Welcome to the Local Alliance Blog

Whilst our thoughts continue to stay with Ukraine, we include relevant links at the end of this post.  Ukraine came up at West Sussex Full Council this week: they are now ready to deliver the Homes for Ukraine scheme. On March 18 Visa applications opened for sponsored people. WSCC will be in touch with residents who have offered their homes in order to carry out essential checks because approximately 80% of those fleeing Ukraine will be vulnerable. Work has begun on property inspections, but there is no timescale as yet. Refugees arriving at Gatwick are met by WSCC representatives  and assistance is being given re housing, medical care, essential supplies, interpreters etc. What sort of person do you think you are? Simple optical illusions like this can intrigue us, but do they tell us anything we don't already know? (I saw the first image meaning I am reserved and calm.) Campaigns can be illuminating about the sort of people we are too. Last weekend many Selsey residents g...

  Whilst our thoughts continue to stay with Ukraine, we are again including charitable links at the end of this post. CDC has also created a web page, which lists the many ways people can help . West Sussex have published information on refugee resettlement . Lastly, this is the Government Homes for Ukraine website.  Have you ever been to the Grand Canyon? Apparently there is a ‘mini’ version of it much nearer to us in Peacehaven . I have not and may never do so because Donna is less keen on hot places and the temperature can reach 49 degrees Celsius, so if you do, send me a picture. Recently, a West Sussex village notched the highest temperature this year here at home , a modest 22 degrees Celsius. I find the Peninsula a clement spot, slightly milder in the winter than inland areas on my commute, and in Hersham where I teach, and then on the most humid days a little fresher and less clammy in general. If you fancy venturing out for a gentle walk, these are TripAdvisor’...

As our thoughts continue to stay with Ukraine, we are keeping the charitable links we have been sharing since the present situation began, at the end of this post. You may be aware that the Government has now launched the ‘ Homes for Ukraine ’ scheme, which allows individuals, charities, community groups and businesses across the UK to offer a room or home rent-free to Ukrainians escaping the war, regardless of whether they have ties to the country. Those who are interested can nominate a Ukrainian individual or family to stay with them for at least six months. Sponsored Ukrainians will be granted three years’ leave to remain in the UK, and will be able to work, claim benefits and access public services during this period. People offering accommodation will receive an optional payment of £350 a month.   CDC has also created a web page, which lists the many ways people can help . Why are kitchen sinks under a window? The reasons might surprise you as there is a financial element t...

  Like you, our thoughts continue to be with the people of Ukraine. Before the Special Full CDC on Tuesday (whilst I was driving down from school) Donna took part in a solidarity photo with other Members. In light of the continuing situation. We are again including the links we shared last week, but if you are considering a financial donation, the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal is recommended. Do you like a good view? If so, which ones top your list? I suspect if you do like a good view you have been to at least one of these spots . Then there are 15 beautiful spots in our county Global Grasshopper recommend , and 40 hidden Sussex gems . Plum's Guide also rates our area highly, as their suggestions demonstrate .  Moving on to campaigns, the Arundel Bypass proposals are in the news again, because they are proving of concern to people of all ages, including the children whose primary school is close to the proposed route. There is a new campaign to help us all make...