Horsham’s links to Guinness World Records’ 60th birthday

Today (Thursday) marks the 60th anniversary of the Guinness World Records, with the Horsham district contributing two of the entries.
By The Newsroom
Published 27th Aug 2015, 07:16 BST

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

Recalling a record - World Book Day at Tanbridge House School in Horsham SUS-151004-150029001Recalling a record - World Book Day at Tanbridge House School in Horsham SUS-151004-150029001
Recalling a record - World Book Day at Tanbridge House School in Horsham SUS-151004-150029001

According to www.guinnessworldrecords.com/ the idea for a book of records originated in the early 1950s when Sir Hugh Beaver (1890—1967), Managing Director of the Guinness Brewery, attended a shooting party in County Wexford.

He and his hosts argued about the fastest game bird in Europe, but couldn’t find an answer in any reference book.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Then in 1954, recalling his shooting party discussion, Sir Hugh had the idea for a Guinness promotion based on the idea of settling pub arguments and invited the twins Norris and Ross McWhirter to compile a book of facts and figures.

After an initial research phase, work began on writing the book, which took 13 and a half 90-hour weeks, including weekends and bank holidays.

An since then the popularity of the book and now website has never faltered.

Tanbridge House School in Horsham features among the records from earlier this year.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The school won a competition which provided the chance to attempt a Guinness World Records title of their choosing as part of World Book Day.

They managed to assemble 521 students in Harry Potter costume.

The RSPCA, whose headquarters are in Southwater, is also featured as the world’s oldest animal charity.

The SPCA was established in London in 1824 and was given its Royal approval in 1840, thus becoming the RSPCA.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Its headquarters were initially in the Causeway, Horsham, but moved to Southwater several years ago.

Horsham Australia also features with the largest custard slice which weighed 677.07 kg (1,492lb 10oz) and was made by The Oven Door Bakery on October 1 2014.

The record was broken at the Grand Annual Horsham Agricultural Show.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be among the first to know what’s going on.

1 Make our website your homepage at www.wscountytimes.co.uk

2 Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/wscountytimes

3 Follow us on Twitter @wscountytimes

4 Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends – so they don’t miss out!

The County Times – always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

Related topics:EuropeRSPCA