DISCOVER THE BOGNOR COASTAL ART TRAIL A CREATIVE JOURNEY BY THE SEA BY

SUE BARTELL

Following the success of our first Bognor Coastal Art Trail in 2022 we are delighted to announce that our local artists and craftspeople will be opening their studio and workshop doors again in 2023. The BCAT committee had been working hard, in the background, to make this another successful year.

Are you ready for a captivating art experience by the sea? Look no further than the second Bognor Coastal Art Trail which takes place over the last two weekends of July 2023. This impressive trail showcases the talent of local artists and craftspeople, while offering visitors the opportunity to explore the Bognor area. Get ready to embark on a creative journey that will leave you inspired.

This year we have 24 artists for you to visit, displaying their work over 18 venues, which will span a 7-mile coastal strip from Pagham to Elmer or Elmer to Pagham. The art trail is a celebration of creativity, culture and community. Each stop along the trail offers a unique experience and showcases the rich artistic talent in the area. Venues will be open from 10.30am to 5pm on each of the days.

Take your time to appreciate the diverse range of artworks on display, created by talented local artists and craftspeople, some who draw inspiration from the surrounding coastal area.

As you venture along the trail, you’ll have the opportunity to visit various venues that are not usually open to the public. Step into the creative spaces of these artists and witness first-hand the passion and dedication that goes into their craft. Engage in conversations with the artists, gain insight into their artistic process, and perhaps even find a piece of art that speaks to your soul.

The venues can be reached by cycling, walking, public transport or by car. Take a stroll along the beach or along the promenade between venues and enjoy the fresh coastal air. There are plenty of places to pick up lunch or refreshments along the way, particularly in Bognor Town Centre.

The 24 artists taking part offer a variety of crafts from painting, pottery, embroidery and jewellery to photography, ceramics, glass and textiles. There’s something for everyone to explore and last year we had over 1170 visitors to the trail.

The Bognor Coastal Art Trail isn’t just about showcasing the artworks; it’s about fostering a sense of community and collaboration. Engage with fellow art enthusiasts, exchange ideas and be inspired by the collective energy that permeates the trail.

LAST TWO WEEKENDS OF JULY

22ND & 23RD JULY 2023 29TH & 30TH JULY 2023 its artists, leaving you with lasting memories and a renewed appreciation for the power of art.

I cannot finish this article without saying a big thank you to the following: Martin at DHM, Design House Media, for running our website and designing our posters and guides. Bognor Town Council for awarding us some Grant Aid funding. There was a lot of competition for funding this year and we were lucky enough to gain the sponsorship of Bognor Town Council for our 2023 Art Trail. This shows our shared commitment to promoting the arts in our local area and to raising the profile of Bognor and local businesses.

The Reynolds family for supporting our event and providing us with free exhibition space. Our preview exhibition at Reynolds Furniture store in Bognor High Street will give you a taster of what’s to come on the trail. This runs from Saturday 1 July, (closed Sunday 2nd) until Saturday 8 July. Why not pop in, say hello and collect your free trail guide. Free trail guides will also be available in Bognor library and various shops in Bognor, Rose Green and Felpham from July.

Local History By Sylvia Endacott

I am often asked when Butlin’s arrived in the town. Originally, they came to a site on the Promenade in 1932, a site where recently a Blue plaque has been unveiled. It was not until 1960 that the £2,500 Butlin’s Holiday Camp was opened on the fifty-eight acre site known as Brooklands. Previously it was a Coach Park. Over 500 staff were employed to construct over 1,600 chalets some being paid 8s. 6d. per week. (45p approx.) Initially the holiday cost was £15 per week full board. This opening was on 2 July 1960 with the arrival of over 5,000 campers per week. Initially the cost was £15 per week full board. The company planted 2,000 trees and 20,000 roses. The Centre has played host to visitors and staff from worldwide destinations. During the 1960’s many Butlin employees were students, on 6 to 10 week working holidays from places such as Australia, New Zealand, Iceland and, for one season, from Czechoslovakia. During each season may stars of television and sports spent time entertaining guests. In the 1960s there were numerous religious conferences.

There have been many changes. The building of the Pavilion in 1999 and a new indoor swimming pool with the outdoor flumes. The demolition of chalets to the construction of three hotels, The Shoreline 2005, The Ocean 2009, and The Wave in 2012 and the new indoor pool in 2019. We should now watch to see future changes to this site which has provided holiday entertainment to thousands of holiday makers throughout its life.

ARUN & CHICHESTER (AIR) ENTHUSIASTS SOCIETY

AirACES www.airaces.org.uk

Patrons – Sqn Ldr Richard (Dick) Kharegat RAF (Retd) – ex Vulcan, Victor, B52 Pilot Wg Cdr Robert (Bob) Prothero MRAeS, MIMgt, RAF (Retd) – ex Victor Pilot

Monday 24 July 2023 - 1845 for 1930 hrs

‘Aviation Around Poole Bay – 1910 to 1976’ presented by Kevin Patience

Poole Bay played an important aviation part from 1910 to 1976, including in WW2. Kevin Patience will explain how Seaplanes operated in Poole Bay in WW1 and during WW2 it became one of the busiest airports in the world, operating seaplanes and flying boats for the RAF, RAAF, the Royal Navy and BOAC.

In 1939 the harbour was taken over by Imperial Airways as a base for the Empire and Catalina flying boats. Brownsea Island, in the centre of Poole Harbour, became a ‘Starfish’ decoy base and part of the defences for the protection of the Royal Navy cordite factory at Holton Heath.

During the Battle of Britain, Poole Bay was a key port for the D-Day invasion. For nearly 10 years, between 1939 and 1948 it was the UK’s only International Airport. The last flying boat arrived in 1976. Kevin tells a story about Poole Bay that few people realise took place in this seaside town in Dorset.

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. The talks are held at the Chichester Park Hotel, Westhampnett Road, Chichester 7pm for 7.30 start. Members £5, visitors £7 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.