In about 6 years and a month or two, I shall be three hundred years old, or would have been but for an inconvenient earthly death.
One always had a fond vision for what was a fishing hamlet, that it could be a pleasant sojourn for weary respectable persons of all kinds, with sea bathing and a balmy climate.
Now, I return on occasions, in the spirit, to see what is afoot and I feel the need to be here quite a bit at this juncture, because, not to 'beat about the bush' (as the popular expression goes), the Town needs all the help it can get.
Not that it's my intent to brow-beat any persons, I'd like to talk mainly about excellent things, and I'll start by commending local young persons of enterprise, for example, young Mr Daniel Slade whose charming 'smallest coffee bar' in the High Street, is but a 'taster' for his more ambitious venture of a lively venue for entertainment. So much in line with my own vision for Bognor.
His father has ensured a fine annual festival of musical delights over 25 years, a well-known character in the Town. I do so urge you all to give Daniel your fullest support. Coffee was all the rage in my span, so let's continue a great tradition and support "the local man".
He has to gain some 'planning permission' or such like from the worthy burghers (rather than the unworthy 'burgers' that used to be provided at the High Street venue in question .....). So, give him all our support, I shall be there trying to 'influence' their decision.
Then there is the very ambitious young Mr Cunard, entrepreneur of the moving picture and his undoubted success in resurrecting the Assembly Rooms, now the 'Picturedrome indeed'. I gather he has now similar ventures in other municipalities.
However, one is rather more cautious about his latest venture, a newspaper, The Bognor Regis Post. Being, one hopes, someone with a shrewd sense of business, I do query whether this is indeed "the right time" given the state of the newspaper publishing market. Still, brave try, do hope it proceeds, after all, it is local, run by people in our lovely Town.
Now, the ongoing efforts to prettify the High Street, I gather they have caused understandably some anguish to local businesses which say they are losing a lot of money. A lady in one of the charity shops thinks it may be as much as £100 a day. I know that sum, which would have bought a fine house in my day, is not huge to some but surely good works need recompense. I also feel rather sorry for the Landlord of the William Hardwicke as he attempts to create a venue for fine Italian cuisine.
Finally, on my first essay in this strange 'blog' medium, it seems as though the Keith Jay emporium in London Road is to be rebuilt as a shop on the ground floor albeit with three residences above (oh, that 'planning permission' again, of course).
As it's a fine earthly evening in Bognor Regis, I think I'll 'float about' somewhat near the seafront.....
Sir Richard
