Chichester and Bognor entertainers offer virtual discos, dancing, music and quizzes from the safety of home during lockdown

With life suddenly much narrower, many of us have turned to the internet for entertainment, culture and even exercise.
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And at a time when supporting local has never been so important, our virtual community has stepped up to offer fun, fitness, culture and even quizzes – and it’s all just a click away.

Diddy disco

Children having cabin fever is something that most parents are battling with, but local entertainer and magician Nick Clark has conjured up something that provides a welcome pause in the ‘I’m bored!’ chorus: a weekly disco and fun session, live from his living room in Bognor Regis.

Nick Clark is holding a weekly disco from his living roomNick Clark is holding a weekly disco from his living room
Nick Clark is holding a weekly disco from his living room
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Nick said: “It’s hard not to entertain and this way everyone can join in.

“All I’m asking is that parents consider making a donation to whichever charity I am highlighting each week, but there’s no pressure.”

Live from my Front Room Disco and Madness happens on Facebook Live on Sunday evenings, 5pm to 5.45pm.

Join the party on Nick’s Facebook page.

Suzanne Hill, pictured with her daughters, is sharing dance and fitness videosSuzanne Hill, pictured with her daughters, is sharing dance and fitness videos
Suzanne Hill, pictured with her daughters, is sharing dance and fitness videos

Move it

Also lifting spirits, as well as raising people’s heart rates, Bognor’s Suzanne Hill School of Dance is uploading dance and fitness sessions.

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Suzanne said: “I have lots of dancers with learning disabilities and it’s wonderful that they can keep dancing and in touch.

“I’m also doing some seated classes for people with limited mobility.”

Quirks and Foibles are uploading comedy sketches to their Facebook pageQuirks and Foibles are uploading comedy sketches to their Facebook page
Quirks and Foibles are uploading comedy sketches to their Facebook page

Suzanne’s daughter Tali has also been adding daily riddles to give our brains a workout too.

Find Suzanne’s videos on her Facebook page.

Funny bones

Meanwhile Runcton-based Katie Bennett and her partners in comedy crime at Quirks & Foibles have been using lockdown to trial their work.

The Mystery Warrior: The North Bersted Man exhibition at the Novium MuseumThe Mystery Warrior: The North Bersted Man exhibition at the Novium Museum
The Mystery Warrior: The North Bersted Man exhibition at the Novium Museum
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Katie said: “We’d been planning to start releasing videos at the beginning of March, which has happened to coincide with a time where people need a laugh more than ever.

“We had sketches filmed and we are working on new material from our own homes.”

Find the funsters on their Facebook page.

Museum matters

Katy is also the narrator of the virtual tours offered by Chichester’s Novium Museum, which will also offer a weekly timetable of craft demonstrations, storytelling and activities from Monday (April6).

Visit www.thenovium.org for more details.

Barnham musician Mike Fry is putting on virtual gigsBarnham musician Mike Fry is putting on virtual gigs
Barnham musician Mike Fry is putting on virtual gigs

Live in concert

A familiar face of the local music scene, Mike Fry from Barnham knows that music is balm to the soul in times of trouble – so he is offering virtual gigs to support those missing the pleasure of live music.

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Mike said: “Music makes us all feel connected and it feels so important right now to maintain our connections.

“It’s wonderful how people have been interacting with each other in the chat feed.

“It’s such an honour to hold that space.”

Mike’s music is streamed on his Facebook page.

Armchair quiz

Finally, if you’re missing your weekly pub quiz, fear not.

You’ll have to pour your own pint, but celebrated local quizmaster Simon Tooley is hosting a virtual quiz every Sunday evening.

Offering a prize pot and a charitable element, households battle it out online against each other.

For details email: [email protected]

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• Are you running your own virtual events during the lockdown? Let us know – email [email protected], [email protected] or [email protected] with the details.

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