Sounding Out Horsham

Horsham's Allotments with author Maggie Weir-Wilson - Episode 32

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/

Pubs and music with Jodie Munday - Episode 31

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

General Election 2024 - Candidate interviews - Episode 30

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. 

 

Foraging with James Plumb (part 2) - Episode 29

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

Clairvoyancy with psychic Sue Durdle - Episode 28

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. 

Writing a novel with author Lisa Brace - Episode 27

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/

Last wishes with celebrant Jean Francis - Episode 26

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.

Christmas Special - Episode 25

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