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Dear All,
November is a poignant month when we remember all the fallen servicemen and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice fighting for their country. Thank you to all of you who have sent in such moving articles and memories of those we have lost here in Sussex, and who we must never forget.
I also hope it is a time to reflect and have hope for the future, even in these somewhat uncertain times. Those lives cannot have been lost in vain. However bad it gets I really hope we can try and make the most of every day, turn negatives into positives and reach for the stars as I am sure that is what they were fighting for – a future filled with freedom and opportunity.
It’s always very inspiring to hear about people who have taken the plunge and stepped out of their comfort zone to give something a go – however big or small. Donna Chapman, our front cover artist, and James Stewart, former lawyer and teacher (we are related!), are doing just that. You can read about their journeys in this issue and please do send in your stories if you are happy to share.
I hope November brings you energy, fireworks and a sky full of stars.
Best wishes, Kate X
Copies of Villages in Focus are available to collect from Barleys hardware store in the centre of Middleton village.
office@infocusmagazines.co.uk Tel: 07729682245 www.infocusmagazines.co.uk
BONFIRE NIGHT
BY JOHN CLARKE
WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND 5 NOVEMBER?
We all think we know the story behind The Gunpowder Plot and bonfire night ... but do we? It actually began with Queen Elizabeth I. Her persecution of Catholics was legendary. When her fifty-year reign came to an end it was thought that the new king, James I, would be more tolerant because his own mother had been a Catholic. Unfortunately, this was not to be and, increasingly, some young men felt called to violent action.
A small group of men, under the leadership of Robert Catesby, felt that blowing up the Houses of Parliament would, in all likelihood, kill the King, the Prince of Wales and those politicians opposed to Catholicism. To this end they acquired 36 barrels of gunpowder and stored them in the cellars under The House of Lords. These are the facts but opinions about what happened next are divided.
The popular story goes that as the plan progressed, some of the conspirators began to have second thoughts. There was a likelihood that innocent people would be hurt, namely those politicians who had actually fought for Catholic rights. And so, one of the group sent a letter to his friend, Lord Monteagle, warning him to stay away from Parliament on 5 November. This warning letter is said to have reached the King, who then made plans to stop the plot. Guy Fawkes was caught in the cellars with the gunpowder. He was duly arrested, tortured, and executed along with his fellow conspirators.
However, this theory is disputed by many historians.
It has been suggested that the letter may have been falsified by the King’s officials. There had already been minor terrorist acts against Parliament and the Palace and many of those involved in The Gunpowder Plot were already known to the authorities. It would therefore have been extremely difficult for them to acquire gunpowder in such large amounts without arousing suspicion.
It’s thought that one of the conspirators, Francis Tresham, taken in for questioning, confessed. The suggestion is that the letter was then created as a tool to explain how the King found out about the plot in the nick of time and also as a means of anti-Catholic propaganda.
The fact that the letter was unsigned and that none of the conspirators appear to have known about it – none claimed in their defence that they’d written it – lends weight to this theory.
The legacy of The Gunpowder Plot persists. Even now the reigning monarch enters the Houses of Parliament only once each year for the state opening. Prior to their arrival the Yeomen of the Guard search the cellars for explosives. Once a purely ceremonial ritual, in current times it has once again taken on a more serious tone.
On the night of 5 November, 1605, bonfires were lit all over London in celebration of the saving of Parliament and the King ... and the tradition persists to this day.
THE SILENCE BY
KIM LESLIE
With the guns silent, the trenches emptied and the First World War hostilities at an end, King George V issued a royal proclamation in 1919 calling for the nation’s first two-minutes’ silence in remembrance of the ‘victory of Right and Freedom … and of those who laid down their lives to achieve it … all sound, and all locomotion should cease, so that, in perfect silence, the thoughts of every one may be concentrated on reverent remembrance of the Glorious Dead’. The world-wide carnage amounted to some forty million. Today, with even more millions added to the catastrophic toll, we still honour King George’s call made a century ago for Armistice Day marking the end of the war with silence on 11-11-11 (11am on 11 November). To this was added a second silence on Remembrance Sunday as the royal family traditionally leads the nation at London’s Cenotaph or as we gather around the country’s war memorials throughout the land.
But our two-minutes’ silence wasn’t King George V’s idea. It started in South Africa, at Cape Town, where there was a Two Minute Silent Pause of Remembrance in May 1918. The first minute a time of thanksgiving for those Commonwealth troops who had returned alive, the second minute to remember the fallen who never returned. King George warmed to the idea and with the backing of the War Office and Cabinet the UK followed South Africa’s lead. But even before the royal proclamation, a groundswell of opinion was building for a national day of remembrance centred around silence. An Australian journalist working in London, Edward Honey, wrote a letter to the Evening News in May 1919 suggesting that during the peace celebrations of that year ‘Can we not spare some fragment of those hours of Peace … for a silent tribute to these mighty dead?’. The culmination of all this thinking was the first national two-minutes’ silence on Tuesday 11 November 1919.
But did it all start in Cape Town, or with King George’s proclamation? Nearer home, in Farnham, a plaque at the bottom of Castle Street proudly claims that the little Surrey market town observed its own two-minutes’ silence in 1916, three years before the national observance.
Local farmers were planning an agricultural sale and fair to raise funds for the war work of the Red Cross. But amid the turmoil of war, people asked if it was appropriate to hold a fair and jollifications. So the day’s programme included a two-minutes’ silence ‘as a token of respect to the memory of those who have fallen in the War, to the Wounded, to the Prisoners and to those who are fighting for their country’. There’s no connection or continuity between this very local observance and the national observance, but it does give Farnham a leading role in this solemn observance.
MIDDLETON MAKERS
CHRISTMAS FAIR
SATURDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2024 10AM TO 4PM AT JUBILEE HALL ELMER ROAD
MIDDLETON ON SEA PO22 6EH
COME AND MEET THE MAKERS AND BUY SOME CRAFTY GIFTS
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SKILFUL STARLINGS
BY Alice McD ougall
November might be chilly, but it is a wonderful time to visit Pagham Harbour RSPB. The mudflats are alive with the raucous sounds our winter residents: curlews, godwits, lapwings, teal, widgeon, brent geese, dunlin, greenshank, redshank - all screeching, honking and whistling on the mudflats or flying overhead in gregarious flocks.
But in among this cacophonous menagerie is a less conspicuous and often understated bird: the starling. Although sometimes described as a ‘small’ ‘and ‘black’, anyone who has given a starling more than a cursory glance will know that they are so much more than that. With iridescent blue, purple and green streaking through their feathers, their winter plumage, more brown than black, is covered with delightful, bright white spots.
Starlings have many skills, one of which is the ability to mimic a whole range of other birds. You may think you are hearing an owl, a curlew or wagtail – or even a machine or car alarm – but in fact it is the sneaky starling. The other incredible talent of starlings is of course the murmuration.
In the UK, a starling murmuration is one of the most mesmerising events of our natural world. Who could not be enthralled by this perennially morphing mass of birds as they twist and turn, dip and rise, forming themselves into ever changing shapes? Why and how starlings achieve this incredible feat without flying into each other has occupied many scientists and naturalists. Flocking is associated with safety; an airborne predator will find it far more difficult to catch an individual bird when it is in a flock. The close proximity of the birds enables them to communicate and respond
Starling.
quickly to any threats – and being fast moving dynamic birds, their response times are sharp. One hypothesis is that they copy the behaviour of their seven neighbours, and those seven copy the flight path of their seven neighbours and so on. The result is a huge body of birds all moving as one. Brighton Pier is a well-known sport for starling murmurations but they can also be seen at Bognor and Southsea Pier.
To find out what happening at Pagham Harbour and Medmerry RSPB this November: https://events.rspb.org.uk/paghamharbour
Ben
Andrew
(rspb-images.com)
13 The Square, Barnham, Bognor Regis, PO22 0HB
STROLLING IN SOUTHSEA
BY SIMON BAKER IRONS
The Millennium Promenade is a 2.6-mile accessible walk from the Historic Dockyard to Southsea Castle. The route is easy to follow as it is either marked by a chain stone motif set in the pavement or by plaques inset into the ground. The walk passes through an area that is rich in history, information boards along the route provide some very interesting reading, it is also good to deviate from the trail slightly in certain places to see and learn more of the historical past.
• Either start within the Historic Dockyard or by the chain link motif path just outside, which begins by a large capstan with a chain that transforms into the floor. (Please note that access to Historic Dockyard is only possible during their opening hours and that dogs are not allowed within the dockyard).
• Follow the chain past ‘The Hard’ which was first constructed around 1720 as a landing spot for small boats. Shortly after starting there is a break in the chain and a slight detour is required through Gunwharf Quays to rejoin the chain again at the Spinnaker Tower. Standing tall at 170 metres, the Spinnaker Tower dominates the skyline, a trip up the tower is rewarded with some breathtaking views.
• Follow the chain away from the tower and along the waterfront. Cross the Creek, and exit Gunwharf by the Wightlink Ferry Terminal, the chain then continues to Camber Quay; the original fishing settlement developed in the 12th century by the Normans. Once a busy commercial dock, Camber Quay now has just a small fishing fleet. The Bridge Tavern standing on the opposite dockside has a large painting on the outside wall, depicting the way life was in the Past. This area was reputed to be the main meeting ground of press gangs who enlisted young men to sign up for the Navy and was also notorious for its many ale houses, many have now gone but the buildings remain and can be easily identified. The Point, also known as Spice Island, was once a major port importing exotic spices from around the world.
• The chain continues around Spice Island to the Round and Square Towers, which were both built in 14th Century to protect the city from invasion by the French. The chain rises onto the battery wall. Take a seat here and watch the many ships entering or leaving the harbour, there’s always something passing by.
• Continue following the chain until it ends at the Spur Redoubt, a small triangular-shaped fort that is believed to be the point from which Nelson set sail for the Battle of Trafalgar onboard HMS Victory. Onwards from here follow the directional posts and plaques in the floor along the waterfront, through the funfair and past Clarence Pier. Opened in 1861, the pier was a landing place for many passenger steamers.
• The route then continues along the Clarence Promenade and concludes at Southsea Castle, another historic fortification, constructed in 1544 it was built to defend against potential French attacks.
To see more photos and walks please follow me on Instagram @piertopiertrekking
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ALL RISE BY KATE STEWART
Hundreds of primary school children across Sussex have been learning about the law thanks to a new, educational workshop.
The All Rise Workshop helps children to understand their legal rights and responsibilities as well as take part in a mock trial and is the brainchild of former solicitor and Felpham-based primary school teacher, James Stewart.
James is on a mission to get law into state-funded UK primary schools in Sussex and beyond. He said: “Too many young people leave school with no understanding of the legal system and too many young people think professions like law are beyond them. I want to change that. I am a big advocate of public legal education in all schools in all sectors.”
“I want our children to be active and engaged citizens of the world, to understand their legal rights and responsibilities. I want our children to be confident and articulate and to be able to fight against injustice when required. I want children to leave my workshops feeling empowered and believe that professions like the law are open to them,” he added.
By the end of 2025, James is campaigning to secure funding from local and national solicitors to enable him to take his legal workshops into 100 state schools. One such firm is Chichester-based SMR Solicitors who sponsored an All Rise Workshop at Bersted Green Primary School.
Becky Turner, Bersted Green Primary School Y6 teacher, said: “The children really enjoyed the workshop. They got to experience a range of different tasks requiring them to problem solve and work as a team. The activities promoted oracy and all the children were involved in the whole session. We would strongly recommend the workshop.”
James Stewart added: “All children need to learn about law irrespective of where they go to school. I have taken my workshop to many schools and it is very rewarding, but I need more law firms and/or businesses to sponsor workshops so children don’t miss out.”
If you know a school teacher or educational establishment that would be interested in hosting, or a solicitor or law firm interested in sponsoring, an All Rise Workshop email James on allriseworkshops@gmail.com or visit www.allriseworkshops.co.uk
CHRISTMAS CONCERT IN FELPHAM
Bognor Regis Concert Band are back in Felpham this December for their renowned Christmas Concert at St Mary’s Centre, Grassmere Close, Felpham PO22 7NU.
This promises to be a great family friendly night of Christmas and traditional music bound to fill you with festive spirit. Join us on Saturday 7 December at 7pm. Tickets are £7 each and are available on the door, or in advance at brconcertband@ gmail.com. There will be interval refreshments and our grand raffle. Enjoy live music from your very own concert band.
Later in December we will be supporting South Bersted Church’s Charity Christmas Concert on Saturday 21 December at 3pm in St Mary Magdalene Church, Bersted Street, Bognor Regis PO22 9QE.
This will be a family friendly afternoon, so bring the family to this special event. Details available at brconcertband@gmail.com
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GUTTERING
BEAUTY IN FOCUS BY
SIOBHAN FARRELL
Here local skin care and beauty therapist, Sioban Farrell, answers your questions, please keep sending them in (details below).
Q: Am I too old for a facial?
A: Facial treatments can benefit all ages. When you go for a consultation, your skin therapist will assess your skin type and concerns and recommend a 'skin journey' and treatment plan to suit you. As we get older our skin can become dull, lose elasticity and the appearance of lines and wrinkles become more apparent. Facial massage can be a great way to encourage blood circulation to the muscles to help firm and tone the skin as well as decrease puffiness by stimulating our lymphatic (waste removal) system.
Regular treatments help to maintain and prolong these results. Depending on the type of facial you have will determine other benefits such as reducing pigmentation (age spots), brightening the skin and even more advanced methods to firm and tone. To find out which facial treatment is best for your skin, ask a therapist, who like me, offer no obligation skin consultations.
Q: Does Gel polish ruin your nails?
A: This is a question I get asked so much! The simple answer is NO, as long as a trained professional is carrying out the service and also that the product is being removed properly. The most damage I see being caused to the nails following a gel polish treatment is due to the polish being picked off. This then removes the top layers of the nail plate and causes weakness and dehydration. Regular maintenance of your nails every 2-4 weeks (depending on the type of gel product used) will ensure this doesn't happen, as well as following aftercare advice given to you by the nail technician.
Q: I want to get my eyebrows shaped and dyed, but I'm worried they will look too dark?
A: Our eyebrows really frame our face and can make all the difference to our overall look. Often a simple shape and tint can knock years off our appearance!! A lot of my clients, especially older ladies, do worry that the dye used will be too dark and unnatural. Be rest assured that there is not one colour that suits all just ask your therapist to look at a selection of different tint colours which can also be mixed to form the perfect shade based on your natural hair colouring and skin tone. Often, immediately after the treatment, brows can be slightly darker but this will soften after 24-hour hours.
Q: How do I stop my makeup from looking too cakey on my skin?
A: Simple answer here...ensure your canvas is hydrated! Look after your skin and make sure it is moisturised and this will reduce the need for using a lot of topical makeup. Skin of all ages may not always need a full foundation, especially for a daytime look. Often tinted moisturisers or light mineral powders, all available from chemists and supermarkets, will do the job, but first your skincare must be on point. If you do require more coverage, layering your products can help. Start with your moisturiser and SPF product. Allow these to sink in first, then apply your tint moisturiser or light foundation with a brush to the areas needed (often the forehead, around the nose and chin) using your fingers just helps to spread bacteria! If certain areas require more coverage, such as under the eyes, apply an under-eye concealer to brighten and hydrate. Finish with a setting spray or powder. This is a brilliant addition to any make-up bag and not expensive - and keeps your make-up looking fresh all day!
SF Beauty owner, Siobhan Farrell, is a qualified skin and beauty therapist with 15 years experience. Her salon is based in Yapton. Email your beauty/skincare questions for Siobhan to: office@infocusmagazines.co.uk and put Beauty In Focus in the heading. For more information on bespoke skin consultations and types of facial treatments please contact Siobhan via her website www.sfbeautystudio.co.uk.
Garden
LOCAL HISTORY
BY SYLVIA ENDACOTT
Let us take a stroll and have a nostalgic look back at traders through the years. First let us remember D & M Wood; they were situated in London Road, next to the Odeon cinema, now a Bingo hall. From 1928, until the 1980s they sold drapery, general furnishings, and clothing, According to customer recollections, sales were frequent, flannelette sheets were 5/- (25p) in 1938 and ladies’ raincoat, 10s/11d. (60p) in the 1939 sales.
Another shop that always seems to spark interest was Edward H. Isted, in London Road. This shop evokes its memories with its smell as soon as you entered. They sold vegetable seeds, broccoli, cabbage, and a wider range of vegetable. Where have I found this information; in their 1945 Seed List! For you gardeners you could apparently purchase 7lbs. of Arran Banne potatoes for 1/-. (I suppose I should really convert all of that to metric!)
What about “The House of Hawkes” situated at No. 9 High Street from 1872 to 1970. A shop that sold groceries, wines, spirits etc. Interestingly they produced a magazine, price list and diary, which was issued “In the interest of Good Housekeeping.” This publication providing a list of all their provisions. including. articles on meals for “Tiny Tots”.
Today’s television advertising is of course very immediate but is not necessarily the choice for the local trader who is desperately trying to combat our shopping style of moving to the out of town stores.
ARUN & CHICHESTER (AIR) ENTHUSIASTS SOCIETY
AirACES www.airaces.org.uk
Patrons – Sqn Ldr Richard (Dick) Kharegat RAF (Retd) – ex Vulcan, Victor, B52 Pilot Sqn Ldr Rod Dean RAF (Ret’d) – ex Hawker Hunter Pilot and Display Pilot Monday 25 November - 1845 for 1930 hrs
‘Harrier, F35 and Vertical VX4 – Testing Fixed Wing EVTOL Aircraft’ Presented by Jim Schofield
Jim Schofield has flown over 100 aircraft types and is the first pilot to fly front-line fighters spanning 100 years: 1917 Bristol Fighter, SE5a, Spitfire, Mustang, Viggen, Jaguar, Harrier, Tornado, Gripen, Typhoon, F-15, F-16, F/A-18 and F-35. He was one of the first pilots to land a Lockheed-Martin F-35 on a ship at night. During 20 years of service in the RAF Jim became the MoD’s lead Harrier and F-35 test pilot. In this fascinating talk, he will discuss this experience contrasted with testing the new generation of EVTOL (Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft such as the Vertical VX-4.
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.
VENUE – Boxgrove Village Hall, The Street, Boxgrove, PO18 0EE 6.45pm for 7.30pm start. Members £5, Non-members £10 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 07502 400657.
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SAUSAGE AND BEAN BOWL
Give sausage, mash and beans an autumnal makeover.
Preparation time: 5 mins Cooking time: 35 mins. Serves: 4.
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
2 onions finely sliced
1 large garlic clove, finely chopped
8 pork sausages
400g tin chopped tomatoes
Method
2 tsp Dijon mustard
½ chicken or vegetable stock cube, made up to 175ml
420g tin baked beans
Mashed potato, to serve
• Heat half the oil in a lidded saucepan over a medium heat. Add the onions and fry until golden. Stir in the garlic and fry for two more minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
• Increase the heat, add the remaining oil and the sausages, and cook until caramelised browned all over.
• Return the onion and garlic to the pan with the tomatoes and mustard. Add the stock, season with pepper, and cook over a medium heat for 10 minutes, adding the beans after 5 minutes.
• Cover and cook for 5 more minutes until the sausages are cooked through. Serve poured over creamy mashed potato.
REACH FOR THE STARS
BY DONNA CHAPMAN
In February earlier this year I saw an advertisement in the Supporting All Artists magazine looking for an “Artist of the year”. They had pictures of previous years’ winners which were quite incredible with extraordinary life stories to match. Most of them seemed like ordinary people which got me thinking “What if?” and “What have I got to lose?” Then it was a matter of choosing a painting. I asked everyone who passed through the house to choose a painting they liked best. It was this painting, you see here called Reach, that got the most votes. So that was the painting that went.
In May, earlier this year, I had an email to say that I had made the finals. There had been 3000 entries and my painting had made it to the last one hundred. Truthfully this was a surreal moment! Judging took place in August and discovered that I had been awarded a Highly Commended. After working so hard this acknowledgment was just what I needed – it truly did fill my heart. I still can’t believe it. And my painting was part of a week-long exhibition in Nottingham from the 1st-6th October.
At the SAA awards presentation it was amazing to see my work in a large gallery hanging with these extraordinary paintings. It is what you dream of as an artist. (Well maybe a solo exhibition touring the world … anyway back in the here and now) and I’ve never felt so proud. Many of the other artists there on the night felt the same. It has been such a wonderfully encouraging experience and I will certainly try again next year. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, as they say!
Reach by Donna Chapman.
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Down
1. Real, true (7)
2. Overturn (5)
3. Fade, wain (3)
4. Conductor, terminal (9)
CROSSWORD
Across 1. Indicator, meter (5)
4. Artist's stand (5)
7. Not fit for purpose (8)
8. Back, behind (4)
9. Territory (8)
11. Highest point, peak (4)
12. Middle (6)
14. Yield (6)
16. Golf club (4)
18. Concepts, proposals (8)
5. Attendant, minion (7)
6. Depart (5)
10. Indistinguishable (9)
13. Strain, stress (7)
15. Ineffectual, futile (7)
20. Cab (4)
21. Muse, ponder (8)
23. Musical or colour harmony (5)
24. Layers (5)
17. Respond, reply (5)
19. Lift, elevate (5)
22. Enmesh, nab (3)
REMEMBERING BY ARTIST OF THE MONTH JOHN KING
I was researching the history of No. 87 RAF Squadron in which I once served, it was active in both World War I and World War II. Having been disbanded after World War I, the Squadron was reformed on 15 March 1937 at RAF Tangmere. This research led me to the 14th May 1940 when three young men, Pilot Officer Paul Jarvis, aged 20 years, Chris Mackworth and Gordon Saunders from New Zealand, were all young Hurricane pilots who lost their lives on the same day, whilst in combat over France.
It was events like this, which must have been repeated so many hundreds of times throughout World War II that brought home, the sad and tragic reality of war. Events like this inspired my painting entitled ‘Remembering’ It shows a home family shrine, remembering also, those who were left behind.
Just 12 years later, in 1952, I was posted to RAF Wahn in Germany to await the arrival of the newly reformed 87 Night Fighter squadron. Now, in more peaceful times, it was equipped with Gloster Meteor NF11s, and is a squadron these three young men and countless others gave their lives for.
The painting ‘Remembering’ a pastel painting was actually inspired by the 87-squadron event. The photo in the painting is of Pilot Officer. Paul Jarvis, the clock is at 11 O’clock, and the fallen rose petals, indicate the fallen comrades. The Poppy the date, 11 of November.
Remembering also, and closer to home, the four young aircrew who died when their Handley Page Hampden bomber, whilst on a mission to Germany, unexplainably crashed near Sea Road in Felpham, where a memorial to them can be seen. They were Sargents: S.W.C. Culmur, R.E. Nation, J.A. Hutchison, and D.Manning.
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
CREATE A WINTER GARDEN
BY RACHEL LEVERTON
November marks the start of winter, and many gardens become bare and lifeless as plants retreat for the season. However, there are plenty of ways to keep our outdoor spaces interesting, even during the gloomy months.
Add Garden Lighting for a Warm Glow
One of the simplest ways to bring life to a winter garden is through outdoor lighting. As daylight hours shorten, strategically placed lights can transform a garden into a magical evening retreat. Fairy lights are perfect for draping over trees, shrubs, or fences, creating a gentle sparkle. For a more dramatic effect, solar-powered lanterns or spotlights can highlight key features, such as evergreen trees or sculptures, casting interesting shadows and adding depth.
Pathway lighting is also a practical and aesthetic addition. Choose LED or solar options for energy efficiency and consider warm-toned bulbs to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere. Make sure electric lights are rated for outdoor use and are on a timer so that the wildlife isn’t disturbed.
Introduce Outdoor Heating for Comfort
Consider adding a patio heater, fire pits, or chiminea to provide a focal point for gathering, encouraging you to enjoy your garden even on colder nights. A fire pit offers the bonus being able to toast marshmallows and watch the flames dance, while chimineas bring a rustic charm and warmth to smaller spaces. Electric patio heaters are easy to operate and can be strategically placed near seating areas for comfort.
Create Colour with Winter-Flowering Plants
There are plenty of species that thrive in colder weather and can inject colour into your garden. Hellebores, also known as the Christmas rose, bloom in shades of white, pink, and purple from November through to spring. Winter pansies, cyclamen, and primroses are also great options for adding cheerful colour to borders and pots. Evergreen shrubs such as holly and euonymus keep their vibrant green hues year-round, while the bright berries of pyracantha or cotoneaster can provide food for wildlife and visual interest.
Incorporate Topiary
A piece of topiary will add interest to a pot and provide structure in winter. Formal shapes such as balls, pyramids and cubes work well. Box and yew are traditional choices. You can buy reasonably priced ready-trimmed topiary, but if you don’t fancy the maintenance try planting a small conifer paired with ornamental grasses like miscanthus or carex, to add texture and movement to the garden.
Add Interest with Seasonal Garden Accessories
Frost-proof pots filled with winter flowers, garden ornaments, bird feeders, and outdoor sculptures can all serve as focal points. Mirrors can be used to reflect light and elevate the atmosphere and help it feel dynamic, even when the plants are resting. By using one or more of these tips, your garden can remain a space to enjoy, whatever the weather. Happy gardening.
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SUDOKU
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.
GOT AN EARFUL?
HERE’S SOME ADVICE FOR EAR WAX REMOVAL FROM GINA WILLIAMSON
Ear wax is a normal substance that helps protect the outer ear. For most people, it moves out of the ear naturally over time, however 2.3 million people a year in the UK require their ear wax to be removed by a professional.
The Royal National Institute for the Deaf says: “If left untreated, ear wax build-up can lead to temporary hearing loss, earache, a greater risk of infections, social isolation, and depression.”
So, who might need ear wax removal?
An ear wax blockage can happen to anyone at any age. Typically hearing aid users are prone to blockages, but if your hearing has become muffled, you are experiencing itching, cracking noises or a feeling of fullness in the ears, you may have a blockage of wax.
How is the wax removed?
There are two main ways– Micro suction and water irrigation. Micro suction is suitable for most individuals and has a reduced chance of infection and is quick and painless.
Water irrigation - You may be thinking of the ‘old fashioned’ strong burst of water from a big syringe. However, this is warmed water that is gently pulsed into the ear canal to remove large build ups. Water irrigation is NOT to be used for those with a compromised ear drum, such as holes (perforations), previous ear surgery, scarring or recurrent infections (as well as a few other health conditions). A medical history should always be taken prior to removal to ensure the correct method is chosen.
How will I feel afterwards?
The reason I love my job is the happiness and relief I see when I complete a removal. My clients are always so happy and often state they didn’t realise how much they had been missing regarding their hearing. Removals often help with Tinnitus, which can be a very welcome relief for people.
How much does a removal cost?
Pricing can vary between different providers, usually between the range of £40 to £80 depending on if it is one or two ears. Some companies set a set price that covers both ears even when only one is blocked. Others charge per individual ear. An important question to ask before booking is “If you cannot remove all the wax in one visit, do I have to pay any additional fee?” Sometimes, for safety reasons wax needs further oiling. In my professional opinion, you should not be scrutinised for this, and the initial fee should cover a possible return visit to complete the removal.
Does the NHS still provide this service?
Yes and no. Some GP surgeries do not provide this service anymore; however, some still do, and it is always worth enquiring with your registered GP surgery. However, this is usually a water irrigation method that may not be the correct method to use as mentioned. Whoever you choose to go for this service, make sure they are qualified, insured and give a clear pricing structure.
Gina Williamson is a qualified, ear wax removal practitioner based in Bognor. To find out more information visit her website www.decibelleearcare.com or call her on: 07904232141.
Decibelle Ear Care Pricing: Wax & Ear Health check £20, 1 ear - £45, Both ears - £65, Home visit – No extra charge. All wax removals include an ear health check, images and a complimentary hearing screen if wanted.
Gina Williamson.
gary@gmrepointingspecialist.co.uk 07368 510500
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: CAN YOU HELP?
BY KATE STEWART
Pam Evan’s Christmas lights display is legendary in Felpham and Sussex-wide. In 2023 Pam, 82, and her partner put up 7,123 lights covering the entire outside of her house and garden to raise money for St Willfrid’s Hospice. This year she wants to do the same but needs a team of helpers. Here is the letter Pam sent into the magazine – please help if you can.
Dear All,
I have done a Christmas lights display for many years in aid of St Wilfrid’s Hospice. The idea is you pay £1 to guess the number of lights (last year it was 7,123) and the nearest guess wins a prize donated by local village shops.
As I am getting older (82 years) and my partner has passed on I am asking for help this year in putting them up and I have the weekend of 16/17 November in mind.
Pam’s lights.
Just a few hours would be much appreciated to keep this tradition going. Please call me if you can help on 01243-868684 or 04796-657081 or email office@infocusmagazines.co.uk and Kate will pass on your details.
Many thanks, Pam Evans
DIPPING INTO 2025
BY JANET STOCKLEY-POLLARD
The Felpham Dippers are a group who are united in our love of cold water swimming. Last year we sadly lost one of our members, a lovely mermaid friend Rebecca, to the cruelness that is cancer. St Wilfrid’s Hospice helped her immensely and so we wanted to do something to help the charity, in her memory, so we made this calendar.
All of the photos are taken locally, and we have tried to make it a calendar that shows how much fun we have and how we are there for each other. We give thanks to everyone involved who has given their time freely and we would like to especially thank Stephen Pollard, Jacqueline Rackham, The Bognor Regis Museum, MJ and our brave October Girls.
The calendar is £10 and is available to purchase from local St Wilfrid’s Hospice shops, at select local outlets, and at some of the local Christmas markets. It can also be ordered by emailing us at felphamdippers@ gmail.com. For the cost of postage (Starting at £1.55) we will post it out, so if you would like one to go as a gift, just let us know.
We also have a Facebook page and website felphamdippers.com. It would be fabulous if you could join in and share it far and wide. Please help us to raise as much as possible for this wonderful cause. Thank you so much for your support.
• Say “goodbye” to gaps and dentures
Clubs, Classes and Events
Please
NOVEMBER HOROSCOPES
BY LOCAL ASTROLOGER LETICIA
PARMER
The life-lesson bringing planet Saturn gains in strength this month, bringing increased opportunities for you to grow in wisdom from the teachings and challenges you set yourself for this lifetime. Also Mercury goes retrograde reminding you not to jump to conclusions, but instead to bide your time while you gain perspective.
ARIES
Time to get back into meditation, which will bring you the peace of mind you seek. Double check any travel plans to avoid confusion.
TAURUS
Now you must deal with groups and organisations in a mature and disciplined way. Steer clear of suspicions, jealousy or sneaky behaviour.
GEMINI
Career matters become serious once again - its time to push for the respect you deserve. Stay philosophical about your partnership.
CANCER
Once again you are called to the world of education - either as teacher or student. Don't sweat the small stuff - your best is enough.
LEO
Allowing yourself to let go of what you no longer need, either mentally or physically, will greatly help your clarity and creativity this month.
VIRGO
Take a good hard look at the person you are teamed up with, to be sure you are not acting in either a parental or a rescuing mode with them.
LIBRA
You have been on a long journey to improve your health. Why not write a blog or book about all that you have learned from this?
SCORPIO
Children and creativity are under the disciplinary blanket of Saturn again. Also, stay alert when handling money, carefully count your change.
SAGITTARIUS
Mother and home seem burdensome once more. Remind yourself not to take anything personally and avoid jumping to conclusions.
CAPRICORN
Saturn again disciplines communications, so back up your computer and re-check messages for accuracy before pressing 'send'.
AQUARIUS
Money lessons return, so be sure to have in place a good savings account. Also, double check appointments to avoid a wasted journey.
PISCES
Place ego and pride aside and fearlessly push yourself forward into the spotlight, its time for you to shine and show your gifts proudly.
Call
Leticia Parmer
For your full astrological chart and answers to all questions about your life 07956 155105 or email leticiaparmer@yahoo.com
Please
BOGNOR REGIS TIDE TABLE
Tidal information is reproduced by kind permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office and the UK Hydrographic Office. Crown Copyright. All Rights reserved.
To contact VILLAGES IN FOCUS please email: office@infocusmagazines.co.uk
BOGNOR REGIS MEN’S PROBUS
We are a group of about 40 retired and semi-retired men who meet monthly for a lunch and a talk from a guest speaker. Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of the month at the Beachcroft Hotel, Felpham.
This year we have been marking the 80th anniversary of D-day with a talk about Bletchley Park in May by Mark Lubienski, a guide at Bletchley Park, and one on D-Day itself in October by David Smith, a local historian. We have also had outings to the D-Day museum in Southsea and to Wilton Park near Salisbury, requisitioned during the war for the use of Southern Command, and where much of the planning of D-Day was carried out.
On a more light-hearted note, we have had talks on the history of Butlin’s and one by Barry Johnston, son of cricket commentator Brian Johnston, on his life behind the microphone. An extra feature this year has been two joint pub lunches with Arundel Probus. Might this interest you? If so, you would be welcome to come to your first meeting on a trial basis.
Contact Guy
Andrew Lubienski, Bognor Probus Chairman; Michael Jowett, Treasurer; Bill Page, Vice-Chairman
Please
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PUZZLE SOLUTIONS
Solution to Mindbenders
1. Deep dive.
2. Elevenses.
3. No faffing around.
