Villages In Focus March 2024

Dear All, I’m really hoping that March heralds the arrival of spring in West Sussex and we can say goodbye to the rain. It will be wonderful to welcome the gradual increase in daylight hours as the clocks go forward on Sunday 31 March, as well as all the spring bulbs, daffodils and crocuses bursting into bloom.

Wildflowers like celandines will start to dot the landscape with their bright yellow petals. Birds will be singing love songs and building nests as the mating season gets underway and every garden, field and hedgerow will start growing like mad!

As always, please do send in any article ideas you would like to see in the magazine or write yourself, or if you are a budding photographer please do send in your photos.

Enjoy the magical month of March and Happy Easter to you all, Kate.

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

APRIL ISSUE DEADLINE – WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH

BATHROOM SECRETS BY JASON PIERCE

Plumbase might be the best kept bathroom secret in Bognor Regis! It’s amazing how often we hear customers tell us: “I never knew you were here, but I’m so glad I’ve discovered you now”.

You might not expect to find a bathroom showroom with 40 display settings, and a large car park on the edge of a residential area, but that’s what we are. We’ve been established at this site in Fairlands, North Bersted, Bognor Regis for 39 years under different names and ownerships. The one thing that hasn’t really changed much over that time is the staff. Our showroom sales team of three have a combined company experience of 83 years in bathroom design and sales. Though we’re part of an extensive national group we pride ourselves on our ‘family business’ values putting customer service first and foremost.

We continually update our showroom to reflect the latest bathroom designs, trends and innovations enabling us to provide our customers with a choice to suit all budgets. We offer a free appointment based in-store design service and are happy to give our clients the time they need and expert advice to help make their bathroom dreams become a reality.

The combination of excellent hands-on displays, staff product knowledge and experience, together with free local delivery provides a level of service and support that online bathroom suppliers cannot possibly achieve. Our showroom team are looking forward to your visit as you start off your new bathroom journey very soon.

Plumbase Bathroom Showroom Fairlands, North Bersted, Bognor Regis, West Sussex, PO22 9BJ

Phone: +44 (0)1243 833623 www.plumbase.co.uk

The Plumbase team.

CHOCOLATE EGGS

BY GEMMA BROWN

A HISTORY OF EASTER’S DELECTABLE DELIGHTS

The association of chocolate eggs with Easter is a delightful convergence of cultural, religious, and culinary histories. Spanning centuries and continents, the story of how chocolate eggs became synonymous with Easter reveals a fascinating blend of tradition, innovation, and symbolism.

The egg has long been a symbol of new life and rebirth, a sentiment shared by many cultures and religions. In ancient times, eggs were often decorated in bright colours and given as gifts during spring festivals to celebrate the end of winter and the arrival of new life. This practice was adopted by early Christians as a symbol of Jesus Christ’s resurrection, which is commemorated during Easter. The hard shell of the egg represented the sealed Tomb of Christ, and cracking the egg symbolized his resurrection from the dead.

In medieval Europe, the Christian observance of Lent, the forty days leading up to Easter, involved strict fasting rules. One such rule prohibited the consumption of eggs. However, chickens (who don’t understand about Lent) continued to lay eggs during this period, leading to an excess by the time Easter arrived. This surplus led to the tradition of boiling eggs to preserve them, which were then decorated and given as Easter gifts.

The transition from real eggs to edible confectionery eggs began in the 17th and 18th centuries. Initially, these were not made of chocolate but of sugar or marzipan. The earliest chocolate eggs were solid, and a luxury item, enjoyed primarily by the wealthy due to the high cost of chocolate at the time.

The Industrial Revolution brought significant advancements in chocolate production. The invention of the chocolate press in the 1820s by Conrad Van Houten helped in extracting cocoa butter from roasted cocoa beans. This process made chocolate more affordable and easier to mould into shapes, paving the way for the hollow chocolate egg.

In the 19th century, companies like J.S. Fry & Sons in Britain began mass-producing chocolate eggs. John Cadbury followed suit in 1875, perfecting the art of the hollow egg and bringing it to a wider market. The Cadbury Easter egg was a game-changer, transforming the chocolate egg from a luxury to a popular treat accessible to the general public.

The history of chocolate eggs at Easter is a rich tapestry that weaves together religious tradition, culinary innovation, and cultural celebration. From ancient symbolisms of new life and rebirth to the modern-day delights of Easter egg hunts and chocolate treats, the chocolate egg has become an enduring and beloved symbol of Easter celebrations around the world, enjoyed by all ages.

LOCAL HISTORY BY SYLVIA ENDACOTT

As you sit at the level crossing in Woodgate waiting for the increasing number of trains to pass, it is worth remembering that this was originally the main railway station for the area but also Bognor Regis. We have to view the period around the 1840’s to understand that the town had no railway, and the nearest lines were the Ford to Chichester line which opened in June 1846.

For the residents of Bognor a train journey, if they could afford it, would have necessitated a journey to Woodgate to catch the train. Those who were rich enough would have possibly availed themselves of the regular ‘fly’ service to and from the station (today a taxi) but for the less well off a walk into the town was the order of the day. Of course the traffic on this country lane would have been quite different to today’s lorries and heavy transport.

This station was on the single line between Littlehampton and Chichester. Eventually work commenced on a new branch leaving the main line at Barnham down into Bognor which was opened on 1 June 1864 and then the Woodgate station closed and also the Yapton station. A newspaper report following the opening of the line in June stated that, “the omnibus journey from Woodgate (to Bognor)was a great drawback, and to accomplish this was more painful than the entire journey from London to Woodgate. Some inconvenience was felt by the closing of Yapton and Woodgate stations by those who lived in the adjoining villages”.

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 25 March - 1845 for 1930 hrs

‘To (Gulf) War, as a pilot in the F-16’

Presented by Sqn Ldr Ed Smith, DFC, RAF (Retd)

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

Whilst on duty with the United States Air Force as part of the Officer Exchange Programme, Squadron Leader Ed Smith was deployed to the Gulf and participated in Operation Desert Storm in 1991.

He flew 26 combat missions and 125 flying hours as a flight leader and air controller in daylight missions, attacking military installations and equipment, infrastructure and the Republican Guard deployed in Kuwait, opposed by surface to air missiles and anti-aircraft artillery.

In his presentation, Ed will explain the background to the exchange assignment, talk about his training and preparation for war, and honour the people he worked with.

He will describe, as only a participant can, what it’s like to go to war and the joy and relief of bringing people home. It promises to be a fascinating evening.

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

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

MOTHERING SUNDAY

It’s Mother’s Day on Sunday 10 March and to celebrate we asked Bersted poet Charlie Horner to share one of his wonderful poems. To all you mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, mothers-inlaw and stepmothers out there – thank you. And thank you Charlie!

MUM

A Mum is a worrier, from the start to the finish,

As her child grows older, her fears don’t diminish,

She’s watchful, alert, from the day of the birth,

She’ll fight tooth and nail to the ends of the Earth.

Not everyone wants the title of Mum,

But then they will miss the joys yet to come, Of having a babe plant a kiss on their cheek,

Watching their treasures grow week after week.

Even when harassed, she’ll try to stay calm, Don’t threaten her child, don’t intend any harm, She doesn’t ask much, just a kiss or a hug,

She sits by the bed when her kid has the bug.

Though tired and drawn, she’ll always be there,

Giving her love, giving her care,

That child, although young is increasingly fond, Of this Mum who has made this unbreakable bond.

The years will pass, Mum may be alone, Her kids will remember and then they will phone,

“Hello Mum, we’ll come down when we can, Little Johnny is fine and can’t wait to see Nan.”

So, Mums everywhere you’re our Number One, For just being you, our hearts you have won.

By Bersted poet, Charlie Horner

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NESTING TIMES

BY ALICE MCDOUGALL (RSPB Volunteer)

March is the month when many of our birds start building their nests. You might notice more bird song around this time, a sign that they are marking out their territory ready to mate. You might also see more activity among our earlier nesters as they gather materials – twigs, grasses, moss, lichen, feathers, and we are seeing more and more manmade materials used.

One of the fascinating things about birds’ nests is the individuality between species. From the intricately woven cup nests of song birds, to the simple scrapes of some coastal residents; the coned mud constructions of House Martins to the use of tree hollows and reed beds. The diversity in nests reminds us of the complexity of our fascinating bird world. Perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of this is that many birds build new nests without any instruction on how to do so.

Long tailed tit nest.

As the evenings get lighter and the weather warms, which birds are you likely to see nesting?

One of the most elaborate and sophisticated nests of our song birds is that of the Long Tailed Tit, which by March will have already begun nest building activities. These are intricate domed constructions, built from lichen, cobwebs and moss, and lined with feathers. Grey Herons, which nest in tree top colonies called heronries, return each year around February to begin nest renovations ready to lay their eggs in March. Blackbirds meticulously create a woven cup of straw, twigs and plants which is then lined with mud and grass. It can take up to two weeks to build the nest so they start early. A less sophisticated nest structure is that of the Wood Pigeon which may start building as early as January. You may see these simple stick nests in bushes, trees or ledges. We can help by ensuring we stay well away from nests – disturbing them is a criminal offence. Birds such as Chiffchaffs, Skylarks and Yellowhammers all nest in grass and under hedges; some coastal birds are also very difficult to spot, blending in well with their surroundings. It is therefore essential that where possible, we stick to the paths and ensure dogs are kept on leads.

Find out more about the nesting and breeding habits of our local birds by joining one of our guided walks or other events this month. Visit our website https://events.rspb.org.uk/ paghamharbour or call 01243 641508 for more information and to book.

Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com)

ARTIST OF THE MONTH: DONNA CHAPMAN

I am a New Zealander and have lived in Felpham for 20 years. From about age 10, I remember sitting outside and drawing my surroundings. There was so much beauty around me, Mt Grey in the distance, the wildlife, or farm stock. The neighbours had an old colonial style house with a wraparound veranda, and I loved to draw this. Until I was in my twenties, drawing and painting was purely a pleasurable way to spend time. This changed when I returned home from my first overseas experience, I was visiting our neighbours living in the colonial house when I clocked one of my drawings framed above their fireplace, it turns out my mother had saved my sketches and given one to them. I was quite happily surprised.

My painting process almost always begins by playing with the medium, sometimes its oil or pastels. Lately it has been pouring acrylics. It is an incredibly messy and random process where you never actually know what is going to happen. I will then use this as a background for a painting.

I teach a class for beginners and people returning to painting and drawing. Generally, this is with acrylics however, we do try other mediums such as charcoal, alcohol inks, paint pouring, and pastels. These sessions are two-fold, we begin by playing with the medium to see what it can do, then in the second part we learn basic drawing or painting skills.

My paintings can be found in Bosham Walk Arts and Crafts Centre, Bosham PO18 8HX. For further information about my work or Start Art classes, you can find me on: www.donnachapmanart.co.uk Instagram: Donna_chapman_ email: donnachapman03@gmail.com mobile: 07572173153

WORTHING HERITAGE TRAILS

BY SIMON BAKER IRONS

More and more towns and villages are creating heritage trails, which are usually fully accessible and enable us to have a great walk as well as learning about the history of the area. The Worthing Heritage Alliance has created over twelve trails in and around Worthing and all can be downloaded from their website. I chose to take a short walk around the lesser known but very historical area of Tarring.

1. The trail starts at the thirteenth century St Andrews Church, which has had a strange and varied history. One such unusual activity that was popular in the sixteenth century was the ‘Church Ales’, these were drinking sessions held in the church and would see the churchwardens sell beer to raise funds for its upkeep. Take a look inside the church at the marble mosaics, constructed in 1885, they are based on similar mosaics seen in the Basilica at Ravenna. In the cemetery can be found the grave of John Parsons, the oldest surviving tomb in Worthing, he was buried in 1633.

2. Turn right out of the lychgate and into Church Road, pass Cranborne Villa; that in the late nineteenth century was a sweet factory and very popular with local children.

3. Turn left into the High Street, the most historic street in Worthing, with buildings dating back to the late medieval period. The George and Dragon on the corner is likely to be the oldest continuously operating public house in Worthing. Look out for the sign, which used to swing loose and is now welded into an upright position. The sign was changed in 1927 because double-decker buses kept hitting the sign when they mounted the pavement to avoid other traffic. The buses are now re-routed; however, the sign remains in its upright position.

4. The trail proceeds north along the High Street and features more notable houses. It is very fortunate that these buildings have survived. In May 1801 a terrible fire engulfed Tarring village, nine cottages and three large barns were destroyed. In the 1920s Worthing Town Council proposed demolishing one side of the street so that the road could be widened.

5. At the end of the High Street, you’ll need to retrace your steps back to Church Road. Just as it turns into Glebe Road, you’ll see The Old Palace. This is one of the only two Grade I listed buildings in Worthing, the other is Castle Goring.

6. Head down South Street and look out for Bishops Garth. The grounds to this house were home to the ancient Fig Gardens, they were very popular with Victorian tourists, who visited to drink tea and eat a bowl of figs. A lot of the trees were felled to build houses, however the surviving trees can be visited as the gardens open for one day each year.

7. Continue down South Street and into Westland Avenue and you’ll be able to see the Tarring Folly.

8. Retrace your steps once again to the church to complete this historical trail. To see more photos and walks please follow me on Instagram @piertopiertrekking

SUSTAINABLE SHOPPPING

BY FELPHAM FASHION GURU VICKY BOOKER

The stigma of buying second-hand clothes has gone; we’re more mindful of the sustainability of our clothing choices these days. This, coupled with rising prices and more awareness of the true cost of ‘fast fashion’, means the pre-loved sector is where it’s at!

Luckily for us, we have three great pre-loved shops to choose from locally, a fabulous pop-up, and a plethora of charity shops all close by. Here’s my little insight into these local gems … First up, is Déjà Vu2. This friendly boutique has been a stalwart of Felpham village for years and is a great place to pick up a bargain. With a variety of labels from the high street like Zara, M&S, and Mint Velvet, through to designer and cult classics.

When I visited, they had this gorgeous suedette biker jacket from Karen Millen. Teamed with a pair of classic charcoal grey Levi 501s, you’ve got the ideal outfit for a fraction of the original price.

While I was there, I couldn’t resist having a browse for myself. I must have been in biker mode as I ended up buying this navy velvet version for just £9! Follow them on Facebook for more info www.facebook.com/DejaVu2felpham With two shops in Rustington and Arundel, as well as the option to buy items online, Willow & Eve is on my must-visit list. With an upscale boutique feel, this is as far away from the old stereotype of second-hand clothes as you can get. Yvette and Karen who run it, have a great eye and are selective about the items they’ll accept for sale.

Most items are less than four years old so there’s a modernity about the collections, and everything is either new or in great condition. My top pick are these old school (but very on-trend) Gola trainers, available (at time of writing) on their website for just £48 – these are £85 new. Check out willowandeve.com for more info.

And finally, there is a fabulous pre-loved popup shop in Earnley that you may not have come across before. It’s called Re:dress and is run by the lovely Sophie and Leila a few times a year. I’ve found many a fashion gem at these sales over the last couple of years, so it’s worth a visit. The next pop-up event is on 10 to 12 May, and they are accepting clothes for sale on set dates over the next few weeks – check out their Instagram for more info – @redress_chi

If you’re having a wardrobe clear out, I recommend taking your items to one of these great venues. All give you 50 per cent back on what they sell, so you can profit without having to do anything other than drop your items off! Selling sites like Vinted and e-bay are great if you’re happy to put in the work, but if you want to save yourself the hassle then give one of these a try.

If you’d like some inspiration on what to buy for the Spring/Summer, make sure to book a place on one of my Style Updates in March – find the details on my site Vickybooker.com or contact me for info – vicky@vickybooker.com. This would make a great gift idea for Mother’s Day too – see you there!

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HEALING, CARE AND INNOVATION

BY LOCAL GP – DR DAPHNE HAZELL

Approaching our one-year anniversary in February 2024, Home Wound Care proudly reflects on a year of delivering private, specialised, free of charge, wound care services directly to our patients’ homes in Bognor and surrounding areas. Committed to overcoming the challenges of traditional healthcare accessibility, our dedicated team of wound care nurses has not only met but exceeded the expectations of those in need.

Distinguished by our commitment to providing high-quality care independent of the NHS, Home Wound Care is also at the forefront of advancing wound care. Our service is free for patients, and our innovative approach involves contributing research information to manufacturers, aiding in the development of new healing products.

The heart of our success lies in the stories of satisfied patients. For those struggling with GP appointments or seeking a more convenient alternative, our scheduled home visits have proven transformative. Set appointment times and a dedicated schedule ensure timely and effective wound care.

Patient testimonials echo the excellence of our service, praising the professionalism, knowledge, and caring nature of our nurses. Actively involved in ongoing studies, we invite individuals with leg wounds and ulcers to experience the exceptional care Home Wound Care offers. Contact us at 01903 331963 or self-refer through our website, www.homewoundcare.co.uk

As we celebrate one year, we express gratitude to our dedicated team and, most importantly, to the patients who trust us. Cheers to more years of healing, care, and innovation!

GUINNESS CHOCOLATE PUDDINGS

Indulgent, slightly boozy chocolate puddings. Perfect for St Patrick’s Day on 17 March

Preparation time: 25 mins. Cooking time: 18 mins. Add 1 hr chilling time. Serves: 4.

INGREDIENTS

150g unsalted butter, plus extra for the ramekins

200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa), roughly chopped.

90g golden caster sugar

3 large eggs

METHOD

• Butter four 9 x 5cm ramekins.

90ml Guinness

Good quality vanilla, chocolate or salted caramel ice cream to serve.

• Place the butter, chocolate and a generous pinch of salt into a heatproof bowl. Set over a small pan of barely-simmering water and stir until melted, then remove from the heat and leave to cool a little.

• Place the sugar and eggs into a large mixing bowl and beat with an electric whisk until pale, doubled in volume and thick enough to leave a trail. Gently fold in the melted chocolate and the Guinness. Spoon the mixture into the ramekins, then chill in the fridge for 1 hr. In the meantime, place a baking tray on the top shelf of the oven and preheat to 200C/180C fan/gas 6.

• Place the chilled ramekins on the hot baking tray and bake for 18 mins. Remove from the oven and leave to stand for a minute. The centres will sink a little. Pop a scoop of ice cream into the hollow and serve. Happy St Patrick’s Day.

ESTATE PLANNING MADE SIMPLE

Have not reviewed your Will for years?

Has your Estate got an Inheritance Tax liability?

Don’t know what all the fuss is about getting in place Lasting Powers of Attorney documents?

Are you concerned about future care fees and want to try and protect what you can legitimately without prejudicing the lifestyle of your surviving spouse?

Maybe it is time to have a review of your affairs. Please feel free to make a FREE REVIEW APPOINTMENT with me so we can discuss your situation generally and as necessary get your affairs in order, not only for your own peace of mind but also for the peace of mind of your loved ones.

Face to face appoints in the office, home visits and video appointments all welcome. If something needs to be organised after our meeting the fees are fixed and agreed so that everyone knows exactly how much the service to be provided will cost.

• Wills and Trusts

• Inheritance Tax

• Care Fees Planning

• General & Lasting Powers of Attorney

• Probate

• Administration of Estates

Please feel free to telephone my office if you wish to discuss any of the above matters to arrange an appointment.

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

CROSSWORD

Across

1. Boundary trim (6)

5. Pour out (6)

8. Bitter-leafed salad vegetable (6)

9. Rod (6)

10. Historical time period (3)

11. Mild, pleasant weather (5)

13. Colourless, flammable, oily liquid (8)

12. Watch or clock (9)

13. Loud resonant and mournful (8)

14. Cold-blooded vertebrate (7)

17. Acquire information (5)

18. Weaponry (4)

7. Assignment (4)

20. Send, transport (4)

15. Languish, idle (8)

16. Hit hard with hand (5)

19 Neither liquid nor solid (3)

21. Bring back to life (6)

22. Boiler, furnace (6)

23. Avenue, boulevard (6)

24. Caged, imprisoned (6)

Down

2. Bibbed trousers (9)

3. Turn of phrase (5)

4. Delight (4)

5. Clash, contradict (8)

6. Explain (7)

Dr Davina Mahoney

Dr John Harker

Dr Sharad Patel

Dr Mauricio Carrillo

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

Felpham Dental Implant Clinic

• Free initial consultation

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

• No more gaps or dentures

• Eat, chew and smile with complete confidence

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

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

DIPPING YOUR TOE IN! BY

PETER LONG

With all the buzz around how good cold water is for your body and living so close to the beach I thought I’d give some winter sea dipping a try. I’d seen the Bognor Bluetits page on Facebook, a group of people who regularly meet to do just that. The cold water can be dangerous so if you want to try give it a try, joining a group is the safest way to go. I met up with the dippers at the Felpham boat ramp, they have sessions all along the coast, this one worked best for me. The ladies I found there were lovely! Very accommodating, they welcomed me warmly - which was ideal as it was really cold!

After a few introductions Jan and a couple of the others ran me through some first timer advice; go in slowly, splash the water over your arms and chest and most importantly get dressed fast into multiple layers and drink the hot drink I’d brought with me.

Everyone started getting ready to go and it was then that I noticed how much gear everyone had. Those fancy towel robe coats, goggles, swimming caps, gloves and shoes. It might not sound like a lot but it was enough to make me even more anxious than I already was. I did have wetsuit shoes, something I was very grateful for later on.

As we waded out in the water I got as far as my knees and wondered if I was making a terrible mistake. Some of the others were already in the bigger waves, the surf going over their heads as they laughed and whooped giving me a confidence boost to push myself further so I could have some of that fun too. I made it past my waist, splashing the cold water on my arms and chest like Jan had told me to and in no time at all I was up to my chest, the waves splashing my face and I felt great. Like I’d conquered something monumental. The group were shouting well done, and giving me ear to ear grins and a thumbs up, we were together in something unique, all knowing what the other had had to go through to get this far.

Within a few moments I started to feel pins and needles from my elbows to my hands. The tingly feeling soon turned to a stinging pain and I decided my dip was over. I started to make my way back to the shore accompanied by more cheers and shouts of well done. The feeling in my arms went away almost immediately and I briefly thought of going back in.

Just like the group had told me to I dried quickly and got my layers on feeling so alive, in a small cocoon of ecstasy that drove the cold away while I sipped my thermos coffee. I wanted to stay and chat but I finally started to feel cold so I said my goodbyes, made my way to my car and the promise of a warm shower. The whole drive home I couldn’t stop thinking about my dip and started planning the next one in my head. I was hooked.

Thanks to the Felpham Dippers and the Bognor Bluetits for an amazing experience and I’ll see you at the next one!

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.

SNOWDROPS – A PLENTY!!

BY KATE HARRISON, WEST SUSSEX NATIONAL GARDEN SCHEME PUBLICITY OFFICER

Each year the National Garden Scheme starts the garden visiting season with its inspirational Snowdrop and Spring Flower gardens. Hundreds of gardens sprinkled with snowdrops – these delightful harbingers of spring – and wonderful, colour contrasting spring blooms including the bright gold of aconites and soft purple of crocus, open their gates to the public from late January into March.

“After the long, dark winter months, the appearance of these beautiful early spring flowers really lifts the spirits and heralds the start of all the wonderful gardens to come,” says National Garden Scheme Chief Executive, George Plumptre. “Year on year more and more people discover the joys of these late winter/early spring garden visits, many of which are accompanied by tea and cake.

These beautiful gardens open their gates in West Sussex in March, as part of this wonderful celebration of the new garden visiting season. For descriptions and more details about the gardens listed below visit the National Garden Scheme website https://ngs.org.uk

SUNDAY 17 MARCH

MANOR OF DEAN, PETWORTH GU28 9AP

Book your tickets in advance on the NGS Website or you can just turn up and pay on the day.

Refreshments Home-made teas.

Admission Adult: £5.00 Child: Free

Opening times 14:00 – 16:00

This garden opens for By Arrangement visits from 5 February to 14 June for groups of 20+.

SUNDAY 17 MARCH

DENMANS GARDEN, FONTWELL BN18 0SU

Pre-booking essential, please contact the garden owner (details within the Owner Info tab on the NGS Website) to book. Refreshments Light refreshments.

Admission Adult: £9.00 Child: £7.00

Opening times 11:00 – 16:00

SATURDAY 23 MARCH AND SUNDAY 24 MARCH

DOWNS PLACE SOUTH HARTING GU31 5PN

Book your tickets in advance on the NGS Website or you can just turn up and pay on the day.

Refreshments Home-made teas & cream teas.

Admission Adult: £5.00 Child: Free

Opening times 13:30 – 17:30

Also open By Arrangement from 2nd January for group of 15+

FRIDAY 29 MARCH

JUDY’S COTTAGE GARDEN WORTHING BN13 2AE

Book your tickets in advance on the NGS Website or you can just turn up and pay on the day.

Refreshments Home-made teas.

Admission Adult: £5.00 Child: Free

Opening times 10:30 – 15:30

NEW FOR 2024 TUESDAY 5 MARCH

CROSSLAND FLOWER NURSERY WALBERTON BN18 0AX

A 2 hr all access tour of a fourth generation, award-winning, sustainably run flower nursery with 3 acres of glasshouses filled to the brim with Sussex grown alstroemeria. There will be an opportunity to purchase flowers at the end of the tour.

For this open day you need to pre-book your ticket in advance on the NGS Website

Refreshments Tea. Admission Adult: £10.00 Child: Free. Opening times: 10:00 – 12:00

Denmans Garden.

A GOOD READ

BY NATASHA DONOVAN

Bitter by

Francesca Jakobi

Bitter is Francesca Jakobi’s astonishing first novel. It is a captivating exploration of complex family dynamics, narrated with a poignant blend of humour and melancholy. The novel unfolds through the eyes of Gilda, a twice-divorced, middle-aged woman grappling with the recent marriage of her only child, Reuben. While Gilda is depicted as an overbearing Jewish mother, the portrayal is never cliched, but rather deeply nuanced, blending past and present to create a relatable and poignant character.

Jakobi’s short chapters drives the narrative forward at a compelling pace. The book’s heart lies in its exploration of Gilda’s troubled relationship with her son and her escalating jealousy towards his new wife. This personal drama is skilfully balanced with moments of dry humour, often through Gilda’s humorous reflections, a testament to Jakobi’s ability to weave lightness into the fabric of a fundamentally sombre story.

The novel’s title, ‘Bitter,’ is a play on the German word for ‘please.’ The novel delves into Gilda’s backstory, as a displaced and isolated German girl attending an English boarding school during the 1930s.

While Bitter flirts with the conventions of a psychological thriller, with Gilda’s near-obsessive behaviour towards her daughter-in-law, creating moments of intense suspense, at its core is a story of love, kindness, and lasting friendship. Jakobi unsettles us at the same time as making us laugh out loud at Gilda’s exploits, but her real skill is in making us somehow love this out-of-control Jewish mother and in doing so, encouraging against our better judgment to side with Gilda!

A thoroughly engaging read.

WEST SUSSEX MINIBUS

SPARE A LITTLE TIME FOR YOUR COMMUNITY. EVERYONE WILL BENEFIT

West Sussex Minibus provides a year-round schedule of fun days out and shopping excursions to help residents stay active. The service is available right from the passengers’ front doors. People who use the service tell us how they rely on these trips for their weekly shopping, to visit new places and to gain companionship.

This organisation is run entirely by volunteers. They offer a wide range of roles and require no previous experience. There is a role to suit everyone who wants to get involved.

If you decide to volunteer, all that is required is a willingness to give some of your time and a desire to help others. New volunteers will have the support of an established team to help get them started. You will learn new skills and make friends while supporting a valued cause.

Here is a glimpse of just some of the roles available:

• Minibus Driver: Collect passengers from their homes, drive them safely to the planned destination and return them after every trip. Drivers must be confident, hold a D1 category licence and enjoy friendly conversation with passengers.

• Passenger Escort: Welcome passengers to each trip and assist them throughout the journey. Many are regulars, so you are sure to get to know them all well.

• Communication Coordinator: Support the team to promote awareness of the service through local publications and social media channels.

Volunteer and see first-hand what the service means to its members. Give a few hours a week or a day a month. The best part is that you choose the hours that work best around your existing responsibilities. Join the team now and make a difference to your community and yourself. Call 0300 772 7735.

Estate Planning - FAQs

by Mark Riley, Founder & Managing Partner, MJR Solicitors

What is Inheritance Tax?

Inheritance Tax (IHT) is a tax charge (usually 40%) on any part of your estate that exceeds your personal allowance (also called the nil rate band). This is currently £325,000 per person. The charge drops to 36% if you give at least 10% of your estate away to charity when you die.

What is estate planning?

Estate planning involves planning how to pass on your assets to the next generation in the most effective way. A significant part of this will usually be minimising Inheritance Tax.

How much is the nil rate band?

The nil rate band is your personal allowance that is free from Inheritance Tax. It is currently £325,000 per person. Any unused allowance can be transferred between married couples and civil partners when one spouse dies.

What is the residence nil rate band?

The residence nil rate band is an allowance for passing on the family home. It is currently £175,000 and can be transferred between spouses and civil partners. The allowance is tapered down for people with larger estates, reducing by £1 for every £2 that the estate is valued at over £2 million. The residence nil rate band can only be used when passing on a residence to direct descendants and applies only to your home, not a buy-to-let property.

What is a potentially exempt transfer?

Gifts that are not immediately tax-free are considered potentially exempt. If you die within seven years of making a potentially exempt gift, it counts as part of your estate and may be subject to Inheritance Tax.

What is taper relief?

If you made a potentially exempt gift that was bigger than the nil rate band, you could

benefit from taper relief (also known as the seven year rule). This gradually reduces the amount of Inheritance Tax that is chargeable over the seven years after you made the gift.

What are the tax rules and allowances for making gifts?

• The annual gifting allowance is £3,000

• You can make as many small gifts of £250 as you want, but one person can receive no more than £250

• Regular gifts from excess income are taxfree, as long as they won’t affect your normal lifestyle

• Gifts to charities, museums, universities, sports clubs and some political parties are tax-free

So book your free 30-minute consultation with us today by calling our team, emailing us or by sending us a message on our website contact form.

Trusted, knowledgeable, by your side

Tel: 01243 945054

info@mjrsolicitors.co.uk

www.mjrsolicitors.co.uk

Recent Client Feedback:

“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.”

THE RIFELANDS

A WATERY LANDSCAPE

BY KIM LESLIE

Eastern England has its Fenlands, vast areas of low-lying wetlands that for centuries past have struggled with water against flooding and inundation. West Sussex has its very own micro-version of the Fens – the Rifelands.

Greater Bognor – from Pagham to Elmer – sits tightly wedged between water on all sides, a sliver of land on a waterbound peninsula: the sea to the south; then to the north, east and west a watery landscape of fresh water and marshland dominates the hinterland. These are the Rifelands of West Sussex. Low lying, the critical issue here for centuries has always been drainage, reliant on an intricate network of drainage channels that play their vital part in the survival of the surrounding flatlands.

The main channels are known locally as rifes – a name peculiar to this part of Sussex – simply meaning small rivers, or riverlets. (On Hayling Island in Hampshire, similar streams are known as rithes.) Modern Ordnance Survey Explorer maps show Bognor bounded by five named rifes: Aldingbourne Rife (Aldingbourne to Bognor with its outfall near Butlin’s) with its tributary Lidsey Rife; Ryebank Rife (Yapton to the River Arun at Littlehampton Marina); Pagham Rife (Oving to Pagham Harbour); Bremere Rife (Hunston to Pagham Harbour). Old records document even more with names, such as Bilsham Rife and Barnham Rife. All are fed by a patchwork of countless little streams and ditches, historically known as drains or gutters.

As with the Fens over the centuries, these Rifelands have witnessed a constant battle against water as so much of the low-lying lands bordering the rifes are below high-tide level and can only effectively drain to the sea or the Arun during low water. So when heavy rainfall coincides with high tides, water is retained in the rifes and their tributaries, causing extensive flooding. Attempts to deal with the problem can be traced back hundreds of years, to medieval times when Commissioners of Sewers were appointed in 1427 because of ‘the great damage and losses … by the great inundation of waters in divers [diverse] parts of the realm’. These Commissioners of Sewers – ’sewer’ in its original context meaning a drainage channel – were empowered to survey and repair ‘walls, ditches, gutters, sewers, causeways, weirs and trenches’, with authority to tax owners and tenants of land who would benefit.

Their first recorded order for West Sussex is dated 1442, concerning drainage around medieval ‘Bogenore’ – ‘between the parish of Berghstede on the west and the parish of Felgham on the east’. Flooding around these parts is nothing new. The Commissioners’ duties were reinforced by manorial courts, empowered to ensure that tenants maintained watercourses on their land, with penalties for defaulting. In 1485, at South Mundham, Richard Standen, a tenant of Pagham Manor, was indicted for not scouring his ditches, with a fine of ten shillings in default, a massive amount of money in those days, emphasising the gravity of the situation. Farmland was precious.

The situation is just as grave today – probably even more so – with drainage of the Rifelands vital for the preservation of the built-up surrounding areas. As Gerard Young of Flansham commented in his book The Cottage in the Fields (1945): ‘hundreds of brooks and streamlets that thread their way about the plain … prevent Sussex by the Sea from becoming Sussex in the Sea’. This is why the creeping encroachment by speculative development onto these Rifelands, coupled with higher and higher tides with a rise in sea levels and failure to scour the rifes and ditches will – ultimately – have disastrous consequences. A hint of things to come was seen only recently with Storm Ciaran in early November last year when – and not for the first time – Bognor’s Tesco car park and the adjoining Riverside Caravan Park became part of Aldingbourne Rife. Even the pumps by the seawall at Butlin’s couldn’t save the situation. Nature will take its revenge.

Bremere Rife draining into Pagham Harbour.

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LITTLEHAMPTON PROBUS LADIES’ CLUB

BY MARGARET BILLS

SPRING IS IN THE AIR – TIME TO THINK ABOUT A NEW INTEREST

We are a group of about 40 friendly ladies who enjoy meeting on the fourth Friday (normally) of each month, at Ham Manor Golf Club, for a two course lunch followed by tea/coffee, with a speaker – covering a variety of interests from Queen Consorts to Crop Circles. We also like any excuse to celebrate a special event/occasion such as Diwali, Burns Night, Chinese New Year – and, of course, the Coronation of King Charles III – with an appropriate meal and talk.

In March this year the Probus Ladies’ Club celebrates the 40th Anniversary so we shall be honouring this with a special lunch (members only) and are delighted to be welcoming His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of West Sussex, Lady Emma Barnard, as our guest.

If you are interested in hearing more about us and maybe attending a lunch, please contact our Membership Secretary by email – daisypopslib@ btinternet.com. It would be helpful to include your telephone number so that in addition to sending you some information she can talk to you and answer any questions you may have.

We look forward to hearing from you.

MARCH HOROSCOPES

BY LOCAL ASTROLOGER LETICIA PARMER

The LUNAR ECLIPSE in Libra this March offers a moment to pause to review past emotional reactions that were not productive or wasted your energy. A moment to press your emotional ‘reset’ button through meditation, self-reflection and deep honesty. Personal rituals, prayers and ceremonies will help you make a fresh start too, as the spring Equinox marks the beginning of a new astrological year.

ARIES

Rather than seeing your relationship as another race or challenge to win, step back relax and simply enjoy the warmth.

TAURUS

You are really keen to work on yourself to fine-tune your emotions, but also remember that your best is good enough.

GEMINI

A great way for you to work with this eclipse is through creative expression. Time to get the paint and brushes out.

CANCER

Feelings towards your mother, or your own nurturing instinct, come under the spotlight for positive adjustment now.

LEO

You’ll love to talk about how you plan to adjust your emotional reactions but don’t forget actions speak louder than words.

VIRGO

Don’t let your emotional attachment to money and property block you from truly connecting with your deepest feelings.

LIBRA

The lunar eclipse is in your sign, so you’ll feel this prompt strongly to connect with springcleaning your emotions.

SCORPIO

This month you relish the moment to go deep within and privately release any unhealthy insecurities and jealousies.

SAGITTARIUS

A great month to double-check your feelings towards friends and groups, to eliminate any ugly tendency to judge.

CAPRICORN

This March you must review your ambition and remember not to waste emotions on material attachments.

AQUARIUS

Science and logic can mask your emotions, so give yourself time now to take a journey to and adjust deep feelings.

PISCES

You are in the mood to shed hampering emotions, but better to do this privately rather than dumping on others.

Leticia Parmer

Come to our soothing Healing Soundbath event Jubilee Hall, Middleton. Last Thursday each month upcoming - 28 March and 25 April text 07956 155105 to book

ON GOLDEN BLADES

BY JAMES STEWART

Golden Blade is not just a barber – it’s an experience and I am a big fan. It recently opened its fifth branch on Felpham Way (other branches in Bognor Regis, Selsey, Worthing and Pagham) and it caters for all ages and everyone is welcome. Given my 50+ years, I was reluctant to suggest a skin fade or eyebrow threading but instead requested a plain and simple haircut.

After receiving a warm welcome, a complimentary drink, battle commenced and within seconds I knew I was in expert hands. My basic request changed somewhat over the next 30 minutes or so and I was able to tick off the following; a hot steam shave (which left me feeling refreshed and rejuvenated), a facial mask (had to be done) and a surprisingly gentle ear and nose wax which involved the dual process of singeing and flaming!

Golden Blade caters for all ages from toddlers up to … you name it. The teenagers love it because they can request what they really want, and every customer is made to feel special. The basics for me was that the cut was excellent, the customer care was exemplary, and I left feeling a million dollars. I was even able to look my bushy-haired son in the eye and tell him his cool dad was back in town!

No need to book just walk-in. 101 Felpham Way, Bognor Regis, PO21 8QB.

Opening times: Mon-Sat 9am - 6.30pm and Sundays 10am - 4.30pm.

Discounts for Over-65s and Under-16s Monday -Thursday

To find out more: Tel: 01243 931728 Instagram and Facebook @goldenbladefelpham

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

Solution to Mind Benders

1. Between you and me.

2. Get your act together.

3. Hang in there.

COUNTY LINES

Arun Neighbourhood Policing Team

You can contact your local team in the following ways:

• Call us: on 101 to report a crime or 999 if it’s an emergency

• Email us: arun@sussex.pnn.police.uk

County lines is the name given to drug dealing where organised crime groups (OCGs) use phone lines to move and supply drugs, usually from cities into smaller towns, villages and rural areas. They exploit vulnerable people, including children, those who are lonely, isolated or suffering with addiction or mental health issues, by recruiting them to distribute the drugs – this is referred to as “drug running”. Criminals may also take over and use a vulnerable person’s home as their base of operations for dealing drugs. This is known as ‘cuckooing’. It’s common for OCGs to use a property for a short amount of time, moving to other addresses frequently to reduce the chances of being caught. There are several signs to look out for which may indicate that someone is involved in county lines:

• Repeatedly going missing from school or home and being found in other areas

• Having money, new clothes or electronic devices with no explanation how they paid for them

•

•

a high number of texts and / or phone calls, and being secretive about who they’re speaking to

• Significant changes in their emotional or physical well-being.

you’re concerned about drug related crime in your area or think someone may be a victim of drug exploitation, please contact us online or on 101.

All advertisements are printed in good faith, however Villages in Focus cannot take responsibility for the content of the adverts or the services provided by the advertisers. Opinions and views expressed in articles are not necessarily held by In Focus Magazines. No part of the publication may be reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher.