Living in Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Many people locally are unaware that they live in or near to a special, naturally beautiful area. A new project by Chichester Harbour Conservancy aims to raise awareness of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Residents and locals will be encouraged to learn more about the AONB and find out ways that they can help protect it now and for the future.
A recent visitors survey found that although 87% questioned were aware of the AONB designation, only 54% correctly identified Chichester Harbour as the nearest AONB. When asked who managed Chichester Harbour AONB, 42% named CHC but another 42% didn’t know.
To raise the profile of the AONB & the work of the Conservancy a 12-page booklet has been produced. It will be delivered to 35,000 homes in and around Chichester Harbour AONB. The full-colour booklet gives an introduction to what an AONB is, why Chichester Harbour is special and a map so people can identify how close their home is to the AONB. Further sections feature the work of the Conservancy and then give ideas for how you can get involved.
Ali Beckett, Publicity Officer said, ‘We are privileged to have this beautiful area on our doorstep. It is one of Britain’s finest landscapes and we want everyone in the area to appreciate how special it is and to find ways to care for it into the future.’
The booklet will be delivered by Royal Mail over an eight week period. It contains a feedback form to gauge how useful the information has been and gives readers the opportunity to win a trip a Solar Heritage, solar-powered boat trip.
The cost of the project has been met by the Chichester Harbour Sustainable Development Fund, the Friends of Chichester Harbour and Chichester Harbour Trust.
Top Tips for Living in or near an AONB
What can yonot designed u do to look after this special area for all to enjoy now and into the future? Here are a few tips that are featured in the Living in An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty booklet.

1. Look after our footpaths – public footpaths are only for people on foot. Our coastal paths are particularly vulnerable to erosion and are for safe use by bikes or horses.
2. Garden for wildlife – make space in your garden for a bird or bat box. Create compost heaps and leave dead wood piles for our insect friends.
3. Plant native species – to attract wildlife and maintain the character of the AONB. For hedges use species such as Holly, Blackthorn or Hawthorn.
4. Buy local produce – support our farmers by buying local produce from farm shops and farmer’s markets.
5. When planning an extension or improvements to your property, consult the AONB Design Guidance to think about suitable materials and colours.
6. Join the Friends of Chichester Harbour to lend your support to protecting one of the finest landscapes in England.

Your Local Community Police Support Officers

The beginning of the new year has generally been quiet, although we are as ever reminding you all to take care regarding security. Amazingly we still do meet people who don’t bother to lock their property.
Dog fouling is still an issue around the area, particularly in Bracklesham Park. This is an extremely selfish offence with no regard to other walkers unfortunate enough to tread in it and who may be children or elderly.
We have been busy compiling a list of regular dog walkers who now form a DOGWATCH group. These walkers will report to us any sightings of persons who do not pick up after their dogs. We can then identify offenders and prosecute. Persons already on our list currently are from both East and West Wittering and Bracklesham. If you would like to be a part of this valuable group, please contact us on our mobile or landline number below.
We would like to remind you all that we are available to talk to every first Thursday of the month from 11am until 12 noon. The location is the East Wittering & Bracklesham parish council office which is situated right at the end of Wittering Walk by the café, on The Parade (opposite the Co-Op). You will be able to talk in private and in confidence.
Other ways of contacting Sussex Police are via our website:
www.sussex.police.uk and follow the links to contact us. You will also discover here a wealth of information from finding out where the Police Helicopter is to viewing crime mapping where you live.
Other ways to report information is via crime stoppers on 0800 555 111 or for anti-social or dangerous driving please report to:-
Operation Crackdown – Telephone 01243 642222
or Online: www.operationcrackdown.org.uk

PCSO Rose Bainbridge
07881754535 or 0845 60 70 999 extension 19516
PCSO Ann Bromley
07881518742 or 0845 60 70 999 extension 21597

PC Dave Lyons

Chichester Probus Dallies wit a Diplomat

At our next monthly lunch at the Chichester Park Hotel on February 11th we have as our speaker Donald Alexander Lamont, a man recently retired, who spent his working life in and around Diplomatic circles for the Government. I suppose we all feel that we have some diplomatic skills within us but looking at Donald's CV we could be excused for thinking that he had the wisdom of Solomon and an assured fleetness of foot that enabled him to skirt round the range of appointments that came his way.
At some time he was the British Ambassador for Uruguay, Montevideo, Venezuela and Caracas; Governor of the Falkland Islands (1999 - 2002). First Secretary of Departments at the Britiish Embassy, Vienna and Moscow. He spent much time at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and at Strategic Studies, London; also Chief of Staff at the Office of High Representative, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. etc,etc. This man will have some interesting stories to tell.
The Chichester Probus Club offers fellowship and friendship among retired business men and the like. If you are interested in joining Probus please contact the Secretary, Sandy Byers on 01243 672796.. Incidentally we have a Power Point Projector, largely unused, which we could offer to bone fida organisations for rental at a nominal £20 per occasion. Please talk to Sandy if you have an interest.

Library Redesign: Opening hours consultation in libraries

The Cabinet Member for Communications Brad Watson OBE has endorsed the new framework for the library service, which was presented to the Community Services Select Committee on the 15th January. To ensure that we are able to offer a full three week consultation, including the opportunity for residents to talk directly to Senior Library managers about their local library hours, we have prepared a programme of consultation opportunities to start on the 1st February. For the period 1st to the 20th February residents can record their views on forms in libraries, each library will also have a chart showing the pattern of library use over the last year.
I attach a list of the dates of all local consultation sessions with senior library staff. These will not be formal presentations but opportunities for local residents to talk directly to senior library managers about the opening hours and to express their views.

Witterings 3 - 5pm
Tuesday 2nd February Lesley Sim
Service Manager - Libraries, West Sussex County Council
Location: Greyfriars, Library Administration Centre,
61 North Street, Chichester, PO19 1NB

Please note that extensive consultation was carried out at Crawley Library prior to their opening and no further changes are proposed. As East Grinstead Library is due to reopen on the 16th February following major refurbishment consultation is currently underway and we have already notified local members of the consultation session arranged for this Thursday 28th January.

Witterings Dads Army 1943

Dormar Butcher • ? • ? • Daniel Barns
? • ? • Jack Robinson • Fred Kerby • Sinclare • Voke • Tom Blanks
Sunner Cannons • Jim Robinson • Cyril Redman • ? • Gory • ? • Fred Phillips • Bog Hurts

Photograph from Mr J Robinson

WEST WITTERING “THRIFT’’ Memorial Hall Elms Lane the “charity shop” with such a difrence Everybody Welcome Fridays 2.00 ~ 3.30 Donations for 2009 £1000 1st Responders £500 M.M.V.S £500 W.Wittering Memorial Hall & 12 large vans of goods to St. Wilfreds’s Hospice Contact June on 513965

Patients Information Centre Witterings Health Centre

For the months of February and March the information centre will Focus on Heart disease
and heart health
On display we will have information available, which is provided by the organisations involved with informing and supporting people with these problems.
The information centre is a confidential service, which is open to all health centre patients, their families and their carers. All the information available is free.
Nb. Changes in staffing hours of the information centre
Tuesday 9:30am until 11:30am
Wednesday 9:30am until 11:30am
Thursday 9:30am until 11:30am
When unstaffed the library will still be open for you to visit, to pick up leaflets from the focus, and leave requests.
The voicemail answer phone service number is 07708652863
Nb. The monthly focus is only part of the service available. We also are able to provide information on all health disorders; if not in stock we can obtain the information, usually within a week.

Sally Chesson
PIC COORDINATOR.

Latest Chichester Harbour News OUT NOW

The 2010 edition of the Chichester Harbour News & Guide is now available. This full-colour, 84 page annual magazine is packed with features for locals and visitors to the harbour.
This year’s edition showcases over 80 colour photographs, many of which were entered into the 2009 Chichester Harbour Photography Competition. In addition features, interviews and suggestions for days out all highlight the importance of Chichester Harbour as one of England’s finest landscapes.
Local journalist Janet McMeekin met four people who are lucky enough to live within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. They all tell their own story and explain why the harbour is so special to them. Sandra Reidel took a trip around the harbour to investigate a number of ways in which the Conservancy has helped young ones to get out on the water. More experienced sailors will enjoy Keith Walker’s exposition on how to use the harbour’s currents to good effect when dinghy racing. History enthusiasts will enjoy the account of Arthur Ransome sailing in Chichester Harbour.
In addition there are updates on many of the Conservancy’s projects including a seal tagging project and improvements to navigation in the harbour. Tourists and visiting yachtsmen will benefit from the navigational guidance and review of the harbourside villages. As always twelve months worth of tide tables are included, as is a useful map of the harbour area.
The Chichester Harbour News & Guide is funded by advertisers and a generous donation from the Friends of Chichester Harbour. This enables all 38,000 copies to be distributed free of charge. Boat owners registered with Chichester Harbour will receive a copy through the post. Copies are also available from local libraries, Chichester Tourist Office, the Harbour Office and other local outlets.

East Wittering Women’s Institute

'Trudie, Lady Denman, a remarkable Lady' was the title of the talk given to Birdham W.I. by Steve Harris at their January Meeting. Lady Denman was certainly that, Born Gertrude Mary Pearson in 1884 she was one of four children. Her father was a Victorian business man and M.P. who eventually became Lord Cowdray of Midhurst.
A rebel from the start Trudie broke her nose whilst playing with the boys as a child and became an accomplished sportswoman as an adult. She supported equal rights for women, hated the restrictions of Edwardian clothes and the debutante scene. Accommpanied her husband to Australia when he became Governor General and on her return recruited for the land army in WWI. After the W.I. came to England, the first meeting being held in 1915 at the Fox Runs Free in Charlton, Chichester, she eventually became the first Chairman of the National Federation of W.I.s in 1917. During WWII she was called to set-up the Womens Land Army, her home at Balcombe becoming the H.Q. When the Government refused to help re-settlement of the land girls after the war, she resigned. And then in 1948 she founded the W.I. Residential College near Oxford, aptly named Denman College, for which she is probably best known within the W.I.
The next Birdham W.I. meeting will be held on Thursday, February 18th 2010 at Birdham Village Hall at 2.30 pm when Andrew Elms will talk on 'Lordington Lavender'. New members and visitors always welcome.

Important reminders
to all our residents for 2010

Saving lives in homes
Although this newsletter has made suggestions previously, which could help to save some of our more vulnerable residents, in particular, we are also conscious that families living with their parents should be fully aware of the possible consequences if safety rules are ignored.
The danger from smoke
Elderly people may not appreciate how quickly smoke from a fire can render a person unconscious and, if not swiftly rescued are likely to drown from the toxic smoke in their lungs. The official time that this could take is only a few breaths, so it is imperative if you are in any doubt about the efficiency of your fire alarm(s) ring the Community Fire Safety Team on 0800 328 6457 (free call) and make an appointment for a representative to call.
It is important to realise that if you are soundly asleep smoke will probably have reached the lungs before you realise what is happening – so ensure smoke alarms are always kept in working order.
Escape Routes
Always be certain you have an alternative route of escape should you not be able to get out through the normal exits, such as having keys in doors and windows (where double glazing has been fitted). Also ensure there are strong chairs by the windows to enable you to climb out. Once a window or door has been opened rescuers will be able to help you leave your property should this be necessary.
It is always useful to ensure your next door neighbours have a key so you can be helped more quickly should an emergency arise.
Parish Council Meetings
The public are always welcome to be present at the full Council meetings which start at 7.00pm on the second Thursday of each month, in the meeting room at East Wittering Fire Station. The Public Notice Boards are by the bus stop on the Parade and outside the Spar shop in Bracklesham, so please check the Agenda in case the date has had to be changed.
If there is an item of interest to a resident who may wish to ask a question, the Parish Clerk should be informed of this – at least a week in advance of the meeting.
Meeting dates for this year are: -
February 11th, March 11th, April 22nd (Annual Parish Meeting - to be confirmed),
May 13th (Annual Meeting), June 10th, July 8th, August 12th, September 9th, October 14th, November 11th, December 9th.
Parish Web Sites
For those with computers, why not look into our two web sites below: -
East Wittering & Bracklesham ~ www.ewbpc.org.uk
Bracklesham Bay Community Assn ~ www.brackleshambay.co.uk

If you have any comments please address and send them to:-
Mrs. Joyce Griffith, Parish Clerk, East Wittering & Bracklesham Parish Council, Unit 12, Wittering Walk, The Parade, East Wittering PO20 8EA.
Email: eastwittering.brackleshampc@btopenworld.com

This is the first of a few short articles about the production of a play by your local amateur dramatic society, the West Wittering Players.
The set.
You make your way to your seat, sit down, the lights dim and the curtain goes up and the first thing you see is the set. This first image, we hope, sets the mood and period for the actors and the audience. So how do we to do this?
The team of set constructors, a motley crew of retirees, first meet with the director and map out what is required in the play by way of doors, windows, alcoves, fire places, stairs etc and their positions on the stage. A plan is drawn up, over a long pub lunch, and later agreed with the director. Then the more emotive question of what colours the set should be painted need to be agreed. As you may know, the colours on a colour chart always seem to be a little different once you have bought a big tin, so we paint a sample for final agreement. (Sometimes this process seems to go on and on.)
On Wednesday mornings we meet up to start painting. Tradition states that this is a “men only” job and includes a coffee break and an exchange of a joke or two.
We only paint, we do not wall paper but we do offer a number of paint effects other than the “just painted” look. In a recent production the “room” had to look as if it had not been decorated for 20 years. The walls were an orange colour and we washed over the orange with a thin and uneven coat of brown with a sponge to give the aged appearance. Despite what you might think the overall look was just what the director wanted. The walls of the room created for the play are built from “flats”. The flats are a timber frame covered in canvas and range from one foot wide to four feet wide all being about ten feet high. We have a number of flats which hold single and double doors and a selection of window flats as well. A talented member of the crew will paint the view to be seen through a window or door be it mountains, spring gardens or industrial buildings on a dark day.
The week before the play opens we have the Memorial hall to ourselves to set up the play. All able-bodied members are called in on Friday evening to carry the flats, carpets and other stuff from our store to the hall. We put up the flats, which are held upright by cleats in the ceiling of the stage. We screw the flats together and then fit the picture rail, dado rail and the skirting boards around the room to hold the flats tightly together. Door frames are braced to the hall walls to stop any movement and to help the illusion that the wall is solid as a rock. Any fireplace will be redesigned to fit the period of the room and supports for wall lights, etc fitted behind the flats and the doors hung and tested. About 8.30 PM we all stop for a fish and chip supper and a few glasses of wine. As you might guess not that much is done after supper. On the Saturday, sobered up, we meet again to complete the job. Finally the set will be dressed by the stage manager and the illusion is complete and awaits the actors and the audience.
If you would like to join the West Wittering Players, in any capacity, please phone Catherine Wildsmith on 01243 514882, for a membership form.

I would like to take this opportunity of thanking those of you who were kind enough to donate items for the above Appeal prior to christmas and would you please accept this as a personal thank you form me. I am sure you will have seen the coverage on the television over the Christmas period of how the troops were delighted to receive the boxes form home.
Each month shoe boxes are continuing to be sent to our boys and girls in Afghanistan and if you would like to contribute by way of items such as toiletries/ sweets etc. ( I have an official list) or you would like to make monetary donation to be put towards the shoe boxes. I would be very pleased to hear from you.
My telephone number is 01243 671928. Many Thanks

Margaret Buckingham

This is your chance to join a small group of people for a six day holiday in beautiful "Snowdonia".
We shall be staying in Llandudno at the St. Kilda Hotel where we shall have Dinner, bed and breakfast each day and among the many places which we shall visit is the fantastic gardens at "Bodnant" where the famous Laburnum arch should be at it's spectacular best. On one of the days we shall drive across the Menai bridge with it's magnificent views to arrive at the place with just about the longest name ( and for us, quite un-pronounceable) where there are so many things to see and do. On then to II Betws-y-Coed. One of the prettiest places you could wish to see. Also included is a train ride to the very top of Snowden where we shall be able to enjoy fantastic, panoramic views through the II Window on the World". A trip on the Orme Tramway will be
available and many other delightful and interesting places to see.
The price of this holiday, which includes all the coach travel, dinner- bed and breakfast in our supurb hotel and most of the trips is just £ 430.00 per person. Just think about it ---- no cooking --- no washing-up --- a delightful breakfast and dinner each day and all that lovely scenery too. What more can we ask?
If you would like a full itinerary with all the details then give June a ring on 01243 672358.
There are always day trips and theatre visits in the pipeline too, so do get in touch soon.

February is the last month of the winter season and so we just have this short month to go before we see the beginning of springtime, hurrah.
Here are some jobs you can do on the few dry short days in this month.
Most tool sheds need an early spring clean, so spend some time now and tidy it up and create some more room by throwing out any rubbish. While you are in the shed sharpen the garden shears and secateurs if required and then oil them to prevent them rusting.
Paint wooden fences with a good preservative before the plants and shrubs begin to grow. You will have more space to work in and do a lot less damage to your plants. Repair any boards that have come loose and check the support posts for rot and ensure that they are stable and upright. If necessary repair with a concrete spur.
Start a new compost heap now and turn the old one, if required, to speed up the comp)osting process. Set aside any well-rotted compost for use in the spring, storing it a strong plastic bag.
If the soil is not too wet, prepare a patch ready to sow some flower or vegetable seeds. Dig the soil over well and break up any lumps that there are and cover the patch with black plastic to keep it dry and to warm the soil up.
Wander around your garden looking for any damaged leaves and branches and remove them to protect the plants and ensure a continuing good show. Enjoy those early flowering plants such as the hellebores (Christmas rose) crocus and early daffodils. Another little gem for under trees is eranthis hyemalis, a small bright yellow flower ideal for early colour. After any gales or high winds check that any stakes and ties are still in place and firm the soil around any wind rocked plants. Depending on how mild the winter has been it may be time for the first cut on the lawns and also trim those edges, which have looked a little ragged over winter.
If you have an unheated greenhouse you might try planting some hardy annual seeds to produce an early show of flowers. Plant just a few seeds in a shallow 6-inch pot and repeat the process each week. If the weather is particularly cold you can germinate the seeds in their pots on the kitchen windowsill. If you have a heated greenhouse then look through the seed packets and pick one or two which you could start to bring some colour into the garden nice and early in the spring and summer.
On dry warmer days keep the greenhouse and the cold frame well ventilated to prevent the spread of fungal and other diseases.
Remember to keep feeding the birds during this cold month, as there is little food naturally available to them and keep the birdbath filled with fresh water. You can then sit back by your garden window and count up how many different species of birds visit you.
Fruit
Complete the planting of any raspberry canes and fruit bushes now and feed your fruit trees with a nitrogen-based fertiliser. Protect gooseberries from the birds and peach and apricot blossom from the frost. Prune fig trees to a good shape and tie in new shoots. Give the roots a good mulch of compost or manure to stop any cold weather damage.
Vegetables.
Prepare a new asparagus bed by deep digging and manure it well, established beds need weeding and a topdressing of decayed manure. Continue planting seeds under cloches and protect your new plants against slug damage. Firm in any cabbages etc. loosened by the wind. Transplant autumn sown onions to their permanent beds and plant shallots and garlic. Later in the month peas, brussels sprouts, early cabbage, leeks, lettuce, radish and parsnips can be sown outside.
Our next speaker is Trevor Buttress, of Bellfield Nursery talking about “ Our Weather”. Why not come along to the Memorial Hall on Tuesday 16th February at 7.30 PM. All talks are free to members.
This year we have arranged day visits, by coach, to the following gardens;
RHS Wisley in April for the Spring colour,
Mottisfont Abbey Gardens in June and
Wakehurst Place in October for some autumn colour.
Would you like to join the West Wittering Horticultural Society? Membership is just £4 per person per annum. You may join us at any of the talks or telephone 01243 512566 for an application form.