Felpham in Focus March 2026 by InFocus

FELPHAM IN FOCUS

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Dear All,

Living in this part of Sussex, I am often reminded that what truly powers a community is not grand gestures or big headlines, but the steady, everyday kindness of ordinary people.

We see it all around us. And this month I want to give a huge shout out to Charlie at Felpham Village Post Office who went above and beyond to help me re-assemble a massive parcel, so it didn’t miss the deadline. And he did this for an hour while still serving other customers and making sure they were happy! His patience and kindness meant the world to me. Thank you, Charlie!

Life can feel very busy and, at times, overwhelming. We are all juggling responsibilities, reading endless messages and racing from one commitment to the next. And yet, even in the middle of all that, kindness finds a way to shine through.

If you would like to give someone in our community a ‘kindness shout out’ please do email office@infocusmagazines.co.uk and we will share your stories over the coming months. 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

APRIL ISSUE DEADLINE – WEDNESDAY 4 MARCH 2026

Independent School⼁Day and Boarding⼁Boys aged 8-18 Specialist Learning Environment

Maximum class size of 10⼁ Individualised curriculum pathways ⼁In-house therapies and specialist dyslexia teachers⼁Broad range of enrichment activities⼁Flexi, PartTime, Weekly boarding⼁Award winning pastoral provision

ARUN WOMEN’S WALKING FOOTBALL CLUB SCOOPS NATIONAL AWARD BY

KATE STEWART

In Focus Magazines is delighted to announce that Arun WWFC has been crowned the WFA National Women’s Team of the Year 2025. And we are very proud indeed to have played a small part in their success by helping this community-driven club recruit their first team back in June 2025.

Team player, Georgette Budhram, said: “We are all women who live in the area and needless to say we are very excited!

“This national award reflects our rapid development, inclusive ethos, and outstanding contribution to women’s sport in the Arun area.

“We are so proud to share our inspiring journey from a small group of six players to a thriving, competitive, and community-driven club of 30 women aged 40 to 75. This is a grassroots success story built from determination,” she added.

The ARUN WWFC began when a handful of women joined a men’s walking football group hoping to form a women’s section. After a brief spell the group made the bold decision to establish an independent club—one that would champion women’s walking football in the region.

Early support from Just Play enabled the club to secure essential equipment and train its first WFA (Walking Football Association) referees. With an experienced former footballer already among the founding members the team quickly began to grow in confidence and capability.

Arun WWFC’s development has been powered by successful funding applications, including:

• £450 from AXA, enabling the purchase of gloves, shin pads, and the club’s first shirts, as well as training an additional Level 1 coach.

• Support from Chase Bank, allowing the Chair to complete a coaching qualification and strengthen the club’s long term coaching capacity.

• A transformative £10,500 National Lottery Community Fund grant, which subsidised pitch and tournament fees, provided full kits for all players, funded summer training equipment, and supported local advertising to raise awareness. These investments helped the club keep membership costs low and ensure accessibility for women from all backgrounds.

As membership grew to 15, the club entered the Sussex League, (winning the shield at our first attempt) Worthing Summer Tournament, and over 60’s competitions. Today, with 30 active members, Arun WWFC often fields two teams in the Sussex League and runs both a Monday practice session and a Wednesday coaching night.

Georgette continued: “Arun WWFC prides itself on being a place where women can learn new skills, compete, make friends, and rebuild confidence. We have created a space where women can grow, compete, laugh, recover and feel part of something special. Our story shows what’s possible when determination meets community support.

“The club also celebrates sporting achievement, with one player selected for the Sussex Regional Squad and ambitions to see more follow in 2026.

“With three qualified WFA referees, four Level 1 coaches, and a membership that spans three decades of age, Arun Women’s Walking Football Club has become a beacon of empowerment, resilience, and community spirit.”

If you would like to join Arun WWFC or find out more about the club visit its Facebook page Arun WOMENS Walking Football Club or email awwfootball@gmail.com

LOCAL HISTORY BY SYLVIA ENDACOTT

With all the wind recently I thought we could have a look at the bygone windmills of the area. Our first in Felpham in an area, today, occupied by Admiralty Gardens. Here was the White Mill. This was a seven-storey white stone smock mill, where the sweeps (sails) could make the 27 h.p. which was needed to drive the four pairs of stones. This mill stood for approx. 80 years until the 1880’s and the name of the first miller was Mr Haynes. The last miller was Henry Hobbs who occupied the position for approximately 30 years.

This sketch of 1879 (right) shows the White Mill with the coastguard’s flagstaff in the background. It shows the mill as derelict and it was eventually claimed by the sea and demolished in 1879. The brick and stone from the base of the White Mill were re-used in the building of the stables and garden walls of Turret House.

Another mill in Felpham was the Black Mill. One of the earliest records is of William Cosens in 1801 purchasing an area named Mill Field for the sum of £555. This covered an area of land from Admiralty Road to the sea. By 1806 William had built a wooden post mill, which stood on a brick base and could be rotated, so that the complete construction revolved and the sails, or sweeps as they were known, faced any available wind. This mill was used for the grinding of corn to make the very necessary flour. However, Louisa sold the mill in 1862 to Edward Stubbington, whose address was 7 Spencer Terrace, Bognor, for a sum of £1,050.

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 23 March 2026 – 1845 for 1930 hrs 'Hawker Typhoon - Forgotten Hero'

Presented by Mr Anthony Knight

Anthony Knight is currently the Secretary of TECT, (Typhoon Entente Cordiale Trust), an organisation formed in 2007 to preserve the history and traditions of the former Hawker Typhoon squadrons and develop links with the Eurofighter Typhoon squadrons.

The Hawker Typhoon was the biggest, fastest, most powerful and most heavily armed fighter in the RAF from 1942 until 1945 but is not widely known about. It operated mainly over the continent and was instrumental in the successful Battle of Normandy and the subsequent advance through France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. Residents of West Sussex would have been familiar with the howl of its Napier Sabre engine until the Typhoon squadrons moved to France after D-Day. After V-E Day the Typhoons were flown back to England to be scrapped, their fascinating history being soon forgotten. They played a major part in victory in World War II and we should remember their brief but essential contribution. The talk will explore the development of the Typhoon, its changing roles, its activities before and after D-Day and efforts to preserve its memory.

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.

DOES YOUR PET NEED A PHYSIO?

Physiotherapy has many benefits for your pet including pain relief, improved muscle strength and joint movement, improved fitness and reduced anxiety. Katie Cleeves is a veterinary physiotherapist based in Barnham and she believes that many of the behavioural and performance issues we see in our animals are caused by pain which a course of physiotherapy can really help with. Katie says physiotherapy can help animals with:

• Osteoarthritis

• Spinal pain

• Muscle tears

• Tendon & ligament injuries

• Lameness

• Post operative rehab

• Poor performance

Animal physiotherapists offer a range of different treatments but these are the ones I offer:

• Soft tissue therapy/massage

• Electrotherapy including Laser, Ultrasound, NMES

• Manual therapy

• Taping

• Exercise therapy

• Agility dog checks

Here are a few of the animals Katie is currently working with:

• Rider assessments

Lillie is a Belgian Shepherd who has been competing at grade 7 agility for the past few years. Lillie is now 8 years old and coming to the end of a successful agility career. I tend to see her every 2 months for a check over and we address any sore muscles she has. Agility is tough on a dog’s joints so we work on keeping her as strong as possible to prevent her picking up injuries.

Colin is an 8 year old Dachshund who underwent spinal surgery for disc disease 2 months ago. Intervertebral disc disease is very common in this breed and leads to paralysis. Colin’s surgery has relieved pressure on the spinal cord and surrounding nerves allowing them to recover so that he will hopefully walk again. We are currently at the stage where he is starting to stand unsupported. I provide him with weekly laser treatment to aid the healing and a strict daily exercise regime to help him get strong again.

Merlot is one of my regular horse clients, I see him every 3 months for maintenance. Merlot has some arthritis in his hock joints which are the equivalent to human ankles, this is mostly controlled with yearly steroid injections. However when the hocks are stiff and painful this affects his posture and walking and leads to tightness in his pelvis and spine. I help him with this through soft tissue work to release off the tension and stretches to improve the movement. This helps him to be more comfortable.

If you would like to find out more. Please email Katie Cleeves on katiecleeves@yahoo.co.uk or call her on 07795560502.

Lady Caroline Marshall and Terry Collins presenting an award to Roger Billington.

Please

THE MUSIC OF BIRDS

BY ALICE MCDOUGALL

Birdsong – one of the most joyous sounds to the human ear. The musicality of birds is something us humans have always been deeply connected to. Ancient philosophers Athenaeus and Lucretius believed humans learnt how to make music from birds.

Who sings?

The mesmeric, lyrical splendour of birdsong is a feature of the ‘passerines’, the ‘songbirds’ – our finches, tits, warblers, starlings, skylarks, nightingales, buntings, linnets and robins.

Why do Birds Sing?

Birdsong has two main functions: firstly, to attract a partner and secondly to defend territory, a warning to any likely competitors. Some researchers have also concluded that they also sing for pleasure.

How do birds sing?

Birds have a vocal organ called a syrinx similar to the human larynx. In the songbirds, this is particularly sophisticated, allowing them to produce intricate arrangements of sounds. As they are able to control each side of the syrinx separately, they are able to produce two different sounds at once. This gives us the beautiful musicality that we find so joyous.

What connects us to birdsong?

The sequence of some birds singing is akin to our scales or chords, while the combination of long and short notes creates patterns which parallel our human forms of composition. We hear familiar melodies and tempos, and birds sing with extraordinary variability – notice how configurations emerge and then disappear. Repetition is replaced with variation and surprise, just as human music does. The timbre of some birds is reflected in our musical instruments: the flute for example, is a similar tone to the blackbird.

Where do we find birdsong in music?

Birdsong can be found throughout western music. In Beethoven’s ‘Pastoral’ symphony no.6, we hear the flute mimic the nightingale while the oboe represents the quail and the clarinets play the cuckoo.

In Vivaldi’s ‘Il Gardellino’, the goldfinch is immersed in the tinkling sounds of the violin, and Tchaikovsky gave us the beautiful choral piece, ‘The Nightingale’. The twentieth century French composer Oliver Messiaen’s was fully absorbed into the magic of birdsong as demonstrated in his epic, ‘Catalogue d’Oisaeux’ which depicts thirteen species of birds in piano solos. We also hear birdsong in many different genres of contemporary music – The Beatles’ ‘Blackbird’, Pink Floyd’s ‘Goodbye Blue Sky’, Cassandra Jenkins ‘The Ramble’, and folk singer Sam Lee’s ‘Singing with Nightingales’ to name a few.

This is the time of year that we really start to hear the birds sing. If you want to hear the full orchestra, why not take a walk around RSPB Pagham Harbour and Medmerry, or join us for one of our coming events.

To find out more about events at Pagham Harbour and Medmerry this month: https://events.rspb.org.uk/paghamharbour

John Bridges (rspb-images.com)

Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)

Wren.

Paul Chesterfield (rspb-images.com) Dunnock.

Corn Bunting.

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KINGLEY VALE WALK TO STOUGHTON BY SIMON BAKER IRONS

This month’s walk is a challenging 11km hike in the lovely area surrounding Kingley Vale. Situated just north of Chichester, Kingley Vale is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, home to grassy downland, shrubland, and one of Europe’s most impressive yew forests. Some of the ancient yews are thought to be up to 2,000 years old, making them among the oldest living organisms in Britain. From the ridge above the valley, wide views stretch across Sussex and out towards the south coast.

The reserve’s main car park is at West Stoke, which is where we began our walk (Be aware that it can get busy at weekends). If you’re visiting during bluebell season, it’s worth crossing the road and strolling a short distance back towards the village to enjoy the beautiful displays of bluebells in the woodland.

• The walk starts by leaving the car park, passing through the gate, and following the track north.

After roughly 1km you’ll reach the southern edge of the reserve. It’s worth pausing at the information hut here to learn more about the landscape. The boards also outline alternative walking routes around the reserve.

• We chose to follow the edge of the reserve, climbing the hillside in a northwesterly direction. With Kingly Vale on our right, the views to our left gradually open out across Sussex towards the Isle of Wight. After reaching the top of the path, it drops steeply through the woodland. As you emerge from the trees, the village of Stoughton appears ahead. Keep an eye out along this stretch for the memorial to Pilot Officer Bolesław Własnowolski V.M., K.W., which stands beside the path near the field where his Hurricane crashed in November 1940.

• The path joins the road in Stoughton, where you’ll find the Hare and Hounds, a welcoming village pub that’s perfect for a drink or a relaxed lunch.

• Leave Stoughton by following the Monarch’s Way as it gently climbs Stoughton Down, with the trees of Kingley Vale rising ahead. As you reach the woodland, if you continue straight on you’ll come to Goosehill Camp, an iron age settlement that has been hidden for centuries beneath the trees on the north side of Bow Hill.

• Alternatively, if you turn right and head on up Bow Hill through woodland of tall, straight trees, you’ll soon emerge at the top of Kingley Vale, where the great yew groves begin. Their continued presence here is incredible, given that so many of Europe’s ancient yews were lost after the 14th century to supply the longbow trade.

• As you follow the ridge, you’ll reach the Devil’s Humps, some of the finest Bronze Age burial mounds in the southeast. Their size and prominence suggest they were reserved for people of high status, perhaps chiefs or priests.

• After passing the Devil’s Humps, continue down the hill through Yew Tree Grove, where the ancient yews twist and coil into extraordinary shapes. Before long you’ll arrive back at the information hut. From here, it’s just a short stroll along the track to return to the car park.

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

READERS’ BOOK REVIEWS BY KATE STEWART

Thank you all for sending in your book reviews - here are a selection. New releases or your old favourites, please do keep them coming!

Leonie Maslin

Here’s a suggestion for a book to read to help you through the rainy days! Chris McCausland The Autobiography ‘Keep Laughing’.

I picked this book up last Autumn on the back of his Strictly Come Dancing win the previous year. It’s a completely joyous read about his journey from a young man negotiating the trials of failing sight to the astonishing achievement of winning the BBC’s Strictly Glitterball trophy. What an amazing (and super funny) man he is!

Mary Hite

I love reading and am always looking for different authors to lose myself in their books especially when I am on holiday! My cousin recently recommended the Shardlake series of historical mystery novels by C.J. Sansom, and I loved them.

There are seven book: Dissolution, Dark Fire, Sovereign, Revelation, Heartstone, Lamentation and Tombland. They are historical mystery novels set in the 16th Century. The series features barrister Matthew Shardlake during the religious reforms of Henry VIII solving crime. Sadly, this brilliant author died in 2024. I thoroughly recommend these amazing books, although they are rather long, I’m sure, like me, you will find them addictive!

Jacqui Thomas

Anyone who lives in Felpham should read Beryl Kingston’s Gates of Paradise – all about William Blake living in Felpham. Also, C.J. Sansom’s (who also lived in Sussex) Shardlake series set in Henry VIIIs era starting with Dissolution (of the Monasteries) and through his lifetime. They need to be read in sequence. Brilliant. Please email your book reviews to Kate Stewart office@infocusmagazines.co.uk

STRONG WOMAN ERA

BY SAFFRON HOOTON

My name is Saffron, I live in Felpham, and I’m the author of Strong Woman Era, an illustrated guide to give women confidence to use the gym, boost their motivation to exercise and help women achieve their fitness goals. Team GB Olympian Emily Campbell endorses it.

Exercise has a dramatic impact on the way we feel, and weightlifting is especially important for women; it increases bone density and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. It also improves muscle tone, supports heart health, and lowers blood pressure, among numerous other physical and mental benefits.

As someone who enjoys a stroll along Felpham beach just as much as a training session at the gym, I’m a big believer in the mantra – all movement matters. Do have a read!

Copies of Strong Woman Era are available from Amazon. For further information visit: www.saffronhooton.com or Instagram @saffhooton

Mary Hite with one of her favourite reads.

Saffron Hooton

gary@gmrepointing.co.uk

07368 510500

ARTIST OF THE MONTH: MARION WITCOMB

I've always considered myself a self-taught artist and was initially drawn to capturing the charm and character of buildings. My journey began with bespoke commissions, painting detailed portraits of houses and historic properties across the South of England.

Over a decade, I painted more than 100 homes in watercolour. Although I still enjoy creating architectural paintings in my own distinctive style, my work has since evolved to include botanical themes—expressed through detailed pen and ink drawings and vibrant watercolours. I’ve loved transforming these designs into unique homeware like cushions, mugs, trinket boxes and more, allowing my art to live beyond the frame.

My passion for the arts also led me to play a central role in establishing Sculpture at Goodwood, where I had the privilege of working closely with sculptors, foundries and curators on the commissioning and installation of some remarkable British sculpture.

Born in Arundel, I have now lived in Felpham with my husband Bill, and our golden retriever Monty, for the past 11 years. The natural beauty of the area continues to inspire me every day—whether I'm painting, walking by the sea, or simply watching the way the light falls through the garden.

This year I shall be exhibiting in the Easter Art Trail, 30 March to 19 April at Lordington Park, The Vale, West Stoke, The Huts, Thornham Marina, Emsworth and The Deck, Emsworth. Also The Bognor Coastal Art Trail during the last two weekends of July.

To find out more or to make an appointment to visit my studio please visit: www.marionwitcombartist.com Instagram: @marionwitcombartist or email: marion@witcomb.me.uk or call 07906346490

Marion Witcomb.

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A STYLE REFRESH PART II

BY FELPHAM FASHION GURU VICKY BOOKER

Following on from last month’s article where we met Jim and he had his ‘colours (and style) done’, here’s the next steps of his image update journey.

Once I had the ‘practical’ elements of Jim’s colour palette and the shapes that would suit, I discovered more about his lifestyle and the look he was after. The questionnaire Jim filled in before the session gave me a great insight. I asked him about what he did, the things he liked and didn’t like, and how he wanted to feel in his clothes. This is all about our ‘Style Personality’ and is such a key part of the styling journey.

With all the style puzzle pieces (colour, fit, and style) in place, we finished the first session by going through Jim’s wardrobe. For each item, we discussed if they should stay, be moved on, or need a little tweaking to make them work better. I helped put together some outfits and gave Jim ideas about wearing his clothes in new ways. Finally, we made a list of items to buy to fill in any gaps.

Then it was time to go shopping! I arrived in Chichester ahead of time for a quick scan to see what might work for Jim. We started at independent men’s store Stephen Lawrence. This is a truly family run business which has been selling high quality brands such as Hugo Boss, Fynch Hatton and Eton since 1995.

When I shop with clients, I am very respectful of their likes and dislikes, but sometimes it’s important to push the comfort zone and try things on you may not normally have gone for! “Vicky got me into denim for the first time in 40 years and I have not stopped wearing my new jeans.”

With a few high-quality pieces in the bag, we headed to Brook Taverner for shirts (North Street), M&S for more basics (East Street), and Charles Clinkard for some modern, smart boots (South Street).

Jim says: “Vicky knows exactly how to shop – efficiently, confidently, and with real purpose, and it was a laugh. Shirts, tops, shoes, T-shirts, bags full, by the end a new Jim had appeared. I had new outfits, great colours, and clothes that properly fitted, that made me feel great and I genuinely love. She made the whole experience enjoyable and, surprisingly, great fun.”

If you feel you’d like a bit of a style refresh, get in touch to see how I can help. Vickybooker.com or contact me for info – vicky@vickybooker.com

Stephen Lawrence: www.stephenlawrencemenswear.co.uk

Charles Clinkard: www.charlesclinkard.co.uk

Brook Taverner: www.brooktaverner.co.uk

M&S: www.marksandspencer.com

Jim’s before look.

Stephen Elsom at Stephen Lawrence, 11, St Martin’s Street.

Jim being brave with the jeans!

Jim confident and happy in his ‘after’ looks!

Please

MAKING TAX DIGITAL BY

TIM KUCHANNY

THIS MIGHT AFFECT YOU?

Have you heard of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA) before? If you are a sole trader and or have rental income, this legislation is likely to affect you.

My name is Tim Kuchanny, and I am a Chartered Certified Accountant with the ACCA and the director and owner of Platinum Accounting Services Ltd based in Bognor Regis. I have been talking to my clients about this legislation since 2019.

Here is a brief rundown of how MTD works, who it will affect and some common questions. I have also made a YouTube video (@TimKuchanny) to help people understand. Visit YouTube and search @TimKuchanny

Who is affected?

People with turnover (this is what you bill your clients, so before all expenses) of more than 50,000 in their sole trade and rentals together.

The thresholds for self-employed income + landlord income are:

• 06/04/2026: £50,000 and more • 06/04/2027: over £30,000 • 06/04/2028: over £20,000 Some examples of people hit from 04/2026:

• Rental turnover of 50,000 or more • Sole trader with turnover of 50,000 or more,

• Rental and a sole trade income turnover of both together adds up to 50,000 or more (this could be any mix as long as both of them together add up to 50,000 or more).

What filings need to be made?

You will need to make the following filings for each trade or property business if your year-end is the 5 April. Do I pay more often?

Currently, no, it's still the same payments in January and July as relevant. Will I need software to file this and do I need to pay?

Yes, there is software on the marketplace that can be used to file your return (e.g. Xero) however, the vast majority of these require you to pay to be able to file your returns.

What happens if you are late filing?

There is a new penalty regime that will come into force from 06/04/2027, which involves points per late filing that will result in penalties starting from £200 being automatically applied. Points are cumulative and each time you miss a filing you get one point and they only expire after roughly two years one month after they are issued.

We help our clients with these filings and advice so if you need more help on this please email us at info@platinumas.co.uk

Tim Kuchanny.

Please

Down

1. Subject matter (5)

2. Let go (7)

3. Seraph, cherub (5)

5. Nimbleness (7)

6. Beginning (5)

CROSSWORD

Across

1. Scottish plaid (6)

4. Entice, coax (6)

9. Shape with many sides (7)

10. Circulate, deliver (5)

11. Grovel (5)

12. Spiky plant (7)

13. Calendar, schedule (6)

7. Essential feature (7)

8. Coalesce (5)

13 Captivate, fascinate (7)

14 Ebb, fade (7)

16 Kept away from (7)

15. Despot, bully (6)

18. Touchable (7)

20. Scrutinise (5)

22. Pretended (5)

23. Teeming, jammed (7)

24. Victim, prey (6)

25. Delicate, fragile (6)

17 Instruct (5)

19 Provide for (5)

20 Leave bread to rise (5)

21 Sea-dwelling duck (5)

LOCAL LIVES: IANTHE CATT NÉE CLAYTON

(1895 - 1975)

BY JANE SUMMERVILLE

Ianthe Clayton, the middle child of John William Clayton and his wife Catherine (née Gibson), lived at the Manor House (formerly Felpham House), at 21 Limmer Lane, Felpham. The house had been bought by Ianthe’s grandfather, James Gibson of Tasmania.

Ianthe was the younger sister to Violet – and older sister to Kenrick who sadly died in 1909, aged 12. All of the siblings had their portraits painted by the artist Henry John Stock (1853-1930) who had moved to Felpham in 1909.

Ianthe, like Violet, married more than once. She originally married Captain Martin Copeman with whom she had a son, Michael. She subsequently married Colonel Philip Herbert Catt, in 1943 and they remained happily together until her sudden death in 1975. They lived at Lavender Cottage, an old Felpham thatched cottage on Felpham Road. Violet, meanwhile, lived at the Manor House with her husband, Lt-Col Frederick Goddard who, for many years, was a churchwarden at St Mary’s, Felpham and has a stained glass window dedicated to him.

Michael Copeman, was a Major in the Indian Army, and known as Mick to his family and friends. After retiring from the armed forces, he became a teacher. In later life, he converted the coach house at the Manor House and lived there.

As for Ianthe, she predeceased her sister and died, one evening, in the grounds of the Manor House which she was visiting. She would have crossed Felpham Road from Lavender Cottage, walked up Manor Close, though the twitten at the top, into The Grove and then taken a private route into the grounds of the Manor House, ostensibly through a hedge.

Like her brother-in-law, Ianthe was closely connected with St Mary’s, Felpham and also has a stained-glass window installed in her memory, by her husband, after her death. The window, the east window of the North Aisle, is a two-light window designed by Seeley and Paget and made by Goddard and Gibbs.

There is a large family grave at St Mary’s in the old part of the churchyard: Catherine Clayton, her young son Kendrick, her daughters Violet and Ianthe, their husbands Frederick Goddard and Philip Catt, and Ianthe’s son, Michael are all buried there.

A detail of Ianthe’s portrait painted by Henry John Stock.

ALISON GRIFFITHS MP

As we move through the early weeks of 2026, I am pleased to share a short update on what I have been working on locally and in Parliament.

I was in Felpham at the start of February with my team as part of my ongoing series of visits across our community, calling on residents who asked to see me. I will be here again soon, so please keep an eye out for a letter through your letterbox with the details. If you have a specific issue you want to raise with me, especially if it is urgent, please email my office: alison.griffiths.mp@parliament.uk.

A key message on the doorstep was the need to improve services locally. Access to healthcare and dentistry is a real frustration for many families, and I know the pressure on school places is a concern too. I am working on these issues.

Flood risk and drainage remain an ongoing worry, especially after the recent periods of heavy rain. I am convening a public meeting with Southern Water, the Environment Agency, and Arun District Council so residents can put questions directly, and we can get clearer answers on what is being done, and what still needs to happen. Details will follow soon, so please keep an eye on my Facebook and Instagram pages.

I have launched a new Business Club, bringing together businesses from across Bognor Regis and Littlehampton to address shared challenges, seek practical solutions, and ensure the issues facing local employers are being taken back to Westminster. I am very grateful to Fino, a wonderful local restaurant, for hosting the inaugural event.

That matters because our hospitality sector is the lifeblood of a coastal community like ours. I was disappointed that the Government’s recent announcement on business rates for pubs did not extend to other parts of the hospitality and leisure economy, including restaurants, cafés, hotels, and B&Bs. These businesses face many of the same pressures, and I will keep raising their concerns in Parliament.

Finally, there are a couple of national issues I know many residents care deeply about. First, protecting children online. I support tougher action to keep under-16s away from the worst of social media, in the same way we set firm boundaries around smoking, alcohol, and other agerestricted products. I also remain opposed to any attempt to cancel local elections. Democracy matters, and you have the right to have your say.

If you would like to stay updated, you can follow me on Facebook and Instagram at alisongriffithsmp.

Alison Griffiths.

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WEST SUSSEX RSPCA

A LASTING LEGACY HELPING CHANGE LIVES

For many years, RSPCA Sussex West has been a trusted part of the local community, rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming vulnerable animals across West Sussex. As a self-funded charity, independent from the national RSPCA, the branch relies on local generosity and support to continue its vital work.

A remarkable chapter in our history began in 2017, when long-time supporter Ms Philippa Melvin from Felpham, left an extraordinary legacy in her Will. Having adopted animals from Mount Noddy with her mother, Ms Melvin chose to give back in a truly lasting way, leaving £8.3 million in cash and investment properties to the centre.

This generous gift enabled a £5 million rebuild of Mount Noddy between 2021 and 2022. The new facilities include 27 kennels, 47 cat pens, a hydrotherapy treadmill, veterinary suite, agility paddock and enrichment areas. The new kennel block, hydrotherapy and veterinary suite were named “Sunnyside” in her memory.

These modern spaces are fully utilised every day, helping animals recover physically and emotionally. Since the legacy, more than 2,426 cats and dogs have been rescued and rehomed, with numbers rising again after the pandemic.

The legacy has also funded a full-time Animal Welfare Officer, expanding outreach through neutering schemes, foodbank support and welfare clinics. Rental income from the properties continues to help cover annual running costs.

Through our Pet Promise scheme, supporters can also leave a legacy of their own. Anyone interested is encouraged to contact Susan Botherway, 01243773359, www.rspcasussexwest.org.uk, Intagram @ rspca_mount_noddy, Mount Noddy Animal Centre, Blackmill Lane, Eartham, Chichester, PO18 0LL

FELPHAM POST OFFICE TRIBUTE TO

KEITH HELLYER

BY LIZZIE MICKERY

Staff, customers and directors were sad to learn of the passing of Keith Hellyer last month. Keith and his wife, Sue, ran the old Post Office with kindness and dedication for twenty-eight years before Mark Chapman took over. When the Friends of Felpham began the journey to Save the Post Office, we were guided by Keith who generously shared his knowledge and expertise.

and Sue Hellyer.

Keith wrote a comprehensive history of the Post Office. He signed off with this, which says so much about the extraordinary presence he was in Felpham: "My wife and I spent many happy years here. I was thirty-five when we moved in with two young girls. It was a hectic life, running the PO and newsagents, rising at 5:30am every day and juggling with family life. Each day would be different and integration into village life was essential. I was a parish councillor for eight years, the Felpham Ratepayers Association for 20 and in local drama group 'Brats', Regis Players and Rainbow performing musicals, plays and pantos. My children also did many things and my wife was associated with many local charitable events.”

As the Funeral Cortege took Keith on his final journey through the Felpham he loved, many residents gathered outside the Old and the New Post Offices. We stood and applauded an amazing civic dignitary who gave so much to this Community. Thank you, Keith. Our thoughts and sympathy are with Sue and the family.

Keith

Credit: Tony Lord

MARCH HOROSCOPES

BY LOCAL ASTROLOGER LETICIA PARMER

Remember, Mercury is retrograde for the first three weeks of March, so judgement may be a bit off. On 3 March, the total lunar eclipse presents a powerful opportunity to press your emotional reset button. Then 20 March marks the ancient and astrological New Year – Spring Equinox. So why not create and display for yourself a personal vision-board to plan your future and set intentions, to mark this new beginning.

ARIES

A great month for taking a step back to see the difference between 1. enjoyable self challenges and 2. unhealthy, unnecessary stress.

TAURUS

Lately your emotions have been very much tied up with the children or grandchildren. Take a step back and accept your situation gracefully.

GEMINI

If you have blamed your mother for your life's restrictions, it's time to wise up and appreciate her more by taking personal responsibility.

CANCER

As you are a 'moon child' let this lunar eclipse help you to let others' critical or negative comments simply slide away like water off a duck's back.

LEO

Yes you are generous and proud, but let this month's eclipse teach you that its OK to admit when you simply cannot afford something.

VIRGO

This lunar eclipse in your own sign is very personal, helping you to recognise when to step back emotionally from self-sacrifice rescuing.

LIBRA

Your unconscious, intution and dreams need an overhaul if you are to gain better sleep. A music or meditation recording will help enormously.

SCORPIO

To re-set your emotions, recognise where you may have been burning the candle at both ends just to keep friends happy. Now just say NO!

SAGITTARIUS

Career and status must be kept in perspective to avoid burn out. Actually, you'll gain more respect if you give yourself more chillout time.

CAPRICORN

If you have been fretting about a travel or education matter, take a step back and gain perspective now, in order to de-stress and live longer.

AQUARIUS

Readjust exactly how much time and emotion you can healthily devote to secrets, jealousies and suspicion. Don't waste any.

PISCES

In order to truly see the wood for the trees and protect your sensitive, gentle emotions, start to view a romantic relationship from a distance.

Ask Leticia to prepare a personal full chart reading for yourself , or as a gift. call: +447956 155105 email: leticiaparmer@yahoo.com

BOGNOR REGIS TIDE TABLE

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

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