Villages in Focus May 2024

VILLAGES IN FOCUS

The Independent

MIDDLETON, ELMER, YAPTON AND BARNHAM

Delivered FREE to over 5,600 homes May 2024

Dear All,

It’s May and we are celebrating all the wonderful artists, crafters and creative people we have in our community. There is so much talent on our doorstep so please do try and make time to drop in and visit artists taking part in the Chichester Open Studios Art Trail this month. See pages 12-13 to find out who you can visit locally in Barnham, Felpham, Bognor and beyond.

One such artist is Susie Olford who is based in Hoe Lane, Flansham with over 100 oil and acrylic paintings displayed in a light-filled barn. Susie painted our wonderful, Villages in Focus front cover this month. To see more of Susie’s work visit chichesteropenstudios.org or arundelgallerytrail.co.uk

Good luck to Barnham resident, Neil Bennison, who is representing Great Britain in the Belgian Shepherd World Championships in Italy with his dog, Lillie. If you want to see him in action in May head to the agility ring at Goodwoof where he will be doing a display (see page 28).

Good luck to all those taking part in the May 2024 Bognor Prom 10K – let’s hope the sun shines! Best wishes, Kate

Copies of Villages in Focus are available to collect from Barleys hardware store in the centre of Middleton village.

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

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LITTLE SWITZERLAND IN HAMPSHIRE

BY SIMON BAKER IRONS

A challenging walk of 7km with a 200m height gain rewards you with some fantastic views across Hampshire and Sussex. Ashford Hangers is a National Nature Reserve near Steep just north of Petersfield and is one of Hampshire’s most beautiful areas. The name "Little Switzerland" has been given to this part of Hampshire due to its magnificent scenery, woodlands, and steep chalk hillsides. The name 'hanger' comes from the Old English 'hangra' meaning a wooded slope.

The Hangers have important historical connections with the 18th century naturalist Gilbert White and the poet Edward Thomas. On Shoulder-of-Mutton Hill there is a plaque to the poet Edward Thomas as this is where he lived before his death. Access to the Hangers by road is not easy, but there are many footpaths and tracks that are popular with walkers.

• The walk starts in the little village of Steep, parking is on the road near to All Saints church, a short visit to the church will enable you to see the two lancet windows, dedicated to the poet Edward Thomas.

• Walk West along Church Road to The Cricketers pub, turn left and shortly after taking the public footpath. Head through the open fields to Ashford Lane.

• Turn right into the tree-lined lane that has many ferns on its high banks, following this towards Ashford Hangers, make sure you pause to enjoy the fine views of the wooded and grassland slopes of Ashford Hill and Shoulder of Mutton Hill.

• Take the Hangers Way path (a through route linking Petersfield, Selborne and Alton) and walk through the wooded glade following the shallow, clear waters of the Ashford Stream, past Lutcombe Pond, to Lutcombe Bottom and then start to ascend the steep slopes. The bridleway climbs steeply up Ashford Hill and teases you with glimpses of the fine views through the yew trees and bank-side ferns. Keep on the Hangers Way footpath to Shoulder of Mutton Hill, where the Edward Thomas memorial stone now stands.

• Atop Shoulder of Mutton Hill are panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and across to the South Downs. For some spectacular views to the north, follow Litten Lane to the trig point on Wheatham Hill, on a clear day the views of the Hangers towards Selborne are stunning.

• Descend the Hangers down to Ashford Farm, watch out for the free range chicken wandering on the path. Turn right back on to Ashford Lane and follow for a short way before rejoining the Hangers Way. Follow track alongside the chalk stream though Ashford Chase to Mill Lane, where you can see the small waterfall at the side of the path. At my time of visiting the fall was in full flow and spilling over into the road following some really heavy rain.

• Keep ahead on Mill Lane to T-junction and war memorial site – where Edward Thomas’ name appears in the roll of honour for Steep.

• A short walk back along Church Lane completes the walk.

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

LOCAL HISTORY

BY SYLVIA ENDACOTT

As you watch activities at sea, spare a thought for the people who have operated on our seashore for over 300 years and who were here before Sir Richard Hotham arrived. Fishermen have quietly gone about their work without much recognition. Trade from the sea has been important over the years and our fishermen have certainly helped here in Bognor Regis with their produce even being supplied to royal tables. Town guides around 1905 reported that “the finest prawns from Bognor were served to the King.”

Lobsters have also been important so that in the early days of Crested China the Lobster pot was ‘the’ shape produced for Bognor. The withies (willows) were cut around Christmas in an area near Pagham and then dipped in tar for preservation, which weighted the pots down and carried them to the seabed whilst being baited with pieces of fish. Each of the boats would work about 200 pots. They could sell their prawns in London at one guinea per lb.

The families involved in fishing include the Allens, Ide, Marner, Ragless, Wellfares and Taylor, many of whom are still connected with the sea. These men and their crews have worked along our seashore and provided work and food for the town. They have played a major part in our area’s history, helping to build the pier extension in 1912. They carried the coffin of Mary Wheatland to South Bested church, and today have an excellent sales stand on the seafront to enable us to enjoy their regular catches.

ARUN

& CHICHESTER (AIR) ENTHUSIASTS

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SOCIETY

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 20 May - 1900 for 1945 hrs

‘Halton Brat to Air Ambulance Pilot – and beyond’ Presented by Mick Patrick

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

There was no grand plan. “When I, Mick Patrick, joined the RAF as an Aircraft Apprentice I could not have known that it would lead to a career in aircraft engineering, pilot, instructor and airline safety auditor.”

Later on, as Mick reflects on his 62 years of employment, there will be recollections of the many challenges, close encounters and redundancies fought through his stay in the aviation business.

Mick says: “There were difficult times but also some of my happiest and fulfilling times. Would I do it again? You bet.”

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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TRAILING THE TALENT

Why not enjoy some May time following the Chichester Open Studio’s Trail. Several artists and makers are in Felpham, Bilsham and Flansham, exhibiting work for you to enjoy. Discover friendly faces giving you time to look, feel and question the provenance of their art. It’s easy to follow the trail with the colourful brochure* in your hand. Clear signage will be also displayed at each studio.

In Felpham, there are seven artists to visit with a variety of work from ceramics to candles, acrylics, pen and ink to pastels, and watercolour to oil paints. Felpham’s Trail stalwarts are delighted to open for you: Peter Hutton (Ashmere Lane), Hilary Frame (Manor Close) and Marion Whitcomb (The Grove) with newcomers Laurie Avadis (The Loop), Linda Farr and Michelle Redford (Drygrounds Lane).

In Outerwyke Road, Nick Crimmen is an exciting newcomer with his eye-catching, conversation pieces that will make you smile. He is fascinated by cartoons, and he brings them to life. No one on the Studio Trail has work like Nick’s. On the Felpham fringes, two popular artists are Susie Olford at Hoe Lane, Flansham with over 100 oil and acrylic

Gill Hunter – The Hare, hand built ceramic.

Nick Crimmen – 50’s Faces.

Susie Olford – No Swimming Today, oil on wood panel.

paintings displayed in a light-filled barn and Gill Hunter-Nudds at Bilsham with her delightful, hand-built ceramics depicting wildlife such as hares and foxes which are garden and indoor sculptures.

The subjects depicted at these studios vary enormously: caricatures, animals and wildlife, the botanical and floral world, Sussex buildings, vintage vehicles, wine, still life, seascapes, and landscapes. Most artists have greeting cards from their original ideas. Talented local artists await your visit to view art in its many styles. There is something to excite everyone and the artists hope you will be inspired by these images.

The Trail website www.chichesteropenstudios.org has full details of all the artists, plus maps with post codes so you can locate all the studios and plan your route.

*Full colour brochures are available to collect from your library or one of the studios.

Dates: 18 and 19 May; 25, 26, and 27 May 2024. Open 10:30am-5.00pm.

THE DAILY GRIND BY KIM LESLIE

Q. How many hours are the men on the wheel? A. About nine hours daily.

Q. Is the treadwheel applied to productive labour? A. Not at all.

Q. Is it ever used for any productive purpose? A. No, for nothing but punishment.

The exchanges droned on one April day in 1863 as their lordships on the Select Committee on Prisons examined the governor of Petworth Prison.

The prison treadwheel was the most feared of hard-labour punishments. As a form of punishment, the wheel was recommended by the Penitentiary Act of 1779, directing that prisoners be kept ‘to labour of the hardest and most servile kind, in which drudgery is chiefly required’. To its advocates, the beauty of the wheel was both in its simplicity and efficiency. Some treadwheels even raised an income for prisons, such as turning millstones for grinding flour. Others, as at Petworth, did nothing but ‘grind the wind’ as contemporaries said. It was useless toil, to break a man’s spirit.

The Petworth wheel was designed as a long circular drum to accommodate sixteen prisoners at a time. The circumference was made in the form of steps. The prisoners walked as if continually going upstairs. But instead of going up, the steps dropped down beneath them. The actual ‘work’ wasn’t so much in turning the wheel as in lifting the body each time the steps fell away underneath. Total concentration was needed all the time. Many legs were mangled and crushed in careless moments. Falling asleep from monotony, nine hours at a stretch, was hazardous. What made matters worse was that the prison operated under the Silent and Separate System. All communication between prisoners by word, gesture or sound was forbidden. On the wheel, though close to one another, prisoners were separated by partition walls, each man enclosed in an individual compartment. In this way, each was forced in upon himself, to reflect and suffer, the only sound the creaking of the ever-turning wheel. It was a daily journey into hell.

Petworth Prison was demolished in 1882. Two traces of the prison survive today. Names of prisoners scratched into the brickwork of the old prison wall can still be read near the Grove Street/

Rosemary Lane junction. Further down the lane, to the left, just one building remains, the main prison office, now a private residence. In his Ballad of Reading Gaol, Oscar Wilde gave an insight into the terrors of these Victorian prisons: ‘… every prison that men build / Is built with bricks of shame, /And bound with bars lest Christ should see / How men their brothers maim’. What a contrast between these Petworth ‘bricks of shame’ and the peaceful pleasant little town we know today.

NUTRITIOUS NETTLES BY RACHEL LEVERTON

As a novice gardener I spent a lot of time pulling out nettles from the overgrown patch I inherited when I bought my first home. Fast forward twenty years and I have learnt that I was doing the humble nettle a disservice.

Contrary to their reputation for stinging and being a pervasive nuisance, nettles offer numerous (and free) benefits. These include serving as a rich, nutrient source for your garden, attracting helpful insects, and even being a delightful edible option when gathered properly.

You can leverage the nutrient-rich nature of nettles by making a homemade, organic liquid fertilizer. Nettles are packed with some fabulous garden-friendly elements such as nitrogen, calcium, and magnesium, all vital for plant growth.

Any part of the plant can be used, even the older, tougher parts, and the process is straightforward. Chop the nettles and pack them into a sealable container (to mitigate any unpleasant smells) before submerging them in water. Let the mixture sit for about a month to create a potent nettle tea. Dilute this tea with water in a ratio of 1:10 for a nutrient-rich feed, ideal for nurturing leafy greens like kale, chard, and spinach.

Nettles also double as an excellent mulch for bigger plants or fruit bushes and act as a compost accelerator by enhancing the breakdown process in your compost pile. However, avoid using the roots or seeds, to prevent unintended growth.

By allowing some nettles to grow on your patch, you support the lifecycle of butterfly species such as red admiral, small tortoiseshell, painted lady, and comma butterflies, and also offer a habitat for beneficial insects such as ladybirds, which control aphid populations and other garden pests.

In addition to their usefulness in the garden, nettles are a versatile ingredient in the kitchen. Using gloves to avoid the stings, nettles can be harvested and used just like spinach, boasting a similar high iron content. They're perfect for steaming or as the base for a soup - blend boiled potatoes and tender nettles with vegetable stock, season and enrich with a spoon of cream for a hearty dish … perfect after a day working in the garden.

Happy gardening.

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ARTIST OF THE MONTH: DARRYL WHITE

My name is Darryl White. I moved to Felpham from Greater London in 2005. I have lived here for 19 years. I have always enjoyed being creative, be it drawing, painting, or upcycling. My main focus now is producing mosaic with broken ceramic tiles.

Although my subject matter is mostly iconic people, I have created some logos too. I am self-taught. Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to attend further art education after leaving school. Having said that, I did have a fantastic teacher in my secondary school called Mr Rayner who ignited my passion for art and crafts.

Each mosaic takes between 70 to 100 hours to complete as each piece is hand cut, nothing is machined. Each mosaic is approximately 60cm x 80cm unframed, I like to experiment with different grout and mix with glitter to add some sparkle. It does take a lot of time and patience, but I do find it very calming and therapeutic when I’m in the studio. I usually spend around four hours a time creating, although I have been known to do an eight-hour stint. Time literally does fly when you are enjoying yourself.

I have sold mosaics privately and through local, fine art galleries. I work full time and mainly create for pleasure now in my spare time, taking on the odd commission now and again.

You can view my work and contact me via Instagram @felpham_mosaics or email: darryl_white@btinternet.com. I also have TikTok @felphammosaics

Please

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

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• 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.

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Tel: 01243 864663 felphamdental@aol.com www.felphamdental.com

WHITER THAN WHITE

BY FELPHAM FASHION GURU VICKY BOOKER

The fact that we all like different looks is what makes things interesting in fashion. In the words of Groove Armada – “If everybody looked the same, we’d get tired of looking at each other”! We call this individuality, our ‘style personality’ and whilst there are thousands of styles out there, we identify six main personalities ‘types’. Understanding this can make choosing and putting outfits together easier and helps us see why we’re drawn to some things and wouldn’t touch others with a sartorial barge pole!

One thing that has universal appeal and longevity is the white shirt. Whilst a classic piece, it’s having a fashion moment this season (especially the oversized and long versions). So, to illustrate the concept, I’ve chosen styles from the high street this current season and how each personality might wear theirs. Do you have a white shirt style personality?

The Classic – Claudette Minimalist White shirt by The Shirt Company

By default, a Classic loves a crisp white shirt. They like a timeless and co-ordinated look, nothing too ‘out there’. Teamed with smart trousers and loafers, all it needs is some simple elegant jewellery and you’re done.

The Creative – Ruffled Poplin Shirt – by Zara

The polar opposite to Classics, Creatives love to experiment with their look and find quirky and unusual ways of wearing things. They love finding vintage and individual pieces, like this off-centre frill shirt from Zara, paired with bold denim shorts, and chunky sandals.

The Natural – Beach Road Oversized Linen Shirt – by Seasalt Naturals love easy-to-wear and practical pieces. Comfort is key, and unnecessary frills and fuss are a no-go! Natural fabrics are often high priority, so this 100% linen shirt by Seasalt ticks the boxes – throw it on over jeans or shorts and they’re good to go.

The Dramatic – Cut Out Frill Shirt – by River Island

Dramatics love to make a statement! Often on the lookout for the latest trends, they keep up to date with fashion and love a bold piece. They love shopping, and often make impulse buys because they fall in love with something. This amazing blouse by River Island has just the right amount of drama to fit the bill!

The Romantic – Ric Rac Trim blouse by Love and Roses

Romantics love a feminine look. They are into pretty details, florals, and lace. A classic white shirt would be too ‘masculine’ for a romantic, so this scalloped and frill blouse, with its softer collar and blouson sleeve is ideal.

The City Chic – Classic Bib Detail Shirt – by Me & Em

Always put together and co-ordinated, City Chic’s are a stylish bunch, in that ‘not trying too hard’ way. They like simple elegant pieces, but with a contemporary edge. This impeccably tailored shirt by one of my favourite brands (the founder used to live locally in Slindon!) is a modern take on the classic style.

Which one would you choose? Not sure? Want to explore your style personality further? We cover this in my Seriously Stylish consultations – why not get in touch. Vickybooker.com or contact me for info – vicky@vickybooker.com.

Down

2. English actress _______ Hart (7)

3. Father Christmas (5)

4. Evidence, proof (13)

5. Automated payment (8,5)

6. Educated (7)

7. Metal alloy (5)

CROSSWORD

Across

1. Pleasantly occupied (6)

5. Douse, drench (6)

8. Wide smile (4)

9. Party game (8)

10. Not damaged (8)

11. Valueless (4)

12. Rush-hour shortcut (informal) (6)

14. Fall asleep (informal) (6)

16. Minor confrontation (4)

18. Ratifying, embracing (8)

20. Appeased (8)

21. Three squared (4)

22. Causes hay fever (6)

23. Win back, pay off (6)

13. Hear the same legal case again (7)

15. Economic affairs (7)

17. Keyboard instrument (5)

19. Fit, sleek (5)

A GOOD READ

BY NATASHA DONOVAN

The Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa

This is a hauntingly beautiful and dystopian novel that delves into the fragility of memory and the essence of loss. Set on an unnamed island, the story unfolds in a world where objects and concepts are systematically disappearing, erased from existence and memory by the enigmatic Memory Police.

Ogawa's writing is elegantly simple yet profoundly deep, weaving a tale that is as much a melancholic meditation on memory as it is a compelling story of resistance and survival. The island's inhabitants, resigned to the relentless loss of their surroundings, adapt to each disappearance with a troubling nonchalance. This eerie acceptance of loss is one of the novel's most chilling aspects, highlighting the insidious nature of the Memory Police's power.

The narrative is centred around a young novelist who struggles to preserve her memories and those of the island's inhabitants. With the help of an old man and a risk-taking editor who is immune to the forgetfulness, she attempts to defy the Memory Police by hiding her editor in a secret room. Their struggle against the inevitable tide of forgetfulness forms the heart of the story, illustrating the human capacity for resilience in the face of oppressive forces.

The atmosphere of subtle suspense and creeping dread imbues the story with a quiet intensity. The characters are sketched with a delicate touch, yet they are profoundly relatable in their quest to hold onto their memories and identities. This struggle against the erasure of memory becomes a powerful metaphor for the larger human experience of loss and the effort to preserve our own pasts.

The Memory Police is not just a story about an authoritarian regime's control over personal memories; it is also a reflection on the impermanence of existence. Ogawa explores the idea that what makes us human is not just our ability to remember but also our capacity for empathy and connection.

Clem and Crab by Fiona Lumbers

This is a lovely story about cleaning up our beaches. The story is a simple one: Clem loves to search the beach for things to put in her bucket. After a fun day at the seaside, Clem finds a Crab with its claw tangled in a plastic bag. She wants to take him home and keep him safe, but reluctantly lets him go back to the sea after her sister explains it's where he belongs. On her way home on the bus, Clem finds Crab tucked away in her trouser leg, and Crab ends up going on an adventure to Clem's school and inspires Clem to want to help clear the beaches of horrible plastic junk.

The story is fun and easy to follow, and the illustrations are charming. The environmental message is there but it’s never preachy. It's a nice gentle introduction for children about the importance of taking care of our planet.

DOG DAYS BY NEIL BENNISON

I have been taking part in dog agility competitions for 15 years. When I started if you had told me I would be representing Great Britain at the FMBB Belgian Shepherd Agility World Championships in Italy in April 2024 with my 8-year-old Belgian Shepherd, Lillie, I would have said you must be mad. However, in a few days’ time, I will be doing exactly that!

Dog agility is a fantastic sport with a competitive edge, but most importantly it’s a time to have fun and bond with your dog whilst making many friends as you travel all over the UK competing to win the Kennel Club grades from 1 to 7. Lillie is now at grade 7.

We train at Highdown Agility. We would not have been able to achieve this level without the backing of a great trainer behind us. Millie Wilder of Highdown has been the foundation on which all our ability and achievements are based, without her I would still be tripping over my own feet! Highdown will be running three ‘Have A Go At Agility’ rings at Goodwoof on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 May 2024, and Lillie will be taking part in the agility display in the main ring. I would love to show my local community how lucky I am to have such a skilful dog, so do please come along www.goodwood.com/goodwoof

I am really grateful to my local community who really stepped up when I needed an indoor venue to train for the World Championships during the terrible weather. Sharon offered me the use of Hunters Lodge Riding Centre, Hunston near Chichester where I now run my own agility club Allpaws Dog Agility. To find out more please email me: allpawsdogagility@gmail.com I’m going to try my hardest to do well in Italy. Thank you for all the good luck messages, I will let you know how I do. Most importantly, win or lose, I’m going to have fun running my fantastic Belgian Shepherd, Lillie, around the courses.

SING IN THE AFTERNOON

If you love to sing and have always wondered what it’s like to be in a fun community CHOIR, now’s the chance to find out! The new NO-AUDITION mixed-voice West Sussex Good Afternoon Choir starts on Thursday 18 April from 2pm-4pm at Regis Recital Hall and there’s a warm welcome to go along and find out more.

Bath-based music man, Grenville Jones, started his Good Afternoon Choirs 15 years ago and there are now 26 across the West of England from Gloucestershire to Cornwall. Over 1,000 people ‘Sing in the Afternoon’.

Leader of the West Sussex Good Afternoon Choir is Sam Chara. She is a soprano singer / songwriter, Cabaret artist, and actress who grew up in the Netherlands and was partly raised in France, she now lives locally. Her shows were performed all over Europe; the Montreux-Jazz festival in Switzerland, The Paradiso in Amsterdam, Glastonbury Festival, the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona.

“I’m really looking forward to starting an exciting new community choir for people living in Bognor and Chichester,” she said.

Good Afternoon Choirs sing popular melodies in harmony and each choir raises money for a local charity selected by the members. In 2023 the choirs raised over £30,000 across the West of England. Sam added: “Everyone is welcome to come along on any Thursday afternoon at Regis Recital Hall, 46 Sudley Road, Bognor Regis PO21 1ER from 2pm-4pm. There’s no charge for attending your first rehearsal and there are NO auditions – come along, alone, or with a friend. You can be assured of a warm welcome.”

“Choirs are great for meeting new people and enjoying the best hobby in the world,” adds Grenville, the GAC founder. See www.goodafternoonchoir.org for further information.

Sam Chara, community choir leader.

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.

Please

MAY HOROSCOPES

BY LOCAL ASTROLOGER LETICIA PARMER

Pluto's influence is to bring us unexpected twists and turns. For this reason I call it the rollercoaster planet. You will be pleased to hear that Pluto will go retrograde this month, making its influence less powerful. Thus the course of your life should run more smoothly making things more manageable and predictable.

ARIES

Your social calendar becomes easier to manage now as unreliable friends stop chopping and changing their plans.

TAURUS

Career matters settle down into a comfortable routine, which is just what you need to feel more secure about your status.

GEMINI

Travel plans can be made now without those last-minute changes and glitches that have become a familiar frustration lately.

CANCER

Things seem to have been ending and beginning without warning in your life, but at last you settle into a smooth run now.

LEO

Everything to do with partnership or teamwork becomes more comfortable. Yes, now you can helpfully predict their next move.

VIRGO

Because you are a meticulous person it feels good to at last be able to plan the details ahead of time without hitches.

LIBRA

The children have had you on a merry dance for months but at last dealings with them settle into a manageable routine.

SCORPIO

If you have been trying to buy or renovate a property, now it seems the hitches and glitches will be smoothed away.

SAGITTARIUS

Problems with cars and communications fade out so you can reliably and confidently make travel plans and speak your truth.

CAPRICORN

Finances have been all over the place lately, so you will be glad to learn that Pluto makes all money dealings steadier now.

AQUARIUS

Pluto in your own sign has been throwing the cat amongst the pigeons for a while, but at last you feel more in control now.

PISCES

Naturally intuitive and sensitive, you may have had difficulty sorting fact from fiction lately. However, now all becomes clear.

Leticia Parmer

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VIDEO MEETINGS WELCOME

If you are unable to attend the office for any reason, then we have embraced modern technology over the of the last 18 months and many of our meetings have taken place via video Facetime, WhatsApp, Zoom or Teams Meet.

Helen will be delighted to help and advise the local community in relation to:

• Wills and Trusts

• Inheritance Tax

• Care Fees Planning

• General & Lasting Powers of Attorney

• Probate

• Administration of Estates

Initial meetings are free of charge and can be accommodated in the office, at home and via video. Fees are fixed and agreed so that everyone knows exactly how much the service to be provided will cost from the outset.

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

Helen Gagan Solicitor … listening to her clients

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

Clubs, Classes and Events

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How can we help you plan for the future?

by Mark Riley, Founder & Managing Partner, MJR Solicitors

Sorting out life planning matters is something many people put off until the proverbial rainy day. While you might not want to think about preparing for later life, or what could happen if your health declines, it’s important to take action while you can. We never know what life has in store for us but failing to prepare for the cost of care, becoming incapacitated without a Power of Attorney in place or dying without a Will could result in extra stress for you and your loved ones at an already difficult time. While some people may take the DIY route to life planning, going it alone can be fraught with problems. Get the documentation wrong or fail to understand the more complex aspects of what you’re doing, and you may run into problems in the future. Without the right guidance, you may find you don’t make the most of your assets or they won’t end up in the right hands.

Consulting a good solicitor is a sensible way to give you and your family peace of mind that your affairs are in order. We can ensure that any paperwork is completed properly and give you detailed, professional advice on a wide range of issues. This includes:

Making a Will You want to know that your loved ones will be taken care of after you pass. While you might be tempted by a DIY Will, making mistakes in your Will or dying intestate may mean your assets don’t go where you want them to. And with the number of inheritance disputes rising every year, overlooking mistakes could leave your assets at the centre of a family feud. We will help to minimise potential issues and ensure your family are well provided for.

Inheritance Tax Planning

With so many ongoing changes, it can be hard to keep up with what’s happening on the Inheritance Tax front. Consulting a legal professional gives you the best chance of mitigating your Inheritance Tax liability and having the latest, expert advice on which to base your financial decisions.

Paying for care in later life

The social care crisis has left many wondering how they will afford care fees should they need assistance in older age. While a lot of people assume they will have to sell their home to pay for care, it’s not always the case. We will be

able to explain all the funding options available to you, so that you are able to make more informed decisions and feel less worried about being able to afford any support you may need in later life.

Lasting Power of Attorney

None of us know what will happen in the future, so it’s wise to plan for most eventualities. Should you lose the mental capacity to make your own financial, health and welfare decisions, you want them to be in the hands of people you trust. Setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney means you can declare who has the authority to act on your behalf, and spares your loved ones from having to go through a stressful legal process to acquire the necessary authority after the fact.

Setting up a trust

A trust is a good way to safeguard your assets and ensure your family are well taken care of for the future. There are a number of reasons why you might want to set up a trust, from protecting assets and gifting money, to paying care fees or providing managed funds to someone vulnerable. We can guide you through your options and process of setting up, managing and terminating trusts as needed.

Book your free 30-minute consultation with us today to discuss the best options for you.

Trusted, knowledgeable, by your side

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

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“Having never used a Solicitor before we found the whole experience easy, relaxed and, although a legal matter, it had an informal feel whilst being professional.”

Regardless of your age or current health or wealth status, it’s never too early to take steps to ensure that your loved ones are protected in the future in case of your death or if you were ill and unable to make your own decisions. With our wealth of knowledge, our legal experts can help you plan and protect your family’s future and ensure your wishes are fulfilled. Our experts can advise you on a full range of future life planning services including Wills, Trusts, LPAs and Inheritance Tax to help protect both you and your family’s future.

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DOUBLE CHEESE AND SPRING VEGETABLE TART

This light and savoury teatime tart has a wonderfully crisp base.

Preparation time: 30 mins. Cooking time: 1 hour. Serves: 8.

INGREDIENTS

500g block shortcrust pastry plain flour, for dusting

25g mature cheddar, finely grated.

200g asparagus spears, woody ends trimmed.

100g frozen peas 2 eggs

100g crème fraîche

150g double cream whole nutmeg, for grating

100g watercress

2 x 150g logs of soft, rindless goat’s cheese.

METHOD

• Take the pastry out of the fridge ten minutes before starting.

• Lightly dust the work surface with flour then roll the pastry out into a rectangle.

• Scatter the grated cheese over the rolled-out pastry, fold the pastry in half and roll out again into a circle that fits a 25cm tart tin. Leave the edges of the pastry slightly overhanging the edge of the tin. Pop it in the fridge for 20 mins to chill.

• Meanwhile, cook the asparagus in boiling water for 3 mins, then drain and refresh under cold water. Defrost the frozen peas.

• Preheat the oven to 200C / 180C fan / gas 6. Prick the base of the tart well with a fork, line with baking parchment and fill with baking beans or dried lentils. Bake the tart for 15 mins, remove the parchment and beans, prick again if it has puffed up, then bake for another 10-15 mins until golden brown.

• Meanwhile, beat the eggs in a bowl, add the crème fraîche and cream, season and add a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg. Scatter the peas and most of the watercress over the tart and crumble over half the goat’s cheese. Pour over the creamy egg mixture, then lay the asparagus spears on top. Finally, slice the remaining goat’s cheese and arrange on top, then bake for 25-30 mins until the custard is just set and the cheese is golden brown. Leave to cool in the tin, trim the edges of the pastry. Remove from the tin, cut into slices, and serve with the remaining watercress.

BOGNOR REGIS TIDE TABLE

May 2024, Time Zone GMT

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 VILLAGES IN FOCUS please email: office@infocusmagazines.co.uk

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BANK HOLIDAYS BY

TOM HANCOCK

WHY DO WE HAVE THEM?

Before 1834, the Bank of England and other institutions observed 33 closure days annually for festivals and saints' days. This number was significantly reduced in 1834 to just four: May Day, All Saints’ Day, Good Friday, and Christmas Day, reflecting the changes brought about by the industrial revolution and the need for more regulated banking operations.

The Bank Holidays Act of 1871, driven by Sir John Lubbock, a Liberal politician and banker, expanded the holidays to include Easter Monday, Whit Monday, the first Monday in August, and Boxing Day, while May Day was omitted for its pagan connotations, and New Year's Day was added for Scotland, recognizing its distinct traditions like Hogmanay. These days were initially referred to as St Lubbock’s Days.

The Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971 updated these holidays, replacing Whit Monday with the late May spring holiday, moving the August bank holiday to the last Monday of the month, and reintroducing May Day as Labour Day in 1978. Bank holidays are annually declared by royal proclamation, which also allows for adjustments if these dates fall on weekends – a practice not common worldwide. Additionally, royal proclamations occasionally grant extra holidays for special occasions, like the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011 and the Platinum Jubilee in 2022.

May is a good month for bank holidays every year … because we get two! May Day remains a celebration of spring and renewal, with local festivities reflecting ancient traditions. But perhaps the most widely recognised custom on all bank holidays is a modern one … the chance to do some DIY!

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

Solution to Mindbenders

1. The fast lane.

2. Man overboard.

3. Pie in the sky.

THURSDAY 23 MAY

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

VISITORS WELCOME £5 ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION £35

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