Issue no. 241
Dec 2020/Jan 2021
Its been a busy term for TPA Players Panto to be staged in March Santa’s Sleigh is coming to town!
So, another year has come and gone and my goodness, what a year! The presence of covid-19 in our lives has brought about huge changes in the way we carry out daily activities and in the way we move around and use our environment. With events and community groups having to be put on hold until it’s safe to commence again, social media has provided for many an alternative way of communing with friends, family and colleagues. For some it has been a sharp learning curve with new skills acquired which can hopefully be built upon. To those of you who tried out the Halloween trail and quiz, especially those that posted their answers using surveymonkey, a big thank you. It’s been suggested that a Christmas trail would be fun…. If any one would like to suggest any other ideas for socially distanced village activities or even interested in organising any, please email editor@tangmere-news.co.uk and let us know. “A big thank you to the Tangmere News distributors and reporters, as well as wishing everyone a happy Christmas and a very merry new year. “
“National lockdowns have seen a huge disruption to our fun and friendly TaiChiFit exercise sessions during 2020. Let’s hope that 2021 sees an end to the pandemic and a return to a more normal way of life. Wishing everyone in Tangmere a healthy and happy Christmas season. Stay safe! For further information about our classes contact Pam on 07941120041.”
Pam
15 Hours a week free funded spaces for 3 and 4 year olds
Tangmere Primary Academy Nursery Class Quality Childcare in a stimulating environment We are offering 15 hours a week funded for 3 and 4 year olds (9am-12pm) Highly trained staff including a Qualified Teacher in nursery class Highest standard of care and education Open door policy – pop in any time for a viewing If you are looking for a place for your child for the next academic year (September 2020) and would like more information, to book a place or arrange a visit please contact us on Tangmere Primary Academy, Bishops Road, Tangmere, PO20 2JB PHONE: 01243 773339
earlyyearsfoundationstage@tangmere-tkat.org 2
SPICED MEDITERRANEAN TURKEY Ingredients: Serves 4-6 50g/2oz butter or oil Cook time: 30 mins 1 large onion, chopped 2-3 cloves garlic, crushed 1tbsp plain flour 1-2tbsp curry powder or paste (or to taste) A slightly curried way to using 300ml/½pint stock up your Xmas turkey! 1 medium aubergine, chopped 2 red and 2 yellow peppers, seeded and chopped 4tbsp peach, apricot or mango chutney 350g/12oz cooked turkey (or chicken) roughly diced 150ml/¼ pint double cream or crème fraiche 1tbsp chopped parsley or coriander 1tbsp toasted flaked almonds Method: 1. Heat the butter in a large pan and fry the onion and garlic until tender and translucent. Stir in the flour and curry powder until absorbed, then gradually add the stock, stirring all the time as it thickens. Cook for 1-2 minutes. 2. Add the aubergine to the curry sauce with 150ml/¼pint extra water and simmer for 5-6 minutes until just softening. 3. Add the peppers, chutney, turkey, cream and parsley to the sauce. Bring slowly to simmering and heat through gently, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly before serving topped with the almonds. Serve with rice or pasta as you wish. tip: If time grill the peppers until the skin burns slightly and bursts, place in a polythene bag and leave to cool. Then peel off the skin and cut chop. Alex
COOK WITH ALEX FOODIE GIFTS FOR ANYTIME Give a Voucher for a Cookery Course – or a Canape Pack * Begin with the BASICS * MEN in the kitchen * Crafty CANAPÉS * Fabulous FISH * Mostly VEG or even Vegan & many more topics to choose from….. Enquire now – half-day or one-day courses with food writer Alex Barker; Hands-on cooking and recipes to take away
www.cookwithalex.co.uk email – alexhalswell@gmail.com tel - 01243 532240 3
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So, by the time you read this hopefully we will be Community Wardens through “Lockdown 2” and moving back to the Tier system. We have been lucky so far, as our local cases of Covid have been relatively low, but we cannot lower our guard. We will only beat this and get back to normality if we all stick with “Hands, Face, Space”. We have seen a rise in ASB in the village, particularly around the skate park. Broken bottles have become the new thing in the area. Please speak to your young people and remind them what seems like fun at the time could end up injuring someone, even a small child. If you see something, please report it. All reports are confidential. We have been out late, sometimes with the Police speaking to people in the area, it has been very positive except for one young lady who believes Dawn White dwhite@chichester.gov.uk that it is our job to clean up her litter for her, it was a 07768 210358 disappointing attitude but thankfully this is rare. We will continue to monitor the situation. With the ongoing restrictions, mental health is still an important thing to remember, everybody is dealing with this situation in their own way, but some may need some help. Talk to your neighbours check to see how they are, do they need any help? If you have any concerns then please let us know, we are always happy to visit and say hi, as we Gareth Jones gjones@chichester.gov.uk said everything is treated in the strictest confidence. 07768 202356 Lastly, I am sure a lot of you are considering a mobile phone as a Christmas present for you children, they are a great tool for children, but not without risk, do you know who your child is talking to or what content they are able to access. All android phones have what is known as “Google family link” this is an excellent tool which allows you to control what your child can access, what apps they can download, stops them making purchases without your knowledge, lets you set a bed time and most importantly allows you to see where they are, at any time. If you would like to know more then please give me a call. So that just leaves me to say, no matter what form it takes this year, Dawn and I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
www.janewalkerforgeflowers.co.uk
forgeflowers@gmail.com
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Chairman’s Report
The response from residents to the request for support during the half term holiday was dramatic and heart-warming. Originating from a post on the village Facebook page for food donations to help school children denied lunch vouchers; it soon became a steady flood of support, with the bus shelter by the village green becoming a collection and delivery point for parents and residents alike. My thanks to all those who responded to this call out, which shows the generosity of many of our residents. The fact that schemes like this one sprang up all around the country simply shows that the initial decision to halt food vouchers during half term was wrong. Children who need support during school term time still need support during holidays. The parish council is keen to keep this project working, as we know that in this period of uncertainty and challenge, every little bit of generosity is helping someone somewhere get along. There have been food deliveries to families in the village since April, with food donated by a variety of organisations, companies and shops. Local residents organise donated products and deliver to a number of homes each week, and are ready to expand this exercise as needs call. Many families are now facing job losses and are under pressure as savings dry up, so if you know of a family struggling at this time please let us know. There are a number of confidential methods to let us know, and the bus shelter is still dedicated for food donations. There are many residents who have agreed to help out, so just talk to them and we can include a new family in the delivery. Many of you will have seen the notices Andrew Irwin
around the village regarding the compulsory purchase of the fields to the West of the village. At the same time the outline planning application for up to 1300 homes on those fields has been submitted by the developer chosen by Chichester District Council. It is really difficult for the council to share their comments with residents as meetings have been forbidden during this lockdown. However, the council is still consulting on the details, and have arranged meetings with the developer and CDC early in the New Year. Once meetings are permitted to resume we shall hold an open event to show residents the details, but at this stage we are able to say that there are no surprises in the documents, and the fundamental plans remain as proposed earlier. All the requirements that featured in the Neighbourhood Plan are included, and the most important item is the proposal not to allow through traffic along Malcolm Road and onwards into the new development. We look forward to understanding how traffic movements will be planned so as to achieve the Neighbourhood Plans objective of a “One Village�. There have been a number of posts on the village Facebook page regarding joyriding late at night on the elevated junction over the A27 at Temple Bar. I share the frustration as to the inaction from the Police in responding to this anti-social behaviour. My concern about this activity is not aimed at spoiling innocent fun. It is a genuine concern that unchecked, such high speed wheel spinning will result in an accident, either to the driver or an innocent bystander. If you know who is participating in these events, please have a word with them. A serious accident is forever, and cannot be undone.
phone: 01243 776823 email: andrew@clearspot.me.uk
Parish Council Committee meetings are currently held virtually using ZOOM at 7:30pm. Invitations and passwords will be available on the parish website www.tangmere-online.co.uk Village Centre 1st Dec, Finance 15th Dec, Full Parish 14th Jan, Environment 26th Jan 6
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than normal to treat even urgent problems. Over Christmas we will be closed from 24th December – 3rd January inclusive. Normal emergency arrangements will apply. See www.tangmeredental.co.uk for details closer to the time. Please call 01243-775545 if you have a problem; please leave a voicemail even when we are closed, as we can often help more quickly if you do. We would like to welcome a new dentist to our team.
We wish everyone a safe and happy Run up to Christmas-time! To reassure you we are up and running to a “new-normal”. Almost open as usual. Even in Lockdown. We have achieved a very high level of Covid safety and probably exceed standards that doctors and nurses have on a Covid ward. We are recalling patients as capacity and restrictions allow. That said if you are registered and do have a problem please call early as it can take longer 8
Dr Sat Louis (GDC 70940) He ran his own practice on the south coast for 25 years before joining us at Tangmere wanting to focus on quality dentistry rather than management. He has a post graduate diploma in restorative dentistry and orthodontics and has been a foundation dentist trainer, for newly qualified dentists, so has a wealth of experience.
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Tangmere Flower Club Diary Dates December meeting cancelled We wish to thank everyone for their support throughout this difficult year. We hope that things will get back to some sort of normality in 2021 and look forward to seeing you all in the New Year. Sincere greetings for Christmas and the New Year. Contact Jan 07904 340467 for further information.
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Allotments
"Tangmere allotments have thrived during the covid pandemic. The plots have given families a good place to go to exercise and grow their own produce. Production this year has been very good. All plots are taken up and we now have a waiting list. Enquires to the Parish clerk@tangmereonline.co.uk please. We would like to wish all of Tangmere and local residents a Very Happy Christmas and Healthy New Year. " Dulcie
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A busy half term at TPA! It has been fantastic to see the children back at TPA this term, enthusiastic to be at school and eager to learn. The children have managed to adjust to a number of changes to the school day, which have been put in place to ensure everyone’s safety. We are extremely grateful to the support for our families in keeping to these safety proportions and the support that they have shown towards the staff who are working hard to keep school as normal as possible from our young people. We were pleased to be able to support St. Andrew’s church again this year by decorating the church for Remembrance Sunday, to commemorate the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian service people. Each class from Nursery to Year 6 worked together to create pieces of art using poppy designs. The church was open in the lead up to 8th November 2020 for families to view the art. TPA Celebrated Black History Month this October. This incorporated looking at a range of stories from different cultures as well as looking at how we are all beautifully different from each other. The children also looked at a number of important figures in black history such as Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks and Katherine Johnson, as well as important figures within art and music. Harvest Festival Time As part of our Harvest Festival celebrations the TPA community collected contributions for Chichester Foodbank. Our families were very generous donating a wide range of items which will support families across the Chichester district. For more information regarding the work carried out by Chichester Foodbank, please see their website https://chichesterdistrict.foodbank.org.uk/ , Many people are finding things difficult at the moment – if you find yourself in need Chichester Foodbank may be able to help. Please see https://chichesterdistrict.foodbank.org.uk/ regarding how you can receive foodbank vouchers. Children in Need at TPA This year at TPA community raised money for BBCs Children in Need. The children dressed up in spots and took part in a range of ‘Five to Thrive’ activities which looks at a range of strategies to support wellbeing and mental health including looking at; making connections and building relationships, being aware and mindful of our own emotions, being active, trying new things and preforming daily acts of kindness. Christmas will look very different this year at TPA but we are determined to ensure that we keep the spirit of Christmas alive for the children. This year the children will help to spread the Christmas joy by creating decorations for St Andrew’s Church. These will be on display in the church from Tuesday 15th December 2020. 11
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Before
After
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How thrilling it was to see Captive Orbience on the front Cover of the Oct/Nov Tangmere News and the timing is very apt as I was commissioned 20 years ago to create this artwork for the City Fields Business Park. The brief I was given was to create a piece that represented business and a positive statement for the park. After some extensive research into the village I came up with 3 initial observations. Firstly, the history of Tangmere airfield was exciting and important on a National level. Secondly, the local kids regularly used the area for the proposed piece to skateboard and hang out. (The local skateboard park had not yet been built) Finally, the commissioners wanted to focus on the future of the site and not its history as this was already recognised at the Tangmere aviation museum. It became apparent to me that the piece had to be fun and speak to a young audience, as well as the business community, whilst referencing Tangmere’s position geographically (proximity to the coast) and subtly giving a nod to its aviation history. Informed with these facts you can see the piece seemed obvious…. the concept behind it was to celebrate all of these elements together in one. Captive Orbience is a 20ft high sculpture of a flying ball being caught in a net that is tethered to the ground with nautical dock cleats. My work is always conceptual and often plays with balance. The steel ropes were inspired by the Brooklyn bridge (inspiration always pops up in the oddest places). The fun element in this piece meant the kids had something they could relate to whilst the “take of” of business on a global scale had been addressed. This is why the ball is not yet at the straining point of the net because on a business growth line it still has space to keep growing. This piece challenges our expectations, as it looks heavy, yet is floating. It highlights the difference between seeing and sensing, challenging our understanding of gravity and playing on the juxtaposition of sensible and the not so sensible. Thank you Tangmere for taking an interest in the work. I find Tangmere a vibrant, exciting, village full of life and optimism. http://www.kateviner.com Kate Viner
Tangmere Local History Group Tangmere Local History Group wishes all members and friends a very Happy Christmas, and a peaceful New Year - with hope for better things to come in 2021. Alison Coote (01243 773276) 14
www.tangmere-history.org.uk
Comments from your District and County Councillor As Covid-19 continues to part of the considerations and will include, impact on our daily lives, for example, various infrastructure and more people are in need land use matters. The exact details of any of support to get through development would be subject to further this difficult time. The applications. range of additional benefits and grants pro- This is the culmination of a process started vide the means to ensure no one, or family, back in the mid 2000’s when the fields needs to suffer extreme hardship. However West of Tangmere were the difficulty is, as always, making sure considered in both CDC and those in need access the available support. SE Regional plans for housWSCC’s Community Hub (033022 27980) ing. Indeed it could be said continues its role of signposting residents that the writing was on the to where help can be sought and/or provid- wall when the A27/A285 ed. The considerable expansion in volun- Temple Bar junction was constructed in the tary activity has helped not only in deliver- mid 1990’s. The principle of this land being ing assistance, but also developed as a Masterplanned whole has in identifying those who been maintained via both CDC’s Local Plan might otherwise not be and Tangmere’s Neighbourhood Plan as “visible” to Authorities well as using CDC’s Compulsory Purchase which have the capacity Order powers. Without this Plan led proto provide support. In addition, the Utility cess there was a very real possibility that it Companies have various support schemes, could have been developed piecemeal and including what are known as reduced something very different from what is now “social tariffs”. being applied for could have come about. The Outline Planning Application (OPA) for For example the entire field SE of the the up to 1300 dwelling Tangmere Strategic Church could have already been built on Development (TSDL) has been submitted instead of being intended for allotments and will now be subject to much scrutiny by and enablement of the Museum’s expanboth residents, Local Authorities and Statu- sion. tory Consultees, a process that is expected The long TSDL planning process puts into to continue until at least March 2021. The perspective the intense, but hopefully relamain issues to be decided under this appli- tively shortlived, Covid-19 epidemic. Time cation are access to the surrounding high- will tell if the financial and economic consequences of the latter, including the borrowway network and the general parameters ing being undertaken to mitigate its effects, of the development itself (which are have an effect on the scale of building currequired to show how the scale of develop- rently planned for, as well as sustaining ment proposed can be accommodated public sector services and infrastructure within the site). The contents of a Planning investment. The effect on CDC’s and Obligations Legal Agreement will also be WSCC’s finances will be considerable. To contact your District Councillor and the County Councillor for Chichester East, write to: 12 Nettleton Avenue PO20 2HZ or telephone 033 022 24535 or email soakley@chichester.gov.uk or simon.oakley@westsussex.gov.uk 15
Times Past……. Number 12 I have taken extracts from the parish magazine dated November 1898. In this issue there are accounts for the annual church meeting and the annual harvest festival. Both these two events continue today and no doubt many in the parish will attend both, some in person, others using virtual access technology. What would those in 1898 make of this revolution in technology and the appalling heath crisis that all of us are facing. Paul Neary From the records………………………… CHURCH YARD FUND …… we beg to acknowledge with best thanks the following subscriptions to our church yard fund. The total amount £1 4s 0d. JUMBLE SALE. We’ve got to “raise the winds” somehow and how the dickens we are to do it is a problem! It don’t look nice to see up just outside our church porch “Balance due to Churchwarden £1 19s 11d”. We had hoped that it would have attracted the eye of some benevolent Giver who would have sent us a cheque for £2 just to make us ‘square’ with the balance in hand. So the only option is t try and see if we can manage it before the dark days set in some time before the end of this month and get JUMBLES. HARVEST FESTIVAL There are few prettier sights than that of a well decorated church and so not even the most casual observer entering St Andrews Parish Church last Sunday could fail to have been struck by the beauty of the decorations and the admirable way in which the fruit flowers vegetables and eggs have been arranged The most notable amongst the decorations was a miniature straw rick placed on the font. Grateful thanks to Miss Bayley who made and donated the new alter curtains. All the produce was taken to the Infirmary by Mr Bayley.
A memory Over the years our village has benefited from very many clubs and associations made up from like minded residents. These include Women’s Institute, Twining association, History Group and Film Club all run and administered by committed individuals. I note with sadness, the recent passing of Chris Coote, who was one of these committed individuals who did much for the parish. Rest in peace Chris. 16
Tangmere Players wish all their patrons a very Happy Christmas. Due to the Covid Virus we are unable to stage our annual pantomime in December this year but hope to stage "ALADDIN" at the end of February and beginning of March. Watch his space. For more information phone Judy 01243 773454 or email tangmereplayers@gmail.com
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Tangmere WI The Tangmere sWIfts group are still not able to meet in person at the moment but we are trying to keep in touch with each other and offer support and practical help where we can instead. November traditionally sees us celebrate our birthday, this year being 31 years the group was first established. No party this time but the committee decided that we could still celebrate by offering each member a “Party Bag”. The contents included a beautiful cup cake decorated with the groups logo on and presented in a lovely little box, a quiz sheet, a recipe, a small craft kit to make a couple of Christmas cards , a tea bag and some biscuits. These were then personally delivered to each member, which also gave us the opportunity to have a quick catch up with everyone. We are all very much looking forward to the new year and hoping that we will be able to resume our monthly meetings. In the meantime we hope everyone stays safe. For information about membership email Clare tangmerewi@gmail.com
Twinning Association
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It seems a long time since a number of us met at the beginning of July for our usual summer croquet evening - followed by a socially-distanced picnic - at Duncton. We are still looking forward to our planned visit to Hermanville next year, on the weekend of 25th-27th June, hoping that by then the restrictions will have been lifted to allow us to travel. We wish all members a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année! Please contact Alison Coote (773276) or Matt Deeble (697436) if you would like more information. 17
Dog and Cat lover Does your cat need feeding and TLC while you are away on holiday?
THE MEADOWS PET CREMATORIUM A dignified Pet Cremation Service Family run business by pet owners who understand the pain of losing a pet. Personal service offered where pets are treated with respect and kindness. Individual cremations so you can be assured only your pet’s ashes will be returned to you. Bring your pet to us, or we can collect from your home or the vets. Viewing room for final goodbyes. Please call us and we can help support you through this very painful time Easthampnett Lane, Easthampnett, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0JY 01243 536453 07969 975998 info@themeadowspetcrem.co.uk www.themeadowspetcrem.co.uk
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Would you like your dog to be walked on a one-one basis while you are out at work? I live in Tangmere with my own little dog and how lucky we are to be surrounded by beautiful walks and countryside. I look after your pets how you would and am insured. Still available during this crisis to care for your little darlings whenever needed. Stay Safe, Well and Keep Calm and Carry On.
Christmas is Coming!
us that message. The message that is Christmas may be a little given to all of us. The message that gives the greatest gift of all - the different this year! we may not be able to have peace of God. We hope that you are able to join us what we all know as a “traditional” Christmas. for our on-line services. They will be posted on our YouTube channel (St But in spite of that, I’m sure that we will all try to Andrew's, Tangmere and Oving) and bring the spirit of Christmas into our the link will on our Facebook page (St lives at the end of this rather unusual Andrews Tangmere). year. There will be the giving and re- May you have a blessed and peaceful Christmas ceiving of gifts for family members and those we care for. At St Andrew’s, Carols by Candlelight - Due to the uncertainty of lockdown restrictions, we will be we remember the great gift that we recording this service and posting it on-line. It were given on that first Christmas will be available to view from 20th DecemDay. -We tell the story of the birth of ber onwards. Jesus and all that it means to us. Crib Service - A recorded service telling the The Christmas story is one that still Christmas story will be on-line from 20th means a lot to us today. We hear of December onwards. the shepherd in the fields being the Midnight Mass - Again, this will be a prefirst people to be told of the birth. recorded service this year and will be availaNot the rich and powerful, but the ble from midday on Christmas Eve. lowly shepherds working on those cold, lonely and dangerous hills above Christmas Day - There will be a Christmas Day service held at St Andrew’s church at Bethlehem. And the message of Jesus 9:15 on Christmas Day. If you are interChrist is still with us today. And not esting in coming, can you please email inonly for those who are regular church fo@standrewstangmere.co.uk so that we goers or for those who have studied know how many to expect. the bible. It is a message for everyone Please look at the A Church Near You website (https://www.achurchnearyou.com/ of us. It is a message of love, a message of peace and a message of hope. church/5175/0 for details This year, as we cope with rules about of services as we know more about the restrictions how we can spend our Christmas, that may be in place over spare a few minutes among the snow- the Christmas period. men, Father Christmases and the preRevd Trevor Marshall sents to think about the Christmas story. The birth of a baby that brings info@standrewstangmere.co.uk 19
One of 'Glasgow's Own' fighter pilots, Sergeant Mervyn Herbert Sprague Every year on the anniversary of his death and on Remembrance Day, my family and I always head down to St Andrews to lay flowers or a memorial cross on the grave of Mervyn Sprague. A victim of the Luftwaffe during the battle of Britain whilst flying a Spitfire from the nearby RAF Westhampnett, more familiar to you all as Goodwood. As an RAF station and a satellite to RAF Tangmere. The airfield and its squadrons played a major part in the Battle of Britain and aerial conflict in the European Theatre of war during WW2. My connection with Sprague in particular is that having spent many years studying and writing about the history of Goodwood's aviation history, Sprague is the only locally buried Battle of Britain casualty of 602 Squadron who lost 6 pilots during that phase of the war whilst operating locally. Equally his story like many is a sad one. His Squadron, 602 'City of Glasgow' , equipped with Spitfires, had only been at Westhampnett 4 days, having arrived on the 13th August when they received their baptism of fire. By the end of their time at Westhampnett, six of the aircrew would have lost their lives for a score of 35.5 German aircraft confirmed. Mervyn Herbert Sprague was born on 27th May 1910 in Richmond, Surrey and educated at St Paul's School. After leaving school he joined his father’s accountancy firm but also served in the RAF 'F' Reserve from 13th May 1935 until 14th May 1938 when he joined the RAFVR as a pilot under training. After his initial training, Sprague joined 602 Squadron at Drem on 18th June. Sprague was shot down in combat in Spitfire N3226 over Dorchester on 25th August but fortunately he was able to bale out and was rescued from the sea off Portland On the 11th September the Squadron were ordered on patrol with 213 Squadron and Sprague was in action once again. They encountered some twenty or thirty Dorniers and a further twenty Bf 110's, Luftwaffe twin engine fighters near Selsey. 602 engaged the 110's and in this engagement, Sgt Sprague was posted missing, he had only been married for a short space of time. As the story goes his poor wife frequently came to the airfield to await his return, in disbelief and hope that he had not been killed. Sadly it was not to be and the sea gave up Sprague’s body a month later at Brighton and he was buried at St Andrew’s church, Tangmere. His wife went onto marry again, but her dying wish was to have her ashes buried with her beloved Mervyn. Thanks to the support of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, we are planning to fulfil her wishes in the near future. Revd Trevor Marshall 20
Every end is a new beginning We will soon be at the end of a year, that I am confident in saying, not many of us saw coming. When we said goodbye to 2019 and waved in 2020, not many of us would have seen the changing world that was ahead of us. We have navigated our way through this year the best way that we could. Businesses were thinking on their feet as to how they could keep themselves going, communities recognised that some of us were going to hit unprecedented financial issues and rallied together to support them and our key workers became our national heroes. We faced losses in lots of tiny ways and, for some, in really big and emotionally devastating ways. We also found some of the silver linings that having our lives thrown upside down revealed. Finally, here we stand looking at the end of 2020 and I wonder what each one of us would say, if we could, to the departing year? I also wonder what our New Years intentions will be in light of the year we leave behind. Mine are usually along the lines of eating less sugar, learning the guitar or joining an exercise class. I think maybe this year I will embrace spending time with my loved ones more purposefully, make an effort to clear space to have coffee with friends and connect with nature more. For me the silver lining of these strange and unusual times is to realise just what is of value in my world and how unimportant some of the other stuff is. I am fit and healthy, my children are curious bundles of energy, my husband is my quiet and practical partner in life and we have people around us who love us and we love right back. So bring it on 2021! Michelle
* * * * What a mild Autumn we are havNeighbourhood Watch ing, but I guess that by the time this comes through your letter box winter will be truly here. I was quite shocked and upset to receive a leaflet yesterday, delivered by hand purporting to make one aware of the ‘taking of children away from their parents by the state under false pretences’! It includes all sorts of nasty accusations and also some dubious web addresses. Others of you, presumably, will have also received this leaflet using nasty and misleading information, I suggest it is only fit for the bin. I just bring it to your attention to help illustrate that there are people out there that will do anything to trick you in all manner of ways. Try to be alert to all the nasty tricks that may come through your letter box, down your phone, on your email or even on your doorstep, they are very clever and will stop at nothing to mislead you or extract money from you. Having put that note of caution into your head, please let me wish you a very jolly Christmas (if allowed) and a happier New Year than 2020. Kate Beach 532505 21
Despite all the difficulties that 2020 has thrown at us, we continue to have a fruitful year at the garden. It’s true to say that “nature heals‘ and we have had many times down at the plot where we believe that to be true. Who knew that careful weeding, potting up seedlings or pruning could be so beneficial to one’s health and well-being (I suppose apart from Monty!) We have plenty of space for socially distance gardening, one person may be dealing with the asparagus, another sorting out the chilies, figs, or tomatoes in the poly tunnel and there is plenty of room for all the other hoeing digging and sowing to go on so we are distanced but still enjoying the presence of other people. We are pleased to have welcomed several new members to our group who have recently moved to Tangmere and really appreciate their contribution in the last few months before Lockdown 2 . During the latest lockdown we cannot meet so formally on a Saturday morning as we were used to but members go when they can and if the sun is shining. The produce has been amazing tomatoes and figs still ripening in the poly tunnel. The beans were a late bonus and the squashes and pumpkins keep us all in delicious soup until well into the New Year. As ever anyone interested in joining us would be most welcome there is always plenty to do and to eat! Lois
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Orchard update
I have begun the annual task of mulching the trees which, when I start, feels like I will never finish. First is the clearing of weeds around each tree and then the barrowing of mulch, usually wet and heavy. One barrow load usually mulches three trees. But mulching is important as it excludes the competition from weeds and does provide some nutrients for the trees. It also locks in the winter wet. It is not enough to just weed around the trees as bare earth will quickly dry out. In Kew Gardens the public can no longer walk under the trees as this has been shown to compact the ground underneath. Something that is not good for trees or any plants for that matter. One of the key components for growth is air around the roots which sounds contradictory, but the worms should work on the organic matter in the mulch and make channels through which air and water can pass. I have mulched nine trees so far; only another 21 to go! The hedge along the pathway has now been cut by contractors. But it’s never low enough or tight enough for my liking so I have made sure the ‘windows’ are cut down to as far as the wire fence and cut some of the height. Now matter how well hedges are cut, year by year they get taller and wider and I do think it is important for passers-by to be able to look in. It is, after all, an orchard for everyone in Tangmere. 22
Jayne
Please send items for the February/March issue to editor@tangmere-news.co.uk by January 10th
Tangmere Parish Council Chairman - Andrew Irwin 01243 776823 andrew@clearspot.me.uk Parish Clerk - Louise Steele 07858 842687 clerk@tangmere-online.co.uk Admin Assistant - Tina White 07949 138053 TangVCinfo@gmail.com TVC Management - Roger Birkett 01243 936259 roger10.birkett@gmail.com Village Centre Bookings - Johanna Irwin bookings@tangmere-online.co.uk District and County Councillor - Simon Oakley 033 022 24535 Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator Kate Beach 01243 532505 Tangmere Action Group (TAG) Andrew Irwin 01243 776823
Community Wardens Gareth Jones 07768 202356 gjones@chichester.gov.uk Dawn White 07768 210358 dwhite@chichester.gov.uk Non-emergency Police Dial (101) Dog Warden 01243 534734;
01243 785166 - out of hours
St Andrew’s Church Rev Trevor Marshall 01243 785089 info@standrewstangmere.co.uk website: http://standrewstangmere.co.uk Tangmere Primary Academy 01243 773339 office@tangmere-tkat.org Tangmere Medical Centre 01243 776988 (0300 130 1313) - out of hours Tangmere Dental Centre 01243 775545 Samaritans 116 123 free from any phone 0330 094 5717 Victim Support www.victimsupport.org.uk 0808 168 9274 (Freephone) Sussex Hate Incident Report Service at victim support 0808 168 9274 Citizens Advise Bureau Chichester 0344 477 1171 Chichester Community Transport 01243 816616
Tangmere News Team Editor and Advertising - 07833 230643 editor@tangmere-news.co.uk Distribution (01243) 532505 distribution@tangmere-news.co.uk If you wish to make a comment or include a letter and do not have email please post it in the Village Centre letterbox in an envelope addressed to “The Editor, Tangmere News” While every care has been taken in the compilation of this magazine, the editorial team does not endorse any of the advertisers and therefore cannot be held responsible for any loss, damage or inconvenience arising from services offered through them. A printed copy of the Neighbourhood Plan can be viewed in the reception area of the Village Centre, Malcolm Road by appointment with the Parish Clerk. Additionally, a copy can be downloaded via the Parish website.
Parish website www.tangmere-online.co.uk
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Father Christmas sleigh comes to Tangmere this December to help raise funds for local Youth Club Santa is touring Tangmere with his Sleigh raising funds for Tangmere Youth Club. Depending upon the restrictions that may be in place after Dec 2nd, you can donate while socially distancing from your doorstep by using the qr code above or the link https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/tangmere-youthclub
Schedule and time of visits 5 pm 8 pm December Monday 7th . Gamecock Terrace. Hearne Close, Haleybridge Walk, Church Lane, and streets Off, Old Cottage Close, Copper Beach Drive ,Chestnut Walk . Finishing at Meadow way junction. Tuesday 8th Cheshire Crescent, Malcolm Road, Jerrard Road, Spitfire Court, Duxford Close, Bishops Road, Garland Square, Middleton Gardens, Hampden Place. Edwards Ave, Gibson Road, Nettleton Ave, Nicholson Close. Wednesday 9th Chichester Drive, Hangar Drive, Tamar way, Churchwood Drive, and all roads Off. Thursday 10th Osbourne Drive, Neville Duke way, Windmill Drive, Hawkers Close. Finishing at Oakwood Close. There is a possibility that we could include St Marys and Crouch Cross Lane in Boxgrove on Thursday. We came out and socially distanced on VE Day so lets do it again. Don't forget Santa loves a mince pie.
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