Sounding Out Horsham

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

Life as a sculptor with Hannah Stewart - Episode 24

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/

Football with Trevor Evershed of North Sussex Soccer Academy - Episode 23

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

Conservation with Dr Nikki Tagg of Born Free Foundation - Episode 22

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.

 

 

Pet care Q&A with Zoe Blake The Friendly Pet Nurse - Episode 21

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! 

 

Running an independent business with René Fay of Johansson’s Café - Episode 20

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. 

Astronomy photography with Claire Bradshaw - Episode 19

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