Villages in Focus WEB Dec 2024 by InFocus

VILLAGES IN FOCUS

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Dear All,

It’s December and the Christmas rush is upon us. I have been trying to declutter since September and during that process I have been talking to lots of our wonderful, local charity shop volunteers who really need our support at this time of year. They need donations and they are grateful for everything, but now is the time to donate the Christmas things that we are fed up with that will give others joy.

So, if you have got a spare hour or two in the next few weeks scan the house for party dresses and outfits you no longer wear – the more glitter and sparkles the merrier; winter coats, hats, scarves and gloves; Christmas decorations, jewellery and accessories plus outgrown Christmas jumpers, toys, books, cuddly animals and unwanted gifts.

Most charity shops have a two-bag rule because their premises has very little storage space. My plan is to donate as many small things and look out for wonderful presents that I can re-home and give a new life to. After Christmas is too late.

Thank you to our December Artist of the Month, Darren Patrick O’Mally for our wonderful front cover this month. To find out more about Darren’s work visit: www.omally-artist.com

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all. Thank you for your support, good wishes and encouragement throughout 2024 and see you again in 2025.

Best wishes, Kate X

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

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FEBRUARY ISSUE DEADLINE – WEDNESDAY 8 JANUARY

HAVE YOU BOUGHT YOUR PANTO TICKETS YET?

BY SARAH DAVEY

Nothing screams “Christmas” like a man in a dress, a villain with a twirly moustache, buckets of glitter and two hundred primary school kids yelling, “He’s behind you!”. But how did this strange blend of slapstick comedy, fairytales, and audience participation come to be such a beloved British institution?

The story begins with a touch of Italian flair. Back in the 16th century, traveling Italian performers introduced commedia dell’arte to Britain - a form of street theatre featuring exaggerated characters, physical comedy, and chaotic plots. These Italian performers laid the groundwork for what would later become the pantomime.

Fast-forward to the 18th century, when British pantomime took a lively turn with the introduction of the harlequinade. This French tradition starred the mischievous Harlequin, along with a host of other quirky characters, like Columbine, and a clumsy clown. This genre was all about the absurd, which naturally appealed to our British sense of humour and soon, a cross-dressing, slapstick holiday extravaganza was born.

Soon enough, pantomime became inseparable from the festive season. Classics like Cinderella, Aladdin, and Jack and the Beanstalk were given the pantomime treatment - taking a folk tale and lacing it with terrible puns, highly questionable costumes and a lot of shouting. Not forgetting the pantomime dame - a role famously played by a man in full makeup and flamboyant frock.

Audience participation is, of course, the heartbeat and British pantomimes invite everyone to get involved. Is the villain skulking on stage? Everyone shout, “Boooooo!” Has the hero lost something? Cue the audience:“It’s behind you!” Add minor celebs, contemporary jokes, local shout-outs, political quips and a dollop of satire, and you have a show that feels both timeless and wonderfully ridiculous. I’m sure you all remember your first panto, an event that’s equal parts festive cheer and complete mayhem. Merry Christmas!

LOCAL HISTORY

BY SYLVIA ENDACOTT

As we head towards Christmas, I thought we could view Christmas cards. Did you know that the first postage stamps were introduced in the 1840s, an Englishman named Henry Cole was so busy at Christmas that he was forced to enlist the help of two friends to send out his Christmas greetings. John Calcutt Horsley RN designed the card for him and another friend Joseph Cundall produced 1,000. Being an astute businessman he decided to sell the unused cards for 1s. each. The Christmas card was born. By Christmas 1880 the GPO had adopted the well-known slogan 'Post early for Christmas'. It was not until 1871 when postal rates were halved that folded cards were introduced, many with inner-ribboned sheets. The real turning point was in 1880 when a nation-wide competition was started for designing Christmas cards, with a prize of 500 guineas.

The themes of the cards were similar to the present day, although they placed much more emphasis on the use of real photographs than we do today. Local stationers used to overprint cards of local street scenes with 'Compliments of the Season', or 'Christmas Wishes'.

Embossed cards became popular from 1902, when German companies began flooding the shops with designs, of the German Father Christmas, St Nicholas, who was depicted rewarding the good children, while Krampus punished the naughty ones.

Between one and three million Christmas cards were posted daily before the first world war, but eventually folded cards were produced and posted in envelopes to prevent the prying eyes of the reserved Victorians.

I hope you have a happy Christmas and hope to see you in 2025.

TIME TO TRAVEL

The Fred Olsen Travel Chichester branch opened just weeks ago in October. Branch manager and Arundel resident, Roger Mallock, is delighted to return to Chichester where he spent many years running the local Bath Travel office.

A seasoned traveller himself, growing up in Africa and South America, Roger can give firsthand information on holiday destinations and many cruise itineraries too as Roger also worked for Fred Olsen Cruise lines at sea.

Roger Mallock explains: “We provide a full travel agency experience with a human (!) and book all types of holidays and cruises ranging from short weekend breaks, to summer and winter holiday trips in Europe and worldwide.

“We have very competitive solo travel prices on tours and cruises, we can book safaris, weddings and honeymoons, business travel and group travel for our customers. Our own tour operator called Fred Holidays can tailor-make any itinerary whether by land, sea, air or rail.

“We do book Fred Olsen cruises but we are in fact specialists for all major ocean and river cruises. Booking through an ABTA travel agent like us gives our customers full financial protection and very important peace of mind with their travel plans that we will sort out problems should they arise. A deposit figure usually secures the holiday booking with the balance due 3-4 months before departure, so there is no need to pay all at once. Payment can be made in person or over the telephone by debit or credit card also by bank transfer. We have all heard of horror stories and may even have been victim of less than reputable companies.

resident Roger Mallock

“Where I think we excel and offer a unique benefit to our clients is in the relationships we have with travel companies often resulting in excellent preferred rates. All bookings will be confirmed by e-mail and tickets are printed in the office so that they can be collected safely.

“We also take care of special requests as well as advise on passports, visas, and other essentials including travel insurance. We can additionally book airport hotels and have taxi and chauffeur contacts to take you from your home to the airport or port.

“Our store is very spacious and located just metres from the Cross in Chichester with many car parks within easy reach. It’s the perfect place to discuss your forthcoming plans in comfort with experienced, knowledgeable staff who have worked at sea and can provide useful tips and up-to-date information to first time cruisers, people looking for escorted tours and all types of different holidays in Europe and beyond.

“We want to build relationships with our customers who, we know, have worked hard and carefully financially planned for their holidays so they feel reassured and can trust us to find them the holiday they are looking for. Bucket list or basic, we want to build a community of happy travellers who have every confidence and trust in us.”

If you would like us to help with your travel plans please contact the team on 01243 213104 or e-mail chichester@fredolsentravel.co.uk

Roger Mallock is the author of, Cruisemaster, the first timer’s guide to cruising.

Barnham

(fifth from left) with his Chichester team

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CHRISTMAS GIFTS

Finding the perfect Christmas present can be a challenge, especially when you want to avoid the ubiquitous bubble bath and socks. These suggestions may help:

Personalised Star Maps - show the exact alignment of the stars on a significant date whether it’s the person’s birthday, an anniversary or another special occasion. They make stunning wall art but also carry deep sentimental value.

Experience Gifts have become increasingly popular as most of us concede we own too much ‘stuff.’ They can thoughtfully be tailored to the recipient’s interests, whether that’s a cooking class, hot air balloon ride, gliding flight or a wine tasting tour.

Subscription Boxes - For a gift that keeps giving beyond Christmas Day these curated boxes can cater to all kinds of hobbies and tastes. Whether your recipient enjoys gourmet snacks, skincare products, books, or gardening, there’s a subscription service for them.

Charity Donations in Name - For those who value giving back, consider making a charitable donation in a person’s name. Whatever the charity, this is a great way to make a difference while honouring someone’s values.

Customised Art Pieces can be anything from a hand-drawn portrait of their pet, a family illustration, or a map of their favourite city. With many artists offering bespoke services online, you can find a style that perfectly suits the recipient’s taste. This kind of art is very personal, ensuring it will be a cherished keepsake.

DIY Gift Kits - These kits vary from making candles or soap to brewing your own beer and planting a mini herb garden. This gifst can be enjoyed long after the holidays end.

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 9 December - 1845 for 1930 hrs

Flt Lt Mike Monk – ‘Light-hearted Memories from Sea, Jungle & Winter Survival’ and Helen Tempest – ‘Having Been a Wing-Walker’

Mike Monk was a member of RAF 18 Squadron based at RAF Odiham. During his 12 years of service as a commissioned Navigator, he undertook some amazing tours, in many parts of the world. Mike will give a light-hearted presentation on his experiences, good and bad, whilst attending RAF Survival Courses – from the cold water of the English Channel, to the humid Malayan jungle. These tales, told in Mike’s light-hearted way, promise to entertain and amuse.

In the second half, Helen Tempest will present – ‘Having Been a Wing-Walker’. Having started wing walking aged just 15, Helen is probably one of the world’s most experienced wing walkers with over 25 years’ experience. At 21 she joined Vic Norman's wingwalking team, AeroSuperBatics and spent 19 years wingwalking at airshows throughout the UK and Europe and beyond, supported by various sponsors and performing in over 1000 air shows in total.

She will be explaining about the fun that she had on the top wings of the Stearman aircraft, including learning how to climb around the aircraft in mid-air and performing gymnastics movements in front of many airshow audiences and making and breaking world records along the way.

VENUE – Boxgrove Village Hall, The Street, Boxgrove, PO18 0EE 6.45pm for 7.30pm start. Members £5, Non-members £10 and under 16s FREE. Doors open at 6.45pm no pre-booking, no reserved seating. For further information about AirACES, please see www.airaces.org.uk, or call David Batcock on 07502 400657.

ARTIST OF THE MONTH: DARREN PATRICK O'MALLY

For the last two and a half years I’ve been a full time artist, residing in the Bognor Regis vicinity. I paint under my original name prior to adoption O’Mally, as there is a well known London based artist by the name of Stephen Wiltshire, plus I prefer the sound of my original name.

I was blessed to have been adopted by a very artistic family, and from the age of seven my grandfather was teaching me oil painting. I’m essentially an impressionist oil painter, and try to paint from scenes “en plein air” wherever possible. My influences are Monet and Joaquin Sorolla. I paint with a number of other plein air artists, Brighton, London and Portsmouth. I have not used galleries for a very long time, and this way I can make art affordable, and always like to include copyright for customers, as I believe when you buy a painting, you should own image rights too.

I went from a hectic, and quite stressful job working in a very large hospital, to working on my own so I really enjoy the social aspect of painting plein air, and have got to know so many people as a result. I welcome commissions, especially property portraits, and can do human portrait work, although my style suits age 40 upwards, and I work from sittings rather than just a photo. I’m also a plein-air tutor and even teach nocturnal scenes, with my lighting set up. My website is www.omally-artist.com My Instagram is omally_art To contact me, telephone 07703 093778 or email omally1972@gmail.com

GLIDING GIFTS BY JULIAN HITCHCOCK

Gliding is relatively inexpensive – and a taster experience would make a great Christmas present. It’s great fun, you meet interesting people, lots of fresh air and exercise learning new skills. There’s an element of excitement but within a safe environment supervised by a very experienced team. For many it becomes a lifetime passion, even a career route into commercial aviation.

Bognor Regis Gliding Club was established in 2016, formally LEC Refrigeration’s Airfield EGKC, (there’s an Icon on our website, “History” if you would like to look it up), we are located adjacent to Sainsbury’s, We offer introduction flights and membership for those who want to learn to fly. What is the attraction, why learn to glide? Often it’s just something they’ve always wanted to do but thought it to be inaccessible.

BRGC has a high proportion of junior members who can go solo from 14 years of age. It's a sport that’s genuinely all-inclusive regardless of physical characteristics age or gender. Progression is all about mental agility and coordination. Many of the current national and world records are held by female pilots. The reason I love gliding, is every day is different and presents new challenges, you’re always learning and making lifelong friendships. Pilots progress through the Sailplane license syllabus (SPL) and then diversify into cross country, instructing, aerobatics, competitions or convert your SPL to a power licence in the clubs Motor-glider Grob109T or become a Tug pilot in the clubs EuroFox, literally the sky’s the limit!

For more information, google us www.brgc.co.uk We look forward to meeting you and introducing you to our amazing sport. Christmas Trail Lesson £140 purchase via our website “Buy Voucher” www.brgc.co.uk/trial-lesson-payment/

DIPPING INTO 2025

BY JANET STOCKLEY-POLLARD

The Felpham Dippers are a group who are united in our love of cold water swimming. Last year we sadly lost one of our members, a lovely mermaid friend Rebecca, to the cruelness that is cancer. St Wilfrid’s Hospice helped her immensely and so we wanted to do something to help the charity, in her memory, so we made this calendar.

All of the photos are taken locally, and we have tried to make it a calendar that shows how much fun we have and how we are there for each other. We give thanks to everyone involved who has given their time freely and we would like to especially thank Stephen Pollard, Jacqueline Rackham, The Bognor Regis Museum, MJ and our brave October Girls.

The calendar is £10 and is available to purchase from local St Wilfrid’s Hospice shops, at select local outlets, and at some of the local Christmas markets. It can also be ordered by emailing us at felphamdippers@ gmail.com. For the cost of postage (Starting at £1.55) we will post it out, so if you would like one to go as a gift, just let us know.

We also have a Facebook page and website felphamdippers.com. It would be fabulous if you could join in and share it far and wide. Please help us to raise as much as possible for this wonderful cause. Thank you so much for your support.

• Say “goodbye” to gaps and dentures

COMING IN FROM THE COLD

BY Alice McD ougall

With winter looming we see an influx of birds to our shores as they leave their freezing breeding grounds and seek milder climes that can still provide food and shelter from the worst weather. Britain’s estuaries and lakes are a magnet for migrating wildfowl and waders and RSPB Pagham & Medmerry reserves are no exception.

The rich mud exposed at low tide is full of crustaceans, shellfish and other invertebrates - a massive mud pie packed with protein and nutrients. Examine the waders more closely and you will notice how each species is adapted to specialise targeting different prey. The diminutive Dunlin for example has short legs and therefore spends its time picking around the water edges. Longer legged species, such as avocet and black-tailed godwit, wade out further into the water to feed.

Then look at the bills. Again the dunlin’s bill is quite short, but an excellent tool for picking prey off the surface. The godwits longer bill is perfect for delving deeper into the mud, while the extraordinary long, down-curved bill of the curlew, allows it to probe deeper still.

Then there are the ducks. Dabbling ducks, such as wigeon and pintail, feed by up-ending, their heads underwater and their bottoms in the air. Meanwhile, diving ducks, like the tufted duck and goldeneye, obviously dive for their food in deeper water.

For many locals and birdwatchers alike, there is one species that is especially welcome back at this time of year. The brent goose. The smallest of our geese, it is similar in size to a mallard duck, dark, plump, and with a small white neck patch and white undertail. There are actually two distinct races of brent geese. Pale-bellied brents breed mostly in Canada and Greenland and spend the winter predominantly in Ireland. Dark-bellied brents breed in northern Russia and winter in southern and eastern England. It is these dark bellied brent geese that we see across our reserves, although you may very occasionally find a pale bellied brent hidden among them. They feed in flocks sometimes on the water upending like ducks to reach vegetation beneath the surface, sometimes grazing in the surrounding fields. The constant low hubbub of their honking always brings a smile to my face and is one of my favourite sounds during these harsher months.

So wrap up warm, wander our many footpaths and you will be rewarded with the sights and sounds of our wonderful natural world.

RSPB Events at Pagham Harbour

To find out more and book your place: https://events.rspb.org.uk/paghamharbour

Binocular and Telescope Open Day: Saturday 07 December, 10am – 3pm Free event, no need to book

Guided Walk: Wonderful Waders and Wildfowl; Saturday 07 December, 10am (duration 3½ hours) £8 per person / £5 members

Nature’s Christmas Wreath-making and dressing Workshops

There is something special about creating your own traditional Christmas wreath and all the more so when it is made out of natural materials from the season.

Morning Willow Wreath-making workshop

Suitable for 16+; Saturday 14 December, 9.30am (duration 3 hours); £45 per person / £38 members*

Afternoon Christmas Wreath-dressing workshop: Suitable for 16+

Saturday 14 December, 1pm (duration 3 hours); £45 per person / £38 members* Sunday 15 December, 10.30am (duration 3 hours);£45 per person / £38 members

*These workshops can be booked individually or as a full day.

*Combined full day workshop – Wreath making & dressing £65 per person / £54 members

Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)

Wigeon.

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COSY UP THIS CHRISTMAS – PYJAMAS

BY FELPHAM FASHION GURU VICKY BOOKER

It’s that time – the Christmas Pyjama season is upon us. From luxury lounge wear to comedy versions, the choice vast. In recent years, the trend for matching family sets has really taken off, and even the pets don’t get left out! But if that’s not your bag, there are some lovely chic versions too.

Cosy AND Classy

Here’s my pick of the best in all styles…

We Are Family Cheesy? Perhaps, but a bit of fun yes! If you want to go for the matching family look, this navy jersey set from Very is a comfy version that wouldn’t look out of place if you decided to stay in it all day. And if your babies are of the fur variety, they get a look in too. Some animals don’t like being dressed up, so the pet bandana is the perfect option.

Cyberjammies are a great one stop shop for all things nightwear. Using sustainable fabrics, and with great feedback for customer service, they cater for the whole family. They also offer a lovely gift box service, making these pyjamas the ideal present. I love the Forest collection for men, and the Edie Floral Collection for Ladies (sizes 6 to 28) if you don’t want anything to ‘Christmassy’.

Supermarket Chic

Full On Festive!

If you’re going to go festive, you may as well go for it. These Christmas fleece snuggle hoodies from Matalan are ideal for throwing over you outfit or wearing alone to warm up on a frosty day. With a gingerbread motif, a cosy hood, and kangaroo pockets they tick all the boxes.

Not all supermarket offerings are the garish, full on in-your-face versions you might expect. If you like a more understated festive look, how about these subtle Christmas Lights set for ladies from Tu at Sainsburys. And for gents, George at Asda have these Grey Fairisle pyjamas, which will have longevity for Christmas and beyond!

Stuck for a present? Want to give something that they’ll find useful for evermore, not just for Christmas? My gift vouchers are ideal. Gift them a colour or other experience, or by amount (£20 minimum) so they can chose whatever they’d like from my services and products. Get in touch for more information.

Want personalised advice? Book a Style Consultation with me. Vickybooker.com or contact me for info – vicky@vickybooker.com

Vicky Booker.

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A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

BY SIMON BAKER IRONS

This month’s featured walk is great for nature lovers and is located on the Knepp Estate just off the A24 near Dial Post. There are 16 miles of walks to enjoy at Knepp Estate, spread over four routes they are very well marked out and easy to follow. The walking routes vary in length from 6-miles to 1.5-miles and each are marked with a different colour.

Knepp Estate is a 3,500-acre rewilding project and has been letting nature take its course for twenty years, in that time endangered species such as nightingales, turtle doves and purple emperor butterflies have returned and found a safe home here. Each walk on the estate is very varied and shows the different habitats of rewilding, they also have tree top viewing-platforms which are great vantage points to see the wildlife and overlooking the Knepp Lake is a bird hide.

The 2.1-mile yellow route

• From the shop, the yellow route commences at the back of the café terrace and follows the track down a short hill to the road.

• After crossing the road and passing through the tall gate, you’ll be entering into the rewilding and the landscape will look very different. The large field is a little muddy but at the time of our visit it had been raining. We were soon met by a herd of Old English Longhorn cattle and their young calves.

• From the cow field onwards, the path has been laid with chalk for easier walking, as the soil is made up of clay and in wet weather the paths can get very muddy.

• A mile into the walk is the first tree top hide which gives high level views across the estate. Look out for the storks, they may be sat in trees or flying high on the Thermals above.

• As you follow the chalk path look out for the Exmoor ponies grazing in the fields, the Tamworth pigs snuffling around the oak trees eating lots of acorns and the red and fallow deer that also freely roam the estate.

• Not far from the end of the trail is a second viewpoint that is on high ground and looks out across the estate. The trail is completed when you arrive back at the Shop and Café, where you can peruse the local organic produce and enjoy some well-earned refreshment.

The other trails around the estate are:

Orange Route – Will take you past the medieval Knepp Castle and lake. The name is thought to come from the Old English word cnæp, referring to the mound on which the castle stands.

Red Route - The longest route of the trails at six miles covers the wider estate and takes in parts of all the other trails.

Blue Route – This is the shortest route and starts on the far side of the estate.

A map can be obtained for a small donation which shows all the routes.

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

Down

1. Portray, illustrate (6)

2. Baby's room (7)

3. Forgiving, lenient (8)

4. Means of losing weight (4)

5. Stadium, amphitheatre (5)

CROSSWORD

Across

1. Contribute, give (6)

4. Demise, end (5)

8. Jeopardy (5)

9. Sank the Titanic (7)

10. Distinctly (7)

11. Indian dress (4)

12. Deceive (3)

14. Sung in church (4)

15. Reveal, display (4)

18. Fasten, attach (3)

21. Idol, venerated image (4)

23. Wander aimlessly (7)

25. Gift (7)

26. Modify (5)

27. Appoint, nominate (5)

28. Affluence, riches (6)

6. Scottish meat pudding (6)

7. Resin used to make gramophone records (5)

13. Heighten, intensify (8)

16. Weirdo, eccentric (7)

17. Small alcoholic drink (6)

19. Barren, deserted (5)

20. Walking aid (6)

22. Very overweight (5)

24. Loaned (4)

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SUDOKU

How to Play Sudoku

It’s simple! Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the numbers 1 through to 9 with no repetition.

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GIFTS FOR GARDENERS

BY RACHEL LEVERTON

It’s the holiday season so now is the time to treat the gardening enthusiast in your life. Whether they are a seasoned horticulturalist or have budding green thumbs, I have some carefully curated gift ideas to help make their Christmas a little more magical.

Personalised Garden Tools – High-quality garden tools are essential for any gardener, and a personalised set can add a thoughtful touch. Consider a set that includes essentials like a trowel, pruners, and a hand fork, engraved with their name or a meaningful message. Look for stainless steel or high-carbon steel, to ensure these tools withstand regular use.

Heirloom Seed Collection – Heirloom seeds are a fantastic gift for anyone who loves the idea of growing unique or rare plants. You can find seed collections featuring everything from heirloom vegetables and herbs to wildflowers and native plants. There will be something to appeal to everyone. To add a personal touch, package the seeds in a decorative box or vintage-style tin.

Composting Kit or wormery – For eco-conscious gardeners, a composting kit or a wormery can be a fantastic gift. Options range from countertop composters for small spaces to larger, outdoor set-ups that allow gardeners to create rich, organic matter for their gardens. Some kits come with starter guides, making them suitable for beginners. Not only will these gifts help reduce kitchen waste, but they will also improve soil health and boost plant growth. What more could a gardener want?

Indoor Herb Garden Kit – Winter can make it challenging to grow fresh produce, so consider an indoor herb garden kit as a thoughtful and practical gift. Many kits include planters, seeds, soil pods, and even LED grow lights, which make growing herbs indoors a breeze. From basil and parsley to mint and thyme, these kits allow gardeners to keep their herbs close at hand, adding fresh flavours to their cooking all winter long.

Garden Kneeler – Gardening often requires time spent kneeling and bending, so a garden kneeler can be an incredibly thoughtful gift. Many kneelers are foldable and come with handy built-in pockets for tools, gloves, and small pots. They provide a padded, comfortable surface and some can double as a seat.

Birdhouses and Bug Hotels – Wildlife-friendly gifts like birdhouses and bug hotels are ideal for gardeners who want to attract pollinators and beneficial creatures to their garden. These small structures provide nesting spaces for local birds, bees, and other insects. Look for bug hotels made from untreated wood and birdhouses that are weather-resistant.

I hope at least one of these suggestions will delight the gardener in your life, and if my husband happens to be reading this … I’ve always fancied a wormery! Happy gardening,

Following the Budget, now is the ideal time to make or review your Will

by Mark Riley, Founder & Managing Partner, MJR Solicitors

As the end of 2024 approaches, time seems to speed up as we frantically prepare for Christmas and look forward to celebrating. The start of a new year often gives us a chance to reflect on the previous year and all the important events that took place as the pace of life slows a little. This can be a good time to consider if any of those events of the previous year which we took in our stride at the time, have had a longer term impact on some of plans we may have made for the future. The shorter days and dark nights give time to review our finances, investments and documents such as Wills to check they are all providing the right outcome for the future and are still tax efficient. This is particularly relevant after a Budget has been announced. It is worth remembering that certain assets you hold bypass your Will and go directly to designated beneficiaries or joint owners upon your death. Here are the main types of assets that usually bypass a Will:

1. Jointly Owned Assets (Joint Tenancy)

Property: If you own property as joint tenants with another person, your share automatically passes to the surviving joint owner upon your death, rather than through your Will. However, if you own property as tenants in common, your share will be handled according to your Will (or intestacy laws if no Will exists).

Bank Accounts: Joint bank accounts typically pass directly to the surviving account holder, as they hold rights of survivorship.

2. Life Insurance Policies Life insurance payouts are usually directed to a named beneficiary and pass directly to them. If a beneficiary is specified, the insurance proceeds do not go through the Will.

3. Pension and Retirement Accounts Most pension funds and retirement accounts, such as personal pensions or workplace pensions, allow you to nominate a beneficiary. The funds are then transferred directly to that beneficiary, bypassing the estate and the Will.

4. Trust Assets Any assets held in trust, including property, investments, or cash, are not considered part of your personal estate and do not go through your Will. The trustee manages and distributes these assets according to the terms of the trust, rather than by the instructions in a Will.

5. Certain Investment Accounts (With Named Beneficiaries) Investments, such as some Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) or brokerage accounts, allow you to designate a beneficiary. These assets then transfer directly to the designated person outside of your Will.

Implications of Assets Bypassing the Will

For these types of assets, it is essential to keep beneficiary designations up-to-date, especially after major life changes like marriage, divorce, or having children. You should also consider that although these assets bypass your Will they will not all by-pass the valuation of your estate for Inheritance Tax. Joint Assets and some Trust assets can be included. Following the Budget announcement in October, pension pots will now fall within this calculation from April 2027. The Budget also froze the Inheritance Tax allowance for a further two years until 2030. This means as house prices continue to go up you could inadvertently fall outside of this tax free allowance making your final estate liable for Inheritance tax which remains at 40%.

A combination of ongoing financial planning and review can make a considerable difference. If you would like to book a FREE 30 minute consultation with one of our Will and Estate Planning experts, we would be happy to book you in.

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Tel: 01243 945054

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

In the meantime, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy and Prosperous 2025.

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

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

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LET’S GET REPAIRING

BY KATE STEWART

In our consumer led society we increasingly buy more than ever and, as soon as items show the smallest defects, it is so easy to throw them away and buy something new, says East Preston Repair Café.

Many things get thrown away within the space of one year. To help combat the consequent effects of climate change, Repair Cafés aim to bring back repairing into local communities as well as pass on repair expertise from one generation to the next.

Repair Cafe ARUNDEL is now firmly established and held on the 3rd Saturday of every month (the same as the Farmer’s Market) at the Norfolk Centre, opposite the Arundel Museum.

The cafe is very fortunate to have had a core group of 3 / 4 repairers since it started in 2022 whose skills include fixing electrical items and general “household goods”. Here is a list of just some of the things they repair. They would love to find more volunteers, especially those who could mend textiles and clothing.

Tool Sharpening Bikes

Lamps Vacuum Cleaners

Toys Crockery

Kettles Food Mixers

Toasters Radios

Household Gadgets

You don’t need to be a professional to help, just a bit of confidence and a “can do” attitude will go a long way. Often people visiting the Repair Cafe are just happy for a repair to be attempted, while they have a slice of delicious cake, as the item is usually on its way to the bin anyway. That’s why people are even more delighted when a repair is successful!

The café has fixed over 1000 items so far, including a 1980s Amstrad record player, a music box, lamps, and some very happy toys. The two next cafes will be Saturday December 21st and Saturday January 18th 2025 from 10 -12.30pm. For further information visit Repair Café Arundel on Facebook or email repaircafearundel@gmail.com

In CHICHESTER Transition Town Chichester (TTC) promotes a transition to a greener, more sustainable society and is looking for people to help at a Repair Café they are hoping to hold early next year. Visit www.transitionchichester.org to find out more or if you are interested in volunteering email secretary@transitioncchichester.org

Rather than throwing an item and contributing to landfill, why not take it along to the new EAST PRESTON Repair Café? Backed by East Preston Parish Council, a team of talented volunteers will have a look and work with you to try to repair whatever you bring in. Tea, coffee and cake is available for a modest sum. There is no charge for repairs, but they do ask for a small donation towards running costs.

This year’s final Repair Café will be on Saturday 7th December at the Spire Room at St Mary’s Church, Vicarage Lane, from 10:00 to 13:00.If you have a skill that you can offer as a volunteer then please contact cllr.john.gunston@eastpreston-pc.gov.uk, call into the Council Office or phone 01903 770050.

Please do let us know if you have a repairing story to tell? Anyone interested in a Felpham/ Middleton/Bersted Repair Café?

SUSSEX CHRISTMAS QUIZ BY KIM LESLIE

A prize – a book An Historical Atlas of Sussex – will be awarded for the first most correct answers received. Answers should be emailed to kimleslie@ymail.com to arrive by 31 December 2024. Answers will be published in the February In Focus magazines.

SPORT

1. Pushed in Pagham?

2. Sport associated with seagulls?

3. Cowdray Park famous for?

4. Indoor sport at Petworth House?

5. Slindon was early in the field?

6. Championships near Crawley?

7. Sunbeams at Itchenor?

8. Warm-up for Wimbledon?

9. Robertsbridge for making?

10. Wealden West Sussex gliding club?

CONNECTIONS BETWEEN

11. Waterloo and Brighton?

12. India and Burwash?

13, Peter Scott and Arundel?

14. James Bond and Amberley?

15 West Side Story and Chichester Cathedral?

16. West Wittering and some Stones?

17. Hartfield and a bear?

18. Moon studies and Selsey?

19. Harting and letter boxes?

20. West Dean and surrealism?

LITERARY LOCATIONS

21. Philippa Gregory’s ‘Tidelands’?

22. Kate Mosse’s ‘The Taxidermists Daughter’?

23. R.C. Sheriff’s ‘The Fortnight in September’?

24. Graham Greene’s ‘….. Rock’?

25. Hilaire Belloc’s mill ‘in Desolation’?

26. Peter James’s Detective Roy Grace?

27. H.G. Wells’s Bladesover House?

28. Tennyson’s Sussex home?

29. John Keats still sits here?

30. River that ended Virginia Woolf?

Clubs, Classes and Events

DECEMBER HOROSCOPES

BY LOCAL ASTROLOGER LETICIA PARMER

Here we are already at the Christmas season – it seems to have come along far too quickly. So what can you expect this December? Mars says 'do less' while Neptune says 'dream more' and thanks to Mercury, clear thinking returns just in time for the festivities.

ARIES

Children may be a bit tiring but you feel its worth it as you fully immerse yourself in the magic and dreams of the festive season.

TAURUS

You're not much in the mood for cooking and cleaning this month, so hopefully someone else will offer to host enjoyable gatherings and parties.

GEMINI

For a change you're keener to sit and listen rather than rushing around and doing all the talking. That is because you are quietly dreaming big.

CANCER

Your wonderlust reawakens now, making you keen to save for some travelling, rather than spending your money on pointless fripperies.

LEO

Your personal energy will be lower, so for once you don't need to offer to be the 'life and soul of the party', its time for you to be pampered.

VIRGO

You'll throw yourself wholeheartedly into the fantasy and romance of the festive season, especially with the one you care most about.

LIBRA

Give yourself some space and time to recharge your batteries before accepting too many invitations and requests this festive season.

SCORPIO

You may experience a bit of an inner battle between work duties and the desire to spend more time with the youngsters this December.

SAGITTARIUS

You've spent the year philosophising and sorting through cultural beliefs, now its time to relax at home and dream the festive season away.

CAPRICORN

If there are family dramas or jealousies you can come up with just the right words and phrases to diffuse them. Write a poem or lyrics.

AQUARIUS

The temptation this December will be to splash out on something ridiculously expensive for your partner - but are you really just buying a dream?

PISCES

Though you are very kind and love to help, why not make this more spiritual than practical this festive season through music and poetry.

Original gift ideas:

1. A personal ASTROLOGY READING with Leticia 2. Leticia's insightful, wise book "WHY ON EARTH" to order 07956 155105 or email leticiaparmer@yahoo.com

Architectural & Structural Designs

F F O O R R

Loft conversions, Extensions, Alterations & Garden Offices etc

30+ years’ experience of providing the complete service for obtaining; Planning Permission & Building Regulations Consent including Structural Calculations & Party Wall Awards