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FELPHAM IN FOCUS

The Independent Local Directory of Businesses FELPHAM Delivered FREE to over 6,000 homes December / January 2024

Felpham in Focus

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Felpham in Focus

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Felpham in Focus Dear All, I really love December and the build up to Christmas, but I have never liked Christmas lists. That was until now. Thanks to Fr John from St Mary’s Church in Felpham, I have found the most wonderful gift list written by American journalist and novelist, Orrin Arnold (1900-1980). His gift suggestion list says:

FELPHAM IN FOCUS

The Independent Local Directory of Businesses FELPHAM Delivered FREE to over 6,000 homes December / January 2024

To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself respect.

BERSTED IN FOCUS

The Independent Local Directory of Businesses NORTH AND SOUTH BERSTED Delivered FREE to over 6,000 homes December / January 2024

Thank you all for your support and kindness in 2023. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Kate X

VILLAGES IN FOCUS

Copies of Felpham in Focus are available to collect from Felpham Village Post Office. office@infocusmagazines.co.uk Tel: 07729682245 www.infocusmagazines.co.uk

The Independent Local Directory of Businesses

MIDDLETON, ELMER, YAPTON AND BARNHAM Delivered FREE to over 5,600 homes December / January 2024

FEBRUARY ISSUE DEADLINE –FRIDAY 5 JANUARY SLATE TILE FLAT ROOFS CHIMNEY POINTING LEAD WORK GRP GUTTERING

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Beginning back in the 90’s, the focus was on design and construction of gardens. We got this out of our system and began maintaining gardens and grounds. It was here that we encountered many of the tasks we offer today. On any development its not uncommon to find any or all of the areas we like to help with. Moss is a common one as are brambles and shrub renovation.

Bramble Removal Moss Control Control of Invasive Weeds specifically Horestail and Bindweed Designing and Planting Small Areas Removal of Small Self-Seeded Trees

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Felpham in Focus

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Felpham in Focus

ST MARY’S, FELPHAM BY FR JOHN How does Christmas differ from last year? Ukraine and Russia, Palestine and Israel; no peace in the Holy land. And what is the spirit of Christmas? Is it lost? Does Christmas come too early? Can we afford it and what is it anyway? I have been reading a book entitled The Splendid and the Vile by Eric Laron. It is about Winston Churchill, his family and about the first year of the Second World War. There was a sense of deep worry in Churchill’s life but also a sense that we Brits get on with life and make the best of what we have. During the first Christmas of the war when things can perhaps be described as utterly terrible, Churchill took great joy and love out of watching the children enjoy themselves on Christmas day. I think what I was learning from this book was that, even under great pressure, the right attitude can still prevail by loving God, loving others, finding joy, respect, and goodwill for all every day. The bombing of this country, the loss of life, especially of over 5000 children during that war seems so hard to comprehend. I look now at other places in this world and see the shocking state of how humanity treats humanity. Trying to uphold something that is the very essence of Christmas is hard but under difficult circumstances I think we still must persevere. That Christmas essence needs to be sustainable across a year not just a day. For example, how do we treat our loved ones, family, neighbours, community, schools, and church? The good begins with us. The true impact of Christmas should really be immeasurable. The real Christmas simply begins with a greater self-awareness. Are we caught up by our own outward focus, driven by the hype or the state of the world, or are we inwardly driven – from the heart of a loving God? Like Churchill, are we able to see where love really is? In the midst of these turbulent times, we are still called to be peacemakers. Finding God’s peace in ourselves and sharing this peace with others by our action and our words is our Christian duty. On the 24th/25th days of this month we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ; this wonderful mystery of God’s dwelling among us in the fullness of humanity as Emmanuel, historically foretold by the Old Testament Prophets and born of Mary. Jesus really was a light for people who walked in darkness, a light that shined on all where death casts its shadow, and He is still the true light of the world. Christmas is to me a timely reminder that we are not just celebrating the birth of Christ. We are recalling the amazing and powerful words Jesus used to show us God. And these are still impacting the lives of many today. I have always enjoyed the words of Oren Arnold (July 20, 1900 - August 30, 1980) who was an American journalist and novelist and wrote his Christmas gifts suggestion list. To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect. I don’t need to invite you to church, you know the door is open. Come, join the party, take the true meaning of the season to heart and celebrate. I bid you and your families peace, goodwill and love this Christmas and a New Year of many blessings, where we carry the Christmas message into the rest of the year and let it permeate our lives. With love, Fr John

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Felpham in Focus

Advent and Christmas Services St Mary’s, Felpham Saturday 2 nd , 9 th , 16 th 3.30pm Stations of the Peace

Sunday 3 rd December 11am 6pm

Toy Service Advent Carol Service

From darkness to light

Christmas Eve

8am 10am 5pm

Advent Workshop Christingle

Sunday 17th December 6pm

9 Lessons and Carols

A service for all ages with the retelling of Jesus’ birth

11.30pm

Midnight Mass

The traditional way to see in Christmas Day

Sunday 10th December 3pm 4pm

Said Eucharist Eucharist Crib Service

Christmas Day

8am 10am

Said Eucharist Eucharist of Christmas Day

St Stephens Day/Boxing Day 10am

Said Eucharist

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Felpham in Focus

LOCAL HISTORY BY SYLVIA ENDACOTT As we come to a change of year, I thought I would look at the history of the Hotham Park Clock, which has seen the passage of time the most in our town. The house was built by Sir Richard Hotham in the 1790s, the tower formed part of a private chapel. In 1859 the Chapel was demolished. During 1794 the clock, by John Thwaites of London, was installed. The day books of Thwaites & Reed record that the cost included accommodation and a man’s labour for 12 days to install the clock, was £142 6s. 10d. and it was delivered in two packing cases. This included accommodation in Bognor and travel of £6 6s. 0d. In 1859 the Chapel was demolished, leaving the clock tower. The clock room is reached by a climb of fifty feet, originally by a vertical ladder in the corner of the tower, with nowhere to stop on the way up, but now there are three floors and three inclined ladders of sixty-one rungs in total. Previous clock winders were James McFadyen, Head Gardener, from 1927; Les Powell helped wound the clock from 1940 and Harold Page in 1966; electric winding was fitted in 1994: Derek Frampton officiated from 1998, and hand winding in 2004. The winding handle needs twenty-one turns for the watch train and ninety-two turns for the heavier striking train (using a reduction-geared winding jack). The two weights that drive the clock drop nearly the height of the tower in a week, through holes in the floors. The pendulum is fourteen feet long with an 11-inch diameter bob that takes two seconds to swing from side to side. Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year.

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 11 December - 1845 for 1930 hrs Concorde – The Legend Presented by Phil Holt NEW VENUE - AVISFORD PARK HOTEL, WALBERTON, BN18 0JS A wonderful opportunity to rediscover the grace and glamour of perhaps the most beautiful aircraft in history, with this nostalgic presentation from the superb speaker, retired Air Traffic Controller, Phil Holt. Concorde was the first aircraft that Phil spoke to ‘live’ after being posted to Heathrow Airport in 1978. How fast, far and high did Concorde fly? Where did the name Concorde come from? Why was Concorde retired? How much did Concorde cost? Will one ever fly again? These are just some of the questions Phil will answer on perhaps the most beautiful aircraft ever to grace the skies. He will reflect on the ingenuity and expertise from the designers to the international development teams and the crews who flew Concorde. But it wasn’t all plain sailing. The Americans and the fuel crisis conspired to almost bring an end to her life in the 70s and 80s, but the loyalty of Concorde’s passengers carried her through. Nevertheless Concorde was prematurely retired in October 2003. The grace, beauty and romance is rekindled as Phil recalls the celebrities, the humour, the engineering and he involves you in the Concorde experience! NEW VENUE: The talks are now held at the Avisford Park Hotel, Yapton Lane, Walberton, Arundel, BN18 0JS. 7pm for 7.30 start. Members £5, Non-members £7 and under 16s FREE. Doors open at 6.45 no pre-booking, no reserved seating. For further information about AirACES, please see www.airaces.org.uk, or call David Batcock on 01243 823007.

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Felpham in Focus

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Felpham in Focus

CHRISTMAS JUMPERS

BY FELPHAM FASHION GURU VICKY BOOKER

It’s that time in the fashion calendar – the Christmas Jumper season! Not always associated with being stylish, I’ve scoured the shops to find the ‘cooler’ options so you can rock your festive attire without looking like you’ve fallen into the Christmas decs section at The Range! The Supermarket One (left) – George @ Asda Get your festive jumper whilst picking up the Quality Street and cheese and crackers. Supermarkets often go all-out with the Christmas attire, but often they are a tacky affair. This green top from Asda is in a nice, fitted style and has a simple sequin fa la la! The Ethical one (right) – by Thought Not specifically a Christmas jumper as such, this fun fair isle top from responsible company Thought is great for those who want to make an ethical choice. The print is reminiscent of apres-ski and the stars add the Christmassy touch. As you could wear this throughout the winter, not just for the festive period, it’s a more sustainable choice. The funny one (left) – by Rock on Ruby (via Not on the High Street) Christmas jumpers are often associated with bold and brash designs. But you can still find ones that class as humorous AND cool! This cheeky slogan sweatshirt from Rock on Ruby ticks the box and even better they’re an ethical company too – also available in red with white writing (“Dear Santa, Define Good”) The ‘make a statement’ one (right) – by The Spark Company If you like your Christmas Jumper with a feminist message, you’ll love this equality-driven female-led company. Some of the proceeds from the sales go towards donating sanitary products to those who struggle to afford or access them. This “Sleigh the Patriarchy” sweatshirt comes in five colours and is made ethically with no sweat shops or child labour. The classy stylish one (left) – by Love & Roses @Next For those of us who don’t want giant reindeers emblazoned over our chests, an understated jumper is the way to go. This lovely black sweater from Love & Roses with crystal icicles fits the bill and is suitably Christmassy, but classy with it. Would look fab over a satin slip dress or skirt, or with leather trouser. Also available in Grey if blacks not your colour. I personally have had the same jumper for about six or seven years! I don’t like the idea of buying something to wear only once, and sustainability is such a big consideration nowadays. So other options are to buy from pre-loved sites such as e-bay and vinted, and you can sell your own on after too. Charity shops will also take and sell these (remember to donate before the festive season!). Did you know that I offer Gift Vouchers? The perfect solution for Christmas presents, chose to gift a colour or style session, or you can choose any amount (from £20) so they can put it towards whatever they like! Get in touch to order your vouchers now. vicky@vickybooker.com or check out my website www.vickybooker.com

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Felpham in Focus

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Felpham in Focus

SAVE OUR POST OFFICE

BY LIZZIE MICKERY

Despite terrible traffic gridlock, St Mary’s Centre was packed to hear the Friends of Felpham’s plans to Save the Village Post Office. The Post Office is up for sale, posing a grave risk that its facilities and shop may well be lost. Residents heard that by purchasing and running a community Post Office, this important centre of the village would not only be retained but improved, including all day opening, six days a week. The Village Post Office is a Branch, having ‘fortress’ status, which means it can provide many more services than other counters including Summerley. As GPO rules change, vital banking services would be increased filling an essential gap as Bognor High Street banks rapidly close. The retail stock would be revitalized, and the shop and Post Office made more accessible. Further community facilities are envisaged, including cabins for small businesses in the garden area. Plus, a community hub providing social facilities, eg, book exchange, workshops and local resilience information – useful in times of flood and sewage dumps! The first floor of the house would be adapted for letting, existing Post Office and shop staff retained and new job opportunities provided with openings for volunteering. The campaign’s intention is not to intrude on existing businesses – local businesses would benefit from the increased footfall. There are successful Community Interest Company projects around the country – Findon Post Office and shop was saved by community action. Local accountant, Peter Rollison, took the meeting through the financial viability of the plans and projected future income. The financial projections are on the website www.friendsoffelpham.org. Residents’ suggestions are most welcome plus help from anyone skilled in this area. By an overwhelming majority the attendees gave the campaign their full support. The meeting ended on this thought. Imagine a revitalised post office, full time, user friendly with increased banking facilities, a revamped How our new post office might look. shop, artisan cakes and bread in one of the cabins, a community hub. Outside, people chatting, a lively, fun place to be. Now imagine – nothing, no post office, maybe even no building, a deserted, dead corner. It is within our power to stop Felpham village becoming just another collection of houses. Please help save our Village Post Office. £10,000, £10 pounds, whatever you can afford to donate. Not sure what you want for Christmas, how about asking for a donation for the Post Office? And please, spread the word. Many previous residents, now living away, maintain great loyalty to Felpham, tell them they too can help. We can do this. Together, we can do this. Donations can be made via GoFundMe, details are on the website. Cheques can be left at the Post Office or Rolly’s at 79 Felpham Rd made payable to Friends of Felpham CIC together with your name and address. Cash may be deposited at the Post Office Counter. IN THE EVENT THAT THE PURCHASE DOES NOT PROCEED, CONTRIBUTIONS MADE VIA GOFUNDME AND BY CHEQUE WILL BE REFUNDED IN FULL. Merry Christmas to you all!

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Felpham in Focus

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Felpham in Focus

A SONG THROUGH TIME BY LOUISE ADDISON The enduring tradition of Christmas carolling that heralds the festive season, is steeped in history, and has evolved over centuries. It is an embodiment of communal spirit, joy, and the celebration of Christmas through song and verse. The origins of carolling can be traced back to the pagan celebrations of the Winter Solstice. People would dance and sing to commemorate the passing of the shortest day of the year, celebrating the impending return of the sun. As Christianity spread across Europe, these customs were absorbed into the Christian traditions, particularly the celebration of Christmas. The word ‘carol’ originally meant a dance or a song of praise and joy, and carols were not necessarily associated with Christmas. However, by the late Middle Ages, carols became synonymous with the festive season, often narrating the story of the birth of Christ. These early carols were composed in Latin and were primarily sung in churches as part of the Christmas liturgy.

The tradition of door-to-door carolling began to take shape in the Middle Ages. Carollers, known as ‘wassailers’, would go from house to house, singing and offering good tidings in exchange for food, drink, or money. Wassailing was part of a wider tradition of celebrating the season, which included feasting, drinking, and merriment. The practice of carolling saw a decline during the 17th century when Oliver Cromwell and the Puritans came to power in England. They frowned upon the frivolity and celebrations associated with Christmas, leading to a suppression of carols and public festivities. However, the tradition did not die out entirely and continued in more subdued forms. The Victorian era marked a significant revival of Christmas traditions, including carolling. The publication of ‘Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern’ by William Sandys in 1833, along with Queen Victoria’s enthusiasm for Christmas, helped rekindle interest in carols. Songs like God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, The First Noel, and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing became staples of the Christmas repertoire. In contemporary times, carolling remains very much part of Christmas celebrations. Community choirs sing carols in public spaces, churches hold candlelit carol services, and groups of carollers continue the tradition of singing door-to-door. The history of Christmas carolling is a tapestry woven through centuries of cultural and religious change but the essence of spreading cheer and goodwill through music has remained unchanged.

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Felpham in Focus

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Felpham in Focus

THE COLOURS OF WINTER

There is something particularly rewarding about being outdoors in the winter, about making the effort to wrap up and feel the refreshing cool air. The colours are hushed, the sun hangs low and the trees are bare. But, at the RSPB’s Pagham Harbour and Medmerry Reserves, look carefully and you will find some wonderful flashes of colour among the subdued tones, for winter is the season our ducks are at their brightest. Look out for teal, wigeon, mallard, and shoveler, among others. It is during the winter months that ducks pair up ready for spring mating. Unlike swans and geese who mate for life, ducks create seasonal bonds knowns as ‘seasonal monogamy’. Like most birds, the male duck will exhibit the more colourful feathers in order to attract a female. Darwin called this ‘sexual selection’ – the brighter and showier the male, the The pretty male, or drake, Eurasian teal – which you can more attractive he will be to the female. find at RSPB’s Pagham Harbour and Medmerry Reserves The imperative to find a different mate right now – is at his finest this time of year as he looks to each year, rather than stay with the same pair up with a mate before they return to their breeding grounds. partner, is possibly one of the reasons they exhibit such vibrant colours. Birds have a more advanced sense of colour than humans. The photoreceptors in retinas are known as cones, and we humans have three – blue, green and red. Birds, however, have four – blue, green, red and ultraviolet (UV) and these also have coloured oil droplets which further enhance their colour detection. Research suggests that most birds use their UV receptors which they use to find food and mates, and some species are able to distinguish the quality of the male by the vibrancy of its colours. The strength of ducks’ colours are directly correlated to the quality of their diet and their genes, thus a bright bird is a healthy bird and a good proposition for a female ready to mate. Another reason the males are much brighter – or rather, a reason why the females are less colourful, is the females need the camouflage while they are incubating their eggs. Ducks tend to nest on the ground which makes them vulnerable to predation – so those beautiful mottled feathers we see on female ducks are there to keep them safe. This is a lovely time of year to visit our reserves; they are teaming with life and colour – try and imagine the world through the eyes of a duck. Join our friendly guides on one or our guided walks this month to discover our colourful ducks and other wintering birds. Find out more by visiting our website https://events.rspb.org.uk/paghamharbour or calling 01243 641508.

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Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)

BY ALICE MCDOUGALL (RSPB Volunteer)

Felpham in Focus

MIDDLETON-ON-SEA PARISH COUNCIL

VACANCY FOR PARISH CLERK & RESPONSIBLE FINANCE OFFICER (RFO) Salary Scale in the region of £13,250 - £13,750 depending upon experience & qualifications based on NALC Salary Scales12-14 for 20 hours per week The present Parish Clerk to the Council will be leaving shortly and the Council now wishes to appoint a replacement Parish Clerk & RFO with professional skills, personality and resilience to undertake this most challenging role. Working closely with the Chairman and Councillors, the Parish Clerk’s role is to manage and deliver all parish facilities effectively by implementing the Council’s policies, advising the Councillors diligently and managing an effective interface between the Council and its parishioners. It will be necessary to work from home and adequate space will be needed for computer and associated equipment and filing cabinets. An office allowance is payable. The Council have appointed an Administration Assistant on a flexible 10 hours per week to work alongside Parish Clerk. For an application pack, including Benefits Package, Personal Specification, Job Description and Application Form please email mospc@btconnect.com or telephone 01243 585262. Please note CV’s will not be accepted – applicants must complete the application form. Closing date for applications: Friday 31st December 2023

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ARUNDEL AT CHRISTMAS BY SIMON BAKER IRONS Arundel really does put the spirit into Christmas, with lit up trees, shops all decorated, market and entertainment, providing the perfect atmosphere to enjoy the festive season. So, why not take a lovely family stroll around this beautiful town this Christmas, the short circular walk starts at the museum and meanders around the town looking at the Christmas highlights. • Start at the museum and walk around Jubilee Gardens behind the remains of Blackfriars Priory. Arundel was once a bustling fishing port, evidence of this can be found with the stone slab tables that were used for gutting fish, situated next to the museum within the gardens. Carefully look over the wall to see if you can see any fish in the River Arun, mullet are known to swim up this far. • Leave the gardens and cross the road into High Street. At the Town Square the traditional tall Christmas tree will be standing. Stop here for a while and soak up the festive atmosphere, perhaps while shopping at the Christmas market or listening to some entertainment. (Visit www.visitarundel.co.uk/arundelby-candlelight/ for dates and times of events). This is a great spot to look up the hill and admire the real Christmas trees with warm white lights that adorn the shops and houses. • Walk up the hill past the many shops and eateries and alongside the castle walls. Did you know that Roger de Montgomery, a cousin, and top lieutenant of King William, was declared first Earl of Arundel and established Arundel Castle on Christmas Day of 1067. • At top of hill, bear left and into London Road. Stop off at the 14th century St Nicholas Church and Fitzalan Chapel. Located on the western grounds of Arundel Castle this is one of only a few churches that is divided into areas of both Catholic and Anglican worship. Its Catholic chapel sits within the castle grounds and is a private mausoleum of the Dukes of Norfolk and their families. Whereas the Anglican St Nicholas Church can be accessed from the street. Look for the Nativity that can be seen in the stain glass window situated above the alter. St Nicholas was a historic 4th century saint. He had a reputation for secret gift-giving, such as putting coins in the shoes of those who left them out for him, and therefore became the model for Santa Claus. • Further along London Road is the 19th Century catholic cathedral church of Our Lady and St Philip Howard. On 27th December 1869, work commenced constructing this stunning place of worship, with its neogothic style of architecture. Look for the great rose-stained glass window above the organ gallery. In the centre is the Blessed Virgin Mary with the Holy Child; around her, angels bearing incense and in the outer circle are the fifteen Mysteries of the Rosary. • Head down the steep Parson’s Hill and King’s Arms Hill to Tarrant Street and admire more of the joyous trees and lights that decorate these streets too. Walk back along Tarrant Street to The Square to complete the walk. To see more photos and walks please follow me on Instagram @piertopiertrekking

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Evelyn Howard Bsc Hons MCSP, HCPC Registered

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Felpham in Focus

Press Release

November 2023

The Rotary Club of Bognor Hotham’s Father Christmas Sleigh Father Christmas and his helpers are looking forward to seeing you all again this year as we tour the routes shown during December. This has been an annual event for more than 55 years, raising over £55k for local causes. As this is just one of our Rotary club projects we organise each year, all requiring large numbers of helpers, so if you feel the urge to get involved with helping those less fortunate and have a few hours to spare, we would be pleased to hear from you. Contact Peter on 07771 542680 More street detail is available on www.bognorhotham.rotaryweb.org Facebook- Bognor Christmas Float Sunday 3rd

Downview Area, Felpham

16:30 - 19:30

Monday 4

Rose Green

17:30 - 20:00

Wednesday 6th

Aldwick East

17:45 - 20:00

Thursday 7

Flansham Park

17:45 - 20:00

Roundle Estate

17:45 - 20:00

Tesco – Co-op Pagham

10:00 - 16:00

Friday 8th Saturday 9 Sunday 10

Collyer Avenue/New Town

16:30 - 19:30

Monday 11th

Middleton West

17:45 - 20:00

Tuesday 12

Aldwick Felds

17:15 - 20:00

Wednesday 13th

Glenwood

17:45 - 20:00

Thursday 14

Aldwick West

17:45 - 20:00

Saturday 16th

Runcton Farm Shop North Bersted

09:00 - 15:00 16:30 - 19:00

Sunday 17th

Tesco Shripney Road Blakes Mead

10:00 - 15:30 16:30 - 19:30

Thursday 21st

Bersted Park

17:30 - 20:00

Saturday 23

Jordans Butchers - Rose Green

07:00 - 12:00

Jordans Butchers - Rose Green

07:00 - 12:00

Sunday 24th

Online donations via the QR code. All routes are subject to weather conditions, availability of collectors and complying with government guidelines.

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Felpham in Focus

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Felpham in Focus

BAG A GREAT CHRISTMAS BY SARAH DAVEY

WHAT DO YOU KEEP IN YOUR EVENING BAG?

The story of my life can be told in the handbags I have owned. In my tiny, trendy youth I carried a tiny, trendy beaded pouch. As a student I switched to practical-but-cool leather rucksacks. Through the years I gained two degrees, one husband, four children, two grandchildren, a dog, and a larger handbag...much larger. The amount of stuff I lug around on a daily basis now is more than I once took on a two-week trip round Europe when I was 18. Make-up for starters (who knows when I might run into Hugh Jackman at the post office), a mobile phone, spare tights (me), spare pants (grandson), scrunchie (granddaughter) tissues, baby wipes, a set of keys that would put a prison officer to shame, a purse of gargantuan proportions (though sadly lacking in cash), a notebook and wi-fi-enabled tablet (because I’m a writer and inspiration may strike at any moment), my kindle, assorted pens, spectacles (one pair for driving and another for reading), a hairbrush, and several plastic cast members from the series Paw Patrol. I bet I’m not unusual either. My life (and clearly the lives of some of my family members) reside in my over-sized bag, but while fine for everyday purposes, when I go out in the evening I face a dilemma. I know my outfit would benefit from a petite, chic clutch, but which bits of paraphernalia can I do without for four whole hours? It’s tempting to grab my normal bag, but I know I’ll regret this when I spy more elegant souls clutching their diminutive designer numbers. So, for all of us who struggle I have devised a definitive and minimalist evening bag contents list … • Lipstick / gloss: An absolute must to keep your pout looking perfect throughout the evening. • Compact mirror: Useful for quick make-up adjustments and contact lens emergencies. • Coin purse: Ditch your usual purse with its useful pockets and pouches, for a dinky coin purse in which to keep your cash for the evening. • Mobile phone: Doubles as a camera which is handy to capture those rare child-free moments. • Blister plasters: These special plasters are lifesavers when breaking in new shoes and, even if you don’t need them, they’ll make you very popular when others are hobbling. • Mints: Whether you’re single or part of a couple, if you’re hoping to steal a few kisses under the mistletoe, keep your breath fresh throughout the evening. • Don’t forget: Your house key. You don’t need to take the whole bunch, just remove the one you need. Also, if you’re not driving, do remember to take the number of a reliable taxi firm, just in case your lift falls through. And the bag? With evening bags anything goes. Sequins and sparkles, buttons and bows, funky or sophisticated, whatever your style, your bag should make a statement. Now go and bag some festive fun!

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Helen Gagan has been a qualified Solicitor for the last 23 years. She listened to her clients and the local community and decided to open up her own law firm providing fixed fees legal advice. 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

Initial meetings are free of charge and face to face appointments in the office, home visits and video appointments are available. Fees are fixed and agreed so that everyone knows exactly how much the service to be provided will cost from the outset. Please feel free to telephone Helen’s office if you wish to discuss any of the above matters or to arrange an appointment. 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

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BELLE IS BORN BY LAURA BOND

How many times have you been organising an event and really wished you could have had an expert by your side to help you put it all together? Christenings, milestone birthdays, engagement parties, weddings and even holidays or weekends away – these are just some of the events I can help you plan and celebrate, as well as any other special moments that come your way. As a professional occasion and wedding planner, my organisational skills and keen eye for detail are essential in ensuring that the special moments in your life are unforgettable. I’m committed to understanding your unique vision and preferences, bringing your dream event to life, celebrating and creating unforgettable memories, whilst I ensure everything goes seamlessly, allowing you to just enjoy the moment with your loved ones. With over a decade of experience, working from my home office in Middleton-on-Sea, I have organised numerous events from bridal and Christmas fairs to birthday parties, stag and hen parties, weddings and much more. And that’s why I have set up my company, BELLE, to provide an unforgettable experience for each and every one of my clients, completely tailored to their individual requirements. So, if you’re looking for a personalised event or trip, I would love to invite you to book a no-obligation client call with me. Just drop me a message at Laura@ momentsbybelle.uk or on 07863 012840 or take a look at my website momentsbybelle. uk, which includes details of all the services I offer, my pricing, as well as many reviews from my previous customers, so you know you are in safe hands. I would love to hear from you, and together, we can bring your vision to reality and create unforgettable moments that will last a lifetime. Thanks for reading and I look forward to hearing from you, Laura.

All the benefits of networking without the scary bits!

A relaxed networking social for local businesses

After a short break, we’re back! 5pm-7pm at

The Track, Station Rd, Bognor (Co-Working Space inside the train station building)

FREE ENTRY No need to book! Welcome drink provided.

FFS_funfridaysocial

FFSfunfridaysocial

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S.Roberts Upholsterers Professional upholstery. Contract & domestic any size of work undertaken We provide a free measuring and quotation service and you can find us on Checkatrade.com

Call on 01243 377200 for all your upholstery requirements

Unit 10, Palmers Road Industrial Estate, Emsworth, Hants PO10 7DH www.re-upholster.co.uk

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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.

Felpham Dental Implant Clinic `

• • • • •

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

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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. Invisalign Teeth Straightening

• • •

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

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CROSSWORD Across 1. Not dangerous (4) 19. Title, label (5) 3. Erect, upright (8) 22. Type of seafood (5) 9. Acrobat’s swing (7) 23. Indian rice-based dish (7) 10. Bowl, container (5) 24. Lady-love, paramour (8) 11. Bare, in the buff (5) 25. Assistant (4) 12. Appeared, gave the impression (6) 14. Removed impurities (6) 16. Substance, material (6) 18. Indirect route (6)

Down 1. Devil-worshipper (8) 2. Thermos / vial (5) 4. Nevertheless (4,2) 5. Mealtime etiquette (5,7) 6. Most snug (7) 7. Touch down (4) 8. Tailor, seamstress (12)

13. Fame, influence (8) 15. Antennae (7) 17. Families, clans (6) 20. Florida city, seaside resort (5) 21. Bathed, moved through the water (4)

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L&G Aldwick PATIOS & DRIVEWAYS

Patios, Driveways, Block Paving, Landscaping & Fencing At L&G Aldwick we can help you realise the Patio or Driveway of your dreams. From the first design through to the final installation, we can advise you on all aspects of hard landscaping. We pride ourselves on our innovative designs and consistently high standard of workmanship. Our experienced team also specialise in fencing and walling of all types.

We are proud to be a Marshalls Approved & Vetted Installer, and we supply the UK’s most comprehensive range of driveway and paving products from Marshall’s. At L&G Aldwick we have a free Quotation and Consultation service. Find out for yourself why we are the preferred choice for the discerning customer for design and installation.

So whatever your budget or style the team at L&G Aldwick will be delighted to help you. Contact us now to arrange a free quotation - you might be surprised at how competitive we are!

01243 267988 - 07701 045394 www.aldwickdriveways.com

email.aldwickdriveways@googlemail.com

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WHAT AN EXPERIENCE! BY LOUISE ADDISON

EMBRACE THE TREND OF GIVING EXPERIENCES RATHER THAN PHYSICAL GIFTS In an era dominated by consumerism the traditional approach to gift-giving has been anchored in the tangible: gadgets, clothes, jewellery, and the like. However, these material possessions, while often appreciated, can contribute to a cycle that emphasizes acquisition over connection. In contrast, the gift of an experience offers a memorable and engaging alternative. One of the most compelling arguments for experiential gifting is its emphasis on human connection. Experiences, whether shared or given for someone to enjoy solo, have the unique capacity to bring people closer. They create stories and memories that can be cherished and revisited, long after the physical gift may have lost its lustre or fallen into disuse. Moreover, experiences are inherently more personal than their material counterparts and from an environmental perspective, they leave a much lighter ecological footprint, aligning with principles of sustainability and responsible consumption. And experiences can contribute to personal growth and learning, whether it’s mastering a new skill, discovering a hidden talent, or gaining a new perspective, the intrinsic value of experiences is often educational and enriching. Here are ten ideas that could make for memorable and thoughtful presents: • Cooking Class: Perfect for the foodie or aspiring chef, a cooking class can be a fun way to learn new culinary skills and recipes. • Hot Air Balloon Ride: For those who appreciate a touch of adventure and breathtaking views, a hot air balloon ride is a unique and exhilarating experience. • Concert Tickets: Music lovers would cherish the opportunity to see their favourite artist or band live in concert. • Art Workshop: A session with a local artist or a day at an art studio can be a wonderful gift for the creatively inclined. • Spa Day: Offer the gift of relaxation and pampering with a day at a spa, complete with massages, facials, and other treatments. • A Masterclass subscription: For the lifelong learners, a subscription to an online platform like Masterclass allows them to delve into a variety of subjects taught by experts. • Theme Park Annual Pass: For rollercoaster-lovers. It provides a year’s worth of fun. • Theatre Tickets: A night out at a play, musical, or dance performance can be a culturally enriching experience. • Wine Tasting Tour: A tour of a vineyard with wine tasting is a delightful experience for wine aficionados. • Adventure Sports Experience: For the thrill-seekers, consider gifting an experience like skydiving, scuba diving, or rock climbing. Why not gift your loved one an experience this year? Happy Christmas.

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A GOOD READ

BY NATASHA DONOVAN

The Christmas Mystery by Jostein Gaarder Gaarder, is an author renowned for weaving intricate philosophical musings into compelling narratives. His best-known novel is probably Sophie’s World, but here he gifts readers with a story, that at its heart is an advent calendar in prose, where every chapter unlocks a door to the mystery of Christmas. Beginning in modern-day Norway, the tale unravels as young Joachim discovers a magical advent calendar in an old bookstore. As he opens each window, not only does he unveil a portion of the nativity story, but he also follows the journey of a little girl named Elisabet, who somehow travels back in time to Bethlehem. This dual narrative connects the ancient past to the present, reminding readers of the timeless resonance of the Christmas story. Gaarder’s prose manages to make the vast journey across time and space seem intimate. The cast of historical figures and the diverse landscapes they traverse offer a panoramic view of human history, all leading to that poignant moment in Bethlehem. Through Elisabet’s innocent eyes, readers experience the wonder, challenges, and humanity that has always surrounded this sacred event. Beyond its captivating story, the book is also a reflection on faith, hope, and human connection. While it may appear to be a children’s book on the surface, its layers of meaning will resonate deeply with readers of all ages. I came to it as an adult and love it every bit as much as Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Like Dickens’ work, it serves as a delightful reminder of the profound significance of the Christmas story, and I think it is a must-read during the holiday season. The Girl Who Saved Christmas by Matt Haig Matt Haig weaves a whimsical, heartwarming tale that blends magic, adventure, and a potent message about the power of hope. Written as a follow-up to A Boy Called Christmas, the story easily stands on its own, inviting readers into a Victorian world where the magic of Christmas is threatened, and only a young girl’s belief can restore it. Amelia is an ordinary girl with an extraordinary heart. Living in Victorian London, she faces the kind of adversity that could easily douse her Christmas spirit. Yet her unwavering belief catches the attention of Father Christmas. When trolls, elves, and a festive calamity put Christmas in jeopardy, Amelia’s hope becomes the beacon that might save the holiday for everyone. Haig’s language is imaginative and touching, weaving a rich tapestry of fantasy elements with real human emotions. His portrayal of Victorian London is atmospheric, juxtaposing the city’s grimy reality with the luminous world of festive magic. Amelia’s character development throughout the story is poignant, and readers will be rooting for her every step of the way. The illustrations by Chris Mould further enhance the narrative, bringing Haig’s world to life and adding visual depth to the prose. In The Girl Who Saved Christmas, Haig reminds readers young and old of the enduring magic of belief and the strength to be found in hope. It’s a delightful, touching read that deserves to become a modern Christmas classic.

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Watch the 'Love to Move' programme here:

Love to Move + Time to Chat Love to Move is specially designed to get older people moving and functioning better. Our classes achieve this by carefully integrating the use of gymnastic foundation skills, cognitive stimulation therapy and social interaction activities. Love to Move is a fun, age and dementia friendly run class by our British Gymnastics’ Love to Move coach, Kat. After your class enjoy refreshments, cake and plenty of time to have a chat.

Launches Wednesday 8th November St Marys Centre, Felpham, PO22 7NU Then first and last Wednesday of every month 13:30 - 15:00 You can simply turn up or to book your seat please contact Kat: There will be a suggested donation of £3 for the class, which will be donated to local charities

01243 252 007

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THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS HELLEBORE MIRACLE BY RACHEL LEVERTON

I love hellebores. Their beautiful flowers in subtle colours brighten my garden at this time of year, hence they are also known as the Christmas rose or the Lenten Rose because they bloom from late winter to early spring. My elderly neighbour was admiring my display last year and asked if I knew the folk story of The Christmas Hellebore Miracle. Well, I love a good story, especially one related to gardening so I asked her to tell me. In a forgotten corner of the world, shrouded in perpetual winter, there lay a village with an unpronounceable name. The villagers never knew the warmth of the sun, nor the vibrant hues of spring. Their world was an endless canvas of white, save for a brief season when the Christmas Star would appear in the heavens, casting a faint, ethereal glow. In the village there lived an old herbalist named Helmi. She was known for her wisdom in healing and her knowledge of plants. But of all the plants, Helmi cherished the Hellebores the most. These rare flowers, also known as Christmas Roses, bloomed in the heart of winter, defying the frost with their resilient beauty. One particularly harsh Christmas Eve, a mysterious ailment fell upon the children of the village. One by one, they succumbed to a deep slumber, their breathing as faint as the whispering wind. The villagers were stricken with fear and sorrow, for no remedy seemed able to wake them. In desperation, the villagers turned to Helmi. The old herbalist thought deeply. She had read in ancient scrolls of a forgotten ritual, one that could summon the healing grace of the Christmas Star itself. But to perform it, she needed a bloom from the rarest of all the Hellebores, one kissed by the Christmas Star’s shining light. Under the watchful gaze of the Christmas Star, Helmi ventured into the heart of the frozen forest, guided only by the star’s gentle luminescence. Deep within the woods, she found a solitary Hellebore, its petals aglow with a celestial radiance. Carefully she plucked the bloom, whispering words of gratitude. Returning to the village, Helmi began the ritual. She crushed the petals of the star-kissed Hellebore and mixed them with many herbs and snowmelt to create a potion of shimmering silver. One by one, she visited all the villagers’ houses, and used the potion to paint a tiny star on the forehead of each sleeping child. As the potion touched their skin, a miracle unfolded. The children began to stir, their cheeks flushing with life’s warmth. The villagers, once cloaked in despair, now embraced in jubilation. Their tears, once cold with sorrow, now warmed by relief. From that day forth, the villagers held a Hellebore festival every year on Christmas Eve with Helmi as their honoured guest. They planted the beautiful resilient little flowers all over the village throughout the year, and every Christmas Eve as the Star returned to the heavens, the villagers hung hellebore wreaths intertwined with stars on the doors of their houses. Then they would gather to sing carols of gratitude and hope, their voices carrying the tale of the little Hellebore that held the light of the stars in its petals and the love of a village in its roots. Isn’t that lovely? She said that her grandmother told it to her as a child and she’s loved hellebores ever since. Happy Christmas gardening. Love from Rachel.

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LAMBERTS CLEANING CONTRACTORS

Window Cleaning Gutter Cleaning Communal Area Cleaning Services Grass Cutting Call during work hours on:

07860 806773 Or after 2pm on:

01243 586238

lambertcleaners@yahoo.co.uk

Welcome to Arundel Clocks 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

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SUSSEX CHRISTMAS QUIZ BY KIM LESLIE A prize – a book Sussex Tales of the Unexpected: Five Centuries of County Life – will be awarded for the first most correct answers received. Answers should be emailed to kimleslie@ymail.com before 2 January 2024. Answers will be printed in the February Focus magazines. 1. Where is the Hiorne Tower? 2. What is the heraldic bird of Sussex? 3. In which forest lived a 17th-century ‘monstrous serpent’? 4. To be born a Mullet is to be born where? 5. Where is Chichester in the north of England? 6. What is the name of someone born in Chichester? 7. Which river is said to be the second fastest flowing in England? 8. Which Oscar Wilde character was named after a Sussex town? 9. Where is a crinkle-crankle wall? 10. Which town had two railway stations?

11. Why was Poling important in the Second World War? 12. What unites Ardingly, Hurstpierpoint and Lancing? 13. Which well-known garden is the home of wallabies? 14. An oak tree associated with Queen Elizabeth I is in which park? 15. Which Sussex church is embroidered on the Bayeux Tapestry?

16. Which county had a strip of territory in West Sussex? 17. A new development at Eastergate is called Monaveen. Why? 18. Much of H.G. Wells’ The Invisible Man takes place in which village? 19. The Nab Tower off the Isle of Wight was built where? 20. Where is a rusty award-winning café? 21. Sevenoaks in Kent might have a relation in West Sussex. Where? 22. What was the name of the former lightship off Bognor? 23. Which Sussex village traditionally never closes its doors?

24. Where is a notable forest of yew trees? 25. How did the founder of Regency Bognor make his fortune? 26. Which London school moved to Sussex in 1902? 27. Which American state is named after a Sussex Quaker? 28. Where is the holiday in R.C. Sherriff ’s The Fortnight in September? 29. Who conferred the title of ‘Regis’ on Bognor? 30. Which hill is the highest in Sussex?

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Michael & the team invite you to enjoy the new

10% OFF

Authentic Ind an Cuisine

with this advert (dine-in only) Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

We are open

Xmas Day

£44.95pp for 5 courses. Call for more info

EAT LIKE A RAJ!

Monday 4 Course Banquet £16.95 per person

Monthly tribute act

Function room available

Ample free parking

Outside catering available

Takeaway available

Free delivery available (over £15, within 3 miles)

India Raj. Still the finest traditional and contemporary food cooked by creative chefs. Same great food, same management....just a new name! 43 Felpham Way • Felpham • PO22 8PT 01243 869922 www.soindiafelpham.co.uk 01243 865646 Open 7 days a week 5pm-11pm See our website to order takeaway

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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.

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Felpham in Focus

at �he village Our regular concerts have returned to Felpham Village Hall at 8pm on the first Wednesday of each month. To book tickets and be notified of future events, please visit our website: www.jazzatthevillage.org.uk and ensure that you have filled in our contact form so that we can add you to our email list. You will then be notified when booking opens for each concert.

Weds 6th Dec

PAUL ESHELBY & SIMON BATES featuring LUCY PICKERING Admission £14

Doors open 7pm | Bring your own refreshments For more information please contact Sue on 01243 584932

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FELPHAM PARISH COUNCIL NEWS Here is a snapshot of just some of the things your new parish council has been doing since the elections in May Monitored all planning applications in the parish and using our local knowledge, advised Arun District Council of the action we believed that they should take. Bognor Regis Golf Course and Rampion 2 have been publicised on our website and information provided to residents.

Held our annual event ‘Fun on the Prom’ for Felpham residents and their families, with entertainment, stalls and refreshments throughout the day and evening.

Considered road traffic mitigation schemes for Felpham. This year we have lodged a Community Highways Application to mitigate speeding in Limmer Lane, Felpham.

Ran a new Halloween ‘Freaky Felpham’ event for families. Approved funding of up to £10,000.00 to enhance the King George V playground facilities in a partnership project with Arun District Council.

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Planted flowering verge trees to improve the environment and surroundings for residents.

• Ran and maintained the Community Hall • Made grants to benefit local residents • Assisted parishioners with all enquiries to the Parish Office • Ran a Youth Club at the Felpham Community Hall in conjunction with Worthing Homes • Provided two allotment sites for Felpham residents and worked to create additional plots • Relaunched the Felpham Emergency Resilience Group • Ran Community First Aid Awareness Sessions Felpham Parish Council wishes you all a Christmas that is safe, warm and comfortable. Season’s Greetings and a happy, healthy, and peaceful New Year to you all.

We look forward to continuing our work for Felpham residents in 2024. Meeting Dates 2024 9 January: Finance:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.15pm Main Council:. . . . . . . . . . 7.00pm 16 January: Allotments Projects: . . . . 6.00pm Projects:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.45pm Planning:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.30pm 6 February: Finance:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.15pm Main Council:. . . . . . . . . . 7.00pm 13 February: Allotments:. . . . . . . . . . . . 6.00pm Projects:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.45pm Planning:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.30pm For meeting dates and information visit the Felpham Parish Council website: felphampc.gov.uk Felpham Parish Council, Felpham Community Hall, Meaden Way, Felpham, West Sussex, PO22 8FA,

Tel:01243 827470, Mon-Fri, 10.00am-3.00pm. Web: https://felphampc.gov.uk Email: clerk@felphampc.gov.uk Twitter: @FelphamPC

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COULD YOU HELP YOUR COMMUNITY IN AN EMERGENCY? FELPHAM EMERGENCY RESILIENCE GROUP (FERG) IS LOOKING FOR MORE VOLUNTEERS TO JOIN OUR TEAM. FERG WORKS ALONGSIDE THE EMERGENCY SERVICES AND OTHER AGENCIES RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES THAT AFFECT OUR COMMUNITY.

If you’re interested and want to help, please complete a form by scanning the QR code or going to:

https://felphampc.gov.uk/resilience

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GARAGE DOORS REPAIRS • SERVICING • NEW DOORS • AUTOMATION • ROLLER DOOR SPECIALIST We offer a personal service from beginning to end, giving you the best advice for your situation and needs, right to the end of the process of install or repair. With over 15 years experience, we deliver only the best quality & customer service, and you can buy from us with confidence.

For your FREE survey & quote, call Ben, or visit our social media

07985 619952 | 01243 262431 Web: www.gdssussex.co.uk Email: ben@gdssussex.co.uk Approved Installer

garage_door_services garagedoorservicessussex

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THE MORNING AFTER … BY TOM HANCOCK The pounding head, the nausea, the dizziness, and the shakes. They can mean only one thing… no, you’re not coming down with COVID for the third time – it’s the morning after the night before and you have a hangover. Across the centuries and around the globe some very peculiar hangover cures have been formulated. For example, Mongolians swear by a concoction of pickled sheep’s eyeballs washed down with a brine and tomato juice cocktail. Sorry, did that make you feel worse? How about this less revolting but equally bizarre remedy from ancient Ireland: hangover sufferers should be buried neck-deep in damp river sand! Or you could make the famous ‘Prairie Oyster’: carefully crack an egg into a glass without breaking the yolk. Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce and swallow whole. Oh dear, that’s making me think of the sheep’s eyes again. More sensible, but less dramatic, is to take the recommended dose of Paracetamol with lots of water. Then drink some more water and take an antacid to settle your stomach. If possible, go back to bed. When you’re ready to eat, have a banana to replace minerals lost due to alcohol, or have a good fry-up if you prefer. Other recommended mineral-rich foods are pickles or canned fish … but it’s understandable if you don’t want to try these. Get outside for some fresh air too. Of course, the only way to avoid a hangover is not to drink alcohol, but hey – it’s Christmas. So maybe drink in moderation, don’t mix your tipples, and alternate with soft drinks. That way you’ll enjoy a hangover-free party season!

CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING FELPHAM VILLAGE CONSERVATION SOCIETY DECEMBER FRIDAY 8TH 3.30PM – 5PM, GRASSMERE PARADE This event is one which the entire community look forward to each year, when we switch on the Christmas Tree Lights in the Village the spirit of Christmas begins. Butlins have kindly agreed, once again, to provide the tree; and the newly replaced tree lights will be switched on after our choirs have delighted us with their carols. We can all join in and sing along too. St Mary’s Church Choir have agreed to join us again this year along with choirs from Downview Primary School; Edward Bryant Primary School and Felpham Community College. Warm yourselves up with a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie; for children perhaps orange juice and some munchy biscuits Father John will then bless our tree and ask one of the youngsters to switch on the lights. It is truly a wonderful evening full of joy and happiness.

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Are you a homeowner and aged 55 plus?

Claim your FREE Equity Release Guide online at

www.adviceforlaterlife.co.uk efo f rlaterlife f .co.uk As a homeowner, your property is probably your biggest asset, but have you ever considered releasing some of the tax-free cash tied up in it? Best of all, you can use the cash lump sum however you wish:

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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.

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“YOU DID A CLEAN AND TIDY JOB AND ARE VERY NICE PEOPLE TO HAVE IN MY HOME” WE ARE A PROFESSIONAL TEAM BASED AROUND THE BUILDING INDUSTRY SPECIALISING IN ALL ELECTRICAL WORKS, PROPERTY SERVICES AND GENERAL MAINTENANCE. AN EXPERT SERVICE FOR ALL YOUR DESIRED PROJECTS. ALL ELECTRICAL WORKS UNDERTAKEN ROOM REFURBISHMENTS FENCING PATIOS BRICKWORK SOFFITS FASCIA AND GUTTERING SHED BASES DECORATING LOFT BOARDING/LADDERS SINGLE STOREY EXTENSION

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WHAT IS BLACK MOULD AND HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH IT? BY REBECCA JENKINS At this time of year, we’re all noticing and feeling the cold. Christmas is nearly here and yet spring feels a way off and these winter months can be long. My name is Rebecca and I am a Chartered Building Surveyor living in Felpham and if there is one property ailment that is so common at this time of the year its the dreaded black mould! If you’ve never had to deal with it that is wonderful but many households struggle with this over many months every year. What is black mould? Why does it appear? In short, it’s fungal growth which has occurred due to high levels of moisture being present and unable to escape. This moisture may be present for many reasons; steam from cooking/showering/kettles, a leak, too many people living in a small space and/or inadequate ventilation. When this moisture can’t escape it condenses on cold surfaces. The combination of warmth and moisture give the perfect opportunity for fungal growth. Common places to find black mould are: behind furniture, corners of rooms, ceilings and on seals around windows. What can you do about it? You may have heard it said that if you’ve got mould you just need to ventilate more. This isn’t strictly true as the true aim should be to balance your heating and ventilation so they work together to create a comfortable and healthy home. Here are some quick tips that will help you to manage mould in your home: • Ventilate! Keep windows open a crack for long periods of time, 24hours if possible; use trickle vents if possible. Additionally, extractor fans with a ‘run off ’ timer fitted in bathrooms and kitchens will help to remove large volumes of moisture and stop it from moving to other areas of your home. • Heat your home! We are all aware of our rising heating bills. Central heating systems are the best for consistent heating and the balance is harder to achieve with other methods such as convectors or night storage heaters. The aim is to keep the walls of the property warm to reduce the areas in which vapour will condense. • Insulate! It’s hard to keep a home properly warm without adequate insulation. If you’re a tenant, this is likely to be Landlord responsibility so check it out. • Clean! Use a specialist mould cleaner. Don’t use soap and water and don’t leave the area damp. The aim is to kill the mould spores to prevent spread and reduce the moisture levels. If you’re struggling with mould it can be really frustrating (and expensive) to keep battling it year after year. Seek advice as you may find a Building Surveyor is able offer solutions in a timely and affordable manner. Feel free to get in touch for some advice or a chat and let’s see if we can help. Rebecca Jenkins MSc MRICS is a Building Surveyor for Sussex Surveyors you can follow her on Instagram @The_lady_surveyor

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BUYING SAFELY ONLINE THIS FESTIVE SEASON There were 117,000 reported cases of people being defrauded whilst buying online in 2022, totalling losses of £67 million. But the actual figure is considerably higher, as most purchase frauds go unreported by their victims. Whatever you’re buying, take some simple steps to avoid becoming a victim. • Never pay for anything by transferring money directly to a person or company you don’t know. If you can, pay by credit card. • Make sure a website is authentic by carefully checking the address is spelled correctly. Type it in rather than clicking on a link, or copying and pasting. Use www.getsafeonline.org/checkawebsite • Learn how to spot fraudulent advertisements on social media, online marketplaces and forums. Never part with money – even a deposit – for goods you haven’t seen in person. • Don’t click on links in random emails, texts or posts, nor open unexpected email attachments. • Make sure payment pages are secure by checking that addresses begin with ‘https’ (‘s’ is for secure) and there’s a closed padlock in the address bar. • Don’t knowingly buy counterfeit goods. They’re not only illegal, they may also be unsafe. • Be wary of ‘low-cost’ or ‘free’ trials. Whether they’re for the latest handset or slimming pills, you could be signing up for large monthly direct debits. If it’s for pills of any sort check our Buying Medicines advice on the Get Safe Online website. • Text messages and emails claiming to be from delivery firms informing you that there’s a charge for redelivering a parcel, or a shipping fee to be paid, could be fraudulent. Keep a record of everything you order. Note that some sellers advertise bargain or lower prices during sales or events like Black Friday, when in fact they’re no cheaper or even more expensive. For more information visit www.getsafeonline.org.

HANDEL’S MESSIAH FOR CHRISTMAS

LITTLEHAMPTON UNITED CHURCH 9th DECEMBER 7.30PM 2023 TICKETS £10.00

Box Office 01243 584920 or 582330

dŚĞ ĚǁŝŶ :ĂŵĞƐ &ĞƐƚŝǀĂů ŚŽŝƌ Θ KƌĐŚĞƐƚƌĂ To contact FELPHAM IN FOCUS please email: office@infocusmagazines.co.uk

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Have a coffee on us! Treat a friend to a FREE coffee when you visit the Quarry Café at the Aldingbourne Country Centre. Get a free hot drink when you buy one full price hot drink. Bring this advert when you visit to claim your FREE hot drink. Quarry Café, Aldingbourne Country Centre, Fontwell, PO18 0JP. Open everyday 10am - 4pm Ts & Cs: Only one voucher may be redeemed per transaction. Voucher must be presented at point of purchase to qualify for a FREE hot drink. Only original vouchers will be accepted. Offer valid until 31 March 2024.

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“For unto us a Child is born”

Isaiah 9:6

Come and share our Christmas

Celebrations Dec 3th – The Four Family Nativity @4pm Dec 9th Ͳ Children Christmas Activity Afternoon Dec 17th – Family Carol Service @ 4pm Dec 24th Ͳ Christingle Service @ 4pm CHRISTMAS DAY— Family Service @10am May God bless you with peace and surround you with his love this Christmas

Drawn by a member of Pulse Youth Group

Send your loved ones some festive joy this year with a Sussex Snowdrop Trust Christmas Card. Many of the designs are made exclusively for us, and all profits made will go directly towards the children we support. We have packs of 10 cards from just £3.50. Pop in to our Walberton office to select your cards or call us on 01243 572433 and we can post them to your home.

CHARITY CHRISTMAS CARDS 2023

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JUMPING OVER EGG SHELLS BY ELMER-BASED BOB HARVEY Having been monumentally accident-prone for most of my life, compounded by a career as a TV producer filming in numerous hostile and hazardous locations, it seemed fitting that I should relive some of these experiences within a fictional recreation. My catalogue of global mishaps has been relocated to a provincial theatre in Brighton, chosen as a potentially dangerous environment in a town that has a diverse community and a reputation as a funloving, vibrant, pleasurable place to live, like many towns and villages along our coastline. The central character, Olly Scott, has a penchant for catastrophic misfortune that threaten his hopes of living a normal life and whilst he has spent his youth exploiting his clumsiness to comic effect to safeguard himself from bullying and loss of self-esteem. When he meets the gorgeous Emma he attempts to conceal his clumsiness for fear of frightening her away, helped in this risky endeavour by his long-time friend Felix. As Olly side-steps one catastrophe after another in the company of a miscellany of friends and unpredictable adversaries, he discovers that Emma has a secret of her own, a revelation that will threaten their relationship in a way neither would have believed possible. Elmer Sands offered a tranquil, disaster-free setting for me to recall my jaw-dropping experiences and formulate a story that allowed me to explore some of the social issues that many of us have to confront as we attempt to avoid the trapdoors and jump over our own precarious proliferation of eggshells. The paperback and e-book Jumping Over Eggshells by Bob Harvey are available in the Books section at www.amazon.com and the video can be found on Youtube under its title name.

IN THE DEEP MIDWINTER BY KATE McCARTHY WHAT IS THE WINTER SOLSTICE?

In the Northern Hemisphere, the Winter Solstice occurs when the ‘top half ’ of the Earth tilts away from the Sun at its most extreme angle. This gives us the longest night and shortest day of the year. It normally falls on 21 December, and from this point on, the days will begin to lengthen until the Summer Solstice on 21 June. • The word ‘solstice’ comes from the Latin phrase for ‘sun stands still’. This is because the sun appears to rise and set in the same two places for several days in a row. • Cultures through the ages have marked the Solstice and celebrated the triumph of light over dark. • Massive prehistoric monuments such as Stonehenge were built to align with the Winter Solstice sunrise. • The ancient Romans had a seven-day festival called Saturnalia, when everything would be reversed – men would dress as women and masters dressed as servants. People decorated their houses with greenery, lit candles and gave presents. • Celtic druids gave pieces of mistletoe as a blessing. They also began the tradition of the Yule log, which was burned to conquer the darkness and bring luck for the year ahead. • Many people still celebrate the Solstice today, and many of the customs have now become part of our traditional Christmas festivities.

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FLANSHAM PARK HEALTH CENTRE MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HEALTHY & HAPPY NEW YEAR

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude for your support and understanding during another challenging year for us as a practice and the NHS as a whole. We have been liaising with our Patient Participation Group (PPG) and working on some changes to the way in which we take appointment bookings. This has involved us reserving a certain number of appointments to be booked on the following day, and making an increase in the number of online consultations we can accept. We’re monitoring these changes to see how this changes things for both patients and staff. If you would like to get involved in our PPG and have some input into these discussions please email flansham.ppg@nhs.net (or contact reception). As ever in the NHS, change is a constant presence, and we are expecting the next 12 months to be another period of change. Finances are being put under ever increasing pressure and it is likely that the Practice will have to directly pay for more services that have previously been funded by the Integrated Care Board (ICB). There is also the possibility that some services that fall outside of our core contracted service that have been historically funded by the ICB will also have their funding reduced, or withdrawn. We don’t know what will be affected yet, or when, but once we do we will communicate any changes to our patients.

OUT OF HOURS CARE

For a life threatening emergency – ring 999 Otherwise consider using a pharmacist or the NHS website for advice. Ringing 111 will direct you to the Out of Hours Services for Doctors and Nurses. Out of Hours appointments are available during the evenings & at weekends. Clinicians working for the IC24 team (Integrated Care 24) provide the face to face & telephone advice service – this is a not-for profit company which has the contract to provide this care. Please only use the Accident and Emergency facility at St Richards if your condition is a true accident or emergency.

OUR CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS Sunday 24th December Monday 25th December Tuesday 26th December Wednesday 27th December Thursday 28th December Friday 29th December Saturday 30th December Sunday 31st December Monday 1st January 2024 Tuesday 2nd January

CLOSED Christmas Day – CLOSED Boxing Day – CLOSED 08:00am – 18:30pm 08:00am – 18:30pm 08:00am – 18:30pm CLOSED CLOSED New Year’s Day – CLOSED 08:00am – 18:30pm

GET THE RIGHT TREATMENT Keep a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home for minor ailments, such as coughs and colds. Ask your local pharmacist for free professional health advice on common illnesses. Phone 111 for medical help of advice outside of normal surgery hours. Minor Accidents & Injuries should be seen at Bognor Regis War Memorial Hospital not at your GP Surgery.

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ARTIST OF THE MONTH: TONY SARGEANT BY GLENDA SARGEANT

On the stormiest days, you may see a solitary figure on Felpham beach taking photos. This might well be Tony Sargeant adding to his vast collection of references which enable him to create his dramatic seascapes. These paintings are a particular favourite of his, although he is just as happy painting landscapes, woodland scenes, abstracts and, of course, aviation art. Tony has an affinity with aviation as in his younger days he was British Airways aircrew and he has several paintings at Tangmere Aviation Museum. Tony loves experimenting with different art techniques such as acrylic pour, palette knife work and sponge and spray, to name but a few. He passes these skills on when he takes his class at Rose Green Arts Centre on the first Saturday of each month. But mainly he paints from his studio at home. Tony is taking part in next year’s Art Trail, opening his studio so that his art can be seen not only by friends and family but to the public. Tony is always astonished by the emotional reaction that some of his paintings have on people and is always really happy with the wonderful feedback. Although painting is his first love, Tony has dabbled in ceramics. In fact he had made the largest Tobyjug in the world at 42 inches! At the moment Tony is working on a series of palette knife paintings entitled ‘Aspens’. If you would like to find out more about Tony’s artwork or see his paintings in the flesh you can contact him on 07733363097 or 01243 585656 or email me at glendasargeant@gmail.com

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13 The Square, Barnham, Bognor Regis, PO22 0HB

01243 554732

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TARTIFLETTE

This is a decadent, savoury French gratin made with potatoes, salty bacon lardons, onions, and plenty of cheese. It’s creamy yet crunchy, making it a perfect cold-weather comfort dish. It is traditionally made with Reblochon, but you can use any other firm washed-rind cheese or any pungent melting cheese like Fontina or Raclette. Preparation time: 20 minutes. Cooking time: 1 hour. Serves: 6 INGREDIENTS 812g new/waxy potatoes, we used Charlotte 250 g smoked bacon lardons or diced pancetta 1 large onion, finely sliced 175 ml white wine

1 garlic clove, crushed 200 ml crème fraiche 400 g Reblochon cheese (or substitute), chopped into 2cm pieces

METHOD • Bring a large pan of water to the boil and cook the potatoes for 15-20min, until just tender. Drain well, rinse briefly under cold water and set aside to cool. • Fry the lardons over a medium heat until they are beginning to turn golden. Using a slotted spoon, lift them into a bowl, leaving any fat behind. • Add the onions and a pinch of salt to the pan, lower the heat and cook gently for 10min, until softened. Turn up the heat and cook until the onions become golden. • Return the lardons to the pan along with the wine and garlic. Bring to the boil and allow to reduce until most of the liquid has evaporated (about 5 minutes). Set aside to cool to room temperature, then stir in the crème fraîche and add some seasoning. • Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan) gas mark 6. Slice the cooled potatoes into bite-size pieces, then transfer half of the slices to the base of a 2.5-3 litre ovenproof casserole dish. Spoon over half the crème fraîche mixture, followed by half the cheese. Repeat the layers to use up the other half of the ingredients. • Cook in the oven for 20-25min, or until golden and bubbling. Leave to rest for 5 minutes before serving with a green salad.

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We are open for business! • Samples brought to you • PPE & Safety proceedures

The Raven Flooring Co. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ORDINARY AND EXTRAORDINARY.....IS THAT LITTLE EXTRA

Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) Specialists The beauty of LVT is the ability to create unique designs and patterns as you would with natural materials. It is possible to mimic real stone, ceramic and wood flooring using tiles, planks and more recently parquet. Today's manufacturing techniques give incredible realistic results almost indistinguishable from the real thing as they are also textured to mimic the real materials, yet it is incredibly hard wearing, designed to withstand the rigours of modern day life. The diversity and practicality of LVT makes it a winner anywhere in the home, office or any other area that needs floor coverings.

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Almost everyone needs a Will, regardless of your age, wealth, health or status. by Mark Riley, Founder & Managing Partner, MJR Solicitors There are many types of Wills and knowing which is best for you can seem confusing and complicated. Our specialist Will writing Solicitors can give you the help and support you need.

you would have wanted, the Intestacy laws will determine how your property is distributed. This means there is a risk your Estate will not be distributed the way you wanted.

Sorting out life planning matters is something people often put off. 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 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.

How does a Will work? Once you have an idea of what all your assets are, you then decide who receives what after your death. Furthermore, you should also use your Will as an opportunity to make your wishes known on other important details, such as appointing a guardian for any minor children you have. Within your Will, you also appoint one or more individuals to act as your “Executor(s)” and it will be their responsibility to administer your Estate. This document will then be witnessed, generally by two people.

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.

How can we help? Contact us today to book your FREE 30 minute consultation on 01243 945054 or email info@mjrsolicitors.co.uk.

What is a Will? A Will is a legally binding document that allows you to decide how your Estate will be handled and your assets distributed upon your death. It helps ensure that the people you love get what you want them to. Do I need a Will? Yes, a Will is basic Estate Planning tool that nearly everyone needs. What happens if I die without a Will? This means you have died “intestate.” So, rather than your Estate being handled the way

What are an Executor’s responsibilities? The Executor(s) is/are responsible for making sure that outstanding debts left by the deceased are paid BEFORE any money is paid to beneficiaries mentioned in the Will. Because of this, it is important that you choose your Executor(s) carefully, ensuring they are somebody you can trust with this responsibility.

Trusted, knowledgeable, by your side

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

Recent Client Feedback: “Very thorough, compassionate and approachable.”

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Trusted, knowledgeable, by your side

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Lasting Power of Attorney from £295 +VAT *

Give the gift of peace of mind this Christmas by making or updating your Will. Protect your family’s future today

Expert legal advice

Just as we prepare for the festive season, it’s really important to prepare and think about making or updating your Will, especially in these ever-changing and uncertain times. Regardless of your age, wealth, health or status, planning for your future can guarantee that your wishes are followed and ensure your loved ones get the full benefit of your legacy. Our experts will guide you through the process.

Jargon free language Caring 1-2-1 service Over 35 years experience Fixed Fees - no surprises 5-Star Client Review Ratings

FREE 30 minute consultation available, call 01243 945054

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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THE SCENT OF INDIVIDUALITY

THE RISE OF INDEPENDENT PERFUMIERS BY KATE McCARTHY

It’s that time of year when we buy perfume for each other. But how about instead of heading for a well-known name we explore some of the new perfumiers who have entered the market recently. In a world saturated with mass-produced fragrances, the allure of something unique and personal has led to the burgeoning rise of independent perfumiers. This shift marks a significant change in the perfume industry, highlighting a growing trend towards individuality and artisanal craftsmanship. For decades, the perfume industry was dominated by big-name brands, churning out scents designed to appeal to the widest possible audience. However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable shift towards niche, independent scent creators who offer bespoke and unique fragrances. This trend is probably due to a number of factors. Firstly, consumer fatigue with ubiquitous, mainstream fragrances has created a demand for more unique scents. More of us are seeking olfactory experiences to set us apart from the crowd, reflecting our personal style and identity. Independent perfumiers cater to this desire by crafting distinct, often hand-made, scents in small batches, using rare and high-quality ingredients that aren’t typically found in commercial perfumes. Secondly, the rise of the ‘slow’ movement, which advocates for a more considered, sustainable, and ethical approach to consumption, has influenced the perfume industry. Independent perfumiers often source their ingredients ethically, use eco-friendly packaging, and produce in a way that respects both people and the planet. This resonates with those of us who are increasingly conscious of our environmental footprint and the ethical implications of our purchases. Thirdly, advancements in technology and social media have lowered the barriers to entry for small-scale perfumiers. Independent scent creators can now connect with a global audience, market their products online, and sell directly to consumers without the need for a physical storefront. This has democratized the industry, allowing for a more diverse range of voices and scents. The rise of independent perfumiers has significant implications for how we purchase scent. The traditional model of perfume buying, often based on brand reputation or celebrity endorsement, is being replaced by a more personal and experiential approach. Consumers are increasingly seeking out scent experiences, such as personalized consultations with perfumiers, scent workshops, and the ability to customize their own fragrances. Moreover, there is a growing appreciation for the artistry and storytelling behind independent perfumes. The emerging crop of indie brands are not only unique but have incredibly thoughtful backstories that resonate with their digital audiences. Many of the independent brands produce sample sets which make rather lovely gifts and will allow the recipient to experiment and find something that works well for them. The rise of independent perfumiers reflects a broader cultural shift towards individuality, authenticity, and conscious consumption. The movement is not just reshaping the perfume industry but also changing the way we think about and purchase scent. Have a super scent-filled Christmas.

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funeralcare.co.uk

When a loved one passes away, end-of-life care needs to be dependable, compassionate and ethical. With decades of experience, our trusted funeral services are available whenever you need us on 0800 008 6878.

Caring for local families for generations. Local to you in: • Bognor • Felpham • Chichester • Rose Green

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Felpham in Focus ENJOY FLOWERS? COME AND BE ENTERTAINED

FELPHAM FLOWER CLUB

St Mary’s Church, Felpham

CHRISTMAS CAROUSEL

TABLE TOP

A FLORAL DEMONSTRATION WITH MICHELLE KING

THURSDAY 7 DECEMBER 2023 DOORS OPEN 1.30 FOR 2pm

FELPHAM MEMORIAL VILLAGE HALL 17-19 VICARAGE LANE, FELPHAM, PO22 7DZ

SALE Sat 2nd Dec and Sat 6th Jan

VISITORS WELCOME £5 ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION £35

10am-12 noon

RAFFLE SALES TABLE REFRESHMENTS

St Mary’s Centre,

FURTHER INFO: SANDRA DEAN TEL: 01243 542684 WEBSITE: www.sussexareanafas.org.uk www.facebook.com/SussexAreaNAFAS

St Mary’s Tea and Chat Run in partnership with our neighbours, Gateway Lodge

2nd Thursday of the Month

Grassmere Close,Felpham For details phone 01243 864437

Middleton Makers Christmas Fair

(14th December 2023) Join us for our FREE Christmas Party – games, quiz, Raffle, Christmas tea and carols with the choir of St Mary’s Church St Mary’s Centre Felpham 2pm - 4pm

Start the New Year with our Bingo afternoon (or just enjoy Tea and Chat) Thursday 11th January 2024 2pm – 4pm

Sat 2 Dec ‘23

10am - 4pm Jubilee Hall, Elmer Rd, Middleton-On-Sea, PO22 6EH Why not come along, meet the makers and buy your last minute Christmas gifts.

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DECEMBER AND JANUARY HOROSCOPES BY LOCAL ASTROLOGER LETICIA PARMER Neptune, planet of dreams, visions and illusions, returns to full power this December, then Mercury goes retrograde, clouding your judgement. So be careful not to let your imagination run away with you by being either too pessimistic or overly optimistic. Keep your feet firmly planted on the ground rather than getting swept into others’ dramas. ARIES Big dreams about home and mother this December, though by January you’ll be in a more nostalgic frame of mind about the children. TAURUS You’re dreaming up a gathering, perhaps abroad, then January sees you enjoying the challenge of uncovering the best deal. GEMINI Though renowned for being fun-loving, you might be accused of being a fussy workaholic this December, but by 2024 you relax again. CANCER Idealising a romantic getaway for two this December, though by January you are back to being totally work focussed. LEO Though you are the most gregarious sign of the zodiac, it will take you till late December/ early January to be truly in party mood. VIRGO Harmonies abound for you this December, in all family relationships from youngest to oldest, so January brings a relaxing homeliness.

LIBRA A health problem will turn out to be not as bad as you had imagined. So January dawns with you in a cheerful, chatty mood. SCORPIO Be careful how you communicate, especially with the youngsters, or you could give the game away when trying to hide their gifts. SAGITTARIUS Though it is the festive season, you are more focused this December on dreaming up property renovations for 2024. CAPRICORN This is your birthday season, so why shouldn’t you share your ideals and dreams with all and sundry? Just don’t bore them. AQUARIUS A quick flutter, but no serious gambling for you now, or the planets may conspire to tempt you into a very expensive mistake. PISCES Craving personal recognition and validation from others can lead you to dream of fame, but in truth that is only others’ projections.

Leticia Parmer THE PERFECT GIFT - a private reading with Leticia Shamanic Healer, Astrologer and Counsellor email for an appointment: leticiaparmer@yahoo.com

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Felpham in Focus

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Pet food and supplies Wild bird and fish foods House and home Gifts - Toys Keys cut A & M Barley Ltd 161 Middleton Road Middleton-on-Sea PO22 6DE

Grates Fireguards Tools Buckets Firelighters

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BOGNOR REGIS TIDE TABLE December 2023, Time Zone GMT

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Felpham in Focus 75 75

BOGNOR REGIS TIDE TABLE January 2024, Time Zone GMT

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Felpham in Focus

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Aerial Installation Aerial Connections

Bathrooms Coastline Everything Bathrooms

80 77

Builders Allbrights Bus Services Stagecoach

51 5

Caravan Services TH Caravan Services

Car Services Hutchings Vehicle Services NL Autos

19 9

Care Centres & Home Care Ashton Care Hollymead House Oakland Care

40-41 38 2

Electrical Contractor DC Electrics Lowen Electrical Services Active8 Electrical Services J A Humphrey

13 9 49 31

Painting / Decorating AM Interior Painting Decorator Man RWA Decorating Pro Tradesman

9 73 11 25

Estate / Letting Agents Mays Estate Agents

Parish Council Felpham Parish Council

42, 43-44

Events Jazz at the Village

Pest Control TempPest

Financial Services Advice for Later Life

Flooring The Raven Flooring Co.

Plumbing & Heating Alan’s Plumbing Enticotts Priority Heating & Gas Regis GPS

49 45 15 31

Footcare Pubs / Restaurants / Hotels Felpham Chiropody& Podiatry 21 India Raj Prescription Footwear Associates 35 Quarry Café – Aldingbourne

37 53

Funeral Services Darren Miles Southern CoOp Funeral Service

79 69

Property Maintenance / DIY Allbrights ProTradesman

51 25

Garage Doors AW Garage Doors GDS Sussex

11 45

Roofing New Heights Roofing

Gardening Services The Gardensmiths

Solicitor Helen Gagan Solicitor MJR Solicitors

23 66-67

Carpets & Flooring The Raven Flooring Co

Churches St Mary’s Church, Felpham Felpham Methodist Church

6-7 54

Cleaning Services Conway Carpet Cleaning Lamberts Cleaning

28 35

Hair and Beauty Karen’s Hairdressing

Clearance / Waste Specialist B&W Services

Hardware & Calor Gas A & M Barley

Health / Wellbeing / Care Flansham Health Centre West Sussex Colonics Physio Evelyn Howard Exercise Class/Love to Move

57 71 19 33

Jigsaws Mike Jupp

Kitchens / Bedrooms Dream Doors Coastline

59 80

Lofts Acces4Lofts

Curtains, Blinds & Fabrics Stock Blinds CeceBoo

71 31

Dental Care Felpham Dental Surgery

26-27

Doors Dream Doors

Double Glazing / Windows Barnham Windows & Conservatories 27 Andy Payne 63 Drainage Contractor Julian Munn

Driveways LG Aldwick Driveways

Security GRN Locksmith The Lock Medic

35 15

Sport & Leisure Aldingbourne Trust Arun Leisure

53 61

Stairlifts Baronmead

Tree Surgery C M Tree Care IPS Tree Surgeon

63 71

Upholstery S. Roberts Upholsterers

Watches & Clocks Arundel Clocks

Window Cleaners KLJ Services

All advertisements are printed in good faith, however Felpham 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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15 Felpham Road, PO22 7DA phone: 01243 866111 - 823086

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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 Throughout December, we will once again be launching our Christmas crackdown on drink and drug driving. Sussex Police will be working with partner agencies to provide motorists with thought provoking information and statistics on the risk and impact of driving when under the influence whilst also preventing and detecting incidents of drink and/or drug driving. This will be in addition to the routine work that our Roads Policing unit carry out every day. At Sussex Police we are committed to improving the safety of all road users and reducing the number of people killed and seriously injured (KSIs) on the roads of Sussex. Sadly drink and drug driving is one of the most common causes of collisions resulting in death or serious injury on our roads. Hundreds of drivers are arrested each month – many of those believe that they are fit to drive the morning after a night out. Others give the excuse that they felt “fine to drive”. By raising awareness of this serious issue, we hope to discourage people from getting behind the wheel once they have consumed drink or drugs. The smallest amount of drugs or alcohol can impair your judgement and ability to drive safely. This festive season many people are likely to go out socialising with colleagues, friends and family. Our message is to make sure that if you do, please make alternative plans to get home safely afterwards. Don’t make a choice that puts your life and that of others at risk. We are always very grateful to our local community for reporting those who drive whilst under the influence. If you suspect someone is driving under the influence of drink and /or drugs, please call us straight away on 999. Wishing you all a safe and Happy Christmas & New Year.

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS Solution to Mind Benders 1. Rocking around the Christmas Tree. 2. Last Christmas. 3. We Three Kings.

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Felpham In Focus December/January 2024