Sounding Out Horsham

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

 

Halloween special: Discovering Horsham’s dark past with George Graham - Episode 18

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

 

Foraging with James Plumb of South East Foraging - Episode 17

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 with Pam Tedder and Katie Carter - Episode 16

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'. 

 

Fleeing war in Ukraine - Julia Bondar - Episode 15

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. 

Dogs with Zoe Blake, The Friendly Pet Nurse - Episode 14

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 with Elspeth Turner of Miles Better Coaching - Episode 13

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.