Bognor promotes its biggest asset '“ the sand and sea

The most memorable example of this is when King George V came here to recuperate.

This occasion was followed by an advertising slogan of 'The Royal Key to Health'.

Many thousands have come to the seaside for their holidays simply to enjoy the activities available.

During the early 1900s, one of the main attractions was the seaside revue, where a variety of groups, 'worked' the seaside resorts, travelling thousands of miles each summer as they entertained the crowds.

Such performers were the Wallis Arthur Concert Party who would regularly appear at the Esplanade Theatre and the Pier with their own particular brand of entertainment.

For many, the appearance of the donkeys on the beach has over the years symbolised a seaside resort, but it was interesting to hear recently that Weymouth was actually losing this attraction.

The upkeep and housing of these friendly creatures has become a problem, which has resulted in many resorts giving up this traditional entertainment.

There will be donkeys travelling from Weston Super Mare to provide rides for the children and allow parents to recount their own tales of rides in the past.

How many people can remember the sandcastle competitions organised by the national newspapers, as they toured the coastal resorts each summer?

The Daily Mail and Daily Sketch were popular papers who annually organised sandcastle competitions and keep-fit exercises on the beach, while encouraging their readers to meet them at the respective resorts.

However if you take yourself down to the Bognor Regis beach this weekend, you will find many of these events, as part of the "Sands of Time" celebrations.

Following the success of recent events, there will again be a sandcastle competition.

Originally planned to extend the season for traders, this year it is forming part of the summer events schedule

The Sands of Time is an event that is not bound by any historic period, but an occasion which includes a variety of events that would have typically occurred in any bygone seaside resort.

The major theme this year is Creatures of the Deep, and many activities will have this connection.

This year we have endeavoured to provide the usual excellent local history displays, which are situated in the marquee in Waterloo Square this weekend.

New displays this year include a photographic view of the history of our fishermen.

We are also seeking more information and names for some of the fishermen pictures on display.

These men have been involved in so many activities over the years, including working with Mary Wheatland, helping to build the Pier and helping with the Birdman Rally '“ all this along side their regular work of catching fish for us, sometimes in dangerous conditions.

To continue with the underwater theme, we have a display on the history of the Mulberry Harbour one of which is visible near the Aldwick boat park.

To discover more history of the area click here

These constructions were of course vital in the Second World War and the sight of just one mostly submerged does not really do justice to the effort that went into their construction and use for the benefit of men who were in France fighting for our freedom.

Other new displays include a new look at Bognor Regis alongside information on the history of some cinemas that have existed around the town and on the Pier.

No seaside resort worth its salt would be without a sandcastle competition and, again this year, we have the popular competition on Sunday from 10am.

Another favourite is Punch and Judy and of course this will be present on both Saturday and Sunday.

The most important thing you should do though is get a programme. They are available around the town and from the Visitor Information Centre.

This is the only way you can be assured of not missing out on any events.

There's even something for the adults this weekend.

On Sunday there will be the classic and vintage car displays. This is great fun even if it is only listening to parents explaining to their children, '˜I can remember having one of them'.

These vehicles come from around the area and make a wonderful

spectacle both as they travel around the town and when they are on static

display.

Most of the drivers stay with their vehicle so you can talk to them, maybe join a club to enjoy even further these wonderfully preserved vehicles.

There are a variety of shows and displays for all age groups to enjoy, and, again I emphasise, get your own programme to see what is happening, what time and where, to ensure you do not miss anything.

Those who have taken time to arrange the different events look forward to seeing you on both Saturday and Sunday.

When we consider any seafront we tend to think of the promenade, the beach and the sea to swim in, but of course this is not the full story.

The seaside attracts people for a variety of reasons and it is for this reason that local divers will be on hand to exhibit artefacts and photographs of what is around our coast underwater. There will also be an exhibition by a diving school.

Do take a look, I have scuba dived, and it is excellent, so see what it is all about.

Another new event held on Saturday is the fossil walk and talk in the vicinity of Nyewood Lane and the Prom.

These walks give us a completely new perspective on the seafront and just how old some of these fossils are.

On Sunday ,there will again be the ever popular open topped bus tours.

Yes, I will be providing the commentary, but as I am writing I have not decided on the route. So it will be a surprise and different from other years.

It does give quite a different perspective of the town from this vantage point.

Why not visit the seafront each weekend but more importantly on 9th and 10th September and revive your own memories and enjoyment of the seaside.

There are events, bands dancers, Charity Fair and much, much more '“ see you there.