WHISPERING SMITH: Could music put town’s market back on song?

Mid-week, you are likely to find a violinist playing such sweet music that people actually stop and listen and, on another day perhaps the mournful sound of lone trumpet playing Tom Parfitt’s rendition of a soulful and haunting Danny Boy. Both violinist and horn player gather a respectful and admiring audience.

The monthly Special Little Things Arts and Crafts Market at the back of the Silk Road restaurant also comes alive with music from a country duo or group – incidentally, the next one there is this Saturday, with music provided by The Bamboo Band.

Music and sunshine seem to bring out the best in people and while we can do little about the sunshine, the enthusiasm of the entertainers is quite catching. Other south coast towns support a thriving weekly market, so why not Littlehampton?

IT TAKES a great deal of nerve to start a new business at any time, but in the here and now of cash-strapped, troublesome times, and in Pier Road of all places, it demands a very real, raw nerve.

Well that is something Kay Presgate has in spades. Having opened The Moorings Tearooms at the town end of the cluttered Pier Road and, in spite of the continuing anti-flood works which now will not be completed before November, she is quite confident of success.

Her traditional English tearoom atmosphere, bright and homely with a touch of the modern, offers a fine selection of teas – real leaves, not teabags – with a selection of coffee, cakes and simple wholesome food. The Moorings, as with all businesses along Pier Road, needs your support so, see you there, enjoy the experience...

JUST a reminder, the Top Hat/Clifton Café reunion is tomorrow, from 8pm at The George, in Surrey Street. So all you old and not-so-old Top Hatters, be there or be square…

Square? I cannot believe I just said that!