New year gets on track with visit
Avery Happy New Year to you all! I sincerely hope you had an enjoyable Christmas. The beginning of January is always a strange one, as we all try to settle back into our usual routines. For some, the wet and cold weather we experience at this time of year can be especially difficult. If you, or someone you know needs a warm, friendly space and some company, why not take advantage of the ‘Warm Spaces’ scheme. In some of these locations you will also be able to get refreshments, take part in activities and access advice and information about local services. Everyone is welcome to stay for as long as they like, within the opening hours. The most local locations to Bognor Regis are Bersted Green Community Hub, located in Hazel
Road, Bersted, who take part in the scheme every Wednesday, 10am to 1.30pm, and ‘Charlie Charlie 1’ at 56A High Street, who partake Monday through to Sunday, between 9am and 7pm. For a full list of those involved in the scheme, you can visit the Arun District Council website: www.arun.gov.uk.
The Town Council are busy preparing the 2024 Spring newsletter which, in the coming months, will be delivered to every address within the wards of Bognor Regis. Within the publication you can expect my Mayor’s message, a budget report for the forthcoming year and of course the 2024 Events diary, which will include dates and details of a whole host of exciting events and activities being held by your Town Council over the coming year. Articles will also include an introduction to your Town Councillors, information on the Town Crier competition taking place in June this year, the 80th anniversary of the Dday landings, developments in our town and lots more. As has been the case in recent years, to save on the amount of paper used in the production of these newsletters, the physical version will include the condensed articles, with a full extended version available to view on our website, in due course.
As your elected Town Councillors, we want to continue to ensure our residents are aware of the work of Bognor Regis Town Council, I’d therefore like to remind you members of the public are welcome to attend all meetings of the Town Council, including of the individual committees. A list of meeting dates for 2024 can be found at www. bognorregis.gov.uk.
Another quick reminder for you, as of 1st January 2024, last year’s 2-hour free parking discs are no longer valid. Please ensure that you have purchased and are now using the 2024 discs, in the three car parks, in which this scheme applies. You can purchase either physical discs, at a host of local retailers (details of which can be found on our website), or you can purchase a virtual permit, using the following link: www.secure.mipermit.com/arun/application/ modulelander.aspx.
Looking ahead to next week and I’m looking forward to attending the Bognor Regis Model Railway Club Annual Exhibition at Felpham Community College. I have the honour of getting a sneak peek at the displays as well as choosing the ‘Best in Show’ and presenting the worthy winner with their award, which I’m sure will be a difficult task! The exhibition will be open on Saturday, January 13, 10am until 5pm and on Sunday, January 14, 10am to 4pm. Entry prices are £6 for adults and £3 for children, with under sixes receiving free entry. As well as the displays, visitors can also enjoy trade stands, refreshments and free parking is available. I’d like to thank the organisers for inviting me and I’m looking forward to seeing what’s on offer!