Pixabay  

We head back in time with George Graham, assistant curator at Horsham Museum, to uncover a few chilling tales from Horsham in time for Halloween. Listen to find out more about a shocking tale around a gruesome 18th Century punishment and spooky stories centred around St Leonard's Forest.  For more about the story regarding John Weekes, visit Horsham Museum's Crime and Punishment Gallery  Sound Effect by Free Music And Sound Effects from Pixabay  

We head to the outdoors again. This time to Leechpool Woods, to learn all about foraging with self-taught expert James Plumb. In this autumnal episode we gain an insight into the wild food treasures that can be found on our doorstep, discovering a host of fungi, including chicken of the woods and beefsteak fungus and some edible plants.  Follow James on Instagram on @south_east_foraging for more.  *please do not consume any foods found in the wild without checking they are safe to eat first. 

The Women's Institute (WI) is the UK's largest voluntary women's membership organisation and has run some very successful campaigns, provided many women with valuable educational opportunities and skills, and been the instigator of life-long friendships over the course of its 107-year history.  Yet some still regard the WI as a group of older ladies 'doing crafts'. As Horsham has a vibrant WI presence, boasting five active branches, we invited members from two of them - Pam Tedder (of Horsham Normandy WI) and Katie Carter (of Trafalgar Treasures WI) - to remind us that the WI 'isn't all jam and Jerusalem'.   

More than six million people from Ukraine have now have fled their homes following the Russian invasion at the end of February 2022 and have sought refuge in other countries. One of those people is Julia Bondar, a 30-year-old photographer, who left Ukraine with her mother and now lives in Horsham. In this episode Julia opens up about the deep impact the war in Ukraine is having on her life and the lives of her family and friends. 

With more of us working from home and reassessing our lifestyles through the pandemic, it's hardly surprising that more of us have taken on dogs as pets. Dog ownership in the UK has risen 9% - from 24% to 33% - in the last two years. However, deciding to home a hound is a serious business and there are many factors to be considered before committing. One person who can help us make an informed decision and who is a wealth of knowledge on the subject of all things dog-related is The Friendly Pet Nurse Zoe Blake. In this episode, we catch up with her for her advice on choosing and looking-after dogs and about her viral campaign Respect The Lead.   

Running has increased in popularity by 57% over the last decade, but it was during the height of the pandemic when it really came into its own with the number of people getting their trainers on and hitting the pavements rising 65% in 2020.  One person who was well ahead of the curve with running is Elspeth Turner of Miles Better Coaching. The Horsham-based running coach has been running, coaching and working in the world of athletics for 30 years and as a former international distance runner, is the perfect guest for this topic.  In this well-paced episode Anna (runner) and Emma (non-runner) find out how to get started, or improve your running, while learning more about Elspeth's inspirational story.   

Horsham psychologist Tara Quinn-Cirillo returns to Sounding Out Horsham to tell us about how she's facilitating conversations and connections through The Conversation Starter Project.  As we are well aware, Horsham is home to so many interesting people with wonderful stories to share, but for various reasons they might not be doing so. In this episode we talk to Tara about her Walk and Talk sessions in Horsham park where she encourages anyone and everyone to join for a chat and some light exercise in the fresh air; how to strike up a conversation (because we know it's not always easy) and why making connections with others - on any level - can be beneficial to our wellbeing.  For more information about The Conversation Starter Project and details of the Walk & Talk sessions visit Tara's website. 

Anna and Emma boost their knowledge of wine and find out more about the wide range of local beers and spirits that are produced in the area in this interview with Luke Smith, owner of independent drinks shop Horsham Cellar.  Luke and his wife Jen opened the shop in the Carfax in 2018 and have been helping to demystify wine and guide customers towards the bottles most suited to their palates ever since. Suitable for wine buffs and novices alike, this episode gives an insight into buying wine, teaches us more about the category, provides top tips on choosing the perfect bottle and highlights the amazing range of alcoholic drinks produced in Horsham and West Sussex. 

Anna and Emma discuss cultural competence and diversity with Horsham-based social care worker, author and trainer Vivian Okeze-Tirado. Vivian decided to write her first book Diversity Acrostic Poem in 2020 following the tragic death of George Floyd in May of the same year. Her book, published in 2021, 'encourages readers to connect to the plight of the less privileged in our society and make a difference'. Find out more about Vivan at VOT Training - Home

What is Horsham doing to tackle climate change and how can we help on a local level? Anna and Emma talk to Carrie Cort of Sussex Green Living to find out about the work the charity is doing and get some tips on how we can live a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly life.

Anna and Emma check-in and provide a short update on forthcoming episodes. 

TV fans and movie buffs this episode is for you. Anna and Emma grill Gary Clarke, a Horsham-based electrician, about his experience as an extra. Gary has appeared in the background (and occasionally in the foreground) of 100s of TV shows and films over the last 15 years and been on set with an impressive roster of top actors, including Tom Cruise, Rachel Weisz, Gary Oldman, Brad Pitt, Helena Bonham Carter and Gillian Anderson. Listen now for his insight into working alongside the stars and the highs and lows of being an extra. 

The COVID-19 pandemic and measures taken to help stop its spread have taken an unwelcome toll on our mental health. Lockdown measures have created, or exacerbated, anxiety, depression and other issues in many people. In this episode - recorded towards the end of Horsham's third lockdown -  Dr Tara Quinn-Cirillo of Horsham Psychology joins Anna and Emma to talk about how we are all feeling and shares some valuable tips for listeners seeking support for their mental health and that of their family and friends.  For more information about Dr Tara Quinn-Cirillo and her work click here

Job losses have sadly been an unwanted side-effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and many of us have found ourselves looking for work in the last year. If this applies to you, or if you are just thinking of changing direction, you'll want to listen to this episode where Anna and Emma chat to Richard Brooks, owner and director of Horsham-based employability and mental health specialist organisation, SETAS.  Richard is a font of all knowledge in the employment arena and has some excellent tips for finding the job of your dreams, and, crucially, making yourself highly employable. 

From parks and woodland, to farms and nature reserves, communal green spaces have been widely-used since the arrival of Covid-19.  In this latest episode, we air our thoughts on Horsham's treasured green spaces and speak to two people who help with their preservation - Sally Sanderson, chair of Friends of Horsham Park and Laura Thomas, chair of Friends of Chesworth Farm - for the insider view. Find out how these areas have been - and continue to be - used during the pandemic, how they are looked after and what is planned for them in the future.  Due to current restrictions to prevent the spread of Covid-19 we have recorded outside and online which has affected our sound quality. Please don't let this put you off - the content makes up for it! 

If you're planning a major renovation of your home, or even just seeking some inspiration for a small redesign, this episode is for you. Interiors expert Emma Bestley talks us through how she went about adding an extension and loft conversion to her family's Horsham home and shares some amazing interior and design solutions along the way. From sourcing architects and builders, to budgeting and getting the neighbours on side, Emma's practical advice is an essential listen for anyone planning on taking the plunge into property improvement. Check out Emma's dazzlingly gorgeous home on her Insta @moveovermagnolia for visual inspiration. She's definitely not one for beige.

In this episode Anna and Emma speak to Horsham and Southwater-based Zumba instructor Jenny Coote about Zumba and the benefits of dance on our physical and mental health.  This episode was recorded pre-Covid. Find out all about Jenny's classes at https://jennyblue.co.uk/  

In this episode we, Anna and Emma, tell you who we are and why we want to do this podcast.

Sounding Out Horsham is a podcast for people in and around Horsham, West Sussex, led by us, Anna and Emma. We're both 40-something journalists with a background in local news and a keen interest in the town we have both come to call home. Our aim is to broadcast the stories of some of the amazing people who live and work in the area, while also highlighting some of the issues affecting our daily lives. In each episode, we speak to a fascinating local about a specific (and relatable) theme - from health and fitness, time management and education, to food and drink, the environment and home improvements. The list of subjects we'll cover is endless and we hope will be shaped by you, our listeners. Whatever the topic, we hope to surprise and engage..... This trailer was recorded pre-Covid, in January 2020.