Tributes paid to Worthing window artist as winner of town centre Christmas display announced
Tributes have been paid to a well-known Worthing window artist as the winner of the town centre Christmas competition was announced.
Freddy Harber, who specialised in writing on blackboards and windows, created a Grinch window display at Aries Dog Boutique, guided by the designs of owner Paul Derby.
Worthing Town Centre Business Improvement District launched its Christmas Window Display Competition in November and the boutique, in the Montague Centre, was announced as the winner on Wednesday, January 14.
Worthing mayor Cathy Glynn-Davies presented Paul and his staff Adam Dearing and Jorja Riley with a trophy and certificate after the Grinch window won the most public votes.
She said: "It's just brilliant, this shop. I've been passing backwards and forwards and every time I look at the windows, they're just amazing and, of course, as a result of that, they have won the Worthing best Christmas window award.
"Paul, Adam and Jorja, and little Aries, were supported to make their windows wonderful by a wonderful lady called Freddy. Sadly, she was ill and she passed away a few weeks later, so it's a real tribute to her to be able to present award to these wonderful people, who make us so happy with their windows."
Paul said Freddy created the window to his design, featuring the Grinch and his dog, and he dressed the shop displays around it. Sadly, Freddy died less than two weeks later, on November 27, 2025, at the age of 55.
Paul said: "We’re still in shock and can’t believe Freddy is not here with us. I originally asked her to do a design I had in mind for my Christmas windows last year, after seeing how talented she was drawing and writing on blackboards.
"Her beautiful shop window works really impressed me, too, so I just had to ask her back this year for a Grinch-themed display. She said she was very busy but still managed to find time to do my window, which I’m very grateful for.
"I so wish Freddy and I had socialised outside of a work environment, we got on so well. From our fun banter and laughter in the shop, I could see what a kind person she was and I enjoyed hearing about her life, her doting partner and family."
Paul plans to have a picture of Freddy's Grinch window framed and displayed in the shop as a memorial.