Observer inspired campaign

Parish resident Penny Knowles returned from holiday in August 1977 to become alarmed by the newspaper article about possible development in the area.

She contacted the article's author, a Cllr Kent, who told her about the threat to the duck pond and the building of a northern bypass for Bognor Regis.

Of particular concern to her was the impact of the intended sale of Margaret House boys' home by Dr Barnado and its effect on the attractive wooded area with its much neglected duck pond.

This was likely to be filled in and built on when the inevitable housing development began.

'I began to realise that I should have to take action myself to bring the matter to public attention, which I was reluctant to do, not being sure where to begin.

'I suggested a public meeting, but only one person volunteered to help. However, that was enough to get the meeting arranged,' she explained.

Mosse Hall was hired. Many others '“ Gill Brown, Margaret Gale, Roger Turner and Syliva Swann '“ began to get involved. The campaign was underway.

She said: 'Members of the county council who had been invited and hadn't expected there to be more than a handful of people, easily dealt with by soothing words, were taken aback when they saw the hall was filled to capacity, with a large crowd outside the open windows determined not to miss anything.

'That was quite an event and led in due course to the formation of the Aldwick Preservation Society.'

Mrs Knowles is the society's life president.