BERSTED IN FOCUS
Dear All,
I am constantly reminded that strong communities are built not only on kindness, but also on people having the confidence to stand up for themselves and for one another.
But many people feel uncomfortable about speaking up when something does not seem right. “It was terrible, but I didn’t like to say anything,” I heard a customer say outside a shop recently.
Whether it is a poor service experience, an unexpected bill or the rising cost of everyday essentials, there is often a fear that complaining will make us appear rude or difficult. In reality, it is perfectly acceptable to question a quote for a job, ask if there is a cheaper option or request more tills be opened when queues are growing at the supermarket (one of my bugbears!).
Equally, it is incredibly important to stand up for colleagues, friends, neighbours or even strangers when something simply does not seem right.
It’s not about making a scene. It’s about calm, respectful communication. So please make June your kind, but honest, feedback month and speak out to help and protect others.
Thank you to artist Jan Wood (@woodjanart) for our delightful front cover. Best wishes, Kate X
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JULY / AUGUST ISSUE DEADLINE – THURSDAY 4 JUNE 2026
ARTIST OF THE MONTH: JAN WOOD
I am a self-taught local artist and with a particular preference to painting animals and birds in a range of styles. My preferred medium is watercolours, although I do use gouache† and acrylics as well.
During lockdown in 2020, I joined Jean Haines Online Art School where I enhanced my skillset, painting in an atmospheric and loose style.
I have been drawing and painting from a young age and appreciate nature, wildlife and the countryside. I enjoy bringing out the fun and character in my chosen subjects. Every subject has its own character and it is important to capture in a painting. If people smile when looking at my artwork, then I have succeeded in my task.
Jan Wood.
I live in Middleton on Sea with my husband Ian, three cats and a dog. I also have two horses. I also paint commissioned pets in bright colours that showcase the pet’s features and character (see below).
I exhibit my artwork through several art societies, galleries, cafes and enjoy engaging with prospective buyers. I will be exhibiting my art at the Norfolk Centre, Arundel this August, also the Oxmarket Gallery, Chichester in June and Seafront Exhibitions on Felpham Greensward in July and August. I will also be taking part in the Bognor Coastal Art Trail this year during the last two weekends of July. I am taking pet commissions and offer a range of sizes and prices to suit.
My Instagram page is @woodjanart. Please contact me if you would like more information via Instagram, email janwood555@hotmail.com or mobile 07880 705500
†Gouache is an opaque, water-based paint made from pigment, water, and a binding agent, often used for illustrations, posters and fine art.
LOCAL HISTORY
BY SYLVIA ENDACOTT
When looking around the area, we can look at a building, a name and think, I wonder what the history of that area is. One such interesting view, historically, is that of Snooks Corner in Felpham. Situated around the area of Sea Road and Canning road it was originally set up as a greengrocers in 1884 by Henry Reynolds, when his milling business failed. The shop was taken over by Henry Snook in 1916.
There were of course two mills in this area. One of which was the Black Mill dating from 1801. William Cosens purchased an area named Mill Field for the sum of £555. Records show that the new owner of the mill, in the 1870’s, was Charles Digwell and the last known owner in 1884 was Henry Reynolds, until it apparently failed c.1887. In the 1880’s the mill had ceased to be active and by the 1890s had lost its sails, and was finally demolished in 1907. The area in this vicinity, which ran down to the sea, had become known as the Felpham Mill Building Estate.
Eventually in 1907 Ameys, a Petersfield Brewer, took over the premises and built a general store and off licence, using bricks from the demolished mill as foundation material. Henry Snook eventually took this over in 1916.
As late as 1966 the buildings were still called “The Old Mill Off-licence” and the advertising board outside showed a windmill. Today this corner of the village is always referred to as ‘Snooks corner.’
GARDENING IN JUNE
BY ROB BULLOCK
Perhaps a gardener’s favourite month, June is abuzz with activity with flowers galore and fruit and vegetables to harvest.
June has the most hours of daylight than any other month which means everything is growing fast. Harvests are abundant in the fruit garden and vegetable plot, but sowing and planting out will ensure a prolonged crop later in the year.
Careful watering
June can be a very warm month, which, along with the long hours of daylight will ensure growth spurts, and while there can be thundery downpours, ensuring your garden gets just enough water is a delicate balance. The best time to water your garden this month is either early in the morning or in the evening, so you can keep evaporation to a minimum. But be careful not to overwater as this will encourage plant roots to stay close to the surface, whilst you want them to go deep down into the soil. One way of retaining water is mulching, so do this wherever possible. Shredded bark, wood chips and straw are good mulches which nourish the soil as well as locking in moisture.
Some plants can really benefit from June rain. Place some houseplants outside in a shower to give them a good soaking but remember to always bring them back in before the sunshine risks scorching their leaves.
Soft fruit
The soft fruit in your garden should be cropping nicely. This can include early raspberries, and some varieties of gooseberry like Invicta, Early Sulphur and the very reliable Hinnonmaki which are delicious and can come in a variety of colours. Your delicious strawberries should be fruiting heavily this month, but by fixing any plant runner or new shoots to the ground you will encourage new plants to come for next year. For any later fruiting bushes cover with nets to stop birds eating your emerging fruit.
Vegetable sowing and planting out
There is a lot to do in the vegetable plot this month. Home grown beetroot is delicious and a versatile vegetable in the kitchen where it makes fabulous soup. It is also great in salad and delicious baked or roasted. Sow beetroot seeds in light soil made up of plenty of well-rotted manure or compost. As the seedlings come through, thin out to around 10cm apart. June is also the month to sow your carrots, radish, kale and more lettuces for continuous cropping salad. Everyone loves Brussel sprouts with their Christmas dinner, so planting out the seedlings this month, spaced out around 50 to 60cm apart – the closer together the smaller the sprouts – will ensure December cropping.
Weeding
Weeding is an almost constant gardening chore this month with weeds growing as fast as your precious plants. Hoeing weeds is an effective way of keeping them at bay without using harmful chemicals, and it is good exercise. A good all-round tool is the traditional Dutch Hoe which has a flat wide blade but there is also the Oscillating Hoe, the Draw How and for weeding pots and containers, the Hand Hoe.
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THE SCHOOL OF NATURE
BY ALICE MCDOUGALL
It is perhaps no surprise that studies into the impact of bird watching and nature-based activities on children reveal many far-reaching benefits.
Birdwatching can increase skills such as critical thinking, observation, listening and memory, as well as developing patience and focus. And there are many directions an interest in the natural world may take a child: It is a haven for those who like categorising, making lists or learning scientific names; for creativity there is sketching or writing their own field guides; for those who like discovering, the innate and complex intelligences which permeate the natural world are immense.
Birds and mammals are imbued into our myths, folklore, literature and art, shaping our culture and understanding of the world. It connects children with the land and its politics. Studies have also shown that children who engage with supervised activities in nature have an increased appreciation of the need to protect animals, plants and habitats. They also develop a greater concern for other environmental issues such as energy saving and recycling. It’s fair to say we need children to get involved with nature for the sake of our planet, and of course this is where great passions are born – how many students of conservation, zoology, ecology or environmental science found their interest as a child?
Dip into the weird and wonderful underwater world on one of the RSPB’s pond-dipping sessions and find out about the lives of the strange creatures we rarely see.
A sure-fire hit with lots of children are the RSPB’s bug-hunting events – what mini-beasts will they discover among the flowers and grass?
Children who spend time in nature are also likely to be more active – which brings the undisputed benefits of boosted energy, reduced stress and better emotional well-being. And of course, adopting an active lifestyle at a young age has a huge impact on lifelong health and happiness.
As the summer holidays are approaching, why not bring the children in your life to some of the activities at Pagham Harbour such as pond dipping, discovering our resident reptiles and amphibians, learning about our migratory birds and incredible raptors or enjoying our beautiful butterflies and busy buzzy bees.
Help your children discover nature this summer by booking on one of the RSPB’s events for families and children – visit our website for more information https://events.rspb.org.uk/paghamharbour
Emperor Dragonfly.
Image by Sarah Foden (rspb-images.com)
Rosie Dutton (rspb-images.com)
HOUGHTON CIRCULAR WALK
BY SIMON BAKER IRONS
This month’s walk is a 12.5km circular route from Whiteways Car Park on Bury Hill, climbing onto the South Downs before descending to West Burton and Bury, then following the River Arun to Houghton. With around 230m of ascent, it’s a moderately challenging route.
• Park at Whiteways Car Park and leave the picnic area by heading north to the edge of a wide crop field. Follow the western boundary as it rises to the top of the South Downs. In this field stands the Mill Ball, a Late Neolithic–to–Late Bronze Age bowl barrow used as a burial mound.
• At the far end of the field, you join the South Downs Way. Follow the chalk track northwest towards West Burton Hill, with wide views north to the North Downs and south across Houghton Forest. After about a kilometre you reach a large barn and a busy junction of paths. The surrounding fields here hold further traces of prehistoric life with two more bowl barrow monuments.
• From the junction, take the northerly path that drops steeply down the north side of the South Downs. As you descend, take care and peer over the edge to your left, as the ground suddenly falls away into a dramatic, steep, wooded ravine.
• The path brings you out into the small hamlet of West Burton, one of many early Saxon settlements that sit at the foot of the South Downs. These villages grew where springs emerged from the chalk, providing a clean water supply which can be seen running through the hamlet. Notable buildings include Cooke’s House; set within a historic park and garden, this place was once home to the artist Jeanne Courtauld.
• From West Burton, follow the ancient Coffin Route as it winds across fields and quiet paths towards Bury. This old funerary way crosses many chalk streams, which in spring the surrounding banks are thick with wild garlic. Continue on to the A29 and cross with care, then pick up the path on the far side as it leads you into the village of Bury.
• Head east through the village, passing the church of St John the Evangelist until the lane reaches the river at Bury Wharf. This peaceful spot was once a busy hub for goods moving up and down the River Arun in barges. It was also the site of a rowing ferry that linked Bury with Amberley, a service that operated for centuries before finally closing in 1955.
• From Bury Wharf, continue south along the River Arun until you reach the South Downs Way. Turn away from the water and cross the open fields to the road, then follow it into the village of Houghton.
• Begin the climb uphill, passing the historic George and Dragon, a great place to stop for some refreshment, just like Charles II did during his escape in 1651. From the pub, follow the path uphill through woodland and open chalkland, completing the walk when you return to Whiteways Car Park.
To see more photos and walks please follow me on Instagram @piertopiertrekking
GREEK SALAD
A dealcious healthy option perfect for the summer BBQ
Ingredients (serves 6)
3 large tomatoes, cut into medium pieces or wedges
2 cucumbers, sliced
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
Method
4 tbsp good quality olive oil
1½ tsp dried oregano
150g feta cheese, crumbled handful of black Greek olives, pitted
• Combine tomatoes, cucumber and onion in a serving bowl. Sprinkle with salt, and a pinch of sugar to taste and let sit for a few minutes so that the salt and sugar can draw out the natural juices from the tomato and cucumber.
• Drizzle with olive oil and season with oregano, and pepper. Sprinkle feta cheese and olives over salad.
• Serve on its own with crusty bread or as a side dish.
Tip: The natural juices from the tomato combine with the olive oil to make a delicious dressing, with no need for anything else.
salt, sugar and freshly ground black pepper to taste
JURASSIC COAST CHALLENGE
BY KATE STEWART
Vicki Marshall (57), a dedicated member of the Summerley Care Home team in Felpham, will be taking on the Trek26 Jurassic Coast Challenge, to raise vital funds for the Alzheimer’s Society.
“Dementia touches the lives of so many of the people we care for,” says Vicki. “Taking on this trek felt like a meaningful way to honour them and to help raise money for a charity that provides essential support, research and hope.”
“I’m proud to represent Summerley Care Home and walk the Jurassic Coast in support of the Alzheimer’s Society. Dementia touches so many lives and this challenge is my way of helping make a difference.”
Summerley Care Home manager, William Warden, said: “The Jurassic Coast route is known for its dramatic cliffs, sweeping coastal views, and demanding terrain. Vicki’s commitment to completing this inspiring challenge reflects the passion and compassion she brings to her work every day, supporting people living with dementia and their families.
“We warmly invite our community, families and friends to support Vicki’s fundraising efforts. Contributions of any size make a real difference and we wish her strength, good weather and steady footing along the Jurassic Coast,” he added.
The Alzheimer’s Society plays a crucial role in funding research, offering guidance and supporting individuals and families affected by dementia across the UK. Every donation helps provide better treatments, improved care, and helps the charity’s work towards finding a cure.
To donate visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Trek26JurassicCoast202613milesVickiMarshall?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=WA&utm_campaign=FR-heroes_FRPo_Event-nearbadge_ukSummerley
Vicki Marshall.
ALL SCREENS BIG AND SMALL BY ROB BULLOCK
This month sees the return of world football and top drama to television screens whilst the big screen has new releases to suit all ages.
Large screen
Masters of the Universe – 5 June
Many will fondly remember the ‘He-Man’ cartoon in the 1980s. In this 2026 "Masters of the Universe" movie the story follows 10-year-old Prince Adam, here played by Nicholas Galitzine, who crashes to Earth and is separated from his magical Power Sword. Almost two decades, later Prince Adam returns to his home planet of Eternia to confront the evil Skeletor, played by Jared Leto, and reclaim his destiny as He-Man, who everyone will remember is the most powerful man in the universe! Thankfully He-Man is ably assisted by the ever-reliable Duncan/ Man-At-Arms played by the brilliant Idris Elba.
Disney’s Toy Story 5 – 15 June
Unbelievably, Toy Story has been a fan favourite for over thirty years! This month, episode 5 of this much-loved series promises to deliver a mix of nostalgia and new adventures to delight fans of all ages as new character, Lilypad, who is an electronic game tablet, threatens the traditional playtime of the toys. As ever, Toy Story features the brilliant voices of Tom Hanks as Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear and Annie Potts and Wallace Shawn from Young Sheldon as Bo Peep and Rex.
DC’s Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow – 26 June
The story for this latest DC epic follows Kara Zor-El, also known as Supergirl (played by Milly Alcock), as she starts a journey across the galaxy alongside a young girl named Ruthye (British actress Eve Ridley), who seeks revenge for her father's murder. Special effects abound in this thrilling new offering from DC.
Small screen
FIFA World Cup – BBC TV and ITV – from 11 June
After brilliant results in recent competitions, England fans will have high hopes for Thomas Tuchel and his new England team in this the 23rd FIFA World Cup. Alongside 47 other teams, the tournament is being hosted in North America across 16 cities in the USA, Mexico, and Canada until July 19, 2026.
House of the Dragon – Season 3 – Sky Atlantic
George. R. R Martin’s excellent prequel to Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon is set around 200 years before the events of the original series and sees the escalating conflict between supporters of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen (played by Emma D'Arcy) and Prince Daemon Targaryen (played by former Dr Who, Matt Smith). Season three also promises the muchanticipated epic naval confrontation, Battle of the Gullet.
Cape Fear, Season 1 – Apple TV – 5 June
This exciting new adaptation of John D. MacDonald's novel "The Executioners" follows Anna and Tom Bowden (Amy Adams and Javier Bardem), who are a happily married couple whose settled lives are turned upside down when Max Cady (played by Patrick Wilson), who is an infamous killer that the couple helped convict, is released from prison and seeks revenge. A muchanticipated TV adaptation.
ALISON GRIFFITHS MP
Many residents have told me that seeing their GP, getting an NHS dental appointment, and accessing community care is a constant struggle. When I was elected as your MP, I pledged to fight to improve local NHS services, and access to NHS healthcare remains one of my top priorities.
Last month, I met with Karen McDowell, Chief Executive of the new NHS Surrey and Sussex Integrated Care Board (ICB), in Bognor Regis. The ICB are responsible for managing local NHS budgets and commission local health services, including GP appointments, NHS dental care and pharmacies.
The ICB have recently produced their five-year plan, so I met with Karen to emphasise the need to deliver for residents. We discussed the importance of patients receiving face-to-face appointments with a doctor, the steps being taken so that more people can see an NHS dentist, and how Neighbourhood Health Hubs will ensure patients are seen by the most appropriate specialist, more quickly.
I know many residents are worried that housing developments are making it harder to access local healthcare, so I will continue to press the ICB to accelerate investment in new and improved services.
I also visited MyDentist in Bognor Regis to hear about the recent expansion of their patient list. The incredible efforts of the Practice Manager, Katie Cook, and her team mean the practice has accepted 1,200 new patients in the last year, including 500 in the last three months.
However, Katie told me that 5 per cent of patients don’t turn up for their appointments every week. This has a major impact, preventing patients on their waiting list from getting an appointment, and the dentist isn’t paid for their time.
So, if you or someone you know books a dentist appointment and – for whatever reason –cannot make it, please call your dentist to cancel. Even at short notice, this might mean an urgent appointment can be offered to someone else.
I am also fighting hard to save the much-loved Zachary Merton Hospital in Rustington. Protecting community step-down care services and ensuring these are delivered as close to home as possible, is vital. This is not just about services in Rustington, but the way the NHS approach community care across West Sussex.
If you share my concerns, please visit my website to register for my public meeting with Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust on Thursday 21 May 2026: www.alisongriffiths.org.uk/zacharymerton-public-meeting.
In the meantime, if you are struggling to access an appointment with your GP or NHS dentist, I will be happy to help. Please get in touch with me by email on alison.griffiths.mp@parliament.uk. You can also keep up date with my work on Facebook and Instagram (@AlisonGriffithsMP), or by signing up to my newsletter: alisongriffiths.org.uk/newsletter
From left to right: Karen McDowell, Katie Cook, Alison Griffiths MP.
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Down
1. 'Attractive' metal! (6)
2. Badly behaved (7)
3. A spiritual or pure being (5)
5. Curious, odd (7)
6. Covered with ceramic slabs (5)
CROSSWORD
Solutions on p.38.
Across
1. Start of the working week (6)
4. Channel (6)
9. Type of antelope (3)
10. Slowly progressive (7)
11. Breathed out (7)
12. Beneath (5)
13. Steel tower (5)
15. Sphere (5)
7. Chronicle, narrate (6)
8. Convenient (5)
14. Attitude, perspective (7)
16. Type of loaf (7)
17. Antagonise (6)
20. Review (5)
22. Decorative bird (7)
24. Bar game (7)
25. Rug (3)
26. Creepy, eerie (6)
27. Seek (6)
18. Talked (5)
19. Rough drawing (6)
21. Type of dance (5)
23. Concur (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.
JUNE HOROSCOPES
BY LOCAL ASTROLOGER LETICIA PARMER
This June, many planets will cluster in the sign of Cancer, which also happens to be where Jupiter (planet of Joy and Luck) is too, waving her magic wand of helpfulness and positivity in areas specific to you. Make the most of these opportunities before next month when Jupiter will move away from the sign of Cancer and into a whole new area of your life,
ARIES
A great time to celebrate something in your own home or about your domestic bliss! You'll really enjoy nurturing or feeding others toomaybe a barbecue?
TAURUS
Sometimes you are quiet and thoughtful but not this month, you will be a real chatterbox, so others can enjoy your quick wit and repartee.
GEMINI
Make the most of all earning opportunities now, maybe even play the lottery, as finances are enhanced for the whole month of June.
CANCER
It IS all about YOU this month. No wallflower behaviour will be needed as the stars are conspiring to offer you the chance to truly shine.
LEO
Quiet reflexion and meditation will bring you the greatest rewards this June. You can also gain a lot by keeping a dream diary, to gain valuable insights.
VIRGO
You can count on friends and organisations to help and entertain you this month. Things done one to one will be less successful than going with the group.
LIBRA
The signs have been there but now they come into fruition - your father's or an older relative's influence on your career or status within the family.
SCORPIO
Take that trip abroad this month or at least plan one while you have the stars aligning so nicely for it. All things educational run smoothly now.
SAGITTARIUS
Though it is your nature to simply speak your truth, it pays off to play your cards cautiously close to your chest this June. You enjoy solving mysteries.
CAPRICORN
Teaming up with one like-minded person will not only be enjoyable, but it will also be valuable, in both your business and your private life.
AQUARIUS
Work may just be your happy place this month, particularly as your focus and precision will be at an all-time high. Your health receives a positive boost too.
PISCES
All things to do with children and creativity are at the forefront of your mind. It's time to pick up and dust off those art materials that have been abandoned.
Ask Leticia to prepare a personal full chart reading for yourself, or as an original gift. call: +447956 155105 email: leticiaparmer@yahoo.com
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