Chairman, Arun District Council 2018/19

All smiles for Shopmobility raising funds for the Chairmans' chosen Charity.

Daphne Snowden who has collected for charities for more than 65 years was named in the 2019 New Year's Honours list. The RBL Poppy Appeal, RNLI and the Fire Fighters are among the charities that benefited from her hard work.
It was a privilege to have been present today at the investiture in Littlehampton by the Vice-Lord Lieutenant of West Sussex, Mr Harry Goring who presented Daphne with the British Empire Medal (BEM) for her services to charities and the community of Littlehampton. A proud day for one remarkable lady, her family and the district.

A warm welcome awaits everyone that attends the Shopmobility Coffee Morning in aid of the Bognor Regis and Littlehampton schemes. Looking forward to meeting you there. :)
We are situated just yards from the St Martin's cark park :)

I was up bright and early this morning to catch the posties sorting the mail before taking to the streets to deliver the post. Some 75 people work to sort the mail into the rounds and then into the streets and house numbers. A fine process that works well to keep the mail moving, especially at this time of the year when the influx of mail is high.
Manager Ian Cairns showed me round the sorting office in Rustington and explained how it runs. Everyone was in fine fettle while they worked. The picture below shows the final stage (a frame) before the mail is bundled and packed for the round. Appreciation to our posties who work jolly hard and brave all weathers to serve our homes all year. Merry Christmas and a happy new year to them all. :)

Today marked a new chapter in the history of the Hotham Park Heritage Trust. After a brief meeting at the lodge with the trustees and volunteers, more than 20 years of service was celebrated and 6 years as chairperson for Rosemary Warren.
Chairperson Anne Cranham that recently took the chair said a few words, then it was my turn and presented Rosemary with a framed poem that was written by Anne and then pinned the President's badge onto Rosemary's lapel. She is the first Honorary President at the trust, we then raised our glasses to her and thanked her for the dedication she gave to the park. I believe Rosemary will be staying on as a trustee, I wish her, Anne and volunteers, and the trust, the very best for the future.

Wishing you all a merry Christmas and a happy new year! :)

This beautiful Christmas tree was a part of the back-drop of the Winter Wonderland~Glitz & Glamour Concert at St James the Great Church this evening. The Edwin James Festival Choir performed a very colourful and entertaining Christmas show, their talent never ceases to amaze. We sang along to our favourite songs and carols an evening one just didn't want to end. :)

I and the mayor this evening attended A Celebration of Christmas at St Mary's Church hosted by The Rotary Club of Littlehampton. The Littlehampton Concert Band played the music, and three school choirs individually sang. Towards the end they joined together to sing the song, All Around the World. A really nice way to enjoy Christmas especially as it was followed by coffee and a mince pie. :)

Nestled in a beautiful and tranquil part of the countryside just north of Brighton is the home of the Longfurlong RDA Group. This morning I had the pleasure to attend a Christmas show and meet quite a remarkable team of dedicated volunteers that make the dream of riding ponies for people with disabilities come true. The RDA group originated at Long Furlong at Clapham and moved to Brighton, people from the Arun District travel and enjoy the RDA group as do those from other parts of Sussex. Today rosettes were won by members and they were also given a present by Santa. My thanks to Louise and Barbara for inviting me. :)

This evening I attended the Christmas Pontifical Sung Vespers service, held annually on the 2nd Sunday in advent at Arundel Cathedral. Digniaries from all over Sussex and levels of authority were in attendance. The High Sheriffs of East and West Sussex and Surrey are pictured below. One quite remarkable evening. :)

On Thursday Chichester Cathedral played host to the Chairman of West Sussex County Council's Service of Carols in aid of the Firefighters Charity. A most enjoyable evening, thanks to Cllr Lionel Barnard. :)

The Arundel & Littlehampton District Scouts Christmas Carol Service was held this evening at St Mary's Church in Littlehampton. The young people entertained us well and played the story of the nativity during the service. A wonderful evening by so many talented people. :)

Bognor Regis & Littlehampton Shopmobilitys held their Christmas Dinner in the Fish Factory, Littlehampton today. Everyone had a brilliant time and raised just over £130 from the raffle. :)

Carols In The Park this evening was brilliant, everyone enjoyed singing, even me, and ended wth Santa's arrival, and the snow falling, a lovely finale. The mulled wine and mince pie went down very well too.
My thanks to Sue Harris and the Hotham Park Heritage trust for organising the event. :)

The snow was falling in the Arcade at Bognor Regis this morning where Santa arrived. Chestnuts were roasting, carols were being sung and Santa's elves were working very hard. Even I at one point sang with the Salvation Army. Outside the Wonder Girls braved the rain to entertain us. The spirit of Christmas truely arrived in style and started the the festive season admirably. :)

A magnificent morning that raised £313 :)

Last Friday 23rd November the Arun Youth Councillors took over the Civic Centre on their annual visit and learned about many aspects of the working of the council. After quizzing the chairman, in conclusion it was a very successful day. My thanks to Mrs Liz Fucher for her interesting presentation. :)