Whispering Smith published in the Littlehampton Gazette December 12th 2013

VERY GOOD news that Inspire Leisure have announced that the Windmill Cinema is set to return in one form or another early in the New Year and I applaud all of those who have worked so hard to bring this about. Inspire Leisure have signed a contract with an independent cinema group which will begin screening films in the New Year. However, I urge an air of caution here as it does not appear to be a long term solution and there will be no guarantee from Arun that it is set to be a permanent feature of any future leisure plan for the people of Littlehampton, merely a stop gap on the way to Inspire Leisure’s contract expiring in 1916. I still do believe it is not the intention of Arun for us to have a permanent Windmill Theatre or cinema and that they have other ideas for the premier site’s development. Still, it is a step in the right direction and, I am assured that, while the equipment is being removed to be replaced by the group’s own equipment, the present projection equipment will be stored and not sold so, in theory at least, it could be reinstated should there be any slips ‘twixt cup and the lip.

THE SKIPPER of a local fishing boat last week reported that his boat had encountered an unusually large pod of dolphin just off the coast of Littlehampton. The pod, around thirty in number, stayed close to the boat, sporting with her and following wherever she went. So close were they in fact that it was impossible for the crew to shoot their nets without endangering the feeding animals so they just sat back and enjoyed the spectacle. I envy them that.

MET A very polite young lady last week, who enquired of me, was I the seagull man? I have been dubbed with many a sobriquet in my time, some flattering and some not so much, but that was new!

GREAT EXPECTATIONS it may be for Bognor Regis – headline in The Arun Times – but it’s BLEAK HOUSE for folk in Littlehampton still without a firm commitment from Arun that the Windmill Theatre and cinema complex will continue after 2014. Cinema closed now for 317 days, and counting.