Bersted In Focus May 2023

BERSTED IN FOCUS

The Independent Local Directory of Businesses

NORTH AND SOUTH BERSTED

Delivered FREE to over 6,000 homes

May 2023

S K I N N E E D L I N G Facial Treatment

Skin Needling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that’s used to treat skin concerns by stimulating collagen production. This treatment creates micro-punctures in the skin using miniature, sterilised needles.

BENEFITS:

"CHELSEA EXPLAINED THE TREATMENT THOROUGHLY. SHE ASKED ME LOTS OF QUESTIONS ABOUT MY SKINCARE REGIME. LOVED THE SKIN NEEDLING! MY SKIN FELT GLOWING"

Josie

REDUCING THE APPEARANCE OF SCARS, INCLUDING ACNE SCARS

REDUCING THE APPEARANCE OF FINE LINES AND WRINKLES

REDUCING ENLARGED PORES

REDUCING THE APPEARANCE OF HYPERPIGMENTATION, OR DARK SPOTS

SMOOTHING UNEVEN SKIN TONE

IMPROVING SKIN ELASTICITY

REDUCING THE APPEARANCE OF STRETCH MARKS

REDUCING THE APPEARANCE OF SCARS

Learning in every sense

For boys & girls aged 21/2–13. We provide an exceptional education with opportunities that spark a love of learning and life.

Open Morning 20 May 2023

Register westbournehouse.org/visit

All I am, everything I can be

Please mention BERSTED IN FOCUS when responding to adverts

Dear All,

This May, history will be made as many of us will witness our first ever Coronation. Whatever you have planned, whether it’s hosting a garden party, watching every moment on television or ignoring it all – enjoy the bank holiday, make a memory and have a wonderful time.

May is also the month that many of our children and grandchildren will be sitting important exams. Good luck to all of those giving their all in the weeks ahead, it’s never an easy time but soon the sunny, carefree days of summer will be here.

Thank you to my daughter Emily who took this front cover photograph of the Tulip Festival at Arundel Castle last year. Held between mid-April and early May, the festival is regarded as one of Europe’s top tulip displays and, set against the backdrop of the Castle, it is one of the most spectacular sights I have ever seen.

This year’s festival is set to feature over 100,000 tulips, creating a stunning display of colour that even my teenage daughter enjoyed, so much so that she took 120 photographs! Booking is essential, visit www.arundelcastle.org/event/tulip-festival/ Enjoy May and all it has to offer!

Best wishes, Kate

Copies of Bersted in Focus are available to collect from Durlston Drive Post Office, 4 Durlston Parade, Bognor Regis, PO22 9DJ.

JUNE ISSUE DEADLINE 

MONDAY 8 MAY

Aldwick Quilters’

10th Quilt Show

Saturday 13 May 2023 10.00 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday 14 May 2023 10.00 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.

Pagham Village Hall

Pagham Road, Pagham, Bognor Regis PO21 4NN

Free parking

Adults £3.00 children free Quilt and Textile Displays, Demonstrations, Vintage Exhibition, Sales Tables - including Chalk Hill Blue Fabrics

Refreshments Raffle Tombola

Supporting My Sisters’ House Women’s Centre and MacMillan Cancer Support

WILL CHARLES III BE A GOOD KING?

BY FORMER ROYAL CORRESPONDENT, CHARLES RAE

When Charles was a young boy, he recalled being driven past Buckingham Palace and seeing crowds coming out to cheer his mother. Even at that young age he worried about his own popularity and said to others in the car “They’ll never come out for me!”

Now more than 70 years later our new King Charles III has discovered that the crowds do come out for him. However, he has huge shoes to fill. He faces the challenge of following the most successful sovereign in British history.

When the young Princess Elizabeth came to the throne, she was 25 and a young mother. Charles was 73 when he came to the throne last year – the oldest person ever to become sovereign.

Understandably, what most weighs on his mind is that time is short for him to make his mark as monarch, something crucially important to this student of royal history.

Charles has served an amazing apprenticeship of over 70 years to prepare for the one job for which he was born. Above all, he is acutely aware that for him there will be no succession of celebratory jubilees that have so symbolised his mother’s reign.

His mother’s universal popularity was based on reigning as a calm and steady monarch, hovering above – and detached from – the political turmoil, and on being a good listener who kept her opinions to herself.

Charles, as Prince of Wales, has continually ensured that his opinions have been heard and at times left his advisors with their heads in their hands.

There is more than a little anxiety in official circles, where it is feared that – despite his protestations to the contrary in recent years – the writer of so many passionate ‘black spider’ letters (so-called because of his scrawled handwriting) to government ministers may find it hard to ensure that he is not seen as a ‘meddling’ monarch.

Charles knows he could never write another letter like that as King. As he said on his 70th birthday about making his views known when he ascends to the throne: ‘I’m not that stupid. I do realise that it is a separate exercise being sovereign.’

His greatest challenge – and legacy – will be in maintaining the monarchy’s popularity in his mother’s image, ensuring it is as secure now as when the time comes for him to hand it on to his son, William.

Hugely popular among the British public growing up, Charles’ popularity took a dive following his turbulent separation and divorce from Princess Diana. Polling by Ipsos Mori in 1991 showed 82 per cent of Britons thought Charles would make a good king but by 1996, the year of the divorce, he was down to 41 per cent.

His popularity also faded with his affair with Camilla Parker Bowles. Eventually, the pair married and have been for 18 years. During that time, Camilla worked hard to come in from the cold and is now a vital part of his life and the monarchy and largely popular with the public.

The king has been the most fortunate heir to the throne in our history – because he has had the chance to learn from the most successful monarch in our history. If he follows her example, he will scarcely put a foot wrong.

Will he be a good King, in my opinion, it is a resounding YES!

ARE YOU FED UP WITH CLUTTER?

For many home owners, the loft is an under utilised area, because it can be difficult and dangerous to reach. Access4Lofts Worthing is owned by Attila Minor. Much of the work he carries out is for growing families. “I know how crucial storage space can be for large families,” says Attila. “I also find that a large percentage of my clients are retired people, looking for the safest access to their loft available.”

Freeing up a room currently clogged with clutter can save a lot of trouble and expense, as Attila explains: “Some people looking for more space consider moving to a bigger home, but this needn’t be necessary; installing a loft ladder is quick and affordable. People are surprised by the amount of space that can be reclaimed in a loft, we can even include shelving to maximise the space.”

Access4Lofts provides a free survey and quote service, so you can find out what is achievable with your loft area. This could also be a fantastic opportunity to think about some better insulation. A properly insulated roof can knock as much as 20 per cent of your energy bills, so you and your family can be sure to keep cosy and warm this winter without worrying about those bills come spring

Access4Lofts is an approved Which? Trusted trader which means they have been accessed by Which? and passed their stringent checks. For added confidence, Access4Lofts has full public liability insurance and all ladders and work carried out comes with a Lifetime Guarantee.

To find out how Attila can create more space in your loft, or to book a free survey and quote, visit www.access4lofts.co.uk/worthing or give Attila a call on 01903 380190.

KING CHARLES III

BY KIM LESLIE

On Saturday 6 May, King Charles III will be crowned and Sussex and the rest of the UK will be awash with Union Jack bunting and street parties.

The First King Charles was executed; the Second hid in an oak tree to save his neck; the Third awaits the full pageantry of his coronation. Charles I brought warfare into the very heart of an otherwise peaceful Sussex with parts of Chichester destroyed, the Cathedral sacked, Arundel besieged, churches vandalised, the world was turned upside down by his victorious Cromwellian enemies.

Sussex was the scene of the last few miles of the future Charles II’s escape into exile – the greatest manhunt of the 17th century. Today the Monarch’s Way commemorates this desperate journey into safety, snaking across the country some 600 miles long, before plunging into the churning waters of the English Channel at Shoreham. His oak-tree escapade at Boscobel is still commemorated by hundreds of Royal Oak pubs throughout the country. King Charles III’s namesakes lived – and died – in extraordinary times.

Today, we watch our new King Charles face our own quite extraordinary times. How will he be judged in the dock of history? That’s for the future. But with last September’s accession and May’s coronation we start with new beginnings. As one recent biographer puts it: ‘Charles III promises to be as memorable a king as Charles I’ – just hopefully different!

Charles is the forty-first monarch since King William I came to rule by violent conquest at Hastings in 1066. Even his coronation on Christmas Day 1066 ended in pandemonium, most of the congregation fleeing in terror from a fire in Westminster Abbey’s precincts. A few brave clergy remained and with some difficulty completed the consecration of William, seen trembling from head to foot. Coronations have brought their fair share of drama. Edward VIII resisted his own coronation in the 1930s, refusing to attend planning meetings, preferring an Adriatic cruise with Wallace Simpson – love and pleasure before duty – finally backing out with his abdication and exile. It was a nightmare scenario for the Earl Marshal, the Duke of Norfolk, in charge of Edward’s aborted coronation, just as his successor, the present duke, is in charge of this year’s coronation. Throughout Queen Elizabeth’s reign, successive dukes of Norfolk, with their seat at Arundel, have overseen Operation Golden Orb, the codename under which plans for King Charles’ coronation have been drawn up over many decades. Ready and waiting for now.

Over the centuries there’s been drama, as well as spectacle. Today, television gives us all a ringside seat. Times change. Back in 1953 there was opposition to letting TV cameras into Westminster Abbey: it was wrong to watch such a solemn occasion whilst casually drinking tea or chatting to family members in the front room; unfair to expose the Queen and others to this searching method of broadcasting, bristling with intrusive zoom lenses. Elizabeth overruled all these objections, so millions watched what was then the biggest outside BBC broadcast of the century. The sales of black and white televisions rocketed in the weeks leading up to the great day in June. (TV licences, incorporating a radio license, then cost just £2 a year.) This was the first time a live TV broadcast went international, with simultaneous transmission into Europe. Recordings were flown across the Atlantic by Canberra jet bomber for showing in Canada and USA the very same evening.

The Queen’s coronation had an enormous effect in the development of television. Seventy years on, this May’s pageantry will be watched live by millions – maybe billions – across the whole world. We’ve come a long way since 1953.

Coronation 2023 Emblem usage guidelines

If today is the age of colour TV and photography, in the long-distant past it was the age of the artist-chronicler. One of the first English coronations to be illustrated was that of King Harold, the last Saxon king, embroidered into the Bayeux Tapestry in the 1070s. Scores of illuminated medieval manuscripts show the solemn ceremony in brilliant, dazzling colour.

The religious ceremony has remained much the same for more than a thousand years, descending directly from the earliest account of an English coronation: that of the crowning of King Edgar in Bath in 973. Buckingham Palace has declared there will be changes for May’s coronation, for whilst it will be ‘rooted in longstanding tradition’ it will ‘reflect the monarch’s role today and look towards the future’, embodying the same core elements whilst recognising the modern spirit of the twenty-first century. It will be marked with ‘solemnity, celebration and pageantry’.

Of the pageantry and splendour of the last coronation in 1953, one diarist wrote, ‘What a day for England … Shall we ever see the like again?’ That question will soon be answered on Saturday 6 May …

Our Editor, Kate Stewart, meeting King Charles at Clarence House in 2003.

Felpham

MAY DAY BY TOM HANCOCK

A DAY TO CELEBRATE

The May Day bank holiday, observed on the first Monday of May each year, is a cherished tradition in the UK. It marks the advent of spring and provides a welcome day off from work for many people. So how come we get a national holiday at this time of year?

May Day has its roots in ancient traditions that celebrated the arrival of spring and the renewal of life. The Celts observed Beltane, a festival that marked the midpoint between the spring equinox and the summer solstice, while the Romans held the festival of Flora, the goddess of flowers and springtime. Over time, these traditions merged and evolved, giving rise to the modern May Day celebrations.

It was during the medieval period that May Day festivities became increasingly popular in England. The celebrations often included the crowning of a May Queen, a young girl chosen to represent the spirit of spring, and the performance of Morris dancing, a traditional English folk dance. One of the most iconic symbols of May Day is the maypole, a tall wooden pole adorned with colourful ribbons that are woven into intricate patterns by dancers.

In the 17th century, the rise of Puritanism in England led to a decline in the popularity of May Day celebrations. The Puritans sought to rid society of what they considered to be immoral and decadent practices, and they viewed the festivities as pagan and inappropriate. As a result, May Day celebrations were suppressed for several decades.

In the 19th century, May Day experienced a revival, largely thanks to the burgeoning labour movement. Workers were campaigning for better working conditions and shorter hours and May Day became intertwined with this in 1889, when the International Socialist Conference declared May 1st as International Workers’ Day.

Despite this, May Day did not become an official bank holiday in the UK until 1978. It was instituted by Michael Foot, then the Labour Employment Secretary, and Prime Minister James Callaghan as a means of providing workers with an additional day off and bolstering support for the government’s policies. The May Day bank holiday was initially met with some resistance, as opponents argued that it would disrupt business and promote socialist ideology. However, it quickly gained widespread acceptance and is now an integral part of the British calendar.

Traditional customs, such as the crowning of the May Queen, Morris dancing, and the maypole dance, continue to be observed in many towns and villages. There can’t be many nicer ways to spend a sunny May Day than to wander around a village fete enjoying the holiday atmosphere. I wonder if the Morris dancers have any vacancies this year …

What’s on at Bersted Jubilee Hall

Subject to change, please call 01243 842221.

MAY 2023

Contact 07961 761185 or www.rawlingsmartialarts.academy

ELECTIONS— Parish and District 4 May

Don’t forget to bring your photo ID to vote at a polling station, such as driving licence with photo, UK passport, Blue Badge with photo, there are more forms of identity see www.gov.uk/how-to-vote/ photo-id-youll-need

Community Wardens

What we can do to assist the community:

• provide a reassuring, uniformed patrolling presence.

• Provide an eyes and ears service aimed at reducing the fear of crime.

• reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour by intervening at an early stage and providing intelligence to Police and the ASB team.

• report environmental issues, such as fly-tipping, littering and graffiti to preserve the environment.

• host community engagement events to give residents a voice.

• support vulnerable members of the community by reducing isolation.

• offer crime prevention advice.

• work in close partnership with other agencies to the benefit of communities.

• act as professional witnesses where appropriate.

• Offer support to victims of crime and anti-social behaviour in reporting incidents.

• encourage more resilient local communities and support them to improve their surroundings.

What we don’t do:

• we are not a replacement for the Police.

• we are not an emergency response service. A crime in progress or where there is a risk of harm should be reported to the Police directly.

• as we do not work 24/7 there will be times when neither warden is on duty.

LITTERPICKS around Bersted 2023

• we do not provide a care service but are able to refer vulnerable people to relevant support agencies.

• we are not parking wardens. Please get in touch with us at community.wardens@arun.gov.uk

www.bersted-pc.gov.uk

Bersted Parish Council, Jubilee Hall, Chalcraft Lane, Bersted, PO21 5TU, 01243 842221 clerk@bersted-pc.gov.uk

LONG LIVE THE KING

A BRIEF HISTORY OF CORONATIONS

BY KATE MCCARTHY

On May 6th King Charles’ coronation will take place, an event steeped in centuries of tradition and symbolism.

Coronations mark the formal investiture of a monarch with regal power, typically by the placing of a crown upon their head. They can be traced back to the early Middle Ages, with the first recorded coronation in Britain of King Egbert of Wessex in 802. However, it was not until the Norman Conquest in 1066 that the tradition of coronations as we know them today truly began. William the Conqueror’s coronation at Westminster Abbey laid the foundation for the ceremonies that followed, and the Abbey has since served as the primary venue for all but two coronations.

The ceremony itself is a blend of religious, political, and cultural elements. Historically, the Archbishop of Canterbury has been responsible for presiding over the ceremony.

One of the most iconic aspects of the coronation is the anointing of the monarch with holy oil, symbolizing their consecration to God and their role as defender of the faith. The origins of this practice date back to biblical times, and the anointing of the kings of Israel. The oil used for the anointing is traditionally held in the Ampulla, a gold, eagle-shaped vessel, and applied using the Anointing Spoon, which dates back to the 12th Century.

The crowning of the monarch is the climax of the coronation ceremony. The crown is a symbol of the continuity of the British monarchy. Over the centuries, various crowns have been used, but the most famous is St. Edward’s Crown which was originally used for the coronation of Charles ll in 1661 and will be used to crown King Charles lll this month.

The ceremony also involves the presentation of other regalia, including the orb, sceptre, and ring. The Sovereign’s Orb is a golden globe surmounted by a cross to remind monarch that their power is derived from God. The sceptre represents the crown’s power and governance, and the ring is a symbol of royal dignity.

The monarch takes an oath to uphold the laws of the land and to protect the Church of England. Following this, they are robed in coronation garments and seated on the Coronation Chair, also known as King Edward’s Chair, which has been used for this purpose since the 14th century.

One of the most famous coronations in British history is that of Queen Elizabeth I in 1559, which followed a period of cultural and political change, and reflected the power and prestige of the Tudor dynasty.

The coronation of King Charles II in 1661, followed the restoration of the monarchy after the English Civil War and the rule of Oliver Cromwell. More recently, the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 was the first to be broadcast on television, allowing millions of people around the world to witness the historic occasion.

The coronation of King Charles lll will be a captivating blend of history, tradition, and pageantry, and I for one will be glued to the television.

THE RETURN OF THE TERNS

BY ALICE MCDOUGALL (RSPB Volunteer)

“It’s summer, you never saw such a blue sky / And here they are, those white birds with quick wings / Sweeping over the waves, chattering and plunging / Their thin beaks snapping, their hard eyes / Happy as little nails” - In her poem ‘Terns’, Mary Oliver evokes the pleasure of sun, sea breeze and the absorbing joy of watching terns. Pagham Harbour is an important breeding area for Little Terns and Sandwich Terns.

Little Terns can be identified by the distinctive white forehead on their black caps and yellow bill with a black tip. As they are social birds you may see a flock rise up together to see off predators. They nest on the beach, making shallow scrapes in which to lay their eggs, and are consequently particularly vulnerable to predators from both ground and the sky: Foxes, badgers, hedgehogs and gulls all have some interest in finding eggs or chicks to feed upon. Flooding as a result of rising spring tides has also been a factor in dwindling numbers and from 2000 to 2015 there was an 18 per cent decline. This has been addressed with the LIFE+ project aimed at increasing the numbers of breeding pairs of terns. Three ‘Tern Islands’ have been constructed from shingle creating ideal habitats for the terns to breed and predators fences have been erected to keep them safe.

It is important that visitors do not pass fenced-off areas or walk across the islands. It is also vital that people keep their dogs on leads; adult Little Terns will abandon their nest if they’ve been disturbed, leaving chicks and nests vulnerable.

The good news is, there has been an increase in fledgling terns since the project’s inception, and last year a record 26 Little Terns hatched, as well as 148 Sandwich Terns – let’s see what this year brings.

Perhaps the final line in Mary Oliver’s poem perfectly sums up the mesmerising and cathartic impact of watching these beautiful birds: “And you find, for hours, you cannot remember the questions that weigh so heavily in your mind”.

Why not join us on one of our guided walks this month to look for our returning seabirds? Visit our website https://events.rspb.org.uk/paghamharbour to book your place. And you can help us protect our nesting little terns by becoming an RSPB Pagham Site Ranger volunteer – contact Rob Yarham, our Volunteer Coordinator, to find out more – email: rob.yarham@rspb.org.uk

Minibuses for the Community

As a Not for Profit or Community Group, access our minibuses for a one-off trip or a regular commitment by becoming an Affiliate Member with us.

Formoreinformationortojoin,call

0300 772 7735

WEST SUSSEX MINIBUS

YOUR FRIENDLY DOOR-TO-DOOR SERVICE

West Sussex Minibus are an established charity that supports the whole community. They provide social excursions for residents and make their minibuses available to local Not-for-Profit and Community Groups when registered as Affiliate Members.

Here in Five Villages (Barnham area), there are many different ways in which West Sussex Minibus can help the community when a transport solution is needed. It may be for a one-off event or a regular commitment; for a few hours or days. Schools may require vehicles to take pupils to sporting events, Scout Groups to attend annual adventure camps, Walking Clubs to explore new walking routes or local churches to assist people attending weekly services. All Not-for-Profit or Community Groups are welcome to register as Affiliate Members with West Sussex Minibus to access their minibuses. Everything is taken care of to get you on the road quickly, give you peace of mind and provide ease of use.

The fleet of ten, 9-15 seat minibuses are situated across the county in Ashington, Billingshurst, Petworth, Pulborough, Steyning, Storrington, Five Villages (Barnham) and Wisborough Green, enabling convenient pick-up of vehicles. Most have a secure cage for storage; all come with a complete maintenance programme, comprehensive insurance and AA breakdown cover. In-journey fuel payments are made easy with a Fuel Card, which is made available for every journey, Provide a driver of your own, or West Sussex Minibus may be able to assist by providing one of theirs. All new drivers require an assessment to enable a Driver’s Permit to be issued to comply with government regulations.

An Affiliate Membership is from £40 per year, plus a cost-per-mile charge, based on usage.

ARUN & CHICHESTER (AIR) ENTHUSIASTS SOCIETY

AirACES www.airaces.org.uk

Patrons – Sqn Ldr Richard (Dick) Kharegat RAF (Retd) – ex Vulcan, Victor, B52 Pilot Wg Cdr Robert (Bob) Prothero MRAeS, MIMgt, RAF (Retd) – ex Victor Pilot

Monday 22 MAY 2023 - 1900 for 1930 hrs

‘Like Like Father Like Son – the story of a WW2 Spitfire Ace and the son who followed in his footsteps’

presented by Air Marshal Graeme ‘Black’ Robertson CBE, BA, FRAeS, FRSA, RAF (ret’d)

Join Air ACES for an evening in the company of Graeme ‘Black’ Robertson, an illustrious and famous former RAF pilot, who flew front line fast jets.

‘Black’s father was a decorated Spitfire ace, whose brief wartime career was ended by injury, and ‘Black’ himself was a Cold War flier who retired in 1998.

Illustrated with stories of their shared experiences, the Air Marshal will reflect, not just on parallels a generation apart, but also on the changing face of the RAF.

AirACES is an aviation talk society, providing its members with regular talks, given by experts in many different fields related to the world of aviation. The talks are held at the Chichester Park Hotel, Westhampnett Road, Chichester 7pm for 7.30 start. Members £5, visitors £7 and under 16s FREE. Doors open at 6.45pm no pre-booking, no reserved seating For further information about AirACES, please see www.airaces.org.uk, or call David Batcock on 01243 823007.

STEP UP FOR A PAW-SOME CAUSE!

Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) is inviting dog lovers to take part in Hound Hike 100 to help raise vital funds for the life-saving charity. The event encourages participants to walk a total of 100 kilometres or 100 miles with their canine companions during the 31 days of May at their own pace, in their own time, on days and times to suit them, and at locations of their choice.

Nick Turrell, Community Fundraising Manager, KSS said: “Hound Hike 100 is a wonderful way to give your dog walks a purpose this May. Each year, KSS needs to raise £16.6M – the equivalent of £45K per day – to operate our life-saving service. With 87 per cent of our income raised through the generosity of our supporters, we rely on members of our local communities fundraising on our behalf.”

“Our specialist crews of emergency doctors and critical care paramedics respond to an average of eight urgent calls for help each day, giving patients the best chance of survival and helping to keep families together. By taking part in Hound Hike 100, you will help KSS to provide critical care whenever and wherever it is needed – whether at home, by the roadside, at a remote location or even when out on a dog walk.”

KSS is the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) for Kent, Surrey and East and West Sussex bringing the emergency room to deliver life-saving care in under 30 minutes.

To sign up for Hound Hike 100, please visit www.aakss.org.uk/houndhike100. For further information about Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex: www.aakss.org.uk/

Please mention BERSTED IN FOCUS when responding to adverts

KING CANUTE’S TIDE FIGHT BY SIMON BAKER IRONS

This month sees the coronation of King Charles III and what better way to keep in the theme of Kings than a stroll around Bosham. Bosham is thought to be the birth and burial place of the last Saxon Kings of England and of other historic characters such as King Canute. This short walk around the village is flat and mainly accessible throughout its route, however particular attention needs to be paid about the tide.

• Leave the car park, and walk down Bosham Lane towards the shoreline, the road looks like it goes into the harbour and plenty of seaweed indicates that the sea covers this road at high tide, so best not park here or you may find your car surrounded by water.

• At this location, legend has it that King Canute of England set his throne on the seashore, sat down and commanded the incoming tide to halt. When the tide continued to approach and splashed over the royal feet, Canute announced to his courtiers; “Let all men know how empty and worthless is the power of kings, for there is none worthy of the name, but He whom heaven, earth, and sea obey by eternal laws – God Almighty”.

• Follow Shore Road around the harbour, if the tide is out then you can walk on the road and at high tide you’ll need to walk along the path on the shore wall. From the other side of the water look back towards historic Bosham to view one of the most prettiest scenes in Sussex.

• Retrace your footsteps back along shore Road or for a longer walk continue around the shoreline to the Itchenor Ferry, away from the villages Chichester harbour can be a very tranquil place, from the wild calls of the seabirds to the gentle lapping of the waves over the pebbles.

• Back at Bosham the route continues to the old quay, via the shoreline or High Street if the tide is high.

• Take a seat on Bosham Quay Meadow between the Holy Trinity Church and the quay. It was from this very place that King Harold sailed for Normandy in 1064, both he and Bosham Church are depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry. A copy of the tapestry can be found in the Church. In 1865 a coffin containing a child’s skeleton was discovered in the church which is believed to be one of King Canute’s daughters. There is a tradition that she drowned in a nearby millstream and was buried here. There is also a tradition that Canute had a palace in the village, perhaps where the Manor House now stands, or possibly at the harbour’s edge. Similarly, King Harold had a feast in his manor house in Bosham the night before he set sail.

• From the church, a short path leads to the Bosham Art and Craft Centre, where you can peruse the local art and have a drink before returning to the car.

To see more photos and walks please follow me on Instagram @piertopiertrekking

© Ron Porter.

© Sian Wells.

HOME WOUND CARE

BY LOCAL GP - DR DAPHNE HAZELL (Appointments available free of charge)

In June 2022 when Home Wound Care was started locally, our aim was to meet the need for people to be able to get expert private wound care nurse assessments and the most effective wound healing dressings done at home. To get poor healing wounds such as leg wounds (sometimes known as leg ulcers) better quickly.

I was frustrated by the large number of (mostly) older people feeling a bit miserable and unnecessarily living with pain for months, and even years, from these unhealed wounds. There can be months of waiting to see Tissue Viability nurses (specialist wound care nurses) on the NHS, if possible at all. And there are lots of issues getting dressing appointments at GP surgeries because the community nurses are so busy and there is no funding for more.

After successfully recruiting two excellent tissue viability nurse specialists and lots of wound care nurses, we are now out and about locally, working healing wonders! We have had 100% positive feedback, except for the price!

To address the price issue, I approached the manufacturers of the dressings we are using and offered for our team to do product reviews for them and sometimes compare one dressing to another in clinical trials. They have been struggling to get this information as NHS nurses do not have the time to do the feedback and all the extra form ticking needed.

The great news is that we can now provide our care FREE OF CHARGE to all patients who are happy to join one of these studies and product reviews.

All the product reviews and trials we do, will have set criteria for what sort of wound etc they want to check, so not everyone will be eligible for each one. However, because we have lots of product reviews starting all the time, we should be able to find one that matches you. If you join a formal clinical trial, you will usually be paid some money at the end to compensate for the inconvenience of longer nursing visits – it’s worth checking!

So if you would like to get our excellent expert private care, at home, at your convenience, for free, do let us know. You might be one of the first people to try out our fancy new dressings in West Sussex, advance the knowledge of wound healing, and also reduce the burden on the NHS by one less patient to see.

We would really appreciate any referrals to family and friends. We need more patients as not enough people know about us yet! As well as locally, we now have two nurses in the Midlands starting to see patients, and a couple elsewhere and we are happy to drive out of the local area.

Please ring us on 01903 331963 if you would like more information.

If you have any ideas about how we can let more elderly people know about us through your club etc, or you have personal/family experience of leg wounds and would like to be a local ambassador for our service, please do give me a call.

Dr Daphne Hazell.

CORONATION CHIC

BY FELPHAM FASHION GURU VICKY BOOKER

It’s the King’s coronation coming up soon and we have an extra bank holiday – yay! Whether you’re planning a classic street party, having a relaxed one at home, or have been invited to a posh do of any kind, I’ve put together a few ideas of outfits fit for a King!

Summer Garden Party

This green maxi dress (left) from River Island is the ideal garden party look. Plus, it ticks four – yes four of this season’s key trends! Firstly the colour; spring green is one of the top colours of the summer, next it’s a lovely light sheer fabric, but not too see-through. Ruffles are another tick, and these ruffles are asymmetric, which is not only on-trend but also super-flattering.

A Posh ‘Do’

If you want to go for it and take the opportunity to dress up, this beautiful floral dress from Phase Eight (right) fits the bill. There’s that asymmetry again with the one shoulder strap, and the fit and flare shape gives a gorgeous hourglass silhouette. And as if it’s not lovely enough as it is, it’s got POCKETS! This would be a great buy as it would take you through the wedding season and be great for Glorious Goodwood too.

Coronation Street Party

Hopefully, the British weather will be kind and the sun will be shining. This gorgeous blue jumpsuit (left) from UK brand Sosandar is a linen blend so should keep you nice and cool without creasing too much. This would look just as good with metallic wedge sandals or white leather trainers if you need to be comfortable running around dishing out sandwiches …

A more Relaxed Affair

And if you’re chilling watching at home, or want something a bit more casual, these patterned loose cotton trousers (right) from Karen Millen would be a good choice. The bold print makes them more interesting and again they can be dressed up with heeled sandals and a silky blouse, or down with a t-shirt and flats.However you celebrate that Coronation, have fun and stay stylish!

If you’d like some help with picking the best looks for you, get in touch. I can help with auditing your wardrobe and shopping with you to make sure you’re buying wisely. If you’d like some help with staying stylishly cosy this spring, do get in touch to see how I can help – I offer a Personal Shopping service as well as styling.

www.vickybooker.com and email: vicky@vickybooker.com

© Moira

Lizzie

FOR ALL YOUR ROOFING NEEDS

FAMILY RUN BUSINESS WITH OVER 30 YRS EXPERIENCE

ALL ASPECTS OF ROOFING AND CONSTRUCTION UNDERTAKEN

Contact us for a FREE quote: 07508 468418 Info@newheightsroofing.co.uk

Please mention BERSTED IN FOCUS when responding to adverts

BOMBAY POTATOES

Preparation time: 10 minutes. Cooking time: up to 20 mins for boiling potatoes, 10-12 minutes to fry. Serves: 4-6

• INGREDIENTS

• 900g Jersey Royals

• Thumb-sized piece of root

• ginger, peeled.

• 3 garlic cloves, peeled

• 2 large ripe tomatoes

• 4 tbsp vegetable oil

METHOD

• ¾ tsp cumin seeds

• 1 tsp mustard seeds

• 1 large onion, roughly chopped

• 2/3 tsp turmeric

• 2 tsp ground coriander

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp garam masala

• ½-¾ tsp chilli powder

• Large handful of chopped coriander leaves

• Salt, to taste

• Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the potatoes and boil until just tender, Allow to cool a little.

• Quarter one tomato then blend together with the ginger and garlic. Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan, then add the cumin and mustard seeds. When the cumin starts to darken, add the onion. Cook for one minute then add the ginger and garlic mixture, the ground spices and salt.

• Sauté gently for one to two minutes until the garlic smells cooked but is not burnt.

• Slice the second tomato into thin wedges and add them to the frying pan. Stir well and cook the mixture for three to four minutes. Tip the potatoes into the pan and cook for three to five minutes to allow the flavours to be absorbed. Season to taste and finally stir in the chopped coriander before serving.

DOORS OF DREAMS

A completely new kitchen may not be within everyone’s budget but at Dream Doors Barnham there is an alternative. Replacing old, outdated doors and worktops can revitalise your kitchen, saving up to 50 per cent less than fitting a new one.

Dream Doors was established 25 years ago and has grown into a trusted brand with over 90 showrooms nationwide. Neil and Catherine own the Barnham franchise and have done so for the past 8 years. Originally from South Africa, they have called the UK home for 18 years and have raised their 2 daughters here.

Neil and his team will assist you with as little or as much as you would like from one drawer front to a completely new kitchen! All the doors are made to measure, meaning Dream Doors can create everything to your specific requirements. A vast array of styles and colours are available ranging from ultra-modern to the more traditional – it’s the choosing that can be tricky! But Neil will be on hand to help and advise to ensure you have peace of mind. Working with leading brands in the UK and across the world we can provide everything needed for your kitchen. From appliances, sinks, taps, and splashbacks to internal wireworks, tiling and flooring.

Neil and Catherine are very aware of sustainability and are committed to the environment. They will actively encourage their customers to reuse existing units where possible and all removed doors, appliances and worktops are disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.

Neil and Catherine encourage you to visit their showroom at DREAM DOORS 13 The Square Barnham PO220HB or contact them on 01243 554732 or barnham@dreamdoors.co.uk

Please mention BERSTED IN FOCUS when responding to adverts

Down

1. Zealous, fierce (6)

2. Flat-bottomed boat (4)

3. Wreath (7)

4. Ambiguous (5)

5. Scholarly world (8)

6. Unit of measurement (6)

12. Most unshaven (8)

CROSSWORD

Across

7. Severe mental or physical pain (6)

8. Bowed (6)

9. Lease, tariff (4)

10. Wash, cleanse (8)

11. Inscription (7)

13. Fossilised tree resin (5)

15. Caustic, stinging (5)

17. Nicotine-rich leaf (7)

14. Bragged (7)

16. Church (6)

18. Unbleached cotton cloth (6)

19. Type of farm (5)

21. Hum, murmur (4)

20. Dwellings, (8)

21. Blanched (4)

22. Forbid, ban (6)

23. Improve, embellish (6)

We o er a reliable and person centred approach with daily tasks for your re-enablement. Our dedicated team is fully trained to support mental and physical wellbeing and to enable you to access the community. Due to our continuity of care we can be an understanding ear and a friendly face when you need it most.

FREE initial face-to-face

Here to help you regain your independence

• Personal Care: Showering, Bathing, Toileting Needs, Oral Mouth Care, Hair Care, Foot Care, Incontinence Care.

• Outreach: Shopping Trips, Help with Transport when Attending Classes, Support Getting to Appointments, Accompanying to Lunch and Dinners.

• Preparation: Food Preparation, Cooking, Shopping, Monitoring, Food Rotation, Ordering Meals.

• Companionship: Social Calls, Help and Hobbies, Stimulating Mental Health Activities, Pet Care (certain conditions apply).

• Domestic: Cleaning, Washing Up, Laundry, Bed Change, Taking the Bins Out.

• Everything Else: Dementia Care, End of Life Care, Medication Management, Arrang ing Appointments, Collecting Prescriptions, Short Term Respite Care.

Friday 5th May • 6pm

St Mary’s, Felpham

HOEDOWN SHOWDOWN BY

ORGANIZING A SUCCESSFUL BARN DANCE

GEMMA PETERS

Barn Dances and Ceilidhs are social dances. Designed to let everyone enjoy themselves. No prior knowledge or experience is necessary to join in and have fun. They appeal to all ages and are one of the few activities that an entire community can do and enjoy together.

A successful barn dance relies on good planning, so to make sure that your barn dance really goes with a swing we’ve put together a simple checklist.

Venue - A traditional barn is ideal, but not always convenient, especially for city-dwellers, so any large, open space with a sturdy floor will work - such as a community hall or gymnasium works well. Think about how many people might come and make sure the venue is large enough to accommodate them all AND their enthusiastic dancing! Consider factors such as accessibility, parking, and bathroom facilities.

Date and time – A Friday or Saturday night is ideal as most people won’t have to go to work the following morning, which means they’ll relax and enjoy themselves more. Check to see that your event doesn’t clash with any others.

Don’t skimp on the band and hire a professional caller – THE important element of a successful barn dance is the music and

dancing. A good caller will help you to create a dance programme that caters to all ages and abilities. On the night they’ll teach the dances and guide guests through the dance steps, making sure that everyone has fun, regardless of their dancing ability. The band should be experienced performing traditional music. Bands are often able to suggest callers and vice versa.

Refreshments - Finger foods and buffet-style offerings work well as they allow guests to eat when they please and accommodate varied dietary needs. Alternatively, a hog roast is always a hit. Even if you have decided to have a bar, don’t forget to provide plenty of water and non-alcoholic drinks; dancing is thirty work.

Decorate Your Venue – It’s not compulsory but it is fun. A few hay bales, gingham tablecloths and fairy lights create an inviting atmosphere.

Send out the invites – If it’s a charity event spread the word on social media and posters in popular venues such as pubs, churches, and local shops. Tell people where the funds are going. If it’s a birthday party or a wedding invite, tell people to dress for a barn dance, or to bring a change of clothes and / or footwear for the dancing.

Just before the event – Confirm and finalise venue arrangements, and check in with your caller, band, and caterers if you’re using them. Enlist some volunteers on hand to help with setup, cleanup, and supervision.

Then put on your dancing shoes, take your partner, and dance!

Please mention BERSTED IN FOCUS when responding to adverts

A GOOD READ

BY NATASHA DONOVAN

The Alice Network by Kate Quinn

The Alice Network is set in the aftermath of World War Il though it straddles both world wars, and follows two women, Charlie St Clair, and Eve Gardiner, as they navigate the dangerous world of espionage in search of a lost relative.

Charlie St Clair is a young American woman who is pregnant out of wedlock. She is sent to Europe by her family to have the ‘problem’ taken care of. But she breaks free to search for her cousin Rose, who disappeared during the war. She meets Eve Gardiner, a former spy for the Alice Network, a secret organization of female spies, who now spends her days drunk, haunted by her past. Together, the two women embark on a journey to find Rose and uncover the truth about her disappearance.

As they delve deeper into the world of espionage and the aftermath of the war, they encounter a cast of characters, including former spies, soldiers, and politicians, who each have their own secrets. The two women must navigate this dangerous world, relying on their wits and the support of each other to stay alive.

The novel explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the aftermath of war. Its powerful narrative is a testament to the bravery and resilience of women in a time when their roles were often limited. Quinn’s novel is well-researched and beautifully written and will appeal both to fans of historical fiction and anyone who enjoys a page-turning spy thriller.

Letters from the Lighthouse by Emma Carroll

Letters from the Lighthouse is set during World War II. The story follows two siblings, Olive and Cliff, who are evacuated from London to a coastal town in Devon. Their older sister Sukie went missing during an air raid and they have no idea where she is, though a note found in Sukie’s coat pocket suggests that she was involved in something dangerous. Then, among the close-knit community where they’ve been evacuated, Olive discovers something which ties Sukie to a plot as dangerous as it is puzzling.

What do the mysterious letters that the children receive from the lighthouse on the coast mean? Written by a shadowy figure known only as “The Keeper”, they provide Olive and Cliff with clues which send the siblings off on a dangerous adventure that takes them through the streets of the town and the surrounding countryside. Through their encounters with a spy, a resistance fighter, and a band of smugglers, they must use their wits and their courage to stay alive and uncover the truth.

GARDEN VIEW

AQUILEGIA

BY RACHEL LEVERTON

There is something quite lovely about Aquilegias, bobbing in the breeze. They provide exquisite flowers, which a great for cutting, in May and early June, and come in a variety of colours. Even the foliage is attractive.

Known as Granny’s bonnet or Columbine, this delicate-looking flower is actually an undemanding hardy perennial, is unfussy about soil and tolerant of full sun, or partial shade. What’s not to like? The plants grow to about 60cm so work well in the middle of a border, where they will happily self-seed and spread the joy.

If you want to plant seedlings rather than seeds, sow thinly on to moist compost in a seed tray. If they are slow to germinate, they may need stratification, the posh word for subjecting seeds to a cold - warm cycle to trick them into thinking they have been through a cold winter. Cover the seed tray with polythene and put in a fridge at 0-5°C for two to three weeks. Remove the tray and place in a greenhouse or on a windowsill at approx. 18-21°C. Remove the polythene when the seeds start to germinate. Transplant the seedlings into 7cm pots and allow to grow on into sturdy plants. Plant out in the border about 45cm apart in groups of three – five plants for a more naturalistic look.

However, at this time of year I just sow directly outdoors, where I want them to flower.

If you are planting established plants from a garden centre, remove the packaging and stand the pots upright in a bucket of water for 20 minutes, to give the roots a good drink. Then plant in prepared ground in small groups.

Once the aquilegia plants have established, they shouldn’t need additional watering. You might want to cut back the foliage after flowering if the leaves are beginning to look scruffy. Give the plant a drink and a mulch of compost, and it will reward you with a fresh flush of foliage in a few weeks.

Aquilegias need very little after care once they are established. They will self-seed and although offspring rarely look like their parents, they will still be very pretty. I personally like the naturalistic look.

The plant is a member of the poisonous Ranunculus family and all parts of the plant, including the seeds, are poisonous if ingested.

To collect the seeds from your aquilegia plants, wait for the flower to die back to an attractive papery seed head. Use a paper bag to hold over the stem and tap until all the seeds land in the bag. Alternatively cut the stems and hang upside down inside a large paper bag to dry and catch all the seed in the bag. Store in a paper envelope once they are completely dry and label carefully, noting that they are toxic if eaten.

Aquilegias are quintessential cottage garden favourites with nectar-rich flowers that are attractive to pollinators such as bumblebees, butterflies, and moths. This makes them a fantastic, easy-to-grow wildlife-friendly choice.

Happy gardening.

Please mention BERSTED IN FOCUS when responding to adverts

Tuesday 2nd May – 2pm

Dave Harris - at the 2 O’Clock Club (in studio 1)

Tickets - £6 / £5 cons. / Friends £4.50

Dave Harris is back by popular demand! Dave has been entertaing audiences since the 60’s and sings all aspects of popular music, including songs from the ‘big band’ era, songs from Michael Buble, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Cliff Richard, Elvis, Cliff Richard, Neil Diamond, Billy Fury & more. Also – a free cup of tea or coffee & biscuit

Thursday 4th, Friday 5th & Sunday 7th May – 7.30pm (no Saturday performance due to His Majesty’s Coronation) Bad Girls

Tickets - £6 / £5 cons / Friends £4.50 University of Chichester’s celebrated Musical Theatre present BAD GIRLS, which brings us up to date with a new generation of women managing their lives on the wrong side of polite society.

WHAT’S ON

Friday 5th May – 7.30pm

60 Minutes of Classical Music (in studio 1)

Tickets - £6.50 / Under 25s £3.50

Featuring this month – John Paul Evans – pianist, recitalist, concerto soloist, Chamber musician.

Tuesday 16th to Saturday 20th May – 7.30pm

Anything Goes

Tickets - £6.50 / Under 25s £3.50

Acclaimed local theatre company BROS Musical Productions return with another big Broadway spectacle, certain to have you smiling from ear to ear.

‘Anything Goes’ IS Cloe Porter’s iconic joyful musical. Featuring heart-warming romance, show-stopping dance routines and the most joyful, uplifting score, including the iconic ‘I Get A Kick Out Of You’, ‘ You’re the Top’, ‘Blow, Gabriel, Blow’ and of course the breath-taking tap number that is ‘Anything Goes’.

How to Play Sudoku

It’s simple! Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the numbers 1 through to 9 with no repetition.

A Summary of Inheritance Tax

by Mark Riley, Founder & Managing Partner, MJR Solicitors

What is Inheritance Tax? (IHT)

Inheritance Tax (IHT) is a tax that needs to be paid on your estate – which includes any property, possessions, money, or insurance policies – after your death. How much IHT needs to be paid will depend on the value of your assets after any debts, but any assets left to your spouse or partner may be exempt from IHT as are any assets you leave to a charity.

How much is Inheritance Tax?

The IHT payable depends on the value of your assets after any debts, and it can be as much as 40%. But there is a tax-free allowance we all get called the Nil-Rate Band (NRB), which means your beneficiaries can inherit up to £325,000 from your estate without having to pay tax on it. On estates above the NRB, there is a standard 40% IHT rate. However, there is usually no IHT to be paid if:

• your estate’s value is under the NRB threshold of £325,000

• everything over the threshold is left to your legal spouse or partner

• everything over the threshold is left to an IHT tax-exempt beneficiary

But if you’re leaving property to a beneficiary who’s a family member, a Residence Nil-Rate Band (RNRB) might also apply. This is an extra tax-free allowance that can also be used if you leave any property you’ve lived in for a direct relation (a child, grandchild, or sibling etc). This is currently set at £175,000 and means that, when combined with the NRB, you could leave an estate up to the value of £500,000 IHT free.

The freeze on Inheritance Tax thresholds

The £375,000 NRB on IHT has been the same since 2009 while the current £175,000 RNRB has crept up over the years in line with inflation. But at the 2021 budget, the Chancellor announced he would freeze the level at which people start paying IHT for a further 5 years. This means the basic NRB will remain at £325,000 and the RNRB at £175,000 until 2026.

An IHT tax freeze like this is significant and it can be seen as good news for many and will see your asset rise in value. But any estate

value that goes over the NRB standard rate of £325k, means your beneficiaries will need to pay it. And with increased energy and food costs, the recent NI hikes, and rising inflation, there will be a growing number of families that might be adversely affected and struggle to pay.

The 5-year IHT freeze and continued rising costs add even more importance to your IHT planning. It gives you an ideal opportunity to review your estate and make sure as much of it goes to your intended beneficiaries instead of to the government. To avoid that outcome, early and careful preparation will mean your beneficiaries will benefit most.

Inheritance Tax planning with MJR Solicitors

IHT planning can be complex with different requests and circumstances to take into account. But MJR Solicitors are experienced specialists in making it a process that’s easy to understand for you.

Book your FREE 30-minute consultation with us today by calling our team on 01243 945 054, emailing us at info@mjrsolicitors.co.uk, and we’ll give you the guidance you need to start your IHT planning today.

Tel: 01243 945054

info@mjrsolicitors.co.uk

www.mjrsolicitors.co.uk

Regardless of your age or current health or wealth status, it’s never too early to take steps to ensure that your loved ones are protected in the future in case of your death or if you were ill and unable to make your own decisions. With our wealth of knowledge, our legal experts can help you plan and protect your family’s future and ensure your wishes are fulfilled.

At MJR we can provide a full range of future life planning services including Wills, Trusts, LPA’s and Inheritance Tax Planning to help protect both you and your family’s future.

COME AND SING!

BY RICHARD ALLUM

The Shopwyke Singers is a chamber choir based at Westbourne House School on the outskirts of Chichester. Founded in 1994 by the school’s Director of Music, Alex Dichmont, the choir was originally formed from the parent body at the school, some of whom still sing with the group. Over the years, membership has widened from across the local area, and the choir currently numbers nearly thirty singers who perform twice a year in the beautiful surroundings of Boxgrove Priory. Alongside performances, there are a number of social events throughout the year, including a ‘Come and Sing’ afternoon and a ramble followed by a pub lunch.

The choir are busily preparing for their next concert, which takes place on Sunday 21st May, where they will perform Haydn’s Mass in time of War and Mendelssohn’s Hymn of Praise, accompanied by organist Matthew Cooke. Tickets are available on 01243 572322 or via the choir’s website: www. shopwykesingers.com

The choir’s repertoire is broad, ranging from the Renaissance to the present day, and although it is mostly sacred there are occasions when the choir sings more light-hearted, secular music. Rehearsals take place on a Tuesday evening during term time, from 7.30pm-9.30pm at the school’s Millennium Hall. Membership is open to anyone with a love of music, and although the ability to read music is an advantage, it is not a necessity. If you are interested in joining, please get in touch with Alex Dichmont on 01243 770756. All welcome!

THE ROTARY CLUB OF BOGNOR REGIS

Once again, this summer we are planning together with Bognor Regis Town Council, to hold Sunday afternoon music events at the bandstand in Hotham Park. Last year over 500 people sat in the park, danced in front of the bandstand and listened to both country music and tunes from the rock and roll era in the 60’s. This year sees the return of country band Alabama Stills and rock and roll band Sweeney Todd. At the beginning of the season, we will be welcoming local jazz band Stardust Sussex Jazz who will be supported by solo artist Jack Boyd. Alabama Stills this year will have well known solo singer Helena Mace as their support and in August Jenna Hall will be singing before Sweeney Todd take to the stage. Here are the dates when you can hear these artists and groups who will all be performing between 14.00 and 16.30.

Sunday 11 June: Jack Boyd and then Stardust Sussex Jazz; an afternoon of cool jazz.

Sunday 23 July: Helena Mace followed by the band of brothers known as Alabama Stills, country music that will make you want to sing along.

Sunday 20 August: Jenna Hall will begin the afternoon of 60’s music and then Sweeney Todd will make you want to dance on the grass in Hotham Park.

Join us, the Rotary Club of Bognor Regis, bring your chairs, bring your picnic and your dancing shoes to these Town Council sponsored events for an afternoon of music. There is no requirement to get a ticket but please contact Chris Martin via email at margaretmartin18@outlook.com if you have any queries. Helena Mace and Jenna Hall are available via Vicki Wheeler’s website: http://vickiwheeler.yolasite.com/solos.php#jennahall

Clubs, Classes and Events

PROUD SPONSOR OF U16 BOGNOR FOOTBALL GIRLS TEAM

CHICHESTER CREATIVE TEXTILES

BY ANGELA EASTON

The Chichester Creative Textiles (CCT) was formed in 2020 for stitching, sharing skills and socialising following the closure of branches of the Embroiderers’ Guild. The group offers a forum for people of similar interests with information and encouragement to those whose hobbies include traditional and contemporary textile work, both hand and machine created, those who spin, weave, knit, crochet, make felt, piece and manipulate fabric or colour textiles, with paints, dyes or print, both natural or man-made. The range is unlimited.

Meetings are usually held on the second Monday of the month at Lavant Memorial Hall, Pook Lane, Lavant PO18 0AH. There is a full programme of events set for the year, which is available to view in the calendar section the website: www.chichestercreativetextiles.wordpress.com

The hall is open from 11am for everyone to come along and share their skills and sometimes this includes a short, informal taught session by a member of a new skill or technique which are very popular. The afternoon session starts at 2pm. After brief notices from the committee, the speaker then gives their talk/demonstration which finishes at about 3:30pm. Refreshments of tea and coffee are available throughout the day and the sales table provides an opportunity to purchase reasonably priced supplies.

All day workshops are held on a Tuesday, three times a year, and must be booked in advance. At present we have members from as far East as Petworth, as far South as Selsey and Bognor, West as Fareham and North as Haselmere, with members from many points in-between.

Members receive a monthly newsletter via email or through arrangement, by post. You can read the newsletter on our website and we encourage members to contribute if they would like to. I enjoy every meeting for the opportunity to stitch and chat with friends, while learning from them and the speaker. Come and try for yourself, the first visit is free.

A SPOONFUL OF SUGAR …

BOGNOR REGIS SUGARCRAFT GUILD

Bognor Regis Sugarcraft Guild was formed in 1991 and many original members are still involved now. We meet monthly (with a cuppa and home-made cake) to enjoy demonstrations from either professional cake decorators or sometimes our own members. We also have occasional in-house workshops which are always fun. In the past we have taken part in our biennial regional exhibition and have won several trophies, including gold and best table, so we are very proud of our achievements. In addition, we have a children’s group called Cygnets, who have also won gold and best table several times.

We meet on the first Thursday of the month except January, August and December (when we have a Christmas meal instead)). We meet at the Jubilee Community Hall, Elmer Road, Middleton on Sea, PO22 6EH from 7.30-9.30 p.m. We are a very friendly group and would love to welcome new members and/or visitors, if you require any further information call Pat Young on 01243582802.

Our meeting in May will be a demonstration of mini handbags so why not come along and see what we do?

MY FAVOURITE PLACE IN SUSSEX

BY KATE STEWART

In last month’s issue I asked for contributions for a new feature we are putting together called My Favourite Place in Sussex. We would like to you to send in pictures and short descriptions of places you love in Sussex – it can be a walk, view, café, natural beauty spot, beach, pub, shop – anywhere that makes you happy that you would like to share with others.

Thank you to InFocus reader Bridgette Martin for sharing her favourite place.

Bridgette Martin says: “Swanbourne Lake at Arundel for me. I took this photo there recently when walking with a friend. Such a beautiful place in every season and a perfect spot to unwind.

Listening to the birds, watching ducks, swans and a variety of less known birds from the Wildfowl and Wetlands, visiting the lake is bliss. It also holds fond memories for me as I used to bring my children to the lake when they were young, 20 years ago.”

Please do keep your favourite places coming in and send to me by email: office@infocusmagazines.co.uk

HOROSCOPES FOR MAY

BY LOCAL ASTROLOGER LETICIA PARMER

Happily for us, Pluto (the ‘roller-coaster planet’ that brings life’s unexpected twists and turns) goes retrograde from the start of May, so you should expect a smoother, more predictable ride! Just as well as Mercury is also retrograde this month. On the 5th the lunar eclipse in Scorpio offers us a helpful opportunity to press our emotional reset buttons.

ARIES

Socially things start to calm down and become more predictable this May. Be careful with your handling of money, though. Check your change and sign no financial contracts.

TAURUS

Anything to do with your father or career will be more manageable now, and a silly disagreement with your partner will turn out to be nothing but your own ego getting in the way.

GEMINI

Travel or overseas matters that have been so changeable of late, will calm down, but before you book anything check the small print to be sure your dreams can truly become reality.

CANCER

Those disturbing endings that have been pushing you to make new beginnings, are receding into the background. Don’t pay friends’ negative comments too much heed.

LEO

An on again, off again, partnership situation will now settle into a definite status. Meanwhile check your facts before getting into a tricky discussion with older relatives.

VIRGO

Health and diet concerns can finally be clarified, perhaps even resolved now. When it comes to foreign travel, be careful trying to speak the lingo, you could embarrass yourself.

LIBRA

Children may have been leading you a merry dance, but this month that situation eases. Be careful when pruning or spring cleaning, doublecheck what you are discarding.

SCORPIO

Most unpredictable for you in recent months have been issues to do with your home and mother. All that settles into a routine now, but Mercury can cause partnership confusion.

SAGITTARIUS

If your vehicle or computer has been playing up, all should run smoothly from the start of May. Try not to be a fusspot with people, a too critical approach will not endear you.

CAPRICORN

You should feel great relief as the financial side of your life settles into a predictable and manageable routine now, though misunderstandings may occur with or about the children.

AQUARIUS

Though you love eccentricity and originality, even you have grown tired of the roller-coaster you have been living of late, so what a relief when life becomes more stable now.

PISCES

As the natural visionary of the zodiac you normally welcome down time for daydreaming, but now you are ready for less mental meandering, more practicality and grounding.

Leticia Parmer will be happy to prepare your own or your loved one’s personal chart

leticiaparmer@yahoo.com

www.moonfeather.co.uk

Arun Neighbourhood Policing Team

You can contact your local team in the following ways:

• Call us: on 101 to report a crime or 999 if it’s an emergency

• Email us: arun@sussex.pnn.police.uk

CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFTS

We are currently seeing a rise in the number of catalytic converter thefts. Catalytic converters are fitted to vehicle exhausts to reduce the amount of dangerous gases emitted. They are often targeted by thieves as they contain precious metals such as platinum, rhodium and palladium which have risen rapidly in value over recent years. A thief is able to remove a catalytic converter in less than a minute. These are then sold via scrapyards, online or shipped out of the country.

To protect your vehicle and thwart the thieves:

• Where possible park your car in a locked garage overnight. If this isn’t possible then choose somewhere that is well lit or overlooked and park the side of the car that is closest to the converter near a fence or wall so that it can’t be easily reached.

• You can also register your converter and mark it with a forensic marker which will make it harder for thieves to dispose of.

• Alternatively speak to your car dealer for advice on locks, guards or alarms which are approved by your vehicle manufacturer.

Signs that a theft is being committed:

• A vehicle has been raised using a car jack in a car park or residential area.

• A loud cutting or drilling sound coming from underneath the vehicle.

If you witness this or see anyone acting suspiciously around a vehicle, then please call us on 999 straight away. If it is safe to do so, take photos of suspects or the number plate of their vehicle(s). Please don’t approach suspects as they have been known to threaten and use violence.

If you think your catalytic converter has already been stolen, then please report it to us online or by calling 101.

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

Solution to Mind Benders

1. Dance on thin ice.

2. Space invaders.

3. Cut above the rest.

To contact BERSTED IN FOCUS please email: office@infocusmagazines.co.uk

FFS! is a relaxed, friendly networking social for local businesses.

Do you want local independent businesses to thrive? We do too!

FFS! is a relaxed friendly networking social for local businesses. All businesses are welcome along but each meeting will have a theme, showcasing local businesses from this sector. Come and make valuable business connections. We are also open to members of the public who want to find out more about these businesses too.

Friday 28th April Spring & New Beginnings

Springtime is a time to freshen up or make new beginnings so this month’s theme will feature all sorts of businesses offering home improvements, cleaners & gardeners, estate agents, florists and more.