Taking stock of our way of life in West Sussex
Last week's half-term flew by but along the way I made two interesting observations. One requires immediate attention and the other could provide an effective solution to anti-social behaviour.
My first observation is many roads around Chichester have become pot-holed obstacle courses. Some are in a shocking state, with bumps and ruts guaranteed to challenge the most robust suspension system.
The big three in my top-of-the-pots chart are Bognor Road, Florence Road and College Lane. Journey along any of these and you'll experience the perfect simulation of taking a jeep for a spin in Helmand Province.
The local driving experience seems to have got worse in recent years, yet it never seems to be as bumpy a ride in Midhurst, Petworth or Bognor. It appears to be a uniquely Chichester bugbear and I'd love to know why.
My second finding came from visiting Chichester District Museum. This excellent free-entry attraction is located in Little London and I doff my hat to Chichester District Council for running it.
Wandering around I noticed a set of stocks on wheels.
According to an edition of the Brighton Herald in 1828, the apparatus was made for Chichester Corporation and could be moved to any parish.
Their last recorded use was in 1852 when Henry 'Shadow' Mason, who was charged with drunk and disorderly conduct, was confined to the stocks for two hours at the City Cross.
In a climate where there is scant shame or respect, the stocks could be the answer.
I believe humiliation to be one of the most effective deterrents. It doesn't matter if it's a drunk, a hoodlum, a thief or indeed anyone demonstrating a lack of respect for society and their fellow man; a punishment involving public disgrace is a very powerful tool.
Has the time come to remove stocks from museums and put them to practical use?
In a world where the Human Rights Law excuses all manner of nonsense it will, of course, never happen. A pity.
I bet the roads would be a ruddy sight better maintained if the powers that be risked a good pelting with manky fruit for leaving them in such abysmal teeth-rattling order.
Dancing feet
If you fancy getting fit in a fun and social setting, then Mrs B tells me the place to be is the Arena Sports Centre in Bognor for the Just Jive dance class on Thursday evenings.
A warm welcome, top-notch tuition and the opportunity to dance with every man in the room certainly put a spring in the Old Girl's step and she recommends the experience to all.
Whether you're a natural twinkletoes or, like me, a bit of a clodhopper, this friendly form of fun and fitness is Strictly Come Everyone, with dancers aged 18 to 80 having a perfectly gorgeous time. Find out more at www.justjive.org.uk
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Weather for Chichester
Tuesday 14 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 6 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 4 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: North west
