Bersted in Focus November 2025 by InFocus

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Dear All, November is the month we remember, and pay tribute to, all the fallen servicemen and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice fighting for their country. Thank you to everyone for sending me such moving articles and memories of those we have lost here in Sussex, and who we must never forget.

Those lives cannot have been lost in vain. Even in these ever-changing, uncertain times, I also hope it is a time to reflect and have hope for the future – as that is what those brave men and women were fighting for and defending – our future.

For me, November also marks birthdays and the lull before the Christmas storm. A time to enjoy the warmth of the log fire inside and crispy, bluesky days outside. It’s the month I plan to be incredibly organised and make Christmas goodies ahead of time and the 30th arrives far too soon!

Enjoy November and and thank you to artist Jill Madgwick for our wonderful Villages and Bersted front covers.

Best wishes, Kate X Villages In Focus magazines are available to collect from Barleys Hardware store in Middleton on Sea and Bersted In Focus from Bognor Regis Library.

office@infocusmagazines.co.uk Tel: 07729682245 www.infocusmagazines.co.uk

DECEMBER / JANUARY ISSUE DEADLINE – WEDNESDAY 5 NOVEMBER

THE HISTORY OF HEYGATES BY KATE STEWART

Heygates Bookshop in Bognor Regis was founded in 1968 by the Heygate family and in 2016 was taken over by Jason Passingham who was literally looking for something new to do!

After 50 years at 67 High St, needing a bigger (and drier!) the book shop moved to the town’s Grade II Listed Railway Station, right under the clock tower. The shop reopened in May 2021 and is now one of the South of England’s leading new and used bookshops, offering an extended range of not just books but also jigsaws, maps, comics and graphic novels, antiquarian books, modern first editions, book-related gifts, cards and since 2022, coffee!!

A life size Dalek, Harry Potter 9 ¾ platform trolley and lots of other movie, book and TV themed props make it a really fun place to visit for all the family.

Heygates also serves as an ideal solution for donating any books you no longer need, with a part-exchange scheme initiated when the shop was founded, meaning they’ve been environmentally-friendly for over 50 years.

The shop promotes local authors through regular “meet n greet” book signing events, and they also support local good causes by donating excess stock to a Sussex Rotary Club and are the correspondence address for Bognor Regis Seafront Lights.

Jason is passionate about reading, joking that who would have thought that someone who was diagnosed with dyslexia at school would end up running a bookshop! He loves reading himself and argues that anyone who says they don’t like reading just hasn’t found the right book.

To find out more visit: www.heygatesbooks.com or Bognor Regis Railway Station Station Rd, Bognor Regis PO21 1BP Tel: 01243 860079 or email Jason: heygatesbooks@gmail.com

JASON PASSINGHAM’S CHRISTMAS BOOK REVIEW

The Christmas Gingerbread Village by Kylie Dunbar is a cosy, totally feelgood, seasonal read that will make you warm inside. The perfect read to snuggle up and have you feeling festive!

Grab a large hot chocolate and read all about the town of Wheaton which is once again holding its annual gingerbread model village exhibition and grotto. This event has played an important part in this sleepy Cotswold hamlet’s Christmas celebrations for decades. For years the gingerbread exhibition drew visitors from across the whole region and each year the model town grew more elaborate and ambitious but recently, interest has been dwindling.

To make matters worse, the gingerbread grotto now needs to be rehomed or close forever. Sixty-four-year-old Margi, the event’s founder, has had enough of village life (and its total lack of eligible men) and is planning to sell up and head to Birmingham to live closer to her niece.

Margi has lost her spark and her Christmas spirit and decides this will be her last gingerbread village but becomes despondent when she discovers her only support is her long-time friend, Izzy, her niece Lucy from Birmingham, and Fern, the shy young farmer’s daughter, and Patrick, the rather gorgeous, reliable school caretaker.

As if this wasn’t enough, Lucy is determined to get her out dating again and persuades her to try some online dating apps, but Margi’s had her heart broken too many times and wonders if she has just missed her chance. Will they save the Gingerbread Grotto and can Margi get her old spark and her Christmas spirit back? A cosy, totally feel good seasonal read that will make you warm inside. The perfect read to snuggle up and have you feeling festive!

Jason Passingham.

LOCAL HISTORY BY

SYLVIA ENDACOTT

ST MARY MAGDALENE

The Parish Church of Bognor is St Mary Magdalene in South Bersted. The original church is believed to have been built in the mid 13th century. The chancel, nave and tower were incorporated in the present church which was consecrated in 1405.

Sir Richard Hotham, made an entry in the church register on 18th January 1787 marking the laying of 'the first foundation stone at Bognor in the Parish of Berstead,' thus providing us with a birthday for the town, which is celebrated annually in a short service by his grave in the churchyard. Restoration work in 1879-1881 followed an inspection which reported serious structural faults in the chancel walls, roof and buttresses supporting the tower.

Also buried in the churchyard is Mary Wheatland who was Bognor's famous 'bathing lady'. She was 'taken to her final resting place by Bognor fishermen in April 1924.' She operated many of the bathing machines adjacent to the Pier and saved numerous lives.

Internally there are memorials of town families and visitors to the area. Above the south door there is an escutcheon (shield with coat of arms) commemorating the visit of King George V. Some of the other curiosities include a mass dial and a Saxon stone embedded on an interior wall. The interior of the spire is entirely of heart of oak on which were fastened 12,000 oak shingles. Work is regularly carried out on this superb church, which certainly warrants a visit to see its many interesting historical facets.

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 24 November 2025 – 1845 for 1930 hrs

The RAF ‘V’ Bombers, Vulcan, Victor and Valiant

A talk presented by Mr Andy Richardson Andy Richardson has been engaged in aviation throughout his adult life. Starting in 1960 with an 18-year flying career in the RAF which included crewing the nuclear armed Vulcan during the Cold War. He subsequently held high level posts in International Business Development in British Aerospace, MacDonnell Douglas and Boeing until his retirement. He is a Member of the Royal Institute of Navigation and a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society.

Post WWII with the advent of the nuclear age Britain’s military aviation ability was low in terms of aircraft, aircrew and system capability. New fourjet bomber designs, the Avro Vulcan, Vickers Valiant and Handley Page Victor were brought into service. For over a decade the RAF 'V' bombers and their crews provided Britain’s Nuclear Deterrent and in so doing kept the country safe during the height of the Cold War. They have been appropriately named the 'ultimate peacekeepers'.

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.

THE ELMER WRECKERS

We are a growing male singing group who find enjoyment in Sea Shanties. Sea Shanties were originally working songs that were sung unaccompanied to increase the workload, sung with enthusiasm. This is what we are looking to reproduce.

The whole purpose of the group is to have fun among friends and to share this with others who wish to join in. We have a list of 40 songs ready to go. This is a great way of shaking off the winter blues.

We meet every Tuesday evening at 8.15 until 9.30 in the small hall in the Jubilee Hall in Middleton On Sea, side entrance nearest the main Elmer road.

BY JOHN HOLTON

We would love to hear from you if you are interested in joining us. Please contact John on 07796990595 or email j.holton@hotmail.co.uk or just turn up to our next meeting if you want to experience the group directly.

GRAVESIDE DISCOVERY

BY DAVID VICKERS

A few months ago two fellow veterans and myself discovered the grave of Major General Sir Christopher Charles Teesdale, Royal Artillery, VC, KCMG, CB, buried in the graveyard of St. Mary's Church, South Bersted.

The grave was in a very sorry state, totally overgrown, damaged brickwork and trees growing throughout. We decided to try to restore the grave and, after several months and with the assistance of the Victoria Cross Trust and the support of our local B&Q, we were able to hold a re-dedication ceremony on 29 September, exactly 170 years from the day that Christopher won his VC.

Born in 1833 in South Africa, Christopher joined the Royal Artillery Regiment in 1848, as a 'gentleman cadet'. He served with the British Forces in the Crimean War, fighting against the Russian forces. In 1854 he was aide-de-camp to Colonel Sir William Fenwick Williams and held the rank of Lieutenant. At this time he was part of the force defending the town of Kars, in North East Turkey.

On 29 September 1855 the Russians launched an all-out attack on Kars, the ensuing battle lasted almost seven hours and ended in victory for the allied troops. Lieutenant Teesdale had volunteered to take command of the troops during the battle and, as well as repulsing the Russian Army (with 5,000 dead), he persuaded the Turkish troops to spare the lives of the wounded Russians who were lying on the battlefield. This was witnessed by the Russian Commander and led to Teesdale later being honoured by the Russians. It was his actions in this battle that led to his award of the VC.

He later became Equerry to The Prince of Wales and aide-de-camp to Queen Victoria and achieved the rank of Major General. Sir Christopher died at his home in South Bersted on 1 November 1893, aged 60, and was buried in the same grave as his father and mother, in South Bersted.

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HOST THE PERFECT BONFIRE NIGHT PARTY

FOLLOW THE THREE FS BY CATH MORLEY

There’s something magical about Bonfire Night – crackling flames, sparkling fireworks and the joy of gathering with friends, wrapped up against November chill. The best parties don’t need fuss or formality; just the three Fs: Flames, Food and Fireworks.

Flames - Every great bonfire is built with care. Start with tinder – paper, wood shavings, or firelighters - then stack kindling in a teepee shape and top it with logs that will burn long into the night. Light it about half an hour before guests arrive so the fire is roaring as coats come off and chatter begins. For tradition’s sake, you can add a Guy Fawkes competition with prizes for the most creative one.

Food - Nothing beats hearty food shared outdoors. A steaming pot of homemade soup is perfect for warming hands, while a picnic table laden with hot dogs piled with fried onions are unbeatable, and no Bonfire Night is complete without sticky parkin, treacle toffee, and toffee apples. These nostalgic flavours are as much a part of the evening as the sparks in the sky.

Fireworks - Fireworks bring the “oohs” and “aahs.” Ask guests to bring a box to share – the collective excitement is worth more than any grand display. And don’t forget sparklers: a simple delight that keeps children (and adults) grinning. Just be sure to have water and sand buckets and follow the firework code to keep everyone safe.

Add a few practical touches: a torch or two, doormats to save the carpets, then let the evening unfold naturally. By the time the fire has dimmed to glowing embers, you’ll have a bonfire night to remember, and people will be asking for a repeat performance next year.

St Mary the Virgin Church Choir & Guests

15 Felpham Road, PO22 7DA phone: 01243 866111 - 823086

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ARTIST OF THE MONTH: IAN WOOD

If you are thinking of starting your art journey I have good news: ‘Art Has No Rules’. Art has guidelines and it is those that are learnt in stages and at your own pace.

I was about 8 years-old when I started my art journey and by the time I was aged 13, I was painting in oils, one of which I still have at home today, unfinished. I was tutored at Falmouth School of Art in the late 70’s and went on to start my business and career in garden design for many years, but never left art painting.

My family are from West Sussex which is also where my business was run. It is through ill health that I found my way into tutoring, as the nurses kept saying “why don’t you teach art”, as I constantly worked with art during my recovery.

A challenge is always my inspiration as I am open to different styles and subjects and often use mixed media to express the subject painting in hand. With my paintings, I also enjoy tutoring and bringing on students with their art at my home studio in Middleton on Sea.

Gouache watercolour paint is my medium choice for understanding how to paint, before moving on to oils, acrylics, chalk and oil pastels.

My teaching method is art school style and is 1 to 1’s and up to groups of three.

Please do contact me or visit my studio for more details if you are thinking of art lessons. Phone/ text: 07771 928397 Facebook @ian wood art

Ian Wood.

LEITH HILL WALK BY SIMON BAKER IRONS

THE HIGHEST POINT IN SURREY

Just over the Sussex border in Surrey is Leith Hill, cared for by the National Trust, this area offers many lovely woodland walks that can be enjoyed all year round, with autumn being particularly stunning when the trees transform their colours. This circular walk is approximately 2.5 miles long and includes some steep inclines, making it rather challenging in places.

• Begin the walk by parking at the Rhododendron Car Park. A notice board here displays a detailed map of the many routes, along with information about the surrounding area. Head out of the car park and follow the orange way-markers that guide you along the Woodland Trail. The first part of the route follows the road and heads uphill along a steep rugged woodland path.

• As you approach the summit the forest opens up revealing some fantastic views and Leith Hill Tower. Standing at 19.5m (64ft), this fortified folly marks the highest point in Surrey. It was built in 1765 by Richard Hull of Leith Hill Place, who intended the structure to elevate the hill’s height to over 1,000 feet above sea level. The tower is open at the weekends and for a small fee, you can climb its spiral staircase to enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views, stretching north towards London and south to the English Channel. On clear days, it is said that as many as 13 counties can be seen from the top.

• After taking in the views from Leith Hill’s summit, the trail descends sharply via around 200 steps, leading down to Leith Hill Place Wood, where the gradient becomes gentler. The path passes through Lime Avenue and beside the Walled Garden, once a grand formal garden and a prominent feature of the estate’s historic landscape.

• Cross the road and continue through the parkland of Leith Hill Place. Keep an eye out for one of Charles Darwin’s intriguing “worm stones.” The renowned naturalist made many trips to Leith Hill conducting research around the estate with his nieces. Darwin studied how worm casts will eventually bury stones that lie on the surface of the ground.

• Return to the car park by walking through the Rhododendron Woods. This vibrant landscape was created by Caroline Wedgwood, sister of the famed naturalist Charles Darwin. The collection of towering specimen trees includes redwoods to provide the shade needed for the rhododendrons and azaleas that line the paths. Some of these rhododendrons are thought to be among the earliest introduced to Britain. Follow the trail to complete your walk back to the Rhododendron Car Park.

• Before heading home, it is well worth taking a short stroll from the car park to visit Leith Hill Place. This historic house dates back to around 1600 and was bought in 1847 by Josiah Wedgwood, grandson of the renowned potter. It later became the cherished home of his own grandson, the celebrated composer Ralph Vaughan Williams.

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

IT'S WINTER BOOT SEASON

BY FELPHAM FASHION GURU VICKY BOOKER

Who doesn’t love a new pair of boots for the season? Do you go for a flat or a heel, ankle or calf length, safe neutral or a fun statement? There’s so much choice it can be overwhelming. So here are my top picks of the key looks to ensure your feet will be the best shod in town this winter!

Best Modern Classic – The Tayla Boot by Dune, £159

Easy to walk in low block heel. Choice of colours – six altogether including this season’s key chocolate brown. Two width fittings to fit both those with slimmer and curvier calves. Flattering and comfy almond-shaped toe. These knee-length boots from Dune literally tick all the boxes and would look great with skirts and trousers or jeans alike.

The Slouchy One – Black Slouchy heeled Ankle Boots by River Island, £46

The slouch boot! Reminiscent of the 80’s vibe, the slouch style was all over the catwalks. Also taking inspiration from Vivienne Westwood’s iconic pirate boot, this style has the magic effect of making your legs look slimmer! Great for wearing over jeans and fitted trousers, or with skirts.

The Western One - Anniee Burgundy Leather Boot by Moda in Pelle, £109.95

All things cowgirl is still a key look (thanks Beyonce!), and the western boot is very much at the fore of this trend. To avoid looking like you’re on a hen do, or a reject from Yellowstone, stick with a simple and paired down look – or indeed go all out and own your inner Beth! I love these cool but subtle version in another on-trend shade – burgundy (but also comes in black, snake and pewter).

The Animal Print Boot – Leopard Suede Ankle Boots Giselle by Mimmu, £169

As you’ll know, I adore animal print – it never really goes out of fashion and is a neutral as far as I’m concerned! This season, the boots have been getting the animal treatment. For subtle take on this trend, I love these more casual chunky style boots by Mimmu, handcrafted in Italy a statement, without being too ‘out there’.

Enjoy! If you want to discover the styles and silhouettes that will suit you best, book in for a style or shopping session with me.

Vickybooker.com or contact me for info – vicky@vickybooker.com

Vicky Booker.

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Waders

WADING INTO WINTER

BY ALICE MCDOUGALL

In November, when the nights are drawing in and we start hibernating for the winter, Pagham Harbour and Medmerry RSPB reserves are alive with visiting winter birds. If you have not visited the reserves before, now is a great time to go. For beginner birdwatchers, identifying the different birds in the monochrome tones of winter can be confusing. Here’s a few to look out for:

This is an overarching term for a number of species which share many characteristics. Curlews, turnstones, redshanks, snipes, godwits and plovers (among others) are all ‘waders’ which, as the name suggests, can often be found wading in shallow waters. At Pagham Harbour, look out for the black-tailed godwit. With their fabulous long legs, straight beaks and soft grey winter plumage, these elegant winter visitors are likely to be migrants from Iceland.

Divers

You might initially identify divers by their unusual feather structure which gives them a more primitive look compared to other seabirds. They have long slender bodies with legs situated at the back rather than the middle. This gives them many superpowers, for example, they are exceptionally graceful and fast swimmers and can dive down to depths of 10 metres.

The red-throated is the smallest and most common in British waters – the red throat only being visible in the breeding season, and so more easily identified by their white faces and soft grey cap and neck. The great northern diver looks very different; it is a much larger and stockier bird, slightly smaller than a cormorant, with a shorter neck and a steep forehead compared to the red-throated diver.

Grebes

Grebes also have feet situated towards the back of their body allowing them to be adept and graceful swimmers. In the UK, Slavonian Grebes breed on just a few lochs in Scotland, but the sea around the Selsey peninsula and Chichester Harbour has become an important wintering site for these little birds; again they prefer to stay in the waters offshore. In their fine breeding plumage, they display stunning, exotic colours of golden yellow and rich rusty reds; in the winter, they are still beautiful but a monochrome black and white.

Join us on one or our guided walks this November to find and identify some of our wonderful winter visitors.

To find our more and book: https://events.rspb.org.uk/paghamharbour

Image by Ben Andrew

08/10/2025 09:00

Bognor Podiatry 1

Down

2. Autonomous computer programme (3)

3. Painkiller and blood thinner (7)

4. With hands on hips (6)

5. Bewildered (2,3)

6. Had a band of merry men (5,4)

CROSSWORD

Across

1. Said by a magician (11)

9. Postmortems (9)

10. Sound from a sheep (3)

11. Alternative (5)

13. Nonconformist, hippie (7)

14. Young child (6)

15. Reward, settlement (6)

18. Regular oval shape (7)

7. Instrument used to measure thermal change during a chemical reaction. (11)

8. Deck (4,2,5)

12. La-di-da, pompous (9)

20. Russian spirit (5)

21. Munch, scoff (3)

22. With sore, open wounds (9)

24. Use of medication to prevent pain sensation (11)

16. Detrimental (7)

17. A three-line verse of poetry (6)

19. Wait, delay (5)

23. French for 'you' (3)

BUTTERSKWUT NOSH!

This lovely dish of pasta with butternut squash and brown sage butter acquired its name when my then four-year-old son mixed up his words while asking if we could have his favourite pasta dish for supper! Eighteen years on we still call it Butterskwut Nosh!

Preparation time: 25 mins Cooking time: 25 mins Serves 4-6 servings

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

Half a large squash or one whole small squash, peeled, deseeded, and chopped in 2cm chunks.

Method

Salt and pepper

30g unsalted butter

1 small shallot or half a small onion, finely diced.

15g fresh sage leaves, finely chopped. 1 tbsp lemon juice

450g pasta tubes

25g fresh grated parmesan plus extra to serve.

• Heat the olive oil in a large stainless-steel pan. Add the diced squash, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally until golden brown and tender. Add the unsalted butter and finely chopped shallot and continue cooking, stirring frequently for about a minute, until the butter is lightly browned and smells nutty. Add the sage and stir to combine. Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice. Set aside.

• Fill a medium or large saucepan with salted water and bring to the boil. Add the pasta tubes and cook until they are not quite fully cooked. Drain the pasta and reserve a couple cups of the liquid.

• Add the almost-cooked pasta and about half a cup of the pasta water to the pan containing the squash. Bring everything to a simmer and stir constantly until the pasta finishes cooking, adding more water if required to keep the sauce loose. When the pasta is cooked, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the parmesan. Serve immediately, top with more parmesan at the table.

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.

Clubs, Classes and Events

GARDEN VIEW BY RACHEL LEVERTON

HOUSEPLANTS TO HELP REDUCE CONDENSATION

Condensation is a familiar issue in many of our homes at this time of year. When warm, moist air meets cooler surfaces like windows and walls, it condenses into water droplets, which can encourage damp and mould growth. While good ventilation and insulation are the best longterm fixes, those of us with green fingers can also use houseplants to help reduce and regulate humidity.

Certain houseplants naturally absorb moisture from the air through their leaves, helping to keep rooms drier and fresher. Here are some of my favourites.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Peace lilies are one of the most effective plants for reducing humidity. Their broad leaves absorb water vapour, and they also filter airborne toxins, improving indoor air quality. They thrive in shady corners, making them ideal for bathrooms or northfacing rooms where condensation is most common.

Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

A popular Victorian houseplant, this pretty fern loves humid conditions and will happily soak up moisture from the air. Place it in a hanging basket near a window prone to condensation. Regular misting and indirect light will keep it looking lush.

English Ivy (Hedera helix)

English ivy is great at reducing airborne mould spores as well as moisture levels. It’s a good choice for kitchens and bathrooms, where condensation can quickly turn into mould growth. Let it trail from a high shelf or windowsill for maximum effect.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider plants are hard to kill (even my teenage son can keep them alive!). They are lowmaintenance, and excellent at drawing in moisture. They also tolerate a wide range of temperatures, which is perfect for those of us with a draughty home. They are also incredibly easy to propagate because they throw out stems bearing baby plants called rather adorably, spiderettes.

Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

Also known as the butterfly palm, this tall, graceful plant works as a natural humidifierabsorbing and releasing water vapour in a way that balances indoor humidity. It is particularly effective in living rooms and conservatories.

Tips for Success

Position moisture-loving plants in areas where condensation is worst, such as near bathroom windows, kitchen sinks, or cold external walls.

• Avoid overwatering, as soggy soil can add more moisture to the room. Instead, let the plants do the work by drawing water from the air.

• Combine plants with practical measures like opening trickle vents, using extractor fans, and wiping down wet windows.

While houseplants alone won’t eliminate condensation, the plants above can certainly help regulate moisture levels and improve air quality, while bringing greenery and life to our home, which is a welcome bonus on gloomy winter days.

Happy (indoor) gardening!

LOCAL LIVES:

CORPORAL IVY GLADYS AYLING, W/51693 AND SERGEANT PETER GEOFFREY EDYVEAN-WALKER, 1808351

BY JANE SUMMERVILLE

In this year of the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe and in this month of Remembrance, we remember two of the Fallen from WWII who were laid to rest in the Churchyard of St Mary’s, Felpham.

Firstly, we remember Corporal Ivy Gladys Ayling, Service Number W/51693 who served in the Auxiliary Territorial Service (the ATS) – the women’s branch of the British Army at that time.

We know that Ivy was attached to the 363rd Searchlight Battery of the Royal Artillery. The 363rd Searchlight Regiment was formed in 1936 as a volunteer air defence battalion. Searchlight battalions were a critical part of air defence, primarily recognising and illuminating enemy aircraft. Searchlight operators were often members of the ATS.

We also know that Ivy died on 12 March 1946, aged 22. She was the daughter of Percy and Winifred May Ayling, of Felpham. The Personal Inscription on her Commonwealth War Graves Commission headstone – the only one in St Mary’s Churchyard for a female service person from either World War - reads: LOVE’S LAST ACT / REMEMBRANCE. Ivy Ayling’s parents share her grave.

We also remember Sergeant Peter Geoffrey Edyvean-Walker, Service Number 1808351, who served in the Royal Airforce Volunteer Reserve, as a Flight Engineer in the 166th Squadron. We know that Peter had been working at the Bank of England in London but had been released to join HM Forces, on 7 August 1942.

The 166th Squadron was based at RAF Kirmington, in Lincolnshire, from January 1943. According to the Imperial War Museum, the squadron was originally equipped with the Vickers Wellington bombers which carried a crew of five but subsequently converted to the four-engine, Avro Lancaster bomber which carried a crew of seven.

On 17th November 1943, Peter was one of eight airmen (not the usual seven) on board a Lancaster bomber which was on a training exercise. This exercise ended in a fatal crash when the aircraft collided with trees on nearby high ground when the pilot was going round again before making a second attempt to land. Sergeant Peter Edyvean-Walker was killed together with five other members of the crew.

Peter was aged 19. He was the son of Horace and Mary Elizabeth Edyvean-Walker, of Felpham. There is a Personal Inscription on his Commonwealth War Graves Headstone which reads: IN PROUD MEMORY / OF OUR DEAR SON / WHO WAS BORNE ON THE WINGS / OF FLIGHT TO GOD.

ºPeter’s name is also commemorated in a Roll of Honour on the East Panel in the Entrance Hall to the Bank of England, together with the names of 64 other employees who gave their lives for their country.

On Sunday 9 November 2025, at 10.45 AM, Reverend John Challis, Rector of St Mary’s will lead the Felpham community in a shared act of remembrance, at the War Memorial in the Churchyard. Please join us. We Will Remember Them.

BOGNOR REGIS TIDE TABLE

WOOF FOR WILF

LET’S GET THOSE TAILS WAGGING!

St Wilfrid’s Hospice is extremely excited to invite our local community of furry friends for an exclusive walk across the famous Goodwood Motor Circuit! Held on Sunday 16 November, this event is a great morning out, with some incredible doggy-themed stalls, plenty of paw-some activities and a chance to meet fellow dog lovers (and their pups).

Tickets are £12 per dog, and humans go completely free! www.stwh.co.uk/woof-for-wilf

GIFTS IN WILLS

A gift in your will to St Wilfrid’s Hospice could reduce the amount of tax you have to pay. A gift left to any charity, such as St Wilfrid’s Hospice, would be taken off the value of your estate before inheritance tax is calculated. Plus, if 10 per cent or more is left to charity, your inheritance tax rate could also be reduced. Your gift could help protect the future of hospice care in your local community. It’s simple to do and we are here to help you every step of the way.

You can find out more about the importance of gifts in wills and how it can help local charities like St