Hoping for a Fab 4

This week it will be Pinch, punch, first of the month as August begins. As the six weeks of Summer march on, hopefully we will have four more good weeks of weather to look back at in the Autumn (which is only round the corner, unfortunately!) We may get another hot spell, but everywhere is already very dry so doing what we can to conserve water is a good idea. This week some interesting advice from RHS, whose gardens at Wisley are on my commute, came my way.

I also came across this article about low cost / free things to do with your children or grandchildren during the holidays. 

The Novium Museum is running a variety of events and activities, from summer art workshops through to a family geology day.

CDC suggests visiting their events calendar which includes events from across our District, and the ‘What’s On’ pages in their magazine ‘initiatives’, which has recently been delivered to all households.

WSCC suggests looking at their tourism partnership website which allows you to search for places to walk, beaches to visit, free to attend events & more. 

If you fancy a country walk, what about having a look at the Vandalian Tower? 

Don’t forget the Peninsula has a lot to offer too, including this often overlooked coastal spot. 

Wherever you go, don't use your phone at the wheel: Durham Police shared this distressing, video having worked with the families of those who died, to reiterate the message.

Stories of local people working together to make a difference for their community are always a pleasure to share: this is an interesting read about a disused bridge over the Thames. 

Although Council Meetings are tailing off as we head into August, the case work is going up: Donna is particularly busy with several sensitive, complex matters matters. Meanwhile, the Team is on the delivery trail again because Selsey Town Council are seeking residents’ views on the recent Jubilee Jamboree, and more widely whether residents prefer them to give grants to help groups stage events or would prefer to potentially pay higher Council Tax for the Council to stage events itself.

On the subject of being consulted, don’t forget Southern Water are seeking feedback on their Drainage and Wastewater Management Plan; this closes on Monday 5 September

Earlier today I received an email from Keep Britain Tidy. They are aware of the issues caused by residents and visitors using BBQs in public parks and on beaches. This includes unauthorised use of BBQs in public spaces, damage caused to grass and bins through incorrect use and disposal, injuries and burns, accidental fires and littering of both BBQs and the items associated with their use such as food packaging, cans and disposable plates.

Previous Keep Britain Tidy research found that 5% of UK adults think it is acceptable to leave a disposable BBQ behind at a beach or park. Whilst there is some evidence about the drivers of ‘abandoned picnics’ and littering at beaches, Keep Britain Tidy is unaware of any robust evidence or research which can be used to inform specific campaigns of interventions on this specific issue. They are looking for partners with a view to conducting this research in August and September, then publishing the results in October. I know residents across the coastal part of the Peninsula would be very pleased if they manage to. 

If you believe in free speech and different local perspectives, this 'newbie on the block' might interest you. Donna was a little disappointed to not be asked to join their team of volunteer writers but, as you know, I am not sure when she would find the time and her Community responsibilities come first. 

In recent weeks, we have been sharing potentially worthwhile petitions for you to consider signing; this week you might want to consider supporting: - 

• Giving the NHS emergency funding to deal with their backlog

• Giving NHS staff an inflationary pay rise

• Giving Firefighters compensation if they fall ill as a result of the risks they are exposed to

Finally: - 

• CDC’s Climate Emergency Plan

• WSCC's climate newsletter

• The help CDC provide

• CDC Meetings

• WSCC

As always, from the whole Team, stay safe.

Tim