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FELPHAM IN FOCUS

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

Felpham in Focus

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Felpham in Focus

Wills and Probate

East Wittering - Selsey - Chichester - Bognor Regis

Our experienced Wills and probate solicitors deal with a full range of issues relating to estate planning, passing on assets to the next generation and the finalisation of affairs after death. At SMR Solicitors, we can help you ensure that you have the right Will in place to protect your estate and that your finances are dealt with in the most tax-efficient way possible. We can also represent you if you have been given the task of winding up someone’s estate after their death, making sure that issues are dealt with effectively and without delay. Our Wills and probate team have in-depth experience in dealing with estate, tax and trust law, including complex matters and high net worth estates.

Our Wills and probate services include the following: • Wills and estate planning advice, including Inheritance Tax advice • Drafting your Will • Dealing with the execution of your Will • Obtaining a Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration • Represent an estate executor or administrator in dealing with an estate administration • Arranging for valuation of the deceased’s assets • Calculation and payment of Inheritance Tax and other debts • Clearing and selling the deceased’s property and other assets • Preparation of detailed estate accounts • Distribution of the deceased’s estate in accordance with their Will or the Rules of Intestacy We provide a bespoke service and always work proactively to avoid unnecessary delays. We will stay in close touch with you throughout, keeping you updated and making sure we are available to answer any questions you may have. We represent clients across West Sussex, providing advice and guidance in all aspects of Wills and estate administration. We specialise in dealing with complicated estates and providing personalised tax advice. We provide flexible funding arrangements to suit your needs, including fixed fees for some work.

For further information, speak to one of our experts

East Wittering Office 1 Shore Road East Wittering West Sussex PO20 8DY t. 01243 671782

Selsey Office 87 High Street Selsey West Sussex PO20 0QW t. 01243 602832

www.smrsolicitors.co.uk | office@smrsolicitors.co.uk

Bognor Regis Office 1 The Precinct West Meads West Sussex PO21 5SB t. 01243 860323

Chichester Office 50 Westgate Chichester West Sussex PO19 3HE t. 01243 780211

Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority ID:630293 SMR Solicitors Limited is registered in England & Wales under registration number 10200601

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Felpham in Focus

Dear All, I hope your 2024 has got off to a good start. February is the month of love and if you are feeling financially able to give a little Valentine’s love to one of our many local businesses, I know it would be much appreciated. Buying a romantic meal out at one of our wonderful pubs, cafes, restaurants or hotels or a special gift from one of our retailers really makes a difference to our small businesses. Thank you for your generosity and support last year to help the local community. The Bognor Hotham Rotary Club have asked me to thank their volunteers who stepped up last year, with a special thank you to all those who came to see Santa on his float and gave most generously raising the fantastic sum of £1,236. These funds will go to help all those most in need locally. Please do send me any article ideas you would like to see or write in the magazine and any photos you would like to share. This is a community magazine and I love to share your stories and talents. Do mention In Focus magazines if you reply to one of our adverts and a huge thank you for reading the magazine and all your kind feedback. Keep it coming! Best wishes for February, Kate Copies of Felpham in Focus are available to collect from Felpham Village Post Office. office@infocusmagazines.co.uk Tel: 07729682245 www.infocusmagazines.co.uk

FELPHAM IN FOCUS

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

BERSTED IN FOCUS

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

VILLAGES IN FOCUS

The Independent Local Directory of Businesses

MIDDLETON, ELMER, YAPTON AND BARNHAM Delivered FREE to over 5,600 homes February 2024

MARCH ISSUE DEADLINE – WEDNESDAY 7 FEBRUARY

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Felpham in Focus

SAVE OUR VILLAGE POST OFFICE UPDATE BY LIZZIE MICKERY Felpham, you have been amazing. You have donated over £30,000 with promises of more. We are now rolling the fundraising out to small businesses and larger corporations and applying for grants. Detailed plans have been drawn up and we’ve been canvassing your thoughts and opinions. If you haven’t already filled it in, please find a questionnaire at - friendsoffelpham.org. We’d be very grateful if you could spare the time to answer it. And for those who may think – we have an impossible amount to raise, what’s the point? Well, the more money we can raise, the more people who fill in the questionnaire, means when we apply for grants and match funding, the more successful we will be in acquiring considerable outside funding. Community projects, such as ours, are viewed very favourably by funders, especially in a community like Felpham where the residents have been extremely clear how important our Village Post Office is to us and the life of the village. So please, if you’ve been hesitant about donating, we can do this. And, if for any reason we fail This Gerald Scarfe cartoon of Les to acquire the Post Office, your money is guaranteed if Dawson was issued as part of a series of you donate through gofundme, the link is on the website Comedian stamps in 1998. – friendsoffelpham.org. Or by cheque, made payable to Friends of Felpham CIC, that can be left at the Post Office or at Rolly’s accountants, 75 Felpham Rd. Please include your name and address. Christmas time was such fun around the Post Office. People were laughing, chatting, sending their mail, the staff were tremendous, the pop-ups tempting and the coloured lights warm and welcoming. Then a shiver as a resident said “the trouble is, we don’t always appreciate something until it’s gone, do we?” February is a time of growth with the promise of Spring, the sad, grey month of January left thankfully behind us. It’s not unusual to face the New Year with both hope and trepidation. But the dark nights are shortening with the tease of sun ahead. Let’s make it the year when, we, the community of Felpham, can proudly say, we took the future into our own hands – We Saved Our Village Post Office.

PLUS, a FUN event for your diaries – MAGIC AWAY THE FEBRUARY GREY. A MAGIC SHOW with the one and only, Malcolm the Magician, “A five star plus. An amazingly funny show.” Saturday, 17 February, 3.30pm St Mary’s Centre, Felpham. Tickets in advance £3 each, £11 for four (refreshments included) available at the Post Office. £4/£12 on the door. Ages 4 years old to 400, all are welcome. You’re never too old for magic!! Proceeds towards the Save the Post Office Campaign. BE AMAZED, BE ENTHRALLED, BE TOGETHER.

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Felpham in Focus

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LOCAL HISTORY BY SYLVIA ENDACOTT

A 1930s view shows The Carlton Hotel on the left. The Bognor Residences & Hotel Company with Lord William Pitt Lennox as its Chairman floated a Company to build a crescent with a hotel covering the land from Lennox Street to York Road. Eventually the foundation stone of this Cotswold Terrace was laid on 8 July 1880, following this ceremony a company of eighty had lunch in a marquee on the ground. Lord Lennox recalled his earlier days in Bognor, having been born in 1799 he could remember a hotel being washed away by the sea. He also recalled strolling along the sands with Princess Charlotte. It was originally intended to construct this full crescent of 31 homes with a proposed 600ft frontage, however, when it was discovered that the ground was not stable enough for a construction of the size planned, work ceased, thus just this one section was built. One family who stayed at The Carlton in 1945 was The Duchess of Kent, with their children the then Duke of York, Princess Alexandra and Prince Michael staying for weekends at the Carlton Hotel, with their French governess. In 1909 approximately two hotels were built alongside the Carlton; namely The Beaulieu and Beaulieu Downs Hotel designed in a Dutch style, and these were to form part of the historic view of the seafront. In 1965 these two were again in the news when national newspapers were extolling the fact that here in Bognor Regis “Britain’s first teenage hotel” would be opening soon.

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 26 February - 1845 for 1930 hrs ‘The History of Martin Baker, its ejection seats and the lives they saved’ Presented by Mr Jeremy Mudford

NEW VENUE - BOXGROVE VILLAGE HALL, THE STREET, BOXGROVE PO18 0EE The Martin Baker story centres around the life of Sir James Martin. Jimmy was born at the end of the 19th Century, the only son of a working farmer in Northern Ireland. He had little formal education but through his own hard work and single minded dedication, he became the creator of a unique industry, totally committed to saving the lives of pilots flying stricken aircraft. He was the inventor of the Martin Baker ejection seat, which, since its introduction in the late 1940s has saved over 7000 lives. In the second half of the evening there will be a few short accounts of people who have been saved by a Martin Baker ejection seat and hence have become members of the ‘Caterpillar Club’. Among these will be accounts of the lives saved including that of Jeremy Mudford himself, Capt. Eric (Winkle) Brown, ex Red Arrow Pilot – Mike Ling, Flt Lt Johnny Evans, W. Officer Henry Ramsden and Ian Maclean. It promises to be a fascinating evening including some first-hand accounts. NEW 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 01243 823007.

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A FAMILY TRADITION Parker’s Vehicle Services, in Arun Business Park, Bognor, has been fixing cars since 1993 when Andrew Parker set it up. Just over six years ago, Andy retired, and one of his staff, Eden Owens, took charge. It’s still very much a family run business, with Eden’s wife, Victoria who has a background in business and marketing very much part of the running of the business. Not forgetting their two young sons, Hugo and Harrison, plus Dexter, the much-loved garage dog and a firm favourite with most of the customers! Car knowledge runs in Victoria’s family – her grandparents and uncle and aunt had their own garages. She says: “Over the years we have made a few Victoria, Eden and Hugo. changes, like online booking and MOT reminders, but what hasn’t changed is the solid relationships with customers, many of whom have been with us as their trusted garage for years.” “All the staff have also remained the same, including Mark and Alex who have been with the company for as long as 17 years. We now have two more members of staff including my nephew, Oliver and William who is doing his apprenticeship at Chichester College.” Parker’s is all about good, old-fashioned customer service. They’re female-friendly, use quality parts, and take the time to explain things. Beyond business, they’re big on supporting the community, from local charities to Children’s Clubs. Recently, they even sent pizzas to all three childrens’ wards at Chichester Hospital as part of the Sophie’s Legacy appeal. They’re open to everyone – check out their services on the advert. Parker’s is more than a repair garage; it’s a friendly, trusted place where you’re always welcome. Come on by and be part of the Parker’s Vehicle Services family where customers really do matter.

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BOOK IN

TODAY! With over 30 years of experience, Parker’s Vehicle Services is your local, independent, family-run garage, providing MOT testing, servicing, and repairs for our customers in Bognor Regis and the surrounding areas. As a fully approved and authorised MOT garage, you can always trust our expertise. We work on all makes and models of cars, vans and light commercial vehicles. We will look after your vehicle as if it was one of our own.

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Felpham in Focus

29 FEBRUARY

A HISTORY OF THE LEAP YEAR BY LOUISE ADDISON Leap years are a concept that might seem merely a quirk of the calendar, but they are rooted in a rich history of astronomical observations, mathematical calculations, and fascinating folklore. Spanning across cultures and centuries, the story of leap years reveals humanity's ongoing quest to align our timekeeping with the cosmos. The history of the leap year begins with our understanding of the solar year - the time it takes the Earth to complete one orbit around the Sun. Early astronomers noticed that this period was not exactly 365 days but rather approximately 365.25 days. This extra quarter of a day presented a significant challenge: without adjustment, the calendar year would gradually drift away from the solar year, causing significant mismatches over time.

The solution to this problem was first systematically implemented in the Julian calendar, introduced by Julius Caesar in 45 BC. Advised by the astronomer Sosigenes of Alexandria, Caesar reformed the Roman calendar by adding an extra day every four years to account for the additional quarter day. This leap day was added to February, traditionally the last month of the Roman year, making it 29 days instead of 28 in leap years. However, the Julian calendar overcompensated slightly because the actual solar year is approximately 11 minutes less than 365.25 days. This discrepancy led to the introduction of the Gregorian calendar in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII, which refined the leap year rule. According to the Gregorian system, a year is a leap year if it is divisible by 4, but century years must be divisible by 400. Thus, 1600 and 2000 were leap years, but 1700, 1800, and 1900 were not. Beyond the technicalities, leap years are wrapped in a tapestry of folklore and traditions. One of the most famous is the practice, supposedly originating in Ireland, where women are encouraged to propose marriage to men on February 29th. This custom was popularized in the British Isles and beyond, breaking the historical convention of men initiating marriage proposals. In some cultures, leap years are considered unlucky. In Greece, for instance, couples usually avoid marrying in a leap year, and especially on a leap day. Conversely, in other traditions, leap years are seen as times of renewal and change. The Chinese believe that a leap year is an auspicious time to tie the knot. In 1712, Sweden briefly experienced a unique calendar date, February 30th! This anomaly occurred twelve years after Sweden's initial decision in 1700 to switch from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar. The change required eliminating some days to align the calendars, which Sweden intended to achieve by omitting leap days gradually. However, the outbreak of the Great Northern War in 1700 distracted the Swedes, leading them to overlook the omission of leap days in the subsequent years. By 1712, to simplify the transition back to the Julian calendar, Sweden added an extra day to the usual leap year, resulting in the one-time occurrence of February 30th. The complete shift to the Gregorian calendar was eventually realized in 1753, and February 30th disappeared forever.

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Felpham in Focus

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FLIRTING – THE VICTORIAN WAY

BY DOROTHY MITTON

Many of us will send a Valentine’s card this month, but while we might spend some time choosing the perfect one I’ll bet few of us go to the lengths that our Victorian sisters did. The Victorian era, spanning the reign of Queen Victoria from 1837 to 1901, was a time of strict social codes and etiquette, particularly in the realm of courtship and romance. However, beneath the surface of these rigid norms, a playful and creative form of communication flourished: the art of flirtation through photo collage. This unique practice offered a discreet yet expressive way for individuals, especially women, to convey feelings and interests within the constraints of societal expectations. Photo collage in the Victorian era was a delicate craft, combining the fledgling hobby of photography with the traditional art of scrapbooking. Photography had recently become more accessible to the middle and upper classes. People began to collect carte de visite (small photographs mounted on cards) and cabinet cards, featuring portraits of friends, family, celebrities, and even themselves. These photographs provided the raw material for the creation of flirtatious collages. In the context of romance, these collages were often intricate and laden with symbolism. Women, who were typically more restricted in expressing romantic interest openly, found they could communicate subtly using collage. They could hint at their feelings or intentions without transgressing the bounds of propriety. Each element in a Victorian photo collage carried specific meanings. Flowers were a popular addition, with each variety representing a different sentiment – roses for love, violets for faithfulness etc. The inclusion of certain objects or scenes, like a ship for a longing heart or a bird for freedom, could also convey messages. The arrangement of the photographs themselves told a story; for instance, a portrait placed higher than others might indicate admiration or aspiration. These collages were not only personal expressions but also social artifacts, often exchanged during courtships or displayed in the home as a testament to one’s social connections and romantic status. The practice of creating and sharing photo collages allowed for a controlled breach of the era’s strict communication barriers, offering a glimpse into the personal desires and emotions of the creator. Moreover, the art of photo collage in the Victorian era reflected broader cultural trends. It was a manifestation of the romanticism that permeated Victorian literature and art, with its emphasis on emotion and individualism. It also illustrated the era’s fascination with new technologies and their potential for personal expression. Today, Victorian photo collages are prized as historical artifacts, offering insight into the private lives and unspoken emotions of people in a bygone era. They remind us of the enduring human desire to connect and communicate, even under the most restrictive conditions. Through their delicate assembly and rich symbolism, these collages continue to speak across the centuries, telling stories of love, longing, and the timeless art of flirtation.

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FAIRY BRIDGES AND WATERFALLS WALK BY SIMON BAKER IRONS This moderate 5-mile circular walk on the edge of Storrington takes you through Sullington Warren, around the beautiful Sandgate Country Park and then up to the hamlet of Sullington. The route also passes a rare example of a natural waterfall in Sussex. The best place to park for this walk is at the Sullington Warren car park, which is to the east of Storrington on Water Lane. 1. From the car park, head into Sullington Warren. Take the steps down to the main path and follow until you reach Water Lane. Cross and turn right to the wooden gate that leads into Sandgate Park. 2. The walk around Sandgate Park is great for children to explore the many streams, ponds and ‘Fairy Bridges’. It has an abundance of wildlife and not long ago was an active sand quarry. There are many routes around the country park, head south and you will get some views across the remaining quarry or head northeast through the woods. At the far end of the woods can be found the Fairy Bridges, they are fun to cross over and are great for photos. 3. Exit Sandgate Park via the twitten into Bracken Close, walk through the estate on Bracken Lane and Hampers Lane heading south to the main A283. Cross and head towards Storrington until Barns Farm Lane. Follow this lane as it gradually ascends and head east along bridleway to St Mary’s Church in Sullington, the church has been standing beneath the South Downs and amongst a yew grove for over a thousand years, one of the trees is dated to being over 1300 years. You may also be lucky to grab some refreshments at the farm café if it is open. 4. Continue on bridleway to Chantry Lane, where a natural waterfall on the river Stor can be found. The river emerges from a spring higher up on the downs and flows through Storrington to the river Arun. The Chantry Lane waterfall is a rare example of a natural waterfall in Sussex. 5. Follow Chantry Lane down the hill, looking out for Chantry Mill and a manmade waterfall that was once where the waterwheel turned. A watermill has operated here since the 13th century. In the 18th century the river powered a fulling mill, where woollen cloth made from the fleeces of the sheep on the Downs were treated, it then grinded corn until 1918, when it was briefly used to power electricity for nearby Sullington. 6. Cross the A283 again into Nightingale Lane, then into Woodpecker Lane that leads back to Sullington Warren. 7. Re-enter the Warren and take time to explore this area of special interest, owned by the National Trust this 24-hectare site has nine prehistoric round barrows that are now classed as ancient monuments. Also look out for the iron windshaft, which marks the spot where the White Mill once stood, but sadly was destroyed in a fire in 1911. A short descent from the mill site to the car park completes this circular walk. To see more photos and walks please follow me on Instagram @piertopiertrekking

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Felpham in Focus

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FIVE EASY TIPS FOR A STYLE BOOST

BY FELPHAM FASHION GURU VICKY BOOKER

The fun and glamour of Christmas and New Year is done, the weathers grey and damp, our New Year’s Resolutions may have fallen by the wayside - it’s time for a little style boost to cheer us up! Here are five tips that are free or won’t cost the earth … Declutter your Wardrobe It’s such a cathartic process to have a good clear out now and then (I recommend doing this at least twice a year), but a full wardrobe de-clutter can be daunting. Try spending just 10 or 15 minutes a day over a week picking out five things you no longer love, don’t wear, or aren’t a good fit. By the end of the week, you’ll have cleared 35 items that can go to charity, recycling, or sold to make a bit of cash back! If you don’t think you have that many clothes, remember this can include shoes, accessories, and undies too. Shop your Wardrobe Now you can see more clearly what you have, play around with putting items together that you may not have tried before. Or resurrecting something that’s been neglected recently. Try physically moving things around – hanging items by colour instead or category or vice versa, hanging items that have been folded up, mixing and matching suits etc. This can spark new outfit ideas and makes them feel fresh and new again. Accessorise One way to mix things up without going too bold is to accessorise your outfits. Never remember to put jewellery on? – make the effort to throw a necklace over that plain sweater. A printed or colourful scarf can make a boring top come to life. And if you’re feeling brave, try wearing a hat out and about – and I don’t mean your dog-walking bobble hat, it can be a real outfit booster. Pop on some Lippy Even if you’re not a big makeup person, it’s amazing how much difference just a slick of the right lipstick can make. As you’d expect, I’m going to say it helps to know what shades will flatter your face and make your eye sparkle too. But as a rule of thumb, if you’re fair in colouring, go for a peachy nude or glossy pink. And if you have a darker, richer look, a bold red or mahogany hue will look great. My colour me beautiful range of makeup has 22 different lipsticks and 6 glosses, so you can find the perfect shade. Change up your Hair This can be as a big a change as cutting it all off for a short bob or pixie cut, or something less dramatic as getting a fringe cut in. If you don’t want to go for the chop, try a hair accessory, or simply try tying it in a different way – a change is as good as a rest or so they say! Remember to consider your face shape and scale when choosing your hairstyle. I can help you with choosing your best lippy, show you your face shape for choosing a new hairstyle, or doing the wardrobe review with you – get in touch for more information. My seasonal style updates in March are a great way to get a bit of inspiration. Sign up to my mailing list to be the first to hear when the dates drop – https://vickybooker.com/contact-us/ or check out my website www.vickybooker.com

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ARTIST OF THE MONTH: ZENA WOOD BY KATE STEWART

Zena Wood lives in Felpham and she is often inspired to paint the sea and its ever-changing mood and light. Zena is our In Focus artist of the month and she has also been selected to be artist of the month at the Royal British Legion, Aldwick in February. Zena says: “I grew up here by the sea, it’s my happy place. I love that it changes constantly giving me endless inspiration from those lovely long summer turquoise days to the crashing grey waves of winter and all the light, colours and shapes in between. “I have only been painting seriously for two years after a throw away comment I made about wanting to paint the view from my son’s window. That Christmas I received canvases, paints and brushes and started painting again after a 23-year break. Three children and a baby, five dogs and two horses didn’t leave me a lot of time for painting! “Previously I painted water colours but I joined a Start Art group run by Donna Morgan who encouraged me to try oil paints. Now I can’t stop painting it’s like a fire inside me and I can sometimes be found in my studio at silly o’clock in the morning having woken up with an idea that I must get onto a canvas immediately!! Likewise, I can be out with the dogs and see a cloud formation or the sun shining through clouds and rush home to paint it. “I take many photos but find my paintings start with an idea and then evolve into something completely different. I’m still surprised by what I can do. I occasionally do landscapes and abstract painting and I often experiment with different mediums, but always come back to my oils and the sea.” In February, Zena’s paintings and prints will be available to visit and buy from Bosham Walk Arts and Craft Centre, Bosham PO18 8HX. For further information about Zena’s work visit www.zenawood.com or email ratusbagus@aol.com Instagram: zenawoodart tel: 07885766077.

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Felpham in Focus

LISTEN OUT FOR THE WOODPECKERS

Woodpeckers aren’t just stunning to look at, they have their own very distinctive behaviours and unique biology that make them stand out from other birds. In the UK we have three native species: the great spotted woodpecker is the most common, the smaller lesser spotted woodpecker, which has been declining rapidly in the last forty years, and the larger green woodpecker. So what are the woodpeckers’ unique features that makes them so intriguing? The most prominent thing is their amazing beaks which are made of hard but flexible bone. Green woodpeckers are less adept at woodwork – instead of using their bills to communicate by ‘drumming’ (they prefer to use their ‘yaffle’ calls), they use their bills to dig in the bark or soft ground for food or scrape out a nest – therefore their beaks are longer and have a slight downward curve. The great spotted woodpecker, on the other hand, has a broader flatter bill perfectly evolved for its advanced carpentry skills. In February you may start hearing the distinctive drilling sound of great and lesser spotted woodpeckers as they mark out their territories and signal to the females that they are ready to mate. After a short period of courtship, the next job for the woodpecker is to build a nest. Again, this superb beak is perfect for the task of hacking away at the bark and wood of a tree to make a hole, then flicking out wood to create a cavity for nesting. Although woodpeckers are primarily solitary birds, the males February is the time to and females both work on the holes and the rearing of the young. start listening for the Another amazing feature of the woodpecker is its very long tongue. ‘drumming’ of great spotted The longest belongs to the green woodpecker and reaches up to 10 cm beyond the tip of the beak; when not in use, it curls up around the back woodpeckers. They use their specially adapted beaks to of the head. The tongue is sticky and the tip covered in sharp barbs so it communicate as well as to can easily hook its prey – often ants, which it loves. find food and drill holes to But perhaps one of the most curious things about the woodpecker, nest in. and a question that has occupied scientists for a long time, is why don’t they get concussion or brain damage from the rigour of their drilling? If humans were to hit their heads on a hard surface in the same manner that woodpeckers do, they would die. Woodpeckers can tolerate a G-force of 1,200g; humans would be concussed at 100g. Up until recently, scientists have believed that woodpeckers have spongy cushioning around their skulls that serves as shock absorber for their brains – an idea that has influenced the design of safety helmets for us humans. Another theory is that their exceptionally long tongues also act as cushioning for the brain – a bit like a seat belt – which prevents the brain from crashing into the skull. However, although these hypotheses haven’t been ruled out, some scientists have not been entirely convinced. Through analysing high speed videos of woodpeckers hammering trees, it was observed that the head remains very rigid during drilling, acting in the same manner as a hammer hitting a nail. The woodpecker’s head, brain and beak all stop at the exactly the same time – and in fact, it is the small size of its head and brain that protects it from being damaged. So this February, listen out for the drilling or ‘yaffle’ call of the woodpeckers, look out for a flash of green or red, and marvel at their unique talents. Join us on one or our guided walks this month to see and hear woodpeckers and discover more about your local wildlife. Find out more by visiting our website: https://events.rspb.org.uk/paghamharbour or calling 01243 641508.

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Tom Marshall (rspb-images.com)

BY ALICE MCDOUGALL (RSPB Volunteer)

Felpham in Focus

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FELPHAM SINGLES SOCIAL CLUB BY ANNE COOK Felpham Singles Social Club was started in February 2011 by my friend Dianne Watts and myself. We had both been widowed and thought that there could be a need for older, single people who wanted to socialise and make friends. We knew that there were similar clubs in both the Chichester and Worthing areas, but there was nothing in between, in the Bognor/Felpham area. We wanted to make it purely a social club – Dianne Watts Mahon (left) with not any kind of matchmaking organisation. Annie Cook. We were offered space at The George Inn, Felpham, and started the club, meeting on the first Monday of every month, in the function room upstairs, advertising at first with cards in shop windows. We started small, with just a handful of members. One of those first members, Ron Allen, had disco equipment and very kindly provided us with a disco up there. After a few meetings, Lesley, the landlady, kindly offered to let us use the saloon bar. She also let us clear the tables in the restaurant area for our disco. People can now sit in the bar and chat or go to the room at the back to dance if they want to. We then started advertising in the ‘In Focus’ magazines, and our numbers grew. Besides meeting in The George, we often do other things, we’ve had walks in the countryside, trips to London and Christmas markets, as well as meals out locally. Ron retired from doing the disco a few years ago, and we now have Disco Don, for which we’re very grateful. So our meeting on 5 February 2024 marks our 13th birthday, and we’re still going strong! Felpham Singles Social Club meets on the first Monday every month at the George Inn, Felpham at 8pm. To find out more visit www.felphamsingles.yolasite.com, call Annie Cook or email her at AnnieCook555@yahoo.co.uk

BEEF STROGANOFF WITH HERB PASTA

Tappardelle pasta makes the most perfect partner for creamy stroganoff, but you can also use rice or any pasta of your choice. Preparation time: 10 minutes (+45 mins freezer time). Cooking time: 20 mins. Serves: 4. INGREDIENTS 400g beef rump steak, trimmed 1 tbsp butter 1 tbsp olive oil 300g small button mushrooms 400g pappardelle pasta 3 shallots, finely chopped

1 tbsp plain flour 300ml beef stock 1 tbsp Dijon mustard 1 tbsp tomato purée 3 tbsp crème fraiche ½ x 20g pack flat-leaf parsley, chopped.

METHOD • Melt half the butter and half the oil in a large, non-stick frying pan. Turn the heat up and quickly sear the beef in batches until browned on both sides. Remove the meat and set aside. Repeat with the mushrooms, then set aside with the beef. Boil the pasta. • Add the remaining butter and oil to the pan and soften the shallots for a few mins. Stir in the flour for 1 min, then gradually add in the stock, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Simmer to allow it to thicken for 5 mins, then stir in the mustard, tomato purée, crème fraîche and seasoning. Simmer for one more minute, then return the beef and mushrooms to the pan. • Drain the pasta, toss with half the chopped parsley, season, then serve with the creamy stroganoff, sprinkled with the remaining parsley.

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THE RIFELANDS A WATERY LANDSCAPE BY KIM LESLIE Eastern England has its Fenlands, vast areas of low-lying wetlands that for centuries past have struggled with water against flooding and inundation. West Sussex has its very own micro-version of the Fens – the Rifelands. Greater Bognor – from Pagham to Elmer – sits tightly wedged between water on all sides, a sliver of land on a waterbound peninsula: the sea to the south; then to the north, east and west Bremere Rife draining into a watery landscape of fresh water and marshland dominates the Pagham Harbour. hinterland. These are the Rifelands of West Sussex. Low lying, the critical issue here for centuries has always been drainage, reliant on an intricate network of drainage channels that play their vital part in the survival of the surrounding flatlands. The main channels are known locally as rifes – a name peculiar to this part of Sussex – simply meaning small rivers, or riverlets. (On Hayling Island in Hampshire, similar streams are known as rithes.) Modern Ordnance Survey Explorer maps show Bognor bounded by five named rifes: Aldingbourne Rife (Aldingbourne to Bognor with its outfall near Butlin’s) with its tributary Lidsey Rife; Ryebank Rife (Yapton to the River Arun at Littlehampton Marina); Pagham Rife (Oving to Pagham Harbour); Bremere Rife (Hunston to Pagham Harbour). Old records document even more with names, such as Bilsham Rife and Barnham Rife. All are fed by a patchwork of countless little streams and ditches, historically known as drains or gutters. As with the Fens over the centuries, these Rifelands have witnessed a constant battle against water as so much of the low-lying lands bordering the rifes are below high-tide level and can only effectively drain to the sea or the Arun during low water. So when heavy rainfall coincides with high tides, water is retained in the rifes and their tributaries, causing extensive flooding. Attempts to deal with the problem can be traced back hundreds of years, to medieval times when Commissioners of Sewers were appointed in 1427 because of ‘the great damage and losses … by the great inundation of waters in divers [diverse] parts of the realm’. These Commissioners of Sewers – ’sewer’ in its original context meaning a drainage channel – were empowered to survey and repair ‘walls, ditches, gutters, sewers, causeways, weirs and trenches’, with authority to tax owners and tenants of land who would benefit. Their first recorded order for West Sussex is dated 1442, concerning drainage around medieval ‘Bogenore’ – ‘between the parish of Berghstede on the west and the parish of Felgham on the east’. Flooding around these parts is nothing new. The Commissioners’ duties were reinforced by manorial courts, empowered to ensure that tenants maintained watercourses on their land, with penalties for defaulting. In 1485, at South Mundham, Richard Standen, a tenant of Pagham Manor, was indicted for not scouring his ditches, with a fine of ten shillings in default, a massive amount of money in those days, emphasising the gravity of the situation. Farmland was precious. The situation is just as grave today – probably even more so – with drainage of the Rifelands vital for the preservation of the built-up surrounding areas. As Gerard Young of Flansham commented in his book The Cottage in the Fields (1945): ‘hundreds of brooks and streamlets that thread their way about the plain … prevent Sussex by the Sea from becoming Sussex in the Sea’. This is why the creeping encroachment by speculative development onto these Rifelands, coupled with higher and higher tides with a rise in sea levels and failure to scour the rifes and ditches will – ultimately – have disastrous consequences. A hint of things to come was seen only recently with Storm Ciaran in early November last year when – and not for the first time – Bognor’s Tesco car park and the adjoining Riverside Caravan Park became part of Aldingbourne Rife. Even the pumps by the seawall at Butlin’s couldn’t save the situation. Nature will take its revenge.

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Wills - How can a Deed of Variation help you? by Mark Riley, Founder & Managing Partner, MJR Solicitors How can a Deed of Variation help you? A Deed of Variation is an official document that allows the beneficiaries of a Will to change who inherits your share of the estate. Why? The Will was written a long time ago – It does not include beneficiaries born at a later date and current beneficiaries agree to include them. Passing to a child – Maybe that child is not of age, or the concerns for a Trust are no longer applicable. Utilise Spousal/Charitable Exemption – Maybe the estate is incurring tax which was unexpected, is the estate larger and can some further reductions in tax be obtained? Changing a Will can reduce your inheritance tax bill! This can be (by agreement) a change to your Will to make it more efficient if required; also, some beneficiaries may want to vary their inheritance so it does not form part of their estate. This is a particularly useful tool for later life planning, you may not wish to personally have the funds and potentially pay Inheritance Tax, so you therefore allow this to pass to children or grandchildren as an inheritance so it passes directly to them. The resulting tax benefit is that the funds count as if going direct to the new beneficiary as if the Will sent it to them direct.

A Deed of Variation is a great tool and should always be considered and discussed to ensure the most tax efficient decisions can be made. When should you make a Deed of Variation? You can make a Deed of Variation before or after applying for probate – It must be completed within 2 years of death, must be in writing and needs to be from the individual benefitting. Can you make a Deed of Variation if there is no Will? Yes, you can still make a Deed of Variation if there is no Will. We can help! How to make a Deed of Variation If you would like to make a Deed of Variation, please contact us today. We can provide you with a free quote. Contact our friendly team today, we’ll help you find the right Will packages for you.

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CROSSWORD Across 1. Egyptian canal (4) 17. Become older (3) 3. New York City (3, 5) 18. How long it takes to react (8, 4) 9. Put in order (7) 21. Plea of being elsewhere (5) 10. More infrequent (5) 22. Tasteful, exquisite (7) 11. State appointed temporary 23. Embellished (8) guardian (6-6) 24. Curve (4) 14. Cyst, bag (3) 16. Recites, announces (5)

Down 1. Sea creature found in rock pools (8) 2. British noblemen (5) 4. Frozen water (3) 5. Eliminates unpleasant room odours (3,9) 6. Carnivorous fish (7) 7. Make money (4)

8. Break, stoppage (12) 12. Type of shellfish (5) 13. Backslide (8) 15. Care about deeply (7) 19. Picture (5) 20. Predetermined course (4) 22. Scrutinise (3)

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Felpham in Focus

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.

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HOME HELPtoBY NICKIE PETTITT Welcome

My name is Nickie and I set up Gastons Home Help after my father sadly died Arundel Clocks from terminal cancer. He lived 40 miles away and it was a huge adjustment to take care of 01243 him. During the later stages of his illness it made me realise what 585059 was missing in the industry. He didn’t need a carer or personal care, but someone to visit each day to make sure he was still eating and drinking efficiently and raise any concerns to his relatives. gary@arundelclocks.com I set up Gastons to build a bridge for other families and their relatives to take the strain off and give I have been restoring, repairing, servicing them peace of mind. Each plan is tailored for individuals so their needs are met. and selling clocks for the last 25 years. Some of my clients have a 2-hour clean once a week, others I visit up to three Arundel Clocks is based in the heart of times a day to give them a wake-up call, breakfast, put some washing on, change Elmer Sands, West Sussex serving bedding, prep a lunch and an evening call to check in and make a light evening surrounding areas. meal and give them a bit of companionship. These small check-ins have been We are happy to undertake any work from a invaluable in keeping people safe whilst keeping their independence at home. service to a major strip down and re‐build or I communicate regularly with relatives and respond to queries or restoration. concerns out of office hours. I know that sometimes just knowing relatives I always give a guaranteed price (with no are ok gives peace of mind and it’s my duty to make sure that happens. I visit many clients in the hiddenarea. costsTh ) aenbusiness d an estim d time fosupport-only r Felpham isaatedomestic service, with no personal care involved , all rapport with my clients. I hold a full enhanced DBS, omjust pletime on owhich f the w ork unIdbuild ertakeangreat andcit’s means repa1irand s are2 bhygiene acked ucertifi p withcate a baand ck toI undertake base Level regular training courses. Everyone is offered a t w e l v e m o n t h g u a r a n t e e . free pre-assessment visit to give a good evaluation of what is needed, to see if I can help and to 10% Discount for OAPs introduce myself. Please visit www.gastonshomehelp.co.uk to find out more or contact me on 07949823296 or email: gastonshomehelp@yahoo.com

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

01243 554732

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A GOOD READ

BY NATASHA DONOVAN

Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom Tuesdays with Morrie is a memoir that recounts the author’s weekly visits to his former sociology professor, Morrie Schwartz, who is in the final stages of ALS, a rare and terminal neurodegenerative disease, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Each Tuesday, they explore one of life’s fundamental questions, making this book a patchwork of profound wisdom. Albom’s prose is simple yet stirring, capturing Morrie’s remarkable outlook on life even as he faces his impending demise. Morrie’s insights on love, work, community, family, aging, forgiveness, and, ultimately, death, are both timeless and universally applicable. His teachings emphasize the importance of connection, compassion, and living a life that resonates with one’s personal values. But what makes the book truly compelling is the transformation of Albom himself. A successful sports journalist caught in the whirlwind of a career-driven life, Albom’s reconnection with Morrie becomes a catalyst for his own introspection and growth. This personal evolution is what lends the book its emotional heft. Tuesdays With Morrie is more than a tribute to a dying man’s wisdom; it is an invitation to pause and reflect on our own lives. Its enduring popularity attests to its ability to touch hearts and awaken minds. In a world bustling with noise and haste, Morrie’s lessons urge us to embrace simplicity, love, and, ultimately, our humanity.

Perfect by Rachel Joyce Perfect by Rachel Joyce is a beautifully written novel that delves into the intricacies of human nature, exploring themes of guilt, regret, and the search for redemption. Set against the backdrop of a quiet English town in the 1970s, the story intertwines the lives of its characters, primarily revolving around a young boy named Byron and a pivotal moment that alters his life forever. The narrative unfolds in two parallel timelines – the first follows young Byron and his friend as they embark on a quest for truth after witnessing a tragic accident, and the second, decades later, presents Jim, a middle-aged man grappling with mental health issues and the weight of his past. The dual timelines are elegantly woven, converging to reveal the interconnectedness of these seemingly disparate lives. Joyce’s prose is evocative and deeply emotional. Her portrayal of Byron is haunting; his youthful innocence is clouded by the burdensome weight of guilt and the adult complexities he struggles to comprehend. Jim’s story is equally touching, presenting a life marked by isolation, yet seeking connection and understanding. One of the novel’s strongest attributes is its exploration of the concept of ‘perfect’ – challenging societal norms, personal expectations, and the often-unrealistic standards we set for ourselves (especially at this time of year). Through the imperfect lives of its characters, the novel underscores the idea that perfection is an illusion, and our flaws and mistakes are integral to our humanity.

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Felpham in Focus

Expert advice on paying for care Long-term care in your own home or in a residential care home is expensive, but with expert advice from independent financial specialists, Carewise can help you to make informed decisions on choosing and paying for the right care.

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The Carewise care fees specialists are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and members of the Society of Later Life Advisers, so you can have peace of mind when discussing your finances.Contact Carewise to find out how you could benefit. carewise@westsussex.gov.uk

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STUNNING SNOWDROPS

BY KATE HARRISON, WEST SUSSEX NATIONAL GARDEN SCHEME PUBLICITY OFFICER February is the perfect time to put on your hats, gloves and wellies and head out to enjoy the heart-warming pleasure of National Garden Scheme (NGS) Snowdrop Gardens. Each year the NGS starts the garden visiting season with its inspirational snowdrop and spring flower gardens. Hundreds of gardens sprinkled with snowdrops – these delightful harbingers of spring – and wonderful, colour contrasting spring blooms including the bright gold of aconites and soft purple of crocus, open their gates to the public from late January through February and into March. “After the long, dark winter months, the appearance of these beautiful early spring flowers really lifts the spirits and heralds the start of all the wonderful gardens to come,” says NGS Chief Executive, George Plumptre. Eight beautiful gardens open their gates in West Sussex in February and March, for more details visit https://ngs.org.uk SUNDAY 11 FEBRUARY SANDHILL FARM HOUSE, ROGATE GU31 5HU Refreshments Home-made teas. Admission Adult: £5.00 Child: Free Opening times 12:00 – 16:00 THURSDAY 15 FEBRUARY HIGHDOWN GARDENS, WORTHING BN12 6FB Admission By Donation Opening times 10:00 – 16:30 EVERY THURSDAY FROM 8 FEBRUARY THE OLD VICARAGE, WASHINGTON RH20 4AS Book your tickets in advance on the NGS website Refreshments Light refreshments. Self-service light refreshments: Picnics welcome. The Old Vicarage. Admission Adult: £7.00 Child: Free Opening times 10:00 – 17:00 Also open on other dates in April, May, June, August and by arrangement, see NGS website for details. NEW FOR 2024 THURSDAY 29 FEBRUARY AND TUESDAY 5 MARCH CROSSLAND FLOWER NURSERY WALBERTON BN18 0AX A two hour all access tour of a fourth generation, award-winning, sustainably run flower nursery with three acres of glasshouses filled to the brim with Sussex grown alstroemeria. There will be an opportunity to purchase flowers at the end of the tour. For this open day you need to pre-book your ticket in advance on the NGS Website Refreshments Tea. Admission Adult: £10.00 Child: Free Opening times10:00 – 12:00

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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 contact: bobbyworth@gmx.com

Weds 7th Feb

CHARLOTTE GLASSON QUINTET

Weds 6th March ENRICO TOMASSO QUARTET

Admission £14 Doors open 7pm | Bring your own refreshments For more info please contact Bobby on 07887 936215 Please mention FELPHAM IN FOCUS when responding to adverts

Felpham in Focus

FELPHAM PARISH COUNCIL NEWS

FELPHAM HEROES

PARISHIONER OF THE YEAR Do you know a Felpham resident who deserves to be recognised for outstanding work in assisting others in 2023? Examples could be saving a life, caring, charity work or anything else that you believe merits recognition. We would be delighted to receive nominations for awards in three categories: 1. Young people up to 11 years of age 2. Young people up to 18 years of age 3. Parishioner of the Year – over 18 years of age If you would like to make a nomination, please contact the Clerk before 29 February 2024: Phone: 01243 827470, email: clerk@felphampc.gov.uk. Short listing will take place in March 2024 with awards being made at a ceremony in April 2024.

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Felpham in Focus

FELPHAM FLOODING – ENVIRONMENT AGENCY AND OPERATION WATERSHED Councillors discussed the recent floods including FOI requests made to, and resulting information from, the Environment Agency. Councillors expressed concern at the lack of action by the Environment Agency to plan for the upgrade of pumps coming to the end of their design life at Felpham Pumping Station, failure to monitor discharges into the Rife and failure to dredge the Rife. Update: Environment Agency latest response: ‘The Aldingbourne Rife Integrated Flood Risk Management Study identified two key locations where options for fluvial flood risk need to be further investigated: Barnham and Felpham. We undertook some additional modelling/assessment work to confirm the scale of flood risk reduction that could be achieved in Barnham, and to help us assess the impact on flood risk of making changes to the pumping regime at Felpham. We are currently making plans to undertake wider engagement with local communities and stakeholders including Southern Water, Arun District Council and West Sussex County Council. Building on our recent flood recovery work with partners, we plan to gather further information, data and the views of local residents by mid-2024. This is necessary prior to a thorough options appraisal to determine the preferred option(s) which will be provided by the early stages of the schemes. We will also need to review the previous catchment study and modelling to identify any wider catchment benefits that could be delivered through this investment.’

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

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 Please mention FELPHAM IN FOCUS when responding to adverts

Felpham in Focus

LEARNING IN EVERY SENSE BY MARTIN BARKER, HEADMASTER OF WESTBOURNE HOUSE SCHOOL We’ve got exciting opportunities ahead that I wanted to share with you. Firstly, our Open Week is packed full of events that you can come to – a great way to get to know the school – as well as giving you a chance to take a tour at a time that works for you. Whether you’d be interested in coming to our Toddler Stay and Play to get a feel for our nursery or you would like to learn how maths is taught these days, it would be great to see you. Secondly, you can now apply now for academic or music scholarships, (deadlines 23 Feb and 1 March respectively). We want to open up the Westbourne House School educational experience to as many children as we can and applicants can also apply for means-tested bursaries to help with fees. At Westbourne House, we develop the character, dreams and potential of each child. How? The children experience so much, including awe-inspiring science experiments, kayaking on our lake and performing in a musical – and during this process they discover a great deal about themselves: What do they love to do? Can they persevere when things get tough? We work with each child and give them the attention they need to build confidence and a vast range of skills and, ultimately, to thrive now and in the future. www.westbournehouse.org/visit – for the Open Week www.westbournehouse.org/scholarships – Academic & Music Scholarships All questions welcome, tel 01243 782739

THOUGHTFUL VALENTINE GIFT IDEAS BY SARAH DAVEY

Out of cash? Chocolate too boring? We’ve got Valentine’s Day covered. • Create a ‘Mixtape’ – I fondly recall making mixtapes for my boyfriend during my sixth form years. These days, I create similar playlists for my husband using Spotify! Music often conveys emotions we struggle to articulate, and crafting a mixtape is a heartfelt way to show your partner your affection. Select songs that evoke shared memories. A Spotify playlist does the job, but I did go for extra Brownie points one year when I sourced a Sony Walkman and real cassettes. • Reenact Your First Date – Recreating your initial date is a personalized and meaningful Valentine’s Day idea. The specifics will depend on your original date, whether it was a simple movie and dinner or something as extravagant as a trip to Paris. Recreate the experience with as much detail as possible or go for something that evokes the vibe of the original. Our first date was bowling followed by a Chinese meal. A few years ago, we recreated this by playing Wii Bowling and ordering a Chinese Takeaway. It was fun! If you went to the cinema, find the film on Prime or Netflix and order in the popcorn. Props to my son who took his fiancé to an aquarium for their first date, and last year presented her with a novelty illuminated ‘fantasy’ fishtank complete with jellyfish! • Enjoy a Spa Day – Book a couples spa day, or if finances are tight, create your own with a bubble bath, face masks, a manicure and pedicure set, and a glass of prosecco. Light the candles, put the music on low and relax together. Happy Valentine’s Day!

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Experience Excellence in Home Wound Care Home Wound Care celebrate one year of delivering exceptional wound care services in Bognor Regis directly to your doorstep! Our dedicated team of If you have wound care nurses are here to provide a leg wound (or leg specialised care, in the comfort of your home. ulcer) we're actively

Why choose us?

seeking patients for our ongoing studies.

Convenient Home Visits: Say goodbye to the hassle of GP appointments. Enjoy set appointment times and a dedicated schedule tailored to your needs.

Pioneers in Wound Care: We're not just providing care; we're contributing to advancements in wound healing. Our self-funded service supports research, helping bring new healing products to the market.

FREE OF CHARGE All care is provided at no cost to our patients, ensuring accessibility to high-quality wound care.

How to reach us?

www.homewoundcare.co.uk

HEALING, CARE AND INNOVATION

BY LOCAL GP – DR DAPHNE HAZELL

Approaching our one-year anniversary in February 2024, Home Wound Care proudly reflects on a year of delivering private, specialised, free of charge, wound care services directly to our patients’ homes in Bognor and surrounding areas. Committed to overcoming the challenges of traditional healthcare accessibility, our dedicated team of wound care nurses has not only met but exceeded the expectations of those in need. Distinguished by our commitment to providing high-quality care independent of the NHS, Home Wound Care is also at the forefront of advancing wound care. Our service is free for patients, and our innovative approach involves contributing research information to manufacturers, aiding in the development of new healing products. The heart of our success lies in the stories of satisfied patients. For those struggling with GP appointments or seeking a more convenient alternative, our scheduled home visits have proven transformative. Set appointment times and a dedicated schedule ensure timely and effective wound care. Patient testimonials echo the excellence of our service, praising the professionalism, knowledge, and caring nature of our nurses. Actively involved in ongoing studies, we invite individuals with leg wounds and ulcers to experience the exceptional care Home Wound Care offers. Contact us at 01903 331963 or self-refer through our website, www.homewoundcare.co.uk. As we celebrate one year, we express gratitude to our dedicated team and, most importantly, to the patients who trust us. Cheers to more years of healing, care, and innovation!

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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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CLEMATIS BY RACHEL LEVERTON

Clematis, often hailed as the “Queen of the Climbers”, is a beloved fixture in many UK gardens. Its enchanting flowers, ranging from delicate, star-shaped blossoms to bold, dramatic blooms, can transform fences, walls, and trellises into living art. But clematis, like many plants, needs pruning, and understanding the pruning requirements of your particular clematis will depend on its pruning group. Clematis are categorized into three main pruning groups: 1, 2, and 3. These groups are determined by the plant’s flowering time and the age of the flowering wood. • Group 1 clematis bloom early in the year, flowering on the previous year’s growth. These varieties, like the alpine clematis, produce flowers in late spring and are generally the least demanding in terms of pruning. Pruning, if necessary, should be done immediately after flowering. The goal is to remove dead or weak stems and to shape the plant, but heavy pruning is not needed. If left unpruned, these clematis can become a tangle of old wood with few flowers. • Group 2 clematis flower in late spring or early summer on short shoots developing from the previous year’s growth and often have a second, less vigorous flush in late summer on the current year’s growth. Examples include the popular varieties like ‘Nelly Moser’ and ‘Miss Bateman’. Pruning for Group 2 should be light, focusing on removing dead and weak stems in late winter or early spring, so February is the perfect time. You can also lightly prune after the first flowering to encourage a more robust second bloom. • Group 3 clematis flower on the current year’s growth, producing blooms from mid to late summer until the first frost. This group includes varieties like ‘Jackmanii’ and ‘Sweet Autumn Clematis’. They require more extensive pruning, cut back almost to ground level (15-30 cm above the ground) in February. This encourages strong new growth and a profusion of flowers at a manageable height. Why prune at all? It’s important because it rejuvenates the plant by encouraging new growth, which is essential for flowering, particularly in Group 2 and 3 clematis. It helps maintain the shape and size of the plant, preventing it from becoming unruly and tangled. Regular pruning also allows for better air circulation through the plant, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. When pruning, always use clean, sharp tools to make clean cuts. This prevents damage to the plant and reduces the risk of disease. After pruning, it’s beneficial to apply a balanced fertilizer and mulch to provide nutrients and maintain soil moisture. With the right pruning techniques, your clematis will be a stunning feature in your garden, showcasing its floral beauty season after season.

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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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NAPS ARE GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH

BY KATE McCARTHY

In a society where napping is often misconstrued as laziness, there’s a growing body of scientific evidence underscoring the benefits of this habit. I love a nap, and I’ve witnessed firsthand the advantages that a brief midday sleep can offer, aligning with the latest findings from sleep science. Research on napping has historically been mixed, with some studies highlighting its cognitive and mood benefits, while others pointed to potential health risks, especially in older adults.

This ambiguity made experts cautious about recommending naps. However, recent studies have refined our understanding, suggesting that the ideal nap duration is approximately 20 to 30 minutes. The need to nap is driven by two physiological processes: homeostatic sleep pressure (HSP), which builds the longer we stay awake, and circadian rhythms that naturally induce sleepiness in the afternoon. Whether someone is a habitual napper or not also depends on genetic factors influencing these processes. Short naps have been shown to significantly enhance certain cognitive functions, such as memory, information-processing speed, and vigilance. Research at the National University of Singapore emphasizes the mood-improving effects of napping, noting that even a brief 10-minute nap can be refreshing. A nap lasting around 30 minutes is considered optimal, as it predominantly involves light sleep, making it easier to wake up refreshed. The researchers, advise against napping after 5pm to avoid disrupting nighttime sleep patterns. While longer naps can provide more extended cognitive benefits, they also have downsides. Moving into deeper sleep stages can lead to sleep inertia, a state of grogginess upon waking, which many of us find unpleasant. Moreover, naps exceeding 30 minutes have been linked to health issues like obesity and metabolic syndrome. This association, however, is probably more indicative of underlying health conditions rather than being a direct result of prolonged napping. Interestingly, excessive napping can also be a symptom of illnesses, such as Alzheimer’s disease or increased brain inflammation. If you regularly need lengthy naps (over an hour) or multiple naps per day. you might have a health problem and should consult your GP. After looking at the research, I don’t feel guilty about my 20-minute naps anymore. They leave me feeling alert and productive, which aligns with the scientific understanding of the benefits of brief naps. When done correctly, napping can be a valuable tool for enhancing cognitive function and overall well-being. I would go as far as to say that in today’s fast-paced world, napping is a valuable survival tool.

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Felpham in Focus Architectural & Structural Designs FOR

Loft conversions, Extensions, Alterations & Garden Offices etc 30+ years’ experience of providing the complete service for obtaining; Planning Permission & Building Regulations Consent including Structural Calculations & Party Wall Awards

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Chartered Surveyor Building Engineer Party Wall Surveyor

07764 578781 keith@keithchandler.co.uk www.keithchandler.co.uk

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DEMENTIA CARE CUTS – WE CAN HELP Dear All, You may have heard the recent news that the NHS Dementia Assessment Service across Sussex, will be pausing assessments from the 1st of January until April 2024, and wondering what this means. In December, Sussex Partnership Foundation Trust announced that they are closing the Sussex Dementia Assessment Service until at least April because of winter pressure. Anyone referred for a dementia assessment by their GP will not be able to see a specialist until at least April. This could leave over 1,000 families affected by dementia waiting many months more to receive a diagnosis of dementia. We want to be explicit that this only applies to the NHS Dementia Assessment Service and NOT to Sage House, which is run by local charity Dementia Support. At the charity, we are extremely concerned about how this reduction in NHS services will impact local people and, we want to get the message out that we’re here to help, whether someone has a diagnosis of dementia or not. The festive period and New Year often sees families get together and changes in behaviour, personality or memory issues can become more noticeable. We always see an increase in people seeking help in January for this reason. At Sage House we provide specialist advisors, known as Wayfinders, who help people understand how to deal with dementia, whether diagnosed or not. We are a charity and as such the service is completely free of charge, and open to anyone- there is no need to have a referral from a healthcare professional. Wayfinders provide help, advice, and emotional support for people through their entire dementia journey, but we also have a café in Sage House Tangmere, wellbeing activities, and a daycentre. We know that waiting for a dementia diagnosis can be an Dementia Support CEO, Sally Tabbner, agonising time for families, as they look to the future with fear (left) with one of her customers. and uncertainty, and we want to do everything possible to alleviate that. We are here to offer support and advice and will do everything we can to support local people - before, during and after a diagnosis. But as a local charity, we can only do so with your support. We know this is a difficult time of year to be asking for donations and we’re immensely grateful to those who give to our regular appeals, which mean we can support our current customers and their families when they need it most. However, the sudden and unexpected closure of the dementia assessment service will leave many people in limbo; we know we can help, we want to help but being a young charity means we do not have the reserves in the bank to call on to respond to the unpredicted surge we are going to see. If you need help or support please contact us on 01243 8886941 or pop into Sage House which is based in City Fields Way, Tangmere. PO20 2FP. If you can help with our appeal for funding please either call us or visit dementiasupport.org.uk/urgent-appeal to give what you can to support local people waiting for a dementia diagnosis. Best wishes, Sally Tabbner Dementia Support Chief Executive www.dementiasupport.org.uk

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Ashton Domiciliary Care Our family caring for yours! Reliable help with indoor and outdoor tasks, a caring ear, a friendly familiar face and making a cup of tea so you can put your feet up - that’s what we do. Our dedicated team are trained to support mental wellbeing and to help you access support groups in your community.

FREE

initial face-to-face assessment

Our Services • Personal Care: Showering, Bathing, Toileting Needs, Oral Mouth Care, Hair Care, Foot Care, Incontinence Care. • Outreach: Shopping Trips, Help with Transport when Attending Classes, Support Getting to Appointments, Accompanying to Lunch and Dinners. • Preparation: Food Preparation, Cooking, Shopping, Monitoring, Food Rotation, Ordering Meals. • Companionship: Social Calls, Help and Hobbies, Stimulating Mental Health Activities, Pet Care. • Domestic: Cleaning, Washing Up, Laundry, Bed Change, Taking the Bins Out. • Everything Else: Dementia Care, End of Life Care, Medication Management, Arranging Appointments, Collecting Prescriptions, Short Term Respite Care.

www.ashtondomiciliarycare.com Email: domiciliarycare@ashtoncare.co.uk Home carers who care: call 01243 860074 for free advice! Please mention FELPHAM IN FOCUS when responding to adverts

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DYE ANOTHER DAY BY LOUISE ADDISON THE COLOURFUL HISTORY OF TEXTILE DYEING As I watched my daughter unwrap a bright rainbow scarf on Christmas day, I suddenly thought how much we all take colour for granted these days. It hasn’t always been this way. For many years, the clothes of everyday folk like us were plain, mainly browns and greys. The history of textile dyes is a colourful narrative that spans thousands of years. It dates back to the Neolithic period, as evidenced by dyed fabrics found in archaeological sites. Ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, Chinese, Indians, and Mayans, mastered the art of extracting colours from natural sources. One of the earliest known dyes is indigo, derived from the indigofera plant, valued for its deep blue hue. The Romans prized Tyrian purple, extracted from the murex sea snail. The crimson dye, carmine, obtained from cochineal insects, was used initially by the Aztecs but was later coveted in Europe after the Spanish conquest. These natural dyes were not only a means of colouration but also a symbol of social status and economic power. They were associated with royalty and wealth. The labour-intensive process of producing these dyes made them expensive and therefore accessible only to the elite. By the Middle Ages the establishment of guilds and the growth of trade routes facilitated the exchange of dyes and dyeing knowledge. The exploration and colonization period brought European countries into contact with new dye sources, such as logwood and brazilwood, leading to an increased colour palette. During the 18th century, the burgeoning textile industry, fuelled by the Industrial Revolution, increased the demand for dyes, but natural dyes were costly, involved a laborious extraction process, and the colours were inconsistent and often bled or faded quickly. Then in 1856 an English chemist, William Henry Perkin, accidentally discovered mauveine, the first synthetic dye, while attempting to synthesize quinine. This serendipitous discovery marked a turning point in the dye industry. Synthetic dyes offered a range of benefits over their natural counterparts: they were cheaper, more consistent in quality, offered a wider range of colours, and were more colourfast. Synthetic dyes democratised fashion, making colourful clothing accessible to the masses. The discovery also spurred rapid advancements in organic chemistry and the growth of the chemical industry. During the 20th century, dye development accelerated, offering improved fastness and compatibility with different textile types. But the environmental impact of dye manufacturing and use became increasingly evident. The release of untreated dye effluents into water bodies caused significant pollution, prompting a movement towards more sustainable and eco-friendly dyeing methods. As we move forward, the challenge for the fashion industry and those of us who love colourful clothes lies in balancing the aesthetic and functional demands of dyes with the urgent need for environmental sustainability and responsibility.

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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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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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St Mary’s Church, Felpham

TABLE TOP SALE S a t 3 rd F e b r u a r y 10am-12 noon St Mary’s Centre, Grassmere Close,Felpham For details phone 01243 864437

WASH YOUR MOUTH OUT! BY LOUISE ADDISON

Opinion is a divided even among members of the dental profession about the usefulness of mouthwash. Gum disease begins with plaque. This is a film of very sticky bacteria on the teeth which, if not removed, causes gum disease. Because it is so sticky plaque can only be removed from teeth with a brush or dental floss. Mouthwash can never replace good brushing. Studies have found that antiseptic mouthwash used twice a day reduces the build-up of plaque and gum disease over a six-month period. Mouthwash makes teeth ‘more slippy’ so the sticky plaque finds it difficult to adhere, which in turn means your mouth feels fresher for longer. Bad breath (halitosis) is caused when excess bacteria emit excess gas. Pockets of bacteria can lurk around fillings, ill-fitting crowns and impacted wisdom teeth. Halitosis requires treatment from a dentist or hygienist, but a mouthwash can help. Use one with ingredients such as chlorine dioxide, which kills the volatile sulphur compounds that cause foul odour. Mouthwashes can have a high alcohol content, especially when compared to the alcohol content of beer or wine. Some common mouthwashes with alcohol are between 14 per cent and 26.9 per cent alcohol! As some studies have linked alcohol to oral cancers, many dentists advise these are avoided. Alcohol can also exacerbate bad breath because of its drying properties, and because it is quite harsh it may also cause stinging. Most dentists and hygienists agree that if you use mouthwash it should be alcohol-free. Finally, most of us don’t hold mouthwash in our mouths long enough for it to work. The optimal time is 30-60 seconds. As part of a good dental hygiene routine mouthwashes are helpful but they will never replace the mechanical action of a toothbrush and floss for getting teeth and gums really clean.

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HELEN GAGAN SOLICITOR ASSET PROTECTION TRUSTS “We’ve worked hard and saved all our lives, why should the Local Authority have access to everything if one of us needs to go into a care home?” Mirror Wills leaving everything to the surviving spouse on your death for most families is the natural assumption of the right thing to do. HOWEVER, this means there is no asset protection in having this arrangement and all the matrimonial assets are exposed to being taken in care fees if sadly your health deteriorates and you end up needing full time care. For a variety of reasons I DO NOT recommend giving your house to your children or putting it into Trust in your lifetime. Therefore, you will need to ask yourself, is it a good idea to leave your half share of your home to your surviving spouse/partner on death? Why not leave your half share for their USE but not actually give it to them? Helen Gagan Solicitor Property Trust Wills can be drafted to be as flexible as you wish but the most straightforward arrangement is that on your death, if you die first, you leave your half share of your home in a family Trust arrangement for the benefit of by way of example your children, but state they are not to receive it during the lifetime of your surviving spouse. Your half share of the property would then NOT be included in any future means test calculation for care fees. Free initial consultations are available. If you have a Will already in place that you would like reviewed in line with your present situation or simply wish to obtain some more detailed information on Asset Protection Trusts, please feel free to email or call the office for an appointment. Helen is a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) the leading worldwide professional body for practitioners in the field of Wills, Estate Planning, Trusts and related issues. Helen will be delighted to help and advise the local community in relation to: • Wills and Trusts • Inheritance Tax • Care Fees Planning • General & Lasting Powers of Attorney • Probate • Administration of Estates Helen Gagan Solicitor … listening to her clients Felpham Chambers, 60 Felpham Road, Felpham, Bognor Regis, West Sussex, PO22 7NZ Office telephone number: 01243 867330 Mobile: 07584 991081 Email: helen@helengagansolicitor.co.uk www.helengagansolicitor.co.uk

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Clubs, Classes and Events ¡ ¢ ¡ £ ¢ ¤ ¥ ¢ ¥ ¢ ¦ § ¨ ¡

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FEBRUARY HOROSCOPES BY LOCAL ASTROLOGER LETICIA PARMER This Valentine’s month the planet Uranus in Taurus, alongside Jupiter, goes from strength to strength, inspiring you to solve matters close to your heart in most original, detailed yet perhaps eccentric, ways. This is the month for the most innovative proposal or romantic gesture. ARIES You won’t be able to resist putting some coins in the busker’s hat as your awareness of others’ needs is magnified.

LIBRA Though you will be in a party mood, don’t let that lead to you feeling jealous about attention others pay your sweetheart.

TAURUS Though you are renowned for your reliable unchangeability, this Februay you are ready to try something new for Valentines.

SCORPIO You like nothing better than to cosy up at home with one very special person and original ideas for creating a romantic space.

GEMINI Dreams and escape are influencing you deeply now. You want to whisk your loved-one away on a magic carpet.

SAGITTARIUS Be careful how you word those recommendations for new ways of doing things at work, as others may not be as flexible.

CANCER Determined to get to the bottom of what a friend has told you, be careful not to come across as a nosey busy-body. LEO Whatever work and play you are set to do this month, you’d prefer to do it teamed up with that special person. VIRGO A change in the way you want to study or teach others will occupy your naturally analytical and meticulous mind.

CAPRICORN You have creative flair aplenty this February, and what you create may well lead to an increase in income. AQUARIUS Your natural design skills come into play now, especially using innovation to improve your home’s flow and space. PISCES Getting your message across will be both a drive and a pleasure now. You can create beautiful Valentine poetry.

Leticia Parmer

Come to our soothing Healing Soundbath event Jubilee Hall, Middleton. Last Thursday each month upcoming - 29 February and 28 March text 07956 155105 to book

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PUZZLE SOLUTIONS Solution to Mind Benders 1. One thing after another. 2. Once upon a time. 3. Read between the lines.

ENJOY FLOWERS? COME ALONG AND BE INSPIRED!

FELPHAM FLOWER CLUB

HOW BIZARRE! A FLORAL DEMONSTRATION BY GRAHAM KING

THURSDAY 22 FEBRUARY 2024 DOORS OPEN 1.30 FOR 2pm

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

RAFFLE

SALES TABLE

REFRESHMENTS

VISITORS WELCOME £5 ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION £35 FURTHER INFO: SANDRA DEAN TEL 01243 542684 WEBSITE: www.sussexareanafas.org.uk www.facebook.com/SussexArea/NAFAS

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BOGNOR REGIS TIDE TABLE February 2024, Time Zone GMT

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INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Aerial Installation Aerial Connections

Bathrooms Coastline Everything Bathrooms Sargeants Kitchens & Bathrooms

72 17 45

Electrical Contractor DC Electrics Lowen Electrical Services J A Humphrey

61 10 47

Estate / Letting Agents Mays Estate Agents

63 39

Builders Allbrights

Events Jazz at the Village

Caravan Services TH Caravan Services

Financial Services Advice for Later Life

Flooring The Raven Flooring Co.

Car services Hutchings Vehicle Services Parkers Vehicle Services

67 10-11

Care Centres & Home Care Ashton Care Hollymead House Gastons Oakland Care

53 32 31 69

Carpets & Flooring The Raven Flooring Co

Cleaning Services Conway Carpet Cleaning Lamberts Cleaning

30 27

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40-41

10 42-43 59 28-29 3

Window Cleaners KLJ Services

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Felpham in Focus 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

ROMANCE FRAUD Romance fraud is one of the fastest growing crime types. Criminals are experts at impersonating others and when it comes to committing romance fraud they spend hours researching you for their scams. You think you’ve met the perfect partner online but really these fraudsters are using a fake profile to form a relationship with you during which they invest a significant amount of time to gain your trust with their end goal being gaining your money or personal information. To keep yourself and your loved ones safe from Romance Fraud scammers, remember DATES: • Don’t rush into an online relationship – get to know the person, not the profile: ask plenty of questions. • Analyse their profile – confirm the person’s identity. Check the person is genuine by putting their name, profile pictures or any repeatedly-used phrases and the term ‘dating scam’ into your search engine. • Talk to your friends and family – be wary of anyone who tells you not to tell others about them. • Evade scams – never send money or share your bank details with someone you’ve only met online, no matter what reason they give or how long you’ve been speaking to them. • Stay on the dating site messenger service – don’t use email, phone, social media or other messaging apps until you’re confident the person is who they say they are. Signs to spot: • Be wary of giving out information in a chatroom/on a website. Fraudsters will be quick to make conversation more personal to get information out of you, but may not tell you much about themselves that you can check or verify. • Romance fraudsters often claim to have high ranking roles that keep them away from home for a long time. This can be a ploy to deter your suspicions around not meeting in person. • Fraudsters may attempt to steer you away from chatting on a legitimate dating site that can be monitored. Stay on the platform that you started using initially, rather than switching to email text or phone. • A fraudster may tell a sob story in order to get you to give them money – popular claims are they have an ill relative or they are stranded in another country. They may not ask directly for the money, hoping you will offer it out of the goodness of your heart. Do not do this. • Often, fraudsters will ask victims to accept money into their bank account and then transfer it to another bank account. This is very likely to be a form of money laundering and you could be committing a criminal offence. If you suspect romance fraud or have concerns about someone who may be vulnerable to romance fraud, please report it to us online or on 101. Alternatively you can report suspicions of romance fraud anonymously to Scamalytics where using the online form you can enter images, names and details of potential romance frausters.

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Felpham In Focus February 2024