GALLERY: Pagham's day on parade

The 90th anniversary of the end of the conflict in November was marked by a group of enthusiasts from the Military Vehicle Trust's local branch who dressed in the uniforms of that era.

They came to attention when Pagham's vicar, the Rev Keith Smith, gave his brief address at the event during the morning. Among those who turned the clock back were Emsworth couple Nigel and Julie Peachey.

Mr Peachey (58), who works for the Mercedes Benz dealership, was dressed as a captain in the Royal Sussex Regiment's Cinque Ports Battalion from the First World War.

He said: "It feels fantastic to be dressed like this. My grandfather was in the first world war in the same battalion. People always make favourable comments when they see me dressed like this. There are always willing to talk to us with plenty of nostalgia and plenty of stories.

"Some of the younger people are interested and I explain the different pieces of equipment to them."

University procurement officer Mrs Peachey (45) was dressed as a captain's wife. "She would have gone to the front in clothes like these during the early days of the war," she said. "It feels wonderful to be like this. The clothes are so elegant and it feels good to wear them."

The military personnel were complemented by about 30 military vehicles from the second world war and following decades.

They included a 1942 Dodge Weapons Carrier, a 1944 Jeep and a 1964 Forward Control Series 2A 109 Landrover, which is one of only two still in existence.

Also filling the recently expanded community space next to the village hall were at least 50 cars, one van and 15 motorcycles. The cars spanned the decades from the 1920s to the 80s. They included a 1934 Standard Ten and 1972 MG BGT.

Rover 100P4 owner John Sibley (61), of Well Road, Pagham, was among those who put their four wheeled pride and joy on display.

He has owned his 1960 car for 20 years. "I passed my test in one of these cars when I was 17," he stated.

"It was the last of what I would call were the proper English cars with a chassis and aluminium doors, boot and bumpers.

"I miss power steering when I'm parking but, in all other respects, it is a lovely car to have."

He has been a regular at Pagham on Parade since the event began four years ago.

Pagham Parish Council chairman Cllr Ray Radmall said Sunday'sevent was bigger and better than ever. "There has been a tremendous turnout of vehicles. I am so pleased by that because they make the event.

"The owners have promised to come back next year to make the event even bigger and better," he stated.

"We would not have been able to stage this scale of occasion without the extra acre that we have recently been able to lease.

"The extra space has given us so much more versatility.

We can use it as our village green and it works so well with the village hall."

The additional area also contained an arena for displays by groups such as the Regis Troopers and Pagham Line Club.

Linsey Carpenter, who led the 30 line dancers, said: "This would have been the first time for many of them dancing on grass in public with hardly any music.

"They would have gained a sense of achievement from the display.

"They would have to learn the steps and prepare for their performance."

Around the area, and inside the hall, was a range of stalls for charities such as the Friends of St Thomas a'Becket Church, Bognor Regis Royal British Legion, Mount Noddy animal centre and Sue Ryder Care.

Veronica Rumsey, the charity's assistant shop manager in Bognor, said: "This is one of the nicest and best events I have ever done. The atmosphere is fantastic. People are enjoying spending money."

Derek Bell happy to help Pagham. Next page.

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MAPDerek Bell has told of his delight in handing over the acre to provide more space around the village hall for community events.

The farmer and former Le Mans winner said: "It was not a difficult decision for me to make.

"I am delighted the village can get some use out of the land and people can get some pleasure out of it. I would ask people to respect the land. They have done that with the village hall.

"Pagham has been my life. I like to do what I can for the village and help people where I can."

Mr Bell said he had been impressed with the work which volunteers had done in putting on Pagham in Parade.

"These things always get bigger and they need another area to put attractions in and they can also use the land for other events in the future," he stated.

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