Horsham Forum - A Community Forum for Horsham and Southwater Residents and Businesses / General Chat / General Chat

Kleeneze, Betterware etc AAAARRRGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ernie — Fri, 03 Mar 2006 11:59:20 GMT

I had another unsolicited Kleeneze catalogue through my door today.:angry:

Firstly don't get me wrong, I understand these people are only trying to make a living, but I am really opposed to their tactic of putting an unsolicited catalogue though your door and then constantly harassing you to give it back.

The first few time this happened I played the game and left them on the doormat. Invariably the agent would not collect them when they said. I don't like them cluttering the door mat so I would take them back in. I work nights and more often than not the agent would come back when I am sleeping in the day and bang on the door waking me up. I have explained to the agents that I don't want then and they have said that they will cross me off the list. Normally a month or so later another catalogue arrives and I go through the same cycle. The agent's usual response is "sorry I am new and I didn't know you didn't want one".

I have got so fed up with this cycle that now they go straight in the bin. Quite often the agents get upset or even aggressive over this ranting "I have paid for that catalogue, it is my property you have to give it back etc." I have little sympathy. I have a prominent, polite notice on my door asking cold callers not to call and I have told them countless times in the last 10 years or so that I don't want these catalogues.

The annoying thing is that nowadays you can prevent unsolicited mail and phone calls by registering with the Mailing and Telephones preference services but there is little you can to stop these catalogues.

Crop Circles

Task17 — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 22:59:04 GMT

Having just seen some pictures of an amazing set of crop circles in Oxfordshire, it got me wondering. Has West Sussex ever had any occurances of crop circles? And more to the point does anyone know if there have ever been any in the Horsham area? It always seems to be a west country phenomenon.

Just wondering......

What has happened to the Billingshurst Forums

DotNetWebs — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 09:34:30 GMT

Are any Billingshurst forum members lurking around here? If so do you know what has happened the to the site?

I have been planning to make a permanent link in the Horsham Websites section but each time I have been to the site it has shown a server error.

Horsham Pound

adds666 — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 14:22:53 GMT

Ive been speaking to some one about a LETS system and was wondering whether any one else thought a Horsham pound would benefit the town?

Its in its first stage in Lewes and seems to work well, ensuring that the community supports itself instead of sending money up to London etc by spending in supermarkets etc.

Take a look at the[url=http://www.thelewespound.org/] Lewes pound[/url] website for more info. Seems interesting.

A date for the Diary, Barns Green Music Festival

Dancemix — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 09:41:34 GMT

Sunday 5th July 2009 is the date set for the awesome Barns Green Music Festival, and once again, [url=http://www.thisishouseproud.co.uk]HouseProud[/url] DJ's will be playing the very best in House Music. Last year was an astounding success, and I really look forward to this year. Put the date in your diary, more details to come.

Shameless Plug – Part II

MikeH — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 08:11:48 GMT

I made a new thread for this because I noticed the other thread's subtitle was out of date. The book "Postcards From Across the Pond - dispatches from an accidental expat" was acquired by Lean Marketing Press and is now available on line and in the local Waterstones.

I am doing a book signing at Waterstones on 21 Feb from 11 AM to 2 PM

Amazon link: Postcards From Across the Pond

MikeH

http://postcardsfromacrossthepond.blogspot.com/

Seasons Greetings

Yvonne — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 18:25:52 GMT

May i take this opportunity to wish all who organise this site throughout the year and those who contribute with their letters and comments.

"Happy Christmas and a very Healthy New Year."

For me this is a lovely way to keep in touch with what is happening in Horsham and surrounding places, as although i lived in Buckinghamshire, my heart and roots are still there.

Thank you. Yvonne.:P

Shameless Plug

MikeH — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 08:28:48 GMT

I’ve recently self-published a book of humorous essays (I had to, no one else would;)). The book is called “Postcards From Across the Pond – dispatches from an unintentional expatriate” and features humorous articles chronicling my first year of living in the UK. It can be purchased through my website:

http://www.lindenwald.com

Thanks for listening.

80's soul, funk & rare groove in Sussex

Dancemix — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 23:33:28 GMT

Hi all, just a little plug. I'm playing 80's soul, funk & rare groove at The Brewery Shades in Crawley tomorrow evening, if you fancy this, please pop along and say hello!
[img]http://www.thisishouseproud.co.uk/fliers/soul_fix.jpg[/img]
Cheers,
Brian

Computer network setup help required

Hooligan — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 10:41:14 GMT

Hello!

I am having terrible trouble setting up my home computer network. Does anyone know of a computer boffin in the horsham area who offers a network assistance service?

Many thanks!

Hooligan

:unsure:

Looking to buy in Sussex-BBC1 PROPERTY PROGRAMME

cineflix — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 17:15:33 GMT

Looking to buy in Sussex or Surrey?

BBC 1 are filming viewings for a brand new property programme around a newly renovated 3-bedroom house in Copthorne.

Please get in touch if you are looking for a property like this and would like to go for a viewing on 22nd October

Please email Lucy at lgosling@cineflix.com

Attention Admin folk please

Ivyleaf — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 07:27:43 GMT

Would it be possible to make the 'font' size a little bigger on the board? Trying to read what folk reply is difficult as the font is so small.

Sholley Trolley and Pushchair UN-friendly buses

Ivyleaf — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 07:44:45 GMT

I decided to travel to Crawley the other day - by bus. I won't be doing that again until some radical improvements are made to our buses.

What was the problem? Well, due to the medication I'm on, this makes me feel lightheaded and dizzy. I also cannot carry heavy bags of shopping, have arthritis in my hips, so use a Sholley Trolley. Fed up with having been stuck at home for a while decided to make the trip into Crawley.

Not only did the bus NOT have a step that gets lowered down, but I had to physically lift my trolley onto the bus only JUST being able to squeeze it past the rail. Once onto the bus I realised there was absolutely nowhere to put my trolley and only a small area for small bags of shopping.

Anyone like me - with a shopping trolley, or mothers with pushchairs were totally at a loss where to put these on the bus. I had no alternative but to block up the aisle with much hissing of breath and tutting when folk tried to get on or off.

I was told that the Crawley buses are designed with a lowering step and also room for trolleys/pushchairs - so why can the Horsham buses not also be pushchair/trolley friendly???

Considering that nearly half the population in Horsham is middle-aged and over then it should be recognised by the powers that be that older folk have additional needs i.e. most of us will be using trolleys etc.

Equally - what about the young mums with pushchairs???

Seats on buses are also pushed too close one behind the other so you cannot sit facing straight as your knees are rammed up against the back of the seat in front.

GET THE TRAIN I hear some of you say - well, ever tried that with a trolley or pushchair ??? The lift is constantly out of order and I cannot physically carry my trolley up stairs.

Despite Horsham Station having some sort of conservation order on it to remain as it is - I personally think that's a cop out. It's miserably inadequate for today's commuters. It's too small, needs revamping, upgrading, improved, made larger.

So again - whoever is responsible for the improvements of Horsham - sort out the railway station as well.

Live is for Living - event held at Broadbridge Heath Leisure Centre

Ivyleaf — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 07:25:17 GMT

I'd like to make a few comments on an event held on 18 September at Broadbridge Heath Leisure Centre called 'Live is for Living'. This was aimed at the over 50s with stands promoting this or that activity etc.

I have to admit I was sadly very disappointed at what I found.

The majority of the 'stands' were aimed at physical activities of which I have difficulty with most. I'm terrified of water so wouldn't go swimming. Gym, aerobics, jumping on trampolenes and hiking miles just isn't something I can do.

There was an Arts & Crafts stand which I would dearly have loved to have explored BUT until I arrived at the Leisure centre at 1.30 - (the event opened at 12md) - found to my disappointment that this stand was only scheduled to be there for 2 HOURS only - yet at 1.30 'they' had already packed up and gone home.

I decided to go to the 'Healing' room - I've got a lot of 'issues' and felt some 'Healing' would help. I felt so sorry for the 2 ladies who tried valiently to do this for me. They turned on some soothing music and shut the door. Well it was a total waste of time, as some guy in the adjoining room was singing some pop song at the top of his voice with an electric guitar plugged in that totally drowned out and interferred with my Healing session - so these ladies couldn't have the peace and quiet that is necessary.

The only stand that was of help was the CAB.

So it seemed to me that everything was directed at those who were 'physically fit'.

Whilst I applaud an event such as this, organisers must be aware that not everyone is physically fit and can join in the majority of the activities that were there. 'Life is for Living' for those with limited physical abilities too.

I've said this before and I'll keep on saying it - Horsham NEEDS a large community centre CENTRALLY based i.e. use the Park Barn on the Park for instance - where folk can meet 'socially' have a coffee/tea - chat even. There are so many of us living on our own, with no friends and nowhere to go.

Put your thinking caps on people and see if someone cannot sort something out regarding a Community Centre centrally based in Horsham Town please.

Restrictions on photographers

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 19:55:50 GMT

As someone who (nearly) always has a camera with me I was interested to read the article linked below on the BBC. It would seem that the police and others are getting a bit sensitive about those of us who stop and take pictures whenever we spot a potential image.

I will carry on regardless whilst observing the sensitivities of pointing the camera at other peoples children. What do you think?

Innocent photographer or terrorist?

Tesco car park, more pain

Dancemix — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 16:28:27 GMT

I know we have discussed this before, but it's getting worst and dangerous IMO.

I have just returned from Tesco in Broadbridge Heat, and once again the parking is becoming a complete nightmare. They have apparently finished the store, and it's got a really good selection, but I have a complete loss of words to describe how frustrating the shopping journey becomes. The queues in and out are ridiculous, the new layout of the car park is dangerous as marking is poor, and I have seen a few near misses probably fueled by frustration of the drivers. And the fuel queue is also painful. And I don't like their beans......:P

Shame I can't swear here, because I really fell like doing so right now!:angry:

Anyway, we are switching to the other store with a dodgy car parking policy, at least it's safer whilst I think about sending in a letter.

This Forum

Ivyleaf — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 18:12:46 GMT

I've been back to this forum from time to time and it amazes me that it is not made more use of.

Horsham is lucky enough to have a forum dedicated to it's town and Southwater. Many towns do not. You'd think folk would be clambering to come onto this site and natter away but they're not - why?

I moved to Horsham back in 2006 and I have still not made any friends, belong to anything - as I have a limited income. I no longer have a car as I cannot afford to run one.

What I would like to suggest is that we have a Community Centre in central Horsham. Somewhere where folk who are lonely and need to meet and make new friends can go, have a chat and a cup of tea. Somewhere that doesn't necessitate a drive somewhere but literally within walking distance of the Carfax so that from the bus station anyone can walk comfortably to it.

Yes I'm aware of the walking groups that hike round the park - I'm aware for the healthier folk the facilities at The Pavilions. But there are those of us who can't or don't want to do this and just want somewhere we can go and be with people to break the lonely monotony of being 'home alone'.

So anyone with any influence out there - get your thinking caps on - there's a need here that's not being filled.

AND - why aren't more folk coming onto the site just to have a general natter ??? This is OUR forum - Horsham's Forum - get talking with others please.;)

One complaint I would have though - the font size - it's minute - maybe this could be a reason folk are struggling - it's hard to read it's so small :hehe:

Charity shop plea for help

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 19:52:25 GMT

The Cancer Research UK store in East Street is hoping that someone in the area will be able to help with some commercial flooring. If you think you can help follow the link below:

Charity shop plea for help

Fuel Shortage

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 20:05:44 GMT

I don't get this fuel crisis business. Surely if you didn't have enough fuel to span the strike then you could have tanked up in advance. Alternatively you could (and still can) tank up at non Shell such as the two supermarkets Sainsburys and Tescos.

At the risk of being contentious I don't agree with the strikers. Earning £36,000 for driving a tanker and having the bare-faced cheek to turn down a 7% rise is not going to get my sympathy vote! I doubt many drivers earn anywhere near £36K (and don't play the 'danger' card - it is not a dangerous load when hndled in the way they are trained to handle it)

Weekend / school holiday jobs

JLC — Wed, 14 May 2008 20:58:23 GMT

Does anyone know of any shops, etc in the Horsham area that take on school age teenagers under the age of 16 for weekend work?

My eldest lad has just turned 15 and we've tried applying to all the large retail shops and supermakets, but the minimum age appears to be 16 :ermm:

Thanks!

Save Millais Day Nursery

Gayle — Thu, 01 May 2008 14:54:34 GMT

Please sign our petition to save Millais Day Nursery in Horsham, West Sussex from closure, by cutting and pasting the link below into your address bar.

www.savemillaisnursery.co.uk/index.php?option=com_joomlapetition&It...

We have until Monday 5 May to collect as many signatures as possible.

Millais Day Nursery, has run successfully for the last 11 years and is rated as one of the top childcare providers in Horsham (according to Ofsted). The nursery staff are dedicated to the children and offer a very high standard of care, a standard of care we believe we would be unable to find anywhere else in the local area.

Like many other districts, boroughs and cities in the UK, Horsham suffers from a shortage of nurseries, this decision goes against the government’s plan to increase childcare facilities and encourage mothers to return to work.

Please help us to save Millais.

Want to make some great paper planes?

AndyH — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 22:20:50 GMT

I found this website today and it really is good. I have tried some of the planes and they fly very well. So next time you are bored at work.......

http://www.paperairplanes.co.uk/:)

Dragon Speak Expert

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 20:29:42 GMT

I have a client on my computer business who needs an expert on Dragon Speak. Whilst I am happy to bluff my way through most programs I am looking for a contact who knows this program inside out and can help my disabled client.

Although the client has used v9.0 and v8.0 the program now refuses to recognise one of the two profiles that it has learned.

If you are an expert please contact me via my PM

Thanks

Do you enjoy the company of animals?

Petnanny — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:38:24 GMT

Nina's Nannies for Pets are currently recruiting in the Horsham and surrounding area. We are looking for people/couples to stay within our clients homes providing care for the pets and properties while they are away.

This type of work is ideally suited to a retired person or couple who wants the pleasure of a pet without the expense or responsibility. All applicants are however, considered on merit.

If you are a non smoker, with your own transport and have experience of domestic pets, why not visit our website for further information [url=www.ninasnanniesforpets.co.uk]www.ninasnanniesforpets.co.uk[/url]

Please note however, that we cannot consider applicants who already have work commitments since you are only permitted three hours away from our clients properties each day (excluding dog walks).

Google AdSense

Sat, 09 Feb 2008 10:06:54 GMT

I am thinking about adding Google's AdSense to Hidden Horsham to raise a bit of revenue. I accept that I won't be able to retire early on the revenue but it may bring a few shillings.

Do any of you web site developers out there have experience of this or other ad based programs. The ones I use at the moment, Frith, Amazon, Plus etc aren't bringing my retirement plans any closer.

Thanks for any help

Something to think about

AndyH — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 22:14:29 GMT

I found this puzzle on the internet and it has obviously stimulated alot of debate. What do you think? Would the plane take off?

http://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/2006/12/11/the-airplane-treadmill-conundrum/

sussex house prices set to fall

Energy assessor — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 13:30:51 GMT

Just read in the argus paper, homes across sussex set to fall massively in value, http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/generalnews/display.var.1989716.0.millions_of_pounds_to_tumble_from_sussex_house_prices.php
Well if anyone needs a home information pack i have special deal for local sellers under the offers section, but be quick hip packs will rise dramatically upon expected demand.

M: Argos link updated to make it clickable

Bluebell Railway - Branch Line Weekend 23 / 24 February

bluebellnutter — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 20:41:45 GMT

[url]http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/events/branch_line08.html[/url]

Details now online for this event. Engines in steam scheduled to be...

[u][b]SECR O1 no. 65[/b][/u]
[img]http://thumbs.fotopic.net/824038000929.jpg[/img]

[u][b]SECR C no. 592[/b][/u]
[img]http://thumbs.fotopic.net/777044000047.jpg[/img]

[u][b]GWR 'Dukedog' no. 9017[/b][/u]
[img]http://thumbs.fotopic.net/755044000047.jpg[/img]

[u][b]LBSCR E4 no. 32473[/b][/u]
[img]http://thumbs.fotopic.net/787044000047.jpg[/img]

[u][b]BR 4MT no. 80151[/b][/u]
[img]http://thumbs.fotopic.net/863046000042.jpg[/img]

And visiting [b][u]GWR 14xx no. 1450[/u][/b] running with autocach 178
[img]http://thumbs.fotopic.net/479040000544.jpg[/img]

Pre-booking for the auto-train is advised, and fare information can be found here

[url]http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/events/fares.html#obo[/url]

Several of the trains will resemble those which ran on the lines from horsham to Guildford and Brighton during the dying days of the lines, and will feature many of the lines award winning carriages as well as some of their historical and often unique engines.

Also at the second link above are the dates and prices for the spring "Bluebell specials" where you can travel in the lines 1903 observation carriage to see the Bluebells in full bloom along the line, and also the Stepney specials during the Easter holiday period to bid farewell to the line's popular engine which starred in the Thomas the Tank Engine stories.

Please note though, due to disagreements with HIT Entertainment, there will not be a Thomas weekend at the line this year, instead a family fun day with all sorts of activites for the children will be held at the end of June and beginning of July. Be sure to come along for a fun day out with the whole family.

For the more discerning among you, take advantage of the lounge car service running most weekends at the moment serving refreshments and cream teas, and also the Golden Arrow pullman train which returns at Valentines Day and runs Saturday evenings and Sunday lunchtimes through until Autumn. There are several special events centred around this, including a charity evening for Barnardos in a couple of weeks time.

Check [url]www.bluebell-railway.co.uk[/url] for details on all these events, the Special Events or What's New links are at the top, as is a link to the Golden Arrow pullman link (which is a night to remember, perfect for a special occasion). Remember, the Bluebell is the only heritage line in the country where all services are hauled by steam engines, and daily running begins at the start of April.

Decent Car Leasing Sites?

werrockjoe — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 03:16:12 GMT

Hi,
I'm hopefully moving from having a paid-for company car to getting a car allowance in the next few months, so need to lease something good but ideally under about £220 a month...the less the better so the money goes in my pocket! Does anyone know any decent sites for leasing cars?
Thanks in advance!

Any into Classical Music?

DotNetWebs — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 11:01:01 GMT

If anybody here is into classical music (or perhaps know somebody studying classical music) they may want to check out the offers section:

130 Classic CD magazines - free to a good home

Tax advice...

Thu, 13 Dec 2007 19:23:33 GMT

I need to pay a subscription for a professional body. Should I get my employer to pay the £125 then get taxed as a benefit? The other way is if I pay it personally then claim it as a work-related expense.

Any advice greatly appreciated

Merry Christmas

Sat, 22 Dec 2007 14:13:04 GMT

Another great year for the Horsham Forum, good work all round, especially in saving the swans from certain long term storage!

Here's to the next year so from Hidden Horsham have a...

Merry Christmas

and a

Happy New Year

Anyone into Classic Cars?

a1topdog — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 10:09:49 GMT

Since moving to Horsham 3 years ago I very rarely see any classic cars poodling about (I talking from the 1970's or older)

I can only recall seeing one Moggie Minor in regular use.

I can only put this down the majority of houses having garages and so the cars are locked away and out of sight.

I have a 1964 MK1 Cortina that is being restored , hopefully to be completed in the next few years.

Does anyone else here share a passion for older cars?

GCSE ~ A LEVALS ~ AS LEVALS

Big Daddy — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 20:20:50 GMT

To all those that have had there exam results recently, good or not so good, well done!!

If you achieved or bettered than you expected, great.

To those who were disappointed you still done very well. Remember not to give in, if you really have your heart set on something you can achieve it, it will involve a lot more hard work and dedication but fight on, it will be worth it.

Again congratulations to you all and good luck with your future ventures.

Internet marketing

Tue, 20 Feb 2007 13:12:11 GMT

A colleague of mine attended an event in Brighton yesterday evening. In it the presenters extolled the virtues of setting up a web site and making your fortune by selling anything from candles to catalytic convertors

The next step is to attend a day long training event at Sandown for a cost of £20 whereby you will be offered a set up web site for £1900 although it will be discounted if you sign up on the day. If you are not happy after 6 months you can walk away and the web site will still be yours (!)

The event yesterday spoke of many success stories but I think it sounds a lot of money for registering a domain and unpacking a bit of shop software onto it. Whilst not wishing to diminish the work of fellow web designers who provide a true bespoke service, especially those who post here, I remain sceptical about the whole thing

Has anyone else got any experience of such 'deals'

Ranks

The Writer of The World — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 14:43:08 GMT

I just want to know that all???

I see many people with ranks such as junior member, kingpin etc. Just wondering how this system works???

Thanks

The Cool Dude

Unwanted cardboard boxes

Dancemix — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 17:40:34 GMT

I'm wondering where I can get hold of old cardboard boxes. In past times, a visit to a supermarket was just the ticket.

I need a number of cardboard boxes from which I can carve out A2 and A3 panels for use as backings for signs. Any ideas anyone??

BROADBRIDGE HEATH, TESCO - PARKING FIASCO!

JLC — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 20:11:13 GMT

Thought this was the perfect place just to warn all you regular Tesco users that the Broadbridge Heath Superstore is now undergoing its refit to incorporate an extension to the rear of the building.

Now the works are being undertaken, the service road has been shut and some of the parking spaces are not in use at the Leisure Centre due to builders portakabins taking up residence! This has caused untold problems in queuing for parking spaces, leading to gridlock and tail-backs throughout the car park. Drivers were stuck in queues of traffic for anything up to an hour :crazy: I know, we were there!!!

I have to say I felt terribly sorry for the manager and his staff, as I witnessed them getting verbal abuse left, right and centre from incredibly irate customers who had abandoned their cars and come into the store to complain.

Apparently it's not the repsonsibility of the Police to assist with the redirection of the traffic, as it is a private car park. However, whilst we were there the store had called the Police again as tempers had begun to fly and they turned up just as we were coming out!

No-one at Tesco could say when or if the parking situation would be resolved, so you have been warned :ermm:

All this just to buy tonight's dinner!

Freelance Language Teachers Needed

Victoriamerr — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 12:30:27 GMT

We are currently looking to recruit freelance foreign language teachers across the UK. If you are a native speaker (Italian, French, Portuguese, Arabic, Hindi, Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, Finnish etc), with a relevant degree and/or teaching qualification ,together with at least one year's teaching experience, we would like to hear from you.

At Conversation Piece, we offer language training to schools, businesses and private individuals across the UK.

Please send your CV, together with contact details and availability, to:
victoria@conversation-piece.co.uk

Many thanks,
Victoria

Not what you see every day...

Mon, 12 Mar 2007 20:50:24 GMT

Except in the twon we were visiting....