In time and with water

 

The big question this week has centred around change or continuity -  that's right, what's your view on changing the clocks? I came across an interesting perspective on this, relating to energy saving: putting them back may use more energy because we stay up an hour later into the evening using more electricity and gas; stopping the change could therefore, possibly, prove beneficial 

These are turbulent times, with a lot of uncertainty about many things and a worrying financial outlook for so many people. Whilst we do not take a national position, we watch events closely as they potentially impact on our ability to help you. With the recent turmoil, there has been debate about whether there should be a General Election; whilst not taking a view, we are aware many of you have signed this petition calling for one now. 

There is also a petition calling for universal free school meals to combat our growing child poverty. 

Don't forget children can qualify for the nasal spray flu vaccine. 

At the other end of the age spectrum, you can read about people in their 70s and 80s returnng to work to make ends meet. 

Some of you may follow Mrs Hinch. If you don’t, you may have missed these tips: -

• An extra spin in your washing machine might save using the tumble dryer.

• Salt might reduce overnight condensation on your windows.

There is also the suggestion of standing your indoor airer near a radiator and covering it with a sheet. 

If you drive a fair distance like me, there is a timely season-related reminder to keep your car clean for aero-dynamic reasons. 

Professor Tim Spector of the Zoe health study, has some interesting energy advice which will boost your gut health. 

Half Term is nearly over so it’s back to school once more for many families (and me.) The first half of the Autumn term is busy with Open Evenings and daytime visits as parents and children consider what school they wish to go to. My school, like so many, had daytime tours every Tuesday morning, as well as the main Open Evening in late September and Sixth Form Evening a week before we broke up. Competition for some schools can be fierce, so here is an article revealing the West Sussex Secondaries that are hardest to get into.

There are three types of scams to watch out for at the moment: - 

• Investment scams: Fraudsters will try to pressure you into buying worthless or non-existent shares. These can include crypto-currency, gold or even wine. They’ll use a variety of sales approaches to contact you, so please be cautious.

• Purchase scams: While online shopping may be quick and convenient, we must be careful as fraudsters can use this to their advantage. They can trick you into paying for high value goods that don’t exist, often through social media or auction sites.

• Impersonation scams: these happen when a fraudster contacts you pretending to be from your bank, the police, or another trusted organisation to convince you to send them money.

As we mentioned last week, rail travellers should be warned that essential work will affect journeys over weekends in October, November and the Christmas Period. Read more here. 

There will be more hospital delays this winter as the BBC reports the NHS is 'gridlocked.'

I am pleased to finally be able to share some happier news with you: The Beach Guide rated the best and most beautiful beaches in England based on its website visitors' feedback, and I suspect you won't be surprised by the winner: I may not be objective, but I think each of our District’s three beaches are beautiful in their own unique way.

Ben Thapa, ex-G4, is confirmed to perform on the Peninsula in Selsey Town Hall this December. He will be accompanied by Claire Filey of the Welsh National Opera. We will confirm the exact date very soon. 

Staying positive, University of Houston spinoff Aeromine Technologies has developed a residential, motionless, rooftop wind energy system that’s more compact than a typical turbine and works with wind speeds as low as 5 miles per hour — traditional small turbines require average wind speeds of at least 9 mph. 

The Flying Scotsman will be back in Sussex for 17 days next year. 

The other mainly positive news is the fall in wholesale gas prices in Europe as demand is lower because of the mild weather and storage is nearly full; however next winter could prove problematic as there will be a whole year, rather than 6 months, of less Russian gas to make up; if all the current reserve is used, where will next winter's supply come from? The supply of Liquid Natural Gas apparently would not be sufficient to make up such a shortfall, so let's hope for two mild winters. 

If you fancy a pleasant autumn stroll, try this local jaunt. 

Chichester and Petworth have made it into Muddy Stilettos top 10 places to live in Sussex. 

We have mentioned the ShopAppy platform several times before; it is a social enterprise which gives shops and businesses the chance to be part of a local business community, establish an online presence if they don’t already have one and offer a range of services including ‘click and collect’ and home deliveries. The platform was created to help British high streets by providing an alternative way for small businesses to compete with the big retail names. CDC is currently paying for businesses to join ShopAppy until March 2023 - most recently it launched in Selsey, where over 45 businesses have signed up; it is already in Chichester and East Wittering, and soon will be coming to Petworth and Midhurst.

Finally: - 

• Suicide in Sussex should you have a concern

• CDC’s help for our local businesses

• Government help for households

• WSCC's cost of living information

• Other suggestions from CDC

• Warmer Homes help site

• CDC’s Climate Emergency Plan

• WSCC's climate action

• CDC Meetings

• WSCC

As always, from the whole Team, stay safe.

Tim