Welcome to the Local Alliance Blog

  How was your week? I got caught in the rain twice, both times without a coat. On Sunday Donna and I just dodged a light shower when we tried the 2-mile walk at West Dean Gardens (even when it is cloudy, it does not disappoint.) On Monday I took a mac to school in case there was a fire alarm and we had to go outside; I was proven right but was at the opposite end of the building from my coat.  Monday was the longest day of course, the first one I recall ever needing a quick blast from the heating. In previous years those that could spent the day on the beach, especially if they had a beach hut: I was shocked to discover that our County has some of the most expensive beach huts in the UK - at Ferring the average price is £335 per week . If you are looking for a selection of beautiful beaches in Sussex, these might be of interest . If you prefer to walk rather than sit, these coastal walks might appeal . I recently mentioned the growth in vineyards in our County. Unsurprisin...

  How much traffic do you think heads down from Chichester onto the Peninsula on a weekday morning, in term time, just before 6.30am? On Wednesday, I was surprised by the ‘snake’ following two lorries taking static caravans to Selsey. I know a lot of people commute out, like myself - many travel inside the M25 too. What surprised me was that there were many more than I had expected travelling in the opposite direction to me so early in the day.  Our District’s beaches are a big lure and even though it is not the holidays yet, presumably some of the traffic has been tourists. Last week I came across an article on East Wittering in a London newspaper and this week I spotted one on West Wittering that appeared in Surrey and in Hampshire . Other Sussex stories included unusual things you can do , beauty spots and unflattering reviews of well known landmarks . You may welcome the current rise in property prices but, before counting on any future windfalls, might want to ha...

  Are you ready for a rollercoaster summer, at least in terms of the weather ? I hope for a good “Six weeks of Summer” once the schools break up in late July, but take nothing for granted - this is the UK after all! The nice weather gets Donna and I thinking about things we’d like to do as well as bringing back more memorable past experiences. A few years ago we visited a vineyard on the Isle of Wight, so I was pleased to learn that there are, much nearer to home, four of the best vineyards in the UK. It’s Sussex Day on the 16th . You could celebrate it with this free West Sussex Unwrapped online event or by trying some of these . In addition, East Wittering beach is getting some good press in London , Chithurst has a Buddhist monastery , and there are plenty of hidden gems within easy reach . If you like a bit of peace and quiet, let’s face it who doesn’t, these might interest you , and lastly some beauty spots you may not have visited for a while . Chichester has been ...

  Have you been enjoying the long awaited summer weather? Luckily for us, it coincided with Half Term so we were able to enjoy a bit of it, although council work continued. We were not alone, as the queues on our local roads once again showed how popular a destination our area is. If you want some ideas so you can make hay while the sun shines these suggestions might interest you: - A tiny village you might have missed on your way to Arundel ; A collection of other hidden gems you might also want to visit ; Some Sussex and Kent villages you might fancy for a short break ; Dog friendly places you can visit - don't forget that Selsey, for one, has its own dog-friendly cafe ; Half Term holidays can afford young people more time online. Parents might find this helps them better understand what their children are doing online . Stop Cyberbullying Day is this month so thinkuknow are suggesting five steps you can take .   Continuing with the theme of staying safe, there are...