A Journey Through Horsham's Changes
by the late John Buchanan and Dr Annabelle Hughes
 The
Horsham Society is pleased to be publishing this
record of the twenty-five year transformation of
Horsham’s town centre which culminated in the opening
of The Forum by HM The Queen in 2003.
The book is based on a series of interviews the
authors recorded in the early 1990s with key players
involved in the changes, including those most closely
associated with the demolition of St Mark’s and
creation of the Sun Alliance office complex.
John Buchanan, a former Fleet Street journalist was,
at the time of writing the book, Editor of the Horsham
Society Newsletter as well as contributing a weekly
column to the West Sussex County Times under another
name. Dr Annabelle Hughes, well known historian
and author, is currently President of the Horsham
Society.
“A Journey Through Horsham's Changes” is a unique
publication that goes way beyond a simple story of how
Horsham, an ancient market town nestling in the High
Weald, was transformed into the second most desirable
place to live in the country.
Using his reporter’s skills and his passion for
English literature, John Buchanan has woven a
masterful story in the style of Chaucer's Canterbury
Tales. Following the theme of a journey, the 70 page
book blends together fact, opinion and discussion into
a flowing narrative that is a pleasure to read.
Unfortunately John died before he could see the
manuscript turned into print. Thanks to a team of
John's friends, the story has been completed and
published by the Horsham Society in a glossy colour
publication with contemporary photographs.
This is a book that will inform and enlighten with
interviews with Roger Taylor, former Director of Sun
Alliance Insurance Company; Peter Davidson, architect;
Kenneth Marshall, then Chairman of the Horsham Society
and others, as well as Martin Pearson, the former
Chief Executive of Horsham District Council, whose
presence is felt throughout the narrative. It is
Martin who adds a concluding chapter relating the
changes that occurred after John's untimely death in
2000. The Curator of Horsham Museum contributes a
detailed chronology.
This book is a must for the people of Horsham as well
as those interested in local history and town
planning.
“A Journey Through Horsham's Changes” can be bought
from the Horsham Museum, price £9.95.
Society members can purchase copies at a special price
(click here
for details).
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