The old and the new Hotham Park

Jerusalem was sung and birthday sweets were handed out. Jean Wells thanked Marian Willis for the president's flowers and tea ladies were chosen. The minutes of last month's meeting were read and approved by members and matters arising were discussed.

An invitation to Pagham WI was accepted, as was the invitation to the South Rife meeting, both to be held in March.

Club reports were given by the Craft and Third Wednesday groups who enjoyed a lunch and held a successful silent auction. The evening's talk and slide show was given by well-known historian Sylvia Endacott.

Sylvia's talk featured Hotham Park which was the result of Sir Richard Hotham retiring to the area and building a house '“ the park virtually being his first garden.

The park has had its ups and downs over the years '“ its zoo being happily remembered by many Bognorians.

The house, now turned into five flats, is a listed building and the park which lost many trees in the 1987 hurricane has been replanted with thousands of new trees and shrubs.

A heritage trust has been set up and was awarded a 22m grant which is being put to good use.

Many slides of the old park and the new development were shown and Sylvia's enthusiastic comments and asides made it an enjoyable and entertaining talk. A vote of thanks was given by Margaret Roberts; tea was served and the raffle was drawn.

The table top competition '“ old Bognor memorabilia '“ was won by Jean Dewey. The meeting closed at 9.45pm.