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FELPHAM IN FOCUS

Dear All,

Thank you to all of you who got in touch to say how much you liked the kindness shout out in the March issue.

The April kindness award goes to the hundreds of people living here who helped my friend Katie find her little Jack Russell/Terrier cross while they were staying with me last month. One minute Pickle was sitting on Katie’s lap, the next minute she was gone. Twenty four long hours later we found her. We think she went down a disused foxhole and eventually tunnelled her way back.

During those hideous 24 hours so many people, many of whom we didn’t know, searched the beach, gardens, parks and roads and sent us vital advice tips. Others shared messages across social media and ‘lost dog’ posters in their shops, cafes and restaurants. Our neighbours hunted everywhere despite the slashing rain and freezing conditions. We were overwhelmed by kindness which we will never forget, especially Katie and her husband Matt. Thank you all so much.

Happy Easter, Kate X

PS. Please do send in your kindness stories – I know there are lots out there!

Copies of Felpham in Focus are available to collect from Felpham Village Post Office.

office@infocusmagazines.co.uk Tel: 07729682245

www.infocusmagazines.co.uk

MAY ISSUE DEADLINE – WEDNESDAY 8 APRIL 2026

HOW EGGSTRAORDINARY!

BY ROBERTA SNOW

It’s ironic that most of the traditions associated with the principle religious feast of the Christian year have no basis in Christianity at all.

The word ‘Easter’ comes from an Anglo-Saxon fertility goddess called Eostre, who was associated with spring and new beginnings. Both Easter and Passover centre around re-birth, and bond neatly with the Anglo-Saxon festival of ‘Eostre-monath’ – Eostre’s month.

Hot cross buns, traditionally eaten on Good Friday, are linked to the Jewish festival of Passover. Originally they were made from unleavened bread, an important Passover food. Nowadays they are more palatably leavened and marked with a cross to serve as a reminder of the crucifixion.

The tradition of eating chocolate eggs stems from Eostre, when eggs were given as gifts to celebrate the end of winter and as a symbol of new life and fertility. Chocolate was an ingenious German addition much later.

The Easter bunny seems to have been a German invention too, though it stems from Eostre again. The original association was the hare but rabbits look similar so they kind of hijacked the show. German children made nests in the garden and good children were left coloured hard-boiled eggs over night as a reward.

Egg rolling on Easter Monday is an eccentric British custom. As a child I was told the egg represented the rolling away of the stone blocking Jesus’ tomb, but research shows that the custom predates the arrival of Christianity here. It’s great fun though, whatever the history behind it.

MURDER IN THE VILLAGE BY LIZZIE MICKERY

On Saturday February 28th, in the Memorial Hall, Felpham, the Friends of Felpham CIC put on a Murder Mystery – “Murder at the Old Rectory”. The hall was packed as dastardly deeds, a secret tunnel, illicit trysts and bad poetry revealed themselves on the stage. Applause broke out as the curtains opened to unveil a splendid cast of eight, dressed as the exotically diverse characters. Two narrators plus the actors led the audience through a twisted tale of murder and mayhem, dropping clues as well as terrible jokes. The sound track added to the spooky atmosphere, plus managing to add the theme tune from Dixon of Dock Green, Postman Pat and a curious clip from Monty Python into the mix. The audience, encouraged to boo, hiss and cheer at appropriate moments, took to their part extremely enthusiastically. To sum up, the entire evening was a total blast.

Friends of Felpham CIC would like to thank the cast for their talent and the fun they brought, and the volunteers who helped behind the scenes. A huge shout out to Alex Marner, Memorial Hall Estate Manager for his stage management skills; the Fox Inn and Joe’s Cocktail Bar and Karen Henry for the prizes they generously donated; Kate Weston who came to help with narration and TV executive producer, Debra Curtis, who flew in from LA to be a judge. Proceeds went towards the renewal of the pop-up licence in Grassmere Parade outside our Post Office. Felpham, you are the best.

A big thank you also must go to Lizzie Mickery who also wrote the murder mystery play and galvanised the evening for Felpham to enjoy![Ed]

Credit: Kate Weston

LOCAL HISTORY BY SYLVIA ENDACOTT

When driving through the Aldwick Road shops do you know much of its history? “Local visionaries dreamed of building something that would resemble a chunk of Eastbourne.” This described the area that was to be called the Victoria Park Estate, something that never came to full fruition when it was first planned in the 1870’s. The main result was Victoria Drive and the establishment of a Post Office in Charlwood Street.

In the 1850’s that Bognor Races was the fashionable place to be. The racecourse was on a field that was used for many sporting events, including cricket. The area was in fact from Marine Parade to Nyewood Lane, with another boundary being Aldwick Road. The owner of this land was Dr Alonzo Henry Stocker, from Craigwell House.

Today the area is built over, principally by Stocker Road. Between the 1840’s and 1850’s, during the summer months, horse racing took place on the beach and a race card still exists providing information on the various races held on 9 October 1855.

Part of this dream was to be the setting up of a “pleasant residential area and a shopping centre for West Bognor.” In 1896 there were only two shops on the north side of Aldwick Road. The main work commenced at the start of the 1900's on the north side of Aldwick Road between Charlwood Street and Nyewood Lane. The mixture of architectural styles add interest from the old Regency style. This was written in 1957, I often wonder how future reports will remember today.

ARUN & CHICHESTER (AIR) ENTHUSIASTS SOCIETY

AirACES www.airaces.org.uk

Patrons – Sqn Ldr Richard (Dick) Kharegat RAF (Retd) – ex Vulcan, Victor, B52 Pilot Sqn Ldr Rod Dean RAF (Ret’d) – ex Hawker Hunter Pilot and Display Pilot Monday 27 April 2026 – 1845 for 1930 hrs

'More stories about the RAF Heritage Group' Presented by Sqn Ldr Rick Lipscomb

Sqn Ldr Rick Lipscomb is no stranger to AirACES having previously acquainted us with the RAF Heritage Group and its work ensuring the preservation and sharing of the history of the RAF. This time his talk will cover the recent diverse activities of the Group including the replacement of the gate guardian Tornado on the parade square at RAF Halton with a Eurofighter Typhoon, including the “how and why”.

He will also cover the replacement of the gate guard at RAF Honington, the 3x Tucanos that have been placed in Museums, the gifting of Sea King helicopters from HMS Sultan to various museums, a Jaguar and Tornado donated to the Development at the former RAF Bruggen, Germany, and the recent support to the Metropolitan Police Art and Antiques Unit.

VENUE – Boxgrove Village Hall, The Street, Boxgrove, PO18 0EE 6.45pm for 7.30pm start. Members £5, Non-members £10 and under 16s FREE. Doors open at 6.45pm no pre-booking, no reserved seating. For further information about AirACES, please see www.airaces.org.uk or call David Batcock on 07502 400657.

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Vacuuming to remove loose debris

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SPRING ON THE WING

BY ALICE MCDOUGALL

Bluebells are ringing in the woods; rapeseed crops are glowing yellow; hawthorn, cherry, crab apple and plum blossoms are blooming; April is a magical month. Butterflies are appearing – the orange-tipped, the peacock, holly blue and comma all waking up for spring. At Pagham Harbour and Medmerry, some birds will be heading off to their summer residences, whilst other's will be arriving. Nesting and breeding are at their peak, and if you’re up early, you will hear the mesmeric sound of the of the dawn chorus. Here are of our some summer visitors to look out for in April:

Cuckoos

As one of the earliest migrants to arrive on these shores, the iconic sound of the cuckoo was traditionally heralded as the start of spring – but they don’t stay long. Relinquishing their parental responsibilities, these Machiavellian birds, lay their eggs in the nests of other species before heading off for a long journey back to Africa. Look out for a dove-sized bird with a black and white striped chest, and grey head, wings and tail – sometimes they are mistaken for a sparrowhawk.

Emperor Dragonfly.

Yellow Wagtails

Yellow wagtails are another visitor from the sub-Sahara. These stunning little birds are a vibrant yellow and olive colour (especially the males) and you will see their tails perpetually wagging up and down. You may see them running or walking along the ground, and if you are lucky, see a whole flock of them.

House Martins and Swallows

These wonderfully aerobatic fliers will grace our skies from April until around August, having made the long and perilous journey from Africa. They are both of the Hirundinidae family (swifts are in a completely different family known as Apodidae). In flight the easiest way to tell them apart is the tail shape – swallows have a deep elongated fork while house martins have a much shorter V-shape.

Warblers

Other spring visitors you might spot are warblers such as the reed warbler, willow warbler (for a short time before they fly further inland) and sedge warbler. These exquisite birds may be small and dainty but their size belies their endurance. They will arrive on our shores after flying thousands of miles from Africa.

Come along to one of our events in April to learn more about our visiting birds and hopefully spot some of them. We also have family events over the Easter break.

To find out more and book, see: https://events.rspb.org.uk/paghamharbour Swallow.

Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com)

MY JOURNEY TO THE CHICHESTER FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS 2026

BY CAROLINE DAINES

As a Barnham resident and the founder of Nordic Twigs, a floral studio specialising in weddings and events, I never imagined that my work with flowers would one day lead me to become Head Designer for the Chichester Cathedral Festival of Flowers 2026. Yet it feels wonderfully fitting that such a special opportunity has grown from the same community that has supported my business over the years.

Nordic Twigs began as a small, creative venture rooted in my love of natural materials and seasonal flowers. Based in Barnham, I have been fortunate to work with many local couples and events across West Sussex. Through this work, I connected with fellow florists and organisers involved in the Cathedral’s renowned Festival of Flowers. From there, I was invited to contribute, and this year I have the honour of leading the overall floral vision.

The Chichester Cathedral Festival of Flowers is a truly special event bringing together professional florists, flower enthusiasts, students and school children to transform the Cathedral with breathtaking floral displays. This year’s theme –Nature’s Embrace – celebrates the beauty and generosity of the natural world.

My inspiration comes from the landscape around us here in West Sussex, particularly the rolling South Downs, combined with influences from my Swedish heritage, where nature is deeply valued and respected. The theme explores what nature gives to us – beauty, calm, inspiration and life itself – and reminds us that we must cherish and care for it in return.

From 3-6 June 2026, visitors will be able to experience more than 65 floral installations, created by over 120 floral designers, enthusiasts, school children and students. Each display will interpret the theme in its own unique way, filling the Cathedral with colour, scent and creativity.

For me, what makes the festival most special is the strong sense of community behind it. Local designers creating the displays, local volunteers helping bring the event together and local visitors coming to enjoy it. It’s a wonderful full circle moment – a local designer, inspired by local landscapes, helping to create an event for the local community.

I hope many people from Barnham, Felpham and Bersted will come and experience the festival – it promises to be a beautiful celebration of flowers, creativity and the nature that surrounds us.

To find out more about Caroline’s work visit www.nordictwigs.co.uk

For festival tickets visit: https://www.chichestercathedral.org.uk/events/festival-flowers-2026

Caroline Daines.

ALL WHITE NOW

BY FELPHAM FASHION GURU VICKY BOOKER

The Pantone Color Institute (yes, they’re American!) predicts colour trends in the home, beauty and fashion industries. Each year they pick a shade to be the Pantone Colour of the Year.

For 2026, it’s ‘Cloud Dancer’ – a soft chalky white they describe as “a whisper of peace and tranquillity in a noisy world”. Right now, this feels very relevant, so here are some ideas to bring it into your wardrobe for Spring/Summer.

My first tip is to think about what sort of white suits you best. If you’ve had your colours ‘done’ you’ll know. But if not, if you’ve got auburn, copper or strawberry blonde hair and warm skin tone, a creamier warm white will work well.

Something like this soft knitted two-piece by H&M would be perfect (right).

If you have black, ashy brown, or silvery grey hair and a pink undertone to your skin, then you’ll look amazing in more of a ‘winter’ or true white. This shirt from French Connection (left) looks to be a crisper white, and with the layered style you’re ticking two trends in one!

The trend setters are wearing shades of white head to toe. To make this look work, it’s good to mix textures so it breaks things up. Head to toe in one shade is also great to give the illusion of height, so another good style hack if you’re on the petite side!

This gorgeous coat from Ted Baker (right) styled here with a cream knit and stone trousers shows the look. This coat would also work well for spring occasion events as it would go with most smart outfits.

If you’re not sure about the head-to-toe look, or you’re like me and immediately spill coffee or bolognaise etc, as soon as you put something white or light on, then you may prefer to get the look with accessories! This textured handbag by Next (left) is great way to update any outfit for Spring, and faux leather = wipe clean!

Of course, there are lots of white trainers around that fit the bill, but if you want something different, how about trying the ‘sneakerina’ trend? Yes, it’s the ballet flats, combined with a sporty trainer aesthetic. You could literally be a Cloud ‘Dancer’ in these ballet trainers by M&S (right)!

My final tip, whatever shade you go for, look at the care labels to make sure they’re washable – this is not the most practical colour trend!

If you’d like to discover your ‘best shade of white’ and lots more, join me on one of my upcoming Confident Colour Workshops – 15 April and 2 May –see https://vickybooker.com/category/events/ for more info.

If you feel you’d like a bit of a style refresh, get in touch to see how I can help. Vickybooker.com or contact me for info – vicky@vickybooker.com

Vicky Booker.

Cambria Milla Mix Layered Shirt by French Connection

Alpaca blend skirt and jumper in Light Yellow by H&M

Ankle Tie Ballet Trainers by M&S

Bone Weave Hand Held Bag by Next.

Rosell Belted Coat in Ivory by Ted Baker

ALISON GRIFFITHS MP

Spring is fast approaching and, with it, we all hope for more of the recent sunshine. When the weather is warm and sunny, there really is no better place to be than our lovely stretch of coastline.

As your Member of Parliament, I take huge pride and joy from championing our corner of Sussex. Our beaches are one of our greatest assets. They bring families to enjoy the sea air and spend time by the water, while also supporting the superb range of cafés, restaurants, shops, and attractions that give our seafronts their character.

Many local businesses will be hoping that a stretch of good weather helps kickstart a busy summer season. Visitors make a real difference to the local economy, particularly for hospitality, retail and leisure businesses that rely on strong seasonal trade.

You may have seen the wonderful Navigator Hotel in Bognor Regis featured recently in the national press and on television. I visited owner Kathleen Lamb and was struck by the care and commitment behind the restoration project. It’s heartwarming to see Kathleen and her team receiving the recognition they deserve.

Alison Griffiths.

Hospitality businesses like the Navigator are fighting against greater pressures than ever before. That is one reason I recently launched my Bognor Regis and Littlehampton Business Club, bringing local firms together so we can work through the challenges and ensure their voices are heard. These businesses are the backbone of our seaside economy and deserve strong support.

At the same time, I know recent flooding in Felpham and the surrounding area has caused serious frustration and disruption. Emergency work to clear surface water was vital, but longer-term action is needed. This includes proper maintenance of the Aldingbourne Rife, improvements to drainage infrastructure, better coordination between responsible agencies, and careful consideration of how development interacts with flood risk.

This issue cannot be forgotten as the weather improves. I will continue pressing local and national agencies to ensure long-overdue solutions are delivered.

I know many residents remain concerned about bathing water quality at our beaches. Sewage discharges are one reason ratings at Aldwick and Bognor Regis East remain poor, and hundreds of you have shared your anger with me. I agree with you: it’s not good enough.

That’s why I have invited Southern Water to join me for a public meeting next month, giving residents the chance to put questions to them directly. Details will be shared through my usual channels soon.

If you would like to keep up to date with my work, please follow me on Facebook and Instagram: @AlisonGriffithsMP. You can also sign up to my monthly newsletter on my website: alisongriffiths.org.uk/newsletter, or get in touch with me via email at: alison.griffiths.mp@parliament.uk.

Please

RIVER ARUN WALK – ARUNDEL TO LITTLEHAMPTON

BY SIMON BAKER IRONS

This month’s walk is a gentle 10km route following the River Arun from Arundel to Littlehampton, with easy navigation all the way. Having parked in Littlehampton, we took the train to Arundel to begin our walk back along the banks of the River Arun.

• After leaving Arundel station, it’s just a short stroll along the road into town before joining the river at Arundel Bridge, which has long served as an important crossing over the Arun. The first structure on the site was a wooden trestle bridge built in 1263, replacing the ferry that once operated here. It was later rebuilt in stone during the 18th century, and the current version dates from 1935, redesigned to cope with the growing weight and volume of motor traffic.

• You’ll leave the river briefly as the route leads you through the old streets of town, following them to the end of Tarrant Street where you can rejoin the river. Pass beneath the A27 road bridge and continue to follow the river.

• On the far side of the river stands the distinctive South Marsh Mill, a Grade II listed tower mill. Built in 1830 as a corn mill, it operated by wind until 1915, when a gale snapped the windshaft. After that, it continued to run by engine until 1922. The building has since been converted into a private residence.

• After following the river south for a short way, it’s worth turning back to take in the superb views of Arundel. The cathedral rises high on the hill, with the castle sitting proudly behind it. Glancing east, you can see as far as Crossbush and the square tower of St Mary Magdelene Church in Lyminster.

• As you continue along the path, keep an eye out for the wetland wildlife that thrives in and around the river. Grey mullet are often swimming upriver from the sea as far as Arundel. On the far banks you can frequently spot wading birds such as herons and little egrets, quietly hunting in the shallows.

• After passing beneath the railway bridge at Ford, the Ship and Anchor makes an ideal spot to pause for refreshments. Built in 1664, the Ship and Anchor Inn quickly became a hub for local smugglers throughout the 1700s and 1800s. Under the cover of darkness, they ferried heavily taxed luxury goods from France and returned with untaxed English wool and hides, a trade that proved highly profitable.

• The Portsmouth to Arundel Canal, completed in 1823, joined the River Arun at Ford just south of the marina. If you look closely, you can still see the concrete remains of the lock where the canal once met the river.

• Leaving Ford and continuing south, the river loops back on itself, offering a final, distant glimpse of Arundel before turning once more towards the coast. Soon the outskirts of Littlehampton come into view. Pass beneath the A259 and follow the path through the marina to Ferry Road, which, until 1973, served as the main route into the town. Cross the bridge into Littlehampton to complete the walk.

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

2 O’CLOCK CLUB

LONDON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA STRING QUARTET COMES TO BOGNOR

Bognor Regis audiences can look forward to a trio of uplifting musical afternoons this spring as the much-loved 2 O’Clock Club returns to The Salvation Army Church.

Presented by Arun Arts – operators of the new Alexandra Theatre currently under development – the series forms part of an ongoing programme of outreach events taking place during the theatre’s closure, ensuring live performance continues to reach local audiences.

The programme begins on Tuesday 7 April 2026 at 2pm with Nicole Wilson-Smith, a member of the popular vocal group The Wrens. Nicole will perform a heart-warming selection of classics from the 1930s to the 1960s, including songs made famous by Vera Lynn and The Andrews Sisters.

On Tuesday 21 April 2026 at 2pm, the Club is delighted to welcome a string quartet from the prestigious London Philharmonic Orchestra for a very special afternoon concert. Audiences can expect a selection of well-known classical and contemporary pieces, along with an engaging question-and-answer session with the musicians. The performance promises to showcase the extraordinary talent of these acclaimed players in an intimate and relaxed setting. A free hot drink and biscuits are included in the ticket price.

The series concludes on Tuesday 5 May 2026 at 2pm with the ever-entertaining singer and guitarist, Rustyn George, whose repertoire spans the 1950s to the 1980s, delivered with warmth, humour and energy. Tickets are available at alexandratheatre.co.uk or by calling 01243 861010. Early booking is advised.

THE PROS AND CONS OF ROBOTIC LAWNMOWERS?

BY BEN BRADLEY

In my view a robotic lawnmower is a time-saving, tidy and stress-free alternative to the hot and heavy work of pushing a traditional lawnmower.

Like any tool they have a few limitations. But, having installed and overseen the lawncare in a wide range of gardens, I can say today’s machines are remarkably adaptable.

One of the first things owners notice is the silence. Unlike the roar of a petrol engine, robotic models hum gently obeying a preset schedule. The mower has small razor-sharp blades that cut little and often to keep the lawn consistently neat. The very short grass trimmings drop down through to the soil, so there’s no need to rake them up or make a trip to the compost heap.

Modern navigation has replaced buried wires with a combination of cameras, ground-based GPS and lasers. From a base station near an external socket, the mower returns hourly to recharge. Many models can also navigate multiple lawn zones, and transit across no-mow areas like paths. Some even include obstacle-avoidance cameras, helping them steer around slumbering pets, garden furniture or the occasional football left on the lawn.

Even the most unique gardens can benefit, but robots do struggle with tight corners, extreme slopes or very uneven ground. Borders with drops or raised steps will still require the occasional tidy-up with a strimmer. Blade changes and regular cleaning are still necessary with a robotic mower, but this task is nothing compared to the hours of time saved. Many owners never turn back from the consistently manicured finish and quickly embrace the mower as a named ‘member’ of the family!

Ben Bradley is the founder of Smart Lawn based in Barnham. Visit www.smart-lawn.co.uk or email info@smart-lawn.co.uk or call 01243 908080 to find out more.

Ben Bradley.

Please

ADULTS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR SCOUTING ADVENTURE

BY CLAIRE D’OLIVERA

Adventure, friendship and life skills start young – and at 1st Middleton-on-Sea Scout Group we’re always delighted to welcome new young members, but right now our biggest need is adult volunteers, particularly to support our Cub section (ages 8–10½).

You don’t need previous scouting experience, specialist skills or lots of spare time – just enthusiasm, reliability and a willingness to help young people thrive and be part of something very special.

Scouting offers young people aged 6 to 14½ the chance to explore the outdoors, learn practical skills and build confidence in a safe, supportive environment. From den building and campfires to teamwork challenges and community projects, every week brings something new. Our Beavers, Cubs and Scouts enjoy activities that help them grow into capable, caring and resilient young people – all while having plenty of fun.

Volunteering with the Scouts can be incredibly rewarding. You’ll gain new skills, make great friends and play a direct role in shaping the next generation in our community. Whether you can help every week, assist occasionally, or support behind the scenes, there’s a role for everyone. Training and guidance are provided, and you’ll always be part of a friendly team.

If your child would like to join the adventure, or if you’re an adult who would like to make a difference as a volunteer, we’d love to hear from you.

Help us keep Scouting strong in Middleton-on-Sea — because great adventures start with great volunteers.

Contact: Denis Cooke 07714 058529 and deniscooke@live.co.uk or Claire D’Olivera 07795 280973

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.

Please

Down

1. Undulating landscape (5)

2. Chortle, titter (8)

3. Imprisoned, incarcerated (4)

4. Perfect, spanking-new (4)

5. Toasted fruit-bun (7)

8. Thinly dispersed (6)

12. Call forward with a gesture (6)

CROSSWORD

Across

6. Trailblazer, trendsetter (7)

7. Sacked, given P45 (5)

9. Wooden shoe (4)

10. Measuring rod, inept person (8)

11. Belongs to a club (6)

13. Jab, prod (4)

13. Adjacent lines indefinitely equidistant are said to be ________ (8)

14. Responsive to medical treatment (7)

15. Cat (informal) (4)

16. Glace, sour, Morello (6)

18. Valve in the loo cistern (8)

21. Did not tell the truth (4)

22. Oozy goo! (5)

23. High military rank (7)

17. Turkish meat dish cooked on a skewer (5)

19. Floppy (4)

20. Part of the underside of a boat used for stability (4)

GARDEN VIEW BY RACHEL LEVERTON

PLANT A BUTTERFLY GARDEN

Fascinating fact … Winston Churchill loved butterflies so much he had a garden designed specifically to attract them. His family home was the beautiful Chartwell, but you really don’t need a grand estate to attract butterflies because they will happily flock to the tiniest plot if the planting is right.

When planting for butterflies we need to consider their lifecycle, and of course they start life as caterpillars.

Butterflies choose to lay their eggs where there is a good food supply for their hungry offspring. A patch of nettles in a sunny spot is all you need to attract the red admiral, the small tortoiseshell, the painted lady and the peacock. If you want the common blue (though sadly these are not that common) plant some birdsfoot trefoil, also known as lady’s fingers and properly named lotus corniculatus.

A packet of sweet rocket seeds (hesperis matronalis) is a good investment. One pack produces flowers in all shades of lilac. They have a sweet scent, which is more powerful in the evening, and as a bonus they attract the orange tip butterfly.

So, having satiated the caterpillars, we need to address the feeding requirements of the adult butterfly. The most famous butterfly-attracting plant is probably Buddleia davidii, hence its other name, the butterfly bush. It grows well in most soils but needs to be pruned back hard every year so the flowers, and hence the butterflies, are kept at eye level. Don’t worry too much if you know very little about pruning, Buddleias are hard to kill!

• Sedum spectabile must be one of the easiest plants ever to grow and even thrives in my poor soil. Its dusky pink flowers are always smothered in butterflies and bees when they open in late summer.

• Caryopteris clandonensis, or to use its more romantic name, blue mist spirea is also a wonderful butterfly magnet and very easy to grow.

You can now buy packets of wild flower seeds and butterfly mixes. Try some among your borders and you’ll be rewarded with fluttering, jewel-like visitors all summer.

Butterfly Essentials

• Sunshine – plant butterfly-attracting plants in the sunniest spots

• Shelter – the site needs to be out of the wind

• Roosting spots – Butterflies need somewhere to sleep. They prefer to be high so plant climbers like honeysuckles and clematis.

• Nettles and wildflowers – if space is at a premium try growing them in pots. It works really well.

ARTIST OF THE MONTH: SARAH REFFITT

My journey into art came from small and simple beginnings, I always had a flair for the arts. My passion grew when studying oil painting during my Fine Art Degree. My hometown is Worthing and for the past year I have created my own business selling my oil paintings at shows; The South of England Show, Weald of Kent Craft Show, Petworth House and taking part in local events: Bognor Coastal Art trail, Worthing Lions Summer festival, the Clymping Dog Sanctuary Show and many more.

My art is colourful and striking. I work in oil paint layers, to avoid fast drying mediums. With this technique my paintings take time to create, so I tend to have several on the go at one time, this process allows me to reflect upon my work and alter it where needed.

I use photography usually not a singular image but several and the images are sourced from various free artist reference photo platforms. High quality reference photos allow me to capture the likeness of my subject matter. My eldest son has a flair for naming my work, 'Bert' 'Geoff' 'Lysander' 'Harmony', so a family affair at heart.

It thrills me to be able to share my talents and live my dream. With that said, my endeavours are succeeding thanks to supportive family, friends, suppliers and my framer, and my lovely clients that love my work.

View my collection and shop at www.sarahreffitt.com sign up to my monthly newsletter and follow me on Facebook or Instagram @sarahreffittfineartist

Sarah Reffitt.

BOGNOR REGIS CONCERT BAND

SUCCESS AND SUPPORT

Congratulations to Bognor Regis Concert Band, who won the Southdowns Concert Band Cup again this year at the Chichester Festival of Music, Dance and Speech.

SUPPORT for THE REGIS SCHOOL OF MUSIC

As one of the longest-standing users of the school, the band are performing a Charity Concert in May, on their behalf.

The Regis School of Music in Bognor Regis sits at the heart of our local musical life. As a teaching school and vibrant rehearsal and performance space, it provides opportunities for all ages and abilities to learn, create and share music together. From individual lessons to ensemble rehearsals and concerts, the building is alive with activity week after week.

To ensure the school can continue serving the community for generations to come, they have launched a major fundraising project to carry out essential improvements to the building to safeguard its future.

Not simply repairs, but an investment in the future of music in our area. By improving accessibility and facilities, the school can widen participation, support more groups, and create a space that is safe, welcoming and fit for modern community needs.

All funds raised at this concert will directly support the campaign to secure and enhance the building. Bognor Regis Concert Band’s Charity Concert, 9 May 2026. 7pm (Doors open 6pm) at St Pauls Church, Chichester, PO19 6FT. Tickets £12 (£10 Concessions) For further information and advance tickets. Contact: brconcertband@gmail.com

Bognor Regis Concert Band’s Musical Director, Robert Horner.

Clubs, Classes and Events

knowledgeable,

important to make sure your Will is giving you the right outcomes for the future and is tax efficient - following a budget, a Will review is important.

From dealing with

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THE FIRST FLOWER OF SPRING

A SHORT STORY

BY SIAN WOOLLEY FROM YAPTON

Winter had held the village in its quiet grip for months. Frost covered the rooftops each morning, and the trees stood bare and still against the pale sky. People hurried along the streets with their coats pulled tight, waiting for warmer days to come.

But spring was closer than anyone realised.

One morning, as the sun rose over the fields, twelve-year-old Felix stepped outside and noticed something different. The air felt softer somehow, and instead of the sharp bite of winter, it carried the faint smell of damp earth.

He walked the familiar path through the village park on his way to school. All winter the grass had been dull and frozen, but now the ground looked darker and richer where the snow had melted away.

As Felix followed the path, something bright caught his eye near the old wooden bench.

He stopped and knelt down.

Pushing its way through the soil was a small purple crocus. Its delicate petals opened bravely toward the morning light, as if it had been waiting patiently for the right moment to appear.

Felix smiled. After months of grey days, the little flower felt like a quiet promise that winter was finally ending.

The next morning he looked for it again.

And this time, there were two.

Over the next few days the park began to change. Tiny green shoots appeared along the edges of the paths. The branches of the trees grew small buds that swelled a little more each day.

Soon birds returned to the park, filling the quiet air with cheerful songs. Their voices echoed through the trees, and the village no longer felt so still.

A week later, bright yellow daffodils began to bloom beside the crocuses. Children stayed outside longer in the afternoons, and neighbours stopped to chat as they walked their dogs beneath the warming sun.

Spring was waking the village little by little.

Felix often paused beside the first crocus before heading home. It was easy to miss if you weren’t looking carefully, but he knew it had been the first brave sign that the season was changing.

Standing there one afternoon, he realised something simple but wonderful.

Spring doesn’t arrive all at once.

It begins quietly, with small things: a soft breeze, a patch of green grass, the song of a returning bird, or a single flower pushing through the cold ground.

Day by day, the colours return, the air grows warmer, and the world slowly comes back to life.

And sometimes, all it takes to notice the beginning of something beautiful is to stop, look down, and see the very first flower of spring.

L&G Aldwick

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APRIL HOROSCOPES

BY LOCAL ASTROLOGER LETICIA PARMER

On 10 April Mars (planet of drive, energy and vitality) enters the dynamic, fiery sign of Ariesbut this is the same sign that disciplinary Saturn now occupies, creating a two steps forward, one step back situation. The key word for this April is 'patience' – so hold firmly onto the reins of your life, so it doesn't become a runaway stallion.

ARIES

The planets gathered in your own sign this month stimulate you to make your mark on the world, while Saturn at the same time is asking you to slow down.

TAURUS

Frustratingly your imagination is fired up at the same time as you need to settle into a more zen, meditative state. Dreams will be vivid and romance passionate.

GEMINI

Friends may frustrate your enthusiasm for a get-together by cancelling at the last minute. So socially it will definitely be a blow hot / blow cold month for you.

CANCER

You are having to take your career and fatherly matters more seriously now, so avoid the temptation to cut corners by expecting instant support.

LEO

Despite the fact that you feel all fired up to dash off somewhere exotic this month, you must take your time and use patience over travel plans, also education.

VIRGO

Yes, Saturn is encouraging you to 'clear the decks' and make space by deleting things from your life and diet, but the risk this month is you'll overdo it.

LIBRA

Partnership matters will be 'blow hot/blow cold' this April, which is not a comfortable place for your peace-loving need for balance and harmony.

SCORPIO

Healthwise, you have made a good start at disciplining yourself this year, but Mars might push you to overdo things this month. It's NOT no pain, no gain.

SAGITTARIUS

Children and creative projects are the areas of your life being disciplined by your spiritual teacher, Saturn. So don't let Mars make you impatient with either.

CAPRICORN

Although you feel fired-up to create a wonderful dinner party or move the furniture around, remember Saturn has some profound lessons for you on the home front.

AQUARIUS

Conversations and communications in general need a little more time and patience if you are not going to trip over your words or accidently send the wrong message.

PISCES

Exercise caution over money matters this April, as Saturn is recommending you slow down while Mars starts to tempt you into impulse spending or gambling.

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