BERSTED IN FOCUS
Dear All,
Welcome to the busy month of May. As a mother of two children sitting GCSE’s and A-levels good luck to you all – examinees, parents, grandparents, families and friends May is when it all kicks off, and we need to stay calm (p.10). Gulp!
One of the most important dates I hope we can all mark this month is the 80th Anniversary of VE (Victory in Europe) day on Thursday 8 May. Many different events are happening in Felpham, Bognor and across West Sussex. See pages 12 and 22 to find out where you can pay your respects and celebrate 80 years since the Second World War ended in Europe.
If you can’t leave the house you can join in a nationwide sing-along of the hymn, I Vow To Thee My Country, at 9:30pm on 8 May in a shared moment of celebration and remembrance.
Congratulations to all our local artists taking part in the Chichester Art Trail (p.26) especially Pam Miskelly for this month’s front cover. Don’t forget Goodwoof on the Goodwood Estate (17 May) and that tennis and cricket nets are now up across the county.
Enjoy our two May Bank Holidays when they arrive and let the summer begin.
Best wishes, Kate X
Copies of Bersted in Focus are available to collect from Bognor Regis Library.
office@infocusmagazines.co.uk Tel: 07729682245 www.infocusmagazines.co.uk
JUNE
ISSUE DEADLINE – TUESDAY 6 MAY
FANCY A SLICE? BY
KATE STEWART
These incredible creations are the masterpieces of Amy Rogers from Bognor Regis. Every month I am hoping to include a short article about a new advertiser who has launched a small business. This month it’s the turn of Amy’s business Fancierslice –please do get in touch if you would like to be featured in future months.
Amy says: “I got into baking because of my children, making their birthday cakes and each year getting more adventurous with the themes they requested of me, a round BB8 droid was definitely a challenge but very much a triumph with my son!
“I love baking. It makes me happy, and I love making people happy with my naughty treats and cakes.
“I have, in recent months, taken the plunge of making this love of baking a real venture and making it work around my hectic life as a busy mum while still working Monday to Friday. I am excited for my new venture, and this is just the beginning.”
Good luck Amy! Please do give her a call if you have a special cake request or take a look at her website: https://fancierslice.wixsite.com/fancierslice See further details on the advert on the right.
BECOME A GOVERNOR BY
NICOLA WATERS
Become a governor and make a positive impact on the education of children.
About the vacancy and our school
Bersted Green Primary School is looking for committed volunteers to join our board. As a governor, your time and energy can make a positive impact on the lives of our school’s pupils. You will help shape the strategic direction, oversee the educational performance of the school and ensure its money is well spent.
What do school governors do?
Governors are there to also provide challenge and support to the headteacher to raise standards throughout the school. They work with school leaders to ensure pupils receive the best opportunities and learn in an environment where they feel happy and secure. What skills does a governor need?
We are looking for candidates who have: a naturally inquisitive nature with the ability to question and analyse sound communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team a determination to achieve the best possible outcomes for all our pupils.
What is the time commitment?
We meet every half term and governors are also asked to undertake monitoring visits to see the school in action and speak to teachers and pupils. You will also need some time to prepare for meetings and undertaking training and development. If you would be interested in finding out more, please email Nicola Waters, Chair of Governors at nwaters@berstedgreen.school.
LOCAL HISTORY BY
SYLVIA ENDACOTT
The old South Bersted Post office, whilst appearing just to be on the corner is in fact number 62 Gordon Avenue. This area was actually laid out in the late 1890s with freehold land being available according to the local press in 1902. This shop was recorded as a Post Office in 1910. For a time the postmaster was a Mr G. Burgess and the advertisement for the premises stated that they had a ‘dispatch of letters’ six times per day between 8am and 8pm the last collection being at 7.50 p.m. We should remember that for many years it was possible to post mail in the morning and have it delivered the same day.
It is interesting to question the view, why is there a lady leaning out of the window and who is the man handing something to the boy with the bicycle, could it be the family who ran the shop? We will never know but it is intriguing to ponder. This image is pre-1921 as on the left there is an open area of ground which was built on in 1921. At first glance you could say the building looks as it did in the 1920s. However take a closer look and we find several alterations: chimney pots removed, wooden balustrading at roof level has been replaced with a metal one. The original windows have been replaced with double glazing. In today’s climate modern shop owners have to advertise their wares to a much greater extent and is now a Premier, newsagent general store and an off-licence.
The old South Bersted Post Office – when post arrived the same day!
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 19 May 2025 – 1845 for 1930 hrs
‘Artificial Intelligence, Autonomous Weapons Systems and the future of Air Warfare’
Presented by Professor Peter Lee
Leading expert on the subject, Professor Peter Lee is returning to Air Aces to talk about the changing face of modern warfare. Increasing automation and autonomy in both armed Autonomous Weapons Systems and off- the-shelf commercial drones is changing the way air power is used in war and nonconventional military operations.
With reference to Russia / Ukraine and Israel / Hamas / Hezbollah, this presentation will reflect on key developments in recent years: technological advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomy, the realpolitik that is shaping autonomous drone development and use and how levels of autonomy shift political and military risk, and the ethical considerations involved. 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.
CARING FOR CARERS
Are you aged 18+ and caring for a relative, partner, friend or neighbour who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health problems or substance misuse problems? Are you having difficulty with maintaining your own health and wellbeing in order to cope with the demands of your daily routine? Or maybe you don’t have time to visit your GP surgery for a general check-up? We are a free service provided by West Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust- The Carers Health Team can visit you at your home and check your general state of health and wellbeing. Our aim is to improve both your own health and the health of the person you are looking after by providing you with information to help you in your caring role.
This could include:
• Practical advice such as safe moving and handling techniques and managing medication.
• Information and advice on other services to help you in your caring role and lead a healthier lifestyle.
• Advice and information to help you plan for the future and guide you through the complex health and social care system.
• Referral for NHS health check/screening Our service covers the whole of West Sussex. The carer must be aged 18+ ,be registered with a West Sussex GP and must have consented to the referral.
IT'S EXAM SEASON
BY TRACEY ANDERSON
FIVE WAYS TO HELP DESTRESS YOUR TEEN
Exams can be a major source of anxiety for teenagers, but with the right support, you can help ease the pressure and set them up for success. Here are five effective ways to help reduce exam stress in your teen: Encourage Healthy Study Habits – Help your teen create a realistic and structured study plan. Breaking revision into manageable chunks with regular breaks prevents overwhelm and boosts productivity. Encourage active techniques like practice questions or teaching others, rather than just rereading notes.
Promote Sleep and Nutrition – Lack of sleep and poor nutrition can heighten stress and reduce concentration. Ensure your teen is getting 8–10 hours of sleep and eating balanced meals. Limit caffeine and sugar, especially in the evenings, and encourage brain-boosting foods like leafy greens, whole grains, and omega-3s.
Create a Calm Environment – A quiet, organized study space can make a big difference. Remove distractions like phones and TV during study sessions. Offer emotional support without adding pressure – sometimes, just knowing someone is in their corner helps lower anxiety.
Encourage Physical Activity – Exercise is a natural stress reliever. Whether it’s a walk, dancing, cycling, or a sports game, encourage your teen to move daily. It improves mood, focus, and sleep. Normalise feelings and celebrate effort – let your teen know it’s okay to feel nervous. Remind them that their worth isn’t defined by grades, and celebrate effort over outcomes. Building resilience and selfbelief is just as important as academic success.
Learn to fly!
Interested in taking to the skies for a unique view of our local area? Very affordable thanks to our fully qualifiedvolunteer instructors!
Bognor Regis Bognor Regis
Excellent modern fleet 3x K21’s, the BGA principle training glider
Considerable investment in 2023 SkyLaunch winch & new super quiet high performance EuroFox 915S tow-plane
LOCAL LIVES: ABLE SEAMAN
BY JANE SUMMERVILLE
As we begin the month in which the UK commemorates 80 years since VE Day - a momentous time for all those who had lived through the hardship and horror of World War II – I bring before you a local man, husband and father who gave his life in the service of his country.
VE Day was, of course, a time for celebration, but it was also infused with profound sadness at the knowledge of all those whose lives were sacrificed or damaged for the freedom of others. This May, we will celebrate the anniversary of VE Day whilst also remembering those whose lives were lost or changed catastrophically, in the service of their country.
Harry Marshall (1900–1942) was born in Sack Lane, Lidsey, went to Aldingbourne School, and joined the Royal Navy soon after the end of World War I. Whilst serving in the Royal Navy, he met his future wife, Daisy, at Aldwick where Daisy was working with a family as a Nanny. Daisy, herself, had grown up in Portsmouth.
Once married, Harry left the Royal Navy and joined the Bognor Gas and Electricity Company (subsequently called the Bognor and District Gas and Electricity Company). He and Daisy settled in Firs Avenue, Felpham, in a house that had recently been built. They went on to have two daughters.
Although having left full-time service, Harry became a Royal Naval Reserve and was subsequently called up, six months prior to the start of the World War II. On being called up, he asked one of his two daughters whom, at age 12 years, was a good seamstress, to sew the three rows of white tape onto his naval Blue Jean Collar which gave a Royal Navy Rating’s collar its distinctive three white stripes. (Until 1941, the piping was hand-sewn onto the Blue Jean Collars.)
Three years later, this same daughter remembers a telegram coming to their home which said that her father was missing in action. Later, she learned that her father, Able Seaman Harry Marshall had been killed in action when his ship, the HMS Vortigern was torpedoed by an E-boat and sunk off Cromer, in 1942. The ship, a destroyer, had been deployed on a number of duties in different waters but was deployed to Home waters in 1940 where she escorted convoys in the North Sea. She sustained an attack by a German sea plane at the end of 1940 but continued to patrol and defend coastal convoys against attack throughout 1941 until being torpedoed on 15 March 1942 and sunk with the loss of 110 lives, including that of Harry.
The site of the HMS Vortigern, in the North Sea, is considered a war grave and protected under the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986.
Able Seaman Harry Marshall is commemorated on a plaque on the wall of the south aisle in St Mary’s Church, Felpham together with 31 other service personnel from Felpham and Middleton who gave their lives, in the Second World War.
On Thursday 8 May this year, St Mary’s will host a full day of commemorative events for the 80th Anniversary of VE Day. These events will draw to a close with the Lighting of the Peace Light, at 8.30pm and the placing of lights on each of the 14 World War II War Graves in the Churchyard; to be followed, at 9.30pm, by a gathering near the War Memorial at the Lychgate to sing “I Vow to Thee, My Country” with the nation. Please come along.
ANGMERING TO POLING CIRCULAR WALK
BY SIMON BAKER IRONS
A four-mile circular walk from the historical village of Angmering that takes you through low lying fields to the Hamlet of Poling, it offers some great views towards the South Downs and is also rich in history.
• Start the walk in Angmering village centre by heading down Rectory Lane. From there, take the footpath that connects to The Thatchway. Continue westward, following the path as it leads across the picturesque fields.
• About a mile into the walk is the site of a Roman villa, which was once a substantial villa complex, it was not as big as the palace at Fishbourne, but more magnificent than Bignor Roman Villa. It is estimated that it was built c.70AD and may have been occupied by an important Roman citizen. However, today it is totally covered by soil and is therefore impossible to see any of the remains.
• Two tidal tributaries of the River Arun once ran up to Angmering until about the 16th century, after which they silted up leaving two small streams. By continuing west along the footpath, a small footbridge crosses one of these streams which today is known as Black Ditch and leads up to Decoy ponds, which you will pass later in the walk. Ships would have sailed through this area by branching off the Arun at a main tributary near Ford.
• After 1.5 miles you reach the small and charming hamlet of Poling. The first building you get to is St Nicholas church, an ancient structure that was built in the 11th century. Burials in St. Nicholas' churchyard include the Kent and MCC cricketer Colin Cowdrey and the explorer and botanist Sir Harry Johnston. Look out for the plaque on the wall in the nave.
• Walk north along Poling Street, passing through the rural hamlet. Keep an eye out for the old school, easily recognizable by its distinctive metal sign. Continue onwards until you reach the historic 14th-century farmhouse known as Peckhams, just beyond which the footpath branches off from the road
• The field opposite this footpath was once home to RAF Poling. RAF Poling was in use from 1938 until July 1956. The station provided early warning of approaching enemy aircraft for the south coast during the Second World War. All remnants of the site have been removed and the field has returned to agricultural use.
• A short detour North along the lane brings you to the site of St Johns Priory founded by the Knights Hospitallers circa 1140. The last remnants of St John's Priory now form part of Fairplace Farm.
• Make your way back to the footpath and start the second half of the circular walk by heading east along the path towards the Vinery Industrial Estate. Pass through the estate, then continue through the fields and small pockets of woodland close to Decoy Ponds, eventually returning to Angmering.
Please note that during winter months and in wetter weather the paths can become muddy.
To see more photos and walks please follow me on Instagram @piertopiertrekking
by simply replacing the doors and worktops
› Up to 50% less than a new fully fitted kitchen
› Replacement kitchen doors
› Cost e ective made to measure solution
› Worktops and appliances
› Quick installation in 2-3 days by local professionals
13 The Square, Barnham, Bognor Regis, PO22 0HB Call us now for a free estimate:
ASPARAGUS TART
Asparagus has such a short season. Make the most of it with this delicious creamy tart.
Preparation time: 5 mins Chill: 20 mins Cooking time: 1 hour 10 mins Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
Pastry
225g plain flour, plus extra to dust
Salt and white pepper
120g cold butter, plus extra to grease
1 egg yolk
(If time is tight you can use 250g readymade shortcrust pastry)
Method
Filling
300g asparagus
284ml carton double cream
2 eggs, beaten.
50g tasty cheddar
If you’re not using ready made pastry you’ll need to make the dough.
• Sift the flour and a good pinch of salt in a large bowl. Grate the butter into the bowl.
• Rub the butter into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles rough breadcrumbs (or use the pulse function on a food processor if you have one).
• Mix in the egg yolk and bring the mix together into a dough. If it’s too crumbly to form into a ball, add a little cold water. Don’t let the dough get too wet, or it will shrink in the oven.
• Wrap the dough and chill it in the fridge for 20 minutes to make it easier to work.
• Grease a round, 22cm-diameter tart tin.
• Heat the oven to 200C /180C fan / gas 6. Remove the dough from the fridge and roll it into a circle on a lightly floured surface until large enough to line the tin, then carefully lift it into the tin, and press the pastry into the sides. Trim the excess, and prick the base with a fork, then line with baking paper and fill with baking beans, or rice.
• Bake for 15 minutes, until lightly golden, then carefully remove the paper and baking beans. Return the tart base to the oven for five minutes.
• Snap the woody bits from the base of the asparagus, then steam the spears for a few minutes, but leave al dente because they will cook more in the oven.
• Chop the asparagus into 1.5cm lengths and set the pretty tops aside for later. Place half the chopped stalks into a food processor and blitz to a puree.
• Pour the double cream into a jug, then beat in the eggs. Mix in the asparagus puree and grated cheese then season well with salt and white pepper.
• Arrange the remaining asparagus pieces, including the tops, on the base of the pastry, then pour the egg mixture over the top to fill the case.
• Bake for about 35-40 minutes, until set and golden on top, but it should wobble a little in the middle. Leave to cool, then serve.
We are an Independent business with access to all manufacturers
If you need a new bathroom for health
we can save you the VAT Free Expert Design & Free Quotes
Supply & Fit or Supply only
Modern & Traditional Styles
Walk in showers are our speciality AND we are RARELY BEATEN on price
WHAT'S THE OCCASION?
BY FELPHAM FASHION GURU VICKY BOOKER
It’s May so we’re well into wedding and special occasion season. I know some of my clients struggle with outfits for more formal events. So, whether you’ve got an invite to the wedding of the year, are off to Glorious Goodwood, or maybe a smart garden party, here are some ideas to get you kitted out …
Polka Dot Print
Great for curvy figures
This fun and flattering dress from curve-friendly brand Scarlett & Jo can be dressed up or down as it’s in a comfy jersey fabric (and available in sizes 12 to 26). The bold floral print, and red, green and pink colourway, ticks all the summer trends for 2025 too. (Right) Claudia ‘Pucci’ Dress by Scarlett & Jo £45.
Rixo is a higher end brand that does some beautiful pieces that are perfect for weddings and the races. This very feminine halter neck dress, in classic navy and white has ruffles and a small polka dot print (another key trend for SS25). (Right) Abi Mini Polka Dot Dress £295 by Rixo (also available in petite)
Suits You
Designer for a Steal!
Often, we spend more money on a special occasion outfit that we might wear once, than the staples we go to day after day! One solution is to rent rather than buy, and there are lots of options out there. This way you get to mix things up and wear designer brands along the way – plus it can be a more sustainable option. One rental option, perhaps surprisingly, is London store Selfridges & Co. You can rent this beautiful designer gown by Da La Vali for just £64 for four days, whereas it would set you back £477 to buy it! (Left) Pavlova Slip dress in Red – Selfridges Rental.
Want something other than a dress? A trouser suit is a smart and trendy alternative, and there are some many colourful options out there. This gorgeous green suit by Nobody’s Child is another hire option via HireStreetUK.com. But a suit can be a great investment to buy as it has versatility – the jacket would look great with wide leg jeans and a white tee, and the trousers would work with a simple knit and loafers. (Right) Green suit by Nobody’s Child - £19 to hire (£130 retail) via HirestreetUK.com.
If you need some help finding the perfect occasion outfit, get in touch. And if you’d like to know what colours to go for to suit you best, I’m running a colour workshop at my studio here in Felpham on the morning of Saturday 17 May. Get in touch for more info and to book. Vickybooker.com or contact me for info – vicky@vickybooker.com
Vicky Booker (right).
Please
Please mention BERSTED IN FOCUS when responding to adverts
JOIN US TO MARK 80TH VE DAY ANNIVERSARY!
Our newly formed Breakaway club for the over 60s is really thriving with live events twice a month and meals and outings in between, says Pam Evans.
“On Thursday, 8 May at 2pm we will be hosting a garden party to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE day at 2, Mornington Crescent, Felpham PO22 8HL.
“Weather permitting we will be outside otherwise we will move inside. We have a fabulous entertainment programme lined up: Beautiful singer Megan Rose from a cruise ship in Southampton will be performing, plus music and comedy from the Coffin Dodgers group and Tony’s ukulele group will be playing some good old songs.
“Food and drink are all included and the cost for members is £1 and guests £3. Come and enjoy a fun filled afternoon and hear some wartime reminiscing or join in with your stories of old times.” Book up on (01243) 868684 or (07796)657081
FREE HEALTH CHECK COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE
Did you know that if you are aged between 40 to 74 and have no pre-existing medical conditions you are eligible for a free NHS health check.
These checks can tell if you are at higher risk of getting certain health problems, such as: heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, stroke.
When the WSCC Prevention Assessment Team began running free NHS Health Checks within West Sussex, Graeme, a Senior Library Assistant in Littlehampton arranged an appointment.
“When West Sussex Libraries became a venue to host NHS health checks, staff were given first opportunity to experience this invaluable service. As a man of a certain age, albeit with, to my knowledge, no existing health conditions, I decided I had nothing to lose and duly arranged an appointment.
I found the whole process to be friendly, professional and reassuring. They discoved my blood pressure was a little high and it appeared I had an irregular heartbeat. The nurse suspected atrial fibrillation and made a referral for me.
I was very quickly seen by my doctor and referred on for further investigations. I was consequently diagnosed with Left Ventricular Failure which is now managed with medications. Because my heart wasn’t pumping correctly, I had been at increased risk of suffering a stroke the longer my condition had remained undiagnosed.
I do credit the health check with saving me from any number of future health complications and potentially saving my life! I would recommend that anyone eligible arranges to have one.
I must also stress that I had no inkling I had a chronic heart condition as there were simply no indicators, no pain or discomfort, no breathlessness or anything which had any negative impact on my day-to-day life or health. The only awareness I had was an occasional fluttering, as though a bird were trapped in my chest, and an odd palpitation here and there but I just put these down to the stresses and strains of life, nothing to be alarmed about.
So, even if you have no symptoms, I would still recommend having a check!”
The Prevention Assessment Team are carrying out these clinics across West Sussex. To discuss eligibility and book an appointment please call 0330 222 6999
For more information on NHS health checks, visit the NHS website on www.nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-health-check/
It’s important to make sure your Will is giving you the right outcomes for the future and is tax efficient - following a budget, a Will review is important.
Regardless of your age, wealth, health or status, planning for your future can guarantee that your wishes are followed and ensure your loved ones get the full benefit of your legacy. Our experts will guide you through the process. So just as we prepare for the festive season, it’s a good time to prepare and think about making or updating your Will.
Expert legal advice
Jargon free language
Caring 1-2-1 service
Over 35 years experience
Fixed Fees - no surprises
5-Star Client Review Ratings
Down
1. Rooster (4)
2. More spacious and well ventilated (6)
3. Distress, anguish (11)
4. Canadian capital city (6)
6. Fixed (6)
7. Paraffin oil (8)
CROSSWORD
Across 1. Joint writer of a book or paper (2-6)
5. Run ____, behave uncontrollably and disruptively (4)
8. Royal dog (5)
9. More slender (7)
11. Type of snake (3)
12. Foolish, stupid (7)
13. Largest great ape (7)
15. Spread through, suffuse (7)
17. Young pilchard (7)
18. Floor covering (3)
20. A word of opposite meaning (7)
21. First sign of the zodiac (5)
22. 91.44 centimetres (4)
23. Banner, ribbon (8)
10. Question systematically in a formal manner (11)
13. List of information about the meanings of specialized words (8)
14. Excavation, depression (6)
15. Allow, authorise (6)
16. State as fact, declare (6)
19. Emperor, ruler (4)
147 ARTISTS OF THE MONTH
BY KATE STEWART
Everyone is invited to explore the Chichester Open Studios Art Trail, returning for two inspiring weekends: May 17th-18th and May 24th-25th with some venues open on Bank Holiday Monday 26th May.
This much-anticipated annual event showcases 147 talented artists across 112 West Sussex venues, offering a rare opportunity to step inside their working studios, gain insight into their creative processes and purchase original works directly from the makers. From painting and printmaking to ceramics, sculpture, textiles, metalwork and beyond, the Art Trail celebrates a diverse range of artistic disciplines.
Whether you’re drawn to contemporary abstraction, traditional landscapes or cutting-edge mixed media, you will find something to spark your imagination.
Please do go and visit as many artists as you can. The trail covers from Chichester to Stanstead Park, but locally you will be able to see Susie Olford in Flansham, Laurie Avadis in Felpham, Frank Ferrie and Chris George in Bognor and Donna Chapman from Felpham but exhibiting in Chichester. Kevin O’Neill and Deborah Porter in Yapton, Mitka Brindley and Katherine Lawrie in Walberton, Kate Mercy, Ceri Amphlett and Wendy Farley in Barnham, Pim Gleadle, Heather Stevens and Pam Miskelly in Eastergate, Vidya ThirunArayan in Westergate, and Karen Boxall and Gill Hunter Nudds who are neighbours in Bilsham.
Susie Olford says: “With each artist, you may witness original pieces in the making, and maybe the opportunity to handle something which attracts you. Please come on a very local outing which will bring some joy. I paint land, sea, clouds and weather moods but never sad moods, preferring to work with oils. A palette knife allows such free movement of the paint. My work is colourful and contemporary to express feeling rather than rigid reality; painted on board or canvas.”
Karen Boxall says: “My Rudolph Steiner school encouraged connection to nature. When later studying graphic design I found my niche creating illustrated, kiln fired, stained glass. My glass has the quality of etching combined with the luminosity of stained glass. My colourful hare is approximately 198mm (7.5in) and designed to let the sunshine beam through or maybe displayed on a stand. Open Studios gives me the opportunity to share my processes.”
Gill Hunter Nudds says: “Whilst studying Art and Design in the 1990s I discovered my love of clay. I create hand-built, unique animal sculptures inspired by wild places. I also sculpt small, tactile pieces - a keepsake of a moment in time. All are kiln fired to stoneware temperatures, and coloured with glazes, washes, or metal oxides. I’m a member of Southern Ceramics and regularly exhibit here and in Brighton. If you wish to learn about ceramic sculpture, please ask for details of my workshops.”
All the 147 artists’ details are available in free coloured brochures (with maps) available from any open studio venue, libraries and some church porches. You can find your nearest venue by visiting: www.chichesteropenstudios.org Admission is free. During the Trail, venues will have roadside signs to guide you, and parking will be available nearby for your car or bicycle.
Warm winds blow, Susie Olford.
Ceramic hare, Gill Hunter Nudds.
Stained glass hare, Karen Boxall.
Please mention
Architectural & Structural Designs
F F O O R R
Loft conversions, Extensions, Alterations & Garden Offices etc
30+ years’ experience of providing the complete service for obtaining; Planning Permission & Building Regulations Consent including Structural Calculations & Party Wall Awards
KEITH CHANDLER
FBEng. MRICS. MFPWS. Chartered Surveyor
Building Engineer
Party Wall Surveyor 07764 578781
keith@keithchandler.co.uk www.keithchandler.co.uk
GROWING VEGETABLES: SEEDS OR PLUGS?
BY RACHEL LEVERTON
When it comes to growing our own vegetables, one of the first decisions we face is whether to start from seed or to buy young plug plants. Both methods have their advantages and drawbacks, and the right choice often depends on our experience, time, and gardening goals. Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide which approach suits you best.
Sowing from Seed
Pros: Sowing vegetables from seed offers variety, affordability, and satisfaction. Seed packets are relatively inexpensive, and one packet can yield dozens – if not hundreds – of plants. They also provide access to a broader range of varieties than you’ll typically find in garden centres. if you want heirloom tomatoes or rare purple carrots then seeds are your best bet.
Starting from seed will also give you complete control over your plants’ early growth. You’ll know exactly how they’ve been treated, what compost has been used, and whether they’ve been exposed to any chemicals. For many gardeners, this transparency is a big plus.
Cons: However, growing from seed does require time, patience, and a little bit of skill. Seeds need the right conditions to germinate - usually warmth, moisture, and light – and some varieties are trickier than others. You’ll need to sow them at the right time, monitor them daily, and often transplant seedlings to bigger pots before they go into the ground. It’s rewarding, but not without effort.
Buying Plug Plants
Plug plants, also known as starts or transplants, are young vegetable plants that have already been germinated and grown for a few weeks.
Pros: The biggest advantage here is convenience. You can skip the tricky germination stage and go straight to planting them in the ground or containers. This saves time and reduces the chances of early failure. Plug plants are therefore ideal for beginners or busy people who still like to garden. They’re a reliable choice for vegetables with long growing seasons, like tomatoes or peppers, especially if the weather is cooler and it isn't practical for you to start the seeds off early indoors.
Cons: The trade-off is cost and variety. Plug plants are more expensive than seeds and often come in limited selections. You may only find standard varieties, not the unique or heritage ones you could grow from seed. Additionally, you won’t know how the young plants were raised – some may have been treated with chemicals or stressed in transit.
So, it all really depends on your priorities. Seeds offer choice and value but require time and care. Plugs offer ease and speed but at a higher cost and with less variety. Many gardeners find a balance, starting some vegetables from seed and buying plugs for others. And remember, nothing is set in stone when you're gardening. If plugs get you comfortable growing your own veg, maybe you'll feel confident enough to try seeds next time. There's always a next year when it comes to growing.
Happy gardening.
MAY HOROSCOPES
BY LOCAL ASTROLOGER LETICIA PARMER
Being a distant planet Saturn (the disciplinarian) stays in one sign of the zodiac for two-anda-half years, but this May it will move on from Pisces to Aries, bringing a whole new batch of learning opportunities. Despite being a bit of a restrictor, Saturn is your 'best friend in disguise' as it brings the very life lessons you wish to learn from. Here are some pointers about which area of your life Saturn will be applying the brakes, so you can gain control of your lessons by applying the discipline yourself!
ARIES
Saturn in your own sign, requires you to apply personal self-discipline, to slow down your impetuousness and take time to consider.
TAURUS
Now entering the area of your unconscious, Saturn nudges you to learn and practise regular meditation for peace of mind.
GEMINI
As Saturn prompts you to "weed the garden of friendship" you must assess who to let go and who to share energy with.
CANCER
Career matters call for more focus, discipline and caution. You may also feel some duty towards your father.
LEO
Everything to do with education is being disciplined by Saturn now. So its definitely time to teach, also to learn a new skill.
VIRGO
Endings and new beginnings mark the flavour of this Saturn lesson cycle. So its time to start 'spring-cleaning' your life.
LIBRA
Partnerships of every kind - whether business or person - require a more committed and serious structure now.
SCORPIO
Health, diet and workload are the three areas that Saturn will nudge you to become more disciplined about from this May.
SAGITTARIUS
Either children or your creativity, or both, demand far more serious and structured attention. Discipline yourself and then them.
CAPRICORN
Home and mother come under Saturn's jurisdiction now. Your abode may be less than ideal while you heal past mother wounds.
AQUARIUS
As Saturn is now disciplining communications for you, this would be the ideal time to settle down and write that book.
PISCES
Money must be treated with much more planning, precision and discipline from now. It'll be worth hiring a financial adviser.
For a full analysis Saturn's new Life Lessons for your own unique chart
call: 07956 155105 or email: leticiaparmer@yahoo.com
A GOOD READ
BY NATASHA DONOVAN
On the Red Hill: Where Four Lives Fell into Place by Mike Parker This is an evocative and deeply personal exploration of place, identity, and belonging. Set in rural Wales, the memoir chronicles Parker’s life alongside his partner, Peredur, after they inherit a farmhouse, Rhiw Goch, from an older gay couple, Reg and George. The book is both a tribute to these men and a meditation on the ways lives intertwine with the land and community.
Structured around the four seasons, the narrative intertwines Parker’s reflections on his own experiences with the lives of Reg and George, whose unconventional partnership in mid-20th-century Britain defied social norms. Through photographs, journals, and anecdotes, Parker brings their story to life, portraying them as pioneers who lived with integrity and grace. The book delves into themes of love, resilience, and the changing rural landscape, weaving historical and personal narratives into a rich tapestry.
Parker’s lyrical prose vividly captures the beauty of the Welsh countryside and its complex history. His deep connection to the land and its people is palpable, and his exploration of identity and history is both tender and profound. The book’s pacing is meditative, reflecting the rhythms of rural life. This is not a book to race through, more one to savour.
On the Red Hill is a moving and beautifully written work that transcends the personal to touch on universal themes of belonging, heritage, and the passage of time. It is a celebration of love, memory, and the enduring connection between people and place.
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.
GOODWOOD ART FOUNDATION LAUNCHES
A BRAND NEW CONCEPT FROM THE LOCAL ESTATE BY SARAH HAMES
Whilst the Goodwood Estate is renowned for its world-class sporting venues and events, the summer of 2025 sees an exciting new development with the launch of Goodwood Art Foundation; a notfor-profit organisation with a focus on art, education and environment and a fantastic new café that all opens to the public on Saturday 31 May. It will not only create inspirational experiences for daily visitors but aims to foster creativity and life-long learning for all ages through an engagement with art and a connection to nature.
Each annual season, from May to October, will feature a headline exhibition by an exceptional artist of international standing. In the 2025 opening season it’s Rachel Whiteread, one of the most highly respected sculptors of her generation and the first female artist to win the Turner Prize. Alongside her characteristic sculpture shown in the newly developed landscape, the overhauled Gallery will showcase little-seen photography by the artist. In the coming years artists of a similar stature will be selected for the headline exhibition, again profiling work that is either new or rarely seen by international and local audiences.
“We are taking our commitment to the visual arts to a new level” said The Duke of Richmond and Gordon. “The Goodwood Art Foundation will present the very best of international art in an innovative and engaging way. It will place important works of contemporary art in a beautiful, ever-changing natural environment, while also delivering a powerful education programme to inspire all our visitors.”
Complementing the headline exhibition, the art programme also features installations by a roster of leading international artists. For 2025 there’s art from Isamu Noguchi (USA), Hélio Oiticica (Brazil), Susan Philipsz (Scotland), Veronica Ryan (Montserrat), Amie Siegel (USA), and Rose Wylie (UK).
Goodwood Art Foundation will open from Wednesday to Sunday weekly and visitors are urged to book in advance as spaces at each session will be limited. Annual Membership is available from £100 offering unlimited visits, priority event access and other benefits. Day tickets are £15 each and accompanied under-18s are free. Other concessions are available. For those arriving by bicycle or on foot there is a Green Traveller concession ticket priced at just £10.
The brand new licensed café, 24, will be serving delicious breakfasts and seasonal dishes from a smallplates menu. Set between the trees and with a view down to the sea, the café’s ethos is based around wellness, relaxation, and the provision of healthy, delicious, locally sourced food – good for the body and the soul.
And finally, Goodwood is well-known for being dog-friendly and the Foundation will be no exception. Four-legged friends on a lead are welcome to enjoy the gardens and a variety of walking routes are available ranging from 30 minutes to an hour or two so visitors can discover a new walk each time they come.
Visit www.goodwoodartfoundation.org for further information and to plan your visit.
© Dominic James.
The gallery.
Rachel Whiteread, Untitled (Pair).
Hélio Oiticica, Invenção da cor, Penetrável Magic Square #5.
© Carol Lopes.
© Rachel Whiteread, courtesy of Gagosian.
Clubs, Classes and Events
Please
BOGNOR REGIS TIDE
May 2024, Time Zone GMT
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 BERSTED IN FOCUS please email: office@infocusmagazines.co.uk
JOIN 4SIGHT VISION SUPPORT’S CHALLENGE OF THE YEAR!
4Sight Vision Support (4SVS) is preparing for its biggest fundraising event of the year, its annual walk on the Angmering Park Estate on Saturday 14 June 2025 at 10am. It’s a fantastic day out and all funds raised will help the charity’s work providing support and specialist information to West Sussex residents who are blind or partially sighted.
This year there is no registration fee, and the stakes have been raised to a single 10 mile challenge. 4SVS is calling for as many participants as possible: and it’s a great chance to visit some beautiful countryside in an area which is not usually open to the public. Participants living with sight loss are very welcome: guides can be provided if required and 4SVS may be able to help with transport – please call or email for details. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads at all times, and refreshments will be provided during and after the walk.
4Sight Vision Support is asking participants to pledge a minimum of £25 through sponsorship or donation. Please call or email to reserve a place, or if you have any other questions, call 01243 838001 or fundraising@4sight.org.uk The Fundraising Team can also provide support with setting up an online fundraising page.
PUZZLE SOLUTIONS
Solution to Mindbenders
1. Last of the big spenders. 2. Stand up comedian. 2. Falling in love.
