Villages in Focus June 2023

remember that in

editions we featured the Felpham Dippers and their wonderful calendar. Well, I am delighted to let you know that with your support the calendar raised an incredible £2550 for the Royal National Lifeboat Institute – so a huge thank you to you all from me AND the Felpham Dippers. Thank you also to everyone who has been sharing their memories, photos, article ideas and favourite places in Sussex. It’s wonderful to have local stories to share with you all, so do keep them coming.

Have a brilliant June. It’s warming up, so a sea swim could just be in sight. Best wishes, Kate

Copies of Villages in Focus are available to collect from Barleys hardware store in the centre of Middleton village.

What is the connection?

EGRETS AND THE FORMING OF THE RSPB

BY ALICE MCDOUGALL (RSPB Volunteer)

Against a moody grey sky, or the pale tan reeds of RSPB Pagham Harbour, the pure white egret is a magical sight. You are likely to see Little Egrets and Cattle Egrets, and if you’re lucky, you might also see the magnificent Great White Egret.

The Little Egret with its black beak, black legs and somewhat comical yellow feet may seem rather gentle and unassertive compared to the more raucous seabirds of the area. During breeding season, it displays elegant long white plumes on its nape and back.

Little Egrets could be confused with another very recent resident – the Cattle Egret, which has been breeding at Pagham Harbour since 2020. These stockier birds are likely to be seen pecking around cattle for insects to feed upon. During breeding season the bill turns yellow and the plumage takes on an orangey tan colour on the crest, breast and back.

If you spot the much larger Great White Egret at RSPB Pagham Harbour or Medmerry it is likely to be a visitor from Europe, or on its way to or from a breeding site in the UK – they’ve been breeding in this country since 2012 – perhaps one day they’ll be breeding here too.

What is the connection between egrets and the forming of the RSPB? From 1870 – 1920, the fashion for feathers in ladies’ hats was booming, fuelling what became one of the most lucrative trades in the world. It was an industry which saw the decimation of millions of birds both at home and abroad.

From this emerged three key women: Eliza Phillips, Etta Lemon and Emily Williamson – all passionate about the lives of birds and conservation. After initially starting local groups to challenge this barbaric trade, they later joined forced to form the Society for the Protection of Birds (SPB) in 1889.

In 1890 they produced their first leaflet: ‘Destruction of Ornamental Plumaged Birds’, which focused on the annihilation of the egret population. This leaflet was the first of many campaigns denouncing the hunting of birds and the use of feathers in fashion. In 1904 the SPB received the

charter from Edward VII and became the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds as we know it today.

Why not join us on one of our guided walks this month to see if you can see some egrets? Find out more by visiting our website https://events.rspb.org.uk/paghamharbour or call 01243 641508.

royal

Paul Chesterfield (rspb-images.com) Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com)

The dainty Little Egret was once common in the UK before hunting made it extinct, but the small heron returned to breed in 1996 and is now a common sight around estuaries, rivers and wetlands throughout southern Britain.

The large Great White Egret is another recent arrival as a breeding bird to our shores – now nesting successfully in good numbers in Somerset as a result of the RSPB’s conservation work on the levels.

Please join us for

Clymping Clymping

Open Open Gardens Gardens

Sat., 10th June 2023

10am to 5pm

Tickets will be available on the day at St Mary’s Tickets will be available on the day at St Mary’s Church, Clymping, priced at £7 each. Clymping, priced at £7 each. Tickets include a Tickets include a hop-on, hop-off minibus service around the gardens. minibus service around the gardens.

A café will be operating throughout the day in the A café will be throughout the day in the Church Hall, offering morning coffee, light lunches and Hall, offering morning coffee, light and afternoon teas Also be sure to enjoy the exhibition of afternoon teas. Also be sure to enjoy the exhibition of handmade altar and pulpit falls inside the church. altar and pulpit falls inside the church.

THE TALE OF TWO CORONATIONS

BY KATE STEWART

Memories of the King’s Coronation 2023 by Felpham resident, Stella Freeman Smith

We were on the train in Barnham by 5am and when we got to Victoria we were herded along a very circuitous route to the Mall.

I was a child for Elizabeth II’s Coronation and remember the excitement of the street party and clustering round a very small black and white television. This time I decided to see the real thing in ‘colour’ and my two daughters were up for it as well! They are likely to see another one – I’m not.

We found a spot towards Horse Guards and we made the best of it. A lot of people were already seated in front of the barrier, but we could see everything and hear the commentary over the loudspeakers.

As the King was crowned a gun salute went off and the ground shook. The return from the Abbey was very exciting. The gold coach so impressive, the soldiers immaculate and we saw the Drum Horse, Atlas, not behaving right in front of us! We had great admiration for his rider who only had his feet for control!

After the procession passed, we were allowed on to the Mall as we had hoped. We ended up about 20 metres from the Buckingham Palace gates. We could have got closer, but we wanted to get the best view of all the Royal family out on the balcony.

The flypast was a bit disappointing but hey-ho, English weather, what does one expect?

We finally made our way back to Victoria via Hyde Park just in time for the train home. All in all, it was a very successful and memorable day.

Memories of the Queen’s Coronation 1953 by Felpham resident Irene Boud

I lived in Scotland but my brother was working in London so I went down to stay with him. We got up at 2 o’clock in the morning and took the tube to the West End. People had been camping out for days in the best places but we found a space on the pavement in the Haymarket just off Picadilly, not at the front but still a good view.

Just after daybreak. The news vendors came round shouting that Sir Edmund Hillary had conquered Everest.

It was the afternoon before the coronation procession reached us and we had a good view of the Queen, but for me it was the Queen of Tonga who made the most impression. Despite the rain she rode in an open carriage and was loudly cheered.

In the evening my brother and I went to the Hammersmith Palais to dance the night away. One of my dance partners was a young soldier who had been part of the procession. A memorable day.

Editor: Thank you Stella and Irene.

Stella with her daughters London, May 2023

Irene with her brother London, 1953

LOCAL HISTORY BY SYLVIA ENDACOTT

Around many seaside resorts it was possible to holiday or live in a discarded railway carriage. In a 1917 Homeland Guide, reference was made to railway carriages based in Felpham. The report commented that it was also possible for owners to keep a dinghy beneath their carriage as the area was liable to flood.

Many of the railway carriages were erected from 1919 by a Mr A. Jenkins, and also a local building company called Seymour’s who towed the carriages into position. Some were purchased at this time for £500. Mr Archibald Spencer purchased one such carriage in 1920 and named it Merry Moments, to reflect the mood of his visits to the area. To the right of this picture, we can see Sea Road. This corner of Felpham has always been popular with visitors to the area.

The modern visitor can hire a beach hut in Felpham, as opposed to a railway carriage. One of the railway carriages in Felpham was for sale for £165,000, in the recent past, which featured three bedrooms, two receptions and one bathroom. Yes

it had been extended with numerous rooms added to the original railway carriage. A pair of carriages in Middleton that had been built in 1901 for King Edward VII were used as a picnic saloon. It was then used as a mobile hospital in WW1, and another used by Field Marshall Haig during the war. We have so many historical memories in our area.

ARUN & CHICHESTER (AIR) ENTHUSIASTS SOCIETY

AirACES www.airaces.org.uk

Patrons – Sqn Ldr Richard (Dick) Kharegat RAF (Retd) – ex Vulcan, Victor, B52 Pilot Wg Cdr Robert (Bob) Prothero MRAeS, MIMgt, RAF (Retd) – ex Victor Pilot

Monday 26 JUNE 2023 - 1900 for 1930 hrs

‘Chaos and Comedy: A Summer on the Somme, with No.11 Squadron, Royal Flying Corp’ presented by Ms Jill Bush

“If it goes on like now,” wrote Major Hugh Trenchard, in the summer of 1916 on the Somme, “God help us when we get the Huns on the run”.

May to September 1916, the first phase of the infamous battle of the Somme, was a key period for the development of the Royal Flying Corps (RFC).

The admiralty of the skies was in their hands for a few short but significant months, and this talk by Jill Bush, will focus on the desperate attempts of No 11 Squadron to battle not just the enemy, but machines which often fell apart, and a supply chain that was woefully inadequate.

AirACES is an aviation talk society, providing its members with regular talks, given by experts in many different fields related to the world of aviation. The talks are held at the Chichester Park Hotel, Westhampnett Road, Chichester 7pm for 7.30 start. Members £5, visitors £7 and under 16s FREE. Doors open at 6.45pm no pre-booking, no reserved seating For further information about AirACES, please see www.airaces.org.uk, or call David Batcock on 01243 823007.

Please mention

DEVIL’S DYKE BY SIMON

BAKER IRONS

As we approach midsummer what better than to take a walk at the National Trust site of Devil’s Dyke, which has some fantastic views across the Sussex countryside. However, this challenging walk is not for the faint-hearted, as it has some steep ascents and descents as it takes in the best of this ancient chalk downland. Devils Dyke is the longest, widest, and deepest dry chalk valley in the country, and legend has it that the Devil dug the valley to drown the parishioners of the Weald. However, geologists believe that it was formed in the last Ice Age.

• Starting at the car park go back along the road to the path that heads downhill into the valley, the banks on either side of the road are the remains of the ramparts of an Iron Age hillfort.

• Descending into the valley you can see the concrete footings of the Great Cableway, these originally supported Britain’s first cable car, which was built here in 1894. The ride took Victorian day-trippers across the 300m wide valley. Nearing the bottom of the valley, the path curves left, and you’ll see two humps in the ground, thought to be the Devil’s Graves. The Devil and his wife are said to be buried at the bottom of the dyke. Legend has it that if you run backwards seven times around these humps, whilst holding your breath, the Devil will appear.

• Descend further to the road, cross and go into Saddlescombe Farm. A hidden hamlet in the South Downs, the farm has thousands of years of history and was once home to the Knights Templar. The Saddlescombe Donkey Wheel here is worth a visit. For many centuries the wheel was turned by a donkey, raising drinking water from deep below the downs. The Wildflour Café in the courtyard also provides an opportunity to have a snack and drink before the steep climb back up.

• Retrace your steps out of the farm, back across the road and follow the public footpath as it ascends and curves to the right following the contours of the hill, the climb back passes through the woods to the north of the valley.

• As the woods open up to downland, you’ll have views across the villages of Poynings and Fulking. Take care on the narrow path up and across the escarpment. The wide gulley crossing this path used to be the site of the funicular railway, that took visitors to the village of Poynings, the remains of the Victorian funicular railway station can be found near the top.

• Back at the top you can watch the hang-gliders soaring above you, have a drink at the pub and maybe watch the summer sun set, at the stone lookout there is a map of the whole area to help you identify some of the distant landmarks.

For an easier short stroll, keep to the top of the hill and admire the view. Further details and more walks can be found on the NT website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk.

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

BOGNOR COASTAL ART TRAIL PREVIEW EXHIBITION 2023

Bognor Coastal Art Trail will be holding its second Preview Exhibition from Saturday 1 July to Saturday 8 July 2023. The exhibition is to showcase the talent of local artists and craftspeople in the Bognor area prior to the Bognor Coastal Art Trail, which takes place over the last two weekends in July.

The BCAT committee has been lucky enough to secure some Grant Aid funding from Bognor Town Council, and Reynolds have very kindly offered us some exhibition space in Bognor High Street.

Having a preview exhibition prior to the actual Art Trail gives local people and visitors to Bognor a taster of what can be viewed in the artists own environments. Each artist and craftsperson will be asked to provide between one and three pieces of their work to be displayed at the exhibition.

The Mayor and Bognor’s Town Cryer will be invited to the opening on Saturday 1 July and it is hoped they will be able to attend.

Why don’t you come along on Saturday 1 July and enjoy the sounds of The Regis Jazz Band who will be playing in the High Street between 12pm-2pm on this opening Saturday.

Don’t forget the exhibition will be open from 9am-5.30pm from Saturday 1 July to Saturday 8 July (closed Sunday 2nd July). Pop along and pick up your free trail guide to enable you to view where each artist or craftsperson is based so you can plan your visits over the last two weekends in July.

The Bognor Coastal Art Trail takes place on 22-23 July and 29-30 July 2023 along a 7 mile coastal strip starting from Pagham to Aldwick, Bognor Regis, Felpham, Middleton on Sea and finishing in Elmer. Or you could start at Elmer and finish at Pagham. The trail can easily be walked or cycled over the two weekends. A fantastic opportunity to see our local talented artists in their creative spaces.

It will be great to meet local people so come and check out the Preview Exhibition to pick up your free Bognor Coastal Art Trail guide.

BY SUE BARTELL

(From left to right) BCAT committee: Su Cloud-Chair, Barry Foord-Treasurer, Sue BartellSecretary, Jane Fowler-Signage and committee member. Two members not in the photo - Martin Joneswebsite/design and Tia Rolfe-social media.

THE LONG AND SHORTS OF IT ...

BY FELPHAM FASHION GURU VICKY BOOKER

Shorts. In my opinion, one of the hardest items of clothing to find in a flattering fit! It’s summer so the shorts will inevitably come out, but what style do you go for? Here are some of my picks from the high street and why they might work for you.

The Denim Short

A classic, and often the go-to style when it comes to summer casual. A lot of denim shorts are very casual (often called Boyfriend style) and can be very short! I like these Rinsed Cargo Denim shorts by Next. They’re on-trend with the cargo pockets but have a very sleek flat-fronted look. Even though they have a tie waist, they don’t look like they will add bulk around the tummy and can easily be worn casually or dressed up.

The Smart Shorts

These are The Chessie Chino shorts by Hobbs. The bold cobalt is an on-trend this summer, but they come in classic navy and white too. The belt loops lend themselves to styling up with a smart belt, and they’re cool cotton with a little bit of stretch for comfort. Not too tight on the thighs either which is usually a flattering look on most body shapes.

The Print Short

I love the pattern of these linen shorts by Boden (Ivory Conversational Print), and they come in three other colourways and prints. The shirred waist looks like it’s a decent dept to avoid digging into the tummy area, and unlike many looser linen shorts they have pockets! Something to look out for with this style is the ‘paper bag’ or very gathered styles. These can add bulk to the tummy area, so avoid if you don’t want to draw too much attention here, and if you have a shorter waist as you’ll run of our space for the extra fabric!

The Longer Shorts!

I know many of my clients love the idea of shorts but aren’t keen on showing too much leg! So, a longer short is ideal. A word of caution here – be careful of the much longer knee-length shorts as they can look a little unflattering. Not many people I know want to draw attention to their knees – and that’s exactly what these can do – so picking a length that finishes on a slimmer part of your leg is best – usually just above the knee, or mid-thigh. These Turned Hem Stretch Shorts by Roman are that little bit longer and come in petite as well as regular and eight different colours.

Join me for my Summer Open House event on Friday 9 June from 9.15am to 3pm at 32, Lionel Avenue, Felpham. This is a free pop-in event where you’ll have chance to ask any burning styling questions, try on makeup and shop my pre-loved boutique for a bargain – there may even be some shorts for sale! See you then. More info here: https://vickybooker.com/category/events/ www.vickybooker.com and email: vicky@vickybooker.com

How can we help you plan for the future?

by Mark Riley, Founder & Managing Partner, MJR Solicitors

Sorting out life planning matters is something many people put off until the proverbial rainy day. While you might not want to think about preparing for later life, or what could happen if your health declines, it’s important to take action while you can. We never know what life has in store for us but failing to prepare for the cost of care, becoming incapacitated without a Power of Attorney in place or dying without a Will could result in extra stress for you and your loved ones at an already difficult time. While some people may take the DIY route to life planning, going it alone can be fraught with problems. Get the documentation wrong or fail to understand the more complex aspects of what you’re doing, and you may run into problems in the future. Without the right guidance, you may find you don’t make the most of your assets or they won’t end up in the right hands.

Consulting a good solicitor is a sensible way to give you and your family peace of mind that your affairs are in order. We can ensure that any paperwork is completed properly and give you detailed, professional advice on a wide range of issues. This includes:

Making a Will You want to know that your loved ones will be taken care of after you pass. While you might be tempted by a DIY Will, making mistakes in your Will or dying intestate may mean your assets don’t go where you want them to. And with the number of inheritance disputes rising every year, overlooking mistakes could leave your assets at the centre of a family feud. We will help to minimise potential issues and ensure your family are well provided for.

Inheritance Tax Planning

With so many ongoing changes, it can be hard to keep up with what’s happening on the Inheritance Tax front. Consulting a legal professional gives you the best chance of mitigating your Inheritance Tax liability and having the latest, expert advice on which to base your financial decisions.

Paying for care in later life

The social care crisis has left many wondering how they will afford care fees should they need assistance in older age. While a lot of people assume they will have to sell their home to pay for care, it’s not always the case. We will be

able to explain all the funding options available to you, so that you are able to make more informed decisions and feel less worried about being able to afford any support you may need in later life.

Lasting Power of Attorney

None of us know what will happen in the future, so it’s wise to plan for most eventualities. Should you lose the mental capacity to make your own financial, health and welfare decisions, you want them to be in the hands of people you trust.

Setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney means you can declare who has the authority to act on your behalf, and spares your loved ones from having to go through a stressful legal process to acquire the necessary authority after the fact.

Setting up a trust

A trust is a good way to safeguard your assets and ensure your family are well taken care of for the future. There are a number of reasons why you might want to set up a trust, from protecting assets and gifting money, to paying care fees or providing managed funds to someone vulnerable. We can guide you through your options and process of setting up, managing and terminating trusts as needed.

Book your free 30-minute consultation with us today to discuss the best options for you.

Trusted, knowledgeable, by your side

Tel: 01243 945054

info@mjrsolicitors.co.uk

www.mjrsolicitors.co.uk

“

Recent Client Feedback:

Having never used a Solicitor before we found the whole experience easy, relaxed and, although a legal matter, it had an informal feel whilst being professional.”

The prospect of getting to grips with life planning can seem daunting, but with expert guidance and advice, you’ll be better equipped to make the most of your assets and take the right decisions for you and your family.

At MJR we can provide a full range of future life planning services including Wills, Trusts, LPA’s and Inheritance Tax Planning to help protect both you and your family’s future.

GARDEN VIEW

POACHED EGG FLOWERS

BY RACHEL LEVERTON

Poached Egg plants are among my summer favourites. Limnanthes douglasii (to give it its proper name) is a fantastic addition to any garden. It is easy to grow, requires little care and produces masses of beautiful flowers that attract pollinators. The best time to plant it is outside from March to May but if you have a sunny, well-drained spot you can plant them in early June and they will reward you handsomely with delightful fat yellow-centred blooms, which I think look more like fried eggs than poached ones! The delicate ferny foliage is also attractive.

Planting

limnanthes douglasii is straightforward. Sow the seeds directly in a sunny, well-drained area. The soil ideal should be light and fertile. If you have heavy soil, you can improve it by adding sand and organic matter such as compost, leaf mould or well-rotted manure. Don’t go mad or you’ll end up with lots of leaves and fewer flowers.

Sow the seeds thinly on the surface of the soil and cover them lightly with a thin layer of soil. Water gently to keep the soil moist. Germination usually takes 7-14 days, and once the seedlings have emerged, thin them to a distance of 15cm apart to allow for good airflow and growth.

You might need to go on slug patrol while the plants are small, but once established, poached egg plants are low-maintenance and require little care. Water regularly, during dry spells and that’s about it! You can also prolong the flowers by deadheading the faded blooms regularly.

Limnanthes douglasii is a prolific bloomer that produces masses of flowers from June to August, though if you plant now they’ll probably go through to the end of September if your garden is sheltered.

The plant grows to a height of 15cm and spreads to a width of around 15-20cm. It self-seeds freely so makes an excellent ground cover. It can be planted in borders, rockeries, meadows or as a filler in containers. It also attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to the garden, making it an excellent addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.

Plant a poached egg today!

Happy gardening.

NECTARINE CRUMBLE

Preparation time: 20 minutes. Cooking time: 35-40 minutes. Serves: 6

INGREDIENTS

For the fruit filling:

6 ripe nectarines (approximately 800g)

50g granulated sugar

1 tbsp cornflour

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp vanilla extract

METHOD

For the crumble topping:

150g plain flour (or 100g plain flour and 50g ground almonds)

100g cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

75g granulated or demerara sugar

50g rolled oats

1/4 tsp salt

Flaked almonds

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C Fan) Gas mark 4. Lightly grease a 23cm x 23cm (9x9inch) square baking dish.

• Prepare the fruit filling: Rinse the nectarines, cut them in half, remove the stones, and slice into 1cm thick wedges. Place the nectarine slices into a large mixing bowl.

• Add the granulated sugar, cornflour, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the nectarines. Gently mix until the nectarine slices are coated evenly. Transfer the fruit mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

• Prepare the crumble topping: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the plain flour (and ground almonds if using), cubed butter, granulated sugar, rolled oats, and salt. Use your fingertips or a pastry blender to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

• Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the nectarines in the baking dish, ensuring that the fruit is fully covered. Add some flaked almonds for texture.

• Bake the nectarine crumble in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling.

• Remove the crumble from the oven and let it cool slightly for 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy the nectarine crumble warm, preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of crème fraiche.

Note:

If nectarines are not available, you can substitute with an equal weight of peaches or plums.

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J O B P O S I T I O N :

B e a u t y T h e r a p i s t

N V Q L 3 B e a u t y

T h e r a p y ( o r

e q u i v a l e n t )

2 y e a r s m i n i m u m

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p r e f e r r e d q u a l i f i c a t i o n s b u t n o t e s s e n t i a l :

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We o er a reliable and person centred approach with daily tasks for your re-enablement. Our dedicated team is fully trained to support mental and physical wellbeing and to enable you to access the community. Due to our continuity of care we can be an understanding ear and a friendly face when you need it most.

Here to help you regain your independence

• Personal Care: Showering, Bathing, Toileting Needs, Oral Mouth Care, Hair Care, Foot Care, Incontinence Care.

• Outreach: Shopping Trips, Help with Transport when Attending Classes, Support Getting to Appointments, Accompanying to Lunch and Dinners.

• Preparation: Food Preparation, Cooking, Shopping, Monitoring, Food Rotation, Ordering Meals.

• Companionship: Social Calls, Help and Hobbies, Stimulating Mental Health Activities, Pet Care (certain conditions apply).

• Domestic: Cleaning, Washing Up, Laundry, Bed Change, Taking the Bins Out.

• Everything Else: Dementia Care, End of Life Care, Medication Management, Arrang ing Appointments, Collecting Prescriptions, Short Term Respite Care.

A29 TO PARADISE

BY KIM LESLIE

It starts in Bognor and ends just over the Surrey border amongst the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Our local road from Bognor, the A29, is a joy to follow with its twists and turns over the sweeping Downs before carving through the wooded Weald. Although a main road, in parts it’s more like a country lane, bordered by high hedgerows, wide open fields and magnificent views. Blackdown, Sussex’s highest place, broods westward like a great beached whale. The roadside is littered with intriguing names, all with tales to tell: Toat, Middle Gingers, Upper Bottle, Whitebreads, Roman Gate. A patchwork of local history. With Bognor at its bottom, at its top, the village of Ockley, a place of pure magic, historically, scenically – and socially.

Ockley’s connection with Bognor is measured by the only remaining old milestone marking the distance to Bognor – ‘Bognor 31’ – exactly equidistant from London at a similar mileage. No other ‘Bognor’ milestone is known. This little curiosity dates from 1812 when the road through the village was turnpiked and tolls taken to improve its state. Before improvement, the road southwards from Ockley into Sussex wasn’t suitable for carriages at all ‘except in a dry Summer’, according to an 18th-century road book. After turnpiking, Ockley was a stopping point for the London-Bognor stage coach, The Comet – hence Comet Corner, Middleton – bringing fashionable visitors down to the little seaside town in its Regency heyday. Thirtyone miles more to go meant five more arduous hours on the road. Today, it’s no more than a comfortable hour’s car drive.

The other connection with our part of Sussex is that Ockley lies astride Stane Street, the great Roman highway between Chichester and London, part of a vast web of military roads that crisscrossed the country. Parts are abandoned, now just ghostly trackways cutting scythe-like through fields and woodland, as at Gumber near Slindon. Other parts are still in use as the A29, making use of the original Roman alignments (i.e. in dead-straight lines), most noticeably north of Pulborough. The road cuts through Ockley as straight as an arrow, following exactly in the steps of the Roman legions some two millennia ago. That’s why drivers are tempted to speed, and that’s why there’s a very active Community Speed Watch Team, recording and reporting to the police. If you get a police letter, blame the Romans!

Ockley is a gem of a place situated around one of the finest and longest village greens in the south-east, bounded by ancient cottages and a willow-flanked duck pond facing the rather overdone Victorian well-house with its incongruous classical columns and fancy roof. The thicklywooded slopes of Leith Hill are Ockley’s backdrop, the magnificent top of Surrey, highest spot in south-eastern England. From its tower, at over a thousand feet, a sweeping panorama lies below, from the jagged London skyline to the sea at Lancing, from the hills of Kent to the Chilterns in Buckinghamshire. It’s a viewpoint hard to beat. On its slopes lived the composer Ralph Vaughan

Williams, the family home now in the guardianship of the National Trust.

Come to Ockley on a Wednesday morning between 9am and 12noon when tea, coffee and home-made cakes are served to locals and visitors alike in the cricket pavilion. ‘Can you ever have too much cake?’ asked the vicar in a recent parish magazine. Whatever your answer, ‘you can never have too much friendship and hospitality’ she writes. There’s certainly always a warm welcome on my frequent Wednesday trips into this part of Surrey. Ockley must score as one of the happiest places to live, as one villager told me, ‘it’s paradise’. So treat yourself to a drive up the A29, have some delicious refreshments – just make a donation and soak up the atmosphere. You won’t be disappointed. The pavilion café is home to the village cricket team who’ve played on their idyllic village green since 1852. Their match against the Barbadians on Sunday 11 June is this year’s highlight, a great occasion with plenty of English teas and West Indian food for all visitors. If you love village life, beautiful scenery and lazing to the sound of leather on willow, drive up the A29 to Ockley!

Overlooked by Leith Hill Tower, Ockley’s village green is bordered by centuries-old timber-framed cottages.

SLATE

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FOR ALL YOUR ROOFING NEEDS

FAMILY RUN BUSINESS WITH OVER 30 YRS EXPERIENCE

ALL ASPECTS OF ROOFING AND CONSTRUCTION UNDERTAKEN.

Contact us for a FREE quote: 07508 468418 Info@newheightsroofing.co.uk

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.

01243 585059

gary@arundelclocks.com

I have been restoring, repairing, servicing and selling clocks for the last 25 years. Arundel Clocks is based in the heart of Elmer Sands, West Sussex serving surrounding areas

We are happy to undertake any work from a service to a major strip down and re‐build or restoration.

I always give a guaranteed price (with no hidden costs) and an estimated time for completion of the work undertaken, all repairs are backed up with a back to base twelve month guarantee.

10% Discount for OAPs

A GOOD READ

BY NATASHA DONOVAN

Milkman by Anna Burns

I will preface this by saying that Milkman, the 2018 Man Booker Prize-winning novel by Anna Burns, is an excellent but challenging read. It deals with resilience and resistance set in the heart of a divided community. Burns weaves a captivating story centred around an 18-year-old protagonist, known only as “middle sister,” and the community in which she lives. The novel is set in an unnamed city, though it bears a strong resemblance to Belfast during the Troubles. It grapples with the complexities of political conflict, societal expectations, and the power of rumour and gossip.

As “middle sister” navigates her life, she attracts the advances of the eponymous Milkman, a middleaged paramilitary figure who begins to stalk her. The novel’s portrayal of the menacing and intrusive nature of the Milkman’s pursuit encapsulates the larger oppressive atmosphere of the community. The pervasive sense of paranoia and suspicion is conveyed through the use of a first-person narrative, filled with intricate details, creating a vivid and visceral experience for the reader.

One of the challenges involves Burns’ use of stream of consciousness. Her prose is often dense and demanding, featuring long, sprawling sentences with minimal punctuation, a stylistic choice reflecting both the chaotic environment and the protagonist’s internal turmoil.

The most striking aspect of Milkman is the absence of proper names for characters and places. This lends a surreal-but-universal quality to the story, evoking many conflict-ridden societies. The novel explores the impact of gender, politics, and power on the individual, as well as the collective psyche of a community, often using humour so dark it might make the reader squirm.

With its unflinching portrayal of the protagonist’s struggles and resilience, it serves as a testament to the indomitable, human spirit in the face of adversity. While the novel’s challenging style may not appeal to all readers, those who persevere will be rewarded with an unforgettable and thought-provoking literary experience.

MY FAVOURITE PLACE IN SUSSEX

BY KATE STEWART

Thank you to Felpham In Focus reader, Clive Buss, for sending in his suggestions. Clive was born in Hailsham and has very happy memories of growing up in the Sussex countryside. He moved to Chichester in 1974 and now lives in Felpham. He says: “I adore the glorious, Sussex countryside, we mere mortals have so much to give thanks for.

“One of my favourite places is the woodland and open spaces behind Adsdean House, Funtington due to the countless walks I’ve had all round it. There are two long footpaths to choose from, giving access to several villages with pubs providing food and drink, lots of woodland walking, and the joy of our Sussex countryside. Our county is the best in my opinion.

“About 20 years ago I walked the whole of the South Downs Way from Eastbourne to Winchester with a friend, and I warmly recommend it.”

In Focus reader Jules says one of her favourite places is the walk along the cycle path between Hoe Lane and Barnham. Julie says: “It was such a beautiful day, so I took this picture (see right) near to the little bridge across the Rife. The fields were completely flooded so we didn’t make it to Barnham, but it was a lovely walk, all the same!”

Please so send in pictures and short descriptions of places you love in Sussex, anywhere that makes you happy that you would like to share with others. Email: office@infocusmagazines.co.uk.

Dr Davina Mahoney Dr John Harker Dr Mauricio Carrillo Dr Sharad Patel

If you have moved to this area, or are looking for a new dentist, we would love for you to come and join our friendly Bognor Regis practice. We pride ourselves on a partnership built on trust and mutual respect to improve your dental health. We aim to work with you to provide optimum dental care with the latest and advanced dental treatments, transparent costs and a friendly experience every time you visit us.

• Free initial consultation

• Latest implant technology including on-site 3D CBCT scanner

• No more gaps or dentures

• Eat, chew and smile with complete confidence

• We accept referrals from other dental practices for complex single and multiple dental implants

Felpham Dental Implant Clinic

At Felpham Dental we offer a full range of cost-effective treatments for both general and cosmetic dentistry. These include whitening, veneers, crowns, white fillings, dental implants, root canal treatments and facial aesthetics including intradermal wrinkle treatments.

We accept referrals for complex root canal treatments with Dr John Harker, and oral surgery referrals including facial pain and migraine, with Dr Mauricio Carrillo.

• Free initial consultation

• Almost invisible teeth straightening

• Faster straightening of teeth

Direct Hygienist Access

You can directly access our full team of dental hygienists: Elizabeth Goodchild, Jane Gander and Helen Carter even if you are not a registered patient.

Emergency Dental Care

Please call 01243 864663 and speak with Chrissie or Tracey.

Contact us:

Felpham Dental

83 Felpham Road

Bognor Regis.PO22 7PF

(Opposite Milestones Garage)

Tel: 01243 864663

felphamdental@aol.com

www.felphamdental.com

Invisalign Teeth Straightening

A COLOURFUL OCCASION

BY JAMIE MAXFIELD

THE TROOPING THE COLOUR TAKES PLACE ON 17 JUNE

Trooping the Colour is a spectacular military ceremony held annually in London on a Saturday in June, to celebrate the British monarch’s official birthday. It’s a magnificent display of military precision and tradition that has been taking place for over 260 years. The event is attended by members of the royal family, government officials, and thousands of members of the public who gather along the parade route to catch a glimpse of the proceedings.

The origins of Trooping the Colour date back to the 17th century when military units would march in front of their monarch to show their allegiance and loyalty. The tradition continued through the centuries and was formalized in 1748 when George II decided to combine his birthday celebration with the military parade. Since then, the reigning monarch’s official birthday has been celebrated with the Trooping the Colour ceremony.

The ceremony itself takes place on Horse Guards Parade in London and is a colourful display of military pomp and ceremony. Over 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians take part in the event, making it one of the largest military parades in the world. The ceremony begins with the arrival of the monarch, who is then escorted by the Household Cavalry to inspect their troops. The King’s arrival will be announced by a fanfare of trumpets, and the national anthem played.

Once the King has inspected his troops, he’ll return to Buckingham Palace, where he’ll watch the remainder of the parade from the balcony. The highlight of the ceremony will be the Trooping of the Colour itself, which involves the soldiers of the Household Division marching in formation with their banners (known as colours). This part of the ceremony is accompanied by music from the Massed Bands of the Household Division, creating a stirring and emotional spectacle.

After the Trooping the Colour, the soldiers will march back to their barracks, and the King will return to the palace for the traditional balcony appearance. This is when the public gets to see the royal family as they wave to the crowds below. The appearance on the balcony is always a highlight of the ceremony, and this year people are expected from all over the world to witness the iconic moment of a new King. An RAF fly-past is expected to mark the end of the display.

Trooping the Colour is not just a military ceremony; it’s also an important part of our culture and history. It’s a celebration both of the monarchy and the country’s military heritage. The ceremony has been adapted and changed over the years, but it still retains its traditional elements, making it a unique and important event in the British calendar.

HOROSCOPES FOR JUNE

BY LOCAL ASTROLOGER LETICIA PARMER

With Saturn going retrograde and Jupiter shining its helpful energy on a whole new area of our lives, June will be an easier month all round. So much so that you’re likely to find the energy to at last tackle all that clearing and cleaning you have been putting off till now.

ARIES

Things are on the up, financially, for you. A contract or earning opportunity you have been chasing will now come to fruition. A great month for clearing the weight of debts.

TAURUS

Personal luck is yours, so no more taking a back seat for you. Shy Taurus must morph into extravert and ‘showman’ Taurus this month. Others will be enthralled by you.

GEMINI

Even the lively and multi-tasking Gemini must slow down and recharge batteries from time to time. This June is a month when you would gain more from meditation than chatter.

CANCER

Friends come to the fore to offer fun and support. This June you appreciate them and all your social interactions more than ever. Why not bring a little gift for each one you visit.

LEO

A father or older relative will feature strongly and helpfully in your life now. What a lovely month for honouring your family tree and traditions, by organising a family gathering.

VIRGO

Sport and fitness really excite you this month. You may start June with the goal of re-claiming full fitness and health. Why not take up a new sport, or re-kindle an old one?

LIBRA

This is the month for clearing the clutter. You love beauty and breathing space, yet you hang onto things “just in case”. June is when you achieve peace by bravely chucking out.

SCORPIO

Things will go from strength to strength in partnership. Jupiter is helping all forms of cooperation for you now. This is your month to let the barriers down and let your heart open.

SAGITTARIUS

You have a great eye for detail this month. Add to this your natural ability to solve practical problems and you may find yourself happily on duty fixing puzzles for others.

CAPRICORN

Children will bring a great deal of joy into your life this June. As a grandparent or parent, you may be thrilled by a visit or a lovely personalised gift. Get painting this month too.

AQUARIUS

Yes you are a free spirit and extremely socially conscious but now you gain more from staying close to home. You’ll get a kick from creative domestic pursuits such as baking.

PISCES

Words are inspiring for you this June, so take out your pen, gift yourself a beautiful notebook and let the inspiration flow into poetry and stories that will inspire others.

Leticia Parmer will be happy to prepare your own or your loved one’s personal chart

leticiaparmer@yahoo.com www.moonfeather.co.uk

HELEN GAGAN SOLICITOR ASSET PROTECTION TRUSTS

“We’ve worked hard and saved all our lives, why should the Local Authority have access to everything if one of us needs to go into a care home?”

Mirror Wills leaving everything to the surviving spouse on your death for most families is the natural assumption of the right thing to do. HOWEVER, this means there is no asset protection in having this arrangement and all the matrimonial assets are exposed to being taken in care fees if sadly your health deteriorates and you end up needing full time care.

For a variety of reasons I DO NOT recommend giving your house to your children or putting it into Trust in your lifetime. Therefore, you will need to ask yourself, is it a good idea to leave your half share of your home to your surviving spouse/partner on death? Why not leave your half share for their USE but not actually give it to them?

Helen Gagan Solicitor Property Trust Wills can be drafted to be as flexible as you wish but the most straight forward arrangement is that on your death, if you die first, you leave your half share of your home in a family Trust arrangement for the benefit of by way of example your children, but state they are not to receive it during the lifetime of your surviving spouse.

Your half share of the property would then NOT be included in any future means test calculation for care fees.

Free initial consultations are available. If you have a Will already in place that you would like reviewed in line with your present situation or simply wish to obtain some more detailed information on Asset Protection Trusts, please feel free to email or call the office for an appointment.

Helen is a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) the leading worldwide professional body for practitioners in the field of Wills, Estate Planning, Trusts and related issues. Helen will be delighted to help and advise the local community in relation to:

• Wills and Trusts

• Inheritance Tax

• Care Fees Planning

• General & Lasting Powers of Attorney

• Probate

• Administration of Estates

Helen Gagan Solicitor … listening to her clients Felpham Chambers, 60 Felpham Road, Felpham, Bognor Regis, West Sussex, PO22 7NZ

Office telephone number: 01243 867330 Mobile: 07584 991081

Email: helen@helengagansolicitor.co.uk

www.helengagansolicitor.co.uk

Please mention VILLAGES IN FOCUS when responding to adverts

FFS! is a relaxed, friendly networking social for local businesses.

Follow us on social media for the latest updates on local networking opportunities and events to help you grow your business.

FFS_funfridaysocial

FFSfunfridaysocial

Do

you want local independent businesses to thrive? We do too!

FFS! is a relaxed friendly networking social for local businesses. All businesses are welcome along but each meeting will have a theme, showcasing local businesses from this sector. Come and make valuable business connections. We are also open to the public who want to find out more about these businesses too.

Friday 14th July Summer Days & Summer Fun

This month’s showcase is all about Summer days and Summer fun in our wonderful seaside town. Whether it’s things to with the kids or fun for grown ups, if you run a local business like this we’d love to hear from you!

@ The Waverley, 5pm-7pm, & it’s FREE!

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

How secure is your outdoor property?

Quite often people don’t secure their shed or garage in the same way they do their homes, yet they are there to protect your valuable contents. An opportunistic burglar can find the tools they need in your shed or garage to break into your home. Ensure that any outbuildings, sheds or side entrances on your property are left secure and that bikes or tools are locked away and hidden from view. The most common items stolen from sheds and outbuildings are:

• Bikes, which includes electric bikes and quad bikes

• Mowers

• Sporting equipment

To improve security consider taking the following steps:

• Buy a shed alarm

• Keep keys secure and out of sight

• Fix a laminated glass film or a mesh / grill to the inside of any windows.

• Power tools

• Garden tools

• Fit concealed hinges to prevent burglars from unwinding screws and bolts.

• Consider security lights and CCTV.

• Consider property marking your items with your surname and postcode

We are committed to catching criminals and making your neighbourhood a safer place to live. The information we receive from you and your neighbours plays a huge part in enabling us to do that. If you see anything suspicious, call us straight away on 999.

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

Solution to Mind Benders

1. Up to you.

2. Afternoon tea.

3. Multiple choice.

To contact VILLAGES IN FOCUS please email: office@infocusmagazines.co.uk

Please mention VILLAGES IN FOCUS when responding to adverts