Sounding Out Horsham

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. 

 

The Conversation Starter Project with Dr Tara Quinn-Cirillo - Episode 12

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. 

Wine and more with Luke Smith of Horsham Cellar - Episode 11

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. 

Racial equality and diversity with Vivian Okeze-Tirado - Episode 10

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