I have a small website for a local pub

 

http://thespinnersarms.org.uk/Index.html

 

and I'm having trouble editing the "whats happening" pop out panel, Although I can edit it in the code view and do it by hand, I'd really like it if they (the landlord\Lady) could just edit it in design view, freezing the Jscript works to an extent but it's still nowhere near as good as editing normal text in a Div which would be best they don't now a lot about webdesign. If anyone has any pointers pls let me know.

Why not change the layout of the page so that the what's on section is in the main content area. Either use a sidebar, or add the content after the main content, with some kind of visual cue. That way you can allow the client to edit the text directly, you get usability benefits, and better accessibility.