Tempus Fugit is normally moored at Itchenor (right in the centre of this map).

With easy access from anywhere in the south, it is an ideal location for fishing in Tempus.

Itchenor (courteous of http://www.conservancy.co.uk)
A winding lane with picturesque Sussex cottages and overhung with trees and flowering shrubs leads through the village of Itchenor down to the harbour. This quiet village offers the only 24 hour public launching site in the harbour and is home to Chichester Harbour Conservancy.

History
Itchenor takes its name from the Saxon chieftain Icca who first resettled the district after the collapse of Roman Britain. The parish is still officially called West Itchenor, despite the fact that the village of East Itchenor disappeared in the 15th century.
Around 1175 the then lord of Itchenor built a chapel on the manor which developed into a parish church by the end of the century. The church is dedicated to St Nicholas, the patron saint of seamen and has its own graveyard. Although only 546 acres, the parish was three small settlements: one by the church, one at Shipton Green and a later development by the shore.
During the 18th century there was a considerable amount of ship building which lasted until the end of the Napoleonic wars. A small boat building presence is recorded throughout the years but permanent boat-building and repairs re-started with Haines' yard in 1912.
In the late 18th century the 3rd Duke of Richmond built Itchenor Lodge as his yachting lodge and also a salt-water bath on the shore near where the Conservancy office now stands. His sloop the Goodwood was used to bring stone from various places for both the building of Itchenor House and Goodwood House.
A ferry has been run to Bosham since the early 19th century. Originally this was run by the Rogers family who lived in Ferryside (now the Harbour Office) and later through marriage passed to George Haines, whose family ran it until it closed in the 1950s. George Haines was the virtual harbourmaster, pilot and collector of tolls until the Chichester Corporation took over the running of the Harbour in the 1930s.
By 1927 the yachtsmen and dinghy sailors of Itchenor started their own sailing club. They acquired four small 17th century cottages which were converted to form their club house. The original buildings have since been enlarged and improved. During the last war the club was requisitioned, first by the Army and then by the Navy, when preparing for the D-Day landings.

Today
Today many of the inhabitants of Itchenor have moved to the village for sailing. Midweek and during the winter the village is quiet, the only activity taking place around the boatyards, Harbour Office and pub. However, at weekends and during the summer holidays the village comes alive with visiting sailors and tourists.

Things to do
Admire the view from the viewing platform near the hard. Benches and a telescope are provided. In the summertime an ice cream van is usually parked near the hard.

Have a meal at village's only pub - The Ship which is open all day.

Take a ferry ride - a seasonal ferry which takes passengers across the water to Smugglers Hard, you can then take a pleasant hours walk to Bosham or further afield. To catch the ferry walk to the end of the jetty and he will either be there of returning shortly. Do not panic sometimes he may be 15 minutes or so as he also takes mariners to and from their moored vessels.

Enjoy a boat trip - the Harbour Water Tours run from the jetty at Itchenor, call the talking timetable on 01243 786418 or see www.chichesterharbourwatertours.co.uk.

Access
By Boat:
Access is 24 hours. A deep water jetty has water and pump out facilities. Vessels may stay on the jetty for a maximum of 20 minutes. Six visitors moorings are available free of charge during the day or £5 per night. Each mooring will take up to 6 vessels. All vessels must pay harbour dues, please see page 56. Launching fees are payable to the Harbour Office.
By Ferry:
A seasonal ferry runs from Smugglers Hard to Itchenor and also takes passengers to and from their vessels.
By Road:
From the A27 take the A286 south of Chichester towards the Witterings. At the small roundabout, head towards West Wittering. About 1/2 mile later take a right hand turn sign posted Itchenor. Follow this lane to the harbour side.

Last content update 14/03/2012 16:02

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