Extracts from a WW1 autograph book

'A priceless antique' was rescued by David Johnston

Some years ago, while perusing the shelves of a Midhurst antique shop I stumbled upon an autograph album dated 1915, owned by one Beth Richardson, a nurse who cared for wounded soldiers recuperating at Bignor House. The house had been requisitioned in the first world war as a military hospital. This fascinating little book I took home, photographed the dozens of messages and sketches from the soldiers within it, then contacted Viscount Ned Mersey, of Bignor House, before donating it to the Record Office. Here are a few pages that reveal the history of Bignor as a Military hospital.

Sussex Walks - March/April 2023

Please note that walks with duration of 90 minutes or more are the “Heart Smart Walks” managed by Chichester District Council. They must be pre-booked up to 7 days in advance, see below. Please arrive 10 minutes before the start of the walk. These walks are led by volunteers and if the weather is poor the walk may be cancelled.

IMPORTANT: You must pre-book the 90 min + walks on the Chichester DC Website www.chichester.gov.uk/heartsmart or call 01243 521041 mile A flat walk at a gentle pace, suitable for beginners Meet: Chichester Canal, Basin Road, Chichester PO19 8DT

A longer strenuous walk to the folly and through Slindon Woods, with some steep gradients

National Trust Car Park at Park Lane, Slindon BN18 0QY east to Racton Tower, then coffee Meet: Stansted House Garden Centre car park PO9 6DU

A flat walk at a gentle pace, enjoying the history of Graylingwell Park and surrounding areas Meet: Outside the Pavilion glass building looking onto Havenstoke Park,

Mainly flat headland path, grass, gravel

Meet: Walberton Village Hall car park, BN18 0PQ

Interesting terrain of Heathland, Pine Forest & Commons. A mostly flat walk. No dogs please

Meet: Iping & Stedham Car Park Wed 15th Mar 10.30am

A walk through Eartham Woods, coming back along Stane Street. No stiles

Meet: Forestry Commission Car Park, Eartham

Starting from the car park for Cowdray Farm Shop across to Benbow Pond and back

Meet: At the entrance to the car park on the grass verge by the footpath fingerpost sign

A lovely varied walk with two hills and an opportunity to visit St. Hubert’s No dogs please

Meet: The Castle Inn pub, 1 Finchdean Rd, Rowlands Castle

Walk 4

North west to Stansted Forest, then coffee

Meet: Stansted House Garden Centre car park PO9 6DU

Lovely flat shoreline walk, no stiles. There will be an opportunity for a coffee stop. No dogs please Meet: Emsworth Town Square. PO10 7AW miles

A walk to Walderton via West Marden, including lanes and walking through woods and fields

Meet: Stansted House Car Park, P09 6DX

Fri 31st Mar 10.30am

Down

Jane mins

Not suitable for beginners. A hilly walk with great views . No dogs on this walk please.

Meet: Stoughton Down Car Park - Forestry Commission PO18 9JQ

Mon 3rd Apr 2pm

A gorgeous, but up-hill, walk through farmland and forest up to the SDW. No dogs on this walk

Meet: All Saints Church. East Dean

Thurs 6th Apr 10.30am

Richard 2 hrs miles miles miles

We walk along a quiet country lane before crossing fields with grazing sheep, through woodland, and finishing at the village stores

Meet: On East side of village green opposite shop