Whispering Smith Column published in the Littlehampton Gazette August 25th 2016

An interesting letter last week (letters August 18^th) regarding road signage into our seaside town. Out of interest I did a run from all avenues of approach and the writer does have a point. Once afoot in Littlehampton there are many excellent, informative easy to follow road and street signs such as those in the town centre, the riverside walk and the seafront. Fingerposts like the one situated at the southern end of Beach Road are useful to pedestrians but impossible to read from behind the wheel of a moving vehicle. So, fine once you are here but getting here can be a bit of a problem for driver’s as clear signage from the main points of entry are less helpful although better from a westerly approach. However, even those signs were all too often partially obscured by drooping tree branches and overgrown undergrowth. Nevertheless, I think fairly determined folk wanting to visit our lovely seaside town will find their way here, our sunny crowded beaches are proof of that.

RUSTINGTON Parish Church has completed its ‘reordering’ and I paid it a visit last week and, as expected, was sadly disappointed. Marble floors, giant TV screen, café style chairs, sound system and for me a complete lack of religious feeling. I am no stranger to the Church, I was Christened there as were my brother and sister who was actually married there and drawings and notes lurk in my old files of seemingly endless school trips. I hope and expect the current congregation will like the openness of it, the light and possibly the seating, but not for me I am afraid. Happy am I that, when I feel the need to visit a church for contemplation or communion with my Higher Power there are still lovely unspoilt Godly places such as Amberley, Sullington, Ford, South Stoke and Burpham to name just a few in this beautiful area twixt the downs and the sea.

Photo: The Shepherds Church at Didling. Lovely.