Progress Autumn 2014

Why should I vote in the referendum?To ensure that improved health and leisure facilities are delivered and that you are given the right to be fully consulted if these services are relocated or redesigned. The Plan includes the delivery of a new community centre and youth facility

AWARD WINNING NEWSLETTER Autumn 2014 Edition

GOLD WINNERS

Why should I vote in the referendum?To support and improve local business and retail opportunities – the Plan includes proposals to help meet the demand for new employment and ways to encourage local small businesses to grow and flourish

Inside this edition

Why should I vote in the referendum?To continue to make your voice heard. Consultation is a key part of the Plan, with aims to establish a Community Liaison Group as well as producing a Littlehampton Design Guide

www.facebook.com/littlehamptontcFeel involved. Be involved. Contact YOUR Town Council:email [email protected] telephone 01903 732063 visit www.littlehampton-tc.gov.uk

USEYOURVOTE!

Why should I vote in the referendum?To make getting around easier. The Plan focuses

development on the ‘Fitzalan’ corridor and supports the

new road that will deliver the Lyminster bypass and link

the seafront to the new development north of the town.

Money for sportspeople • Meet River Ward’s new Councillor

What a summer we have had – wonderful warm and sunny days, with plenty of activities happening right across Littlehampton.My first three months as Mayor have been both busy and rewarding. I have met many people, including some wonderful veterans, who I had the

pleasure of meeting in June at the veterans’ tea party at the Look & Sea Centre. Pupils from River Beach School asked questions and shared poems with the men and women who had experienced D-Day 70 years ago, making it an extremely poignant occasion. The splendour and excitement of Armed Forces Day at the end of June was enjoyed by many of us, as was the candle-lit ‘Lights Out’ service at the beginning of August. Held to commemorate the centenary of the outbreak of World War One, this was followed by Sea Sunday at the end of July, where fitting tribute was paid to of all those lost at sea. These, and indeed all the other events held to commemorate the First World War, have taken place quietly, with all due dignity and respect.

Many other events also brought smiles, including a 100th birthday celebration, an opportunity to play ‘Walking Football’ (harder than it sounds!); live stage shows at the Windmill Theatre (notably Narnia and Little Shop of Horrors, both very professional and entertaining) and our ever-popular carnival in July. The sandcastle and the garden and allotments competitions were also a pleasure. It was a joy to see time and effort invested to such great effect. And then there was Wick Week, SPACE week, ‘Grease’ at the Screen on the Green outdoor cinema – as I say, a truly wonderful summer! We can now look ahead to an equally busy and enjoyable programme of events this Autumn, at which I hope very much to meet more of you. With warm regards,Cllr Jill Long, Town Mayor

Mayor’s Message

Why should I vote in the referendum?To protect and enhance the environment. The Plan wants

to target development to previously used sites within the

built up area – not on green sites. It also looks to protect

existing green spaces and to deliver housing allocations

as required, but on sites determined by local people

Town Mayor with 30 CDO Unit RM Major Ian McGill and WO2 Paul Weir at Armed Forces Day.

LTC is urging people to use their voting rights in October, when residents will be empowered to shape the future of Littlehampton for the next 15 years.The referendum on the Littlehampton Neighbourhood Plan takes place on the 15 October, based on a new planning document designed to strengthen the District Local Plan. Unlike the District’s Local Plan any Neighbourhood Plan must be approved by residents through a referendum so it is vital that it reflects those issues that local people feel are important. The Littlehampton Neighbourhood Plan has been created following two years of consultation with residents and businesses across the town and clearly states the key issues that have been identified.

You can vote in the referendum if you live in the parish of Littlehampton and you are on the electoral register. If you are not on the electoral register you will need to register to vote. Contact the elections office at Arun District Council or register online at www.aboutmyvote.co.ukYou will be asked: Do you want Arun District Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Littlehampton to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?The Littlehampton Neighbourhood Plan will come into force if a majority of those who vote support the Plan.

Littlehampton Neighbourhood Plan referendum

Help shape Littlehampton for the next 15 years

View the plan at www.littlehampton-tc.gov.uk/neighbourhoodplan


With exactly the same aims as its parent organisation, Junior Neighbourhood Watch (JNW) strives to promote good citizenship and greater public awareness. Encouraging public participation in the prevention and detection of crime, endeavouring to ensure that no one has to feel afraid, vulnerable or isolated in the place where they live, JNW has been created to show young people that they too can make a difference, especially in matters that relate directly to their peer group.The first school in the area to join the JNW ‘after schools club’, River Beach Junior School in Littlehampton enabled pupils to learn practical skills to deal with current neighbourhood issues, as well as making them aware of their personal safety and how to improve it. Helping youngsters to value their communities, the project gets serious messages across in a fun, interesting and accessible way participation is entirely voluntary, with the scheme initially being run jointly by Crawley and Littlehampton Neighbourhood Watch volunteers. At the end of scheme pupils are formally presented with a framed certificate (the Town Mayor and the Chief Inspector presented each child involved in the scheme at River Beach Junior School with their personal framed certificate, and later spent some time speaking to the children and their proud parents), and the school itself also receives a framed certificate indicating its participation in the scheme, which is Ofsted recognised.Any schools wishing to participate or local businesses that would like to discuss possible sponsorship of the scheme should contact: [email protected]

Success of Summer Nights!

Screen on the Green - Town Mayor with the Fancy Dress Competition winners Bobby Haines and Angel Barnett

Grease was most definitely the word when, as part of Littlehampton’s summer entertainment, a one-off showing of the classic movie of the same name took place at the Screen on the Green.Drawing crowds from far and wide – well over 1,500 people – the fancy dress competition also attracted over 50 entries. Dressed in fabulous vintage 50s clothing, Pink Ladies, Beauty School Drop-Outs and Travolta wannabes all competed for the prize of £50 worth of East Beach Cafe vouchers. But ultimately it was the diddiest T-bird of all who won not just the prize, but the hearts of everyone there. At just four-years-old Bobby Haines from Littlehampton was the cutest mini Danny T-bird ever!Giving candy floss a run for its money by wearing a wig of precisely the same shade as the sticky confection, the title of Best Dressed Pink Lady was bestowed on Angel Barnett, age 10, from Surrey.

With social media sites exploding with positive feedback (“What a fantastic idea, we had a fabulous evening with family and friends, enjoying a picnic under the stars, please consider this event again next year!” … “Really lovely event; generated a really nice atmosphere with all those there, thanks for putting it on!”) it was unanimously agreed that it really had been one of the most fabulous ‘summer nights’ of the season!Chair of the Community Resources Committee, Councillor Malcolm Belchamber MBE said: “I am really pleased with how the Screen on the Green event went. There were so many families singing and dancing along and the atmosphere was brilliant. Lots of people are asking for an encore and suggestions for films have been flooding in. I will put these to the Committee to see if it is possible to repeat the event next summer. Watch this space!”

When applications submitted to NHS England for two new

pharmacies in Wick (part of the proposals for

the relocation of the East Street GP

practice to the Enterprise Hub,

immediately north of

the new Morrisons supermarket in Wick), Town

Councillor’s had serious concerns. Chair of the Town Council’s Policy and Finance Committee Councillor Carol Emberson claimed that the plans contravened all the agreements made during the Morrisons supermarket and Enterprise Hub planning permissions and a formal objection, detailing the

Councillor’s concerns, including the potential detriment to local traders, was submitted to NHS England. In July LTC received word from NHS England saying that they supported the Town Council’s objections and refused the application on the grounds that there was already a good range of pharmaceutical services in the Town and that, on balance, the applications did not meet the desired criteria for new services.Ham Ward Councillor Mike Northeast, who has repeatedly addressed health chiefs through the North Littlehampton Steering Group, said: “I have consistently pointed out that if a pharmacy were included in the proposed new health facility at the Enterprise Hub it could not only could result in the demise of the chemist in the parade, but could also sound the death knell for the other shops because of the trade that the local chemist attracts. I’m pleased that, at last, NHS England has finally listened to our concerns and has refused to issue a pharmacy licence in the vicinity of the hub.” •

North Littlehampton BypassLittlehampton residents are invited to comment on West Sussex County Council’s plans for a bypass at Lyminster. The proposed route will bypass the A284 Lyminster Road and link the northern end of Lyminster village with Toddington Nurseries. This will form the northern section of a new road route from just south of the A27 Crossbush to East Street, Littlehampton. The bypass will improve north-south access to Littlehampton and provides the additional road capacity needed to support the North Littlehampton development site.

Find out more at the County Council’s public exhibitions on Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 September (5-7.30pm on Wednesday and 2.30-6pm on Thursday), in the New Millennium Chamber at Littlehampton Town Council.Full details and an online feedback form can be found at www.westsussex.gov.uk/lyminsterbypass The feedback questionnaire is also available from Littlehampton library and at the exhibitions. Comments must be received by Friday 26 September. •

Don’t let the chance to have your say about the bypass pass you by!

Wick pharmacies proposal rejected

Grant Aid is music to Scout’s earsLTC’s Grant Aid scheme received a record response this year, with over £62,000 worth of requests made for the £15,000 fund that is set aside to support local charity and not-for-profit organisations. The Community Resources Committee faced some tough decisions, but still managed to make a total of 43 awards to organisations that each contribute to community life in some way.With grants ranging from £100 to £1,500 the biggest grant was given to Arundel & Littlehampton District Scouts Band, with £1,500 provided to pay for much-needed instruments and musical equipment. The Band has recently completed its annual inspection and has reached the required standard to be eligible for National Parades & Performances – an accomplishment that Littlehampton can be extremely proud of.

Mark Hewson of Arundel & Littlehampton District Scout Band told Progress: “We hope to have the instruments in time for our first public performance at the Littlehampton Bonfire. The generous grant from Littlehampton Town Council will go a long way to helping the band purchase the replacement instruments it needs. A lot of our instruments are old, mismatched hand-me-downs or ad hoc purchases and tend to be heavier than more modern replacements. One of the biggest reasons we are seeking to purchase smaller lighter weight instruments is to encourage and enable younger members to participate more fully in our activities and engagements. Currently our novice instruments are very heavy and this makes it very difficult and cumbersome for the younger members to achieve a satisfactory standard and to maintain an acceptable marching style.”

The band attends many carnivals and festivals throughout the year, locally and further afield, including prestigious events such as the Lord Mayors show in London. In recent years the band has developed an extensive engagement list and supports a range of local events and causes. In particular the band appears regularly at Littlehampton Carnival, the Bonfire celebrations and Armed Forces Day.Other grants included a donation to Littlehampton Food Bank, an organisation that offers food to people in crisis in the local area, providing short term emergency relief.

Arundel & Littlehampton District Scout Band

Everybody needs good neighboursKEEP UP TO DATE KEEP UP TO DATE KEEP UP TO DATE


What’s On

Town Show & Family Fun DaySaturday 13th at Rosemead Park, off Fitzalan RoadLittlehampton’s biggest community celebration, at Town Show 2014 we are proudly hosting Murdoch’s Crazy Eyes (MCE), one of the best covers band in the South. Supported by Emily Johnston, a local girl with velvety vocals, this year the stage is generously sponsored by The Arun View Inn. Area displays, bingo, pet show, climbing wall, the horticultural and craft show, over 50 stalls, there is even a special Onesie Competition! Kindly sponsored by Titan Storage there are three categories: kids (0 – 16), adults (16+) and pets! Fantastic prizes (an iPad Mini, a Kindle Fire HD and a £20 Pets at Home voucher respectively), wear your onesie with pride – yes, even you, Rover! – and register (free) on the day at the main arena at 2.20.pm.

The War on a PostcardWednesday 1st October, 7.30pm at Littlehampton MuseumLocal expert Roger Mayhew gives an illustrated talk providing an overview of World War One through the work of postcard cartoonists. Places are free but booking is necessary – call 01903 738100.

Littlehampton Bonfire Society CelebrationsSaturday 25th One of the biggest and best bonfire celebrations on the South Coast, watch the procession of torch carriers and illuminated floats, then make your way to the seafront for the huge bonfire and fantastic firework display. Check www.littlehamptonbonfiresociety.co.uk for more details.

Half Term Fun: Monsters Through Time!Tuesday 28th, Wednesday 29th, Thursday 30th, Friday 31st at Littlehampton MuseumMonster themed sessions at the Museum. Booking essential (booking opens 1st October) on 01903 731800

September

Family History: Ask the ExpertsSaturday 20th Drop in at Littlehampton MuseumExperts from the Sussex Family History Group answer all your genealogy questions.

Miscellaneous Thoughts Wednesday 24th September – Friday 7th November at Littlehampton MuseumLocal photographer Roy White showcases his diverse collection of images in this eclectic exhibition.

Small Town Great War Saturday 27th September – Tuesday 11th November at Littlehampton MuseumA fascinating look at the life of Littlehampton and its residents during the First World War.

October

Meet the Artist:Littlehampton & District Camera Club Saturday 6th at Littlehampton Museum 2-3.30pmFree photographic workshop. Advance booking essential on: 01903 731800.

Christmas Capers Saturday 13th Drop-in at Littlehampton Museum. 2-4pmMake beautiful Christmas cards and dazzling decorations to give to loved ones this festive season. No booking required.

Carnival Christmas Fun DaySaturday 13th High Street LittlehamptonAnnual family fun with a Santa’s Grotto, stalls and children’s entertainment.

WickmasSaturday 13th Wick Hall, Wick StreetA Victorian themed festive event for all the family

Technology, retail AND relics! A lively family-friendly museum located in the heart of the town, Littlehampton Museum also sells some superb local books. Spanning the Town’s rich history through to cookery books, there is also a small but enticing and unusual collection of gifts and jewellery available. To mark the Centenary of WWI Alan Simmonds’ book ‘Small Town, Great War’ is on sale, as well as WWI replica memorabilia packs. And as well as being absolutely free to visit, the Museum has a brand new website packed with interesting photographs and activities for children. Check it out at www.littlehamptonmuseum.co.uk

Community Market StallThe Littlehampton Market Community Stall is a great resource for local community groups and organisations, providing them with the opportunity to raise funds and awareness right in the heart of Littlehampton.

Now accepting bookings for 2015, the incredibly popular stall is available every Friday throughout the year.

To book please contact the Town Council on 01903 732063.

Discover what’s on at Southfields Jubilee CentreFrom dance and sports to clothes sales and social clubs, for full details of what’s on when visit www.littlehampton-tc.gov.uk

December

THE ARUN VIEW

INN

PROJECT 82Offering friendship, fun, activities, advice and support, P82 has plenty for young people in Littlehampton. Check out the different session times below and come and see us soon! And enjoy your first session FREE! Youth Club Evening Sessions: 50p Inters (ages 10-13) - Mondays & Tuesdays 6 – 8pm Seniors (ages 14-18) - Wednesdays & Thursdays 7 – 9pm Info Shop Afternoon Session – Free! Ages 10-25; 3.30pm – 5.30pm.Project 82 @ Keystone Centre – Free! Juniors, Thursdays 4 – 5.30pmProject 82 @ Southfields – Free! Ages 11–18, Tuesday Evenings 7 – 8.30pmEmail: [email protected] Twitter: @Project_82 82 Wick Street, Wick, Littlehampton, BN17 7JS Tel: 01903 739250

Remembrance Sunday Parade and ServiceSunday 9th November at the War Memorial Beach RoadThe parade forms by the Town Clock in the High Street at 10.30am and proceeds to the war memorial where a service is held. A second service is held immediately after at St Mary’s Church. All veterans are welcome to participate in the parade and everyone is welcome to join in the two services.

Armistice DayTuesday 11th November, 10.45am at the War Memorial, Beach RoadEveryone is welcome to commemorate the signing of the armistice between the Allies and Germany at 11 am on 11 November 1918.

Vistas of the Cosmos Wednesday 12th November – Wednesday 24th December at Littlehampton MuseumScience, art and imagination combine to create stunning and thought-provoking paintings by artist John Lewis.

70 years in the frame Saturday 15th November – Wednesday 24th December at Littlehampton MuseumA special exhibition to celebrate the Littlehampton & District Camera Club’s 70th season.

Meet the Artist:Littlehampton & District Camera Club Saturday 22nd at Littlehampton Museum; 10-11.30amFree photographic workshop. Advance booking essential (Tel. 01903 731800).

Christmas Lights Switch on & Late night ShoppingFriday 28th High Street Littlehampton The annual launch of Littlehampton’s Christmas festivities, come and have a ho-ho-whole lot of fun!

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There’s lots of fascinating facts about Littlehampton.For instance, did you know that . . .● One of the ways the government raised funds for the First World War was to ask each town or district to raise a certain amount, depending on the size of the community. Littlehampton was set the target of £20,000, and in their one-week drive they succeeded in raising £33,782. Old ladies are reported as having ransacked their jewellery cases and handed in gold rings and other trinkets. The Chair of the Urban District Council, Joseph Wheeler, announced the result to an excited crowd at the end of the week, stating ‘it shows that Littlehampton is determined to beat the Kaiser, and does not mean to have the German heel on its neck. I am very proud of the town!’

● By the time First World War was declared ‘spy fever’ had already spread across the country. Littlehampton’s first taste of it came in autumn 1914, when a troupe of German musicians, who had performed for the town’s lifeboat parade in August, was arrested. They were never again seen in the area…

● In the summer of 1918 a German U-Boat torpedoed the steamship ‘Shirala’ six miles off the coast of Littlehampton. Its officers and crew were rescued and the cargo salvaged by local crews. Some of the items recovered can be seen today in Littlehampton Museum’s Maritime Gallery.

● Local residents were often able to hear the sound of the large guns over in France when they stood on Littlehampton beach.

● Before the war public house opening hours in Littlehampton were quite relaxed – some pubs opened as early as five in the morning and stayed open until 12.30am the following day. Beer was very much a part of the average diet, but by June 1915 the sale of alcohol had been dramatically reduced to just four hours a day.

I N T R O D U C I N G . . .

I was inspired to become a Councillor because … I have always taken a keen interest in issues that affect the local community and have always admired those who are willing to stand up and speak out on behalf of others.What I love most about Littlehampton is … The people, who are kind, helpful and passionate about their town. I also love the river and the beach.The local issue I am currently most passionate about is ... Getting our local community hospital back.It makes me really cross when … I see vulnerable people treated like second class citizens; being taken advantage of and not being given a voice in society. My all-time favourite film is … The Inn of the Sixth Happiness. A very moving film based on the life of missionary Gladys Aylward. The Public figure I most admire … I will always admire public figures that will stand up and speak out for equality, freedom and the rights of the people. There are a few past and present who I admire equally, but the one person who stands out most recently is Nelson Mandela. My Philosophy for Life is … To start each day anew.

T o W n T R i v i a

Details of all Council Meetings can be found online at www.littlehampton-tc.gov.uk/meetings Come along and have your say!

Council meetings

Meet the Councillor Councillor Bernie Millam is a retired registered nurse who specialised in elderly care. A single mum of three, Bernie is a councillor for River Ward.

This year Littlehampton Museum is holding a special exhibition to mark the centenary of the beginning of the First World War. The exhibition entitled ‘Small Town, Great War’ will open on Saturday 27th September and will focus on how Littlehampton and its residents coped with the four year conflict. We will also be taking a look at the stories of some of the local men who joined up to fight, and, following an appeal earlier this year calling for people to come forward with local stories and artefacts associated with WW1, part of the display will be given over to items loaned by members of the public. One of the Museum team’s favourite stories is about a Littlehampton schoolgirl who made dolls clothes which she sold for a small profit. The girl used her proceeds to purchase six eggs, and after writing her name and address on each one she handed them over to the local Egg Collecting Depot. The girl was delighted to receive the following note from an Officer at a Military Hospital in Rouen:‘I was very much surprised this morning when I found to my delight that it was eggs for breakfast, and when they arrived you will be pleased to hear, that your egg has come to grief, in that I swallowed it! I say that it was delightful, and I did appreciate it. It was lovely and fresh, though I don’t know its age; but that matters little so long as it was nice and from you, for all the others in this ward

wouldn’t believe me when I told them what had happened. And so after the contents were demolished the shell had a tour of inspection. I must thank you for your kindness, and tell you that the others are sorry they didn’t get one of yours.’Littlehampton Gazette, Friday 7th June, 1918.The ‘National Egg Collection for the Wounded’ scheme was set up in 1915, and was one of the ways in which children were encouraged to get involved with the war effort.The exhibition runs from 27th September until 11th November. Those interested in the topic may also wish to attend the Museum on Wednesday 1st October, when local expert Roger Mayhew will be giving an illustrated overview of WW1 through the work of postcard cartoonists. The lecture will take place at 7.30pm; places must be booked through the Museum in advance.

Small Town, Great War

German guns being landed at the railway wharf in 1918.

Up to £1,000 in grants is once again being made available to sportspeople in Littlehampton, courtesy of the Town Council. Together with Littlehampton Sports Forum the Council honours an ongoing commitment to give financial support to local sportspeople, helping them to achieve sporting excellence.The Financial Awards for Sporting Excellence are open to Littlehampton residents who require additional financial support towards training, competition fees, transport, accommodation and equipment. Aimed at those already playing at county level, the fund enables such individuals to develop their potential and to progress further in their chosen sport. With no age restrictions awards of up to £1,000 will be available to each recipient, but applications should be made for as little as needed to allow more people to benefit.Cllr Malcolm Belchamber MBE, Chair of the Littlehampton Town Council Community Resources Committee said: “Assisting local sporting talent is a significant aspect of the Council’s work in the community and these grants often mean that sportspeople can continue to excel in their chosen sport and fly the flag for Littlehampton.”

Applications can be made online from the 1 October 2014 at www.littlehampton-tc.gov.uk or obtained from the Littlehampton Town Council offices, Manor House, Church Street.Closing date for applications is Friday 14th November 2014.

LTC funds local sports stars

Documents

Progress Autumn 2014