Bersted in Focus May 2022

BERSTED IN FOCUS

The Independent Local Directory of Businesses NORTH AND SOUTH BERSTED Delivered FREE to over 5,700 homes May 2022

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Bersted in Focus

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Bersted in Focus

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Bersted in Focus

WELCOME

Hello everyone!

May is here and I hope this month is going to be joyful. Yes, the cost of living is going up and the economic pinch is large for all of us, but I feel so lucky to live in this beautiful part of West Sussex nestled between the coast and the South Downs, and, most importantly, I am free.

As I have watched the shocking war in the Ukraine unfold, I have never been more aware of how fortunate we are to live here, without fear, in a warm and caring, local community.

We are free to travel – although it may not always go quite to plan. We are free to visit our friends and family and organise parties and celebrations. We are free to make plans and look forward to the future and we are free to be kind and give back to others.

This freedom is a luxury and I hope you will all join me and make the most of May … because we can. Problems and worries will always get in the way, but I am so thankful my home is there every time I come back, my family are safe, and I can go for a walk and hear a bird sing whenever I want.

Do keep me posted about your May Bank Holiday celebrations and summer events ahead and let’s hear it for a bright, new shiny month!

If you know anyone who would like a copy of Bersted in Focus, it is available to collect from Durlston Drive Post Office, 4 Durlston Parade, Bognor Regis, PO22 9DJ. Best wishes, Kate office@infocusmagazines.co.uk Tel: 07729682245 www.infocusmagazines.co.uk

BERSTED IN FOCUS

The Independent Local Directory of Businesses NORTH AND SOUTH BERSTED Delivered FREE to over 5,700 homes May 2022

FELPHAM IN FOCUS

The Independent Local Directory of Businesses FELPHAM Delivered FREE to over 6,000 homes May 2022

VILLAGES IN FOCUS

The Independent Local Directory of Businesses MIDDLETON, ELMER , YAPTON AND BARNHAM

JUNE ISSUE DEADLINE MONDAY 9 MAY

All advertisements are printed in good faith, however Bersted in Focus cannot take responsibility for the content of the adverts or the services provided by the advertisers. Opinions and views expressed in articles are not necessarily held by In Focus Magazines. No part of the publication may be reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher.

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Delivered FREE to over 5,600 homes May 2022

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WEST SUSSEX MINIBUS

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Founded in 1974, West Sussex Minibus is a registered charity offering residents an affordable, door to door transport service for all age groups. It operates a fleet of 10 minibuses from eight Divisions across the county and is run entirely by volunteers.

Membership for individuals provides a calendar of excursions across the year comprising a mix of shopping and social outings. Behind all activities is a friendly team of volunteers who support members on every step of their journey.

West Sussex Minibus’ mission is to make a lasting contribution to the community, keeping residents active, independent and socially connected.

As an all-volunteer organisation, the charity relies on people from the local community to help run services. There are many different roles to choose from depending on skills and the time individuals wish to commit. It may be a few hours a week or a day a month; there is complete flexibility to fit with Volunteers existing responsibilities. If you are active and enjoy meeting people, then volunteering with West Sussex Minibus could be for you. You will be helping to assure the ongoing success of the charity and the services offered in your local community.

Each Division has a dedicated team of volunteers to support the running of its services. Five Villages Division (Aldingbourne, Barnham, Eastergate, Walberton and Yapton) is looking to expand its days of operation and is therefore actively recruiting new volunteers. Roles include Minibus Drivers who safely drive members to their destination, Passenger Escorts who assist members whilst travelling on one of their services, Membership Administrator to support member enquiries and Communication Co-ordinator to support the publicity of the service.

Everyone who joins plays an essential role and will experience first-hand what difference the service makes to members’ lives.

West Sussex Minibus, Five Villages Division, based in Barnham, is welcoming new Volunteers now, so do get in touch. Make a difference, get involved.

Visit www.westsussexminibus.org.uk or call 0300 772 7735 or 01243 553 635 (Brian).

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Bersted in Focus

A GARDEN FOR EVERYONE BY JAMES STEWART The National Garden Scheme (NGS) is a wonderful institution with a rich and interesting history.

From its humble beginnings in the early 1900s when it was set up to support district nurses, the UK-wide scheme has now donated over £63 million to nursing and health charities thanks to the generosity of garden owners, volunteers and visitors across the UK. There are more than 3500 NGS gardens throughout the country with no less than 225 opening in East, Mid and West Sussex this year. The gardens are very diverse, from perfectly-formed, small town house gardens to rambling acres of fabulous landscaping with marvellous views of the South Downs.

One particular gem, close to Arundel town centre, is the Peelers Retreat on Ford Road. It’s a stunning and lush garden with some spectacular features and plenty of interest for all ages.

The owners, Tony and Lizzie Gilks, have been opening their garden with the NGS for over 10 years and I went to visit them last month. Lizzie reckons that they have had over 12,000 visitors in that time and after Peelers Cottage, Arundel. my visit I can understand why. Lizzie says that one of her motivations for opening her garden was to inspire others. She says: “The majority of people do not own big gardens so it’s great to give our visitors ideas for what they can do with their own smaller spaces.”

It is certainly the case that the abundance of water features, stunning woodland sculptures, birdboxes, colourful and scentfilled beds, all created and designed by the Gilks, are a feast for the eyes and provide an oasis of calm and beauty for visitors.

The couple are also delightful and convivial hosts. They provide a warm welcome to all and a tasty home-made afternoon tea or lunch. There is a small gift shop and visits can be booked or just turn up in person. Admission is £5 with all proceeds going to the NGS to support their work with charities.

Opening times and dates for Peelers Cottage are available on the NGS website at https://ngs.org.uk/west-sussex. Here, you can also find other gardens open in West Sussex including the Old Rectory and the Shrubbery which are both in Barnham. It also lists the 94 Sussex gardens where you can take your dogs!

Further afield Champs Hill in Coldwatham, Pulborough (pictured opposite) is a beautiful garden with far-reaching views across the Amberley Wildbrooks to the South Downs, and in Bosham, Chichester you can find Eastfield Cottage where twenty rose varieties flower in June. From Grade Tony and Lizzie Gilks.

II listed, post-war garden Denmans Garden in Fontwell created by Joyce Robinson a brilliant pioneer in gravel gardening to the stunning bluebell woods at Stanley Farm, Liphook, there is a Sussex garden for everyone.

The Sussex NGS Booklet covering East and West Sussex is available at garden centres, tourist information offices or for £1 from the National Garden Scheme website: https://ngs.org.uk/product-category/county-booklets/

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Champs Hill, Pulborough.

DID YOU KNOW? Most visitors are familiar with the gardens that open their gates to everyone on set days, but in 2022, over a thousand gardens will also be opening ‘By Arrangement’ outside of the published, public opening day.

These wonderful, often hidden, gardens are really worth exploring especially if you are keen to return to a garden you love, perhaps missed a public open day or simply want to explore somewhere completely unchartered. By Arrangement gardens cater for different group sizes from as few as one to 20+, it all depends on the size and accessibility of the garden. Some have fixed entry prices, others are agreed in discussion with the garden owner.

“Booking a ‘By Arrangement’ garden visit with the National Garden Scheme was a joy. I spoke directly with the garden owner to arrange a time that suited us both and was able to treat mum, family and friends to a really special day out in a garden open just for us!” says one Garden visitor.

Usually, the garden will advertise a range of dates available that they are willing to open so that visitors can decide on the most suitable option for them. This can often range from MarchOctober, so there are plenty of opportunities to find a date to suit you and your group or family and friends.

READER OFFER IN FOCUS Reader Offer: National Garden Scheme Garden Visitor’s Handbook 2022 Here’s a great discount for all garden lovers. Save £3 on the RRP of the 2022 National Garden Scheme, Garden Visitor’s Handbook (normal price £14.99).

This iconic yellow book is the essential county by county guide to over 3,500 fabulous gardens, many of which are not normally open to the public. With exciting additions in Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands in 2022 this is your definitive guide to affordable days out and inspirational gardens that help support some of the UK’s best-loved nursing and health charities.

Order yours for just £11.99 (excludes postage and packing) via the National Garden Scheme website www.ngs.org.uk/shop using the code IFM22.

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Bersted in Focus

LOCAL HISTORY BY SYLVIA ENDACOTT As we head towards the summer holidays, we are all looking forward to going to the beach and enjoying the sunshine. I have just read an article in the London Evening News from June 1952-70 years ago. The headline was: 1,250 children going to the seaside. Two trains were ordered just for Bracknell Nr. Reading, for the largest children’s outing in the Home Counties. The report continued, “leaving a community devoid of children like after the Pied Piper’s visit.”

Apparently, it was an annual event, when every school in the town closed to allow the children and teachers to travel to our area alongside welfare workers and nurses who could administer to the children, as necessary. Each child was given pocket money to spend on arrival, alongside the food provided for the journey.

In 1953 over 600 people came to the coast from the Pollard Hills Tenant Association and in 1954, according to the Evening Standard, 1,000 old age pensioners travelled to Bognor for their holidays paying just £3.72.6d for the week. We should remember of course that the war had not long finished and there was still some rationing occurring. These types of trips do not occur in the same way these days, but we certainly hope we get lots of seaside visitors to our West Sussex coastline this summer to boost our economy and holiday trade after a difficult couple of years.

u3aWHAT’S THAT? Forty years ago three friends had the notion to do away with the idea that once retired all you were fit for was watching daytime television. The idea of continuing education for everyone was to form the basis of the u3a. The concept was introduced from France where L’Université du Troisième Age was already well established, but the UK model would not be attached to the universities but would instead be a mutual self-help movement where third-agers would organise their own activities.

By contributing to an active retirement, both mentally and physically, the u3a promotes the message that getting older is OK and should be embraced. As one of the founders put it, the third age, “is the last golden paragraph of life and not a hastily scribbled postscript on the letter of life. It’s not fading away, it’s a chance to do things - learn Arabic, study military history, whatever.”

Bognor Regis u3a was formed in 2011 and we now have over 500 members with 40+ different interest groups ranging from sports to science, arts and crafts to languages, supper clubs and short break holidays in the UK and Europe. All these activities support our ethos: “Learn, Laugh and Live”.

Our regular monthly meeting with a speaker is held at St Mary’s Centre in Felpham on the last Thursday of the month from 10.30 to 12.00. Much more information can be found on our website www.bognorregisu3a.co.uk or by contacting us at lesgrionettes@yahoo.co.uk.

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Bersted in Focus

TALKING NEWS BY BOB MONEY Last month I had a lovely call from Chichester Area Talking News to ask if they could read the article, Irene Boud, wrote about her experiences as an evacuee to their radio listeners. Yes, I said, and can you please write an article about what you do as I am sure lots of my readers would like to find out more. So here it is, Thanks Kate.

Most of us have heard about ‘Talking Books’ for the blind, but have you heard about Talking Newspapers? We can all get our world or UK news from the TV, radio, press, podcasts and social media – but what about the really local news about where we live? News about what’s happening in our towns or villages: farmers’ markets, sporting events, school prize-days, fairs, housing developments planned, new restaurants and cafes opening – all the day-to-day reporting that keeps people informed and connected with what’s happening around them.

We’re fortunately able to read the local newspapers and village magazines, but what about the blind and partially-sighted?

This is where Talking Newspapers come in. Now over 40 years old, Chichester Area Talking News (CATN) brings local news and other interesting items to the blind and to those with poor eyesight. As a charity, it’s run entirely by volunteers (some of whom are themselves partiallysighted) who provide a fortnightly news programme and a quarterly magazine, all spoken and recorded by local readers. The recordings are Jan and Bobbi. copied around 300 times onto memory sticks and sent out to listeners free of charge by Royal Mail. Listeners are also provided with equipment to play the news – again at no charge - and a local CATN volunteer will visit you if needed to make sure everything is working.

The recordings are also available at www.catn.org, on smart speakers like Amazon’s ‘Alexa’, via Chichester Hospital Radio and on mobile phones and tablets using the British Wireless for the Blind App. CATN covers the Chichester, Bognor Regis, Midhurst and Petworth areas – from the southern coastal towns and villages as far north as the Surrey border, east to Yapton and Walberton, and west to Emsworth.

Other Talking News organisations provide similar services in adjoining counties.

CATN has a small modern recording studio and office in the grounds of St Richard’s Hospital in Chichester. Because of social distancing during the Covid pandemic, volunteers kept our services going by recording in their own homes and keeping in contact with listeners, many of whom were isolated during lockdown. Chichester City Council presented CATN with a Community Award in 2020 in recognition of this life-enhancing service provided for the large number of local people with sight problems.

In normal times, CATN organises social events for listeners to meet Chris, Chriss and Kenny. and chat in person, such as the very popular ‘Listeners’ Lunch’ for around 100 (plus a few guide dogs who sit under the table – probably hoping for a treat, but always wellbehaved!). It’s hoped these social events will restart later this year.

New listeners (and volunteers) are always welcome. As a reminder, the service is completely free for users. If you, or someone you know, might be interested in either helping or hearing Talking News, please phone the studio on 01243 775050, email studio@catn.org, or register on the website www.catn.org. Irene Bond’s article will be featured in May.

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Bersted in Focus

WATCH YOUR STEP

THE MULBERRIES EVENTS FOR MAY 2022 PAGHAM, Saturday 7 May The Mulberries present a 60s Pop Music Night with The Parlophones at the Pagham Village Hall, Pagham Road, Pagham PO21 4NJ at 7.30 pm. Tickets in advance £8 on 01243 266849/262833 Bring your own food and drink Proceeds to local charities. Wheelchair access.

Maria Wildman, 12 Harbour View Road, Pagham PO21 4RG Tel: 01243 262833 Email: wildthings2@waitrose.com

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Andy Hay (rspb-images.com).

As children we were taught that birds nest in trees, and whilst many species do indeed build their home on the branches and in the trunks of many trees, there are so many more that will nest on the ground. Why they do this is uncertain, as surely it would make them more vulnerable to predation.

Well not necessarily. Nests on the ground are generally far less conspicuous than the majority of nests in trees. They are superbly camouflaged using the habitat and environment around them. Think about it, we have all seen nests in trees, but how many nests have you seen on the ground?

Chiffchaffs and willow warblers make nests in low vegetation and often Skylark. in the grass itself. I have watched a chiffchaff coming and going from one such nest just two feet from the woodland path I had been walking on.

Similarly linnets, meadow pipits and skylarks will make their nests on the ground in open countryside and farmland, with nothing to show but a small depression lined with grass.

Yellowhammers and corn buntings seem to prefer the edges of fields bringing their little cups of grass closer to pathways.

Lapwings are often seen rising nervously from grasslands where they make a small scrape or depression in the ground covered by Skylark nest. grass and redshanks will also choose to nest on these surroundings.

Shingle beaches are the preferred nesting habitat of numerous shore-breeding birds including terns, oystercatchers and ringed plovers. They also make a shallow scrape in the shingle but their eggs, and the chicks when they hatch, are so well camouflaged that you are likely to tread on them rather than see them in time.

Of course, all manner of ducks, waders and wildfowl will nest on and around the shores of ponds and lakes, with a variety of scrapes, hollows and vegetated nests, some obvious and some, again, distinctly not.

It is therefore, unsurprising that disturbance is the one of the major causes of brood failure in ground nesting birds. All of the birds I have mentioned you can see in and around West Sussex and all occur on our reserves of RSPB Pagham Harbour and RSPB Medmerry. However, the majority of those I have mentioned are also red-listed birds which means they are of the highest conservation priority, needing urgent action. Red-listed species include species that are globally threatened and with historical declines of at least 50% of their breeding population.

So what can we do? Can we do anything? The answer is resoundingly, yes we can! The simplest thing is probably the most effective – watch your step this breeding season, keep to paths and please keep dogs on leads in the countryside and on reserves until at least after the breeding season is over.

By doing so we will give ground nesting birds the best chance of rearing families successfully and give us the pleasure of seeing and hearing them again next year.

Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com).

BY ROY NEWHAM

Bersted in Focus

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Bersted in Focus

BOGNOR’S LITTLE OFFSPRING

BY KIM LESLIE

We all know Bognor, but where is its tiny offspring – Little Bognor?

It’s only some thirteen or so miles to the north as the crow flies yet, in its setting and feel, it’s such a distance from its modern, bustling seaside parent. One guide describes it ‘as remote and beautiful as the loneliest parts of the Dordogne’. Lost up a narrow rabbit-hole of a lane, the tiny hamlet of Little Bognor lies between Fittleworth and Petworth.

So what’s the connection?

Centuries ago the Saxon farmers of Felpham were granted the right to herd their pigs over the Downs and deep into the wooded Weald to feed on fallen acorns, beechmast, chestnuts and other woodland debris.

One of their swine pastures was at ‘Boganora’, the name almost certainly transferred by the men of Felpham familiar with coastal farmland at nearby ‘Bogenor’. Only when Bognor town developed many centuries later did the little farming and milling community become known as ‘Little’.

The tiny hamlet was once dominated by two watermills fed by waters gushing from the sandstone hills.

Taking advantage of this rich woodland harvest, this livestock migration took place each autumn. Their herds were driven along drove roads connecting their homeland farms with the woodlands further north in the Weald – ‘weald’ akin to the German ‘wald’ meaning forest.

These ‘new’ places in the woods eventually turned into permanent settlements: places ending in ‘worth’ or ‘fold’, signifying enclosures or clearings in the woods, and forests, such as Petworth and Cowfold.

What was happening between Felpham and its swine pastures to the north typified the way the medieval Weald was colonised from the south, much dependent on the humble pig that played a huge part in domestic economy, a sure promise against starvation. Felpham’s sons of the soil must have been thankful for the not-so-distant woodland Boganora: today’s Little Bognor.

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Bersted in Focus

CAR BOOTY! BY TRACEY ANDERSON A VERY BRITISH TREASURE HUNT Late spring is the time when car boot sales pop up all over the country. There is something very British about wandering through a field full of cars, poking around in cardboard boxes of other people’s belongings hunting for treasure. We probably all harbour a secret fantasy of appearing on The Antiques Roadshow and saying brightly “I bought it at a car boot sale for 10p,” just before the expert responds, “Well it’s actually a 17th century masterpiece, very rare and if it came to auction it would sell for thousands.” Ok that’s unlikely to happen but you might be able to refurnish your home and replenish your wardrobe for just a few pounds, and if you want to make a few pounds from your own decluttering and don’t mind an early start, holding a car boot sale can be quite lucrative.

If you’re buying, the best deals are usually found at the beginning and end of the sale. The best quality items are usually found at the start, while the best prices are found as proceedings are wrapping up. It helps to know broadly what items you intend to buy before arriving because it’s easy to get carried away.

Haggling is expected, but don’t insult sellers by offering too little: items are very low-priced to begin with.

If you are going to sell at a car boot sale you need to be prepared. Decide whether you want to clear your clutter or make money: you can’t always do both. Remember no matter how cheaply you price your goods, people will haggle. You could have a ‘Rembrandt’ on sale for a pound and someone would offer you fifty pence. Price labels are useful. Block price some items such as “all books fifty pence, three for a pound”. Clearly mark anything not included in the block pricing system. Take lots of change with you, plenty of carrier bags and some old newspapers with which to wrap fragile items. Going in with a friend is a good idea, both for the company and also to help out when either of you need to nip to the loo, or want to browse other stalls.

Make sure you pack your table in the car last, so it’s the first item to come out and not buried under everything else. Be warned; on arrival at the sale ground you may be mobbed by a canny crowd of experienced ‘booters’ hunting for bargains. These folk tend to be dealers and they can be intimidating. They are after cheap buys to resell. Consider waiting in your car for a while to give them time to disappear before you unpack.

Busy stalls attract more people so pile it high and sell it cheap. Welcome everyone who approaches your table with a warm smile and a cheery greeting. As the end of the day approaches, cut your prices if you don’t want to take everything home again.

Whether selling or buying, with the current economic climate, and energy prices soaring, this could be a bumper year for car boot sales.

People are much more clued up about collectables and antiques now, so it’s harder to find ‘real treasure’. But you never know, there’s always a chance we may see you on The Antiques Roadshow!

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Bersted in Focus

ROTARY CLUB The Easter eggs have all been eaten and we are sure that they were thoroughly enjoyed, but our thoughts now turn to the number of children who are hungry in our local community.

It was heartening to learn that the West Sussex County Council gave all those children, who get free school meals, £50 to cover the two-week Easter break, but there is a group of children who still go hungry in Bognor Regis.

These families fall just outside the government guidelines for help and so our aim continues to be to assist them with food vouchers during the holidays. With the rising cost of living, every family is finding it more difficult to meet bills, but if you can help, please either send a cheque made payable to The Rotary Club of Bognor Regis, to 1 Willow Way, Aldwick Bay, Bognor Regis PO21 4NA or visit www. justgiving.com/ rotary-bognor.

At the end of March, we were able once again to stage the annual Rotary Arun Youth Community Awards in Littlehampton. A fantastic evening where the two Rotary clubs in Bognor and Littlehampton get together to celebrate the achievements of our local youth who have gone that extra mile for their community.

All of us have watched with horror the terrible fighting that has been going on in Ukraine. Our club has donated £4000 towards an appeal made by our district group of Rotary clubs. Our district has a direct connection with Rotary clubs based in the countries close to the conflict, which means we can be certain that the funds reach the right people.

Don’t forget to come down to Hotham Park on Sunday 15th May at 14.00 and enjoy some live jazz featuring Kim G and Stardust Sussex Jazz.

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Bersted in Focus

HATS OFF!

BY LOCAL FASHION GURU VICKY BOOKER When was the last time you wore a hat? … Chances are, this year you might be invited to a wedding or be planning to attend a special event like Glorious Goodwood, and it may actually go ahead! So, what better way to celebrate than going to town with your outfit. One of the best ways to make it extra special, is to wear a hat or headpiece – this is especially key if it’s a more formal wedding or you’re off to the Ladies Day at the races.

So how do you find the perfect hat? Here are a few key things to consider: Shape and scale are important. If you have a very rounded face, a hat with an angled brim works well, and if you are quite angular, a softer style might work better. Petite? Beware the over-size brim as it can swamp you. Similarly, if you’re very tall and statuesque, a tiny little fascinator is likely to look a bit ‘lost.’

Colour – it’s best to choose a colour that flatters your skin tone, hair, and eyes, as well as one that will work with your outfit.

Style – you can really go to town here depending on your style personality. It’s usually best to start by choosing your outfit so you can take it along to match up the headpiece to finish the look.

Local milliner, the brilliant Bella Cobby who owns Isabella Josie Millinery in Arundel, says: “When choosing a hat, be open minded – you need to try on lots of different shapes of hats, until you get one that wants to make you ‘stand a little taller’.”

Bella is great at creating bespoke and versatile pieces.

A hat can be an investment, so why not get something you can wear more than once. Last year, for Goodwood Revival, and handily a vintageHats by Isabella Josie Millinery. themed wedding the week after, Bella made me a hat to match my outfit (see my picture top right) and i 0t was perfect. When I want to wear it again, she can simply change the feather to tie-in with any new outfit or dye the hat itself.

Bella’s other tips: • View yourself in a full-length mirror – you need to make sure the hat balances your body proportions.

• If you are wearing glasses, how will they work with the brim?

• Try positioning the hat at different angles – worn horizontally a straight brim can be harsh, but at an angle, it can bring height.

• Think about the occasion, is it formal or casual? Check out the dress code – some race meetings have a minimum hat base size. Will people need to see ‘over your head/hat’?

• How will you have your hair? If you are having an elaborate hair style, you might prefer a smaller cocktail or saucer shape hat that perches to one side to avoid a full crown squashing your hat.

Have a hat question, or fancy commissioning your own bespoke hat? Get in touch with Isabella Josie hello@isabellajosie.com – check out her other beautiful creations on her website – @isabellajosie.com – she would love to hear from you. For advice and guidance to dress with confidence, I’d love to help, so do get in touch! www.vickybooker.com email at Vicky@vickybooker.com

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MAY

What’s on at Bersted Jubilee Hall Subject to change, please call 01243 842221.

Mondays: Pilates -Christina 8.45 -10.15am Pilates-Jane 12 - 1pm Arun A Cappella 7 - 10pm Tuesdays: Mother & Toddler Group 0-11.30am Tai Chi (term time only) 12.30—1.30pm Tai Chi Beginners 2—3pm U3A History Group—31st 2—4pm Council Committee Meetings 7pm Wednesdays: Aerobics - Jane 10-11am Pilates—Jane 11-12pm Carpet Bowls 2-3.30pm Pilates—Cordelia—new class 6—7pm Contact : cordelia.worsley@gmail.com or call 07483 865015

Yoga—Kerry 7.15 - 8.15pm Thursdays: Pilates—Christina 9—9.45am Zumba Gold 10.30—11.30am Yoga 12.30—2pm NBWI 12th 2.15-5pm Friday Happy Heart Toddler Group 9.30-11.30am Carpet Bowls 2 -3.30pm Saturdays: Bognor Regis Art Society 14th 2 - 5pm Sundays: Open Heart Church Group 10—2pm Table top sale 1st (monthly) – 3—5pm

Tea & Coffee Club Queens Platinum Jubilee Themed with a Quiz Tuesday 31 May—10am to 12pm

Come and Join us

Queens Green Canopy Saturday 4th June -11am Jubilee fields, Chalcraft Lane –planting of tree saplings, followed by a tidy up of the Spinney North Bersted Street.

Come and Join us

contact : alisonbarnham@yahoo.com or call 07795162521 for details

Bersted Parish Council public meetings start at 7pm on a Tuesday.

MAY Meetings: Planning 3rd May Full Council AGM 10th May Community Resources 17th May Finance 24th May

Litter Pick Schedule around the Parish Shripney 08/05/2022 Sunday 1pm Stroud Green 12/06/2022 Sunday 1pm Trees Estate 10/07/2022 Sunday 1pm Look out for posters of where to meet, all welcome to join, equipment will be provided.

Bersted Parish Council, Jubilee Hall, Chalcraft Lane, Bersted, PO21 5TU, 01243 842221 clerk@bersted-pc.gov.uk www.bersted-pc.gov.uk

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Bersted in Focus

PULBOROUGH WILDART TRAIL

BY SIMON BAKER IRONS This month’s trek revisits a 4km interactive trail between Pulborough RSPB Wild Brooks and Pulborough Station. It passes through the flood plains of the Arun valley following part of the river, then goes through the town and up to the station. The trail is great fun for families as it is fairly easy going and is made up of sculptures & signposts that feature local history and wildlife. To complement the walk an app from the ‘Discover Horsham District’ website can be downloaded.

There are two parts to the app which provides lots of information and also a fun augmented reality part, use the App at each signpost and the Pulborough Giant will give you an informative guided tour and then quiz you at the end. The route is well signposted and is easy to follow.

If travelling by train start the trail at the station or if driving then park up at the other end by the RSPB centre where there are plenty of spaces. It’s worth allowing time to visit the shop, cafe and nature reserve before or after the walk.

1. The RSPB nature reserve covers 256 ha. of wet grassland, woodland, hedgerows, meadow and heath. The reserve protects the populations of resident and migrating wildfowl along with the specialist plants and invertebrates that can be found in the ditches.

2. From the RSPB centre car park, the path heads north to the hamlet of Wiggonholt which consists of a farm, house and church.

3. Keep a close look out for the first sign here then head across the fields to meet up with the River Arun. The river at this point flows much slower and the tranquil environment makes it extremely popular with kayakers and paddle-boarders.

4. Walk along the raised bank by the river edge which gives the best opportunities to spot wildfowl both on the river and in the brooks.

5. The trail enters Pulborough via Barn House Lane an older part of the town with many listed buildings. It then follows Lower Street and heads uphill across fields to Old Rectory Lane.

6. Continue along Church Place to the railway bridge and then take the path to the station. You can return to the start by Compass bus number 100 (Mon – Sat).

7. Alternatively retrace your steps back to the town centre, but rather than following the exact route back I recommend continuing on lower street and taking the path at the most eastern edge of the Brooks heading back to the start. Please note that parts of the Brooks can flood during periods of heavy rain, however the trail would still be accessible in the village of Pulborough and at the RSPB nature reserve. Enjoy!

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Bersted in Focus

CROSSWORD 1.

5.

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Down Think, imagine (7) Chewed and swallowed (5) Rest and relax (3,4,4,2) Goes well with crackers (7,6) Coded instructions for computer (7)

Across Dormant, slumbering (6) Metallic element symbol Cu (6) Drool, saliva (4) Doesn’t drink (8) Copy from the internet (8) Small, round salty cracker brand (4) Erupting hot spring (6) Custody, detain (6) Sheath, husk (4) Shows. displays (8) Classic French loaf (8) Arrange, catalogue (4) White root vegetable (6) Without effort (6)

7. Precise, accurate (5) 13. UV skin damage (7) 15. Genuine, real (7) 17. _____ Reeves, Hollywood actor (5) 19. Fundamental principle (5)

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Bersted in Focus

VINTAGE VINYL IN BARNHAM

BY JAMES STEWART

Adjacent to Barnham Station car park is an attractive, stand-alone building that, many years ago, was where locals came to pay for their coal. Today it houses Barnham Vintage Vinyl, a small, friendly establishment that was established in 2018 by husband and wife team, Chris and Alex Rust.

Chris has long since been a lover of popular music – in particular from the 50s to 70s. He was a DJ for many years and then a karaoke DJ at a variety of venues and for many events including weddings, birthdays and regular pub and club gigs, mainly in south west London. Over the years he built up a substantial collection of 50s – 90s music along with knowledge about the artists and their music.

He developed links in the Bognor Regis area and following his retirement he finally realised his long-term ambition, with his wife, and opened a record shop in Barnham. Stock was based initially on his own collection of vinyl but it has grown and continues to grow into thousands of vinyl discs.

The organisation of singles and LPs is constantly under review as Chris seeks new ways of helping customers to find what they’re looking for, to trigger memories and spark interest in new discoveries. Due to the growing interest, Chris has had to add a section for CDs in the shop, although his passion remains vinyl.

Whilst most customers come because of their love of the sound and the ritual of playing vinyl and are of an age to remember it in its heyday, others are collectors, DJs, and increasingly, younger people who are discovering vinyl from their parents, grandparents and friends, or as a result of receiving record players as gifts.

Customers are welcomed into the sound of pop, Motown, jazz, and show tunes and many other genres as Chris checks out the condition of records before putting them out for sale.

Barnham Vintage Vinyl focuses on original 45 and 12” (single) records and LPs rather than new releases. The younger generation seek out Queen and David Bowie, other popular groups range from Abba to ZZ Top and Northern Soul to Easy Listening. If any Reggae or Punk records come in they are snapped up almost immediately.

As people from further afield continue to discover Barnham Vintage Vinyl they and the regulars who visit are like-minded people who enjoy and anticipate the promise of encountering a group, song or album cover that revives memories, and finding familiar and unusual records.

They enjoy sharing their memories and knowledge of the vinyl era with enthusiasm. Whilst those who are new to the discovery of, and introduction to the world of vinyl, have an extensive collection of discs and range of genres to browse through and enjoy.

For further information: Barnham Vintage Vinyl www.barnhamvintagevinyl.co.uk sells directly from the shop at 37 Barnham Road Barnham, Bognor Regis PO22 0ER Email: info@barnhamvintagevinyl.co.uk Tel No: 01243 555 637 Opening Times: Wednesdays – Fridays from 10am – 4:30pm; Saturdays from 10am – 1pm

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Bersted in Focus

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Bersted in Focus

CARROT SWEET POTATO AND FETA FRITTERS A tasty snack or a light vegetarian meal.

Preparation time: 30 mins. plus draining time. Serves: 4.

INGREDIENTS 800g carrots 2 large potatoes 1 large onion 600g sweet potatoes

5 medium free-range eggs 200g feta, crumbled 6 tbsp wholemeal flour 25g fresh coriander, chopped

2 tbsp cumin seeds 300ml vegetable oil Green salad, lime wedges and yogurt to serve

METHOD Peel and grate the carrots, potatoes, onion, and sweet potatoes. Place them into a colander or a large sieve over the sink with a big pinch of salt, and leave to drain for 30 minutes.

Take a large bowl and in it combine the eggs, feta cheese, flour, coriander, and cumin seeds. Beat with a fork until well mixed.

Squeeze as much liquid from the grated veg as you can, pressing down hard into the colander or sieve for 1-2 minutes, then add the grated veg to the egg mixture. Stir to combine well and season generously. Heat the oven to 150C/fan130C/gas 2.

Heat the oil in a wok or deep saucepan to 180°C, or until a cube of bread sizzles. Put dollops of the mix into a slotted spoon and lower into the hot oil. Cook 2-3 at a time: fry for 1-2 minutes, then turn the fritters over and repeat until golden. Put on a plate and keep warm in an oven set to low.

A GOOD READ BY TASH DONOVAN

The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave Before Owen Michaels disappears, he manages to smuggle a note to Hannah, his wife of one year: Protect her.

Hannah while understandably scared and confused knows exactly who the note refers to. It’s Owen’s sixteen-year-old daughter Bailey, who lost her mother when she was very young and wants absolutely nothing to do with her new stepmother. As the FBI arrest Owen’s boss and US Marshals arrive her home, Hannah realizes her husband may not be who he said he was.

If you love a mystery but crave a reprieve from the usual bloody murder and maverick detective scenario, Laura Dave’s novel about a man living a lie and his wife and daughter desperately trying to find out who he really is, might be the perfect solution.

The mystery of Owen’s past is certainly intriguing, but the strength of this book really lies in the characters. This is not a book about Hannah’s relationship with Owen, but about her evolving relationship with Bailey. The mother and stepdaughter are forced to set out to discover what it is Owen was hiding, and quickly realise that it goes way beyond the financial fraud his company is accused of. As the tension builds, they don’t know who to believe or who they can trust, so they’re forced to depend on each other. In the end, the story deals with what it means to be a mother, protecting a child, and the child coming to terms with her world being turned upside down for the second time in her young life. Anyone who has taken on the role of stepmother will probably identify with Hannah and Bailey’s relationship on many levels.

This isn’t a fast-paced novel, but it moves along nicely. It’s told in the present using flashbacks to Hannah’s marriage to Owen. Hannah is a strong character, resilient and compassionate with authentic emotions. She’s also immensely practical and is not afraid to take matters into her own hands. There are numerous twists and turns, that take them from their home in California to Austin Texas, and the truth when it comes is shockingly unexpected.

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Bersted in Focus

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Bersted in Focus

A Summary of Inheritance Tax

by Mark Riley, Founder & Managing Partner, MJR Solicitors What is Inheritance Tax? (IHT) Inheritance Tax (IHT) is a tax that needs to be paid on your estate – which includes any property, possessions, money, or insurance policies – after your death. How much IHT needs to be paid will depend on the value of your assets after any debts, but any assets left to your spouse or partner may be exempt from IHT as are any assets you leave to a charity.

How much is Inheritance Tax? The IHT payable depends on the value of your assets after any debts, and it can be as much as 40%. But there is a tax-free allowance we all get called the Nil-Rate Band (NRB), which means your beneficiaries can inherit up to £325,000 from your estate without having to pay tax on it.

On estates above the NRB, there is a standard 40% IHT rate. However, there is usually no IHT to be paid if: • your estate’s value is under the NRB threshold of £325,000 • everything over the threshold is left to your legal spouse or partner • everything over the threshold is left to an IHT tax-exempt beneficiary But if you’re leaving property to a beneficiary who’s a family member, a Residence Nil-Rate Band (RNRB) might also apply. This is an extra tax-free allowance that can also be used if you leave any property you’ve lived in for a direct relation (a child, grandchild, or sibling etc).

This is currently set at £175,000 and means that, when combined with the NRB, you could leave an estate up to the value of £500,000 IHT free.

value that goes over the NRB standard rate of £325k, means your beneficiaries will need to pay it. And with increased energy and food costs, the recent NI hikes, and rising inflation, there will be a growing number of families that might be adversely affected and struggle to pay.

The 5-year IHT freeze and continued rising costs add even more importance to your IHT planning.

It gives you an ideal opportunity to review your estate and make sure as much of it goes to your intended beneficiaries instead of to the government. To avoid that outcome, early and careful preparation will mean your beneficiaries will benefit most.

Inheritance Tax planning with MJR Solicitors IHT planning can be complex with different requests and circumstances to take into account.

But MJR Solicitors are experienced specialists in making it a process that’s easy to understand for you.

Book your FREE 30-minute consultation with us today by calling our team on 01243 945 054, emailing us at info@mjrsolicitors.co.uk, and we’ll give you the guidance you need to start your IHT planning today.

The freeze on Inheritance Tax thresholds The £375,000 NRB on IHT has been the same since 2009 while the current £175,000 RNRB has crept up over the years in line with inflation. But at the 2021 budget, the Chancellor announced he would freeze the level at which people start paying IHT for a further 5 years. This means the basic NRB will remain at £325,000 and the RNRB at £175,000 until 2026.

An IHT tax freeze like this is significant and it can be seen as good news for many and will see your asset rise in value. But any estate

Tel: 01243 945054 info@mjrsolicitors.co.uk www.mjrsolicitors.co.uk

Recent Client Feedback: “Wouldn’t use anyone else. Great help, advice and a superb professional service.”

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Wills & Probate Lasting Power of Attorney Estate Administration Inheritance Tax Planning Crime & Regulatory Meetings can take place safely in our offices, at your home or remotely via Facebook, Skype, Zoom or MS Teams.

Bognor Regis: 4 Bankside | 128 Middleton Road | Bognor Regis | PO22 6DB Littlehampton: Arcade Business Centre | 2 Arcade Rd | Littlehampton | BN17 5AR For more information or to book an appointment at either office, please call 01243 945054 or email info@mjrsolicitors.co.uk or www.mjrsolicitors.co.uk MJR Solicitors is a Limited Company Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority Number 637131. Our Professional Rules may be found at SRA.org.uk

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Bersted in Focus

Felpham Memorial Village Hall

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN HIRING OUR FACILITIES? We have slots available for regular activity hires.

Weekly: Monday afternoon, Friday morning and afternoon Monthly: Monday evening, Wednesday morning and Thursday afternoon We welcome all enquiries for weekend or anytime for one-off hires.

Our web pages give details of our hire costs (Charges 2022) and dates of availability (Diary).

Please contact Jenny Packham, Hire Secretary on 07748 739385 or felphamvillagehall@gmail.com for confirmation of availability, any queries or if you would like to arrange a visit.

17-19 Vicarage Lane, Felpham, PO22 7DZ (Registered Charity 305367)

FELPHAM MEMORIAL VILLAGE HALL

The Felpham Memorial Village Hall is a great space to host that special occasion or run a regular activity and we are proud to offer facilities that are the best they can be. We strive to serve the community with accommodation that is welcoming for all, and we continue to invest and improve our provision.

Our committee room is undergoing a complete revamp which will allow our current capacity to increase to 22/24 attendees thus allowing us to offer a better space for meetings, training activities, small workshops and smaller group activities. Works are due to be complete by September 2022.

Our servery is most suited as a dispense bar for light refreshments, with a fully plumbed-in hot water dispenser, a microwave, fridge and freezer. Hirers may bring in their own caterers and/or licensed bar. We are licensed with a public entertainment and theatre licence.

Our wood-block floor is suitable for all kinds of dancing; our stage with a PA system and lighting is ideal for drama groups and concerts of all kinds. We also have a large electric operated projection screen which fills the stage opening.

We host a wide range of regular activities which include art, craft, flower and fitness classes, line dancing, a toddler play group, W.I. meetings, a ukulele group, jazz nights, dog training, Felpham market and various one-off fayres and other events. Further details on all these activities, and contact information can be found on our website www.felphamvillagehall.org.uk under “What’s on” and “Up and Coming Events”. You will also find information regarding all our facilities.

Hirers may choose morning, afternoon or evening sessions (these are 4-hour slots) with day time sessions starting from £32.50. Longer sessions can be arranged for special functions as well as all-day events.

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Bersted in Focus

MUSIC IS LIFE BY DEREK YEATES The Edwin James Festival Choir & Orchestra was founded in August 1998 by James Rushman and Chris Allen. By 2002 we were performing 19 concerts at St James the Great Church and as well as other venues in and around Littlehampton.The Choir continued to grow steadily and in 2004 we wrote our mission statement: “The choir’s aim is to promote the art form ‘Music is Life’ involving local people in choir and orchestra and bringing a wide range of music to the Arun area.”

We have taken our Choir to Canada, France and Germany as well as many venues across the South Coast. The social side is also very important and the choir has organised many social events as well as an annual long weekend away.

Since 1999 our orchestra has been led by Kay Durrant and we have now over 200 orchestra members who have performed in our concerts throughout the years. We have also been blessed with 80 patrons, helping towards the choir and orchestra’s music costs.

The choir is a family of friends with over 80 members who love to come together to sing. Our next Concert is a Jubilee Concert with choir and orchestra to be held at St Mary’s Centre Felpham on June 11th 7.30pm and we would love to see you. Tickets are £10 (Under 16’s £4) and available on 01243 582330 or 01243 584920.

We rehearse every Wednesday evening at 7.30pm. at our new venue, Littlehampton United Church. To find our more about us please contact James Rushman on 01243 582330, or visit the choir’s website: www.edwinjamesfestivalchoir.co.uk

LAMBERTS CLEANING CONTRACTORS

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01243 586238

lambertcleaners@yahoo.co.uk

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Sargeant Carpets SPECIAL OFFER l

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Bersted in Focus

GARDEN VIEW PARTNERSHIP PERFECTION BY RACHEL LEVERTON When we think about climbing plants, we most often think about growing them to cover a wall or a fence. We might think about growing them over a dead tree stump too, but one of the nicest ways to grow them is through a living tree or a shrub. It’s an excellent way of providing more interest in the same space, either by timing each plant’s display so they follow on from each other, or by timing the flowering so they bloom at the same time, thus doubling the impact of the display.

There are a few rules you need to follow when you plant a climber with the intention of growing it up a living host. First, the host shrub or tree should be established, woody, and strong enough to hold up the climber’s weight when it’s fully grown and flowering.

Second you don’t want to use too vigorous a climber, otherwise it might swamp the host. Finally, avoid fastgrowing evergreen climbers because they prevent light getting to the host, and may cause it to develop disease and die. You can certainly use less aggressive evergreens such as the ivy Hedera ‘pedata’ or Hedera ‘Curlylocks’ around the base of well-established trees. These will look beautiful without overwhelming the structure and flowering of the host plant.

Climbers that look good over trees and shrubs are typically, clematis, honeysuckle, and roses. Look for species that grow to 3m or less as these are ideal for growing up most garden trees. Species that are cut back to 15-20cm every winter are also ideal. Clematis ‘Abundance’, ‘Etoile Violette’ and ‘Little Nell’ are all good choices.

Honeysuckle can often be seen (and smelled) growing through trees in the wild. For your garden look for cultivars of the common honeysuckle, such as Lonicera periclymenum.

Rambling roses can grow to monstrous proportions, so look for smaller varieties such as ‘City of York’ and ‘Parade’, which also have a long season of interest.

If you have a cool moist area try growing the perennial nasturtium, Tropaeolum speciosum.

The jewel-coloured flowers will brighten a darker space.

Tips for successful pairing • Don’t plant the climber too close to the base of the host or they will be competing for the same water and nutrients.

• Counterintuitively plant the climber on the shadier side of the host. That way the climber will be forced to grow towards the light.

• If you plant the climber in a large plastic pot with the bottom cut out, it helps contain the plant and reduces competition.

Happy Gardening.

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Claim your FREE Equity Release Guide online at:

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Arrange a FREE no obligation appointment today:

Call ADRIAN FOULKS Phone 01243 261 945 or 07436 563 465 Email adrian@adviceforlaterlife.co.uk This is a lifetime mortgage. To understand the features and risks, please ask for a personalised illustration. Check that this mortgage will meet your needs if you want to move or sell your home or you want your family to inherit it. If you are in any doubt, seek independent advice.

Advice For Later Life is a trading style of The Later Life Lending Network Ltd, which is an Appointed Representative of The Right Mortgage Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales No. 09832887. Registered Office: St Johns Court, 70 St Johns Close, Knowle, Solihull, B93 0NH. A fee may be charged for equity release advice. The exact amount will depend on your circumstances.

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MY WONDERFUL EVERYTHING BY RONNIE

Ronnie used to care for his late wife Dolly. He found Sage House in Tangmere a lifesaver during their dementia journey. This is a poem he wrote about his experience …

I always wanted to do my best for her, but I sometimes didn’t know how.

I didn’t know why she was jealous when I kissed our daughter’s brow.

I would struggle to understand why she behaved the way she did.

She was always looking for ‘The Children’…who was it she thought we had hid.

She no longer recognised our house of twelve loving years I would get out the old photos which filled me with tears She used to always say “I just want to go home” I’d say “look Dolly, look that’s you, that’s me, that’s the girls all grown” Our 4 girls, found it hard to deal with the changes happening to their mum Dolly was time travelling, and thought they were all still young She was always looking for them which became incredibly distressing for us all Until eventually she didn’t recognise our 4 beautiful daughters at all It was so upsetting, as she was still so beautiful to me But the dementia was getting worse, she wasn’t like she used to be I mourned the loss of our old life, the wonderful holidays and social life But those just became cherished memories, cherished memories with my beloved wife When the home help nurses used to visit, I was in denial I knew my wife wasn’t well, but I didn’t want to admit it all the while I used to say “no no I don’t need help, I’m a bloke” They’d reply “Don’t burn yourself out Ronnie, you’re no good to Dolly broke’ “You need support, have you been to Sage House” they would say They offer support, advice and activities for Dolly, so you can rest for the day.

Sage House helped me to care for Dolly which delayed her having to go into a home.

Without their support and help, I simply couldn’t have done it alone.

The Day Break service was a total life saver for me.

I was so utterly exhausted mentally and physically.

A few hours to myself, time to rest so I could be more jolly With fresh energy and a smile on my face, ready to carry on looking after my beloved Dolly.

We used to reminisce together, Dolly and I, how I used to make her laugh all the time.

I think that’s one of the things she liked about me and made her shine.

Towards the end she didn’t laugh very much at all, and seemed hostile But when she came to Sage House, she’d walked through the door and start to smile.

59 years my wife, my life and my whole world.

I knew that one day she would forget who I was, and that was terribly sad.

The help and care from Dementia Support made our journey not so bad.

She was a wonderful mother, a wonderful grandmother, a wonderful wife.

My wonderful everything.

Local charity, Dementia Support, opened Sage House in 2018 to give people living with dementia a place where they can get all the latest support, information, advice and activities they need under one roof – it is a very joyful place.

A Dementia Support spokesperson said: “Thanks to the support of our regular givers, we can help people like Ronnie and Dolly, but there is still so much to do. If you can help us to reach our SAGE (support and give every month) spring appeal goal of 150 new regular donors we would be so very grateful. Visit www.dementiasupport.org.uk/donate and select the monthly donation option or text SAGE followed by your donation amount to 70450 to give that amount each month (the cost is your donation plus two standard network rate charges)”

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Bersted in Focus

WHAT’S ON Tuesday 2nd May– 2pm 2 O’Clock Club (in studio 1) - Mitchell Armstrong Tickets - £6 / £5 cons / Friends £4.50

Mitchell’s singing & humour lights up every face that is in the audience. Mitchell will sing many songs that you know. Free hot drink & biscuit.

Wednesday 4th & Thursday 5th May – 7pm Dance House Tickets - £12 / Under 16s £6

The House of dance is a local arts driven initiative dedicated to supporting and encouraging the development of innovative and exciting dance.

Friday 6th May – 7.30pm 60 Minutes of Classical Music (in studio 1) Tickets - £6.50 / Under 25s £3.50

A monthly 60 minute’s concert in Studio One – Bassoon quartet.

Daniel Emson-Jukes (bassoon), Jonathon Strange (viola), Jonathon Welch & Roger Clayden (cello).

Saturday 7th May– 7.30pm The Syd Lawrence Orchestra: Strictly Cabaret Tickets - £25 / £22 cons

The ‘Best Band in the Land’ is back for their UK tour, with an

explosive new Show ‘Strictly Cabaret’. The very best in big band music, from Britain’s most televised and recorded big band. Hold on tight as they take you on an exciting journey that is stunning, dynamic, and thrilling. Directed by Chris Dean, this mesmerising performance is packed with all your Big Band Favourites. Featuring an amazing instrumental line up of talent, with singers and dancers, this is a musical extravaganza you won’t want to miss.

Tuesday 10th - Saturday 14th May – 7.30pm ‘Shrek the Musical’ Tickets - £18 / Under 16’s & NUS £15.50

Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, ‘Shrek The Musical’ brings all the beloved characters you know from the film, to life on stage and proves there’s more to the story than meets the ears. Irreverently fun for the whole family, ‘Shrek’ proves that beauty is truly in the eye of the ogre.

Friday 27th May – 8pm For ages 16 years and over.

The Alex Comedy Club (in studio 1) Tickets - £10.50 / NUS £5.50

More hilarity, mirth & merriment than you can shake a (rather large) funny stick at!!!

For full show info, please visit our website at:

www.alexandratheatre.co.uk

Arun Neighbourhood Policing Team You can contact your local team in the following ways: • Call us: on 101 to report a crime or 999 if it’s an emergency • Email us: arun@sussex.pnn.police.uk Distraction burglars or ‘bogus callers’ trick you by taking advantage of your trusting and kind nature and pretend to be someone they’re not in order to enter your home. Some work alone, others work in pairs where one will distract you so their accomplice can access your home. They can be male, female, of any age, wearing a uniform, everyday clothes or smartly dressed.

They may pretend to be from a care agency, the council or a utility company investigating a gas, water or sewage leak. They may claim they are unwell and need a glass of water or in a hurry/ emergency and need to get into your home quickly. It’s natural to want to help others but always best to direct them to a public place or nearby shop.

Always be extremely vigilant about unexpected callers. If you don’t know them or you’re not expecting anyone - don’t let them in. Put the door chain on before answering the door or use a door viewer to see who’s there. Always ask for identification. Official visitors don’t mind being asked for ID and that includes the emergency services.

If you’re still unsure, close the door and ask them to wait outside whilst you call the company/ organisation they claim to be from. For pre-planned, utility company appointments you can request that a password scheme be set up. And remember, if you are concerned at any time call us straight away on 999 and if in doubt, keep them out!

FRONT OFFICE OPENING HOURS: Bognor Regis: London Road, Bognor Regis, P021 1BA Mon – Fri, 10-2pm and 3-5pm. Littlehampton: County Buildings, East Street, Littlehampton, BN17 6AR Mon – Fri, 10-2pm and 3-6pm. We work closely with Neighbourhood Watch. Visit the Arun Neighbourhood Watch website: arunwestnhw.org.uk or email info@arunwestnhw.org.uk for more info.

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INSULATE YOUR LOFT BY TRACEY ANDERSON One of the most efficient ways to conserve energy in your home is to make sure it’s properly insulated.

Heat rises, so if your loft isn’t adequately insulated your home could lose as much as a quarter of its heat through the roof.

There are four types of insulation to choose from.

• Mineral wool matting is sold in rolls and is laid between the joists, with a second layer placed at right angles to cover the joists.

• Rigid insulation boards can be laid in lofts used for storage. Laid on top of mineral wool, wooden boarding is then fitted on top of the insulation boards. Alternatively, floor boarding pre-bonded with insulation board is available.

• If your loft space is irregular use loose-fill insulation. It’s sold in bags, and is poured between the joists to the correct depth.

• Finally loose, fire-retardant insulation material should be blown into loft areas that are hard to access. This is not really a DIY job so hire a professional. It should take no more than a few hours.

In all other cases if you are experienced at DIY you should be able to insulate your loft yourself, but do wear a protective mask and gloves if handling mineral wool.

To get a list of possible installers go to the National Insulation Association website www.nia-uk.org

PUZZLE SOLUTION

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THE WEST SUSSEX MENOPAUSE GROUP IS IN FULL SWING BY AMANDA PRYOR Would you like to chat about what’s going on for you? Realise that you are in fact normal and not going insane and not alone?! Meet likeminded women? Help your partners and family to understand you? Make new friends? Join us and guaranteed you’ll learn all you need to know!

We will laugh, learn and make great new friendships! We have loads of speakers planned including nutritionists, GPs that specialise in the menopause, fitness experts, wellness coaches to name but a few. Be prepared – knowledge is power!

Our groups meet up every Thursday evening: Yapton and Ford Village Hall Every Thursday evening Arrive 6.30pm Start 6.45pm Finish 7.45pm

Yapton and Ford Village Hall Every Thursday evening Arrive 7.55pm Start 8pm Finish 9pm

Each session costs £5.00. Please email me directly to secure your space and/or if you have any questions to: thewestsussexmenopausegroup@yahoo.com or message me on the Facebook page The West Sussex Menopause Group.

Clubs and Classes

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Your LOCAL stairlift specialist FOR INDEPENDENCE AT HOME Our stairlifts help you stay safe and independent in your own home, with straight, curved, indoor and outdoor options.

FREE NO-OBLIGATION QUOTE Visit our Flansham showroom for a demonstration Flansham Business Centre, Hoe Lane, Flansham, W Sussex, PO22 8NJ

Call Today 01243 586692

baronmead.com

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BOGNOR REGIS TIDE TABLE May 2022, 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.

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F R E S H LY P R E P A R E D HOME COOKED FOOD LOCAL PRODUCE G R E AT W I N E S & R E A L A L E S BEER GARDEN LARGE CAR PARK Waterloo Road | Felpham | Bognor Regis | PO22 7EH

For bookings call : 01243 829363 www.thefoxfelpham.com Mon–Sat : Midday–11pm (Food served all day until 8:30pm) Sun : Midday–10pm (Food served all day until 5pm)

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The last Friday of every month Looking to grow your business?

All the benefits of networking... but without the scary bits!

A chance to meet your local business community in a relaxed and informal way.

Just bring your business cards, and join us for an informal drink!

Fri 29th Apr & Fri 27th May @ The Waverley, 5pm-7pm The summer meetings will be FREE!

Follow us on social media for details of some exciting additions to the Summer meetings!

FFS_funfridaysocial

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