Felpham in Focus February 2026

FELPHAM IN FOCUS

Dear All,

This year been decreed the National Year of Reading 2026. According to the National Literacy Trust half of adults in the UK don’t read books regularly themselves and research shows that many parents don’t enjoy reading to their children.

I loved reading to my children when they were small, so I read books every day. But now I never seem to have time to read a book unless I am on holiday. I read articles, information, news, emails, WhatsApp messages, texts all day long but rarely do I feel I have time to read a book for pleasure. And I know I’m missing out.

So, my New Year’s resolution for 2026 is to read books. I have set myself a challenge to read for ten minutes every day and I am hoping you might like to get involved too by sending in the names of your favourite books and why.

It would be wonderful to have your book reviews and reading recommendations in the magazine. Not just newly published books, but any book you love and would like to share. Please send your ideas to office@infocusmagazines.co.uk – I promise to read them!!!

Thank you to artist Laurie Avadis (laurieavadisart.com) for this month’s wonderful, wintry front cover. Best wishes, Kate x Felpham in Focus is available to collect from Felpham Village Post Office.

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

MARCH ISSUE DEADLINE – WEDNESDAY 4 FEBRUARY 2026

ALISON GRIFFITHS MP

As we begin the New Year, may I wish everyone in Felpham a happy 2026. I hope that Christmas gave you a chance to rest and spend time with family and friends.

Reflecting back on what was a busy yet enjoyable year representing Bognor Regis, Littlehampton, and the Villages, I wanted to share a short update on what I have been working on locally and in Parliament.

A large part of my role is listening to local concerns and taking these with me to Westminster to ensure that your voices are heard. These conversations, whether on the doorstep or by email, continue to shape the issues I raise and the work I focus on.

Many of you will be aware of the recent Baltic Klipper incident, which led to shipping containers and debris washing up along our coastline. I have been out on the ground several times and seen first-hand the scale of the clean-up effort. I want to thank everyone who has helped, particularly Felpham Village Conservation Society Beach Clean and the many volunteers who have given their time in difficult conditions. While the immediate response has been important, my focus is now on making sure the clean-up is thorough, environmental impacts are properly addressed, and that residents are not left paying the cost for many years to come. I have written to the relevant authorities and will continue pressing for answers and cost recovery. You can read more on my website: alisongriffiths.org.uk/baltic-klipper

More broadly, my priorities are the practical, everyday issues that people get in touch with me about. Access to GP appointments and NHS dentists comes up again and again, and I am pressing local health leaders on both. I also know that the cost of living is still biting hard for many households, particularly older residents and families, and I raise those pressures as often as I can. Supporting our high streets and business is vital too. I make a point of getting out to speak directly with local traders about what they are seeing and what they need.

Other issues, including transport, flooding, planning, and community safety, feature frequently in my casework. There are not always quick fixes but, with sustained pressure and focused follow-up, I hope we can make a difference over time.

If you would like to stay updated on my work as your MP, you can follow me on Facebook and Instagram via @AlisonGriffithsMP

You can sign up to my monthly newsletter too: alisongriffiths.org.uk/newsletter

It is a privilege to serve as your Member of Parliament, and I will continue to work hard on behalf of Felpham and our wider Bognor Regis and Littlehampton community.

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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 23 February 2026 – 1845 for 1930 hrs

Two Talks – '90 Years of the Spitfire' and 'Winkle – Our Greatest Aviator'

Presented by Mr Paul Beaver

Paul Beaver is a leading aviation historian, broadcaster and author, as well as an historic airplane pilot who has been flying the Spitfire since 2011. He has written more than forty books. As well as being an author, Paul has been a television war reporter, journalist with Jane’s, a parliamentary advisor and served twenty-seven years in the Territorial Army, rising to the rank of Colonel in the Army Air Corps. 90 years of the Spitfire

Paul Beaver explores the amazing icon’s legacy through the prism of R.J. Mitchell. Paul’s latest book is entitled MITCHELL which was published in September 2025. In the book, the author follows the engineering successes of the man who is truly The Father of the Spitfire.

Winkle – our greatest aviator

Captain Eric (Winkle) Brown is a legend. In his 30 years career of a naval pilot, test pilot and Captain of a Royal Naval Air Station. He flew 487 different types of aeroplane and helicopter. This record is impossible to beat. Paul Beaver knew him for 40 years and has written a widely acclaimed and best selling Biography which was published in 2023.

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 prebooking, no reserved seating. For further information about AirACES, please see www.airaces.org.uk or call David Batcock on 07502 400657.

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FANCY JOINING AN ART GROUP IN 2026? BY

2025 has been a year of reflection and heartfelt loss for the Felpham Art Group. We said goodbye to treasured pillars of our community, namely our long-serving and much-loved Chairman, Terry Collins, our devoted Honorary Secretary Sue Harrington and our esteemed President, Lady Caroline Marshall.

We also mourn the passing of dear friends and members, June Worsell, Hilary Reilly, Veronica Graham and the unforgettable Eric Bobby, our “triple whammy” winner, celebrated for his extraordinary steam engine artworks which featured proudly in this magazine back in February 2022.

Though the absence of these remarkable individuals is deeply felt, their spirit of creativity and camaraderie continues to inspire us. The committee has worked tirelessly to ensure that the coming year will be vibrant, inspiring and full of opportunities to create together.

JOHN KING

Our refreshed programme includes twenty Saturday afternoon meetings, featuring:

• Painting demonstrations by leading professional artists.

• Hands-on workshops to spark new skills and techniques.

• Life and still life sessions for those who love drawing from observation.

• “Painting together” gatherings – always a favourite for sharing ideas and laughter.

We are also pleased to confirm that we have now secured dates for our three major fine art exhibitions at the Norfolk Centre in Arundel, as well as the five summer weekend exhibitions along Felpham’s picturesque Blakes Road seafront.

We are honoured to welcome the renowned artist Sharon Hurst as our new President. Her artistry and vision promise to guide us into an exciting chapter. While the Chairperson’s role remains open, the group thrives, united by creativity, friendship and a shared passion for the arts.

If you enjoy creating art but haven’t yet considered joining an art group – or perhaps you worry you’re not “good enough” – this invitation is for you. Our membership includes everyone from professional artists and tutors to kitchen table artists like me. You’ll always find encouragement, guidance and a wonderful sense of community.

As a special gesture to Felpham In Focus readers, we’d love to welcome you as our guest at one of our Saturday meetings listed in the 2026 programme. Simply bring along a copy of the magazine. Joining us could be a truly rewarding, even life-changing, decision.

You can find us at the Felpham Village Hall. PO22 7DZ. Next session: 24 January.

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LOCAL HISTORY BY SYLVIA

ENDACOTT

In the 1920’s Sir W. Blount purchased the redundant aircraft company in Middleton on Sea and created the New City holiday complex, which amongst others would then have attracted those workers who spent years working in the factory. The complex was advertised as being very luxurious and elaborate, with ballrooms, lawn tennis courts, motor sports on the sands, in addition to the swimming pool.

Advertising literature for the ‘New City’ said: “those of our readers who remember the Aerodrome Works near Bognor during the days of the War and witnessed the scene of activity there when hundreds of workmen from all over the country were busy night and day building wonderful machines of the air, would be very surprised if they now paid a visit to the same spot.”

The complex was fully opened on 1 May 1923, although it had been opened since 1922 to ascertain if it ‘took’ with the people and met the tastes of the class of people for which it catered.

In the 1920’s charges over the Christmas or New Year period were, for one week, 5 guineas or two weeks for 9 guineas per person. The rates from September to March were ‘only £2 2s. 0d.’ However, the literature does remind us that this is ‘all inclusive’ and visitors were assured of a ‘jolly holiday’. One feature was tennis on covered courts by day, which were then illuminated by night!

What about this as an advertising angle: “The beautifully equipped dining hall, which seats at least 400 people, is splendidly decorated, and from its windows opening on to the sea, one can get not only the ozone, but a fine view of the Nab lighthouse?”

A STYLE REFRESH

BY FELPHAM FASHION GURU VICKY BOOKER

THE JOURNEY TO A NEW LOOK (IT’S NOT JUST FOR THE LADIES!)

Do you struggle with what to wear? Hate shopping? Feel a bit stuck in a rut, always reach for the same old outfit time and time again? Lost your way with your style – it doesn’t really match who you are and what you do anymore?

This is exactly where Jim was when he started his styling journey with me. But in two consultations Jim moved from “drab, indifferent and very samey” ex-lawyer/ teacher clobber (his words not mine!) to a smart, classic but contemporary, fun, legal educator!

“I stopped being interested in clothes a long time ago. The very thought of visiting a shop, checking out the rails, endless visits to the changing room was a vision of hell. That is until Vicky Booker came into my life. My wife had booked a consultation with Vicky for me. Things needed to change and my dull, drab wardrobe needed a reboot …”

I worked with Jim over a couple of sessions to help him update his wardrobe and get him feeling confident and looking great.

To kick things off, I sent Jim a questionnaire designed to get him thinking about how he dressed, his lifestyle, and what he wanted to achieve from the programme. Then I visited him at home and we looked at the colours that suited his skin tone, hair and eyes using colour drapes (swatches) I put on his shoulders. Using a mirror, this part was super impactful, as we could both see the colours that made a difference to how bright and glowing Jim looked – or not!!!

Jim is what we call a deep and cool palette, so rich strong shades, and those with cool undertones really bring him alive. Next, we had a look at some of the ‘practical’ elements of style, such as Jim’s height, body type and proportions. This is important for me to get an idea of what cut of trousers and jackets will suit him best, as well as prints, necklines and whether to tuck in shirts, button up collars etcetera.

“Vicky was lovely from start to finish. It started with a ‘colour consultation’ at home. I was delighted to find I am ‘deep, cool and meaningful’ when it comes to clothes.

“The net result – half my wardrobe is now on Vinted or in charity shops! Vicky is great: wise, supportive, full of insight and fun.”

Look out for next month to find out more about the wardrobe review, the personal shopping trip to Chichester and see how Jim looks in his new purchases. This picture (right) gives you a clue as to how well he did!

If you fancy going on your own style, refresh journey, get in touch for a relaxed chat about how I can help. In Jim’s words: “It’s not as scary as it sounds and an independent expert can tell you things your family and friends can’t!”

Vickybooker.com or contact me for info –

vicky@vickybooker.com

PECKER UP!

BY ALICE MCDOUGALL

Woodpeckers aren’t just stunning to look at, they have their own very distinctive behaviours and unique biology that make them stand out from other species. In the UK we have three native woodpeckers: the great spotted, the lesser spotted and the green woodpecker.

In February you may start hearing the distinctive drilling sound of male great spotted and lesser spotted woodpeckers as they mark out their territories and signal to the females that they are ready to mate. After a short period of courtship, the next job for the woodpecker is to build a nest. Their superb beaks are perfect for the task of hacking away at the bark and wood of a tree to make a hole, then flicking out wood to create a cavity for nesting. Green woodpeckers don’t ‘drum’ to communicate – they prefer to use their loud ‘yaffle’ call –instead, they ‘tap’ quietly as they use their bills to dig in soft ground or bark for food or scrape out a nest.

Another amazing feature of the woodpecker is its very long tongue. The longest belongs to the green woodpecker and reaches up to 10 cm beyond the tip of the beak; when not in use, it curls up around the back of the head.

But perhaps one of the most curious things about the woodpecker, and a question that has occupied scientists for a long time, is why don’t they get concussion or brain damage from the rigour of their drilling? If humans were to hit their heads on a hard surface in the same manner that woodpeckers do, they would die.

February is the time to start listening for the ‘drumming’ of great spotted woodpeckers. They use their specially adapted beaks to communicate as well as to find food and drill holes to nest in.

Up until recently scientists have believed that woodpeckers have spongy cushioning around their skulls that serves as a shock absorber for their brains. Another theory is that their exceptionally long tongues also act as cushioning for the brain – a bit like a seat belt – which prevents the brain from crashing into the skull.

However, although these hypotheses haven’t been ruled out, some scientists have not been entirely convinced. Through analysing high-speed videos of woodpeckers hammering trees, it was observed that the head remains very rigid during drilling, acting in the same manner as a hammer hitting a nail. The head, brain and beak all stop at exactly the same time – and, in fact, it is the small size of their head and brain that protects it from being damaged.

So this February, listen out for the drilling or ‘yaffle’ call of the woodpeckers, look out for a flash of green or red, and marvel at their unique talents.

Join us on one of our events at Pagham this month to see and hear woodpeckers and discover more about your local wildlife. Find out more by visiting our website: https://events.rspb.org.uk/paghamharbour

Our regular Jazz & Swing concerts are held on the first Wednesday of each month and are held at: Felpham Village Hall, Vicarage Lane, PO22 7DZ

Weds 4th Feb JAZZ GOES TO THE MOVIES

WITH THE: ANDY PANAYI QUARTET

Roy Hilton (piano),Simon Thorpe (bass), and Bobby Worth (drums).

Weds 4th Mar PETE NEIGHBOUR, JULIAN STRINGLE QUINTET

Pete and Julian are both renowned musicians, with Richard Busiakiewicz (piano), Paul Morgan (bass), and Bobby Worth (drums)

WEEKEND SHOW

Saturday 11th April WE ARE PLEASED TO WELCOME MARLENE HILL AND THE HARRY STRUTTERS HOT SIX

Weds 6th May GOOD VIBES

FEATURING:

Roger Beaujolais (vibraphone), Paul Stiles (saxes), Terry Seabrook (piano), Oz Dechaine (bass), Bobby Worth (drums).

Weds 3rd

Jun BEN HOLDER

VIRTUOSO VIOLINIST

GET YOUR FEET TAPPING AND YOUR JAW DROPPING AT THE SPEED OF HIS FINGERS. TOP QUALITY MUSICIANSHIP AND UTTER ENTERTAINMENT. Nils Solberg (guitar), George Trebar (bass), and Bobby Worth (drums)

Weds 1st Jul RICHARD EXALL & GARY WOOD

RICHARD HAS WORKED WITH MANY BANDS INCLUDING CHRIS BARBER AND KENNY BALL, HE TEAMS UP WITH HIS GOOD FRIENDS:

Gary Wood (Trumpet), John Pearce (piano), Simon Thorpe (bass) and Bobby Worth (drums)

To book tickets or be notified of future events email tom.jatv@btinternet.com or call 07887 936215

Admission £15 | Doors open 6.30pm | Concert Starts 7.30pm Bring your own refreshments • www.jazzatthevilage.org.uk

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THE BOGNOR PROM 10K

SUNDAY 17 MAY

The Bognor Prom 10K Road Race is celebrating 30 years of this event on Sunday 17 May, and places are already selling fast for both the 10K and Junior Fun Run.

This popular race offers a fantastic opportunity for runners of all abilities to take part on a beautiful, flat coastal course.

Starting on Silverston Avenue, with the race village located in West Park, the route follows the promenade towards Butlins, continues through Felpham Village, along Limmer Lane, and into the Summerley Estate. Runners then reach a turnaround point and drinks station at approximately 5.5 kilometres, before returning along the promenade to the finish line.

Every finisher will receive a medal, water, and a rewards leaflet containing offers from selected local businesses.

This event raises thousands of pounds for charity each year. Our 2026 charity partner is St Wilfrid’s Hospice in Bosham, which provides vital care and support to people and families across West Sussex, both at the hospice and within the community. More information can be found at www.stwh.co.uk.

Please come along on Sunday 17 May to support the runners and the many volunteers who make this event possible. To enter the race and purchase a commemorative 30th Anniversary T-shirt, visit www.bognorprom10k.org.

The event relies on around 150 volunteers on race day. If you or someone you know can help, please email marshals.bognor10k@gmail.com. Thank you – we look forward to seeing you on Sunday 17 May! Junior Fun Run at 9am, Main 10K 10am.

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A BEACON OF LIGHT BY THE BLAKE COTTAGE TRUST

For those of us that live in the area you may have noticed Blake’s Angel, a beacon of light hovering over St Mary’s during the Christmas period watching over us from both inside and outside the church on many a chilly night.

In December if you saw the projection of Blake’s Angel, you may have wondered what #Blake200 meant inside or on the roof of the church. Some of you ‘tech savvy’ curious people may have already been on-line to find out.

It refers to ongoing preparations and events for the 200th anniversary of William Blake’s death in 2027. This major bicentenary celebration involves restoring Blake Cottage in Felpham with a view to preserving his legacy here and beyond. We warmly invite the local community to be part of the celebrations.

What may have gone unnoticed is the existing community spirit behind the project with a range of local legends working on location, out of sight, using their skills and goodwill to work towards the ongoing goal of restoring the cottage to its original 1800s appearance. We are so grateful for their commitment and ongoing support.

The Blake Cottage Trust ‘Blake’ Angel projection in Dec 2025 inside St Mary’s Felpham to mark the Countdown to #Blake200 anniversary in 2027.

If you regularly walk down from the Fox to take in our beautiful coast you may have noticed with joy that the long standing dilapidated roof of Blake’s cottage has been transformed into one of, as William Blake described it, ‘rusted gold’ now gleaming in the sun. Achieved with grateful thanks to the grant provided by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Blake’s Legacy

William Blake (1757-1827) one of the world’s greatest engravers, printers, painters, poets and philosophers has continued to inspire in the modern age. Influenced by Blake’s work throughout his musical career The Blake Cottage Trust international patron, Iron Maiden’s legendary lead singer, Bruce Dickinson (profoundly inspired by Blake’s work) recently visited the cottage in December to find out more about this iconic location and plans for the project.

Beyond the restoration of the cottage, we are still at an ideas stage with regards to the long journey ahead to make it into a visitor attraction and hope to take the community with us on this exciting journey.

We are also pleased to welcome in the new year by giving support to Aidan Bappoo, Felpham born and bred, to undertake his PhD on Blake at Cambridge University. We are delighted too to be working with the 39 Youth Club in Bognor to introduce young people to Blake’s imagery and inspire them to create their own.

It’s more good news for the new year with work commencing on creating a working replica of Blake’s printing press. This should be ready by the summer. Also, our first donations from our newly formed Advisory Committee in the United States have just arrived. A good start to the new year. Visit our website to find out more, donate, volunteer, or get involved and sign up for our newsletter: www.blakecottage.org/contact/join-mailing-list

Please

LOCAL LIVES: THE BLACKSMITH

BY JANE SUMMERVILLE

“My sledge and hammer lie reclined

My bellows too have lost their wind

My fire extinct, my forge decayed

And in the dust my vice is laid

My coal is spent; my iron gone

My nails are driven, my work is done.”

These words form the inscription on the headstone of William Stone, Felpham’s blacksmith who died in 1808, aged 70, and whose grave is in St Mary’s Churchyard, Felpham.

William Stone lived in the thatched cottage, then known as the “Smithy”, adjacent to the George Inn on Felpham Road. The cottage remains in situ today although has been called The Barn for many years. The Blacksmith’s forge was a single story building next door to the “Smithy”, now Wayside Cottage, on the corner of Felpham Road and Manor Close although, of course, the latter did not exist in William’s time.

We know from the Census of 1801 that there were 74 dwellings in Felpham (occupied by 96 families). We also know that much of Felpham was farmland with fields, barns and orchards. Sir Richard Hotham owned farmland in Felpham as did the Sparkes family whose farmhouse was Church House on the corner of Felpham Road and Limmer Lane. St Mary’s Church itself was surrounded by fields and farm buildings.

Felpham’s blacksmith was likely to be busy! Although many families would not have owned a horse, there was certainly stabling for horses at the big houses in Felpham and at the Fox Inn, in the early nineteenth century. So, for example, The Rectory (now the Old Rectory) in the Old Rectory Gardens had a coach house and stables on the site that is now home to South Lodge, next door to Blake’s Cottage; William Hayley had stables at Turret House, Limmer Lane; and the Fox Inn (then a thatched building) had stabling for nine horses.

Horses in Felpham, as working animals, were a feature into the twentieth century (e.g. delivering coal, beer, groceries and other merchandise). We know that our blacksmith, William Stone was succeeded by others, Edmund Etherton, for example, who died in 1900 and whose grave is also in St Mary’s Churchyard, bearing the same inscription as that for William Stone. Mr Hale and the Keen brothers, for example, as local tradesmen used horses to carry their wares. Indeed, the late Violet Hudson, a former resident of Manor Close (which was developed between the wars) used to follow horses in Felpham Road with a shovel to collect manure for her garden!

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SNOWDROP GARDENS

BY KATE HARRISON, WEST SUSSEX NATIONAL GARDEN SCHEME PUBLICITY OFFICER

West Sussex still shines during the winter months with the chance to visit four beautiful snowdrop gardens in February. From swathes of snowy white blooms to colourful mixtures of aconites, hellebores, iris and crocus under early blossom a garden visit will lift your spirits as the year begins.

Manor of Dean, Tillington, Petworth, GU28 9AP

Open Sun 1 Feb (2-4); Sun 22 Mar, Sun 26 Apr (2-5).

Adm £6, chd free. Tea, coffee & cake. Visits also by arrangement 2 Feb to 19 June for groups of 20+. Approx three acres of traditional English garden with extensive views of the South Downs. Herbaceous borders, early spring bulbs, bluebell woodland walk, walled kitchen garden with fruit, vegetables and cutting flowers. NB under long term programme of restoration, some parts of the garden may be affected.

The Old Vicarage, The Street, Washington, RH20 4AS.

Open Every Thur 5 Feb to 1 Oct (10-4). Adm £10, chd free. Pre-booking essential, please visit www. ngs.org.uk for information & booking. Self service light refreshments on Thurs (cash only) & picnics welcome. Mon 6 Apr, Mon 31 Aug (10-5). Adm £10, chd free. Home-made teas. Purchase ticket in advance or at the gate on the day. Visits also by arrangement 16 Mar to 1 Oct for groups of 10 to 30. No private group visits on Thursdays. A truly creative garden, nurtured over 35 yeas to become visitor favourite. Spanning over 3 acres, it features formal topiary, seasonal borders, a contemporary water sculpture, an Italianate gazebo, specimen and mature trees, a Japanese garden with waterfall and tea house, a large copse with a stream, a stumpery and treehouse, and a kitchen garden with fruit trees. With 4000 tulips and bulbs planted annually, the garden also opens in Feb for snowdrops. WC available. Wheelchair access to front garden; rear garden is on a slope.

Highdown Gardens, 33 Highdown Rise, Littlehampton Road, Goring-by- Sea, Worthing, BN12 6FB. Opens for NGS Wed 11, Thur 12 Feb (10-4.30); Wed 29, Thur 30 Apr (10-7). Adm by donation. For other opening times and information, please email or visit garden website. Highdown Gardens were created by Sir Frederick Stern. They are home to rare plants and trees, many grown from seed collected by Wilson, Farrer and Kingdon-Ward. A fully equipped glasshouse enables the propagation of this National Plant Collection. A visitor centre shares stories of the plants and people behind the gardens. An accessible path leads to a sensory garden with a secret sea view. Highdown is also offering Snowdrop Identification tours on 11 and 12 Feb and Peony Identification tours on 29 and 30 April, for more information and booking, see garden website. Accessible top pathway and lift to visitor centre, see garden website accessibility page for full details.

Sandhill Farm House, Nyewood Road, Rogate, Petersfield, GU31 5HU.

Opens Sun 15 Feb (12-4). Adm £10, chd free. Home-made teas. The front and rear gardens are broken up into garden rooms, including a small kitchen garden. The front garden features a small woodland area planted with early spring flowering shrubs, ferns, and bulbs. There is also a white and green garden, a large leaf border, and a terraced area. The rear garden has rose borders, a small decorative vegetable garden, a red border, and a grasses border. Snowdrop day on Sun 15 Feb. Home of author and principal of The English Gardening School. Dogs on leads.

To find your perfect garden visit ngs.org.uk, download the National Garden Scheme app or pick up a free booklet available from February in many local stores, garden centres and libraries.

SWEET POTATO AND CAULI COCONUT CURRY

Infused with spices, this is a delicious creamy curry for a cold February evening. Preparation time and cooking time: 35-40 mins Serves 4

Ingredients

500g sweet potatoes, scrubbed.

Vegetable oil

1 large cauliflower

1 onion, chopped.

Thumb-sized piece of peeled root ginger.

Method

2 red chillies

5 garlic cloves

2 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground coriander

1 tsp ground turmeric 2

1 x 400g tin full-fat coconut milk

1 x 30g pack flat-leaf parsley.

• Preheat the oven to 220°C, fan 200°C, gas 7. Chop the unpeeled sweet potatoes into 2cm cubes. Toss in a bowl with a tablespoon of oil then season and place into a large baking tray. Roast for 10 minutes.

• Meanwhile, prepare the cauliflower. Remove the outer leaves and cut the head into florets. Add these to the tray with another tablespoon of oil and a little more seasoning. Toss the veg to mix then roast the cauli with the sweet potato for another 15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

• Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a frying pan then fry the chopped onion for 5 minutes or until translucent.

• Deseed the chillies then thinly slice, and finely chop the ginger and garlic. Add these to the pan along with the spices and cook for 2 minutes. Add the coconut milk, 200ml of water and season to taste. Simmer gently for 10 minutes.

• Remove the roasted sweet potato and cauliflower from the oven and stir the roasted vegetables into the curry sauce. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, then throw in the parsley. Adjust the seasoning to taste then serve the curry alongside jasmine rice.

A GOOD READ

BY NATASHA DONOVAN

Kick the Moon by Muhammad Khan

Kick the Moon is a bold, thought-provoking teen novel that explores identity, friendship, and the pressures of growing up. It's set in a diverse, modern-day London, and centres around 15-year-old Ilyas Mian, a talented artist and comic book enthusiast who dreams of pursuing his passion for drawing, but his strict, traditional Pakistani father has different expectations for his future. At school, Ilyas faces another challenge: he’s stuck in a dangerous dynamic with Imran, a volatile bully who expects Ilyas to stay loyal to him no matter what. When Ilyas befriends Kelly, a confident, outspoken classmate who encourages him to follow his dreams, he begins to rethink his relationship with Imran and question the path he’s on. But standing up for himself comes with risks, and Ilyas must navigate the pressures of school, his father's expectations, and his personal ambitions.

Khan expertly portrays the struggles of young people trying to balance their identities between home and school, with themes of loyalty, masculinity, and the courage to be yourself woven throughout the novel. Ilyas’s journey is heartfelt and inspiring, filled with moments of humour and tension. The book’s authentic voice and relatable characters make it a standout in contemporary young adult fiction.

Clubs, Classes and Events

St Mary’s Church, Felpham (Charity Number 1133732) Sat 7th Feb 10am-12 noon

St Mary’s Centre, Grassmere Close,Felpham

Lots of stalls, free parking Details: 01243 864437

FELPHAM & MIDDLETON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

Thursday 26th February at 7.30pm

The Knepp Estate –Rewilding the Garden

by Suzi Turner

Rewilding a garden doesn’t just mean ‘letting go’. Instead, it requires thinking creatively, identifying ways in which disturbance can mimic and encourage natural processes. We, as gardeners, act as proxy for large herbivores. Thinking like a beaver or wild boar frees the mind from cultural restraints and injects dynamism into even the smallest space. Suzi will explain their adventurous transformation of a croquet lawn into a dynamic and diverse landscape providing niches for wildlife and nearly 1000 different plant species.

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Visitors Most Welcome - £3 inc. Refreshments Just come along on the evening Grassmere Close, Felpham PO22 7NU fandmhs.co.uk

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At L&G Aldwick we have a free Quotation and Consultation service. Find out for yourself why we are the preferred choice for the discerning customer for design and installation.

BOGNOR REGIS TIDE TABLE

Tidal information is reproduced by kind permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office and the UK Hydrographic Office. Crown Copyright. All Rights reserved.

To contact FELPHAM IN FOCUS please email: office@infocusmagazines.co.uk

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FEBRUARY HOROSCOPES

BY LOCAL ASTROLOGER LETICIA PARMER

This February there is an important planetary change which only happens every two and a half years. Saturn, the life-lesson bringing planet, will move on to a new sign to bring you new and valuable challenges, but first of all, pat yourself on the back for having completed Saturn's two and a half years in Pisces, details of both I give below.

ARIES

Leave behind lessons to do with stress and the inability to switch off and welcome in your new lessons about ego and personal projection.

TAURUS

Finishing are lessons regarding your social life and groups. Instead start to embrace disciplining your subconscious with regular meditation.

GEMINI

The last two and a half years have been tough regarding your status or father, but now it’s time to weed the garden of friendship.

CANCER

Both travel and education have been heavy or restricted, but no longer. It’s now time to be more disciplined about care, father and family duty.

LEO

Endings and new beginnings, also clearing of clutter have been big responsibilities. Now it’s time to knuckle down to educational responsibilities.

VIRGO

As you leave behind partnership stresses and restrictions, it’s time to embrace closures, endings and the new beginnings they offer.

LIBRA

Saturn finishes its lessons regarding health and workload stress. Now you can welcome disciplines to do with teamwork and legal matters.

SCORPIO

Children and creative projects have been heavy. Now Saturn says you can greatly improve your health by applying disciplined effort.

SAGITTARIUS

Responsibilities for more than two years have been about home, domestic arrangements and mother, now they switch to children and creativity.

CAPRICORN

All forms of communication, also siblings, have created a heavy load over recent years. Now it’s time to take on a home improvement/renovation.

AQUARIUS

Heavy money matters lift now, after putting the pressure on for months. Now you must take better care with words and vehicles.

PISCES

Say farewell to Saturn restricting you personally and welcome in the new lessons about money, possessions and property.

Ask Leticia to prepare your detailed YEAR AHEAD REPORT FOR 2026 with month by month personal guidance call: +447956 155105 email: leticiaparmer@yahoo.com

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THE 2 O’CLOCK CLUB

WELCOMES SHAY DENSCOMBE IN MARCH

Arun Arts, the charity that runs the Alexandra Theatre, is pleased to announce the next event in its popular monthly afternoon programme, The 2 O’Clock Club. Hosted at The Salvation Army Church, Bognor Regis, the series continues to provide friendly, uplifting community entertainment as part of Arun Arts’ outreach programme while the Alexandra Theatre is closed for redevelopment.

Arun Arts is currently working towards reopening the Alexandra Theatre as a revitalised and inclusive cultural venue for the town, offering professional performances, community activity and creative opportunities. The 2 O’Clock Club plays an important role in maintaining connections with local audiences and ensuring accessible live entertainment continues during this period.

The next performance takes place on Tuesday 3 March 2026 at 2pm, featuring the everpopular entertainer Shay Denscombe. A versatile and much-loved performer, Shay is known for his rich, crowd-pleasing sound and wide-ranging repertoire. From country favourites to the music of Neil Diamond, Elvis and classic rock 'n' roll, audiences can expect an afternoon filled with nostalgia, warmth and feel-good, live music.

Tickets are £10, or £8 for concessions and Friends members, and include a complimentary hot drink and biscuit. Seating is unreserved and all are welcome.

For full listings and future dates, visit www.alexandratheatre.co.uk

Booking & Enquiries: 01243 861010 | In person: Weds & Thurs, 10am–12pm

Online booking available

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