New book compares eras

PAST and present are combined in a new book about Bognor Regis.

Rare archive photographs of the town are compared to the same locations today in the latest work from local historians Sylvia Endacott and Shirley Lewis.

Bognor Regis Then & Now features 45 of the historic views and their modern counterparts.

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Many of the shots from the past are being published for the first time. But the book is also concerned with the future.

Sylvia and Shirley, who are both retired, have dedicated it to The Regis School pupil, Lisa Stone, 13.

Sylvia said: “Lisa has frequently attended my walks and talks and read local history books.

“It is young people like her that we hope will look after our heritage.”

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The modern pictures in the book were taken by past and present members of Bognor Regis Camera Club. Among them were Lisa’s father.

They capture a town which has stayed the same in places and altered beyond recognition in others.

“People say everything has gone. But that’s not the case when you look around,” said Sylvia.

Scenes in the book range from Hotham Park House to The Ship Inn and The Esplanade to the town’s railway station.

Equally as fascinating as the buildings is the sight of people from past centuries compared to the 21st century.

Bognor Regis Then & Now (£12.99) is published by The History Press.