HORSHAM - Key Persons
Astiz was a senior officer at the Naval Mechanical School (known as ESMA), the base for torture and interrogation in Argentina. They did terrible things. ESMA would take prisoners bound hand and foot up in a plane and if they didn't talk, would push them out and ask the next person. Sweden and France wanted to interview Astiz about the disappearance of a Swedish student and two French nuns who were all held captive by ESMA and never seen alive again. It was a delicate political situation and the UK government decided not to hand the prisoner over, but still wanted to be helpful. They didn't want the Army or Intelligence services involved, so decided that Astiz should be interviewed by a police officer. As I was Director of Detective Training, I was deemed knowledgeable in rules and procedures and got the call.
Job Titles:
- Artist from Mannings Heath. As Well As Drawing Wildlife in a Fine Art Style, Amy Makes Silk Scarves That Incorporate Her Art. Read the Full Story Here
Amy Sinclair, a young artist from Mannings Heath. As well as drawing wildlife in a fine art style, Amy makes silk scarves that incorporate her art.
Barry Sheene had a boat, and used to come into the Southwater garage in his Rolls Royce. One day, I had just flown a helicopter into the garden. Barry insisted that I take him up, but I said ‘no' as I had only started pilot training. He jumped in and wouldn't get out until I took him up over the village of Southwater. Seven days later, he dropped in at the farm in a brand new helicopter!
For 20 years, the aptly-named Big Plant Nursery in Ashington has been known for its eye for the exotic. For full story, click here
Job Titles:
- Owner of High Barn Oils in Barns Green, Grows Linseed
Durwin Banks, the owner of High Barn Oils in Barns Green, grows linseed on 200 acres of farmland and produces tonnes of pure oil each year.
Fliss Lewis first became interesting in keeping sheep after attending a course in Devon. Her passion has since inspired a business, Wool Shred, which offers a range of products aimed at keen gardeners. Here, Horsham-based entrepreneur Fliss describes her journey so far…
Gareth Jones was the brewery shop manager at King and Barnes for nearly 13 years, before starting The Beer Essentials in East Street. Read the full article at https://www.aahorsham.co.uk/content/beeressentials
Job Titles:
- Detective Chief Inspector
Giacomo Agostini would come over occasionally as he was the 500cc World Champion and was paid good money to race. But he wasn't unbeatable. Mike Hailwood was quicker than him on the same bike, but Agostini was racing's pin-up.
I was one of the top riders at Brands, so when he was invited to race there, it was expected that we would have a close battle in the Unlimited race. I overtook him around the outside on Paddock Hill Bend, which was my favourite corner. Apparently, the crowd went crazy, and I cleared off into the distance. But the oil tank split and I slid off coming out of the last corner on the last lap. That was one of my most annoying moments in racing.
I remember one race I had a real battle with Mike Hailwood, and ended up winning. He said 'I'm fascinated, when you come to a corner you slide your feet back on the footrest, so your feet don't touch the ground. I wish I could do that, as I have to feel the ground with my toes.' I replied 'It was because your dad was well off and could buy you proper boots!' I started racing with a pair of cut down fireman's boots. When they wore away, my dad would replace the end with fibre glass and when it hits the ground, it gets hot, so I had to adapt my style.
I had some good battles with Mike, as when he was World Champion he would take part in national races simply because he loved riding. I think Mike was the best rider in the world we've ever had. Nobody was unbeatable. When I was at the top, there were another half a dozen riders who could beat you on any given day. But Mike had that little extra something.
I had ridden a BMW in the Barcelona 24 hour race in 1964, but we had gearbox troubles and we didn't finish. The
following year, I rode with Rex Butcher, who was a known and good rider. The Barcelona track had a lot of hairpins and I was particularly good at hairpins, and I chose Rex as I had never known him to fall off. I knew that I could make up the time if I needed to.
We took a Manx Norton Triton and in the end we had time to stop and clean the bike and still win! After that we had dinner with the Mayor. It was the first time I had a really posh dinner, with a row of knives and forks where you start on the outside and work in!
When it came to racing, I started racing for Sid Lawton. They were importing Italian Aermacchi bikes, and I raced them in the 250cc and 350cc class. I also raced for Paul Dunstall on a 500 Norton Domiracer and sometimes I raced my own bikes, like the Triton which I won the 24-hour race on. One of the best feelings on a bike was beating the factory bikes. It was never easy, but it was easier to do back then than what it is now.
Dresda continued to do well. I bought out Dickie Boon, after two or three years in business, but he remained a friend. Just by racing we would generate business. I would practice at Brands for 30 shillings every Wednesday. If I made a bike for a customer or prepared a bike to race myself I would take it to the track to bed it in.
I did go to the Isle of Man a few times. They had the Manx Grand Prix, which was the amateur race on the Isle of Man, whilst the TT was the professional event. People rode in the Manx to learn the track before stepping up to the TT for international recognition. The first time I competed, I was lying third or fourth when I was forced wide whilst going around the side of a slower rider, and came off. The second year I was on the Domiracer and the exhaust broke, and the next time I took the 350 7R, and was doing quite well before a bearing went. I finally finished the Manx when I came fifth on my own Matchless G50.
I wasn't happy on the isle of Man course. It is 37 miles around and it's not something you learn easily; it requires a lot of practice. You never earn any money there, and the only reason to do it was the kudos. Lots of riders wouldn't go there. Barry Sheene wouldn't ride there as he said he would kill himself as he didn't have the time to learn the track properly.
I did see people killed in my racing days. There was one rider at Barcelona who hit a dog and was killed. The year I finished the Manx there were five people killed, and we lost Bill Ivy too.
Horsham Forge initially operated as conventional fabricators and repairers. Recently, the business has been creating unique furniture and lighting to broaden its customer base For full article click here
Jim Hills Sports is still going, but it's now a Sports Warehouse on Hillside Farm in Coolham. Even after three years, people still say "I didn't know that you were here!"
In addition to coaching Judo for 55 years, my hobby has been watching my Daughter, Debbie and later my grandaughter, Mantha, competing in show jumping. It all started when Debbie was four years old and there were pony rides in Horsham Park. I could not get her off them! She went on to be an outstanding rider and now she trains Mantha, who is also very good and has won many competitions.
Jimmy Henney (Music industry executive) heard my second song, 'Your Love', which he liked because the final word of one line was repeated as the first word of the next. He also took another song called 'How Can You Believe.' Both songs were recorded by Shirley Bassey and selected as B Sides. 'Your Love' was on the reverse of 'Gone', which was a top 40 hit, and 'How Can You Believe' was coupled with 'Now'.
Julius Nyerere, the President of Tanzania, was a great friend of ours and would stay on the farm. He broke the news to us, but I didn't feel any resentment towards him. He was a modest man and was on a mission to bring equality and get rid of tribalism in his country. In the end he sadly pushed his nation to the brink of starvation.
Keith Baker is best known for painting classioc American motorcycles, but in his spare time he is creating replica petrol pumps for petrolheads with a need to motoring memorabilia. Visit https://www.aahorsham.co.uk/content/classicpumps
Kevin Lewis had contacted me about a book based on the abuse he suffered at the hands of his mother. He could afford to commission it, so we wrote 'The Kid'. I didn't think any publisher would take it on, but I was wrong. Within a week we had a good advance and it spent months at the top of The Sunday Times chart.
Kimberley Louise is an award-winning make-up business based in Horsham. Founded in 2016 by Kim Wachnianin, the business has gone from strength to strength by using make-up to complement natural beauty.
Martin Brunt has been a familiar face on Sky News for more than 30 years. As the broadcaster's long-serving Crime Correspondent, he has a reputation for accessing inside information on major cases, breaking countless world exclusives during a distinguished career. Here, the Horsham District resident talks to AAH about his time as a journalist and hopes for his recently published book…
Michaela Hartland is developing his skills as a coachman, offering traditional carraige rides for weddings and special occasions in the Horsham area. Visit https://www.aahorsham.co.uk/content/carriages for more details...
Job Titles:
- Director of People at Ceres, Says
Michelle Traynor, Director of People at Ceres, says: "I live in Horsham and find working for a company tackling climate change hugely rewarding. Environmental issues that we face today are not going away and we are playing an important role in helping to preserve the planet for future generations."
Mulberry Bush sells traditional and innovative toys, gifts and games for children. The Slinfold-based business, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, has despatched more than two million toys across the years. For the full story click here
One particular quote has been good for my career. I knew somebody involved in the case of serial killer Steve Wright, known as the ‘Suffolk Strangler'. My source provided me with several leads that turned out to be accurate, and when a reporter called Suffolk Police with an enquiry, a Press Officer said, ‘Call Martin Brunt. He knows everything before we do.' This quote was reported by a columnist in The Times. I've used it in my book, and it'll probably be on my grave!
There have been equally bad quotes, as there have been occasions when I've been made to look a bit foolish. There is one instance where I was outside a church, and my report has been likened to those made by Alan Partridge. I understand why people on social media find it ridiculous! I don't take myself too seriously!
Job Titles:
- Managing Director at Dark Star Brewery
Paul Reed, the managing director at Dark Star Brewery, rejects the opportunity to blow his own trumpet when AAH asks him to reveal what the Partridge Green Brewery does better than others.
Based on the Star Road Industrial Estate in Partridge Green, Peter Christian is a growing brand in the world of online men's fashion. Founded by Nicholas Alderton (known as Lord Trousers) and wife Miranda, the business is now making waves across the pond.
Ruby Rose Jackson, a pole fitness instructor from Horsham runs her own business, Pole Place, from B52's in Piries Place. Classes have proved to be more popular than expected. Read story at https://www.
Shipley Arts Festival has continued to grow. We now have concerts at Christ's Hospital, Lackenhurst, Knepp Castle, Windlesham School, Borde Hill and The Blue Idol. We have some fantastic support from festival friends and patrons, and sponsors such as Spofforth's and Toovey's. Last year, Nigel Kennedy opened the festival at The Capitol. I go to Aldeburgh every year and perhaps the Shipley Arts Festival is the bigger of the two now. I'm proud of what we have achieved.
We've even had success in the classical music chart with a commissioned piece. I was introduced to Jon Lord from Deep Purple by a mutual friend. I was a bit in awe of him, what with him being in one of the most successful rock bands of all time. He was also a well known composer too, and I asked Jon if he would write a new piece for the festival. It was too short notice for him, but he came up with an alternative idea.
He based the commission on music he had written in memory of his great friend, Sir John Mortimer. The piece was called 'To Notice Such Things' which is the last line of a poem by Thomas Hardy. We premiered it at Nuthurst, and it was so successful that we kept playing it and the recorded version reached No.4 in the classical music chart. I believe it's his best work, outside of Smoke on the Water of course!
Steve Goodwin is well-known in Horsham thanks to the superhero parties he has hosted for almost a decade. More recently, the father-of-two has created a magnificent Brick Bus, hosting fun, LEGO-themed workshops to inspire children's creativity and imagination. Here, Steve tells his story...
Job Titles:
- Owner of Craft House Coffee in Henfield, on How to Produce a Perfect Cup of Coffee. Read the Full Article Here
Tom Osborne, owner of Craft House Coffee in Henfield, on how to produce a perfect cup of coffee. Read the full article here