Felpham in Focus December 2025 by InFocus

FELPHAM IN FOCUS

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Dear All, Christmas presents can cause so much stress — the cost, the choice, and the time it all takes. But they don’t have to be expensive or involve shopping; it’s the thought that counts, and I love that! When I discover the perfect present, my heart soars. To me, that is what Christmas is about: the joy of giving.

These dog portraits painted by Felpham-based artist Donna Chapman (@donna_chapman_) are one such gift. On the Felpham front cover is our family dog, Basil, a soft-coated Wheaten Terrier. Donna painted this for my husband’s Christmas present, and I cried when I saw it because I knew how much he would love it.

On the Villages front cover, Apollo the spaniel was a gift to my friends celebrating their 50th birthdays this year. On the Bersted front cover, Pickle the Jack Russell was another special birthday gift.

Giving someone a painting, drawing, photograph, collage, or picture of something – or someone – they love is home-thought, home-made, and priceless. Here’s hoping you all find the joy in giving this Christmas and get time to make memories with your loved ones.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all, Kate x Felpham in Focus is available to collect from Felpham Village Post Office.

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

FEBRUARY ISSUE DEADLINE – WEDNESDAY 7 JANUARY 2026

GIVING IS NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMAS

BY REVD JOHN CHALLIS, ST MARY’S CHURCH, FELPHAM

I know Christmas is not for everyone. For many it is a difficult time of the year. For many of us, hidden within the frenzied party time of the year, Christmas and New Year can still be a time of stopping, reflecting and marking the passing of yet another year. Perhaps it happens because we take out of our stored boxes those treasures that are of very little value, but we call them our Christmas decorations and, as we display them once more with pride, this causes us to be a little nostalgic.

Perhaps, in this season of much hype and commercialism, taking a moment to be nostalgic and consider what we have been given through our lives might help us see the true value of this season.

It's so easy to be cynical today and to think that the help that you can offer is negligible, but it only takes a small gesture of kindness to change someone else’s life. And that is as those 'Dog Trust' car stickers like to say, not just for Christmas! In fact, I might make my own car sticker that reads “Giving is not just for Christmas”.

• We can give our time.

• We can give our warmth and friendship.

• We can give a listening ear or a shoulder to lean on.

• And, of course, you can give materially.

If we intentionally set out to give and not be a taker, we might just change this world for the better. Hidden in the tinsel is something deep and spiritually emotional that we might take time to consider and that is ‘giving’ in this season, in every season, for it shall surely lead to a better celebration and a positive New Year.

As I reflect over the years of being the Rector of St Mary’s, I recall just how amazingly generous you, the people of Felpham have been. When we hosted Open Stable, so many people ploughed in their time and money to care for others over Christmas. Now our Christmas Day lunches again so wonderfully supported both physically and financially by you. You are amazing. It simply makes me think that, in an increasingly secular society, this giving that you do helps people like me make sense of Christmas! And here’s how…

For Christians this season celebrates the gift of giving. Jesus may have been a gift to us, in fact he was a rather astonishing gift to us, but if there is anything greater than Jesus as a gift, then it is his example of generosity, because it illustrates the selfless love and compassion that he demonstrated throughout his earthly ministry.

Jesus’ acts of giving were not merely material but extended to spiritual and emotional generosity, setting a standard for his followers to emulate. Perhaps that is why projects that St Mary’s run like Open Stable and the now Christmas Day

lunch and the soup lunches all through this winter are not so much about what we physically receive, but the spiritual and emotional generosity that is freely given and received.

When people give money to our church to put on these events, I know they are giving emotionally as well. Often, in the name of someone who may have died. I have come to believe that, within all human beings and not just Christians, there is a deep need to give. Just as there was and is in God.

The world outside can be a dark place: when we give with our time, our energy, our love, with all our emotions we add to other people’s lives - and by adding to their lives, we add to ours also. We call Jesus the light of the world and he was given to us freely as a gift and people who have been on the receiving end of kindness from someone else tend to pay it forward and give to others even when they have hardly anything to give.

God bless you all, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, Reverend John Challis, Felpham Rectory

ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS SERVICES AT ST MARY’S, FELPHAM

Sunday 30 November

6.00pm Advent Carol Service From darkness to light

Sunday 21 December

6.00pm Nine Lessons and Carols

Christmas Eve

Friday 5 December to Monday 8 December Crib Scene Festival

Saturday 6 December 3.30pm Stations of the Nativity

Sunday 7 December Toy Services

Sunday 14 December

2.30pm Advent Workshop 4.00pm Christingle

Saturday 20 December

4.00pm Blue Christmas Service

5.00pm Crib Service

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

11.00pm Choir Sings Carols

11.30pm Midnight Mass The traditional way to see in Christmas Day

Christmas Day

8.00am Said Eucharist 10.00am Eucharist of Christmas Day

St Stephen’s Day / Boxing Day 10.00am Said Eucharist

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LOCAL HISTORY BY

SYLVIA ENDACOTT

Every year we rush towards Christmas, making out our lists, but do we remember to send the Christmas cards. One hundred and fifty years ago however, we would have sent a Christmas postcard. When the first postage stamps were introduced in the 1840s, an Englishman by the name of Henry Cole was so busy at Christmas that he was forced to enlist the help of two friends to send out his Christmas greetings. John Calcutt Horsley RN designed the card for him and another friend Joseph Cundall produced 1,000. Being an astute businessman he decided to sell the unused cards for 1s. each.

The cards did not catch on immediately, but a notice “Apologies for not sending a Christmas card,” did actually appear in The Times in 1873. By Christmas 1880 the GPO had adopted the well-known slogan “Post early for Christmas,” although it was still possible at that time to post late on Christmas Eve for delivery on Christmas morning!

Enterprising local stationers were also known to overprint postcard scenes with the annual “compliments of the season” or “Christmas Wishes.”

The heyday for the Christmas postcard was before the First World War, when between one and three million cards were posted daily. After the war, the public began to send folded cards, carefully sealed in envelopes, to prevent prying eyes. Today so many people have changed their habits, now sending an image on the computer, usually to multiple people. Not the same as that card dropping through the letterbox.

ARUN & CHICHESTER (AIR) ENTHUSIASTS SOCIETY

AirACES www.airaces.org.uk

Patrons – Sqn Ldr Richard (Dick) Kharegat RAF (Retd) – ex Vulcan, Victor, B52 Pilot Sqn Ldr Rod Dean RAF (Ret’d) – ex Hawker Hunter Pilot and Display Pilot Monday 8 December 2025 – 1845 for 1930 hrs

“More Aerobatic Flying”

Presented by Mr Chris Burkett, Former UK National Aerobatic Champion and Member of G-Force Aerobatics

Air display pilot Chris Burkett is returning to Air ACES, to give more insights into the world of global aerobatic display flying, with further tales and photos of his recent adventures, spanning the globe and including China, India, Nigeria, the Middle East and the Philippines. And closer to home he displays at UK air displays and even private events such as gender reveals!

VENUE – Boxgrove Village Hall, The Street, Boxgrove, PO18 0EE

6.45pm for 7.30pm start. Members £5, Non-members £10 and under 16s FREE.

Doors open at 6.45pm no pre-booking, no reserved seating. For further information about AirACES, please see www.airaces.org.uk or call David Batcock on 07502 400657.

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TIMELESS CHRISTMAS GIFTS (THAT AREN'T SOCKS)

BY SARAH DAVEY

When it comes to Christmas shopping, socks often top the list of “safe” gifts. While practical, they rarely inspire excitement. If you want to give a gift that says, ‘I actually thought about this!’, there are many alternatives that suit all ages and stand the test of time. Here are several ideas that go beyond the ordinary.

Books - Stories That Last a Lifetime

A carefully chosen book is one of the most versatile and timeless gifts. For young children, illustrated classics encourage imagination and literacy – anything by Julia Donaldson is usually a hit. Independent readers love wacky stories like those penned by David Walliams or Liz Pichon. Teenagers might appreciate a popular series of dystopian fiction like The Hunger Games, while adults often treasure novels, biographies, or cookbooks. Pop a handwritten note on nice paper inside the cover to add personal touch.

Games and Puzzles - Entertainment Across Generations

Board games, card sets, and jigsaw puzzles bring people together in a way few other gifts can. They encourage family connection, strategy, laughter and if our family is anything to go by, a few ‘healthy’ disagreements. Think about whether the recipients might prefer a fast-paced tactile game, like Genius Square or Dobble, or something slower and more strategic like Quirkle or Catan. Some games like Connect 4 hold nostalgic value, allowing adults to introduce their kids to some timeless fun.

Stationery and Journals - Encourage Creativity

Notebooks, sketchpads, and quality pens provide both practicality and inspiration. Journals are particularly meaningful, offering recipients a place to record thoughts, goals, or memories. This type of gift is inexpensive but highly personal, and it can be tailored to suit a child learning to write or an adult who enjoys reflection.

Experiences Over Objects

While tangible gifts are traditional, experiences often create longer-lasting memories. Tickets to a local theatre, vouchers for a museum visit, or a family day out are great ideas. Some parents dread Christmas because of the sudden influx of ‘stuff’ it inevitably brings. They might be delighted that someone has been thoughtful enough to make their gift a clutter-free one.

Timeless Keepsakes

Simple, enduring keepsakes - such as a framed family photo, a watch or a beautiful pair of earrings can carry emotional weight. If your budget is small, children and adults alike appreciate gifts that connect them to family traditions and memories. My dad’s favourite ever gift was a photo book I made of his footballing days, to which many of his friends contributed.

Learning and Hobbies

Christmas is an excellent opportunity to encourage interests. Craft kits, musical instruments, or cooking tools can inspire skills that last a lifetime. For children, such gifts spark curiosity, while for adults, they provide relaxation and creative expression. Top tip – many adults do not outgrow Lego! These gifts offer not only enjoyment but also long-term personal enrichment.

The best Christmas gifts are those that combine thought with lasting value, and with a little creativity, you can surprise friends and family with presents far more exciting than another pair of socks.

Bognor Re gis Concer t Band

Christmas Concer t 2025

Saturday 6th December 7pm St Mary’s Centre, Grassmere Close, Felpham PO22 7NU

Join us for a famil y friendl y evening of festive music, raf fle and r efr eshments.

Tickets £8 available on the door or in advance at:

b r c o n c e r t b a n d @ g m a i l . c o m

Bognor Regis Concert Band

KINGFISHERS

BY ALICE MCDOUGALL

The kingfisher is one of our most colourful birds, and perhaps also one of our most revered. But being the size of a sparrow, and rather secretive, they are hard to spot; many of us have never seen one. Look out for that sudden, quick flash of blue for they move at lightning speed. The interesting thing about these beautiful azure birds is that they are not blue at all. In fact the feathers on their backs and wings are actually brown. Much of the colour we see around us in nature comes from pigment – the kingfisher’s orangey feathers for example. But some colours are what is known as ‘structural’ colour.

Structural colour is when the object appears a different colour to the typically observed pigment colour. It is caused by an intricate structural arrangement of transparent materials (or nanostructures) which are able to produce a range of colours depending on their interaction with wavelengths of light. The various dimensions of the materials’ structure impact the colour differences and the iridescence. The stunning colours we see in peacocks, mallards, macaws, hummingbirds and many more are due to structural colour.

Kingfishers, as the name would suggest, are formidable hunters. They sit very still over the water waiting patiently for the movement of their prey, usually a minnow or stickleback. Making a quick, deft leap from their perch, they zip into the water with incredible speed and admirable precision, seizing the unexpecting prey.

This amazing dynamism of kingfishers inspired engineers in Japan working on the design of bullet trains. The kingfisher’s beak is long and narrow, steadily increasing in size from the tip to the head, thus reducing its impact as it hits the water – you may notice the minimal splash it makes when impacting the water (if you are quick enough). Japanese engineers figured that this aerodynamic design would help increase the speed of the trains as well as reduce the sonic boom as they exited a tunnel.

You can see kingfishers at Pagham Harbour and Medmerry, particularly in the winter when they tend to move nearer the coast – the sluice at North Wall, Red Barn ditch behind the visitors centre and Ferry Channel are popular places to spot one. Good luck!

To find out more about events at Pagham Harbour and Medmerry this December: https://events.rspb.org.uk/paghamharbour

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NEW SECTION OF CENTURION WAY BY SIMON BAKER IRONS

A few years ago, I wrote a feature about the Centurion Way that links Chichester and West Dean. However, earlier this year, the route was extended with a new section from West Dean to Cucumber Farm near Singleton. Now 11km (6.8 mile), the Centurion Way offers a safe, accessible, and environmentally friendly path for cyclists, and those with limited mobility, that follows the old Chichester to Midhurst railway line. Beginning near Bishop Luffa School in Chichester, the trail winds its way to Cucumber Farm near Singleton, creating a vital connection between the city and the South Downs National Park.

• For those seeking a full day's walk, the entire route from Chichester offers a rewarding journey through varied landscapes and layers of history. Alternatively, the new extension can be accessed directly from West Dean, making it ideal for a shorter, more leisurely stroll.

• A tunnel at West Dean prevents the Centurion Way from continuing directly along the old railway line, however, a short detour around it allows access to the newly extended section of the path.

• On reaching West Dean, leave the trail and turn right onto the road and pass the school. At the A286 junction (in front of the Selsey Arms) turn left onto the improved footway and travel northwards.

• After 200m, join a new Permissive Path kindly provided by the West Dean Estate and meander through the woodland to connect directly with the Centurion Way extension at the West Dean Chalk Stone Halt. The link path is unsurfaced and includes some steps so is not ideal for wheeled users.

• Heading north along the trail, it’s not long before you arrive at the newly restored Singleton Station. In its heyday during the 1800s, this once-bustling station welcomed passengers dressed in their finest attire, bound for a day at the Goodwood Races. Singleton Station reflected the grandeur of its surroundings, boasting four platforms, a subway connecting them, and an elegant ‘Country House’ style building. On race days, its extensive sidings could accommodate up to 14 trains.

• Continuing north the trail passes Hat Hill Bridge Halt and terminates at Milk Halt. The Milk Halt was so named because it was an important stopping point where local farmers would bring milk churns to be loaded onto trains for transport to markets.

• Along the Centurion Way extension are education boards telling the history of the railway line and halt signage at each connection point directs you to nearby local amenities, such as West Dean Gardens, Weald and Downland Living Museum and Singleton village.

• At the Milk Halt terminus you can either turn round and retrace your steps along Centurion Way back to West Dean or leave the trail on one of the local public footpaths for a longer walk back to the start. The future plans of the Centurion Way is to ultimately extend the route up to the South Downs Way. bought in 1847 by Josiah Wedgwood, grandson of the renowned potter. It later became the cherished home of his own grandson, the celebrated composer Ralph Vaughan Williams.

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

A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS ON A BUDGET

BY TRACEY ANDERSON

The holiday season is associated with generosity, joy, and celebration. But for many families at the moment, financial stress is putting a strain on Christmas spirit. The good news is that you don’t need to spend a fortune to create meaningful memories. With some creativity and planning you can enjoy a festive and fulfilling Christmas even on a limited budget.

Focus on Experiences, Not Expenses

Children and adults alike remember the feelings of Christmas much more than the price tags. Bake festive cookies together, watch holiday movies, go for a winter walk to admire decorations, or sing carols. These can be more meaningful than expensive outings. Consider creating a “Christmas activity calendar” with simple, lowcost traditions spread throughout December.

Give Thoughtful, Homemade Gifts

Presents don’t need to be store-bought to be appreciated. Handmade gifts like baked goods, knitted scarves, personalized photo albums, or handwritten letters can feel far more personal and memorable. If crafting isn’t your strength, even curating a playlist, baking and sharing a favourite recipe, or offering your time (like babysitting for your friend so she and her husband can have a date night) can be a heartfelt gesture.

Simplify the Meal

While it’s tempting to plan a lavish Christmas dinner, you don’t need a feast fit for royalty. Choose a few special dishes instead. Potluck-style gatherings are another great way to spread costs and effort - guests might enjoy contributing a dish and sharing their family favourites.

Decorate Creatively

Holiday decorations set the mood, but they don’t have to be expensive. Repurpose what you already own, make paper snowflakes with the kids, or gather pinecones and greenery from outside for natural décor. String fairy lights and add candles (LED are very realistic now) to add warmth without much cost. Remember: the magic is in the atmosphere.

Manage Expectations with Honesty

If money is tight, be open with your loved ones about simplifying Christmas this year. Most people will understand and may even feel relieved to step away from the pressure of excess. Suggest affordable traditions like a “Secret Santa” with a small spending limit.

Focus on Gratitude and Connection

Christmas is about togetherness. Whether you spend the day playing board games, eating chocolates, or volunteering to help others in need, these experiences create bonds that money can’t buy. Practising gratitude for what you already have - a warm home, family, friends, and health - will set the tone for a joyful season.

A limited budget doesn’t have to limit Christmas. By centring your celebrations on love, creativity, and connection, you can create a festive season just as magical - perhaps even more so - than one defined by spending.

LOCAL LIVES:

BY JANE SUMMERVILLE

THE REVEREND DR CYRIL JACKSON 1746-1819

The first photograph in this article shows what was formerly The Rectory, Vicarage Lane, Felpham – now The Old Rectory, in the Old Rectory Gardens. The photograph was used for a postcard; the postmark on the back of one such card being 1904.

We know that the rectory estate of Felpham was owned by Shaftsbury Avenue until the Reformation and it is thought that the site of The Old Rectory originally had a much earlier dwelling that belonged to the Abbey. The house of the postcard originated in the 18th century and 19th century and was usually privately let, until 1851 at least when we know that the Rector of St Mary’s Church, Felpham was living there.

One of the earlier, private tenants, was The Reverend Dr Cyril Jackson who retired to Felpham in 1809. Revd Dr Jackson was a Doctor of Divinity and a Fellow of the Royal Society. Born in Yorkshire to a Doctor of Medicine and his wife, Cyril and Judith Jackson, the younger Cyril was educated at Manchester Grammar School and Christ Church, Oxford. He was Preceptor (tutor or teacher) to the two eldest sons of King George III and subsequently was ordained priest in 1777. He became the Rector of Carlton in Lindrick, Nottinghamshire, then Preacher at Lincoln’s Inn, Canon of Christ Church, Oxford before being installed as Dean of Christ Church, Oxford in 1783, retiring in 1809.

Much of the land surrounding the Old Rectory (which in itself stood in large grounds with a coach house, stables, and ice house) was farmland with orchards and farm buildings. William Hayley, at Turret House, Limmer Lane would have been a near neighbour; so, too, the Sparkes family who owned Church House, Felpham Road – the farmhouse for Church Farm – and Church Cottage.

It is said that the Prince Regent visited Revd Dr Jackson as his former tutor, before the latter’s death. But what else do we know? That, the original East Window in St Mary’s Church, Felpham was dedicated to him – although later blown out by the bomb that dropped in The Grove, Felpham, in the Second World War. The second photograph shows this window from the interior of St Mary’s.

We also know that much of the late Revd Dr Cyril Jackson’s furniture and other effects were sold by auction – including his poultry! And that The Rectory, as his former residence, was later advertised to be let.

Finally, we know that The Reverend Dr Cyril Jackson was buried in St Mary’s Churchyard, in what is known as a table tomb or box tomb to the west of what is now the North Vestry. The inscription on his grave reads: “Enter not into Judgement with Thy Servant O Lord for in Thy sight shall no man living be justified”. Revd Dr Cyril Jackson’s housekeeper is buried in a grave nearby.

Photographs shown with kind permission of the Bognor Regis Museum.

HOW TO CREATE THE PERFECT

CHRISTMAS CHEESEBOARD

BY AMELIA PALMER-JACKSON

No festive table feels complete without a show-stopping cheeseboard. Rich, indulgent and beautifully presented, it’s the perfect way to round off Christmas dinner or to enjoy with a glass of something special by the fire. Here’s how to make yours worthy of the season.

Festive Cheese Selection

Aim for four to six cheeses to balance variety with manageability. A Christmas board might include: Classic British: Mature Cheddar or Red Leicester for familiarity.

Soft and creamy: Brie de Meaux or Camembert, left at room temperature for gooey perfection. Blue: Stilton, a Christmas staple, ideally paired with Port.

Something different: A goat’s cheese log or Spanish Manchego for variety. For a festive flourish, consider cheeses infused with cranberry, brandy, or even a hint of truffle.

Seasonal Accompaniments

Cheese is best enjoyed with contrasts. Stock up on oatcakes, rosemary crackers, or slices of sourdough. Chutneys really shine at Christmas - caramelised onion, cranberry relish, or spiced pear. Fresh grapes, figs, and apples add freshness, while dried fruits such as dates and apricots echo festive flavours. Scatter walnuts, almonds, or pecans for crunch.

Festive Drinks Pairings

Nothing says Christmas like Port with Stilton. But Prosecco with Brie, or cider with Cheddar, also make merry matches. Mulled wine can be surprisingly good with tangy blue cheese too.

Presentation with Christmas Cheer

Serve on a rustic wooden board or slate. Arrange cheeses from mild to strong and garnish with sprigs of rosemary or holly (non-toxic varieties only!) for a seasonal look. A few mince pies or chocolate truffles tucked among the cheeses add a playful Christmas twist.

With thoughtful choices, your cheeseboard will be a festive centrepiece everyone will want to try. Happy Christmas!

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GORGEOUS GIFT GUIDE

BY FELPHAM FASHION GURU VICKY BOOKER

Here are my picks for thoughtful and stylish gift ideas – sort your Christmas shopping or maybe treat yourself!

Traitor fever has hit hard, and an easy way to channel a bit of Claudia’s style is with a pair of fingerless gloves or mittens! These stripey cashmere wrist warmers by Wardrobe 44 were worn by Claudia in the programme and make the ideal gift. Claudia cashmere wrist warmers in red/navy by Wardrobe 44 - £52.00

Want to wake up to smoother hair and less wrinkles? Silk is the way to go! Sleeping on a silk pillowcase and using silk hair accessories is apparently said to be great for our hair and skin. It may seem an investment, but the cheaper satin alternatives aren’t as effective I’m told. So, this set with pillowcase, eye-mask and hair scrunchie is the perfect luxury pressie.

Lost Cherries 3 Piece Silk Gift Set by Lost Pattern at Wolf & Badger - £152

Jewellery is always well received and the handcrafted pieces from local, Dell Quay based designer – Selkie Jewellery are inspired by marine life and the beauty of nature. These sea glass and sterling silver necklaces are made with glass collected from Bracklesham beaches and make a thoughtful and unique gift.

Stranded Sea Glass Necklace by Selkie Jewellery - £34.00

A brilliantly simple design idea that makes life so much easier – these open flat make-up bags mean you can easily find every item without rummaging! I love mine, which was a present from my lovely mother-in-law – thanks Lana! There are lots of designs to choose from – this pink camo print is one of my favourites and you can buy them at Vinegar Hill in Chichester. Khaki animal print accessoriesDrawstring Makeup Bag in Khaki & Pink Animal by Donna May London - £23.00

A facial oil is a great addition to your skincare routine, especially during the winter months, and for mature and dry skins (although it suits all skin types). I absolutely love this oil with lavender (anti-inflammatory) and frankincense (known as liquid gold), from my own range from colour me beautiful. I use this at night as a relaxing step before bed. Email me and quote FIF10 to order with 10 per cent off!

Nourishing Facial oil - by colour me beautiful - £28.40

I also offer gift vouchers in any amounts from £20 so your loved ones can choose from my wide range of services (colour analysis, personal shopping experience and more) and products (makeup and skin care). Get in touch to order yours and for more help with your own style!

Vickybooker.com or contact me for info – vicky@vickybooker.com

Vicky Booker.

Down

2. Jeans with a bib and straps (9)

3. Turn of phrase (5)

4. Joy, satisfaction (4)

5. Be of different opinions (8)

6. Elucidate (7)

7. Errand (4)

CROSSWORD

Across

1. Bordering (6)

5. Gradually pour from one container to another (6)

8. Bitter leafy green vegetable (6)

9. Beams of light (6)

10. Seventh letter of the Greek alphabet (3)

11. Mild and pleasant (weather) (5)

12. Clock or watch (9)

13. Mournfully resonant, sonorous (8)

14. Coldblooded vertebrate (7)

17. Discover (5)

13. Fuel derived from petroleum (8)

15. Exist passively (8)

16. Hits with an open hand (5)

19. Neither liquid nor solid (3)

21. Bring back to consciousness (6)

22 Device which warms (6)

23 Thoroughfare (6)

24 Wrote (6)

18. Weapons (4)

20. Sea-going vessel (4)

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GARDEN VIEW BY RACHEL LEVERTON

KEEP BUSY THROUGH THE WINTER CHILL

December may feel like the quietest month in the gardening calendar, but there’s still plenty to keep the green-fingered busy. While growth has slowed and the frosts have set in, it’s a crucial time for maintenance, preparation, and adding festive touches to the garden.

Protect Plants from Frost – Frost can cause serious damage to tender plants. Insulate pots with bubble wrap or hessian and move containers to sheltered spots where possible. Mulch borders with compost or bark to protect roots, and if it’s a white Christmas, remember to brush heavy snow from evergreen shrubs to prevent branches snapping under the weight.

Tidy-up and Plan – Take advantage of the calmer pace to clear fallen leaves, especially from lawns and ponds. A tidy garden not only looks better but also prevents pests and disease. December is also the perfect month for planning next year’s displays. Browse seed catalogues by the fire and sketch out crop rotations for the vegetable patch.

Festive Colour – Winter gardens need not look dull. Plant evergreen favourites like holly, ivy, and skimmia for seasonal cheer. Pots of winter pansies, cyclamen, and heather will brighten a doorstep or patio. If you have space, consider planting a Christmas rose (Helleborus niger), which flowers in mid-winter and brings welcome beauty to the darker days.

Fruit and Vegetable Tasks – Pruning is an important December job. Apples and pears benefit from a winter prune to encourage healthy growth the following year. Soft fruit bushes like currants and gooseberries can also be trimmed. If the soil isn’t waterlogged, it’s a good time to plant bare-root fruit trees and bushes. In the vegetable plot, harvest remaining leeks, parsnips, and sprouts for the Christmas table, and dig over empty beds, incorporating manure to enrich the soil.

Look After Wildlife – Garden wildlife needs a helping hand in cold weather. Top up bird feeders regularly and provide fresh, unfrozen water. Leave seed heads on perennials because it looks attractive in frost and also provides food for birds. Piles of logs or leaves can shelter hedgehogs and insects.

Greenhouse and Indoor Jobs – Clean the greenhouse glass to maximise light and insulate it with bubble wrap if temperatures plummet. Check heaters are working and keep an eye open for mould caused by damp conditions. Indoors, poinsettias and amaryllis add a touch of festive flair but keep them away from draughts and fluctuating temperatures.

December is about care, preparation, and enjoying this slower time of the garden year. While there’s little new growth, the work you do now will set the stage for spring. With some protection, pruning, and planning, your garden will emerge healthier and brighter when the warmer months return.

Happy Gardening,

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.

BLUEBERRY CINNAMON SWIRLS

Treat the family to a luxurious Christmas breakfast.

Ingredients

For the dough:

420g Strong white flour, plus extra for dusting

4 tbsp caster sugar

2 tsp Dried fast-action yeast

100ml Milk

40g Butter, plus extra for greasing Oil, for greasing.

Method

For the filling:

150g Blueberries, halved.

Zest of an orange

1 tsp ground cinnamon

Nutmeg

4 tbsp brown sugar

To finish: 1 Beaten egg

70g Icing sugar.

1–2 tbsp lemon juice or water

Fresh whole blueberries, to decorate.

• Dough: Pour the milk and 100ml water into a saucepan with the butter. Heat gently until the butter is melted. Leave to cool until it's lukewarm.

• Place the flour, sugar, and yeast into a bowl (or the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook). Make a well in the centre. Pour the milky mixture into the well. Either mix with your hands or in the mixer on the slow setting with the dough hook. ‘Knead’ for about 5 minutes, or until a smooth dough has formed.

• Oil a large bowl and place the dough inside. Cover with cling film and leave to rise in a warm place for about two hours. When the dough has doubled in size, place on a lightly floured surface and knead for a second time by hand for a few minutes. Butter a 23cm/9in round springform tin.

• Roll the dough out to a rectangle. Scatter the orange zest, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar over the dough, then top with the blueberries. Starting from the long side, roll up the dough as though you were making a Swiss roll. Slice into nine swirls using a sharp knife. Place the swirls gently into the buttered tin, eight around the edge and one in the middle, cut-side up.

• Brush with oil, cover with clingfilm and place in a warm place to rise for about 30 minutes this time, or until doubled in size again.

• Preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6.

• Brush the top of the buns with beaten egg and bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden-brown and cooked through. Place on a wire rack to cool.

• Mix the icing sugar and lemon juice in a bowl until the consistency is suitable for drizzling. Drizzle over the swirls. Scatter over the fresh blueberries and enjoy.

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

Regardless of your age, wealth, health or status, planning for your future can guarantee that your wishes are followed and ensure your loved ones get the full benefit of your legacy. Our experts will guide you through the process. So just as we prepare for the festive season, it’s a good time to prepare and think about making or updating your Will.

Expert legal advice

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Start the New Year with Peace of Mind

By Mark Riley, Founder & Managing Director, MJR Solicitors

Review or Create Your Will This Festive Season

As Christmas lights sparkle and the New Year approaches, we naturally reflect on what we’ve achieved, what matters most, and what lies ahead.

It’s a time for warmth, family, and gratitude — and the perfect moment to look at something many people delay: reviewing or creating your Will.

Among all the gifts of the season, one of the most meaningful isn’t under the tree — it’s peace of mind.

A well-prepared Will ensures your wishes are clear, your loved ones are protected, and your legacy is secure.

Whether you already have a Will or need to make one, acting now can make a lasting difference for your family.

Life changes quickly — families grow, relationships evolve, and priorities shift.

These milestones are worth celebrating but also mean your Will should evolve too.

If you haven’t reviewed it in the last year or two, this festive season is the ideal time to do so.

This year especially, new Budget announcements may affect taxation, inheritance, capital gains, and property thresholds.

What once seemed a solid plan could now bring unexpected tax implications.

Reviewing your Will ensures your assets remain protected and distributed efficiently.

A professional review can highlight opportunities to use new allowances or legislative changes — and safeguard your family’s financial future. With every Budget comes potential shifts in estate valuation and taxation, so it’s vital your Will continues to work in your best interests.

Just as you set resolutions for health, time, and finances, make one that truly matters: getting your affairs in order.

Writing or updating your Will isn’t about endings — it’s about ensuring peace and protection for those you love most.

This season reminds us of what truly counts: family, connection, and security.

Taking a few moments to review or create your Will gives you reassurance — knowing your wishes are known, your loved ones are cared for, and your estate is protected.

Whether you’re making small changes or starting fresh,now is the perfect time.

Begin the New Year with confidence, clarity, and peace of mind.

Give a gift that lasts far beyond the holidays — the gift of protection and love.

Book an appointment to review or create your Will today, and start the year knowing your future, and your family’s, are in safe hands.

info@mjrsolicitors.co.uk www.mjrsolicitors.co.uk

Merry Christmas and Happy

from all of us at MJR Solicitors

Trusted, knowledgeable, by your side

New Year

IT’S NOT JUST A BOOK GROUP AT BOGNOR REGIS U3A

READERS’ DELIGHT CHRISTMAS LUNCH BY VALERIE HENKE

What do the words ‘book group’ mean to you? A cosy chat amongst people enthusiastically sharing their love of the written word? Perhaps a dull meeting reminiscent of a school English class, dissecting the entrails of a story. So what makes a ‘good’ book group? Essentially it’s a group of friends who love to read.

At Bognor Regis u3a we are lucky enough to have three good book groups: Blake’s Book Group, Readers’ Delight and Regis Readers. Each one is a small, close knit group of less than eleven members, all of whom have become friends. Meeting in each others’ homes they share a safe space where they are encouraged to freely discuss often differing viewpoints without fear of recrimination.

The groups find that inhabiting the pages of the same book, and discussing them with a group of friends reveals much more about the book or author and lots about the readers themselves. Their love of literature has cemented these friendships, in some cases for over ten years. During this time the groups have evolved into support networks, which have seen some of the friends through difficult times in their lives.

One of the first things you notice about these three groups is that all the members are women. A man once considered joining one of the groups, but despite being encouraged to do so, decided against it. Group members feel the camaraderie and support they share tends to attract female members. Certain subjects potentially carry a greater risk of causing offence when discussed in mixed company.

Our longest running group, Readers’ Delight was formed in 2013 by Tessa Eley. It has a structured form with a group leader, but all members help with every aspect of running the group. Books are ordered from the library or Kindle downloads are used. When a member used an audio book it was noticed that slight differences in the nuances of the book were influenced by the narrator.

However, it’s not all tea and biscuits in the parlour for Readers’ Delight. This group does occasionally venture beyond the hearth and home. It has an annual outing, visiting places relevant to a particular book they’re currently reading. For instance, they visited the Charlotte Gray exhibit at Tangmere Museum, which brought life to their reading of her experiences as a Special Operations Executive (SOE) agent during WW2. Recently they enjoyed a talk by Karen McCreedy, a local science fiction author who also happens to be a Bognor Regis u3a member. She enthralled the group by detailing the journey which led to her becoming a published author. They also have a Christmas lunch and a Secret Santa where they exchange pre-loved books.

Most of us enjoy a good read. So what could be better than sharing your next literary discovery with a book group of friends?

To find out more about Bognor Regis u3a groups\ or if you would like some help forming a new group please go to our website: https://bognorregis.u3asite.uk

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WHAT FOODBANKS NEED BY FINLAY CAULDER

The Food Foundation carried out a survey which suggested that about one in seven households across the UK experience food insecurity, meaning that they don’t have reliable access to enough nutritious food.

Not all of these families will rely on foodbanks but there is no doubt that need has increased sharply over the past decade, and Christmas is a particularly brutal time for families who struggle with finances. Foodbanks often need extra help and donations.

Donations of money and food are always welcome, as is the offer to help sort, pack and transport.

An ‘emergency’ food parcel usually provides about three days’ worth of nutritionally balanced non-perishable food. Many people assume food banks only need non-perishable food, but they also need other items and especially at this time of year they need little extras, which are often forgotten.

Basics

• Tins of vegetables, meat, fish, fruit and soup

• Pasta, rice and noodles

• Pasta and curry sauces

• Cereal, oats

• UHT / long-life milk

• Tea and coffee

• Biscuits and snack bars

• Long-life fruit juice

• Tinned beans and pulses

• Jam, honey and peanut butter

• Tinned custard and rice pudding

• Toilet roll, soap, shampoo and toothpaste

• Sanitary pads and tampons

• Nappies

• Baby food

• Washing up liquid

• Laundry detergent

Christmas extras

• Christmas puddings

• Mince pies

• Sweets and chocolates

• Tins of shortbread, biscuits

• Crisps

• Hot chocolate.

Check with your local foodbank what they most need. Ask if they need donations for special dietary requirements such as coeliac disease or diabetes. And the best possible thing you can do for your local foodbank is to keep it in your thoughts when Christmas is over. Check in regularly. Foodbanks need donations throughout the year.

To give to our local foodbank visit: Bognor Regis Foodbank, The Hope Centre, Saint Wilfrid Church, Ellasdale Road, Bognor Regis. PO21 2SG If you are not sure what to take, give them a call and find out what they are short of before you travel. Tell neighbours you are going as they may also want to donate too.

Open: Tuesdays 11.30am–1.30pm & 2pm–4pm Thursdays 11am–1pm Fridays 10.30am–2.30pm email: info@bognorregis.foodbank.org.uk or telephone 01243 841275

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F F O O R R

Loft conversions, Extensions, Alterations & Garden Offices etc

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KEITH CHANDLER

FBEng. MRICS. MFPWS. Chartered Surveyor Building Engineer

Party Wall Surveyor 07764 578781

keith@keithchandler.co.uk www.keithchandler.co.uk

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ARTIST OF THE MONTH: TIM BARTELL

I’ve lived in Elmer for five years now, moving south from Croydon, and I feel very comfortable living one meter above sea level by the sea!

I’ve built a wood firing kiln in my back garden and use free timber, getting it before it goes to landfill. The beaches from Elmer down to Climping have three different types of clay on them and I take the clay and process it into slip (a liquid the consistency of single cream). My stoneware pots are then dipped into the slip or sometimes painted on.

Winter is the best time to get the clay, which can be very atmospheric on a cold day. I’ve also found iron pyrites on the beach that I’ve used to decorate my pots with. The clays are also used in my glazes which I make myself. I love the sense of place.

I have about three Raku firings a year, which is great fun. The clay is very strong and withstands being pulled out of the very hot kiln and plunged into wood shavings or cold water. These firings are very social events and there are many gasps of “ooh and ahh” if it’s a good pot!

I’ve been working with clay since 1978 and taught at after school clubs and evening classes. There are always new avenues to explore and I will never get fed up with it. A 4000-year-old craft that will never get old.

My contact details can be found on my website www.whitecroftpottery.com where there is a blog to read about what’s occurring. Do get in touch!

Tim Bartell.

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HOW TO AUDIT 2025 AND MAKE 2026 RESOLUTIONS

BY ANDREW SCHILLING

Resolutions fail when they’re built on guesswork. A year-end life audit turns hindsight into data, so your 2026 goals start from reality, not wishful thinking. Reviewing what actually worked in 2025 – habits, spending, energy, relationships - helps you spot patterns, celebrate wins, and drop goals that no longer fit.

Start with six areas – Health, Work / Finance, Relationships, Home, Learning/Growth, and Joy. For each, write three bullets: what went well; what didn’t go well; what I learned. Keep it factual e.g. ‘exercised 2 x per week’; ‘spent £120 / month on takeaways’. Evidence beats vibes.

Quantify -– Check step counts, sleep averages, bank statements, calendar events, screen time reports, and notes. Give each of the six areas a score out of 10 for satisfaction and out of 10 for momentum (how set up you feel for 2026). Where possible, visualise trends on one page to make priorities obvious, for clarity.

Dig deeper – Ask ‘Why?’ three times on any sticky area: e.g., ‘Missed workouts. Why? ‘Work overran. Why? ‘No cutoff time.’ Why? ‘Need calendar boundaries.’

Red-line and green-light – Red-line commitments to drop in 2026 (dead projects, draining groups). Green-light the high-return actions from 2025 – keep, scale or schedule them.

Design guardrails for your goals – Convert insights into defaults: meal plan on Sundays, leave your phone outside the bedroom, auto-transfer savings on payday, quarterly mini-audits. Pair each 2026 goal with a trigger, a time frame, and tiny first step.

Close with gratitude – List five things in 2025 you’re proud of. Then set one theme word for 2026 e.g., ‘Steady’ or ‘Brave’. Now your resolutions align with your life – as it is, and as you want it to be.

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THE WORST CHRISTMAS MOVIES

OF ALL TIME

BY TOM HANCOCK

Ah, Christmas movies: the genre that gave us timeless gems like It’s a Wonderful Life and Home Alone. But for every classic, there are a dozen cinematic lumps of coal. These are movies so bad, they’re (almost) good. Do you agree, or am I roasting one of your faves?

Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (1964) – Yes, someone greenlit a film where Martians kidnap Santa because the children of Mars are sad. The costumes look like recycled cereal boxes, and the dialogue is stiffer than week-old fruitcake. Still, it’s worth a watch if only to say, “I survived this.”

Jingle All the Way 2 (2014) – The first movie had Arnold Schwarzenegger in peak, dad-mode chaos. The sequel stars … Larry the Cable Guy. That’s it. That’s the joke. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you suck all the charm out of a goofy holiday comedy, here’s your answer.

Deck the Halls (2006) – Danny DeVito and Matthew Broderick compete to see who can blind the neighbourhood first with Christmas lights. Sounds fun, right? Wrong. It’s two hours of unlikable characters, forced pratfalls, and enough faux sentiment to make a Hallmark card weep. Also, my wife loves it, so we have to watch it every year.

The Nutcracker in 3D (2010) – Who looked at this elegant, beloved ballet and thought, “Needs more Nazi imagery and talking rats”? This fever dream somehow roped in Nathan Lane and Elle Fanning. It’s proof that Hollywood can, in fact, ruin literally anything.

Christmas with the Kranks (2004) – Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis decide to skip Christmas, and their neighbours react as if they’ve committed high treason. Throw in a creepy snowman, a subplot about ham, and slapstick that belongs in a rejected Three Stooges reel, and you’ve got holiday torture wrapped in tinsel.

Santa with Muscles (1996) – Starring Hulk Hogan as a fitness guru who thinks he’s Santa after getting bonked on the head. The premise alone deserves jail time. If you’ve ever wanted to see Santa perform body slams instead of ho-ho-hos, congratulations - you’re the target audience.

The Star Wars Holiday Special (1978) – George Lucas tried to erase this from existence, and honestly, we should respect his wishes. Featuring Wookiee family drama, Bea Arthur singing in a space cantina, and ten solid minutes of unsubtitled growling, this is less “holiday cheer” and more “holiday oh dear.” These movies may be cinematic disasters, but they’re perfect if you want to laugh, cringe, and question your life choices. So, pop some popcorn, lower your expectations to absolute zero, and enjoy the worst that Christmas has to offer. At least it’ll make the socks seem thrilling on Christmas morning.

SEASON’S GREETINGS

FROM OUR FELPHAM POST OFFICE AND VILLAGE STORES

THE VILLAGE STORES WILL BE OPEN UNTIL 3 PM ON SATURDAY UNTIL CHRISTMAS

Your one stop for cards, wrapping paper, postage, chocolates, children’s drawing books etc … PLUS groceries, newspapers, lottery and so much more. How exciting, our first Christmas, a time for friends and families to come together. But remember, we are never alone at our Felpham Post Office and Village Stores. Our community, old friends and new, came together to make our wonderful shop happen. And now we look to the future. Thank you to everyone and Happy New Year. And, looking forward, to the New Year –

Sunday, 5 January, 7.30pm, at the Fox Inn, Felpham, the return of our fantastic, BLOCKBUSTERS QUIZ.

Tickets now available at the Post Office

And another for your diary, Saturday, 28 February, 7.30pm, the World Premiere of a –

Murder Mystery and Quiz at the Memorial Hall, Felpham. Murder at the Old Rectory!! Murder, mystery, and sound effects!!! Tickets and details in the New Year. Proceeds towards creating a Village Plaza with market stalls etc in Grassmere Parade

HISTORY OF THE FELPHAM POST OFFICE – PART 2

BY KEITH HELLYER

Around 1909, the current post office was built on the grounds of a public house called “Hero of the Nile”, presumably named after Admiral Horatio Nelson. It was smaller then and had a tiny shop area in the front left corner. The letter box was in the wall of the building and you can still see where it was by the different colour bricks in the wall near the notice board. The original pub had its own brewery and the rear flint wall and the PO and the cottage next door, “Morwell”, was part of the original wall. If you look closely at the flint wall in front of Morwell, you can make out the remains of a window.

The first postmaster was Mr Thomas Wood, aged 45. He and his brother Edward came to Bognor in 1876, working in the Bognor post office. The work in Bognor increased more than tenfold in a very short time; the telegraph and the telegram had been introduced and in 1909 the old age pension started. The Woods were heavily involved in all the changes, with Edward rising to become postmaster and Thomas his assistant/overseer. After 40 years, Edward retired as Bognor postmaster in 1916. His outside interests were organising the annual regatta; Captain of Bognor Fire Brigade; a sideman at St John’s Church, Bognor and Sunday School Superintendent. His brother left busy Bognor for the more tranquil Felpham due to ill health in 1909. He remained postmaster until 1927. He was also Bognor Town Bandmaster, conducting the Bijou Orchestra, and a performer in the Bognor PO minstrel troupe. The south wing of the property was erected during his time. He passed away in 1942 aged 83.

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A GOOD READ

BY NATASHA DONOVAN

Letters from Father Christmas by J. R. R. Tolkien

J.R.R. Tolkien’s Letters from Father Christmas feels like opening a keepsake trunk. Gathered from the notes Tolkien wrote to his children between 1920 and 1943, these letters arrive from the North Pole with wobbly calligraphy, postmarks, and gloriously chaotic sidecomments from the accident-prone North Polar Bear. The result is a scrapbook of make-believe that somehow grows more believable with every page.

There are capers involving fireworks gone wrong, goblin interlopers, and pantry raids, all rendered with gently anarchic humour. And there's wonder, with flaring auroras, moonlit ice cliffs, and marching bears 'bearing' gifts! Tolkien’s illustrations and invented alphabets provide half of the magic; the other half is the voice of Father Christmas who sounds at once ancient and avuncular, and also wistful and wry; a storyteller who knows when to whisper and when to boom.

Because the letters span decades, his children grow up, wars darken the winters, and merriment turns tender. The melancholy never breaks the spell though; it deepens it, the way candlelight adds depth to a room. Readers of Tolkien will recognize his hand - names that taste right, lore that feels lived-in, jokes that land.

As a December ritual, a family read-aloud, or simply a tonic for grim days, this book shimmers. Open it, and you may hear sleigh bells somewhere beyond the page. It certainly leaves footprints in snow.

That Christmas by Richard Curtis, illustrated by Rebecca Cobb Five families who always spend Christmas together with set traditions and routines are all set to do it again this year. Except the adults are off to a wedding.

Only they can't get back! So, the ten children get to do Christmas their way, and in the process make it a little bit better. It's festive chaos in picture-book form with everything going delightfully off-script in this fast-paced, funny, and fun to read aloud story.

Parents will recognise the seasonal logistics; kids will relish the anarchy and the promise that Christmas can be remade by anyone with enough imagination and a bit of courage.

Rebecca Cobb’s illustrations, with her loose lines and soft textures have a lively feel, and make the chaos feel safe. Her eye for tiny, domestic comedy rewards 'reading' the pictures as much as the words.

There's a clear message that tradition isn't set in stone; it’s a living thing that evolves with each new generation; the best gifts can be improvised, kindness is important, and little brave silliness is always to be encouraged. It also wraps everything up with a bit of sparkle so reading That Christmas, with a cup of hot chocolate, may well become a festive tradition in its own right.

DECEMBER HOROSCOPES

BY LOCAL ASTROLOGER LETICIA PARMER

This festive season, whether its choosing the right gift or planning a joyful gathering, your thoughts will be very clear and inspired. Its not all logic and duty though as you'll have a strong imagination, perhaps even be somewhat psychic or intuitive. This is because not only Mercury (planet of thinking) but also Neptune (planet of dreams, visions and imagination) will be back in full power from December.

ARIES

You may be quite sentimental and romantic this December, dreaming of flying away to some exotic location for magical experiences.

TAURUS

You'll conjure up some great gift ideas for friends and will thoroughly enjoy a "murder mystery" party event with a fun group now.

GEMINI

Thinking mostly about one special person in particular, you can come up with quite an ambitious plan for a traditional gift or date.

CANCER

Idealising pastures new and dreamily flicking through holiday brochures, can become reality with practical plans and precise organisation.

LEO

Your creativity is at a peak this December, and that includes how much imagination goes into both making and hiding gifts for loved ones.

VIRGO

Taking on the catering for your celebrations will come naturally to you, especially if you can romantically enjoy serving your loved one.

LIBRA

Thoughts and words are moving fast, but be careful not to imagine that others want to hear your 'helpful' criticisms or corrections.

SCORPIO

As your thoughts will be very focussed on budgets and money, you'll do well to come up with some creative homemade gift ideas.

SAGITTARIUS

Mercury now makes you very conscious of your need for applause and recognition, so you will host a great party or put on a great performance.

CAPRICORN

Dreaming and idealisic, you leave behind your cautious, practical self to become quite romantic and poetical in your communications.

AQUARIUS

Thinking of others is second-nature for you, and this December nothing will fulfil you more than serving in a homeless kitchen.

PISCES

Though you are the dreamer and 'rescuer' of the zodiac, your thoughts are surprisingly grounded, practical and self-empowering this December.

A personal chart reading with Leticia makes an ideal and original gift.

Call: 07956 155105 email: leticiaparmer@yahoo.com

BOGNOR REGIS TIDE TABLE

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INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

Solution to Mindbenders

1. Presents under the tree.

2. Frankincense.

3. Elf on the shelf.

St Mary’s Centre Felpham 2 - 4pm St Mary’s Tea and Chat Christmas Special!

Coming next! Tea and Chat 8th January 2025

Afternoon

St Mary’s Church, Felpham (Charity Number 1133732) Sat 6th Dec Sat 3rd Jan 10am-12 noon St Mary’s Centre, Grassmere Close,Felpham 24 stalls, free parking Details: 01243 864437

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