A History of the Adur Valley, including Old Erringham, by Dr Janet Pennington

To most people driving along the A27 or cycling on the Downs Link, the words 'Adur valley' mean a good view of Lancing College Chapel, Shoreham Airport, Old Shoreham Toll Bridge and, to the north, perhaps a glimpse of the ruins of Bramber Castle.

However, there is much more to it than that, as you will see.Prior to 1968 Janet handed over many sixpences to pass over Old Shoreham Toll Bridge on the former A 27 route.

Luckily, she was not on the Southdown double-decker bus that plunged into the river on New Year's Day in 1949.The Adur valley, with its tidal river, was once a broad sea estuary, where coarse brown salt was made in medieval times.

Ships made their way on the tide as far as Steyning then, bringing wine and other goods from overseas.

Smuggling was rife in the 18th and early 19th centuries.You will hear about discoveries in the valley in the 20th century involving skeletons, glass beads, a comb and Stone-Age doughnuts.

There will be special emphasis on the history of Old Erringham.