20 years of Horsham Matters. 20km of walking. One very proud britweb team.
On Saturday 19th September, the britweb team swapped our desks, screens and keyboards for walking boots as we took part in the Horsham Matters 20km Walk, celebrating 20 years of an organisation that means so much to the local community.
And what made the day even more special was the connection we already had with Horsham Matters.
We’ve recently had the pleasure of working with the Horsham Matters team to design and build their new website. What started as a website project quickly became one of those client relationships that reminds you why you love working with people and businesses in your local community.
Horsham Matters has genuinely been one of our favourite clients to work with, not just because of the project itself, but because of the people behind it and the incredible work they do.
So when the opportunity came along to put our walking boots on and help celebrate their 20th anniversary, we were more than happy to get involved.
And we walked… all 20km!
Our Horsham Matters Sponsored Walk Adventure
The team met bright and early at our starting point in Amberley, gathering at the lovely Riverside South Downs Cafe at 8am for a prep talk from Pied À Terre Adventures.
Each business was assigned a group leader, and we were lucky enough to have Bea leading our pack. Strong, super-friendly and incredibly knowledgeable, Bea was the perfect person to have by our side for the day. It was lovely getting to know her along the way. Thank you, Bea, for all your guidance and encouragement!
With our bellies full of bacon rolls and coffee, we set off for the adventure ahead. Winding along the main road in single file, it wasn’t long before we were faced with our first ascent. We settled into a steady pace and made our way up, taking in the beautiful South Downs views as we went.
From the very beginning to the very end, the team effort was brilliant. We cheered each other on, kept the humour flowing and tackled every hill together. There was never any doubt that we’d complete the full 20km.
As we approached the halfway point at the top of Kithurst Hill, we spotted the Horsham Matters flags and the much-anticipated water stop. The welcome and encouragement we received there were second to none. And the hand-designed “Thank You Walkers” sign was such a lovely touch.
Then it was onwards towards Storrington and our lunch stop at The Crown Pub in Cootham. More bacon rolls (clearly becoming a theme!) and a cheeky beer later, we were refuelled and ready to tackle the next stage of our sponsored walk.
We continued towards the RSPB, making our way through the woods and across the boardwalks before reaching our final stretch along the river. Before long, Pulborough was in sight, and so was the finish line!
With blistered heels, aching hips and tired legs, we finally arrived at The Oddfellows Arms, where we collected our well-earned medals and water bottle gifts.
What a day. We laughed, encouraged each other, kept going when it got tough and, most importantly, did it all together. And the icing on the cake? We raised over £1,200 for Horsham Matters!
We’ve heard that the walk is set to become an annual event. Despite the aches, pains and questionable footwear choices, we’ll definitely be signing up again, and we’d encourage you to join us for the next one!
20km done. £1,200+ raised. One very proud team. ❤️
More than just a website project
Building a new website is obviously about design, content, functionality and making sure everything works as it should.
But the best projects are about much more than that.
During our time working with Horsham Matters, we got to know the team, understand what they do, what matters to them and how they wanted their new website to represent the organisation and make it easier for people to find the support, services and opportunities they provide.
Seeing the finished website go live in March was a really proud moment for our team.
Being able to come back together six months later and celebrate their 20th anniversary alongside them made the relationship feel even more special.
See the full project case study
Proud to support Horsham Matters
What makes the walk particularly meaningful to us is knowing that we weren’t simply taking part in a 20km challenge.
We were helping celebrate an organisation that has spent the last 20 years making a difference to people across Horsham and the surrounding community.
It’s been a privilege to play a small part in Horsham Matters’ story through their new website, and we’re delighted to have been able to support them in a completely different way too.
20km wasn’t always easy. But it was definitely worth it.
So here’s to 20 years of Horsham Matters, and to the next chapter.
From everyone at britweb, thank you for letting us be part of the celebration.
And yes… we’re now very happy to get back to our desks.
