Meteorological Spring

Do you have green-fingers? Although I come from a long line of gardeners, I have never seemed to have much time to devote to the garden; Donna, however, is hard to drag away from garden centres or anywhere selling plants and other garden-related products. One of our favourite places to visit is West Dean Gardens, including its extensive greenhouses but, you do not need a garden or greenhouse to grow plants: this advice on growing houseplants from one of West Dean’s greenhouse gardeners may prove useful whether you have a garden or not. Should you be a little less greenufingered, this article features no-mow alternatives to lawn and turf. 

When we all get to go out again (except for work), this article about highly rated places to get fish and chips in West Sussex might interest you. You might be also interested in learning more about The Great Sussex Way, formerly Visit Chichester.

Today (Friday) was the overflow Full CDC from Tuesday last. I joined between lessons, Donna was there throughout the 5-hour marathon it turned out to be, as things became increasingly heightened. We are both glad to be localists, as you may have seen in her earlier post on Facebook: -

“I am so glad that ... we are totally free to vote whichever way we feel is in the best interests of our Community. I didn't become a Councillor to get involved with Party Politics. There is no place for that in Local Government, in my view.”

I recently mentioned we have been advocating for extra assistance for struggling Council Tax payers. If your earnings have changed, this is a good starting point to see what help you may be entitled to. CDC can advise you upon / signpost you to a range of support, including things like mortgages, rent, bills and food. 

If your Business is struggling, this information from CDC might be helpful. There is also some information on support for the Self-Employed here. Businesses of any size might like to review their cyber security, in which case this information from the Public Sector Executive might help. 

The Census on March 21 is getting very near now, so if you are unsure read this. It is still going ahead despite the pandemic. CDC has also produced some information to help you.

And finally: -

• The latest County vaccination briefings are available here;

• West Sussex are consulting about redesigning their Early Help service;;

• Register to vote (by April 10) for May’s elections and find out more about the local picture here.

As always, from the whole Team, stay safe

Tim