Felpham in Focus June 2024

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Dear All, Wow! It’s June and we are already talking about strawberries, swimsuits, summer fairs and Father’s Day on Sunday 16 June. I don’t know about you, but to me it feels like time is passing quicker than ever.

Time doesn’t wait. That’s why we need to spend as much time as we can with our fathers and mothers and all the significant ‘older’ people in our lives. Talking and making memories but also getting them to share the hundreds of life-tips they have learnt over the years. These golden nuggets of information are priceless because we all know you can’t buy experience!

That’s why next month I am introducing a new money-saving feature which I would like you to help me with. My Mum is 82 this month and she is the ultimate money saver with years of practice in this field. So, we are going to start the series with Jane’s cost saving tips and after that I would like you to send in any advice or life hacks you would be happy to share. Anything from cooking pasta in boiling water with the hob off to soaking porridge the night before so it cooks quicker!

Thank you to artist Barry Foorde for our wonderful June front cover, find out more on page eight.

Keep them coming and have a lovely, flower-filled June, Kate X

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

office@infocusmagazines.co.uk Tel: 07729682245

www.infocusmagazines.co.uk

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JOURNEY SOUTH WITH CHRIS WATSON

BY MIKE HARDING

Exactly one year ago, I wrote an article here about listening to nature. The sounds of the dawn chorus, the trill of the blackbird and the song thrush with their poetic repeat of phrases. In the piece I referred to Chris Watson, the award-winning wildlife sound recordist, Sir David Attenborough’s go to man. Chris was involved recently in Apple TV’s Earthsounds and Sky TV’s The Secret World of Sound. He frequently appears on BBC Radio 4’s Broadcasting House, Great Lives and Tweet of the Day.

Who could have imagined a year later, in aid of the Save Felpham Post Office Campaign, Chris would offer to come to the village and talk about his adventures, especially the journey he made to Antarctica with Sir David for the BBC’s The Frozen Planet?

During A JOURNEY SOUTH WITH CHRIS WATSON – Tuesday 11 June, 7pm, St Mary’s Centre, Felpham PO22 7NU, Chris will present this amazing Antarctica trip, with images and sounds from that unique and miraculous landscape. You can explore his work at – www.chriswatson.net. Tickets, £12/£5 for students 18 or under, from the Post Office or our website: friendsoffelpham.org.

Here in Felpham, we have been listening to you and how you would feel if we were to lose the Post Office.

A selection of quotes from residents, societies, charities, small businesses and tradespeople: “It would be a huge loss to Felpham should the Post Office close and will have an enormous negative impact on the remaining businesses”.

“We need to save it to keep the village alive.” “It provides vital services to our residents.” “With banks closing down all around us, residents and businesses would sorely miss this facility, isolating people even further.” “Our Post Office is the hub of our village and without it our village would lose much of its community spirit.” “We use the Post Office for all our banking needs and product deliveries, good luck and hopefully Felpham Village can save you”, “It’s the hub for meeting each other and much, much more. We can’t afford to let the Post Office go. WE MUST FIGHT TO KEEP IT!”.

Felpham Community College presented a £1000 cheque from proceeds of their talent show to the Save Felpham Village Post Office Campaign. Photo by Georgina Chester.

If you would like to donate, or get the latest Campaign updates, go to our website –friendsoffelpham.org. AND SEE YOU AT A JOURNEY SOUTH WITH CHRIS WATSON.

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BOGNOR COASTAL ART TRAIL

PREVIEW EXHIBITION BY SUE BARTELL

The Bognor Coastal Art Trail is entering its third year and we will be kicking off the trail with a preview exhibition. Thanks to the ongoing support from Reynolds Furniture who have again offered us exhibition space at their shop in the High Street, Bognor Regis.

It’s important to the Art Trail committee that we hold a preview exhibition for local people and visitors to get a taste of the incredible talent in the Bognor and our local area. We celebrate the fact that there are so many artistic people in and around our town and what better way than by holding an Art Trail for all the community to enjoy.

Each of the 29 artists taking part will provide a couple of items of their work which will be displayed on the ground floor at Reynolds. The work ranges from ceramic sculptures, paintings, practical pottery, illustrations, stained glass and textiles to photography, animation, mixed media, embroidery, personalised candles and fused glass. Each piece is unique and individual and reflects the many mediums of art forms that are on show.

The Preview Exhibition opens on Saturday 29 June from 9.00am to 5.30pm (closed Sunday 30th June) and then Monday to Friday 1 to 5 July from 9.00am to 5.30pm. The last day of the Exhibition is on Saturday 6th July which is open from 9.00am to 3.30pm.

Why not pop in and pick up your free trail guide ready for the last 2 weekends in July (20/21st and 27/28th) when the actual Art Trail takes place. The artists will be taking it in turns to steward the exhibition at Reynolds and they are always happy to chat to visitors about their artwork and the Art Trail.

We are always on the lookout for new talent so if you are interested in taking part in 2025 you can leave your details with the stewards at Reynolds to be contacted at a later date.

The committee would also like to thank Bognor Town Council for their continuing support of the Bognor Coastal Art Trail. Check out our website at www.bognorcoastalarttrail.co.uk. A copy of the trail map will be in the back of the Art Trail Guide which you can pick up at the preview exhibition in Reynolds. They will also be in Bognor and Rose Green libraries, Felpham Village Post Office and other local shops/cafes.

Paul Vincent.

Rita Herbert.

Kate Mercy.

Mary Miles. Chris Whitney. Su Cloud.

Barry Foord.

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THE IMPOSSIBLE BY

KIM LESLIE

Impossible! Won’t work! Cars and coaches will jam the roads! Where’s the money to come from? We’d got a fight on our hands. The project: to create an open air museum, a type of rescue-centre for historic buildings that would otherwise be demolished and lost forever. Buildings were free – no charge for a whole house! – but what we needed was land for their re-erection, planning permission, dismantling (not demolition) skills, heavy transport and some master craftsmen. A tall order.

We had just £11. 17 shillings and 2 pence (£11.86), the financial start of the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum at Singleton when I held the purse strings as its treasurer back in the 1960s. But before ‘Singleton’ could be added as the address, the site had to be found. We needed up to forty acres – for virtually nothing. One site offered was at Ifield, near Crawley, a lovely wooded spot, but right under the Gatwick flightpath. We were even approached by Richard Hearne (TV’s ‘Mr Pastry’) planning a centre illustrating ‘The British Way of Life’. We sensed a touch of Disney. Then a stroke of luck. An offer came from the Edward James Foundation at West Dean looking to support an educational enterprise.

The first site offered was next to West Dean village down cramped narrow lanes, fiercely opposed by local villagers. (Go down to the village shop and you’ll appreciate their feelings.) The second site at the Singleton-end of the estate was perfect. An annual peppercorn rent of £1 was all that had to be paid for thirty-five acres. But two problems emerged. Unbelievably, a West Dean bypass was planned by West Sussex County Council to run right in front of the big house, a scheme disastrous to both the estate and projected museum. WSCC fortunately abandoned the project. Then a county councillor on the planning committee objected that any proposed building between Singleton and West Dean would represent ribbon development. A puzzling argument, overruled.

It was an anxious uphill struggle all the way until planning permission was finally granted in 1968. The museum finally opened in September 1970 with just four buildings, their dismantling and re-erection made possible by weekend volunteers, including Worthing schoolboys (impossible today with health and safety regulations), with West Dean Estate and local companies giving free lorry transport. Donations and grants made possible the taking on of a master craftsman who arrived with his whole family in a mobile home/workshop. My caravan provided a weekend office for site meetings. It was an exhilarating, exciting time. We waited anxiously on the very first day of opening. Would anyone come? They did, with a total attendance of 671 visitors paying their entrance fees of four shillings (20p) for an adult and one shilling (5p) for a child. The Museum was on its way.

Today, more than fifty years later, the museum flourishes with over sixty exhibits, livestock in the fields, a duck-filled lake feeding the working watermill overlooked by the new visitor centre, a shop and café. It’s won countless awards with regular television publicity as the home of the BBC’s Repair Shop. A brilliant success story that all started with just £11. 17 shillings and 2 pence!

LOCAL HISTORY

BY SYLVIA ENDACOTT

Are you thinking of booking your summer holidays? For a number of families this will mean a trip to the English seaside. When thinking of holiday resorts in this area many people tend to think only of Butlins. However, over the years there have been numerous other holiday centres in the area.

For instance in Middleton-on-Sea, where today we have large estates; the past was quite different. I find it difficult to imagine that pre the First World War over 700 people were employed by the Norman Thompson Aircraft Company, on the manufacture of seaplanes. By the 1920’s Sir W. Blount was to have purchased the redundant aircraft Company and created ‘New City,’ a holiday complex.

A number of years later this was to become known as the Southdean-on-Sea Hotel and Sports Club, in the days when Middletonon-Sea was advertised as “being near Bognor Regis.” In one of the early advertising brochures, visitors were advised that owing to the sunshine record on the south coast and very mild climatic conditions, Southdean-on Sea was an ideal winter resort.

There have been other centres for visitors such as the extensive Riverside Caravan Site in Shripney Road. Church Farm in Pagham also caters for the caravan style of holiday.

Finally another distinctive style of holiday accommodation still visible along the seafront near Felpham is that of the Railway homes that were constructed during the 1920’s. These carriages were constructed for summer accommodation to augment other venues available.

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 24 June - 1900 for 1945 hrs

‘The BAE Hawk: Design, Development and Operation’ Presented by Duncan Dean

NEW VENUE - BOXGROVE VILLAGE HALL, THE STREET, BOXGROVE PO18 0EE

Duncan Dean is a former RAF fighter pilot and instructor with almost 5000 hours of fast-jet flying in Tornado, F-16 and Hawk.

He first flew the BAE Hawk in 1998 and since then has amassed over 3500 hours on various marks, from the original T Mk1 up to the latest version, the Mk167.

His presentation will cover the design, development and operation of this iconic British aircraft and will explain the attributes that have made the Hawk such a special and successful training aircraft, as well as what it is like to teach the next generation of fighter pilots from the cockpit.

AirACES is an aviation talk society, providing its members with regular talks, given by experts in many different fields related to the world of aviation.

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

7.00pm for 7.45pm 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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FELPHAM PARISH COUNCIL NEWS

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 2023-2024

Following an election in May 2023, FPC saw a new intake of parish councillors. Over the past year it has been an absolute honour and privilege to have been the Chairman of such a forward-thinking council.

We made a promise to continue all the good the previous council had done and to involve the community as we moved forward. I’m pleased to say that we have achieved that. We have increased public communication via social media and made the council more accessible and approachable throughout the process. The projects committee has now been renamed the ‘Projects and Community Involvement’ committee.

Planning Committee – Chair Glen Hewlett, Vice Chair Graham Page:

Under the direction of Cllr Glen Hewlett, the Planning Committee has continued to scrutinise planning applications throughout the parish, ensuring that any plans are in keeping with our beautiful village and not detrimental to the wonderful street scene we have.

Glen has also worked tirelessly to ensure that Felpham parishioner’s views on the Golf Club development were voiced at various meetings across the year. With his hard work and support from the parish council, we were delighted to announce in March that the development had been rejected by Arun District Council.

Allotments and Open Spaces – Chair Jane Parker, Vice Chair Kirsty Halls:

The A&OS Committee have continued over the year to manage our wonderful allotments spaces within Felpham (St Michaels’s and FAGS). We are delighted to have improved security at St Michael’s meaning that unauthorised access has been drastically reduced.

The committee also oversaw the planting of new trees along residential verges in the parish.

Finance Committee – Chair Steve Baker, Vice Chair Jacki Burton:

I am pleased that the Finance Committee has continued to show due diligence and good practice when dealing with parishioner’s precept. We have managed to keep our precept cost to parishioners one of the lowest in the district, whilst still providing support. Because of this, we have been able to make grants to local charities and clubs to ensure that they can continue to serve our wonderful community. We are also pleased to announce that following our election, we were able to overhaul the grant process meaning that grants are made quarterly rather than annually giving those clubs and community projects access to funding sooner rather than later.

I am proud to say that nearly half of the councillors elected, including myself, have refused to take councillor allowances. This means that we have been able to donate our allowances to good causes throughout Felpham, including support for breast cancer patients, a thermal drone to find lost pets, bonding blankets for our local Neo-natal unit, PDSA, and many more.

Projects and Community Involvement Committee – Chair Russ Marsden-Sear, Vice Chair Kirsty Halls: This committee has probably seen the biggest change over the past year. In addition to the name change, we have worked tirelessly to bring new events and projects to the residents of Felpham. The ‘Fun on The Prom’ event continues to be the biggest annual event in Felpham attracting residents and visitors to the area in the thousands. In conjunction with public feedback and a ‘greener’ future we will continue to use laser displays rather than fireworks. The committee has also been able to increase the number of lifesaving defibrillators throughout the parish thanks to the work and effort by Cllr Pat Young. Other work by this committee has included a large grant to enhance the facilities at King George V playground. Following a rebuild of the play area we are delighted to see so many of our younger generation enjoying a safe and free environment.

This year has also seen the introduction of two major events for Felpham. October saw the first ‘Freaky Felpham’ event. Despite bad weather, the event saw over 300 hundred people dress up and walk through our wonderful village celebrating Halloween. Children were asked to collect and solve clues on their route finally leading them to a fabulous, themed party at the end. Thanks to volunteers and councillor involvement, this event was put on free of charge. The feedback from residents was humbling and it is our intention to make this an annual event supporting families and children throughout the parish creating a safe, organised, and free event.

Secondly, we are proud to announce that we have now created an annual award ceremony to celebrate the achievements of local residents. Our parish is based on those that live here and every day, unbeknown to most of us, parishioners go about their day trying to make our wonderful village even better. As a council we felt that it was about time that those ‘Heroes’ were finally recognised. It was an absolute delight and honour to host a Gala Evening this year to celebrate those people. With winners ranging from support workers, charity fund raisers to even a young girl cutting off her hair to make wigs for child cancer patients. It was truly a wonderful evening and a humbling example of what the people of this wonderful parish do. Once again, thank you Felpham for being the most amazing, caring, and thoughtful parish. It has been an honour to serve you.

Russ

Marsden-Sear, Chairman of Felpham Parish Council

Parishioner of the Year/Felpham Heroes winners

Felpham Parish Council are delighted to share details of the recent Parishioner of the Year/Felpham Heroes winners which were announced at our recent Gala Awards Evening:

Honorary Freedom of the Parish: Gloria Moss

Parishioner of the Year: Ross Fisher

Felpham Heroes 11-18yrs: Toby Clegg, Olivia Vine and Isabelle Isitt

Felpham Heroes Under 11yrs: Poppy Ellis-Williams, Hope Grant-Coombs

For meeting dates and information visit the Felpham Parish Council website: felphampc.gov.uk.

Felpham Parish Council, Felpham Community Hall, Meaden Way, Felpham, West Sussex, PO22 8FA, Tel:01243 827470, Mon-Fri, 10.00am-3.00pm. Web: https://felphampc.gov.uk Email: clerk@felphampc.gov.uk Twitter: @FelphamPC

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TEE TIME

BY Cora McNeil

THE BENEFITS OF A GAME OF GOLF

My dad is a 'salt of the earth' no airs and graces type. When he retired he took up golf and no-one was more surprised than him! Golf was once seen as the sport of the elite, but it has evolved over the years, shedding its image as an exclusive pastime, and becoming more accessible to a broader population. Numerous public courses and affordable equipment options have opened the door for people from all walks of life, including my father (who worked as a plumber), to enjoy golf. Could golf be the right sport for you?

Physical and Mental Health Benefits –

Golf as a sport offers a unique blend of physical activity and mental stimulation. While it might not seem as intense as other sports, golf requires a significant amount of walking. A typical 18-hole golf course can stretch over six or seven kilometres of walking (4-5 miles if you’re still pre decimal like my dad). So, it’s a fantastic way to get low-impact, cardiovascular exercise, which is beneficial for all age groups, especially older players.

Moreover, golf is also a mental game. It challenges players to think strategically about each shot. Decision-making skills are honed with every hole, as players must consider factors such as wind direction, course topography, and club selection. The mental concentration and focus needed to play golf can help reduce stress and enhance brain function, promoting a healthier mind.

Social Interaction and networking – Golf is inherently social. Whether playing a casual round with friends or participating in a club tournament, golfers often spend several hours together, which fosters a unique camaraderie. This aspect of the sport makes it an excellent tool for connecting with others, which is something known to improve mental health and reduce the risk of dementia.

Accessibility and lifelong playability – Golf’s growing accessibility is one of its most appealing aspects. Public courses and driving ranges offer affordable options for those interested in the sport, and second-hand clubs and equipment make starting out more budget-friendly. Introductory sessions designed for beginners are increasingly common, helping new players of all ages get into the game without the pressure of high initial costs.

Additionally, golf is an activity that people can enjoy throughout their lives. Unlike many sports that might demand high levels of fitness or agility, golf’s pace and nature allow people to continue playing well into their senior years. This lifelong playability makes golf a wise investment in one's leisure time and physical wellbeing.

So, golf’s transformation from an elitist sport to a more inclusive activity is encouraging more people to partake in its challenges and pleasures. Whether you're looking for exercise, a way to meet new people, or a new skill to master, golf is a rewarding choice. My father is now teaching my teenage daughter to play. They get to spend some quality time together, while exercising in the fresh air and bonus … she can’t use her phone while she’s playing. Thanks dad!

Tombola

The Felpham Summer Fete is always great fun for the whole family with traditional games, stalls, food and drink and an afternoon of wonderful music and entertainment; (bring your rugs or chairs to enjoy it all).

The day has again been supported by over 50 local businesses and organisations giving amazing raffle or tombola prizes, taking a stall, sponsoring an activity or supporting with helpers and games.

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WIN an Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) when you produce the FETE PROGRAMME in July’s Felpham In Focus issue

Sponsored by Bay Tree Estates. Complete the programme voucher and take it to the Felpham Village Conservation Society tent to enter.

Big Prizes to be won in the Raffle! Lots of great raffle prizes from local businesses including an overnight stay in the Beachcroft’s ‘King Seaview Room’ with full English Breakfast.

Come along with family and friends Bring CASH too! (old fashioned cash!) and enjoy!

popular Tea tent with homemade cakes donated by FVCS members and locals. Pimms & Real Ale tent run by ‘The Fox Inn’. BBQ with Burgers and Sausages (&veggie) from Gaterells Local Butcher. Ice Creams & Juices.

activities are masterfully co-ordinated by Felpham Fete ‘Master of Ceremonies’ Bob May of May’s the Village Estate Agent A big thank you to all our helpers, sponsors and contributors

If you would like to help on the day, bake a cake for the tea tent, help behind the bbq; give an hour on a game or stall, or donate something for the tombola – please email mail@felphamvillageconservation.co.uk with your details

AN EXALTATION OF SONG

BY Alice McD ougall

The meandering, lyrical beauty of the skylark’s song is synonymous with summer days in the English countryside. It’s a musicality which seems to nourish our senses like no other. Many of us will know the skylark for its song rather than its looks – the small, dappled brown bird is often hovering high above us, in fact up to 300ft above, singing its song to both carve out its territory and attract a mate.

They have been a long serving muse of poets: Shelley, Ted Hughes, Gerald Manley Hopkins, John Clare, Edward Thomas, Isaac Rosenberg and Emily Dickinson all found symbolism in the skylark; Chaucer and Shakespeare also made reference to these illusive little birds. But perhaps the most notable ode to the skylark is George Meredith’s ‘The Lark Ascending’, the inspiration behind Vaughan Williams tantalising score of the same name. In Meredith’s 122 line poem, the eight-syllable rhyming couplets emulate the repetitive, oscillating melody of the skylark’s song: ‘He rises and begins to round, / He drops the silver chain of sound, / Of many inks without a break / In chirrup, whistle, slur and shake’. In William’s piece we hear this rhythm echoed in the short, recurring bursts of violin which feel light and playful, like the flight and song of the skylark.

Skylarks nest on arable land – generally in the middle of fields to avoid predators. They should produce up to three broods a year between April and August, but changes in farming practices have had a dramatic impact on their numbers. Since 1967 they have declined by 63% meaning they are now on the red list for conservation. In 2000 the RSPB opened Hope Farm in Cambridgeshire for the purpose of reconciling farming practices with habitat preservation. The good news is that, through this project, they have determined that skylark populations can be restored.

The collective noun for skylarks is an ‘exaltation’ – a perfectly fitting term for such an iconic symbol of our landscape.

RSPB Pagham Harbour is running a close-up/macro photography workshop on the 1 June and a Moths and Coffee event on 15 June.

To find out more: https://events.rspb.org.uk/paghamharbour Visit our website https://events.rspb.org.uk/paghamharbour or call 01243 641508.

Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com)

at �he village

Weds 5th June

ALEX CLARKE & THE JOHN PEARCE TRIO

As a finalist in the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year 2020, winner of the Rising Star category in the 2019 British Jazz Awards, also nominee in the Parliamentary Jazz Awards 2021 & 2022, Alex is one of the most in-demand saxophonists to have emerged on the British jazz scene. Alex will be with the John Pearce Trio.

Admission £15 | Doors open 7pm | Bring your own refreshments

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GOING SWIMMINGLY

BY FELPHAM FASHION GURU VICKY BOOKER

Whether you’re off to exotic climes, or enjoying sunny Sussex, here's some tips to help you choose swimwear that suits and flatters, so you look and feel your best at the beach or pool this summer.

For me, the key factor when choosing swimwear, is the fit. If it’s too tight, long, short, or baggy, you just won’t feel comfortable let alone confident! Then choose a colour and style that suits your look and you’re away.

BODY LENGTH AND PROPORTIONS

This is so important – especially for one-piece swimsuits. If you have a proportionally shorter body, and longer legs, you might find your swimsuit is bagging around your bum – there’ll be excess material there. One option is to look for a petite fit or go for a tankini style where the top is a different print or colour to the bottoms – this can give the illusion of lengthening the torso. Something like this Lavanzo tankini by Boden (right) could work.

But if you’re like me (and Gill who asked me this question in Felpham recently!) and have a longer body and relatively shorter legs your best bet is either a bikini with higher rise bottoms, or a tall length swimsuit. I really like the Next own brand (left) swimsuits like this Plunge tummy shaping style which comes in lots of colours, but I’ve chosen this season bold red! I find the regular length is just right, but they do a tall option too.

BALANCING OUT SHAPES

If you’re a ‘classic pear’ or triangle shape and want to balance things out, bring emphasis to the upper body and keep the bottom half simple. Details on the shoulders like ties and frills work well, and you can use print or colour on the top and keep the bottom plain and darker. This classic monochrome style by lingerie specialist Pour Moi (right) is ideal.

FULLER BUST

And vice versa for an inverted triangle (broader shoulders and narrower hips). Twopiece swimwear works well for you and these frill bottoms from Freya (left) hit the mark. Even better, they do a range of tops in different shapes and colour so you can mix and match to suit your shape. I’d go for the halter neck and perhaps a plain colour to draw attention away.

You’ll be best with a cup-sized bikini or suit to give you the support you need. The underwear specialist brands are usually my first stop for a great fit. Try Freya, Panache, Pour Moi and Fantasie. I love this Crete bikini by Bravissimo (right) which goes to cup size K.

To find your perfect shape, book a Style Consultation with me this summer Vickybooker.com or contact me for info – vicky@vickybooker.com

Vicky Booker.

Free Design

Supply & Fit or Supply only

Free Quotes

Down

1. Robbery at sea (6)

2. Temporary, makeshift camp (7)

3. Estate, territory (5)

5. Recite, recount (7)

6. Tally, total (5)

CROSSWORD

Across

1. Small round stone (6)

4. Pristine (6)

8. Large black bird (5)

9. Zeal (7)

10. Type of large military ship (7)

11. Rectify, revise (5)

12. Scarlet food dye (9)

17. Yellow/brown (5)

7. Make fun of, insult (6)

9. Outlawed, prohibited (9)

13. The fastest big cat (7)

14. Deficient, incomplete (7)

15. Purchased (6)

19. Gleaned (7)

21. Sparkle, shine (7)

22. Barbecue (5)

23. Cantankerous (6)

24. Burns supper dish (6)

16. Grown-ups (6)

18. Lift (5)

20. Belief, principle (5)

STOCK UP! BY ALISTAIR BACON

Hi, I am Alistair Bacon, and I am the owner of Stock Blinds, a local family-run company based in Bognor Regis, founded, and run for over 25 years by my late father Stuart, who was in the curtains and fabric business for over thirty years.

We have fitted hundreds of blinds across the local and wider area over the years. Stuart is remembered by his repeat customers who spent appointments with him sharing a cup of tea and biscuits and having and a joke. A largerthan-life character known for his good sense of humour.

We strive to keep Stock Blinds as the ‘go to’ company for all your shading and window covering needs and ensure that the widest range of quality ‘made to measure’ blinds and shutters are available to the residents of West Sussex and beyond. And we are rewarded with wonderful customers who often return to us repeatedly, when they move home, change their décor, and even move out of West Sussex!

One customer feedback said: “Steve came initially and measured up, gave recommendations and advice. Really happy with the competitive quote. Four weeks later John came and fitted the blindsthey look great, and he spent time explaining what he had done, how the mechanisms worked etc. Made sure I was happy and left the room spotless - I am so pleased and would highly rate the team at Stock Blinds. I will absolutely be using them again in the future.”

As a company we have come across many challenges including installing six large awnings to a customer’s home who lived on the Downs, this took five days and it was all hands-on deck for the transportation and install, but the customer was incredibly happy with the finished job.

Customers pets, especially dogs, can prove challenging as they take tools from toolboxes and make off with them into the garden, recently one even took an installer’s mobile phone from a windowsill!

Our company specialises in: Made to measure curtains, available with standard lining, thermal and blackout linings. Vertical blinds Roller blinds Roman blinds All these are available in blackout fabrics, with most blinds being able to be motorised too. Venetian blinds in real wood, faux wood, and aluminium. Pleated, Intu and Hive Blinds. Conservatory Roof and Window Blinds. Flyscreens, Fly chains and Fly Doors Plantation Shutters Awnings and Canopies Security and Roller Shutters.

We also re-cover awnings and canopies and there is an extensive range to choose from as well as repairs, servicing and cleaning for awnings and canopies, as well as a comprehensive repair service for blinds. It’s easy to get in touch with us on call 01243 863091, email sales@stockblinds.co.uk or visit www.stockblinds.co.uk.

For those of you on social media: facebook.com/stockblinds.co.uk or find us on Instagram @stockblinds.co.uk We are Members of the BBSA, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and Check-a-Trade members for almost 20 years.

A GOOD READ

BY NATASHA DONOVAN

The Supper Club by Lara Williams

Williams' striking and vividly written novel delves into the complexities of female friendship, body image, and the act of reclaiming space in a world that often tries to diminish women. The story revolves around Roberta and Stevie, two young women who, after meeting at university, form a unique bond and establish the eponymous Supper Club – a secret society where women gather to indulge in food without guilt or judgement.

Williams' writing is both sharp and tender, capturing the subtleties of her characters' inner lives with remarkable clarity. The narrative alternates between Roberta's past and present, weaving together her experiences with food, from restrictive eating to liberating feasting, and her journey towards self-acceptance. It's a structure that effectively depicts the protagonist's evolving relationship with herself and her body and makes for a relatable read.

But this is more than a story about food and friendship. It is a nuanced exploration of the complexities of female identity and the ways in which women navigate a world that often seeks to constrain them. Williams tackles issues of body image and the struggle for self-identity with sensitivity and insight, making the novel both thought-provoking and deeply moving in parts.

The Supper Club itself is a symbol of resistance against societal norms that dictate how women should look, eat, and behave. The descriptions of the meals are sumptuous and vivid, transporting the reader into these nocturnal gatherings where the women not only feast but also share stories, laughter, and pain.

This is a story that celebrates women while offering a commentary on the pressures they face. It's a story of transformation and liberation, and a reminder of the power of claiming one's space in the world.

The Kitchen Science Cookbook by Dr Michelle Dickinson

This is a beautifully crafted book with a unique twist: each recipe is a science experiment that you can do at home, using the everyday ingredients you'll find in your kitchen.

You don’t need to be a science expert because the easy-to-follow recipes make science experiments fun for everyone. Nanotechnologist Michelle Dickinson is on a mission to show us that we can all be scientists, no matter how young or old.

The book has an easy-to-follow format, and every experiment uses ingredients found in most kitchens. Kids will love following each recipe and learning about the science. When I set aside an afternoon to do a few experiments with my own kids I learned a lot too.

The photos show normal families doing each of the experiments, which contributes to the approachable feel of the book. In spite of it being so accessible, Dickinson, who is a serious scientist, covers the scientific methodcoming up with a prediction, testing it etc; safety precautions, and general science tips which is great for non-scientist parents like me.

If you want to get your kids excited about science, this is a fabulous book.

CHOCOLATE SORBET

Lighter than ice cream, refreshing and gluten-free!

Preparation time: 15 mins. Freezing time: 3-4 hours plus chilling time. Serves: 4-6.

INGREDIENTS

100g good quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids) broken into pieces.

100ml filtered or mineral water

60g cocoa powder

METHOD

For the sugar syrup

250ml filtered or mineral water

150g caster sugar

• Prepare the sugar syrup by placing the sugar and water into a saucepan. Bring to the boil without stirring and leave to simmer until the sugar crystals have dissolved (about 5 minutes). Remove from the heat.

• Melt the dark chocolate in a heat-proof bowl suspended over a saucepan of just-simmering water. When it has melted add the 100ml water and reheat until warm. Whisk in the cocoa, then add the melted chocolate, whisking together until smooth.

• Let the mixture cool, then chill it by placing the bowl of sorbet mixture over a bowl of water filled with ice cubes. Stir occasionally but don’t let any water splash into the sorbet mix.

• For the smoothest results churn the chilled mixture in an ice cream maker until ready.

TAKING A STAND

After supporting the Bognor Regis 10K in May, Bognor Regis Concert Band are back rehearsing and planning their next live performance as part of Proms in the Park this year –Saturday 15 June 2024 from 6pm until 10pm.

Under the baton of their Musical Director, Robert Horner, they will entertain the public on Hotham Park Bandstand from 8.30pm. The programme will consist of a variety of music from musicals to traditional pieces, culminating in a rousing finale of good old Proms classics for everyone to sing along to. Yes, William Blake’s Jerusalem will be included, together with ‘Land of Hope and Glory’ and ‘Rule Britannia’. Don’t forget your flags as well as your fine singing voices. Bring the park alive. Let’s make it a night to remember.

On Saturday 22 June, we are supporting Bognor Regis Town Council’s event – Town Crier Competition 2024 – on the seafront bandstand.

For further information find us on Facebook or email: brconcertband@gmail.com

Lasting Power of Attorney - What are your options?

by Mark Riley, Founder & Managing Partner, MJR Solicitors

At any point in your life, there could be any number of reasons why you might need someone else to step in and help deal with your financial and/or health and welfare matters and make decisions for you. By appointing a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), they’ll be able to look after the best interests of you and your family whenever it’s necessary. A Lasting Power of Attorney is a common, legally-binding document allowing you (the ‘donor’) to name people you trust as your ‘attorneys’ to make choices about your medical treatment and care, finances, and home, either now or in the future, on your behalf.You have complete control over who you choose to be your attorney(s) and they can only be given control of your affairs, and make decisions in your best interests if you’re physically unable to make decisions any longer or without the ‘mental capacity’ to make them for yourself. LPAs can only be appointed while you’re in good mental and physical health so the process should not be left too late.

There are 3 main types of LPA:

‘Property & Financial Affairs’ gives an attorney the power to make decisions about money and property for you, eg, managing bank or building society accounts, paying bills, collecting benefits or a pension, selling your home. It can be used as soon as it’s registered, with your permission. The attorneys can help make any of the above decisions.

‘Health & Welfare’ gives an attorney the power to make decisions about things like your daily routine, washing, dressing, eating, medical care, care homes or life-sustaining treatment. It can only be used when you’re unable to make your own decisions.

‘Business Owners’ Do I need one? If you own or are part of a business, then the likely answer is Yes! What would happen to your business if you were unable to make decisions such as when:

• You are on holiday and get stuck abroad

• You have an accident

• You have a medical condition that incapacitates you

Who will sort ALL of your business requirements? You can’t assume people will be able to step in, you need to make sure they are legally entitled.

It’s important to prepare your LPA while you are fit, healthy and capable, so don’t delay.

By instructing our legal experts to set up your LPAs, we will give you all the practical help and legal advice needed for this service. We can help you with every step of the process, preparing your LPA paperwork as per your wishes and ensuring your affairs are all in order.

ONLINE SERVICE - You apply online on our website, but with our help to get it right Using our online service, you make the application yourself so the cost is less, but we will prompt you to consider everything that’s important with your application, and check it through, giving you the option of an LPA at a great value price.

Make an appointment on 01243 945054 or email: info@mjrsolicitors.co.uk or apply for your LPA online: www.mjrsolicitors.co.uk/LPA

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

Recent Client Feedback:

“Mark was very friendly and knowledgeable and explained everything simply in order for us to understand”

At any point in your life, you might need someone else to step in and help deal with your financial and/or health and welfare matters and make decisions for you. By appointing a Lasting Power of Attorney,they’ll be able to look after the best interests of you and your family whenever it’s necessary. It’s important to prepare your LPA while you are fit, healthy and capable, so don’t delay. Find out more at www.mjrsolicitors.co.uk

Caring 1-2-1 service

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THE HAYLING BILLY TRAIL BY

SIMON BAKER IRONS

The featured walk this month is a 4-mile linear walk along the Hayling Billy disused railway line, which once connected Hayling Island to the town of Havant. It ran from 1865 to 1963 and the route follows almost all of the entire western shore of Hayling Island, which is great for birdwatching and nature lovers as there are plenty of opportunities to stop along the route. The ‘Hayling Billy Trail’ is an accessible footpath, cycle route and bridleway. I found it very easy to park at Langstone and catch the bus to West Town which runs every thirty minutes.

• Alight the bus at the Station Theatre for the start of the trail. After the railway was closed the South Hayling Station was demolished, apart from the goods shed which has now been converted into a theatre. The trail is very easy to follow, is clearly marked and has many information boards along the route describing the history of the line.

• Head north on the trail along the tree lined track, which soon opens up with some amazing views of Langstone Harbour (SSSI) across to Portsmouth. This harbour is an internationally important site for its wildfowl and wading birds, so birdwatching from the trail can be very good.

• The trail continues north along the shoreline of Langstone Harbour, which has some amazing oak trees rooted into the banks but reaching out over the stoney beach. The old wooden sea defences have worn away against the salty tide and make for some good photography in places. Look out for the old WW2 Pill Box that would have once provided a defence against enemy forces.

• Further along the trail is North Hayling Halt. The Halt was used as a stopping point for passengers visiting the northern part of Hayling Island. Unfortunately, nothing remains of the station.

• After continuing along the track from the halt take a short detour to the Oyster Beds. Oysters were farmed on Hayling Island as early as 1819 and continued until the 1970s, they became a delicacy that was exported throughout the country known as “Emsworth Oysters”. The oyster beds have been restored, creating a further wildlife haven for the harbour.

• As you near the end of the trail on the island, you will see a restored signal. The signal is in the ‘ON’ condition meaning approaching trains had to stop. When the arm is raised trains could proceed onto the bridge.

• The last part of the walk crosses the Langstone Bridge, constructed in the late 1950’s this bridge replaced the wooden one that was built by the Portsmouth and Arundel Canal Company. A weight limit on the old wooden bridge meant that only single decker buses could cross, and if they had too many passengers on board then some had to get off and walk. As you cross the bridge looking west you will see the remains of the concrete pillars that once supported the railway line. Looking to the east of the bridge is the ‘Wadeway’, a causeway that at low tide linked the island to the mainland, however the Portsmouth & Arundel Canal company cut through this causeway to allow the barges through. The Wadeway still exists and although marked on OS Maps is not passable.

• The walk finishes in the beautiful conservation area of Langstone. A great place to stop for some refreshments with terrific views towards Chichester Harbour, on a clear day the spire of the cathedral can be seen in the distance. To see more photos and walks please follow me on Instagram @piertopiertrekking

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GUTTERING

HR IN FOCUS BY

TANYA SMITH AND

GEMMA GUINEY

HOW TO … MANAGE ABSENCE IN THE WORKPLACE

Managing absence can be challenging for any business, but with smaller teams to pick up the extra workload, SME’s often feel the pinch the most. Whether it's due to sickness, holidays, parental leave or unexpected emergencies, effectively managing employee absence is crucial. If not managed in the right way employee productivity, morale, and overall business performance are all likely to be impacted. One of the biggest barriers to dealing with absence related issues is often the fear of saying or doing the wrong thing. We know these conversations aren’t always easy, so in this month’s article we’re taking you through our top tips for handling employee absence.

Understand the Why

When an employee is unexpectedly absent from work, it's important to understand ‘why.’ After every unplanned absence, we would recommend holding a return-to-work meeting to find out why they were unable to attend work as expected. Are there any underlying reasons? Is there a pattern of absence forming, or is this a one off? By taking the time to understand the why, you’ll mitigate the likelihood of recurring absence and be in a better position to support your employee as needed. This could be as simple as altering their working hours or arranging for them to work remotely. For more complex cases, you might signpost them to your Employee Assistance Programme, or to organisations such as Citizens Advice for additional support.

Communicate Clear Expectations

Set clear expectations with the use of policies, reporting procedures and open communication, so employees know exactly what they need to do when they want to take time off from work. Having an absence policy, annual leave policy and family leave policies is an effective way of ensuring a fair and consistent approach for all. By creating an environment where employees are encouraged to communicate openly about their needs and circumstances, they are much more likely to tell you about any changes in their personal life or seek support during difficult times, instead of just calling in sick. This will allow you to look at options together and find an effective solution that suits everyone.

Be Flexible

Life can be unpredictable at times, and flexibility can really help to reduce absence in these moments. If you have an employee that is struggling to consistently complete their scheduled hours, consider offering flexible working arrangements. Options such as remote work, flexi-hours, or job sharing can really help employees balance both their personal and professional responsibilities. Not only do businesses see a dramatic decrease in unplanned absences when they arrange for employees to work flexibly, but also an increase in levels of employee engagement.

By consistently implementing the above, you can create a supportive environment where employees feel valued and fulfilled, which in turn will reduce absence levels across the business. If you’d like to discuss anything mentioned in this article in more detail, don’t hesitate to contact us on enquiries@ thehrhouseconsultancy.co.uk.

For further information or HR queries visit: https://www.thehrhouseconsultancy.co.uk or email: enquiries@thehrhouseconsultancy.co.uk

Gemma Guiney and Tanya Smith.

THE 'WHY' OF WEEDS BY RACHEL LEVERTON

Some gardeners say that a weed is just a plant in the wrong place. But is any unwanted plant it really a weed? Is an apple tree seedling a weed? Are the random aquilegia or California poppies softening my stone paths weeds?

Plants have one goal: to live long enough to reproduce. So sometimes these plants show up in areas they’re not welcome. These plants are not technically weeds, though we might decide to treat them as such.

Then there are the plants that we know as conventional weeds, such as dandelions. Some are annuals, which live their whole life cycle in one year, and persist through a legacy of hundreds of thousands of seeds, germinating anywhere and everywhere.

Dandelions are actually perennials. They are persistent plants that love open lawn, growing into a big leafy mass with their characteristic bright yellow flowers. They also spread tens of thousands of seeds around to ensure that there are plenty more to come next year. The thing about a plant like dandelions – and this is true for many of our labelled perennial weeds, such as nettles - is that bees and other insects love them, so they are wonderful for biodiversity.

Why DO plants show up where they’re not supposed to be?

Have you ever heard the phrase, ‘Nature abhors a vacuum’? It’s the concept that emptiness or nothingness runs counter to the laws of nature. Space must be filled with something, and weeds have embraced this concept wholeheartedly.

It explains why weeds pop up in places such as an open, mulched area or a pristine expanse of artfully placed stone patio. You may have determined there should be nothing there, but Mother Nature has other ideas and starts inserting plants to fill the void.

As gardeners, we like the idea of carefully selected plants placed in well-chosen spots in our landscape. That’s ‘design’ – the conscious application of thought and the decision to grow or not grow plants in this particular place or that.

The sparsely planted landscaped garden and the heavily planted plot with barely any room between plants are garden styles at opposite ends of the spectrum. The first readily invites weeds to fill the empty spaces, but they are easy to see and remove. The second (which I favour), makes it difficult for weeds to germinate. But when they sprout – and they will – it takes a keen eye and some effort to remove them. I’m not diligent with this because the odd weed is less noticeable among all the other plants, and they are good for insect life.

Neither garden is ‘correct’. The more natural landscape will ultimately be more sustainable with less weeding effort required, though when first planted, because it takes time for all those plants to grow and fill in, you’ll have to deal with – you guessed it – weeds.

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Email: eviehoward8@gmail.com www.evelynhowardphysioathome.co.uk

ARTIST OF THE MONTH: TRICIA JOHNSON

BY KATE STEWART

Tricia Johnson, is a seasoned artist and educator who lives in Bognor Regis. She has spent over two decades immersed in the local landscape and is often out and about with her sketchbook drawing inspiration from her favourite coastal and countryside surroundings. Her artwork, exhibited nationally and internationally, reflects a diverse exploration of different drawing and painting mediums, with a focus on printmaking.

Tricia's current practice showcases experimentation with relief and intaglio printing processes, revealing a unique approach to form and texture. Her creative journey began when studying Art & Design in the Midlands, where she began honing her skills before moving to the Sussex coast to continue studying.

With over 20 years of teaching experience and holding a B.A. (hons) degree along with teaching qualifications, she works with students across various art disciplines. Teaching weekly classes and engaging in community-driven projects, Tricia fosters a supportive community of skill development, growth and creativity.

Her artwork is a mix of drawing, painting, and printmaking, inspired by the wildlife and landscapes surrounding her. Tricia's passion for mark-making drives her work, using a blend of old and new techniques to capture the essence of nature. Recently, her work was selected for the Society for Wildlife Artists 60th Anniversary exhibition, showcasing the depth and breadth of her artistic abilities.

To find out more about Tricia and her art courses in West Sussex and online visit www.artwithtricia.com. To connect with her on social media for updates on exhibitions, workshops and more go to @artwithtricia

Please

LONDON PHILHARMONIC VISITS BOGNOR

An Afternoon with London Philharmonic Orchestra, Tuesday 18 June, 2pm, The Salvation Army Church, Bognor Regis

The Alexandra Theatre is currently closed for renovation and refurbishment. But that doesn’t mean the team aren’t busy providing events for the local community. They are delighted to be welcoming a quartet of players from the prestigious London Philharmonic Orchestra at a very special afternoon concert on Tuesday 18 June, hosted at The Salvation Army Church.

Expect some well-known pieces of music, enjoy a Q&A session with the players and get ready to be swept away by these incredibly talented musicians as they bring classical and contemporary tunes to life.

The partnership with the Alexandra Theatre during their renovations underscores LPO’s commitment to ensuring that avenues for cultural engagement remain accessible to all, even amidst refurbishments, bringing high-quality musical performances directly to residents, fostering a sense of belonging and pride. This event is bound to be popular, so book soon to avoid disappointment. Come along and be entertained for an hour or so, with a free hot drink and biscuits as part of the ticket price.

This is an exciting extra event to complement our popular 2 O'Clock Club. Audiences can enjoy a range of light entertainment on the first Tuesday of the month – the next is with singer Leigh-Page Coombes on Tuesday 4 June. Leigh-Page sings many different songs from the 50s, 60s and 70s eras.

Tickets are available from the Box Office on 01243 861010 or online at www.alexandratheatre.co.uk

SUPER BERRIES

BY LOUISE ADDISON

TOTALLY STRAWSOME

The first shocker is that it is not actually a berry. It’s a member of the rose family and is in fact the enlarged receptacle of a flower!

There's a lot to love about them. They're lower in both calories and sugar than fruits like apples or bananas, yet they're high in fibre and other key nutrients. They're a low-glycaemic food, which means that they have little effect on blood sugar. This makes them a tasty option for people looking to control or lower their blood glucose levels.

There are more health benefits too. They naturally deliver vitamins, fibre, and particularly high levels of antioxidants known as polyphenols – without any sodium, fat, or cholesterol. They are among the top 20 high-antioxidant fruits and are a good source of manganese and potassium. Just one serving – about eight berries – provides more vitamin C than an orange.

Strawberries also have minerals such as calcium, iron, potassium, folate, and magnesium, along with more antioxidants called anthocyanins. Those are healthful plant compounds that also give strawberries their red colour. The redder the fruit, the more antioxidants it has.

The vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in strawberries provide important health benefits. The antioxidant compounds protect cells and tissue in your body by neutralizing unstable molecules called free radicals. By curbing free radicals, oxidative stress is also reduced. Oxidative stress can cause inflammation and your immune system contributing to several health conditions.

Strawberries are safe for most people, but people who are allergic to birch pollen are more likely to have an allergic reaction when they eat strawberries or other red fruits. Allergic reactions to strawberries usually cause symptoms such as itchy bumps, tingling, or swelling of your lips, mouth, tongue, or throat. Seek medical advice if this happens.

Please

MICROCHIPPING MADE SIMPLE BY LOUISE

WHAT EVERY PET OWNER NEEDS TO KNOW

National Microchipping Month emphasizes the importance of updating your pet's microchip details to ensure they can be reunited with you if lost. This event also promotes the benefits of microchipping pets.

Microchips, about the size of a grain of rice, are implanted by a vet or trained implanter in a quick, harmless procedure, providing a permanent means of identification unlike removable collars and tags. Since April 2016, it has been mandatory for all dogs in the UK to be microchipped and registered with a government-approved database, and starting 10th June this year, this requirement will extend to all cats by the time they are 20 weeks old.

The key advantage of microchipping is the increased likelihood of being reunited with your pet should they become lost. While microchipping for pets other than dogs and cats isn't legally required, it is highly recommended for all types of pets. Only authorized implanters, including vets and animal welfare organizations, can perform microchipping.

However, microchipping is not sufficient on its own. As a pet owner, it is crucial to ensure your pet's chip details are correct and updated regularly. If your contact details change, you are responsible for notifying the database to update your information.

You can be fined up to £500 if your dog or cat is not microchipped when they need to be. Dogs are also still required to wear a collar and tag.

If you are buying or adopting a dog or cat you should ask for proof a microchip has been fitted. You can ask to see: a microchip certificate, vet records, or a pet passport.

For further information visit www.gov.uk/get-your-dog-cat-microchipped

SUMMER MUSIC IN HOTHAM PARK

Once again, the Rotary Club of Bognor Regis is teaming up with the Bognor Regis Town Council to run Sunday afternoon music concerts at the bandstand in Hotham Park. Four events are planned, with the first on 16 JUNE and a return of local band Sweeney Todd, who will be ably supported this year by soloist Andy Osman. Sweeney Todd’s brand of 60’s music is well known and always attracts a large following to their gigs.

The next event in the calendar is on 21 JULY when the music genre changes from 60’s music to Jazz and Blues. Soloist Trev Varri will be ably supporting Lucky Strike throughout the afternoon. Both soloist and band are new to our line up for this year and are guaranteed to bring this style of music to the park.

The music genre changes again on 11 AUGUST with headliners Fab Jam Band covering Pop and Rock for us with the able support of Jenny Oag starting the afternoon session. Both of these acts are also new to Music in the Park although their local track record means that we will have a great afternoon.

Our last summer event is on 1 SEPTEMBER with the return of Americana and Country band Alabama Stills. This band was so successful at our event last year that they have been booked to bring our four events to a climax. They will be supported by newcomer Phil Kelly who is well known on the local circuit of pubs and clubs.

This year all of these events will be held in Hotham Park at the bandstand between 14.00 and 16.30. So, bring your chairs and rugs and join your local Town Council and Rotary Club for some fantastic afternoons of music.

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.

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

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

• Free initial consultation

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

• No more gaps or dentures

• Eat, chew and smile with complete confidence

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

Felpham Dental Implant Clinic

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

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

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

CUTTING EDGE BY

JACKIE PETERS

“Freddie, the lawn needs cutting,” says my husband. Our 16-year-old phone addict glances up, “Ugh. I hate mowing. It’s BORING!”

“We agreed it’s your job,” says my husband.

“Wild lawns are in fashion,” counters Freddie, not moving.

“Not round here,” says my husband.

“You do it then,” mutters Freddie, but he slopes off in the direction of the garden.

“But it’s BORING,” my husband shouts after him.

Later I find them both staring at Freddie’s laptop with our 14-year-old daughter, researching robot lawnmowers. I roll my eyes at them, but secretly I agree … mowing is BORING!

Robot mowers are gaining popularity as they drop in price. Essentially they operate independently, using sensors to navigate and trim your lawn. They are small, lightweight, and come in all sizes to match all lawns. Robotic mowers usually make use of a boundary wire installed around your lawn's perimeter to guide their movement. The wire is unobtrusive and is quickly hidden by the grass. Some models use GPS for enhanced navigation flexibility. They can be managed via mobile apps, allowing you to schedule mowing and ensure even coverage.

Their fans rave about them citing:

• Convenience – They operate autonomously, saving you from manual mowing.

• Safety – They’re designed to avoid obstacles and are equipped with safety features like child locks.

• Performance and functionality – Robotic mowers efficiently maintain lawn health by cutting frequently but in small amounts, promoting even growth. They can handle slopes and navigate over driveways or paths, especially those with GPS technology. Blades are less prone to damage due to their operational design and are easy and inexpensive to replace.

• Environmental benefits – Robot mowers mulch the grass clippings, which are then recycled back to the lawn as natural fertilizer, enhancing lawn health.

• Operational efficiency – They are economical, typically using about 15 kWh per month. But there are disadvantages:

• Cost – Initial purchase can be high, though they can offer savings long term if you have to pay someone to mow your lawn (like a teenager!)

• Installation – You may need the boundary wire professionally installed. And in many ways they are also similar to normal lawnmowers in that they need regular maintenance and storage. Robotic mowers are stored in a docking station, typically near a power source at the garden's edge, but should be housed in a garage or shed to protect against severe weather in the winter. And although they are designed for use on wet grass, it’s best to avoid soaked lawns and they will be less efficient under wet conditions, much like a regular mower.

The robot mower debate is in full flow here. The guys really want one and I have yet to be persuaded (especially by the ‘but they’re so cute’ argument put forward by my daughter). I can feel myself weakening though because … mowing IS boring!

STANDING ROOM ONLY BY

FELPHAM ART GROUP

It was virtually standing room only as members gathered to see Jake Winkle's watercolour demonstration on: Painting animals in the landscape at Felpham Art Group.

Jake started his demonstration by explaining he uses mostly primary colours and keeps mixing areas separate from his paint to keep the colours pure. He also talked about using light washes of colour for shaded areas – on what appeared to be white – instead of grey.

Grey fades away to insignificance, whereas the colours will lend vibrancy to the image. Blue, cool tones appear to drop back; red, warmer tones project forward a little. He said he deliberately “fragments” the coloured surface by leaving little areas free of paint, so the white is used as part of the palette, and for natural highlights.

Jake was using mid-weight paper that was quite absorbent – so it was essential to mix up enough paint or wash at each stage, in order to apply it swiftly and decisively. The paper was stretched and taped down.

He had a pencil drawing of the head of a giraffe, already prepared, on the paper. (He had enlarged a photo on his computer and then traced it). The horn-like protrusions on the giraffe’s head are called ossicones and Jake proceeded to demonstrate the blue/red technique here by dabbing reddish paint (mainly) on the near one, and blue tones on the further one. He kept to the shapes but otherwise was fairly casual and other colours found their way into the mix. He used quite a lot of water then, and later.

The ears were defined next. They were mostly white but Jake used a very pale pink wash to indicate a slight shadow and their shape. The eye was painted in thicker paint, quite dark and not detailed much but the shape was enough to indicate it exactly – already the character of the giraffe was emerging.

Jake then mixed a lot of pale wash, blue first, and filled in the pathways between the giraffe’s brown patch pattern. He varied the colours a little. After he had done half of the skin, he then filled in the patches in thicker, stickier shades of brown, but in an unfussy, brisk manner. The wash on the “pathways” was still damp, so there was a certain amount of softening at the edges.

He did the second half, and also the mane of the giraffe, in a similar way. A few dots and dashes were added here and there to add depth and interest, but also to define odd edges on the rather pale creature. Jake also spattered small drops of paint and “scribbled” a bit with his brush for a richer look.

The background was a plain light blue wash, and again, Jake lightly spattered the surface this time with a slightly darker blue in order to give it an interesting but unobtrusive finish.

Jake is a fabulous artist and a great teacher. His portrait of the giraffe was a truly beautiful image of a quiet and elegant beast : strangely feminine and melancholy. It was a real privilege to see it emerge before our very eyes!

Thank you Jake from everyone at Felpham Art Group.

Photos by Phil King and Sue Brown.

JUNE HOROSCOPES

BY LOCAL ASTROLOGER LETICIA PARMER

Jupiter, the planet that brings good fortune, optimism and expansion, which stays for one year in each sign, now moves from Taurus to Gemini. Find out below what this means for your own Sun sign then call me to find out what your Moon sign, to give you a more accurate picture of how the planets will be effecting you each month.

ARIES

This might be the time to buy a new car or plan a road trip as vehicles and all forms of communication are favoured well.

TAURUS

You are very good with money and possessions, so you'll be glad to hear that money matters are very well favoured now.

GEMINI

As Jupiter has moved to your own sign, you will experience personal luck so get out there and make your mark on the world.

CANCER

Dreams, meditation and intuition are favoured by Jupiter now. Time to start a dream diary and remember to trust your hunches.

LEO

You love a party, so you'll be glad to hear that friends, groups and the whole social scene, will be of great benefit to you now.

VIRGO

Career and father are highlighted. All your hard work is at last beginning to pay off as you are offered greater respect.

LIBRA

Travel works out far better than expected right through till next June, so don't hesitate to book that trip you've been considering.

SCORPIO

You love your privacy as much as delving into mysteries. Both of these sides of your character bring great rewards now.

SAGITTARIUS

Teaming up is very well favoured for you, whether through a business liaison or in a highly compatible romantic partnership.

CAPRICORN

Workload becomes more manageable and thus your health and nerves improve, thanks to being able to delegate more.

AQUARIUS

You'll get so much more out of your original artistic talents, especially when inspiring youngsters to express their creativity.

PISCES

Home and mother are where Jupiter will be bringing you more joy and greater opportunities. Find your dream home.

Call Leticia Parmer

For your full Astrological Chart and answers to all questions about your life 07956 155105 or email leticiaparmer@yahoo.com

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Have you got one? If not, don’t wait until you need one!

A lot of my clients when I ask them if they have a Power of Attorney will reply by saying ‘no’, they don’t need one and that they are too young to think about putting such a document in place at the moment. I will then usually go on to politely explain that they’ve kind of missed the whole point of the document.

Age has nothing to do with whether you should protect yourself by putting in place a Lasting Power of Attorney. No matter how old you are, it is important to think about what you would want to happen should you become incapacitated (either temporarily or permanently) due to illness, accident or an impairment. Wouldn’t it be better if you decided (rather than the Court) who you would want to deal with your finances and/or business interests and who you would want to make health and welfare decision on your behalf if you are unable to express a view.

A Lasting Power of Attorney has to be given to a third party by you, rather than taken out by them for you.

If you have made a Will then that goes some way to getting your affairs in order and making things easier for your loved ones but the Executors appointed in your Will only have the power to deal with things when you have passed away. They don’t have any legal authority whilst you are still alive, but incapacitated. You need Attorneys under a Lasting Power of Attorney document to look after your needs in such circumstances.

Call the office for a no obligation appointment to find out more details. Don’t forget I can also help you with:

• Wills and Trusts - Inheritance Tax - Care Fees Planning

• Probate- Administration of Estates

Please feel free to telephone Helen’s office if you wish to discuss any of the above matters or to arrange an appointment.

Helen Gagan Solicitor … listening to her clients

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

SCHOOL'S (ALMOST) OUT

BY SARAH DAVEY

School holidays are just around the corner. Can you hear the collective panic from working parents everywhere? While our kids look forward to a long summer break, for us parents it can prove a logistical nightmare. What we need are practical ideas and solutions.

Start with how much of the holiday you can cover yourself. Will your family holiday take care of a fortnight? Some parents juggle childcare between them. Parent one covers two weeks then parent two covers two weeks, leaving just two weeks to find extra cover. However, it may not be desirable to split your holidays, nor even practical if you are a single parent.

What about grandparents? While some love to help out, others may still be working themselves, or may be too frail, or far away to help. Perhaps you can share childcare with another relative or a friend. Are there other working parents at your child’s school with similar problems? WhatsApp groups were invented for a reason. Maybe you can join forces.

Could you work from home during all or part of the school holidays? If you think this may be possible, discuss the idea with your boss. It’s best to draw up a plan detailing which aspects of your work could reasonably be completed remotely. You may get a positive response because if you’re not taking a holiday, they won’t have to find cover.

Even if you can piece together using some holiday, working from home, and sharing care with friends and family, you’ll probably still be left with some time to cover.

Now is the time to investigate paid-childcare options. If you have a pre-schooler at nursery, check whether it offers holiday care for older siblings. Schools and after-school clubs often run holiday schemes too. The advantage of these is that they are subsidised by the Government, so are less expensive than private options. The disadvantage is that they fill up fast, so book early. They are often advertised first in school newsletters and few people actually read newsletters, so you can get ahead of the game here!

If you can afford them, there are some terrific holiday clubs on offer. Some specialise in sport, others in a variety of outdoor activities – including kayaking and rock-climbing. There are drama, music, art, and crafts clubs and even clubs teaching circus skills. Check what your local area has to offer.

Always check supervision levels, training certificates, health and safety information and any Ofsted reports. Try to speak with the group leaders so you get a feel for what they are like and whether your child will take to them.

School holidays are never easy if you work, but a little forward planning will relieve some of the stress. Remember though, that even the best laid plans can be derailed. Previous years here have involved a broken leg (son), appendicitis (me) and one year both kids contracting chicken pox the day after breaking up!

Happy school hols!

CROUCHERS

BLOCK GORDON MAC

BAGS OF INTEREST BY VICKY BOOKER

Accessories make such a difference to your outfit and are a great way to add interest, prints, and pops of colour, without trying too hard. So, a good handbag is a must. We love the bags from local Aldwick-based business – ER On Trend. Run by Emma and Rachel, as well a great range of bags, they have clothes and other accessories too, which they sell via their Instagram and Facebook pages, as well as at pop-up events and markets.

One of the essential pieces is their cross-body bag. This style is such a modern-classic and is practical (hands-free shopping? Yes please!) as well as stylish. The best thing about these real leather bags, is the choice of colours and printed straps. Go for a hardworking neutral and make it pop with a funky strap or go all-out with the colour. And with two sizes to choose from, there are so many combinations. E&R on Trend have kindly offered readers a 10% DISCOUNT off any of their bags. Simply view their range and direct message them on either Instagram @e_r_ontrend, or Facebook @EROnTrendClothing, or send an email to erontrend@gmail.com, and quote FOCUS10 when ordering. This offer ends 31 July 2024.

Clubs, Classes and Events

Please

Platinum Stained Glass Window at St Mary’s Church ‘Strangers’ by Darren Vallier, Richard Lindfield ”

BOGNOR REGIS TIDE TABLE

Tidal information is reproduced by kind permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office and the UK Hydrographic Office. Crown Copyright. All Rights reserved.

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

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

L&G Aldwick

PATIOS & DRIVEWAYS

Patios, Driveways, Block Paving, Landscaping & Fencing

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 can help you realise the Patio or Driveway of your dreams.

At L&G Aldwick

free Quotation and Consultation service. Find out for yourself why we are the preferred choice for the discerning customer for design and installation.

BOGNOR LADIES RUGBY BY LIZ LATTER

Bognor Ladies rugby is a recently formed team. Since forming, the team has become more like family. We are inclusive and non-judgemental. And most of all supportive.

We have a thriving social side of the club and we regularly meet up outside of training. Social events include theme nights in the club house, trips to Twickenham and we’re currently planning a trip to Majorca to play beach rugby.

We all have different levels of play, from total novices that know nothing about rugby before they start, to more experienced players. Summer and Izzy join us occasionally from Worthing and Pulborough to help our team develop and gain confidence. We are lucky to have two amazing coaches, Lee and Steve. Jules is our captain and Emma provides some lovely home-made food for after training. Training takes place on a Tuesday evening from 6.15pm at Bognor Rugby club, Hampshire Avenue, Bognor Regis.

It’s a great way to exercise, keep fit and most of all have fun with some new friends. You can find us on Instagram on Facebook for more information or email bognorladiesrugby@gmail.com.

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

Solution to Mindbenders

1. Low budget.

2. Get over it.

3. Two's company.

Please