Newsletter Autumn 2009

Goring Greensward/Playground Update

When 2,300 people voiced their support last year for the preservation of Goring Greensward rather than allow a Playground to be built on it, the Council listened and decided to completely rule out the Greensward as a site for the new Playground and instead find an alternative site.

We were invited to send a representative to the newly formed Playground Working Party. There was one site meeting on 12 May 2009 where all those attending agreed that the Goring Recreation Ground would be a suitable alternative and the Goring Residents’ Association fully supported the proposals. Since then we have been told that although the site is technically suitable it has been excluded by the Big Lottery Fund because there is already play equipment at the site. However, both Tarring and Longcroft Park sites received funding even though both had existing play equipment. In view of this, we think that, should the other sites now under consideration be rejected, the Council should consider re-approaching the Big Lottery Fund to look again at Goring Recreation Ground.

Although we understand that funding may be brought forward to upgrade the play equipment at Goring Recreation Ground, and we would welcome this move, we still think that a Lottery Playground at Goring Recreation Ground is feasible

Meanwhile, the newly acquired Village Green status offers some protection for the Greensward but it does not confer complete protection and we think that the Greensward should be recognised as a valuable asset for Worthing and given the protection afforded to the Ilex Avenue, in the form of a charitable trust. We are maintaining a ‘watching brief’ at the moment.

Social Programme

September 2009 – April 2010

We meet on the third Thursday of each month between September and April in St Mary’s Church Hall, Ilex Way, between 7.30 and 10pm. All members are most welcome to come along to enjoy a pleasant social occasion. We begin on 17 September with a talk by local historian Chris Hare entitled Old and Young in Worthing – 1930 to Present Day followed on 15 October by local choir JuSSt Voices under the direction of Jan Spooner-Swabey. The choir will perform a varied programme of short choral works together with some lighter pieces.

Christmas Lunch & New Year Social

The Christmas Lunch will be held at the West Worthing Tennis Club, Titnore Lane, on Thursday 17 December. Details for this and the New Year Social on Thursday January 21 can be obtained from Angela Nicholson, 01903 245110.

Contingency Fund

Goring Residents’ Association was formed to protect amenities in Goring and promote community spirit. We hope that we have a good record of achievement in fulfilling these aims.

Recently, we formed a Co-Ordination Committee with the Ilex Conservation Group and the Worthing Society in order to preserve Goring Greensward as a valuable public open space by the sea. We took this step not just for residents in Goring now, but for future generations to enjoy. How many towns can boast such an asset?

We attracted the support of 2,300 residents in this quest. However, one of the consequences of this action required us to seek legal advice. This was costly even though we received this advice at a discount with support from the Environmental Law Foundation. This expense, a sum of £862.50, was shared with the Ilex Conservation Group, who paid £300, and the Goring Residents’ Association who paid the remaining £562.50. At the moment we have had to meet this expense from funds.

We anticipate that it may be necessary to seek further legal advice in respect of the Greensward, and possibly for future projects. That is why we consulted members at the A.G.M. to give us the authority to set up a contingency fund, funded by voluntary donations from members, to help to meet such costs in the future. We are in the process of establishing such a fund and we hope that members will support our efforts by making a small contribution.

In order to preserve the unique features that make Goring such a delightful area for all, it would help us enormously if members felt that they could contribute a small sum, say £1, to the contingency fund in addition to their membership subscription. However, we emphasise, this would be entirely voluntary but would enable us to seek legal advice when necessary.

It is envisaged that the Co-Ordination committee would not commit any sums over a total of £500, this to be shared 50/50 or as may otherwise be agreed with The Ilex Conservation Group, without the prior approval of both Groups.

Outings – Windsor in July

Our thanks again to John Aldred for organising yet another successful outing this year. Members enjoyed a trip to Windsor and a boat trip to Bray, with lunch onboard. In September they’re off again through the New Forest to Lymington. Outings for 2010 will be advertised with the Spring newsletter.

Proposed Holiday – June 2010

John is also in discussion with another local group to see if there would be sufficient interest to organise a 6 day coach holiday to the Loire Valley in June next year. Please contact John as soon as possible on 01903 245408 for more details and to register your interest.

Theatre Group

The Theatre Group continues to thrive with the next performance a Michael Frayn comedy “Balmoral” at the Devonshire Park Theatre Eastbourne in September. If you would like to join the group for future outings please contact Ruby Guest on Worthing 243696

Interested in Bridge?

If you would like to learn to play Bridge or perhaps refresh your skills contact Dorothy Devereux on 01903 244032