Treat it Well

Where does the A27 end? Come to that, does it ever, or at least do the queues on the Chichester Bypass? More of us have unfortunately been delayed in the last couple of weeks with Whyke Road shut, but hopefully that is done with. This week I learnt where the A27 ends, and I think I drove there at least once when I was in my twenties (sadly some while ago!) 

 

Summer is coming, Half Term is upon us, and many people (including a lot from outside our District) will be hoping for good weather so, for a short while, “Life is a Beach!” We have a lot to share with you this week, including a reminder that CDC is responsible for our foreshores (except the private part of West Wittering) and this is their Foreshore Code

Our District’s beauty is something we all want to protect and maintain (read this article about Birdham or this about Singleton.) I was therefore interested to read about a study that found that if we were to cut our meat consumption by 20%, it might halve the projected global increases in CO2. As you know, part of the reason why the Peninsula is responsible for 70% of our District’s tourism is its remaining unspoilt greenbelt: who does not like looking at trees and open stretches? Not all plants necessarily add value: if you are selling your home, these should be avoided.

 

Anti Bullying day is on June 22: if you are, or know, parents, this site might prove useful. Should you be looking for things to do with children over Half Term, why not take them to one of our libraries? They are marking the Royal Jubilee with stories and crafts If you fancy a trip to the theatre, the current offering at Chichester Festival Theatre, Murder on the Orient Express, is going down well.

 

The Novium’s award-winning Chichester Roman Week begins on Saturday, offering a diverse range of activities and events across the city and surrounding areas, designed to engage visitors of all ages. It also includes a spectacular re-enactment in the City’s Priory Park on Wednesday, which brings the Roman period to life with everything from gladiators in combat, to Roman soldiers in action. 

 

Thursday is the start of the special extended bank holiday Platinum Jubilee weekend. The Queen first visited our area, once monarch, in 1956. Locally, there are many events and activities taking place and street parties have been organised across the District. On Friday the Chichester Farmers’ Market is on from 9am until 2pm and Chichester Cathedral is hosting a Jubilee Picnic on their green between 12pm and 3pm. 

 

On Saturday there will be a Jubilee Celebration at Cowdray Ruins in Midhurst between 12pm and 4pm, while in Chichester the city council is organising a Gala Procession and Family Fun Day from 11am onwards.

 

On Sunday 5 June, there will be a Jubilee Jamboree and Air Show in Selsey from 10am until 9pm, organised by the Jubilee committee - Cloud 9, The Victory Club and Arts Dream. A number of sponsors have helped, including Selsey Town Council.

Elsewhere, Petworth will be holding a big lunch in the Market Square from 12pm – 3pm and Southbourne a ‘Picnic in the Park’ at the Recreation Ground from 11am – 3pm. CDC have listed event details here.

 

If you are arranging your own event the Food Standards Agency has created a handy guide to help you minimise food-related risks, such as food poisoning and allergies. Please avoid using plastic cups and paper plates to reduce the amount of waste created from any events. Find out what can and can’t be recycled here.

Looking further ahead, Culture Spark lantern parades are taking place across the District beginning in the CIty on Friday 10 June as part of the ‘Carnival of Lights’ event. The festivities begin at 5pm in Priory Park with a placard-making workshop and whale storytelling show for children. The lantern parade moves off at 6pm, weaving through the streets of Chichester, and culminating in a fiesta themed evening at Chichester Canal Basin. 

 

The theme of the parade is environmental sustainability. More than 1,000 people from across the district have been involved in creating the lanterns which have been decorated with illustrations of flowers, animals, and wildlife to reflect the local environment. The lanterns will also be featured in local parades and exhibitions, such as Petworth’s Fete in the Park on 9 July.

Finally: - 

• We have a new Lord Lieutenant.

• West Sussex is seeking volunteers for this year's Summer Reading Challenge. 

• Report flooding, blocked drains and overgrown vegetation on Council land, and learn more about tree and hedge maintenance responsibilities here. 

• CDC’s guide on the help they provide.

• CDC’s Meetings and WSCC's. 

As always, from the whole Team, stay safe.

Tim