Chichester post issue 87

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Issue: 87

Chichester Post ISSN 2397-8732

ChichesterPost Your FREE weekly independent newspaper

Friday, December 29, 2017

t es er g r p La spa p s ' i ea ew sh Ar E N der E a FR Re www.chichesterpost.co.uk See page 5 XX

Gillian's first few months in office

See page 6 XX

Museum explores Christmas over the years - see page 3

Charges plan at help centre

BY KEVIN SMITH kevin.smith@sussexpost.co.uk RESIDENTS' help-points in Bognor Regis and Chichester could be the first in the country to offer will writing.

THe area's Citizens Advice centres are looking at expanding their activities to include those which would see clients

being charged.

If they go-ahead, the proposals will be unique among the 300 independent charities which run the centres around the country.

THe scheme would exclude the current activities of the centres to which people turn for help with job and debt problems.

But it is seen as a way to generate extra funding to enable those activities to be maintained and to overcome any

cutbacks in council funding.

THe prospect of the pioneering work was revealed by the outgoing chief executive of the Arun and Chichester Citizens Advice.

Carol Groves said: “We have got to look at diversifying our funding. We are now looking at setting up chargeable services for will writing and creating powers of attorney.

“We have to get permission from the

national association to do that and we have to put together a business case.

“It is nothing to do with our current work but a way of finding other sources of funding. We have a relationship manager with the national association and, as far as he knows, nobody else is doing that, though some centres do employment law as a chargeable service.”

Continued on page two.

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Changes ahead as Carol moves on Talks had been held with solicitors about the potential service, said Mrs Groves.

It would add to the centres' law clinic which had the help of about 16 solicitors who donated their services. THat also included help with mediation.

At present, the centres received £304,792 in annual funding from centres in their areas towards the total income of £508,000.

Some of the rest comes from backing for research projects.

But she said it was recognised by the centre's trustees that councils were finding their funding restricted.

Rustington resident Mrs Groves, 63, is retiring at the end of January.

She joined Citizen's Advice as the manager of the Littlehampton centre in December 2000, after she had worked as the office manager of an accountancy company.

She became chief executive when the three centres merged in October 2009, to deliver a legal services contract and to combine their resources.

THey have 21 full and part-time staff and 130 volunteers working across the area.

Mrs Groves said she has enjoyed her time there.

She said: “I wanted to do something for the community and make a difference to people.

"It's been absolutely worthwhile. I

would not have missed it for the world.

“I have really enjoyed the past 17 years.

THere have been a lot of challenges, particularly when we merged, but I shall miss the team, particularly the management team.

“THere are four of them and we work closely together.”

THe biggest change since 2000 had been the increasing growth of digital technology.

THe previous mound of paper files delivered once a month from central office had been replaced with updated IT files.

THe centres' webchat service, with its telephone helpline, accounted for 35 per cent of the combined 15,000 enquiries handled a year.

“I can see the growth of IT continuing,” she said.

“I'm sure the day will come when we meet our clients with an iPad in our hands.”

THe number of nationalities had also increased this century to make Brexit a big uncertainty and which Mrs Groves feared would go on to make the area poorer.

She also believed the launch by the government of universal credit in the area, though delayed by three months to next July, could also cause severe problems to claimants.

To seek help or to find out further information about the services on offer, please visit the website at arunchichestercab.org.uk

Care home extends a welcome to all emergency service staff Regulated by IMPRESS: The Independent Monitor for the Press CIC Impress, 16-18 New Bridge Street, London EC4V 6AG T 020 3325 4288 E complaints@impress.press W impress.press

STAFF at Marriott House and Lodge in Chichester have opened up their doors to welcome the emergency services personnel in their local area during their break.

As a way of saying thank you to the paramedics, nurses, police officers and other emergency services workers who don’t always have time to go home or back to their workplace on their break, the team and residents of Marriott House and Lodge will provide free food and drink to all emergency service staff.

General manager Beckie Condie said: "We want to say thank you for

all of the great work our emergency services do for us.

"We here at Marriott are inviting all members of the police, ambulance and fire services to pop in and take their duty break on us for free.

"We are pleased to offer all of our local service workers tea, coffee, juice, chilled water, delicious homemade cake and biscuits and a healthy selection of fruit, available free of charge.

"Our comfortable facilities include free Wi-Fi and service with a smile.

"Do stop in and say hi, we would be delighted to see you.”

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Friday, December 29, 2017

Museum visitors get a taste of Christmas from the past

f Boxing Day fun

BY RUTH SCAMMELL ruth.scammell@sussexpost.co.uk CHRISTMAS celebrations have changed over the years.

THe Weald and Downland Museum has been showing visitors how it is different by decorating the historic homes in some of the traditional decorations from years gone by.

From Tudor to Victorian times, a historic festive treat awaited visitors on weekends in December and on Tuesday and Wednesday this week, when the museum’s traditionally decorated houses reflected the spirit of Christmas through the ages.

People were able to enjoy a warm welcome in the medieval House

from North Cray, with its log fire and traditional greenery decorations.

Staff were serving spiced apple juice as well as spiced biscuits.

Lucy Hockley, cultural engagement manager at the museum, said: "With our collection of homes, it is, of course, really relevant to think about how the people living in them would have celebrated Christmas in the past.

"THe event has been run for a number of years and it is always a popular time to come out to the museum as families enjoy spending time together, getting outside their home and stretching their legs.

"It is a lovely time to spend exploring the different homes and sitting by a warm fire in different locations. You can see people going at a relaxed pace, chatting and just unwinding."

Abuse referral programme launched by Sussex Police - see page 9

News 3

Top nod for city lecturer A UNIVERSITY of Chichester lecturer has been voted as one of the leading voices for the prevention of drowning: the third most common cause of unintentional death worldwide.

Dr Jenny Smith, from the department of sport and exercise sciences, was named on a list of influential women for her work in raising awareness of the global concern, which causes 360,000 fatalities every year.

THe index was created for the 2017 World Conference on Drowning Prevention to increase visibility of women who are advancing research and practice.

Dr Smith, who specialises in sport and exercise psychology, was present at the seminar to showcase the findings of her latest research on the mental demands and challenges of lifeguards.

She said: “It was a real honour for my work to be recognised at a global initiative for women who are leading world research behind drowning prevention.”

Drowning accounts for seven per cent of all injury-related fatalities, according to the World Health Organisation.

THe index created at the conference features 36 significant women, including Dr Jenny Smith, to reflect the 360,000 worldwide deaths each year.

THe influential figures, listed by surname, were nominated on Twitter with the criteria being that they play an active role at the forefront of drowning prevention.

Dr Smith, whose research was funded by the Royal Lifeguarding Society UK, added: “Global figures underestimate the actual public health problem of drowning so further study of this kind is essential.”

Speaking of her investigation the senior lecturer said: “A 2014 World Health Organisation report showed that lapses in supervision is one of the major risk factors for drowning.

"Even veteran lifeguards experience mental fatigue which is usually caused by prolonged periods of demanding cognitive activity and can increase the risks of drowning.”

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Friday, December 29, 2017

A reflection on life as an MP, seven months into the role

BY RUTH SCAMMELL ruth.scammell@sussexpost.co.uk IT'S been a busy few months for the city's new MP. Gillian Keegan was thrown in at the deep end when she was elected in June as she was tasked with helping to find a solution to the congested A27.

Add to that the fairer funding formula being rolled out across schools and her efforts to get involved with local charities by taking part in a sleepout at Chichester Cathedral and having a go at wheelchair basketball, she's had a lot on her plate.

So how is she finding life in Westminster so far?

"It's been a whirlwind but I absolutely love it," she said.

"It's very different from the jobs that I have done in the past.

"THe three years I spent on Chichester District Council as a councillor has been very good preparation for the role. While it's a separate part of the public sector, it was still good for me to get involved in that.

"It can be quite daunting being in the chamber. You have to stand up and give speeches. I'm still a little nervous in the chamber and feeling my way there."

Gillian has now got a presence in Chichester, opening an office there something that the previous MP, Andrew Tyrie, never did.

"I think now we need to be more

accessible to people," she said.

"People expect to be able to see what you are doing and they expect to be able to come and see you. THat's part of being much more visible in the community."

And what about the UK's route out of the EU? "I voted to remain. I have always worked in a multinational, global business environment and Brexit does create some uncertainty about how we are going to recreate that.

"But I think if you look at the way the EU has reacted since the vote and the reaction to the negotiations, it's clear that they are going in a different direction. We probably would have held them back.

"So it's obvious to me that we would have had to break away at some point.

THe timing isn't great but it never is with these things."

And Gillian is firmly backing THeresa May. "THere's a lot of hard work to get to where we need to be to make sure that Brexit is a success," she said.

"THe thing about THeresa May is she's a hard worker and she's resilient. She really does care about things.

"Whoever is in government is going to find it's a very rocky road.

"We are trying to do things that have never been done before. It's untangling 43 years of history.

"We should start focusing on what the deal looks like towards the end of next year - that's when it will become very clear."

f Gillian Keegan in her Chichester office

News 5

A successful Xmas season A HOST of festive events that have gone down well with shoppers and kept them coming back into the city has seen a successful spell for Chichester's businesses.

THe Chichester BID team and its businesses have injected a lot of Christmas spirit into the festivities this year with nine days of street events and two special trails to delight people of all ages.

More than half of Chichester's independent shops put together a Spot the Difference Trail.

THe two winners scooped prizes, including a private cinema trip for 13 people and a chocolate making party at Le Salon Du Chocolat.

Meanwhile, 11 of the city’s bars and restaurants organised a special Chichester Bar Trail, each promoting an offer for any adults doing a spot of late-night shopping and who fancied a glass of wine or a cocktail.

BID manager Jeanette Hockley said: “THe Chichester BID team have been encouraging our independents to develop fun ideas like these, which will deliver more shoppers to their front door and help them thrive.

“THese ideas came from the businesses themselves, designed to give visitors plenty of reasons to come back to Chichester city centre in the lead up to Christmas and stay a while longer."

Additional events included a visit from Raymond Briggs' Snowman and Snowdog, two jolly Bouncing Snowmen and face painting.

Keeping driveways safe A PARTNERSHIP has provided 175 boxes of de-icing salt for paths and driveways to help vulnerable and isolated residents.

West Sussex County Council and Balfour Beatty Living Places worked together to provide emergency salt supplies so community groups can help residents in extreme cold weather.

Community organisations in Adur, Arun and Chichester have received the salt, which is for deicing home driveways and paths.

THe boxes are then distributed through local networks to support vulnerable residents in the area.

Debbie Kennard, cabinet member for Stronger, Safer Communities, said: “Not all residents are able to clear their own paths and driveways so they can get out and about when faced with snow and extreme cold weather.

“THrough this excellent initiative, West Sussex County Council’s partnerships and communities team and Balfour Beatty enable community groups to help vulnerable residents avoid isolation in

these conditions.

“THis can help not just residents but home services, such as carers or meals on wheels, visiting the vulnerable.”

Bob Lanzer, cabinet member for highways and infrastructure, said: “THings like this don’t just happen – it takes a lot of hard work and everyone involved in this successful partnership approach deserves praise.”

Steve Phillips, Balfour Beatty Living Places West Sussex contract director, said: “THroughout the winter period, Balfour Beatty Living Places undertakes essential winter maintenance activities throughout West Sussex, with the gritting team on stand-by to treat the county’s routes."

Across the Chichester district, various organisations and community groups were involved in the project.

THey include Midhurst Town Council, Cocking Parish Council, Lodsworth Local Care, Tillington Local Care, Selsey Town Council and St Wilfrid’s Hospice.

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Friday, December 29, 2017

Charity gets a cash boost

A new class for music fans A CONCERT pianist and lecturer at the University of Chichester is to give a course in music appreciation.

Angela Zanders is to start a course at the New Park Community Centre in Chichester from January to March.

THe course, called ‘Rediscovering Musical Favourites’, is especially aimed at those who love listening to classical music.

Angela said: “I started giving courses in music appreciation over 25 years ago because I am passionate about discovering as much as I can about the music I play and love, as well as communicating and sharing my knowledge with others.

“I have no time for the ‘elitist’ image that classical music can convey – people with no technical knowledge of classical music at all have just as much right to increase their pleasure and enjoyment of it as those who have made a study of it.”

THe two-hour classes will focus on familiar pieces of classical music - the history behind them and information about the composers, along with guidance on what to listen for and how to improve listening skills.

THe 10-week course will run on Mondays, from 1.30pm until 3.30pm, from January 8 to March 19. THere will be no class on Monday, February 12. THe cost of the course is £90.

Email a.zanders@hotmail.co.uk or call 07582 537123.

f An artist's impression of the future of Chichester

Southern Gateway gets £5m funding PLANS to redevelop part of Chichester have been given a welcome boost thanks to £5m of funding.

Coastal West Sussex (CWS) has invested the money in the city's Southern Gateway Development which will regenerate mainly brownfield land sites within Chichester city centre.

Plans will include the creation of new homes, business space, leisure and tourism facilities, as well as sustainable transport links; Other projects in Bognor Regis and Shoreham also received funding.

Caroline Wood, director of the Coastal West Sussex Partnership, said: “We are really pleased that three projects in our area have benefited from this investment.

"In their own different ways, they will all help us achieve an aim of a strong and diverse local economy while providing

modern homes and offices for local residents."

A total of £27m was allocated across the Coast to Capital area.

THis covers the area from Croydon to Brighton and Seaford in East Sussex across to the West Sussex border with Hampshire.

In total, 10 projects received some funding.

Jonathan Sharrock, Coast to Capital chief executive, said: “THe Local Growth Fund provides major investment opportunities in key growth areas of our region including digital infrastructure, sustainable transport and high value tourism.

“We are thrilled with the carefully selected projects which will help ensure that the Coast to Capital area stays as one of the top performing regions of the country."

A HAIR salon pulled put all the stops to raise money for charity Canine Partners.

Q Hair and Beauty in North Street, Chichester, raised money for Canine Partners, which provides assistance dogs for people with disabilities.

THe reservations area at Q became the main collection point for the charity’s official street collection day in the city.

THanks to the generosity of guests, the salon collected £650 over the week. THe salon wants to raise enough money to be able to name a canine partner which will be trained to the highest standard at the charity’s base at Heyshott, near Midhurst. THe week-long fundraising effort celebrated Q’s partnership with Canine Partners.

Kain Lawrence, Q's business development director, said: “Working with Canine Partners this year has been

a great journey, one very close to our hearts.

“When the opportunity to help them raise money in Chichester arose, we knew there was a great opportunity to create a huge amount of awareness for a locally-based charity that really does change people’s lives.

"THe £650 for the week we achieved has helped a lot towards the charity as we continue to try and raise enough money to achieve our target.

"To raise that amount of money at this time of year is a credit to the people of Chichester being so willing to donate to such an amazing cause. Together, we will continue our efforts and help create more awareness for this truly amazing, local charity.”

For more information please visit qhairandbeauty.co.uk.

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Friday, December 29, 2017

Abuse referral programme A UNIQUE referral process is being rolled out by Sussex Police in relation to domestic abuse to children.

‘Operation Encompass’ is the reporting to schools before the start of the next school day when a child or young person has been involved or exposed to a domestic abuse incident.

THe safeguarding partnership between police and education enables information from the police to be shared in strict confidence with a school’s key adult, to provide that young person with appropriate support in dealing with a potentially traumatic domestic abuse incident experienced at home.

A pilot scheme has been running in Crawley to test the initiative in 36 primary and secondary schools over a six-week period and 143 children have been referred to date with positive feedback from schools involved.

Sussex is now one of 25 forces across the country to have adopted Operation Encompass since it first launched in 2011.

Detective Chief Inspector Pip Taylor said: “Children are often hidden victims when it comes to domestic abuse in the home.

"On average, there are 35 incidents of domestic abuse before the police are called, so the first Operation Encompass referral that is received for a child could indicate that they have experienced 35 incidents prior to this notification.

"THe launch of Operation Encompass is a key milestone in supporting and protecting children who have witnessed or been in the home when an incident has occurred. Without such an initiative, young people could become stuck in that devastating cycle that domestic abuse can create.

“THere are no current procedures for the early reporting of domestic abuse incidents to local schools and academies.

We aim to change this by rolling out this pioneering project across Sussex.”

Richard Burrett, West Sussex County Council cabinet member for education and skills, said: “We welcome this initiative as it provides schools with a far better understanding of what is happening in a child’s life and allows them to adapt accordingly, enabling emotional as well as practical support to be offered.”

Elisabeth Carney-Howarth, cofounder of Operation Encompass, said: “Too often, children who have witnessed very traumatic experiences at home are expected to turn up to school the next day and carry on as if nothing at all has happened.

"THat vital nugget of information that gets shared between police and schools means that as they walk through the school gates in the morning, potentially distressed and dysregulated, staff have a better understanding of what’s going on at home and can make a huge difference in supporting that child, to make their today better than their last."

Operation Encompass was first launched in 2011 by retired police sergeant David Carney-Howarth, from Devon and Cornwall Police, and his headteacher wife, Elisabeth.

THey identified a shortcoming in the early sharing of information with schools to enable the provision of timely care and support to children, the often hidden victims of domestic abuse.

More information about Op Encompass can be found on the Operation Encompass website. You can report domestic abuse online or call 101.

Budget plans are announced A REFRESHED five-year capital investment programme and steps to balance the overall budget have been approved by West Sussex County Council.

Members agreed a five-year capital investment programme, which will see a total of £800m invested in key priorities including new school places, major road schemes, boosting the local economy, and sustainable energy projects. THey also agreed savings and efficiencies of £18.7m, identified to partially bridge a £22.3m budget gap for 2018/19.

THe meeting heard that further budget options of £3.6m are still required before the final budget is agreed on February 16.

Leader Louise Goldsmith said: “THis is our commitment to our county, our residents and our businesses, that we are investing when others are not. We are investing in our infrastructure, our economy to grow and develop the county and make sure we are there for everyone in West Sussex.”

A final decision will also be made in February on the level of council tax. It is proposed that council tax will increase by 1.95 per cent in 2018/19 with a further 2 per cent increase to meet the cost of adult social care. THis is the equivalent of an extra 95p per week for the average Band D household.

THe proposals are subject to the government’s financial settlement, which is expected to be announced shortly.

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Friday, December 29, 2017

Ace 11

Your FREE weekly entertainment guide

Plus What's On CELEBRATE the New Year with Simon Rattle on 31 December conducting the Berlin Philharmonic: NY Eve Concert, a live broadcast from Berlin with special guest star Joyce Di Donato, music including Strauss, Stravinsky, Dvorâk and Bernstein. Di Donato has wowed audiences around the world with her ‘effortless glamour, charisma, grace and remarkable talent.’ And Rattle and orchestra are no slouches either in the musical stakes, scaling the highest performance heights. More appeal and purpose are to be found in Jane, naturalist Jane Goodall’s hallmark characteristics revealed in her work with chimpanzees, the film charting her life over 50 years documented by cameraman-husband Hugo van Lawick, a moving, intimate account.

Jake Gyllenhall is at the heart of the real-life story of Jeff Bauman whose life was changed forever when attending the Boston Marathon, losing both legs when a bomb is detonated at the event.

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Fashion

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Film

Stronger charts his life after his injuries to become a symbol of hope to Bostonians, Gyllenhall excelling in this tense, courageous film.

A different battle is found on the tennis courts in Battle of the Sexes, another true story featuring Bobby Riggs, a chauvinistic serial hustler player and Billy Jean King, the number one 1973 ladies’ player. Steve Carell and Emma Stone shine as the battling couple, Riggs challenging King to a match to sort out for once and for all the superiority of men players. A delight.

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Reviews

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Music

George Clooney directs Suburbicon, a tale of two neighbouring families in malice picket fence America. Matt Damon plays bland salaryman Gardner who lives with his disabled wife, Rose (Julianne Moore), but apparently quite close to her twin sister, Maggie (also Moore). Next door, an African American family move in, to the horror of the bigoted folks of the area, the story unravelling into a wackily violent black comedy. Oscar Isaac is in wonderful form as a smarmy insurance investigator.

From France comes Preblemos, a comical story about a community promoting another way of life against the backdrop of our changing global environment when a pandemic strikes.

Loving Vincent, a true original combining 65,000 oil paintings by 115 professional artists to emulate van Gogh’s art to form a stunning cinematic achievement, is a must-see, the storyline following on the artist’s death and its possible mystery. With the voices of

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Theatre

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Events

Douglas Booth, Helen McCory and Chris O’Dowd.

Form an orderly queue to see a series of Hitchcock’s films, the first, North by Northwest starring Cary Grant sprinting through the US to save his life, James

X

Comedy

Mason in pursuit. What’s not to like?

Visit chichestercinema.org to book tickets and reserve seats. Box office: 01243 786650. Chichester Cinema at New Park, New Park Road, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 7XY

LISTINGS: Fri 29 Dec 12:30 Battle of the Sexes (12A) 121 min 15:15 Stronger (15) 119 min 18:00 Battle of the Sexes 20:45 Suburbicon (15) 104 min Sat 30 Dec 13:00 Loving Vincent (12A) 95 min 15:15 North by Northwest (PG) 136 min 18:15 Battle of the Sexes 21:00 Problemos (15) 85 min Sun 31 Dec 12:00 Battle of the Sexes 14:15 Problemos 16:00 Berlin Philharmonic: NY Eve Concert 120 min Mon 1 Jan 15:45 Suburbicon 18:15 Jane (PG) 90 min 20:30 Battle of the Sexes Tue 2 Jan 13:00 Stronger 15:45 Battle of the Sexes 18:30 Loving Vincent 20:45 Suburbicon Wed 3 Jan 13:00 Loving Vincent 15:15 Suburbicon 17:45 North by Northwest 20:30 Battle of the Sexes Thu 4 Jan 12:45 Jane 15:00 Battle of the Sexes 17:45 Stronger 20:30 Battle of the Sexes

12 Ace

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Friday, December 29, 2017

Shows & Events YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON

To promote your event email Fiona Callingham at: entertainment@sussexpost.co.uk or phone: 01243 908506 The Sleeping Beauty

Moscow City Ballet January 4-7 Chichester Festival Theatre box.office@cft.org.uk 01243 781312 www.cft.org.uk TO SEE in the new year the Chichester Festival THeatre is excited to present two stunning Tchaikovsky ballet productions.

THe Moscow City Ballet is returning to the city with Swan Lake and THe Sleeping Beauty, each presented in classic Russian style and accompanied by a full orchestra.

Swan Lake is known as one of the world’s most romantic ballet, a tragic tale of love and betrayal set to Tchaikovsky’s beautiful, haunting score.

THis is a signature piece of the company’s entire repertoire. Witness the

heartbreaking tale of Siegfried and his love for Odette, the Queen of the Swans, as it is brought to life in its original splendour.

THe enchanting and romantic story of THe Sleeping Beauty inspired Tchaikovsky to write some of his most glorious music, and the ballet has captivated audiences for well over a century.

Featuring the delicate Princess Aurora, her gallant Prince, wicked Carabosse, the beautiful Lilac Fairy and a host of fairy-tale characters, this truly magical production showcases the company’s exquisite dramatic and lyrical talents.

THis is a must see for any lover of dance and the beautiful music of one of Russia's greatest Romantic composers.

Tickets for each show range from £15£34.

The Simon and Garfunkel Story January 12 Portsmouth Guildhall 0844 847 2362 www.portsmouthguildhall.org.uk MARKING the 50th anniversary of their influential album Bookends, the life and music of Simon and Garfunkel is being brought to the stage by talented performers Philip Murray Warson and Charles Blyth.

THe Simon and Garfunkel Story comes direct from its success at London’s Lyric THeatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, as well as a sold out worldwide tour.

Using huge projection photos and original film footage, this tribute concert

"Two unforgettable ballet productions are coming to the Chichester Festival Theatre and are not to be missed."

The Royal Pavilion Ice Rink

charts the rise of the popular folk duo from their beginnings in Queens, New York, to their sell-out concerts at the peak of their careers.

Performing alongside Simon and Garfunkel will be a talented live band who will help bring all the best hits including Mrs Robinson, Cecilia, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Homeward Bound, Baby Driver, THe Sound of Silence and many more to the stage.

For fans of the band, this is the ultimate night out.

Get your tickets fast as this is an evening not to be missed!

Tickets start at £22.50. THose aged 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Brighton Pavilion Ice Skating Until January 14 Royal Pavilion Ice Rink, Brighton 0844 847 1512 www.royalpavilionicerink.co.uk

"The talented cast of this tribute concert will celebrate the life and music of the legendary folk duo."

"Skate in style at the Royal Pavilion Ice Rink."

Charles Blyth and Philip Murray Warson

FOR SOMETHING a bit different this winter why not give the Royal Pavilion Ice Rink in Brighton a visit?

With the former Royal pleasure palace as its backdrop, this ice rink is unparalleled in its beauty and is the perfect day out for all ages and abilities.

Voted by several newspapers as one of the top ten ice rinks in the country, it's easy to see why the stunning rink is so popular.

THe rink is a huge 880 square metres

plus an additional beginners’ area and offers penguin skate aids and skate sizes from ‘just walking’ to adult.

Moreover, the gorgeous rink side Bar & Kitchen offers mouth-watering patisserie snacks, seasonal treats, scrumptious sharing platters for families and friends to enjoy and, the best view in the city.

THe rink is open everyday from 10am until 10.15pm, and sessions are one hour long.

Although it is possible to buy tickets for your session on the day, it is advisable to book in advance to make sure you get the time you want.

Tickets are priced £13.50 for adults.

Family saver tickets are available.

Starts Wednesday 27 TH December 2017

KNITTING, SEWING & CRAFTS

CURTAINS, BLINDS & SHUTTERS CUSHIONS & HOME ACCESSORIES

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WINTER

Address: 33-34 North Street, Chichester PO19 1LX | Phone: 01243 783300 *offer excludes making and fitting services and bedding concession

www.candh.co.uk |

14 Sport

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Friday, December 29, 2017

Five star show sets Pagham up for promotion push in new year

f City repel a Lions attack

Chi left fourth after defeat CHICHESTER City coach Danny Potter believes his side must move on after being hit for five in a Boxing Day clash with Pagham.

The Lillywhites have dropped to fourth in the SCFL Premier after being condemned to their heaviest defeat of the year by their near neighbours in front of a bumper crowd at Oaklands Park.

With just eight points separating the top eight in a very competitive division, Chi's management team will be hoping their side were suffering from a Christmas Day hangover.

Next up is a trip to ninthplaced Lancing tomorrow (3pm) before the crunch FA Vase fourth round match against Combined Counties Premier side Horley Town on January 6.

Speaking after the 5-0 defeat, Chi first team coach Danny Potter said: “The better team won on the day. Pagham worked harder and were quick and strong in attack which hurt us.

"They've got the in-form striker in the league playing well and they have quality players around him.

"We wish them all the best

for the rest of the season. We turn our focus now to Lancing in the league and then the Vase.�

After winning six of their past seven, Chi went into the match against Pagham in high spirits.

But they were brought swiftly down to earth when Lions striker Dan Simmonds scored his 12th league goal of the season after just five minutes.

The former Shoreham player, who only signed for Pagham in October, added a second on the half hour Chi boss Miles Rutherford rang the changes at half time and brought on Kaleem Haitham and Tafadzwa Kanjanda.

Both failed to make much of an impact as Pagham forged the first opportunities in the second 45.

With 20 minutes to go, Simmonds scored his hattrick. Callum Overton and Jack Parkinson then rounded off the scoring for the Lions.

The defeat ends a seven game unbeaten run for Chi that included six consecutive clean sheets.

Pagham leapfrog their neighbours into third spot in the table with Chi fourth, one point behind.

f Callum Overton was among the Pagham goals

Email@ sport@sussexpost.co.uk

PAGHAM will be looking to end 2017 on a high and keep their promotion push well on track as their surge up the SCFL Premier table continues.

The Lions hit five past local rivals Chichester City on Boxing Day to give the Nyetimber Lane faithful a belated Christmas present.

Daniel Simmonds (3), Callum Overton and James Parkinson sealed the victory in front of a bumper crowd at Oaklands Park.

Those three points lifted Richie Hellen and Tom Simmonds side above Chi into third in the very competitive division.

With a home match against ninth-placed Loxwood to come tomorrow (3pm), the Lions know that three points will mean they head into 2018 in prime position as they eye-up promotion to the Isthmian League.

Pagham's five star performance against Chichester was a continuation of a fine run of form for the Nyetimber Lane club.

They have lost just once in 15 matches in all competition - which includes scoring 15 goals in the last three matches. Central to that has been the form of their star striker Simmonds, who has bagged eight goals in that time.

f Pagham smashed five past Chi | Pic: Roger Smith

Sids' winless December rolls on Ne SIDLESHAM are hunting their first win in four as they make the short trip to second bottom Clymping tomorrow.

Daren Pearce's side sit third in the SCFL Division Two with just over half the season gone.

After an unbeaten start that extended well into the autumn, Sids have hit a wall in recent weeks, losing out to Alfold and Cowfold.

That poor December continued on the Saturday before Christmas as Pearce's side were unable to break down a stubborn Bosham side.

A 0-0 draw was not the worse result for the Sids, as defeats for those sides around them saw them rise up the table.

But if they are to achieve the ultimate aim of promotion from intermediate football come April then Pearce knows his side need to start winning games again.

They could start tomorrow when they play second-bottom Clymping at Littlehampton's St Flora's Sportsfield (2pm).

Their opponents have been much improved in recent weeks, picking up seven points out of the last 12 available.

f Sidlesham and Bosham play out a goalless draw

That included a 7-2 victory over Bosham, a result which should mean that the Sids go into the game knowing three points will not come easy.

Meanwhile, Bosham's hunt for a victory sees them welcome Lancing United to Walton Lane tomorrow (2pm).

The Robins have drawn their last four matches, a run which has ended their hopes of reclaiming the SCFL Division Two title.

In SCFL Division One, Selsey's grip on seventh has been strengthened after picking up four points from six in the last week.

The Blues beat Seaford Town 2-0 in front of a home crowd last Saturday, thanks to strikes from Ryan Morey and Morgan Forry.

Then Steve Bailey's side showed true character and were unlucky not to beat thirdplaced Wick when they visited on Boxing Day. Tom Jefkins and Morey put the Blues in front, only for the Littlehampton side to hit back and ensure a share of the spoils.

That means they are now undefeated in five - a run they will put to the test tomorrow when they make the relatively short trip to Midhurst & Easebourne tomorrow (3pm).

The Blues will go into the match full of confidence having already beaten the Stags twice this season - a 4-1 victory on opening day in the Peter Bentley Cup was followed by a 2-1 win at home in the league in late August.

With Midhurst fifth-bottom, they will be scrapping for every point on offer.

QEII crowned trebles divisional champs THE QEII trio of Wayne Wadsworth, Cliff Prior & Richard Ragless cruised to victory in the Divisional Trebles knockouts of the Bognor Tuesday Double In Double Out league.

A total of 22 teams took part in the contest, which was full of competitive Christmas cheer. After overcoming Micky Rowland, Andy Whiteley & Dave Juniper (The Legends) in the semi, the QEII trio were pitched against Gary Blackwood, Darren Rich & Ben Marley (The Legends) in the final.

After going into a 2-1 lead, the fourth leg saw a 105 in-shot from Ragless, followed by a ton and 123, while Prior also hit a ton.

The Legends trio also hit some good scores, but it was the QEII trio who reached the double first. Ragless took all three darts to hit

double 7 for the leg and the 3-1 win to take the Division 1 Trebles title for QEII, pictured top right. In division two, the final was contested between Rob Palmer, Gary English & Andy Cooper (Cabin Cruisers) and Keith Robinson, Alex Norgett & Lee Hellyer (Chi Snooker Club).

The Cruisers, pictured bottom right, sailed into a 2-1 lead. Then, in leg four, the Chi Snooker team didn't hit a score under 60, with a ton from Norgett, and a ton & 140 from Robinson.

But they missed double top and then double 10 to win the leg, giving Palmer & English, who also hit tons, a chance. With 55 left, English hit the double, to take the game 3-1, and the Division 2 Trebles title.

f The Divisional Trebles winners

HAVAN M

ger Smith

s winners

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Friday, December 29, 2017

Sport 15

Nyecamp

news

By Tim Ridgway

f Kristian Campbell slides in as Bognor hunt an equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Poole Town

Rocks must be more clinical as they become draw specialists Next Game

HAVANT & W'VILLE (H) Monday, 3pm

BOGNOR boss Jack Pearce is calling on his side to find their ruthless streak as the Rocks look to end their tag of the National South's draw specialists.

Fans flocking to watch the Nyewood Lane outfit have been used to the points being shared this term, with ten of Bognor's 23 league matches ending in a stalemate - the most of any side in the division.

Two of those have come in the past week, with the Rocks fighting back to draw 1-1 with fellow relegation strugglers Poole Town last Saturday before a trip to Havant & Waterlooville on Boxing Day ended goalless.

Those two points keep Bognor secondbottom, four points away from safety.

With a return match against near neighbours Havant coming on Monday, Pearce is hoping his side were gifted some scoring boots for Christmas.

He told the Post that it is only by taking their chances that they will be able to lift themselves away from trouble.

Pearce said: "We were far, far better than Poole. On reflection, I am pleased we got a point as we did leave it late. But we should have really put the game to bed after an hour.

"I thought we played really well but we can’t keep on missing one versus one chances. We have missed four in those two games which could be crucial."

The draw at home to Poole was only secured

in the sixth minute of injury time as Doug Tuck steered in a Kristian Campbell cross.

Then, on Boxing Day, the Rocks spurned a number of chances in a hard-fought draw against Havant, who showed why they sit second in the table.

On reflection, Pearce believes no-one could have complained if the Rocks would have taken six points from the two matches.

As it was, Bognor had to settle for two points - which means that with half of the season gone, they have now drawn nearly 40 per cent of their matches so far.

Pearce said: "They are games where I think if we would have won six or seven of those then no-one would have been surprised.

"God knows where that would put us in the league.

"But we can only keep on preparing them to have more possession and create chances than the opposition. That’s a problem we have to deal with.

"It's not all about a change of personnel.

There’s no golden rule that by bringing someone in that will change."

The Rocks will be without left-back Keaton Wood for Monday's match, as the defender suffered a leg injury.

Long-term absentees Ollie Pearce, Corey Heath and James Crane are also unlikely to be available, which means the Rocks' small squad will be stretched.

Hawks will be tough 2018 start AT THIS time of year, getting together with those you know very well is pretty natural.

That extends to the football pitch, too, where the fixtures computer always puts local rivals up against each other, so that fans and players do not have to travel too far. For Bognor, it tends to throw them together with Havant and Waterlooville - a side who may be only 17 miles away in terms of distance, but in some aspects are many moons apart.

For instance, the Hampshire side, nicknamed the Hawks, do not think twice about spending big in a bid to take them back to National League level. It is that financial backing which means they are currently second in National South.

Bognor, meanwhile, are second-bottom despite getting promoted from the Isthmian Premier along with their near neighbours last term. But Rocks boss Jack Pearce says this familiarity, which includes playing them twice in less than seven days, 'doesn't change anything'. He said: "We've got to play them twice a season. We'll prepare as we always do.

"They have the best away record in the league. It will be a tremendous test for us. We will have to be careful about how and when we attack as they are very good at the counter."

f Jimmy Muitt (9) gets in a cross on the run

‘TIS THE time of year for reflection, relaxation and making lists, not only of things that we want, but also of aims for the next year.

For Rocks’ fans there’s been lots of the first, not much of the second and plenty of material for the third.

With just over half the season gone, it has been an eventful one for Bognor Regis Town Football Club.

The first season back in National South has been far from easy. But, with just over half the season gone, the Rocks still look more than capable of securing survival but also remain in the FA Trophy too.

These cold dark days seem a world away from those heady opening weekends of the season.

After a turbulent off season where the club lost a manager, were denied another and then returned to a third, the first few games would give a real indication of what Bognor could do at step two of nonleague football.

A crowd of more than 700 packed into the Nye Camp back in August for the first match of the year against Bath City. Most returned with big smiles on their faces, thanks to a thunderbolt of a freekick from Ollie Pearce which secured a 3-2 win.

That was followed by a crushing home victory over local rivals Whitehawk, a win which left the Rocks in the top five.

Heady days indeed. But then reality started to bite.

Injuries started to affect the small squad, teams started to work out how the Rocks wanted to play and hopes of adding a few big strong physical players with experience of this level were repeatedly dashed as Bognor struggled to match the budget of others.

All that coincided with a slide down the table as a winless streak of 13 saw the Rocks drop like a stone.

As manager Jack Pearce

keeps on saying: “I’ve not been surprised at the quality of the division but I have been surprised at the physicality of the teams.”

On too many occasions it was that big brute strength which saw Bognor come off second best against a string of sides who know what it takes to compete in the division.

There have been some good additions to the squad.

Ibra Sekajja is a live wire up front, Ben Swallow adds quality out wide while Keaton Wood and Corey Heath are composed additions at the back. There have also been strong showings from some familiar faces - with Chad Field and Dan Lincoln perhaps the standout players so far.

November time saw an improvement in form - with an excellent performance on the road at promotion-chasing St Albans City the highlight as Bognor rediscovered the winning feeling.

There were also good showings such as the FA Trophy wins against Hemel Hempstead and Taunton Town.

The past few weeks have been frustrating, to say the least. The Rocks are not playing like a side which is second bottom.

They control possession.

They control the tempo of matches. The problem is that they just cannot turn that into goals.

So what next for the side?

Well, Pearce and his management team will keep on doing what they are doing off the pitch.

The side will be one of the fittest in the division, they will keep the ball as well as anyone and they will be set up to create a series of chances.

The big if is whether the Rocks can find someone to start converting those opportunities.

Wins are needed and fast.

Start picking up points here and there and the Rocks will suddenly start to enjoy their football again.

Follow the Rocks with us weekly!

16 Sport

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