We are pleased to be able to support a charity locally each year with our fundraising programme, and are rewarded by seeing the impact from such organisations benefitting the community around us. The Horton, Epsom, is a lively arts venue, now celebrating its third year, and testament to the power of local community. Its very existence is forged from the vision and hard work of a dedicated volunteer group that saw a future for the former Horton Chapel, historically serving Epsom’s cluster of five psychiatric hospitals, that had been left derelict for over thirty years. With much red tape restricting future uses of the land, volunteers from the local community tirelessly lobbied over many years to be able to regenerate the site for community arts.
This month, the Peacock & Co sponsored Summer Exhibition celebrates ‘The Music of Life’ with artworks filling its grade-II listed Atrium gallery space.
Music of Life
Recognising its cultural heritage, The Horton is a not-for profit heritage centre for creative arts, where people with mental health considerations can also feel involved, safe and welcome. This year’s exhibition theme nods to the introduction of music therapy introduced by the Horton hospital in the 1950s – the first centre in Europe to run such a programme. Now, amongst a lively programme of exhibitions, comedy, classes in art, printmaking and pottery, myriad music groups perform regularly at the venue, from Flamenco to funk and disco as well as the offering of therapeutic gong baths.
“This year’s theme is a great opportunity to raise awareness of the historic significance of The Horton – where music helped so many people to find joy, peace, and connection,” says The Horton’s director, Maria Reeves.
Arts and Nature
The opening of the gardens in July has provided a final stage to the regeneration of the site, again made possible by committed volunteers. The gardens now provide a peaceful natural space around The Horton, with deckchairs and an event lawn for performances.
Peacock & Co have been able to support the work of the Horton by fundraising donations over the year, with our first quarter donation in March made more impactful by Big Give’s match-funding.
Community Events
In April, The Horton’s event space was the ideal location for us to host a Later Life Afternoon Tea, with speakers including our Private Client Partner, Katherine Carroll; along with eldercare consultant, Claire Edwards; (SOLLA Later Life Advisor accredited), Independent Financial Advisor Karen MacDonald and lifestyle organizer, Ashley Jordan. The Horton’s afternoon tea was a perfect reason to host such an event designed to help answer questions about wills, lasting powers of attorney, downsizing, independent care and finances.
It is a privilege to support such an inspirational organisation that has doggedly, and successfully transformed The Horton’s future for the benefit of its surrounding community.
We are thrilled to sponsor The Horton’s Summer Exhibition – a riot of colour and expression in paint, drawing, sculpture, textile and multi-media.
Opening Hours
Tuesday to Saturday: 9.15-4.30pm
Friday Late, 15th August: 6:30pm – 9pm
Closed Sundays and Mondays. Free parking.
Many works of art will be available to buy, priced between £100 and £2000.