Whispering Smith Column published in the Littlehampton Gazette on July 3rd. 2014

I AM usually pretty quick to toss rocks at the town council but this week I’d throw a bouquet of the sweetest red roses. Their organisation, together with that of Gary Smart, made Littlehampton’s Armed Forces Day something very special. The Mayor, Councillor Jill Long, worked the crowd tirelessly and MC Councillorllor James Walsh kept the whole thing moving and the spectators well informed as to where and what was taking place. I reckon well over four thousand people enjoyed the whole day as I most certainly did. The aerobatics display of heart-tearing timing, the equestrian skills of The Light Cavalry HAC – just got to give Maxwell their Alsatian a big plug – the pipe band, the Royal Marines, the young cadets and scouts and, above all, the veterans who proudly marched and reminded us of those that have fallen and what the day was really about. On a lighter note, people who moan about the discomfort of the longest bench were hard pressed to find a seat there this day. A wonderful show topped off, for me, by my unashamed annual blub as the Spitfire flew by and waggled its lovely wings upon a swift and elegant departure into the big blue but darkening sky. Thank you LTC and all of those who worked so hard to make it a memorable event, I tip my Stetson to you all.

GOOD to see that Wick is bucking the trend and two new businesses appear to be thriving while Littlehampton has yet another charity shop, when we already have eight excellent such outlets. Wick get a new greengrocer with a busy grocery cum off license next door, the latter I am advised by he who knows, purveys excellent wine at a very reasonable price. Both are situated on or adjacent to where the old Wick post office once stood. Go Wick!

THE LITTLE coffee shop in the High Street has closed. All of the furniture that annoyingly scraped the floor if moved without lifting has gone. There is no notice on the door to tell of  its passing and I shall miss sitting in the window seat with my old friend, watching and commenting on the passing populace. Somehow the bigger chains do not offer quite the same high street Friday morning experience.