May 2, 2025
Welcome to this week’s blog - as always, thanks for having a read.
Our thoughts continue to be with exam students whose written GCSE and A Level exams start very soon: my Year 11 Computer Science students sit their first paper on May 12th.
I mentioned last week that Donna went to the daytime opening of the Coastal Partners exhibitions about sea defences in Selsey and I to the later one the next day. We also checked how well attended the last day was. Coastal Partners was really pleased to see how many residents attended the exhibition and the ideas and opinions shared.
Donna had a Governance meeting at West Sussex County Council on Monday. On Tuesday I had an update on the Unitary authority options from the CEO of Chichester District Council, Diane Shepherd. The final choice will have a transition ‘shadow’ year from when it is elected in 2027 before fully taking over from CDC and West Sussex County Council in 2028. Although maintaining local accountability is important, ensuring it is financially sustainable and can finance the services we depend on, including social care, is important.
After my update I joined Donna and the Senior Team of Selsey Town Council for a VE80 rehearsal ahead of Selsey's event this coming Thursday, May 8. People are invited to bring along fish and chips - it was the only ‘treat’ not rationed during the war - for 7pm, to East Beach, ready for a sail past before the civic ceremony. We are grateful for all the work Selsey Town Council’s Deputy Clerk, Jenny Ririe, and the Development, Engagement and Communications Manager, Zoe Neal, have put in.
Zoe has written a series of articles that have appeared in the press to recognise the day. V2 Radio will broadcast live and South Today may put in an appearance: -
VE80 is a moment of celebration and reflection and marked the end of World War II in Europe. The day will be an opportunity for people to come together, and pay tribute to all those who fought for freedom from 1939 to 1945. WSCC is encouraging us all to be a part of history by watching a flag raising, the lighting of beacons, joining a street party or attending a church service. Their library service also has a wide range of resources to help you celebrate and find out more about VE Day. If you would like to know more about the Home Front during the war, then Matthew Jones, Assistant County Archivist at the West Sussex Record Office, will be giving a talk called ‘West Sussex at War 1939-1945: the Home Front’ at The Old Library, Knockhundred Row, Midhurst GU29 9DQ on 8 May at 2pm. Booking is essential.
On Wednesday Ali, Ian, Andrew and Gare had Selsey Town Council's Planning Committee. On Thursday I helped Selsey’s Town Clerk and Deputy Clerk interview potential new staff, then today, Friday, had my fortnightly Management Meeting with Selsey Town Council’s Senior Team. Next week’s most notable meeting is Chichester District Council’s Planning Committee on Wednesday (for Val and Donna.) You can watch council meetings live: CDC and WSCC.
Finally: -
As always, from the whole Team, stay safe.
Tim
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