The sea teaches me

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We begin with our reminders : -


Last weekend, Donna and I went to the Sidlesham fete, it's always a good afternoon, and Donna usually manages to buy cakes and jams! I like Sidlesham because it reminds me of the village I grew up in. Having bumped into Liberal Democrat campaigners on the way, we were also able to have a chat with Pieter Montyn (Conservative), who Donna knows from County Council - Pieter is Sidlesham's County Councillor. This informal networking is always positive.


We have noticed that it seems environmental measures which place pressure on family budgets have become less welcome, but we are encountering support for other measures like solar panels on new homes. In that respect, I am making progress at seeing if CDC could give independent traders grants to cut overheads by reducing their carbon footprint: I have a meeting with several Officers, about this, on the 16th when Donna is next at CDC’s Planning Committee.


On the subject of Planning, please get in touch early on. Because we have three tiers of Councils here, things can be a bit confusing. For clarity, CDC decides, but applications only go to their Planning Committee if a District Councillor Red Cards it in time, or if your parish, e.g. Selsey Town or Chichester City Councils, object to it, but CDC’s Officers approve. 


Ali, as regular readers will know, is eager to expand her knowledge and happily goes on courses and undertakes wider research. She shared this with the team this week, which comes from the National Association of Local Councils: "Cllr Michaella emphasised that councillors need four skills: confidence and curiosity, willingness to learn, energy and enthusiasm to get involved, and knowing when to bite your tongue." This certainly resonated with us!


CDC has given an update on their progress in tackling climate change. District Council has been taking 60 actions to reduce carbon emissions across the district, including recently introducing comprehensive carbon literacy training for councillors and staff to help them better address climate change within the council’s work. They have also increased tree cover and launched a project that aims to safeguard and enhance strategic wildlife corridors. Their Climate Emergency Action Plan sets out a range of new and underway actions to reduce CDC’s carbon footprint and encourage residents, businesses and organisations to join its approach.


In the first two years, CDC’s emissions reduced by 12% and 4%, although Covid lockdowns played a large role in this reduction; the latest figures, from October 2021 to September 2022, show that emissions have increased by 2%, mainly because of coming out of Covid but also because of a significant increase in the use of CDC’s EV charge-points, and opening more short-stay accommodation and an additional data centre to operate and deliver vital community services in the event of an emergency. 


CDC accounts for less than 0.5% of our District’s emissions, so it has set an ambitious carbon reduction target to unite the efforts of individuals and organisations of a 10% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions every year until 2025 - new Government figures for 2021 show that district-wide emissions remained around the same as that of the previous year. CDC has been working with Chichester Free School students on a youth engagement project to produce an inspirational documentary about climate change. Further information on how you can help tackle climate change, including saving money, can be found on CDC’s Climate Change page.


Returning to the cost of living crisis, Homelessness in our area is increasing - as you may have read. Other evidence of its worsening impact can be seen in falling house prices and increasing pressure on more homeowners as their fixed rate mortgage deals come to an end. Which has published research which suggests 8 million households are now on a financial cliff edge. They also believe we can be categorised into one of eight groups which I think probably places Donna and I, as new grandparents, in the one worried about how their families will cope. 


Local businesses are being encouraged to attend a free ‘Lunch and Learn’ event about sustainability and advice about reducing their carbon footprint taking place on September 12, organised by CDC’s Economic Development Team from 11.30am to 1.30pm at the Enterprise Business Centre, Terminus Road, Chichester, PO19 8FY. The event includes talks which will cover the practical measures businesses can take to minimise their carbon footprints, expand their business sustainably, and make a difference in combating climate change. There are two speakers lined up: James Lizars, founder and CEO of Thrive Accountants, which is a B-Corp Certified company; and, Laura Gelder Robertson, Head of Innovation and Director of Glow Innovation with 20 years’ experience developing successful products and experiences that improve people’s lives. The event is free, with a light lunch and refreshments provided - any business in our District can reserve a spot.


Scientists have found a link between arthritis and the gut microbiome. I sometimes mention my participation in the Zoe Health study, which I joined during Covid, and most recently has seen my being part of a study they are running into Intermittent Fasting. As their most recent advert fronted by Davina McColl points out, if you opt-in, you can access the world’s most cutting-edge science in your pocket and 

  • Understand how food impacts your unique biology

  • Improve your health, energy & mood with personalised food advice

  • Test your gut microbiome, blood fat & blood sugar. 


Donna and I have been celebrating our  daughter's success. Our daughter has been through a lot but, thanks to a wonderful consultant and team of nurses at St Richard's, she has prevailed. The past academic year was really full on but saw her get top grades in an Access to Healthcare course equal to three A Levels. Monday was a cause for celebration because she had her place at Southampton University confirmed, and in September, will begin four years of studying for a Master of Nursing degree, in both Adult and Paediatric Nursing.


WSCC wants to help us become scam-savvy because residents lost over £3.5 million to criminals using different types of scams in the first three months of the year. The majority of victims were aged 60 or over and just under half of the reports came from people living alone. To stop individuals becoming victims of fraud and blackmail, they are running an ‘Are you scam savvy?’ event in August, both online and in person at Bognor Regis library. The sessions are for anyone who wants to keep themselves, or friends and family, from falling foul of different types of scams, including telephone, courier and romance fraud, which have all become an increased concern in West Sussex.


AI is the simulation of human intelligence performed by machines or computer systems. Due to films and television shows such as The Matrix, Terminator or Black Mirror, many have become fearful of this unknown technology and are scared of what the future may hold. While an entire generation of children are growing up with AI, parents are still concerned at how they can best support their children to both understand and interact with it safely. Internet Matters has created a guide which will teach you about the different AI tools, like ChatGPT. 


The West Sussex Joint Minerals Local Plan (JMLP) was prepared in partnership by WSCC and the South Downs National Park. It was adopted in 2018 and a partial review, specifically related to the supply of soft sand, was adopted in 2021. Local Planning Authorities have to assess local plans whether they need to be formally reviewed through changes to a local plan, or are no longer relevant or effective. The assessment of the JMLP in May identified that it is still relevant and effective, and does not need to be formally reviewed. Similarly the West Sussex Statement of Community Involvement was reviewed in July and is also available to view along with an updated Minerals and Waste Development Scheme. 


Let’s revisit a couple of stories from last week. I thought we’d follow up the articles on phubbing with another that will bring a smile to your face, “The 10 rules of smartphone etiquette – from the bathroom to your bed!” We also included Alzheimers last week, apparently losing your sense of smell could be an early symptom. If you are retired and want to stay sharp there is a daily habit that can help reverse your body clock


As the weather may not be the best for the rest of the holidays, it seems like a good idea to share some woodland routes that may be a good place for a walk this year.


Finally: - 


As always, from the whole Team, stay safe.


Tim

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