Winter Warm Ups Fringe Activities
Horsham’s Winter Warm Ups 2026 Fringe Activities
The Winter Warm Up Fringe is a new addition this year to complement our two main Winter Warm Up event days, and aims to promote the rich array of clubs and groups that exist across the district, who run activities that offer more ways to keep active.
We hope the Fringe will help residents become more aware of what might be happening near to where they live , encourage them to go along and have a go and that participating clubs and groups may also gain new members .
Running throughout October, participating groups are offering the following free taster sessions for you to join and have a go at!
The new Winter Warm Up Fringe aims to:
- offer enjoyable ways to be active,
- highlight the fantastic range of activities already happening in the district through our local
clubs and groups - encourage people to discover new opportunities to get and stay active, that may be offered closer to home
All details shown here have been provided by the clubs and groups taking part in the WWU Fringe. These activities are run independently of HDC, so if you have queries, please follow the links provided below to find more information and group contact details.
Rixson Ballet Circle - Silver Swans
A friendly ballet class designed for learners over 50 looking to improve strength, coordination and flexibility whilst accompanied by beautiful classical music from famous ballets. Absolutely no experience required and complete beginners welcome! Taught by a qualified Silver Swans teacher from the Royal Academy of Dance.
If you'd like to know more please contact Georgia on georgiahrixson@gmail.com or call: 07724 640 259
When: Thursdays 9:50-10:50am
Where: Rusper Village hall
For those on Facebook further information can be found at Rixson Ballet Circle Silver Swans Facebook page
VMA Dance Adult Ballet
Dance classes for all ages!
When:- Winter Warm Up Session on Wednesday 7th October 9.15 - 10.15
Where: Rudgwick village hall
For further details and to book please go to VMA Dance website
Horsham Green Gym
Why not join this team of volunteers undertaking some footpath maintenance work, topping up the surface with bark and cutting back brambles, to help keep the reserve accessible to all. Full guidance will be provided on the day, together with all tool and gloves you will need. We just ask that you wear suitable footwear and clothing for working outdoors.
And you might want to bring a flask if you’d like a hot drink in the break.
Date: Tuesday 13 October
Time: 10am until 1pm
Where: Green Gym at Warnham Nature Reserve
Booking is essential and placed are limited (max 10)
Please book your place here - https://bookwhen.com/hdc-warnhamlnr – after which you will be receive a email
Dementia Active Sussex
What: Gentle exercise , sports and games for people with memory problems and their carers.
We don’t have a web site . Our sessions are...
When: Every Monday except Bank Holidays, 10-12noon
Where: @ DIAL POST VILLAGE HALL RH13 8NH
Please direct enquiries to dementia.active@outlook.com
Flexercise with Cath
What: Flexercise is a unique, low-impact exercise system that combines movement to music with posture, balance, flexibility, and strength. It’s suitable for all ages and abilities, and above all—it’s fun, social, and uplifting
When: Any single class in October - please see Cath's Flexercise Facebook page for more info.
Where: Wednesday in Mannings Heath, Thursday in Roffey or Saturday in central Horsham (Greenway School)
Move it or Lose it with Martha
Come along and try a fun, friendly Move It or Lose It exercise class, designed especially for over 60s. Sessions include upbeat aerobic exercise, strength and balance work, fun brain games and plenty of stretching and movement. Everything can be adapted to suit different abilities, so you can work at your own pace in a relaxed and welcoming environment. We also enjoy plenty of old-school music along the way!
When & Where: During October
Tuesdays 9:30am and 10:45am at Pulborough Village Hall
Wednesdays 1:30pm at Billingshurst Community Centre
- For more information please visit Martha's Move it or Lose it Facebook page
Pulborough Angling Society
What: We offer three one hour free sessions, once a month from April to October to try fishing at our ponds
When: The sessions are the First Friday of the month, from April - October 2027,
Please join us for this Winter Warm Up Fringe session on Fri 2 Oct
Where: Please email pulboroughsec@gmail.com, and you will be emailed a flyer with all the information you'll need.
You can also find more information on Pulborough Angling Society's website
Rock Farm is a therapeutic market garden near the Washington roundabout, growing fruit and veg regeneratively for local markets and providing accessible community support for people who need it. We are offering free taster days throughout October where you can join our regular open volunteer days: Weds - Fri 10am - 3pm. Grow food, move your body, tend to your mental health and be part of a supportive community. No experience required.
You’ll be working in a mixed group of volunteers, some of whom need less support, and others who have been referred to us for support with things like special educational needs, disabilities, neurodivergence, mental health struggles and/or experiences of social marginalisation (including migrants, refugees and asylum seekers). Many of our participants benefit from a gently structured routine, adaptable tasks and low-pressure social environments. Tasks are seasonal and change weekly, with huge scope for doing the things you love, at a pace that works for you. We can’t wait to meet you!
- When:
- Wednesdays - 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th Oct - 10am - 3pm.
Thursdays - 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th Oct - 10am - 3pm.
Fridays - 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th Oct - 10am - 3pm.
Where: Rock Farm. For address and further information on how to get there please visit Rock Farm's Facebook page and or Rock Farm's Instagram page too
Horsham & Shipley Community Project
Every year we have a programme of walks, running every third Wednesday morning, from mid March through to mid-October. Some walks will be shorter (around 5 miles), and others will be longer (7-12 miles). All walks are circular, starting and ending at a car parking point. The longer walks will include a stop for a picnic and there may be a cafe/pub stop either at the end! So dust off your walking bots and join us!
When: WWU Fringe session Wednesday 14 October - Horsham Riverside Walk 13 Miles.
Where to meet: Please book via horshamshipleycommunityproject@gmail.com or richardmharris60@gmail.com, or call Richard on 07503 347811
For more information please visit our Horsham & Shipley Community Project webpage
A week for you to have a free taste of the variety of activities on offer at the Leisure Centre
When: Monday 12th to Friday 16th October 2026
Where: Henfield Leisure Centre, Northcroft, Henfield BN5 9QB
For more information please go to the Henfield Leisure Centre Winter Warm Ups page.
Why not join this team of volunteers undertaking some footpath maintenance work, topping up the surface with bark and cutting back brambles, to help keep the reserve accessible to all. Full guidance will be provided on the day, together with all tool and gloves you will need. We just ask that you wear suitable footware and clothing for working outdoors.
And you might want to bring a flask if you’d like to have a hot drink to sip on over the course of the morning.
Date: Tuesday 13 October
Time: 10am until 1pm
Where: Green Gym at Warnbham Nature Reserve
Meeting point: Outside Warnham NR Visitor Centre at 10am.
Please note that Booking is essential and placed are limited (max 10).
Please book your place at the Green Gym Taster Session – and you will be given more information about where to meet.
Horsham & Shipley Community Project
Our Men's Shed in Shipley welcomes people with a flair for or interest in DIY, especially - but not exclusively - woodworking. Previous experience of working with the machinery is helpful, but not essential, and we are very health and safety conscious for obvious reasons.
We are offering a free Taster Sessions for anyone who wants to come along and see what it is all about as part of the Winter Warm Up Fringe Sessions in October!
When: WWU Fringe sessions Tuesday 20 October. 9:30am until around 2pm.
Where: The Shipley Shed is at the site in TD Shipley Football Ground, Dragons Green on the A272. See our contact page for directions - there is plenty of parking space at the site. See Contact page for directions.
Booking is essential - please let us know via horshamshipleycommunityproject@gmail.com if you plan to come along.
For more information please visit our Horsham & Shipley Community Project webpage
Broadwood Morris Men
A free open evening for curious dancers, musicians, and newcomers of all fitness levels! Come try Cotswold stepping, hold a longsword, or play along with our melodeon and fiddle team. No experience needed.
When: Thursday 8th October, Thursday 15th October, Thursday 22 October, Thursday 29 October, all at 8pm
Where: Horsham Unitarian Church Hall, Worthing Road, Horsham, RH12 1SL
Please go the the Broadwood Morris Men's Facebook page for further details
Horsham & Shipley Community Project
Pétanque, or boules, is a great game for all ages and abilities. It’s very sociable and accessible. We provide the equipment, so it’s easy to come along and join in. We have four pétanque "pistes" so have space for four games to be going on. We hope that our members will enjoy learning a new skill or improving an existing one, gaining mobility and making friendships with a shared interest in common. We welcome all newcomers - no previous experience is required!
New to pétanque? Visit our Petanque website page for more information and download our Beginners guide to Petanque. https://www.horshamshipleycommunityproject.org/shipley-petanque/
When: WWU Fringe sessions Tuesdays 6, 13, 20 October. Arrive at 9:45am for the games to start at 10:00am, until around 1:00pm.
Where: The pétanque is held throughout the year at the site at TD Shipley Football Ground, Dragons Green on the A272. See our contact page for directions - there is plenty of parking space at the site.
We are offering a free Taster Sessions for anyone who wants to come along and have a go as part of the Winter Warm Up Fringe Sessions in October!
Booking is essential - please contact Russell in advance on 07803259190 to book a place and have a go - no obligation.
For more information please visit our Horsham & Shipley Community Project webpage
Singing for The Brain Horsham
This is a fun, informal and friendly singing group, that is designed for people living with dementia, with the aim of helping raise your mood and express yourself in a supportive environment.
No singing ability required! And carers are also more than welcome too.
When: The first Monday of every month = Winter Warm Up Fringe Session on Mon 5 Oct
Where: For further details please go to Singing for the Brains website
Horsham Table Tennis Club
Welcome to Horsham Table Tennis Clubs' 'Winter Warm Up Fringe: Taster Sessions' for interested players, minimum age 30.
When: Please come along to any one of the following sessions
7th, 12th, 21st, 26th October, from 7:30 - 9:30 p.m
Where: Warnham Village Hall, Hollands Way, Warnham, RH12 3RH with Free car parking.
For further information and essential advance booking: Contact: Laurence Barber: lol.barber11@gmail.com 07506 449958
Dance classes for all ages.
When: Adult Tap - WWU Fringe session on Thursday 8th October 8.05- 9.05
Where: VMA Studio, Daux Road, Billingshurst
For further details and to book please go to VMA's website
Horsham & Shipley Community Project
Walking football is now increasingly recognised as a natural progression for those who are not able to play traditional football any more, or who simply prefer to play the game at a more leisurely pace! And with all those health benefits, what is not to like! Our games are reasonably energetic and competitive – a bit more than “walking” football - but they are not serious and the score doesn’t matter. What is important to us is giving our players a sense of fulfilment, fresh air, exercise and friendship. We insist on proper warm-ups and post-game stretching, and an important part of the session is the post-football refreshments in the clubhouse! Any ladies and men who would like to come along and try it out are very much welcomed. Changing rooms and full facilities are available.
When: WWU Fringe sessions Tuesdays 6, 13, 21 or 28 October. Arrive at 9:45am for the games to start at 10:00am, until around 1:00pm.
Where: Held throughout the year at the site in TD Shipley Football Ground, Dragons Green on the A272. See Contact page for directions there is plenty of parking space at the site.
We are offering a free Taster Sessions for anyone who wants to come along and have a go as part of the Winter Warm Up Fringe Sessions in October!
Booking is essential -please contact Phil in advance on 07786070939 or email horshamshipleycommunityproject@gmail.com to book a place and have a go - no obligation.
For more information please visit our Horsham & Shipley Community Project webpage
Conversation Starter Project
Community Walk & Talk Sessions in Horsham Park and Southwater Country Park.
When & Where:
Wednesdays 10-11am Human Nature Garden Horsham Park
Fridays 12-1 meeting Lintot Square Southwater
Fore further information please go to the Conversation Starters website
Spending time in nature can reduce stress, lower anxiety and improve mental wellbeing.
Join us, this World Mental Health Day, on 10 October for a free 90 minute walk, exploring the beauty of Leechpool Woods and simply taking time to relax.
This walk will last 90 minutes and is suitable for adults and children over 8
Please come dressed for both the weather and terrain as the woods may be slippy underfoot.
Well behaved dogs are welcome to attend, but must be kept on leads at all time.
All children must remain accompanied
Limited free parking is available on a first come, first serve basis Harwood Road Car Park. If you are able to, please walk to the woods.
Please meet by the picnic area notice board.
NB: Please book your place using the link. If numbers are too low the event may be cancelled.
To Book: Please follow this link to book a free place on HDC's Park's & Countryside teams Wellness Walk
We would like to thank all the local clubs and groups who have kindly supported this new Winter Warm Up Fringe initiative , by offering free Fringe Taster Sessions.
If your club or group would be interested in being part of the Winter Warm Up Fringe, please email community.development@horsham.gov.uk
Working in partnership
Winter Warm Up 2026 is delivered in partnership with eight organisations, working alongside the HDC Communities Team. Our thanks to: Age UK, Alzheimer’s Society, Chanctonbury Leisure Centre Trust, Health & Wellbeing, Healthwatch, The Bridge Leisure Centre, CT Sussex, and UK Harvest.