Church Micro 4967...West Thorney Multi-Cache

St Nicholas Church, West Thorney

History
St Nicholas Church in the village of West Thorney is located on Thorney Island, a peninsula of land in Chichester Harbour between Hayling Island and the Chidham peninsula. Until the late 19th century, Thorney Island was separated from the mainland by a channel named the Great Deep, and crossing to and from it was a risky business. While there was a causeway leading to Emsworth, it was only completely uncovered at low water of the spring tides, but was otherwise 'nearly half-leg deep at low water'. Church records at Thorney contain details of several deaths caused by the sea and misjudged crossings. In 1870 a major project to reclaim tidal mudflats effectively joined the island to the mainland, and it is now possible to pass to and fro easily.

In 1933, a fatal air accident in which a Hawker Fury biplane crashed on Thorney Island was a turning point for the village. The Air Ministry officials sent to investigate the incident realised that here was a very suitable site for an airbase, and from that point the history of West Thorney village largely came to an end. The RAF started using the island in 1935 and operated there until 1976. During the late 1970s and early 1980s the base was used to accomodate refugee Vietnamese Boat People, and in 1984 the Army took over the base which is now the home base for an Artillery Regiment. These days, Thorney Island is a haven for birdlife as the habitat of mudflats, reed beds, open grassland and scrub attracts Brent Geese, Dunlin, Grey Plover, Ringed Plover and Sanderling, among many others. There is an RSPB nature reserve at Pilsey Island to the South of the peninsula which is not directly accessible but is of great interest to ornithologists.

The Church
Probably built soon after 1100AD, the church is dedicated to St Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors. Until the arrival of the RAF, it largely served a congregation of local farmers and seafarers, but the advent of the military base actually boosted its congregation. The departure of the RAF in 1976 threw its future into doubt, but since then it has enjoyed the support of both past and present parishoners and, since 1992, several army chaplains. It continues to be used by the Army to this day. The churchyard contains a Commonwealth War Grave Commission Cemetery, where there are 52 Commonwealth burials from the Second World War. There are 21 German Air Force men buried here as well.

Access to the Church
The church is located inside an active Army base. Despite a report saying it was possible to drive to the church, the confirmed official line from the gatehouse is that cars and their drivers have to be signed onto the base by someone already on site. If you do not already know someone on site who can sign you in, please do not attempt to drive to the church, as you will likely find yourself turned away and/or placed in an uncomfortable position.

You will be required to pass through a CCTV-controlled security gate when you reach the Army base perimeter. In the past, the MoD has taken the name and address of visitors before granting access, but at the time of publication of this cache it appears that this practice has ceased. However, during times of heightened security alert it is entirely possible that security will be tightened, or access forbidden. For further information on access call 01243 388269.

While within the base perimeter, do not approach, touch or pick up any metal objects lying on the ground. Please obey all signs and posted information. At the church, please remain within the boundaries of the churchyard. While not expressly forbidden, it is not recommended to attempt this cache during the hours of darkness.

There is free parking for about 15 cars in Prinsted at N 50° 50.404 W 000° 54.846. Take the waymarked footpath South (the waymarker sign is a Curlew), following the shoreline. You will pass through Thornham Marina, and eventually arrive at Thornham Point (N 50° 49.910 W 000° 54.861) where you should turn left onto the perimeter path. After crossing a sluice and passing through the Checkpoint at N 50° 49.674 W 000° 54.742, make sure you keep close to the shoreline as you continue South.

The path is narrow in places and can get slippery and muddy, particularly during winter and periods of wet weather. As the path runs around the shoreline, there may be occasions, such as during high winds or high tides, when the path is difficult or not accessible. Here is a link to a Tide Table for Chichester Harbour. Please wear appropriate footwear and ensure children and pets are closely supervised.

The Cache

Make your way to the entrance porch on the South side of the church. Look up and to your left, you will see a sign with five lines of text that begins 'This Church'.

• A = number of words on the first line
• B = number of words on the second line

This is a good opportunity to go inside and admire the interior of this charming and historic building.

Then make your way to stage 2 (S24WJXJ) where you will find the striking grave of Professor P.R.M.

• How many jobs are listed under his dates? = C
• The second job (with the longest name) is unusual. How many letters does it have? = D

Now go to stage 3 (S34WJXJ) where you will find a sundial.

• How many letters in the LAST name of the person commemorated? = E
• The birth year of this person was 19FG

Take advantage of the picnic tables near here if you wish before heading to the next waypoint.

Now go to stage 4 (S44WJXJ) where you will find a memorial stone standing alone and facing a different way to the other stones in the churchyard.

• How many crosses are there on this memorial? = H

You can find the cache at N 50° (D-H)(H-E-G).(A-H)(H+G)(C-F-G) W 000° 5(F+C).(E-C)(F*G)(D-B). The checksum for all 15 digits of the final co-ordinates is 35. Alternatively here is a geochecker with an additional hint. You are looking for a small black-painted container big enough for small swaps and trackables.

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Aerial photograph © Copyright Stephen Williams and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.