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BERSTED IN FOCUS

Dear All,

As we head into July and August, there is a chance for us all to refresh and hopefully enjoy the longer days and warmer weather. We all need a break, and stepping away from our endless to-do lists is essential for our physical and mental health.

If you are not packing a suitcase or travelling for miles to get that holiday feeling this year, remember to take ‘holiday’ breaks on your doorstep. Whether it’s enjoying a quiet cup of tea in the garden, a late afternoon walk or finally finding time to read a book you’ve been meaning to get to, leave the chores behind and embrace the Sussex summer!

I want to say a huge thank you to all our readers and advertisers for your continued support, lovely emails and community spirit over the past year.

However you choose to spend these next two months, I hope your summer is filled with sunshine, family time and plenty of fun. Take care of yourselves and enjoy a wellearned rest!

Best wishes, Kate X

Villages In Focus magazine is available to collect from Barleys, Middleton-on-Sea and Bersted In Focus from Bognor Regis Library.

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

SEPTEMBER ISSUE DEADLINE – WEDNESDAY 5 AUGUST 2026

With access to all major holiday operators, I can o er you and your family a wide range of holidays, honeymoons, cruises, villas, hotel and ight only, car hire, GAP Year adventures plus all the extras like car parking, lounge passes and much more. I do all the work, you enjoy the holiday. It's Not Just Travel, it's an Experience!

FAIRMILE BOTTOM NATURE TRAIL

BY SIMON BAKER IRONS

I recently came across an old pamphlet for a nature trail at Fairmile Bottom, which looks as though it dates back to the 1970s. Curious to see whether the trail still existed, I headed out to explore. Although the original route is no longer fully accessible, the nature reserve itself remains a wonderful place to visit and enjoy. Fairmile Bottom is a 70-hectare Local Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest, combining chalk grassland with yew and beech woodland.

There is ample parking in the lay-bys along the A29, with Fairmile Bottom rising to the east of the road. Although there are paths across the reserve, it is open-access land, allowing you to wander freely over the grassland.

• I parked in the smaller lay-by where the old Fairmile Café once stood. Built around 1939, it originally had no electricity or running water, supplies arrived in milk churns, and paraffin was used for cooking and heating. The café was saved from demolition in 2002 and rebuilt at the Amberley Chalk Pits Museum. Today, nothing remains on site except the clearing in the trees where the cafe once stood.

• From the clearing, head north-east through a gap in the trees and follow the old path that once formed the start of the nature trail. This area of chalk grassland and mature woodland contains many wildflowers, including ten species of orchid and many wild herbs. The reserve also supports a wide range of butterflies and invertebrates, and the rare, flat bark beetle can be found on the beech trees here, one of only a handful of UK sites where it can be seen.

• The road never sits far from the path, and at times the noise of traffic carries clearly across the landscape. This first part of the walk passes through many ancient yew trees that have grown for centuries along the chalk slopes.

• After about half a mile, the former nature-trail path joins a track that rises steadily to the south, and from here I found no further trace of the old nature trail route. As you ascend the hill, the noise of the traffic disappears and you will walk through a changing woodland, where smooth-trunked beech trees are mixed with the darker, older yews. All around, the impact of ash dieback is unmistakable: many ash trees are being felled, and others show the disease’s effects, with weakened branches and whole trees at risk of collapsing.

• When the slope finally eases, the path reaches Yewtree Gate, a junction where several routes converge. From here, take the bridleway heading northwest and make your way down the hill using the old wooden steps. The descent returns you to the lay-by and the spot where the old café once stood, bringing the walk to a close. If you’re looking to extend your route, then there is much more of the reserve that can be explored.

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

DO YOU NEED SOMETHING FIXING?

BY HILARY STRONG

Do you have a broken but much-loved toy in the attic that needs repairing? Or an elderly mixer that has been a trusty kitchen aid for several decades and you can’t bear to throw out? Well, the Bognor Repair Café may be able to help. A group of volunteers boasting a variety of skills will tackle all sorts of manual and electric items to save them from going into landfill. The Repair Café meets on the first Saturday of the month and is based at the wonderful Bognor Makerspace in Longford Road. A converted warehouse, the Makerspace hosts a scrapstore, wellbeing centre, theatre production skills training department and a woodwork and craft club. It’s a thriving community centre offering workshops and courses to all ages plus regularly presenting events and performances.

The Bognor Woodwork & Craft Club (BWACC) has been resident at the Makerspace for five years and welcomes new members who would enjoy developing their DIY and craft skills in a friendly group. The club has a large range of hand tools and experienced members are on hand to provide help and advice on any personal project. They are also able to take on commissions including the manufacture of Bug Houses, Bird Boxes, Planters, and Laser Printed Signs. Their next free workshop is electrical safety in the home, providing valuable advice to anyone who feels uncertain on whether to tackle a problem or call in an electrician.

So, lots going on in the Bognor Makerspace! To find out more, email info@bognormake.co.uk

OPENING YOUR GARDEN FOR THE NATIONAL GARDEN SCHEME

BY KATE HARRISON, WEST SUSSEX NATIONAL GARDEN SCHEME PUBLICITY OFFICER

Thanks to the generosity of garden owners, volunteers and visitors we’ve donated over £77.8 million to leading nursing and health charities including Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK, Parkinson’s UK, Carers Trust and The Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing. In 2025 alone, we made a record donation of almost £3.9 million.

We’re only able to donate these life-changing amounts thanks to the wonderful gardens that open their gates to visitors each year. That’s why we’re always on the lookout for beautiful new spaces to share!

Whether you’re part of a group of small gardens or opening on your own, we’d love to hear from you. Rolling acres, cosy cottage borders, wildlife-friendly havens, or even a thriving community allotment – every garden has its own charm and each one offers visitors a unique, personal experience. “Our open days are a community event, widely appreciated in many ways and by many people.” – Garden owner. You can help …

One of the most rewarding ways you can support the National Garden Scheme is by opening your much loved garden to visitors. It might feel a little daunting at first, but if you’re passionate about your outdoor space – and friends are always telling you how lovely it is – chances are others will feel the same way too.

By opening your garden, you’re giving people a wonderful day out while helping to raise vital funds that genuinely change lives. You’ll also become part of a welcoming community of fellow garden owners and volunteers who share your love of beautiful spaces. When you join us, your garden will be featured in our prestigious yellow Garden Visitor’s Handbook and on our website. Plus, our county volunteer teams are always on hand to offer friendly support.

So, whether your garden is big or small, packed with character, full of charm, or simply a reflection of the care you’ve poured into it – we’d love to hear from you and arrange a visit. Your garden could be the next to inspire visitors and make a real difference.

You can email hello@ngs.org.uk, call us on 01483 211535, or contact Maggi Hooper – NGS W. Sussex County Organiser 07793 159304 who will be able to answer your questions. Alternatively visit some of our lovely open gardens this July and chat to our wonderful garden owners.

The Old Vicarage

The Street, Washington, RH20 4AS.

Every Thur to 1 Oct (10-4). Adm £10, chd free. Pre-booking essential, please visit www.ngs. org.uk for information and booking. Self service light refreshments on Thurs (cash only) and picnics welcome. Mon 31 Aug (10-5). Adm £10, chd free. Home-made teas. Purchase ticket in advance or at the gate on the day.

Apuldram Roses

Crouchers Farm, Birdham Road, Chichester, PO20 7EQ.

Fri 3 July (2-3.30). Adm £12.50. Pre-booking essential, please visit www.ngs.org.uk for information and booking. Tea, coffee and cake.

Peelers Retreat

70 Ford Road, Arundel, BN18 9EX.

Tue 7, Sat 11, Tue 21 July (2-5). Adm £5, chd free. Home-made teas. Sat 25, Sun 26 Apr, Sat 18, Sun 19 July (10.30-5). Combined adm with 25 Parklands Road £7, chd free. Tea, coffee and cake.

THE DARTFORD WARBLER

BY ALICE MCDOUGALL

Although warblers are known for their delightful babbling song, they are generally small, brown indistinct birds which are difficult to spot as they dart around in the cover of thick foliage.

The Dartford warbler, however, is an outlier – the bohemian of the warbler world. The male especially, is particularly stunning with his rusty chest the colour of a gutsy red wine, a gun-metal grey head and back and distinctive red ring circling his eye. A little on the scruffy side with an ungainly front-heavy stature, long tail and a sharp black beak – they can look a little grumpy but will nevertheless delight with their beautiful lyrical song.

The Dartford warbler doesn’t migrate but generally resides here in the southern part of the UK – any further north would be too cold for them. They live on heathlands with a particular liking for gorse but, as a largely sedentary, ground dwelling bird, the risk of predation also threatens its survival. And if things weren’t difficult for this species, changes in agricultural methods and urban developments have led to the gradual loss of heaths and commons where they would typically live.

The Dartford warbler also shared the fate of many other birds in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, and was hunted to the extreme for skins, eggs and nests. It was predicted that the species would reach complete extinction by the beginning of the twentieth century. But they managed to hold on, even through the harsh winters of the early 1960’s when numbers fell from 450 pairs to just 10.

Thankfully, things are looking up for these delightful little birds. Numbers have been increasing since 2000 and we now have an estimated 4,100 pairs in the UK. A recent breeding programme at RSPB Arne in Dorset, saw a 47 per cent increase, and other RSPB sites have also had a rise in numbers.

You don’t have to go to Dorset to spot one though, the Dartford warbler is a rare but wonderful sight here at Pagham Harbour and Medmerry. Look out for them singing their little hearts out atop a gorse bush and admire their resilience and tenacity.

At Pagham Harbour and Medmerry, we run guided walks and various family events over the summer – why not come along? To find out more and book: https://events.rspb.org.uk/paghamharbour

Image by Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com)

Dartford Warbler.

ROMAN FRIED CHICKEN WITH TOMATOES

AND OREGANO

BY YOTAM OTTOLENGHI

This dish sits somewhere between Rome and the eastern Mediterranean, where herbs are used with abandon and olive oil is never held back. Chicken thighs, marinated simply with garlic and oregano, are fried until their skin turns deeply golden, then paired with a sauce built slowly from pancetta, tomatoes and fennel seeds, rich and slightly sweet, sharpened at the end with vinegar. Fresh oregano is fried until crisp, lending a brittle, aromatic finish. Serve with bread to mop up every last bit of the oil-slicked sauce.

Ingredients (serves 4)

4 skin-on chicken thighs, deboned (500g)

2 garlic cloves, crushed

1.5tsp dried oregano

105ml olive oil

15g oregano sprigs

Method

130g unsmoked pancetta, chopped

½ tsp fennel seeds, lightly crushed

1tsp tomato paste

¾ tsp chilli flakes

• Place the chicken thighs in a bowl with the garlic, dried oregano, 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, ½ teaspoon of salt and a good grind pepper. Mix well then set aside to marinate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight in the fridge).

• Place a large frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add 30 ml of the oil and place the chicken thighs skin side down. Cook undisturbed for 7–9 minutes, until the skin is deeply golden and crisp. Turn over and cook for a further 4–5 minutes, until cooked through. Transfer to a plate and leave to rest for 5 minutes before slicing into 2–3 cm pieces.

• Meanwhile, place a sauté pan over medium heat and add the remaining 60 ml of olive oil. Add the oregano sprigs and fry for 2–3 minutes, turning once, until crisp and fragrant. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on kitchen paper.

300g datterini tomatoes

½ tsp maple syrup

1 ½ tsp white wine vinegar

Fine sea salt and black pepper

• In the same pan, add the pancetta and cook for 3–4 minutes, until golden and crisp. Stir in the fennel seeds and cook for 30 seconds. Add the tomato paste and chilli flakes, cook for another minute then stir in the tomatoes. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until they burst and soften but still hold their shape.

• Stir through the maple syrup, vinegar and ⅛ teaspoon of salt, then remove from the heat.

• Arrange the sliced chicken on a serving platter and spoon over the sauce, along with any resting juices. Serve with the crispy oregano on top.

ALISON GRIFFITHS MP

The ongoing closure of Chichester Road is in sharp focus locally. I’m very conscious that it will remain so throughout the summer, so I want to use this column to provide a short update on what is happening and how I am trying to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.

Between 1st June and 25th September, SGN are completing essential gas main maintenance. During a substantial programme of work, they will install new plastic gas pipes and replace old metal ones along Chichester Road. This to ensure the gas supply remains safe and efficient and to prevent future leaks.

Residents have shared a number of concerns with me, including about increased traffic and congestion on nearby roads and on routes included in the diversion, and the impact the closure will have on access to local schools, businesses and homes. I have also been asked why the works are happening now, during the busy summer season.

My team and I are attending regular meetings with SGN and West Sussex County Council throughout the closure period. I will continue to press home the importance of the works remaining on schedule, the site being kept safe and secure, and clear and consistent communication being maintained with residents about what parts of the road will be closed, when, and for how long. SGN will now be writing directly to all residents in the vicinity of Chichester Road and putting together a FAQ document and map explaining the closure in more detail. I will share this as soon as possible.

I know how disruptive the road closure will be as we move into phase two and phase three later this Summer, so I will continue to post updates on my social media. Please do follow my Facebook and Instagram, @AlisonGriffithsMP, to stay up to date, and do not hesitate to get in touch via email at alison.griffiths.mp@parliament.uk if you have any specific or urgent concerns you would like to raise with me.

Throughout June, I have been inviting residents across Bognor Regis, Littlehampton and our surrounding villages to help crown the Bognor Regis and Littlehampton Community Pub Hero 2026.

The initiative is part of the national Community Pub Hero Awards, run by PubAid and the AllParty Parliamentary Beer Group. MPs are invited to nominate a pub from their constituency, and I want to put you at the heart of this process and give you the opportunity to decide which local pubs should be celebrated.

The initial nomination ran until 19th June, and the contributions of local people were incredible. If you didn’t get the chance to nominate your local, you will have the opportunity to vote for your outstanding local pub in early July. The winning pub will be put forward for the national award. You can find out more about nominations, and how to vote, via my website: alisongriffiths.org.uk/news/pubhero

Alison Griffiths.

By Mark Riley, Founder & Managing Director, MJR Solicitors

How Can We Help You Plan for the Future? A Decade of change

As we celebrate ten years in business, we have been looking back at how much has changed — not only for us as a firm, but for the many families and individuals we have supported in our local community.

Sorting out your will, putting a Lasting Power of Attorney in place or dealing with probate after a loved one has died are not always easy things to think about. Many people understandably put themoff until another day. However, taking advice early can make all the difference, helping to reduce worry, avoid unnecessary complications and give you and your family peace of mind.

Over the last decade, private client law has continued to move with the times. More services are now dealt with online, there is growing discussion around electronic wills, and the probate process has become more digital in many cases. Lasting Powers of Attorney have also become much more widely recognised as an important part of later life planning.

While these changes are welcome, getting the right advice remains just as important as ever. Going it alone, or relying on DIY documents, can lead to mistakes which may only come to lightwhen it is too l ate. A will that has not been properly prepared, an estate that has not been carefully planned, or the absence of a Power of Attorney can leave families facing extra stress at an already difficult time.

Making or Updating a Will

A well-prepared will helps ensure your wishes are clear and that the people you care about are properly provided for. We regul ly help clients who are making a will for the first time, as well as those who need to update an existing will aftera change in circumstances such as marriage, divorce, a new home, children, grandchildren or changes in family relationships.

Modern family life can be complex. Blended families, unmarried partners, business interests and property ownership can all create issues if proper planning is not in place. We take the time to understand your circumstances and explain your options clearly.

Lasting Powers of Attorney

None of us know what is around the corner. If you were to lose the mental capacity to make decisions for yourself, you would want those decisions to be in the hands of people you trust. Setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney allows you to choose who can deal with your financial affairs, property, health and welfare if you are unable to do so yourself.

Putting LPAs in place can spare loved ones from having to go through a stressful and time-consuming legal process later on.

Probate and Estate Administration

When someone dies, families are often left unsure what needs to be done next. Probate can involve paperwork, financial institutions, tax considerations and distributing the estate correctly. We can guide you through the process with care and sensitivity, helping to make matters as straightforward as possible.

Here for Our Community

For ten years, we have been proud to stand alongside our clients at some of the most important moments in their lives. Although the law and the way legal services are delivered will continue to change, our approach remains the same: trusted, knowledgeable and by your side.

If you would like to make or review your will, put Lasting Powers of Attorney in place, or speak to us about probate, contact our Private Client team to discuss how we can help you plan for the future with confidence.

Trusted, knowledgeable, by your side

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. Wills

Inheritance

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS IN BUSINESS

A lot can change in ten years and often when we least expect it. As MJR Solicitors celebrates a decade in business, we have been reflecting on the events and changes that remind us why it is so important to keep your legal affairs under review. From the impact of the pandemic to changes in family circumstances, health, finances and the law itself, reviewing your Will, Lasting Powers of Attorneyand estateplanning arrangements can help ensure they still reflect your wishes and continue to protect you and your loved ones.

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.

We are looking forward to the next ten years and continuing to help people plan for the future with confidence. For more information or to book an appointment at either

Down

1. Conscientious (7)

2. Clench, hold (4)

3. Cheat, swindle (6)

4. Lunatic (6)

5. Found within (8)

CROSSWORD

Across 7. Policeman's beat (6) 8. Yearly (6)

9. Jump (4)

10. Testimony (8)

11. Radiant (11)

14. Investor (11)

6. Small plot of land (5)

12. Co-operate (8)

13. Juvenile (7)

15. Cutlery (6)

16. Listened to (6)

18. Physical exertion (8)

19. Clang, toll (4)

20. Save (6)

21. Zeal (6)

17. Outdo, outshine (5)

19. Distil, infuse (4)

ARTIST OF THE MONTH: MARY HITE

Another year has passed, and I find myself once again preparing a collection for my upcoming Annual Art Exhibition. This year, I have ventured into some abstract work alongside my landscapes and paintings of children. As usual, I have vibrant pallet knife creations of flowers, woodlands, boats, beach scenes and umbrellas in the rain. Each piece reflects places and countries I have visited and ideas that emerge when I allow myself the freedom to experiment, which is great fun, and usually quite messy!

For many years now, I have had the pleasure of exhibiting at the Norfolk Centre, Mill Road, Arundel, BN19 1PA. This has been a familiar and welcoming home for my work and over the years I have enjoyed meeting local people and visitors from all over the world, who love to spend time in the delightful town.

At this year’s exhibition I will be selling paintings, limited edition prints and cards. It will run from Saturday 1 to Friday 7 August 9.00 am to 5.30 pm. For me, painting is more than just producing artwork, it is a chance to lose myself completely in the creative process. Perhaps even more meaningful is the moment when someone connects with one of my paintings enough to want it in their own home. That is the greatest reward of all. www.maryhitepaintings.co.uk

Mary Hite.

SOLE HAVEN BOGNOR

Mobile Foot Health Care

Qualified Foot Health Professional offering friendly home visits across Bognor & West Sussex .

Treatments include:

• Corns & calluses

• Fungal nails & skin

• Nail cutting & routine foot care

Friendly,

CELEBRATING 50 REMARKABLE YEARS OF SERVICE

You may have seen our minibuses travelling through local villages, picking passengers up from their homes and whisking them off for enjoyable days out. All of which is made possible through the commitment of our volunteers.

The story of West Sussex Minibus began in the 1970s, when funding pressures led to a significant decline in rural public transport services. A determined group of residents stepped in, committed to helping their neighbours get to the shops each week so they could collect essential supplies and maintain their independence.

In 1974, armed with a borrowed minibus and a great deal of community spirit, the first trial service left Pulborough and headed to the local shops. The idea quickly proved its value. Before long, neighbouring villages began asking whether they could benefit from a similar service. A route from Fittleworth was soon established, using a shared ambulance as transport—something that seems almost unimaginable today.

Thanks to successful fundraising efforts and a generous donation from the Chanctonbury Lions Club, we purchased our first minibus in 1976, and West Sussex Minibus was officially born. Over the decades, new village services have been introduced, our fleet has expanded, and countless journeys have been made.

However, we are much more than a transport provider. Our organisation is about helping people stay active and connected to their community. There is nothing better than seeing new friendships form on journeys, knowing every passenger by name, and witnessing the care and dedication shown by our volunteers.

In 2016, this remarkable contribution was recognised nationally with The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service – a fitting tribute to every volunteer, passenger and supporter who has played a part in helping our charity thrive.

If you would like to become part of our next chapter please contact: 0300 772 7735

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

JULY HOROSCOPES

BY LOCAL ASTROLOGER LETICIA PARMER

Jupiter is the planet of luck and opportunities. It has been travelling through the sign of Cancer for one year but this July it moves on to its next sign Leo, bringing you a whole new set of advantages to make the most of. Just beware, though, Mercury will be retrograde until the 24th, so don't sign any major contracts until after that date.

ARIES

Your creative and organising talents will work very much in your favour starting from this month. Also children will bring a lot of joy and advantages to your life.

TAURUS

Anything to do with your home or your mother, will bring a smile to your face and open up doors of opportunity, so sorting your abode or moving will go well.

GEMINI

All Geminis are born with the 'gift of the gab' but from the start of July this is strongly enhanced. You'll be ace at selling so start networking now!

CANCER

Jupiter's new placing is offering you financial benefits for a whole year. So you can start to feel lucky about everything to do with money, security and property.

LEO

Moving into your own sign now, Jupiter brings personal luck and opportunities to truly shine, as the star you always knew you were. You will be applauded.

VIRGO

Because Jupiter is entering your 12th house of dreams, you can really benefit from starting a dream diary. Trust your imagination and intuition too now.

LIBRA

All things to do with friends and groups and large organisations are going to be helpful and benefit you, so plan some great social gatherings and join that club or group.

SCORPIO

Everything to do with your father or your career will be favourably influenced now and this will last for a whole year. At last it's time to break that glass ceiling.

SAGITTARIUS

Take that trip or start that course now, as Jupiter is helping you with the very things that interest you most - travel, teaching and learning, also sport.

CAPRICORN

From this July and for a whole year you will benefit from digging deep and doing the research to unravel the mysteries and uncover some buried treasures.

AQUARIUS

Partnerships are enhanced from the start of July and for a whole year, so go ahead and team up to win - maybe even propose? Legal matters go your way too.

PISCES

Jupiter is bringing you a health boost. If you had been meaning to improve your fitness or weight, or give up something unhealthy, now you can do so with joy.

Ask Leticia to prepare a personal full chart reading for yourself, or as an original gift. call: +447956 155105 email: leticiaparmer@yahoo.com