We are again placing Christmas post box toppers about the town.

Several new creation include this steam train now standing in Station Road.

Others that were displayed last year can now be viewed in new locations.

Our new Carfax topper is a colourful Gingerbread confection.

This year we have been joined by Roffey Greenfields WI who created 3 toppers to be seen in the Roffey area

We are again promoting the work of local charity Horsham Matters and ask that if you are able, to donate to their cause. A link to their donation page can be found on the label on the post boxes.

We were invited to take part in Dementia Awareness Week in May and although we had little notice we soon created a mass of forget-me-not crochet flowers. These we attached to post box toppers which were placed in prominent positions about the town.

The Alzheimer Society in Horsham were delighted with the toppers. Some of our members met with two representatives, who asked lots of questions about the project for the society’s newsletter culminating in the inevitable photo of the meeting.

Our thanks also go to Ute for crocheting many little forget-me-not flowers that were sold for pin brooches and raised £26 for the Alzheimer Society.

When we were invited to participate in creating a display as part of Horsham District’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations we already had plans in hand.

We were creating another Post Box Topper but this time we were going for the large double post box in the Carfax.

Certainly larger than anything we had attempted before but before long we had 3 iconic images of the Queen. Her formal attire such as the State opening of Parliament; her daywear ensemble of coat, hat and handbag and finally her favoured country tweed and head scarf plus her corgis.

All situated in front of her castle and supported by the Guardsmen.

The charming creations were the work of Diana E. with materials, support and ideas from other members.

And there were toppers to be seen in other parts of Horsham……

Carol, Jan and Annie collaborated to display this topper in Trafalgar Road.

This crown can be seen in Clarence Road but another may be sighted elsewhere in the town, both made by Pam.

And Her Majesty can be seen visiting Rushams Road.

Thanks to Gill for arranging this creation.

And finally the Royal Corgi was sighted at Highwood Mill.

Diana E was behind this lovely topper.

And the word went out, and a man from the west came to Horsham.

After a vigorous publicity effort by Pam, BBC South heard of our attempts to bring cheer and joy to Horsham town this Christmas.

The call went out to those that could, to meet James Ingham, BBC reporter, at a town centre carpark in order to film a piece about the creation of our post box toppers

Inevitably, the misfortune of two stolen toppers was featured as part of the story. But good news was to arrive in the form of Dominic, from the Black Jug, who had found the removed topper dumped in the shrubs nearby and returned it to it’s post box.

The public reaction to us being filmed was amusing but they were generous with their support & enthusiasm for the project.

We all did individual interviews with James but most of these didn’t make the final edit due to time constraints.

Alas Diana E who did our own photojournalism isn’t seen here. Her own brief appearance on screen was so fleeting it could easily have been missed.

In all it was an interesting morning for about 3 minutes of tv coverage – you just never know where the WI will take you next!

From all the ladies of Horsham Normandy WI, we wish you all, a Merry Christmas.

This is just one of 12 postbox toppers that are suddenly appearing about Horsham. So far they may be found in Clarence Road, Chesworth Close, Highwood village, Bartholomew Road, Rushams Road & Blackbridge Lane. There are more to come, so will you see them all.

Merry Christmas to all from Horsham Normandy WI.

A recent walk has revealed more toppers.

You may well recognise some of these locations and we hope you enjoy them whilst you are out & about. We understand there may yet be some mince pies to join the Christmas pudding. So keep looking out for them but make sure the elves don’t get to them first.

It’s encouraging that the joy of these toppers is being shared in the local press and on social media.

This is a new initiative for our WI. As well as being lots of fun and a great collaborative project we are fundraising for a local cause. If you are able, a donation to Horsham Matters Christmas Appeal will enable deserving local families to have a happier Christmas too https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/horsham-normandy-wi

Thank you and have a Merry Christmas