Bersted In Focus April 2023

Ashton Domiciliary Care

Our family caring for yours!

Reliable help with indoor and outdoor tasks, a caring ear, a friendly familiar face and making a cup of tea so you can put your feet up - that’s what we do. Our dedicated team are trained to support mental wellbeing and to help you access support groups in your community.

• Personal Care: Showering, Bathing, Toileting Needs, Oral Mo 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, Ordering Meals.

• Companionship: Social Calls, Help and Hobbies, Stimulating Mental Health Activities, Pet Care.

• 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.

www.ashtondomiciliarycare.com

Email: domiciliarycare@ashtoncare.co.uk

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Dear All,

I hope you have managed to watch an episode of wild Isles presented by Sir David Attenborough. The series promises to be a beautiful and extraordinary celebration of British wildlife and reminds me of all the natural wonders in west Sussex which we can access, without charge, from our own doorstep.

Favourites include the serene Bishop Palace Gardens, next to Chichester, the unique highdown Gardens, just off the A259 heading East towards worthing, home to a ‘living library’ of rare plants and trees and the wide expanses of Kingley vale with its majestic yew trees where you might hear the gentle thrum of a green woodpecker. Not forgetting the glorious sunsets that can be seen from the Bognor seafront, Felpham, Middleton and Climping beaches and Pagham harbour. So much to see and do in our own patch of the British Isles as Spring kicks in during the Easter break.

Next month I am launching a new feature called ‘My Favourite Place in Sussex’. This can be a view, walk, café, natural beauty spot, museum, pub, shop – anywhere you like, but a place that makes you happy and you would like to share with others. Please send your ideas to me at the email address below and we look forward to sharing them in the May issue.

Enjoy your eggs and have a very happy Easter.

Best wishes, Kate

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

office@infocusmagazines.co.uk

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A PRI l FOO l!

By SARAh DAvEy

whAT ’S ThE STORy BEhIND ThE FUN?

April Fools’ Day is known for its pranks, jokes, and hoaxes. But how come we play tricks on each other every April 1st? what is the history behind this light-hearted and humorous day?

The origins of April Fools’ Day are somewhat murky and disputed, and there are several theories about how it came to be. One theory is that it started in ancient Rome, with a festival known as hilaria. This festival was held at the end of March and involved people dressing up in costumes and playing practical jokes on each other.

Probably the most popular legend about the origins of April Fools’ Day involves the switch from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar in France in 1582. The Julian calendar had been in use for centuries, but it was known to be inaccurate, with the date of the equinox gradually slipping backwards over time. To correct this, Pope Gregory XIII introduced a new calendar, which made some changes to the length of the year and the way leap years were calculated. New year’s Day had been celebrated on April 1st, around the time of the vernal equinox.

however, not every citizen was on board with the new-fangled date system, and there were many who resisted the change. They continued to celebrate the New year on April 1st.These people were mocked and ridiculed for their stubbornness, and others began to play tricks on them, sending them on fake errands or inviting them to non-existent parties.

Over time, the tradition of playing pranks on April 1st spread throughout Europe and beyond. In England, it was known as ‘April Gowk Day,’ with “gowk” meaning ‘cuckoo’ or ‘fool.’ In Scotland, it was called ‘huntigowk Day,’ with ‘huntigowk; meaning ‘hunting cuckoo.’ In France it’s known as ‘Poisson d’Avril’ or ‘April Fish’

It’s France that points to the fact that a calendar switch can’t be the reason for pranking on April 1st, because in addition to some disparities about the differences between the two calendars (it seems there is disagreement about April 1st once being the start of the New year), practical jokes and mischiefs on this date seems to be a very old custom that predates the changeover. There is mention of the day in a 1508 poem by Eloy d’Amerval, at least 150 years before!

Perhaps in the end it’s nothing more than the start of spring making everyone feel giddy, that inspires a sudden sense of frivolity.

whatever its origins, April Fools’ Day is celebrated in many parts of the world, with pranks, and media outlets publishing hoax stories or articles. It has become a fun and light-hearted way to celebrate the change of season and engage in some harmless mischief with friends and family. Enjoy.

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Bersted Carpet Bowls Club

are looking for new members. We meet every Wednesday and Friday afternoons from 2pm - 3.30pm at Bersted Jubilee Hall, Chalcraft Lane, North Bersted PO21 5TU.

For more information please contact Mrs Jill Leney on 07711 381052 or email j.leney1@outlook.com

Even if you've never bowled before come and try carpet bowls. We are a friendly club, everybody welcome from novice to experienced.

The first two visits are free, after that it's £2 a session.

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BARBARA hARMER  FROM hAIRDRESSER TO CONCORDE PIlOT

last month Felpham honoured a lady who literally broke barriers in every sense of the word with a blue plaque placed at Felpham Sailing Club.

Speaking at the unveiling of the plaque at Felpham Sailing Club, Dave Smart, chairman of Felpham Parish Council said: “I am delighted to be unveiling our latest blue plaque which commemorates former resident Captain Barbara harmer, the first woman to pilot Concorde on a commercial flight, as well as being a champion yachtswoman, intrepid skier and inspirational public speaker.

“This is the latest in Felpham’s blue plaque heritage trail which officially recognises the lives and achievements of people from our village. we have chosen today – International women’s Day – for the unveiling because Barbara inspired and motivated so many women of her generation to work hard to achieve their dreams.”

Mr Smart told the huge crowd of Barbara’s family, friends and Felpham residents who had assembled outside Felpham Sailing Club, in spite of the howling wind and rain, that Barbara and her family moved to Felpham from Essex in 1953 when she was a baby.

he added: “At 15 Barbara trained as a hairdresser but soon decided that was not the career for her and became an air traffic controller at Gatwick airport. She returned to her studies; took flying lessons, gaining both her private and commercial licences, and became a flying instructor at Goodwood.

“Over the next few years, she flew with British Caledonian which was later bought by British Airways. At the time BA employed more than 3,500 pilots – just 60 were women and no woman had ever piloted the supersonic Concorde. That became her ambition and after rigorous selection, training and qualification; her first commercial flight as a Concorde pilot took place on March 25, 1993, between heathrow and New york JFK.

“Barbara remains one of only three women – and the first - to have flown Concorde commercially. The Mach 2 flights to New york became routine and she loved seeing the world from 60,000ft while travelling at 1,350mph. She flew Concorde until the iconic aircraft was officially retired and then moved on to the Boeing 777.

“Barbara’s achievements weren’t just in the air. She was an intrepid downhill skier and a fully qualified commercial yacht master – hence the association with Felpham Sailing Club. She often commanded Concorde crew in international yachting events and won several races. Barbara had planned to take part in a transatlantic event in her yacht in 2013 but sadly died of cancer in 2011 at the age of 57.”

Jeanne Friedman, Barbara’s niece, flew over from America, to be with her family in Felpham for the unveiling of Barbara’s blue plaque. She said: “On behalf of Barbara’s family, many who are here today and some who sadly cannot be, we would like to say a heartfelt thank you for recognizing Barbara’s achievements in this

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wonderful way. Felpham was Barbara’s home and was so special to her and we think she would whole-heartedly approve of this perfect location for this plaque. For generations, people will continue to discover, stop and read and her story will continue to inspire and give hope.

“Barbara was a very loved and central part of our family. Sister, daughter, aunt, great aunt and now a great, great aunt. Barbara would have turned 70 this September and we know what a fantastic party that would have been! Barbara had a true love of life. She was so much fun, with her infectious laugh and a huge smile that always lit up the room. She was kind, thoughtful and generous. Even though she was always so busy, she made time to see her family and friends. She was spontaneous; lunch parties, garden barbecues, just popping in to see everyone. She always lifted our spirits and put on a great food spread … her roast potatoes were the best!

“I have so many wonderful memories of Barbara, although my aunt she often felt more like my big sister. we spent hours sanding and varnishing her boat in the driveway, horse riding and she introduced me to tennis, which I still love. It was 1977, I was 10 years old. Barbara drove me to South wales in her Triumph Spitfire convertible to visit her Dad (my Grandad) and it was a big adventure! I remember Stevie wonder’s song ‘Sir Duke’ playing on the radio, my passenger seat so low down I could not see over the dashboard.

“During our visit, Barbara said ‘we are going to climb a mountain’. I remember a feeling of fear as she took my hand and told me ‘that I could do it’. As we climbed and navigated the steep, dark grey, slippery rocks she kept me positive, motivated and looking forward. It was a pivotal moment that I will never forget. Barbara, gave me strength, inspiration and told me ‘that we can all climb mountains’. Now, all these years on, I realise this was a metaphor that I took with me throughout my life, as she did through hers.

“There was just something about Barbara that everyone loved; her resolve, determination, nothing phased her. She set herself goals and sacrificed much to drive herself forward. Along the way she was kind, loving, charismatic and charming, always giving of her time and wisdom.

“Even though Barbara was asked a million times ‘what’s it like being the first female Concorde pilot?’ – she always stopped and told her story willingly, graciously and with so much enthusiasm. In fact, Barbara shared her unique journey, from mobile hairdresser to Concorde pilot, with audiences all over the world who were truly captivated as she shared her personal experiences with photos, videos and plenty of anecdotes. They got to see first-hand the Barbara harmer we knew and loved and were inspired to ‘climb their own mountains’.

Joyce, Barbara’s eldest sister remembers when Barbara surprised her for her birthday, with a flight in her plane. Barbara’s niece, helen, said: “Barbara lived life in the fast lane, she had an amazing life travelling around the world, taking up sailing, being free to explore the sea and competing in racing competitions. A true free spirit.”

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Carole harmer, Barbara’s sister who now lives in Aldwick, helped to unveil the plaque with her sister Joyce. She said: “when we moved to Felpham as a family we took up residence on the estate at the end of the beach huts.

“This was a great place for kids to grow up. we had a large garden, a green outside the front of the house and the beach where we could play, build sand castles, investigate rock pools and swim. The estate even had its own tennis court, where we would often play.

“As we grew older, horizons expanded. Dad bought a sailing dinghy. he sailed at this very yacht club and took us out in his dinghy. I preferred to be in the water, but Barbara loved being on the water and stayed with boats. Ross Fisher, the current President of the Felpham Sailing Club taught Barbara to sail.

“Our sister, Joyce bought a horse called Pablo and Barbara became interested in learning to ride. She learnt to ride at the local village stables. when she was older, she learnt to jump and

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Barbara horse riding with her niece Jeanne in Felpham.

Barbara with her sister Carole on Felpham beach.

bought her own horse, the Count of Monty Cristo’. She could be found riding along the beach jumping the breakwaters.

It was while Barbara had moved away from hairdressing and working as an ATC (Air Traffic Control) assistant at Gatwick; a work colleague bought her a birthday present that was to change her life – a flying lesson. She loved it and followed this up by continuing her flying lessons at Mercury Flying Club at Shoreham airport. her flying instructor is here today, Mike Thrower and the rest is history, so to speak.

“There are so many memories, I’d love to share with you, but there is one memory that speaks about Barbara’s character and that is the estate sailing race.

“when we lived on the estate in our parent’s home, Barbara had an idea. Quite a few of the estate residents had a sailing dinghy. why not have a sailing race? She asked around the residents and there was a favourable response. So, Barbara set about organising the event. She asked the FSC for permission to use the club’s race-course with the help of the race stewards to oversee proceedings. She organised the food, the volunteers, the after-race barbeque, drinks and the ceremony to award the race cup winner, which was named ‘The harmer Star’ cup, after our dad’s dinghy.

“Barbara organised the lot, from putting up posters to slicing the onions – it was like a military operation and everyone helped. Barbara could motivate and inspire people. She was a good facilitator and through these gifts she brought about the annual estate boat race and ‘The harmer Star’ cup was passed to the new race winner every year. People were enthused, excited and willing participants in what turned out to be an ‘event’ in our estate’s own history – it was wonderful.

“As I stand here and look out across the beach, the sea and towards our estate, I remember Barbara. She is in my mind and in my heart and will never be forgotten whilst we remember.”

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Top left: Felpham Parish Council Chairman, Dave Smart, Jeanne ‘JJ’ Friedman (Barbara’s niece), helen Riou (Barbara’s niece), Joyce Davies (Barbara’s sister), Kerianne wing (Barbara’s great niece), Carole harmer (Barbara’s sister) and Peter Downs (Barbara’s nephew). Front left: Felpham Parish Councillor Kevin watson.

AN EGG-CEllENT ACTIvIT y

A hISTORy OF EGG DECORATING

By GEMMA PETERS

My seven-year-old Darcey sat, head bowed over an egg she was painstakingly covering in tiny glittery plastic gems, determined to win the class egg decorating competition. She looked up, “why do we decorate eggs at Easter?” she asked. It’s a good question.

humans have been decorating eggs for centuries. In the UK, the practice can be traced back to early pagan rituals, celebrating the arrival of spring and new life.

One of the earliest records of egg decoration comes from ancient Persia, where eggs were decorated to celebrate New year. As eggs are widely considered a symbol of fertility and rebirth, the tradition gradually spread to other cultures. It also made them a fitting representation of the themes of Easter, so Christians used eggs as a way to symbolize the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In medieval Europe, it became common to give decorated eggs as gifts during the Easter season. wealthier people gave eggs made of precious metals, enamel, and glass, decorated with intricate patterns and religious imagery.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, the tradition of decorating Easter eggs became even more widespread. About this time people started to use wax resist techniques. This involves the application of a coat of one colour, followed by painting an intricate wax pattern on to the egg, then applying a second coat of a different colour. The wax resists the second glaze from adhering, which allows the painted design to show.

In many cultures, Easter egg decorating has taken on significance beyond its original seasonal and religious origins. In Ukraine, for example, the art of egg decorating using wax resist is known as pysanky and has become a highly skilled form of folk art. Pysanky features intricate patterns and symbols that have deep cultural and spiritual meaning.

In Russia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries the jewellery firm Fabergé created extravagantly decorated eggs for the Russian Imperial family. These are some of the most exquisite and rare treasures in the world, known for their beautiful, intricate design and delicate workmanship. The first Fabergé egg was commissioned in 1885 by Tsar Alexander III as an Easter gift for his wife. The egg is known as the “hen Egg,” and was crafted from gold. Inside there was even a miniature replica of the imperial crown. The success of this first egg led to a series of annual commissions, each one more elaborate and detailed than the last. In total, 50 Fabergé eggs were created, symbols of the wealth and power of the Russian Imperial family. Today they sell for millions of dollars at auction.

My daughter’s glue-and-gem-encrusted offering may not rival the fabulousness of Fabergé but she enjoyed taking part in an historic tradition. Many communities hold Easter egg decorating contests and festivals, where participants can showcase their creativity and craftsmanship. Perhaps there’s one in your local area. whether as part of a church activity, or simply a fun family event, Easter egg decorating remains a beloved tradition that brings people together and celebrates the joys of spring and new beginnings.

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WE WOULD LOVE TO THANK YOU ALL FOR THE CONTINUAL SUPPORT OVER THE LAST 6 YEARS

A GLASS OF PROSECCO WILL BE OFFERED TO ALL HANDS AND FEET APPOINTMENTS THROUGHOUT THE WEEK OF THE 17TH - 23RD APRIL, TO CELEBRATE BEING IN MIDDLETON ON SEA 6 YEARS.

25% OFF ALL FACIALS THROUGHOUT APRIL QUOTE - 'EJB25' WHEN BOOKING TO RECEIVE YOUR DISCOUNT

Meet The Managers

We would love to introduce you to Chelsea, the General Manager, and Gemma, the Salon Manager Chelsea and Gemma work closely together to run Emma Jade Beauty

A fun fact about Chelsea is she has worked for EJB for just short of 6 years, has worked with Emma for 2 years in a previous salon, and she loves a dance after a cheeky Prosecco, haha!

A fun fact about Gemma is she has worked for EJB for over 2 years and has had clothes deliveries to the salon pretty much every day since then, haha!

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What’s on at Bersted Jubilee Hall

Subject to change, please call 01243 842221.

APRIL 2023

Bersted Parish Council public meetings start at 7pm.

Contact 07961 761185 or www.rawlingsmartialarts.academy

LITTERPICKS around Bersted 2023–

Saturdays 11am to 1pm

15 April – Stroud Green

20 May Central Ave/Royal Parade

17 June Shripney

The Parish Council recently planted 3 Rowan Trees along Rowan Way. The trees were provide free of charge as part of an initiative from Arun DC for Parishes to plant more trees. Permission was granted from WSCC Highways to plant them along Rowan Way.

The Community Action Committee recently agreed to provide funds towards the purchase of a tea urn for Bersted Green Hub, Hazel Road. The Hub provides many activities and drop in sessions for residents. To find out more information contact the centre manager on 07385 412103

Bersted Parish Council,

Lane,

PO21 5TU, 01243 842221 clerk@bersted-pc.gov.uk www.bersted-pc.gov.uk

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Jubilee Hall, Chalcraft

Bersted,

ME AND M y DOG

By KATE STEwART

Thank you to everyone who has sent in their dog stories and pictures for our new Me and My Dog series. This month we are featuring In Focus readers Ann and heidi from North Bersted and Kim and Cody from Felpham. Please keep sending in your pictures and 250-word stories – we love reading them.

KIM AND CODy

My name is Kim Brown and I have a French Bulldog named Cody. Two and a half years ago Cody had an accident. he stepped down a hidden rabbit hole which caused a disc in his back to explode and after an MRI and surgery he was unable to use his back legs so now he uses wheels.

Cody used to go training with our other French Bulldog, lexi, but after surgery was he unable to go but would look at me as though I was a traitor when I took lexi to her class. So I asked if Cody could return to his class as he loved training and the response was “why not?”

As a consequence, last summer Cody passed his Kennel Club Gold Good Citizens award and regularly competes in Talking Dogs Rally Competitions against able bodied dogs. he has an amazing personality and courage. I hope you have enjoyed reading about him, it is so easy to write dogs off because they are disabled.

ANN AND hEIDI

My labrador/Terrier cross heidi is a lovely girl and the light of my life, she is such a happy dog and quite an energetic girl despite being around 15-years-old. I named her heidi as I love the heidi books. heidi tells me when it’s time for her three walks each day which keeps us both fit and maybe a bit younger!

we have been together 13 years and she came from a labrador rescue in Ireland. we have done training and agility in the past when we were both younger! we have made lots of friends over the years and the local people we meet on our walks heidi always greets with her ‘helicopter’ tail. It literally goes around in circles especially if they have treats for her!

we also do volunteer dog walking for the Cinnamon Trust where we take dogs for a walk for their older owners who can no longer take their dogs out for a variety of reasons. heidi is very happy to walk with a dog she doesn’t know, she is a great help and we all become friends. One of the dogs we looked after recently had a lovely lady owner who was 105, when she sadly died we looked after her little dog on long-term foster until the Cinnamon Trust found her a happy, forever home.

heidi looks like a short-legged labrador and she has the gentle labrador personality. She has several beds and likes to be in the one I have in my yoga room while I do my practice in the morning, she also has a ‘firework’ bed in the bathroom where she hides if there are any loud noises!

I know she is getting older so I treasure every day we are together and no holidays are planned this year as we both are happy being at home.

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lOCA l h ISTORy

By SylvIA ENDACOTT

In October 1978 and again in March 1979, evenings of ‘Old Films of Bognor’ were shown to packed audiences at the Esplanade Theatre, opposite the Royal Norfolk. This was to be my introduction to the history of the town, and the start of my own story of local history. The site originally formed from part of the Royal Norfolk hotel grounds, was sold in 1901 for the sum of £60. The Town Surveyor, Oswald Bridges, was then called upon to design a Bandstand for use by the large number of military bands that travelled around the resorts. By 1913 the venue was very popular and enlarged. The charge for these chairs helped to raise the £500 per year needed to hire the bands.

An enclosure was proposed and approved and finally opened on 19 June 1937 at a cost of £3,666; with 3,000 attending the opening. This bandstand enclosure comprised a horseshoe-shaped wall and was turfed inside, but open to the sky.

In 1945 further improvements were made and in 1946 the area was covered with a canvas roof and renamed the Esplanade Concert hall. So much use was made of this Concert hall that by 1951, 720 tip up seats, were added, and when it reopened it became the Esplanade Theatre.

It was finally closed on 10th February 1980, creating much sadness and anger in the town at its demise. The final show at the theatre was reported as ‘an extravaganza.’ By April 1980 the theatre was demolished.

Arun & ChiChester (Air) enthusiAsts so Ciety

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 24th April 2023 - 1900 for 1930 hrs

‘Flying for Films – pre Computer-Generated Imagery’ and ‘Display Flying before 2015’

Jonathon whaley returns to Air ACES to give two more of his remarkable talks.

The first is ‘Flying for Films - before C-GI’. As a highly experienced display pilot Jonathon has also carried out a considerable amount of film flying. In this talk he will explain how this is done with a view to achieving the desired film sequences. Films he flew for include Indiana Jones, Born to Ride and The Mummy

In the second half of the evening, Jonathon will explain what is involved in becoming a display pilot and the evaluation process required to achieve Display Authorisation. he will conclude by telling what constitutes good or bad displays and point out some of the errors that display pilots commonly make.

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 6.45 no pre-booking, no reserved seating For further information about AirACES, please see www.airaces.org.uk, or call David Batcock on 01243 823007.

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Do you need an Estate Administration Solicitor?

by Mark Riley, Founder & Managing Partner, MJR Solicitors

You don’t have to use a solicitor to deal with any estate administration or probate matters if you don’t want to, but it can be a lengthy and timeconsuming process. It’s not something you should take on if you’re not confident and you could create more problems for yourself if you do.

Our Estate Administration Solicitors can help with as much or as little of the probate process as you want. It may be that you just need a little help coping with one particular asset in more detail, allowing you to administer the estate to the beneficiaries yourself. But if you choose to do it yourself and you make any mistakes, you could be held legally or financially responsible. By contacting us, we give you access to specialist Estate Administration and Probate Solicitors who can handle the entire process for you. By instructing us to work on your behalf, we’ll take complete responsibility for everything while making sure each beneficiary of the estate receives the full inheritance they’re entitled to while reducing any personal or financial risk. Always available to give you the practical help and legal advice you need, we can gather any information, complete forms, obtain the Grant of Probate, and distribute the estate to the beneficiaries on your behalf. Whatever you decide and whatever you need, we’re here to help.

Here are some examples of what we can do on your behalf:

Report the death and obtain the medical certificate for the cause of death, providing the coroner is not involved

• Contact the funeral director to start making arrangements for the funeral

Registry and get all the relevant forms sent to you

• Complete the appropriate forms

• Complete the IHT400 form if the estate is subject to inheritance tax • Arrange funds to pay inheritance tax and the probate fees • Receive the grant • Place the statutory advertisement for creditors and claimants • Send a copy of the grant to all asset holders and request payment of all funds

• Pay all creditors • Complete stock and share transfer forms and draft an assent for the property • Pay beneficiaries and distribute all legacies

This is by no means an exhaustive list and complications can arise through rentals, unknown assets, and unknown liabilities that we can help and advise you on.

So book your free 30-minute consultation today to discuss what is the best plan for you.

Call us, email us or send us a message on our website contact form.

More useful information about Estate Planning & Administration can be found on our website at: www.mjrsolicitors.co.uk/services/ estate-administration

• Register the death and obtain copies of the death certificate

• Locate the Will

• Secure the deceased’s assets and property if it’s left unoccupied

• Find and read the will, if there is one, and confirm its validity

• Contact the personal representatives if they have been named in the Will or, if there are no personal representatives, determine who is entitled to administer the estate

• Find all documents relating to the deceased’s life, both financial and otherwise

• Register the death with asset and liability holders

• Open a bank account on behalf of the estate

• Contact the Probate

Tel: 01243 945054

info@mjrsolicitors.co.uk

www.mjrsolicitors.co.uk

Recent Client Feedback:

“Having never used a Solicitor before we found the whole experience easy, relaxed and, although a legal matter, it had an informal feel whilst being professional.”

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Trusted, knowledgeable, by your side

Whether you are making your own Will, or sorting out the estate of a loved one who has passed away, we offer a complete grant of probate and estate planning and administration service that gives you complete peace of mind. Our experienced team are available to give you practical help and straightforward, jargon-free advice to help you in your time of need. From dealing with legal, tax and property issues to distributing the estate, we give you the personal support you need so you don't have to deal with it alone.

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Rh UBARB CRUMBl E MUFFINS

Preparation time: 25 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes Makes 12 muffins

22 Bersted in Focus ingredients

For the muffin mix

• 175g caster sugar

• 175g rhubarb, halved lengthways then diced

• 2 tbsp sunflower oil

• 1 egg

Method

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 125ml buttermilk

• 200g plain flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

• Preheat the oven to 220C / 200C fan /gas mark 7. Fill a 12-hole muffin tray with paper muffin cases.

• Mix the sugar and rhubarb together and set on one side.

• To make the crumble topping mix together the muscovado sugar with the flour, oats and cinnamon. Rub the butter into the mixture until it comes together into crumbly clumps.

• Beat the oil and the egg lightly together, then stir in the vanilla and buttermilk. Pour the mixture over the sugar-coated rhubarb. Add the flour, baking powder and bicarbonate of soda and mix well.

For the crumble topping

• 50g light muscovado sugar

• 50g plain flour

• 25g porridge oats

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 50g butter

• Spoon the mixture into the cases, then cover each one with a thick layer of the crumble mixture. Bake for 15-18 mins until golden and a skewer poked into the centre of a muffin comes out clean. leave to cool on a wire rack.

ST G EORGE’S DAy

By SARAh DAvEy

Sunday April 23rd is St George’s Day. It’s actually a designated feast day for St George, the patron saint of England. The origins of his legend can be traced back to the veneration of saints in the early Christian church.

St George was a real person, born in Cappadocia (modern-day Turkey) in the 3rd century. According to his legend, he was a Roman soldier who refused to renounce his Christian faith and was subsequently tortured and executed. As a result of this he became a martyr, revered as a symbol of bravery and courage, and his story spread throughout Europe.

St George is known for fighting a dragon. The alleged encounter occurred in libya. The dragon is said to have set up a den by a freshwater spring and terrorised the townsfolk, who could not collect water unless they pacified it by feeding it to their sheep. Eventually they ran out of livestock so decided to offer a maiden instead, but, just at the moment the dragon was about to eat her, George is said to have galloped in on a white stallion and killed the beast with his sword. As dragons are mythical creatures it is more likely that George killed some sort of animal, or even a man, if he killed anyone at all. The story may simply be a fictional allegory for his bravery.

And in the Middle Ages, St George became particularly popular in England, where he was seen as a symbol of the country’s struggle against foreign invaders. In the 14th-Century, King Edward III made him the patron saint of the Order of the Garter, the highest order of chivalry in England. he was given a major feast day which was marked with religious services, parades, and other public celebrations. Nowadays St George’s Day is no longer a public holiday, and although there have been some calls to revive it in England, in the same way that St Andrew’s Day is in Scotland, and St Patrick’s Day is in Ireland, this seems unlikely to happen.

So, as there is currently no set way of celebrating St Georges Day, I’m going to have to settle for a cup of English tea and a chocolate digestive.

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TRAvEllERS’ TAlES

By KIM lESlIE

Fed up with roads today – pot holes, road works, traffic jams and congestion? Just consider the trials and tribulations facing the 18th Century traveller.

Sussex had such a bad name, all because of its terrible roads. One 18th Century author wrote that it’s ‘extreamly Dirty, insomuch that it is better measured by Days Journies than by Miles. hence it is, that in the Order for regulating the wages of Stage-Coachmen at such a Price and Distance from london, Sussex was excepted, as deserving better Pay for shorter way …’

In 1703, King Charles of Spain made his way to Petworth house on Christmas Day. One of his retinue recorded his nightmare journey:

‘… we set out … by torchlight and did not get out of the coaches, save only when we were overturned or stuck fast in the mud, till we arrived at our journey’s end. ’Twas hard service for the Prince to sit fourteen hours in the coach that day, without eating anything, and passing through the worst ways that I ever saw in my life; we were thrown but once indeed in going – in returning they were overturned twice; but both our coach … and his highness’s … would have suffered very often, if the nimble boors of Sussex had not frequently poised it, or supported it with their shoulders, from Godalming almost to Petworth; and the nearer we approached the Duke’s house, the more unaccessible it seemed to be. The last nine miles of the way cost us six hours time to conquer them …’.

That’s just one-and-a-half miles an hour, and for a member of royalty at that, when everything possible would have been done to ease the journey. Rich or poor, king or commoner, everyone travelled around Sussex at their peril.

Daniel Defoe, best known for his novel Robinson Crusoe, was even more astonished on seeing a lady travelling near lewes in the 1720s – and ‘a lady of very good quality’, he assures us –going to church in a coach drawn, not by elegant horses, but six oxen, ‘the way being so stiff and deep’, a sight he’d never seen in any other part of England.

Travellers’ tales were infamous: coaches abandoned in deep ruts, broken axles, passengers pitched into hedges, injuries, even death quite common, all of which help explain horace walpole’s lament: ‘The roads grew bad beyond badness … If you love good roads … be so kind as never to go into Sussex. Sussex is a great damper of curiosity.’

Even a hundred years later, road conditions in victorian Sussex were still hazardous and slow. Bognor’s stage coach to london, The Comet (hence Comet Corner at Middleton), left Bognor at 6.45 in the morning, arriving at 5 in the afternoon, taking 10 hours and 15 minutes for a distance of 66 miles, giving an average speed of just six-and-a-half miles an hour. Ponder the past when grumbling about the present!

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PROUD SPONSOR OF U16 BOGNOR FOOTBALL GIRLS TEAM

GARDEN v IE w

GOING wIlD

By RAChEl lEvERTON

wildflowers are a great addition to any garden, as they can add texture, variety, and interest. Not only are they beautiful, but they also have many environmental benefits.

They attract pollinators: wildflowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to your garden. These pollinators play a vital role in the garden ecosystem by pollinating crops, fruits, and vegetables.

Biodiversity: All these pollinators promote biodiversity by providing habitat and food for a variety of other insects, birds and animals.

They improve soil health: when they die off, wildflowers can be dug into the soil to promote better structure and add organic matter. They can also help prevent erosion by wind and rain.

In addition, wildflowers are low-maintenance, this is very important if you have a busy job with little time to garden, but still want a pretty outdoor space.

For best results select an area with plenty of sunlight. Find a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. wildflowers prefer well-drained soil, so if your garden soil is heavy clay then you may need to improve the structure by digging in grit and organic matter.

There are so many different varieties of wildflowers. you can customise the colours to your personal taste. look on the seed packets and consider the bloom time, colour, and height of the flowers. Avoid invasive species or plants that may not be appropriate for your garden.

Remove any existing grass or weeds from your chosen area and loosen the soil with a garden fork. Rake it over to create a smooth flat surface, and then lightly compact the soil with a roller or your feet.

when it comes to sowing you can either broadcast the seeds over the entire planting area or plant them in rows. Seeing the area you’ve already covered is easier if you mix the seeds with sand or vermiculite before sowing. Once you have sown the seeds, gently rake the surface to cover them with a thin layer of soil.

water the area thoroughly to help the seeds settle into the soil. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which should take 1 to 3 weeks depending on the varieties of wildflowers you’ve selected.. Once the seeds have sprouted, water as required and pull out any weeds that pop up.

I absolutely love wildflowers. There is something wonderfully spontaneous about them, and the best thing about them is that anyone, keen gardener or total beginner can enjoy them. happy gardening,

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hOw TO ACCESSORISE

By FElPhAM FAShION GURU vICKy BOOKER

Accessories really do make or break an outfit. The umbrella of accessories covers a huge range of items apart from jewellery and scarves to belts, glasses, hosiery, socks, bags, tie-pins, broaches, wallets, and lots more! As well as pulling an outfit together into something that looks stylish and thought-through, accessories are a fantastic way to project your personality and speak volumes about who you are.

The simplest t-shirt and jeans can be transformed by a great necklace, or scarf (see last month’s article for my top scarf-tying tips). A great watch or pair of cuff links can elevate a shirt and chinos. Or be bold, and try a hat – just for looks, rather than practical reasons!

A weighty subject

Necklaces can have an almost magical slimming ability! wear a long pendant over a plain top and it draws the eye in and down – eh voilá – a few lbs off. Be careful of the scale of your accessories, there’s currently a bit of a trend for very chunky statement jewellery but choose the weight to suit your stature – if you’re very petite, an over-sized chain might be overwhelming. Similarly a very delicate small pair of earrings could look lost on someone who’s 5ft 9 and very statuesque. how much?

I’m a firm believer that you don’t need to spend a fortune on clothes and shoes to look great. If you pick and choose well, and your clothes fit and suit you, then it doesn’t matter if you’ve spent £20 or £200. however, when it comes to accessories – especially costume jewellery – it’s sometimes better to go for the best you can afford.

your shape

It’s also worth considering your face shape when it comes to things like earrings, hats, necklaces and glasses – but that’s probably another article in its own right! have fun experimenting with what suits you, and projects your personality.

My directory

For reasonably priced, but good quality accessories, I love Phase Eight, Oliver Bonas, Mint velvet, and Jigsaw (all with shops in Chichester). One of my favourites for real silver and gold jewellery but, again very affordable is Rachel Jackson https://www.racheljacksonlondon.com/ – their spinning pendants are great and can be engraved to make them personalised too. For an excellent selection of gent’s belts, socks, ties, and other accessories, try Stephen lawrence Menswear and hansfords – both independents in Chichester.

Not brave enough for a hat? Try a hair accessory – I highly recommend local milliner Isabella Josie who has a great range of hats and accessories for both ladies and gents, including these fab multi-way hair wraps. 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

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CROSSwORD

Across

1. Clockwork model of the solar system (6)

4. Strengthened, supported (6)

9. Nevertheless (7)

10. Snapshot, image (5)

11. Beatles’ drummer _____ Starr (5)

12. Outmoded person (3-4)

13. Seasonal spruce-up (6-5)

down

1. Extras (6)

2. Mountain Ash (5)

3. Filled pasta parcels (7)

5. Cables, lines (5)

6. waterborne disease (7)

7. Soaks, saturates (6)

18. Mountainous European country (7)

20. Doomed person (5)

22. Goodbye! (5)

23. Delinquent, thug (7)

24. Irritates, irks (6)

25. very thin (6)

8. The study of spelling and letter usage (11)

14. love, ardour, desire (7)

15. Journal, ledger (7)

16. Spanish for ‘tomorrow’ (6)

17. Dowdy, without style (6)

19. Dangerous (5)

21. Synthetic fabric (5)

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.

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32 Bersted in Focus

wISTON wINE wAlK

By SIMON BAKER IRONS

The featured trek this month has been inspired by a beautiful segment of my most recent walk around the border of Arun District Council, following paths as close to the civil parish border as possible. The walk has many contrasts, from the coastal promenades to the amazing views of the rolling hills of the South Downs.

At the most north-easterly point of the Arun DC border is wiston vineyards. They have been part of the wiston Estate since 2006 and can be found at North Farm just off the A24, a couple of miles north of Findon village. The wiston Estate has been owned and managed by the Goring family since 1743 and has produced many commodities such as wool, barley, timber, wheat and most recently wine from the vineyards. There is plenty of parking at the winery along with a shop and a restaurant that serves fine local produce, a perfect stop for a coffee or meal at the end of the walk.

There are various walks around the estate that feature the vineyards and the beautiful aspects of the area. The walks vary from easy to challenging and I have featured the longer more strenuous walk up to Chanctonbury Ring.

1. Starting at the winery car park, walk straight up the hill and turn right at the track which runs above North Farm vineyard to Crossroads viewpoint. The viewpoint has some amazing views of the wiston Estate, from the ring of Beech trees at Chanctonbury in the north to Cissbury Ring in the South.

2. head left and ascend the chalky track towards Chanctonbury Ring. Join the South Downs way and continue towards the hilltop. Just off the path lies a dew pond; one of two upon Chanctonbury hill that were created in the 1870s to provide a water source for livestock. These ponds are now vital for biodiversity as they sustain a colony of great crested newts.

3. At the top of Chanctonbury hill you can enjoy 360 degree views across to the North Downs and the sea in the south. Continue along the path towards the copse of trees at the Bronze Age Scheduled Monument that is Chanctonbury Ring. Seventy five percent of the original beech trees that were planted in 1760 by Charles Goring, were torn down by the great storm of 1987, a replanting programme has since rejuvenated the iconic landmark.

4. Continue along the South Downs way towards the Southeast and at the crosspaths head downhill on a chalk track, after approximately 100m take a right down the narrow grassy track. The path descends through Buddington Bottom woods to New Barns. Continuing downhill the path passes wiston’s original vineyard at Findon Park. The track passes through more woods to the steep chalk hill, where you will find yourself back at Crossroads viewpoint. Continue straight ahead down the hill to return to North Farm.

Further information on the walks at wiston Estate can be found on their website www.wistonestate.com and on information boards at the winery.

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

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FROM AFRICA TO wEST SUSSEX

By AlICE MCDOUGAll (RSPB volunteer)

If you visit Pagham harbour or Medmerry at this time of year, there are a number of summer visitors you are likely to see (or hear) that have made that long journey from Africa to breed here.

The wheatear was once considered a delicacy – thankfully we don’t eat songbirds anymore but they are a charming sight to enjoy. you may spot this ground dweller hopping and pecking on the beach or grassland, seeking out a meal of ants, beetles, spiders or wasps. It’s a striking yet delicate little bird about the size of a robin, distinguishable by its white rump and pale orangeytan coloured breast. They don’t spend long here though and will soon fly further north.

The cuckoo – we usually hear it before we see it, typically in mid-April. Sadly your chances of seeing or hearing one have decreased rapidly in recent years as there are now over 50 per cent less than there were in 1995. loss of hedgerows and diminishing insect populations are part of the reason, but scientists are also looking at the role their migratory route has in this decline.

Northern wheatears (this is a male, with its distinctive black Zorro ‘mask’) are among the first summer breeding birds to arrive on our coasts from mid- to late March onwards, but they don’t stay – they soon head inland, west and north to their moorland and upland breeding grounds.

The swift is another bird which will be arriving in late April / early May. There is something beguiling about their eerie scream as they swirl around high above us. when you consider that they can fly at seventy miles an hour in a straight line, spend up to 200 days in the air and are able to eat, sleep and mate on the wing, we can admire them for very good reasons.

Other spring visitors you might spot are warblers such as the reed warbler, willow warbler (for a short time before they fly further inland) and sedge warbler. These exquisite birds may be small and dainty but their size belies their endurance. The reed warbler, for example, can make this journey in one single flight without stopping, flying four miles high in the sky and arriving back at exactly the same spot they left.

So next time you are pondering over an OS map or trying to make sense of your sat nav, spare a thought for our intrepid summer visitors, some of which have travelled over 5000 miles to get here.

Why not join us on one or our guided walks this month to look for our returning summer birds and spring migrants, perhaps even including some rare visitors? Find out more by visiting our website https://events.rspb.org.uk/paghamharbour or call 01243 641508.

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Steve Round (rspb-images.com)

Bersted

Every Friday

A GOOD READ

By NATAShA D ONOvAN

Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield

In Once Upon a River, Setterfield has created a captivating and atmospheric novel that follows the story of a mysterious young girl, found on the banks of the Thames and seemingly resurrected from the dead. She’s taken in by the local pub owner and his family, who nurse her back to health, but her appearance sets off a chain of events that draws together a disparate group of characters, including a travelling storyteller, a grieving father, and a barmaid with a remarkable voice. As the girl’s identity is slowly revealed, the characters are forced to confront their own secrets and desires.

One of the most striking things throughout the novel is Setterfield’s mastery of language. She paints vivid pictures of the river and its surroundings, making the reader feel as though they are right there alongside the characters. The descriptions of the water, the sky, and the countryside are all rich and evocative, adding to the sense of mystery and wonder.

The novel explores themes of loss, grief, and the power of storytelling, weaving together a rich tapestry of folklore and mystery, with enough plot twists to keep the reader guessing until the very end.

The Day the war Came by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Rebecca Cobb

The Day war Came is a powerful and moving story that delves into the emotional and psychological effects of war on a young girl and her family. The author does an excellent job of painting a vivid picture of the horrors of war and the impact it has on innocent lives. The main character, a young girl named Callie, is a relatable and likable protagonist who young readers can connect with.

Davies does not shy away from tackling difficult and heavy themes, such as death and loss, but she does so in a way that is both honest and respectful, helped by Cobb’s beautifully observed illustrations which serve to enhance the storytelling.

Given the war in Ukraine, the portrayal of the refugee and migratory experience is relevant and poignant revealing struggles and sacrifices that families make in order to survive. Davies’ story is a reminder that war has real human consequences and that every person affected by it has a unique and painful story to tell.

This thought-provoking read is a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding. It’s also a call to action for readers to do their part to make the world a more peaceful place.

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FE l PhAM SAI l ING C lUB

lEARN TO SAIl AT FElPhAM SAIlING ClUB

Enjoy learning to sail with Felpham Sailing Club. whether just starting out with no experience, or seeking to improve confidence or sailing skills, FSC has something for you. we run sailing courses for young people, adults, and sometimes mixed courses where all the family can take part. Felpham Sailing Club is an RyA Recognised Training Centre offering courses in Dinghy Sailing and Powerboating. Our courses are aimed at:

• Getting you started sailing in a dinghy

• Improving your sailing skills

• Starting you racing

• Improving your racing techniques

Sailing courses are open to members and non-members, youth, adults and families. They are usually one or half days and are charged to cover course costs and provide a reasonable return to the Club. Our courses cover youth Sailing, Adult Sailing, Start Racing, Spinnakers, Seamanship, Powerboat, First Aid, Instructor etc.

Once you have your basic skills the next step is to sail regularly and acquire new skills. Our club Skills Development programme focuses on building confidence and increasing competence both in dinghy handling and on into racing. This can be done through another weekend course or is free to members on Thursday evenings with welcome on water (wow), during Friday youth Night, or on Skill Saturday sessions. Racing is on Sundays and wednesday evenings.

Membership also give access to the club facilities including the bar and a whole social programme throughout the year. we even have club boats you can hire before deciding to get your own. we also offer the RyA ‘OnBoard’ programme for youngsters aged 8-18 – OnBoard is the RyA’s programme to introduce sailing as a sport for young people. These can start with youth taster sailing sessions so that you can decide if sailing is for you. OB gets youngsters out on the water every Friday during the summer months. It teaches them new skills, gain confidence, make friends and lets them have great fun too!

Felpham youth Regatta is Felpham’s annual celebration of youth sailing and racing, taking place on a low tide week in the summer holidays. Family participation is encouraged as many volunteers are needed to supervise around 60 young sailors and provide hot lunches for all. This event is a lot of fun and a lot of training is covered from Start Sailing, to Seamanship, Spinnakers and Race Coaching.

Summer School is also an opportunity for smaller groups of children and families to participate in sailing and power boat courses. Members’ children may be left at Summer School with the Senior Instructor acting “in loco parentis”. Places are limited in number, and age restrictions apply. Summer School places can be reserved for a particular course, or for multiple courses in multiple weeks.

All courses are overseen by experienced instructors and all development by experienced sailors.

So, there are plenty of opportunities for the whole family to start sailing as a group or as a youngster or adult. Our aim is to build confidence and skills, to get people on the water and to get all ages involved in club racing and helping make Felpham Sailing Club the ‘best little club on the south coast’.

See our website for more details or just email fsc@felphamsailingclub.co.uk

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Sunday 2nd April – 2.30pm

A Coronation Celebration (in studio 1)

Tickets - £10 / cons £8

Tuesday 4th April – 2pm

Robert Mills - at the 2 O’Clock Club (in studio 1)

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

30 minutes of Neil Diamond songs, then, after a short break, 45 minutes of songs from the 60’s & 70’s

Friday 7th April – 7.30pm

60 Minutes of Classical Music (in studio 1)

Tickets - £6.50 / £5 cons / Under 25s £3.50

Featuring this month – Christopher Beaumont (on Xylophone, Vibraphone, Percussion), playing 100 years of Patrick Moore.

Saturday 15th April – 7.30pm.

Magical Bones : Soulful Magic Tickets - £20.50 / cons

£18.50 Britain’s Got Talent finalist

For full show info, please visit our website.

WHAT’S ON

Friday 21st April – 6.00pm

Pop Princesses

Tickets - £19 – VIP ticket. (Meet & greet the Princesses at 12pm, Premium seats)

A musical spectacular starring four fabulous Fairy tale Princesses who just love to Sing!

Sunday 23rd April – 3pm

The Royal Marines Association Concert Band

Tickets - TBA

Thursday 27th April – 7.30pm - Over 18s only

Forbidden Nights

Tickets – Rows A to F £28.50 / all other tickets £26 Immerse yourself in this sexy, innovative and classy show. World class circus acts with the signature ‘Forbidden Tease’. Get ready for your ultimate ‘Forbidden’ night out, with two hours of breath-taking action, seductive choreography and comedian compere for your entertainment.

www.alexandratheatre.co.uk

PUZZlE SOlUTIONS

Solution to Mind Benders

1. Spoilt for choice.

2. Bite the bullet

3. half baked.

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wAlK ThIS wAy!

ThE BENEFITS OF wAlKING FOR

By CASS hOlTON

EXERCISE

Spring is in the air, so put a spring in your step too by getting out in the fresh air for a walk. walking is one of the simplest and most effective forms of exercise as well as being FREE, good for these financially difficult times. improves Physical health: walking is low-impact exercise that increases your heart rate, strengthens your muscles, and helps to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. enhances Mood: walking releases endorphins, which are natural feelgood chemicals that improve your mood and help to reduce anxiety and depression. walking outdoors in nature is particularly beneficial, as studies have shown that exposure to green spaces enhances the mental health benefits. increases energy Levels: walking helps to boost your energy levels and reduce fatigue. Regular walking can improve the quality of your sleep, increase your metabolism, and reduce sluggishness. Boosts Cognitive Function: walking has been proven help to improve cognitive function, including memory and attention span. Regular walking has even been linked to a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease. encourages social interaction: walking with a group is a social activity that encourages interaction with others. walking with friends, family, or a regular walking group helps to increase motivation, accountability, and make walking a more enjoyable experience.

There are no downsides to walking. It’s kinder on the knees than running, requires no specialist equipment other than sturdy shoes and can be done at any time convenient for you. So take a step towards better physical and mental health and start walking today!

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

COURIER FRAUD IS CURRENTly ThE hIGhEST REPORTED FRAUD IN SUSSEX

In a majority of cases of courier fraud, a fraudster phones you claiming to be from your bank, the police or another authority. having gained your trust they will then say that either fraudulent activity has been spotted on your card/account OR that someone has been arrested using your details and bank card. They will then trick you further by asking you to reveal your PIN and card details. The scammer then sends a courier or taxi to collect your card, money or valuables from your home.

There are other variations to these scams – a scammer posing as a police officer will contact you asking you to buy a high value item to ascertain if counterfeit goods are being sold.

Another is where a scammer contacts you and claims that your bank account has been taken over and that you need to transfer all your funds into a ‘safe account’. Needless to say, this account belongs to the scammers who then steal your money.

Please remember – no bank, police officer or anyone from a legitimate service will ever ask you for your PIN.

For further information on this and other types of fraud or to make a report, please visit the ActionFraud website – the UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre: https://www. actionfraud.police.uk/ Know a community group that would like an input on scams? Please email us: Arun@sussex.police.uk

FRONT OFFICE OPENING hOURS: Bognor Regis: london Road, Bognor Regis, P021 1BA Mon – Fri, 10-2pm and 3-6pm. littlehampton: County Buildings, East Street, littlehampton, BN17 6AR Mon – Fri, 10-2pm and 3-6pm. we work closely with Neighbourhood watch. visit the Arun Neighbourhood watch website: arunwestnhw.org.uk or email info@arunwestnhw.org.uk for more info.

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Th E hIDDEN G ARDEN

By KATE hARRISON

The hidden Garden is a community gardening project helping and encouraging local people to become involved with growing fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers along with providing spaces for wildlife to thrive.

The garden is open to people of all ages and abilities in the Selsey community, organised by the Selsey Community Forum but looked after by a dedicated group of local volunteers. Situated next to the Academy Selsey School we run events and workshops to teach organic horticulture, wildlife gardening and sustainability. Regular gardening activities for young people take place throughout the year and we share produce with elder local residents who attend activities in the garden. we encourage people to share and swap spare seeds, plants and gardening equipment throughout the year and we have a variety of perennial plants available for a donation to our visitors. we share our space with Selsey Men in Sheds who make innovative wooden garden items and the charity youth Dream who provide educational and support services to young people in our area. If you visit our garden, you will find lots of ideas and ways to grow fresh organic vegetables, fruit and herbs along with a variety of wildlife habitats and ways to increase biodiversity in gardens of all sizes. There is partial wheelchair access over grass paths.

The hidden Garden is open for the National Garden Scheme on Sun 30 Apr, Sun 30 July (10.30-4.30). Admission £5, children free. Tea. Pre-book on the National Garden Scheme website https://ngs.org.uk or pay on the day.

The National Garden Scheme was founded in 1927 by The Queen’s Nursing Institute to raise money for district nurses. Ever since then it has given annual donations to nursing and health charities totalling over £67 million. It gives visitors unique, affordable access to over 3,500 exceptional private gardens in England, wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands and raises impressive amounts through admission charges and the sale of tea and cake. Thanks to the generosity of garden owners, volunteers and visitors we are now the most significant charitable funder of nursing in the UK. As well as the Queen’s Nursing Institute, our beneficiaries include Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, hospice UK and Parkinson’s UK.

The National Garden Scheme doesn’t just open beautiful gardens for charity – we are passionate about the physical and mental health benefits of gardens too. we fund projects which promote gardens and gardening as therapy, and in 2016 commissioned The Kings Fund report Gardens and health Our Gardens and Coronavirus 2020: The importance of gardens and outdoor spaces during lockdown report was published in September 2020.

To date we have given out grants to almost 200 projects, with the total amount donated just shy of £400,000. The hidden Garden received a grant in 2020.

For other west Sussex gardens opening for the National Garden Scheme this spring visit https://ngs.org.uk, or use the following link https://ngs.org.uk/west-sussex-spring-gardens/ The sussex national garden scheme 2023 Booklet is now available online or at many local outlets. The hidden garden is a community garden in selsey and it is opening for the national garden scheme on sunday 30th April and sunday 30th July.

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Clubs, Classes and Events

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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.

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