Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera

[David Flower]

http://www.pallant.org.uk/whats-on/exhi ... ego-rivera

a rare UK exhibition of works by the great couple. Just opened, on till October in a terrific newish gallery in Chichester. I can recommend this town due south from London on the south coast, and apparently little known. I'm down there all the time as my mother's there. Probably a good option for a weekend out as there is also the Festival theatre (founded by Olivier), the excellent Goodwood sculpture park a few miles away near the horse race course, which is near the banked vintage car racing track. There's great walking down around some glorious villages with pubs overlooking the harbour, like Dell Quay and Bosham. Or up on the Downs. Great little area

[Des]

I know the area well as my bro lives nearby at Midhurst. Yes I know, how can he afford to hob-nob with Middle England. Tell me about it.

[AndyM]

Chichester is lovely (if stultifyingly conservative). Lots of things to do, as indicated. Lacks a truly good restaurant, however.

[David Flower]

here are a couple. V good gastro pub on road to Goodwood at Lavant. They claim Blake wrote Jerusalem while gazing out the window

http://www.theearlofmarch.com

or much cheaper, in Chichester itself, and one of the most interesting Indian menus I've come across

http://www.masalagate.co.uk

[AndyM]

Must try that Indian - thanks!

[Des]

Lots of good birding around Chichester of course. Pagham Harbour is fab - famous for Britain's first Greater Sandplover in 1979 which I went for but missed.

[David Flower]

Andy, let me know how you get on. It gets pretty busy
Chichester Harbour is not how you might imagine it. Huge area, with Chichester not really near the sea at all. Protected wetlands etc. You may even catch a glimpse of the lesser spotted Keith Richards. His famous Redlands house nearby is marked on the OS map, which must be annoying for him. A few years ago he was seen on a demo in town opposing the closure of St Richards hospital. Either solidarity with the name, or he's thinking ahead

[Des]

Not to mention my first ever Marsh Sandpiper at Sidlesham.

[AndyM]

You may even catch a glimpse of the lesser spotted Keith Richards. ..... A few years ago he was seen on a demo in town opposing the closure of St Richards hospital. Either solidarity with the name, or he's thinking ahead

Indeed he was - that evening's local TV news had an unprecedented dimension of louche allure.