THE SUSSEX CLUB YEAR 2002

This is my 4th year with the Sussex spearfishing club; I find the sport totally fascinating in all aspects. This year was my most successful, nothing big but never mind. I found myself playing with a 4-foot wide stingray off of Bognor only to find another 3 in close proximity. That day I had 2 sizable bass (not even close to Eric Smiths bench mark but I was chuffed). My best dive up to date was with the sage himself, not because of my catch (2 mullet 1bass) but because it was a huge learning experience even down to winding my safety line under my buoy. Must also say thanks to Dave Phillips who’s always happy to answer my questions and return my phone calls and take Grant and me diving. I,ve a story about a dicky tummy and me getting out of my wetsuit on the beach and a little boy and his dad appearing from nowhere looking at the plaice on the pebbles and wondering why it smelt like that. But that’s for another time.

Keith Akhurst

EVENING ARGUS FEB 1ST 2003

Kind-hearted readers have rallied round to bring a smile back to the face of brave toddler James Smith. People from across Sussex were touched by the story of two-year-old James, whose teddies, books and puzzles were stolen from the back of a car parked outside his home in Peacehaven. Little James was diagnosed with leukaemia on Christmas Eve. He has been in hospital with mother Jaqi since. The toys had been bought to cheer him up after gruelling bouts of chemotherapy.

Caring families and businessmen have responded by donating toys and money, including one gift of £268 from the Sussex Spearfishing Club. Chairman Mick Veal said: "We were just so disgusted that someone could steal from a sick child. "We thought this would be a good way to show that people still care about things like this." Jaqi, 32, of South Coast Road, Peacehaven, said: "I'm completely overwhelmed. "I really don't know what to say. "All I was hoping for was that the thieves might return the toys but this is amazing. "I didn't know there were people like this out there." "This will hopefully change the tears into smiles."