Rustington Parish Council

I take over at an exciting time as your Parish Council is more than half way towards becoming a Quality Status Parish Council, I say half way through, because the Clerk of the Council, Carole Ward, has already gained her AQA Qualification in Local Council Administration.

Rustington entered the South and South East in Bloom Competition and we are all keeping our fingers crossed whilst we await the results. I would, however, personally like to thank all the parishioners of Rustington for the pride that is shown in our Village and for making it one of the most desirable places in which to live and work on the South Coast.

Councillor Graham Tyler

Parish Map

The production of the Map has now been completed and a copy (approx. 4ft x 3ft) is in the process of being produced for permanent display in the Rustington Library in Claigmar Road. A smaller copy (approx. 23" x 16") is also being printed which, it is anticipated, will be available for purchase from local shops. Details of stockists will be included in the next Newsletter.

Another Big Thank You to the Youth Offending Team

The Youth Offending Team is continuing to assist the Council in its efforts to enhance the Parish. The Team are currently clearing the overgrown and unkempt planted areas in the vicinity of West Preston Manor. Once cleared this area will be re-landscaped by the Council's Contractors, Ferring Nurseries with turfed areas, flower beds and trees plus a planted and turfed area along the West Preston Manor boundary flint wall.
The team is also busily redecorating the exterior of the Pavilion at the Woodland Park Sportsfield, in Station Road, Angmering with rubbish clearance being carried out on an ongoing basis.

South and South East in Bloom Competition

Rustington's first entry in the South and South East in Bloom Competition was judged on the morning of 6 July. The weather was glorious and everyone involved worked extremely hard to ensure that the Village was at its best on the day. Thanks and appreciation must go to all those who assisted with the preparation and presentation of the Rustington entry and, in particular, to Ferring Nurseries, Summerlea Community PrimarySchool, Church Farm Gardens Residents' Association, Rustington Horticultural Association and the Windmill Inn for their very special contributions.

The feedback from the judges on the day was most positive. However, they did point out that if the entry was community led as opposed to Parish Council led, then in future years Rustington might be in with a chance of a Gold Award!

So, it follows that we need members of the community to join a, soon to be formed, special Committee to progress the Rustington entry for next year. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact the Parish Council
Offices - we certainly need your help!!

The Awards will be made at a Ceremony on 9 September, and the results are awaited with optimistic anticipation!!!

2004 Parishioners' Awards

The Council, at its Annual Meeting, agreed that the 2004 Parishioners' Awards be presented to the Rustington Horticultural Association, in recognition of its Members' outstanding contribution and unceasing efforts for the benefit of the Community of Rustington, and to Mrs Nina Jones, in recognition of her tireless voluntary work and efforts to assist in improving the quality of life for the Members of the Manor Club.

The recipients will receive their awards at the Reception following the Council's Civic Thanksgiving Service on
19 September 2004.

Gardens & Allotments Competitions 2004

Following the judging of this year's Gardens Competition entries by Members of the East Preston and Kingston Horticultural Society, the results were declared as follows:

Class 1 - Window Boxes, Balconies and Patio Tubs etc. (Residential)
Winner - No Award made
Runner-Up - Mrs I Sculpher, 23 Stansfield Court, Mill Lane, Rustington

Class 2 - Window Boxes, Balconies and Patio Tubs etc. (Commercial)
Winner - The Windmill Public House, Mill Lane, Rustington
Runner-Up - The Lamb Public House, The Street, Rustington

Class 3 - Front Gardens of Any Size (Residential)
Winner - Mr F Eschrich, Clematis Cottage, 55 Church Road, Rustington
Runner-Up - Mr & Mrs B Lee, 37 Knightscroft Avenue, Rustington

The judging of the Council's Allotments Competition took place on 5 July 2004 and the following results were declared:

Overall Winner and Site Winner Penfold Lane - Plot Number 38 - Mr K Lee

Site Winner Conbar Avenue - Plot Number 7 - Mr & Mrs J Donovan

Site Winner Worthing Road - Plot Number 13 - Mr P F Ayling

All of the above-mentioned winners will be presented with their prizes at the Reception following the Council's Civic Thanksgiving Service on Sunday 19 September 2004.

Crime Prevention Bus

The Crime Prevention Bus continues to visit Rustington on a regular basis and also provides an opportunity to meet with representatives from the Parish Council. A Police representative may also be in attendance when duties permit. The remaining date planned for 2004 is Thursday 14 October from 10.00 am-3.00 pm.

Meetings

Just a reminder that Meetings of the Council are usually held on the fourth Monday of each month (apart from August and December) commencing at 7.15 p.m. in the Roger Montgomeri Room, The Woodlands Centre, Woodlands Avenue. All members of the public are welcome to attend these Meetings, and time is set aside before each Council and Committee Meeting commences to give members of the public an opportunity to pose questions. Further details of future scheduled Meetings are given below. A copy of the Agenda for each Meeting is displayed at the Public Library, on the Website and on Parish Notice Boards.
Click here for a full list of meetings, agendas and minutes.

Community Carol Concert

Every year the Council organises a Community Carol Concert, which is held in the Village Memorial Hall at the Woodlands Centre, Woodlands Avenue. Entry is free and everyone is welcome to attend and participate in this festive celebration. Complimentary coffee, tea, soft drinks and mince pies are also provided. This year's Concert will be held on Saturday 18 December commencing at 7.30 pm. Don't forget to put this important date in your diary!!

Sponsorship of Planters

Whilst the Council has recently secured sponsorship for certain of its floral displays in the Village, it continues to look for local businesses, organisations and individuals that would be willing to sponsor other displays in the Village. Please contact the Council Offices for further information in this regard.

Following its official opening on 12 January 2004, the Rustington Youth Centre started out as a virtually empty building. Within a relatively short time the Centre has sprung into life with a variety of different groups using the facilities. The Senior Youth provision (13-18 years) is operating successfully on Monday and Thursday evenings
7 pm-9.30pm and has already attracted a good membership amidst local young people.

West Sussex Youth Service are entering into a joint agreement with Rustington Parish Council providing management, training and staffing resources for work with young people between the ages of 13-18 years. Other Groups providing opportunities for younger age children also use the building including a Pre-School Playgroup, Under 8's & Under 12's Club's, Wrestling Club, Pool and Table Tennis Clubs. There is an evident need to provide facilities for those young people who fall outside of these age groups and an Intermediate Club for young people aged between 11-14 years is planned.

Unfortunately, difficulties are currently being experienced in identifying sufficient enthusiastic staff to work with the older age groups. The Neighbourhood Youth Worker, Derek Whiting, would like to take this opportunity to encourage applicants to come forward. The entire Neighbourhood Youth Work area is currently understaffed and has recently necessitated closures due to staff and volunteer shortage.
For an informal chat or further information please telephone 01903 778899/772689.