Goring-by-Sea Residents' Association

2011-09-21T10:21:00.000-07:00

Newsletter Autumn 2011

Atthe AGM in April I was elected Chair of the Goring Residents’ Association. I have spent the time since then workingclosely with our hard working committee finding out how our Associationworks. There have been changes withinthe committee, as we have two new members, Andrew Bates Joyce, and a newmembership secretary Andrew Alexander who has taken up the challenge of thishuge role. I am grateful for the supportfrom our secretary Sue Parkinson, as well as Angela Nicholson’s continueddedication to arranging our social functions. Bob Warner continues as the treasurer and has managed to encourageYvonne to join us as the theatre trip organizer. Dorothy Devereux has agreed to take on the roleof outing organizer as John Aldred has now become President of Probus.

Ihope that more of our members will try to attend events from the socialprogramme. There is always a warmwelcome for anyone wishing to get more involved.

Jan Alexander

Report from the AGM

We presented acheque for £113 to the Ferring Country Centre, which was money raised at ourMarch meeting. The membership agreedthat all proceeds from raffles for the coming year should go to a local charity. The successful charity is KESTRO, the WorthingStroke Club. Any profit made from thequiz evening in November will also be donated to KESTRO.

Our accountsshowed a healthy surplus to our running costs and therefore we asked themembership to agree to sanction our proposal to return the sum of £1000 backinto the community. This was agreed andthe committee, having considered various suggestions, has decided to offer topurchase a piece of play equipment for the playground next to the cricket groundand Bull pub.

Membership

We have produced anew pack of information for road wardens in order to help current and newwardens answer questions about the GRA and also to provide contactdetails. If you would like to becomemore involved with the Association, perhaps by becoming a road warden, pleasedo contact Andrew Alexander on 240431.

“Coastal Regeneration, South Downs NationalPark and the Localism Bill"

A few of usattended the Worthing Society conference where there were representatives fromthe Campaign to Protect Rural England, the Secretariat of Coastal CommunitiesAlliance, Worthing Borough Council and Civic Voice, the national charity forthe civic movement. The Rt. Hon. TimLoughton, MP for East Worthing & Shoreham also attended. The Localism Bill, which has yet to completeits’ passage through Parliament, proposes new freedoms and flexibilities forlocal government. It includes new rightsand powers for communities and individuals plus reform to make the planningsystem more democratic and more effective, taking into account local peoples’needs.

You can look atthe Bill in detail at: www.communities.gov.uk/publications

Social Programme September - April
Our meetings areheld in St Mary’s Church Hall, Ilex Way, on the third Thursday of each monthfrom September to April. Doors open at7.00pm for a 7.30pm start.

Please do makesure you bring your membership card as non members, though welcome, will becharged £1.50 for entry. Proceeds willgo to charity.

We begin on 15 September with a ShuffleboardEvening + Ploughman’s Supper. There willbe a licensed bar. Tickets are £4.50;non members £6.00

We welcome PatrickCoulcher speaking on “The Natural History of Cuckmere Valley”
on 20 October.

On 17 November we are holding a quiz. All proceeds from the evening will be donatedto KESTRO, Worthing Stroke Club. Ticketsat £5.00; non members £6.50, and includes a fish & chip supper. Licensed bar.

The ChristmasLunch will be held at The Fox in Patching on 15 December,details on the attached sheet.

We begin the NewYear with a Skittles Evening on 19January. Tickets are £5.00; nonmembers £6.50, and includes a Ploughman’s Supper.

A representativefrom the Chichester Local Group will speak on the work of the RSPB on 16 February.

Mr and Mrs JohnSimpson will explain how to get started with your family history on

15 March and finally, our AGM will beheld on 19 April and will befollowed by an exhibition of local volunteer groups.

Where tickets arerequired these will be sold up to one week in advance of the event and can beobtained from Angela Nicholson, or by contacting a committee member.

Interested in Bridge?

Ifyou would like to learn to play Bridge or perhaps refresh your skills contact Dorothy Devereux on 367037.

Outings

Our two outingsthis year have been the last to be organised by John Aldred and we must thankJohn for all the hard work he put in to make them so successful. We enjoyed a lovely day at Hampton CourtPalace in July and are to finish off the year with a trip on the BluebellRailway in September. Next year DorothyDevereux will take on the role and details of outings for 2012 will be includedin our Spring newsletter. Do let Dorothyknow if there are places you would particularly like to visit.

Theatre Trips

As we reported inour Spring Newsletter Ruby Guest, who has arranged our trips to the theatre formany years, had decided to stand down. We have been fortunate to have found a replacement for Ruby in YvonneWarner and we very much hope you will support Yvonne as she looks to continueto provide entertaining theatre trips. Contact Yvonne on 539199.

Goring Neighbourhood Community Panel

You will seemembers of the Panel out with the speed indicator devise. Please report speeding vehicles to thePolice, all reports are important. Ifyou have a concern you would like the Panel to look into please contact JanAlexander, the GRA representative on the Panel. Or, you can approach any of the committee and they will see that she isaware of your concern.

2011-04-14T01:37:00.000-07:00

Goring Greensward

Worthing Borough Council are to establish a consultation procedure for Goring Greensward to enable residents to express their views on any future proposals. We were asked to comment on the consultation process which was discussed at the Joint Strategic Committee on 29 March 2011. We believe that meaningful consultation with residents will promote a better understanding with the Council over issues relating to the Greensward and we look forward to the procedure being in place in the near future.

Flooding

We have continued to assist Councillor Mary Lermitte who has been tireless in her efforts to resolve the flooding problems experienced by some residents in Goring. There was another serious flooding incident in January occasioned by a burst pipe at the Sea Lane pumping station which meant that the pumps had to be turned off temporarily. Although Southern Water have recently made extensive improvements in the area there still appear to be unresolved problems.

Planning Issues

Over the last year we have commented on several planning applications. In April we objected to a retrospective planning application by the Mulberry public house to retain numerous illuminated signs installed without planning permission. The Mulberry is in the Goring Conservation area and the number of signs was subsequently reduced. In November we opposed the application by Kier Group plc to remove the planning condition requiring them to replace the public toilets at Sea Place. As well as submitting a written objection we attended the Planning Committee meeting to express our views directly to the committee and we are pleased to report that the application was refused.

Most recently, in February, we objected to the proposed Tesco Express store in Goring Road. The Goring Road shopping centre is already well-endowed with a variety of shops providing a comprehensive selection of goods and the proposed loading bay would, in our view, add to the traffic congestion already experienced in this area. Despite the number of objections received the planning application has now been approved.

Planning Enforcement Review

The Association was invited to submit their views on planning enforcement to the Planning Enforcement Review in December. We highlighted deficiencies in the system and suggested changes to strengthen enforcement. Above all we emphasised that residents would like to see a consistency of approach.

Flint Wall at Sea Place

We have received an assurance from James Appleton (Executive Head of Planning, Regeneration and Wellbeing at Worthing Borough Council) that he is confident that the flint wall marking the ancient boundary of Sea Place Manor will be re-instated by Kier Group plc as it has historical significance for Goring.

AGM St Mary’s Church Hall

Our Annual General Meeting is on Thursday 21 April, doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. The meeting will be followed by a photographic exhibition with Martin Hayes from Worthing Reference Library speaking on “Old Goring, Ferring and Worthing”.

The AGM gives people an ideal opportunity to hear what we have been doing in the community during the past year and also to let us know of any suggestions they may have for future events. We are keen to encourage people to become involved and are particularly interested in hearing from anyone with planning and conservation experience.

Strawberry Tea

Friday 29 July 3-4.30pm

St Mary’s Church Hall

This is a free event for members of the GRA but numbers are limited so you will need to order your tickets from Angela Nicholson as soon as possible.

Coffee Morning – Friday 26 August

10 – 11.30am. St Mary’s Church Hall

We are arranging a coffee morning to thank our Road Wardens for the work they do for the Association and would like to extend the invitation to include other residents who may be interested in offering help.

Individual invitations will be sent to the Wardens at a later date. The Autumn Newsletter will be ready for collection by the Wardens on that day.

Do you enjoy the theatre?

Do you think you might like to arrange theatre trips for the GRA? Our current organiser, Ruby Guest, has performed this role for 15 years but is now having to stand down and so, if we wish to continue offering theatre trips, we have to find another volunteer. Ruby is very happy to have an informal chat with anyone who might be interested so that she can explain exactly what’s involved. You can contact Ruby on 01903 243696

Social Programme 2011/12

We begin on 15 September with a Shuffleboard Evening with Ploughman’s Supper. Tickets will be £4.50 and available from Angela Nicholson.

Charities – 2011/12

We are keen to donate all proceeds from our monthly raffles to a local charity and we would like you to help us to decide which one. Let Sue Parkinson know on 01903 502783 of your suggestions and members will vote to choose one at the AGM.

Goring Neighbourhood Community Panel

The Panel has been able to help GRA members resolve issues that have arisen from within the community, for example, speeding busses, anti-social behaviour, parking issues and noisy scooters. If you have a concern you would like to raise please contact Jan Alexander, the GRA representative on the Panel, who is also the current Chair. Or you can approach any of the committee and they will see that she is aware your concern. Contact Jan at janzalexander@goolemail.com or 07718 212852.

Goring Probus Club

The Club, which was founded in 1985, is seeking new members. It is a social club catering for retired businessmen in this area. They have a full social programme which includes holidays, day trips, monthly lunches and coffee mornings. For more information please contact John Aldred, Vice President on 01903 245408.

Visit to Hampton Court Palace and Gardens

Friday 15 July

Combined ticket for Palace, Maze and Gardens, also an audio guide. See Henry VIII’s tapestries, tennis court, tudor cooking and lower orangery gardens. Refreshments in the Conservatory Café.

Depart Rose Walk - 8.30am

Goring Library - 8.40am

Londis Bus Stop – 8.50am

Return to Goring – 6.00pm

Price £24 (Inc. Gratuities)

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Visit to Tunbridge Wells

And Bluebell Railway with afternoon tea

Friday 2 September

A morning visit to Tunbridge Wells, free time until 2.00pm. Depart for the Bluebell Railway for a one and a half hour journey in a first class coach with afternoon tea.

Depart Rose Walk – 8.45am

Goring Library – 8.55am

Londis Bus Stop – 9.05am

Return to Goring – 6.00pm

Price £27 (Inc Gratuities)

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Tickets available from John Aldred, 3 Parklands Court, 171 Goring Road, Goring BN12 4BB.

Separate cheque for each trip. Please enclose SAE.

2010-12-09T02:31:00.000-08:00

A Date for your diary – Thursday 17 March

An evening of music with “Brothers in Jazz”, Simon and Oliver Tappin. Tickets, which should be bought in advance, are £3 and available from Angela Nicholson on 245110. Ticket price includes a fish & chip supper. Bring your own drinks. Doors open at 7.00pm for a 7.30pm start at St Mary’s Church Hall, Ilex Way.

Recruitment Campaign for Census Collector Roles

The 2011 Census takes place on 27 March and there are many temporary part time and full time vacancies for people to deliver the census or act as Census Collectors. These roles provide flexibility around working hours – there is the choice of working 15, 25 or 37 hours a week. In addition there are some vacancies for Census Coordinators to lead and motivate a team of approximately 15 field staff and for Special Enumerators to deliver questionnaires to organisations such as care homes, hotels etc and help with their completion. These are opportunities to earn some extra cash close to home, as well as helping out the local community. Information from the census will be used to make important decisions around future policies, planning, services and funding for local communities for years to come. If you are interested in one of these roles register your interest at www.censusjobs.co.uk

Replacement toilets at Sea Place

Residents may be aware that there was an application, by the developers at Sea Place, to ask the Council to remove the conditions imposed at the time of the original planning permission which were to provide a refreshment kiosk and replacement toilets.

The Association, together with the Worthing Society and the Ilex Conservation Group sent letters of objection and were represented at the Planning Committee Meeting which took place on 1^st December 2010 where, we are delighted to report, the application to remove the condition to provide public toilets was refused. Officers are to work with the developers to find a solution. However, the condition to provide a refreshment kiosk was scrapped so there will be no kiosk now, although the Council expect that mobile units such as ice-cream vans will be able to provide refreshments at Sea Place.

Thanks must also go to Councillor Steve Waight who strongly supported us on this matter and made representations to the Council on behalf of residents.

2010-10-20T01:20:00.000-07:00

Newsletter Autumn 2010
Goring Greensward

As part of the Association's stated aims we are committed to preserve the amenities of Goring. Goring Greensward together with the Ilex Avenue could be said to be 'the jewels in the crown' of Goring. This is why we have been so assiduous in ensuring that the Greensward is protected from undesirable development.
We instigated the process of registering the Greensward as a Village Green and welcomed the Council's decision to voluntarily register it in 2009. As the Greensward now has the protection afforded by Village Green status we were concerned at the Council's scheme to install the new litter bins on large concrete plinths, some 4 sq. metres in area, as the introduction of alien materials or disturbance of the soil of a Village Green may be in contravention of Village Green regulations. We have never opposed the introduction of extra capacity to alleviate the litter problems encountered in the summer months, only the use of large areas of concrete.
Whilst raising these concerns with the Council we have been able to use residents' local knowledge to provide what we feel are useful suggestions and believe that future consultation could lead to improvements - a positive rather than negative outcome.
Flooding
We are continuing to collect information from residents regarding the flooding problems in Goring and are passing on this information to Councillor Mary Lermitte, who has been tackling this issue on behalf of residents.
Flint Wall at Sea Place
A large part of the flint wall at Sea Place, which marked the ancient parish boundary of Sea Place Manor, was demolished when the development at Sea Place/Eirene Road began. We wrote to Kier plc in support of James Appleton (Head of Planning, Regeneration and Wellbeing, Worthing Borough Council) who has been trying to get the wall restored, in order to retain the historic link with an important part of Goring's past. We are cautiously optimistic that this may be achieved.
Social Programme
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:
16 September with a Shuffleboard Evening and Ploughman's Supper. Tickets for this event are £5 each. There will also be a licensed bar. For thos unfamiliary with the game, Shuffleboard existed in England over 500 years ago. It is an exciting variant of Shov-Ha'Penny. The game was made illegal as early as 1542. Played in taverns it was feared that it might keep the proletariat from work! (The English Shuffleboard Company). Our next evening is 21 October when Billy Elliott will be speaking about the work of WADARS. On 18 November Richard and Jane Ambridge from Grapes of Worthing will be hosting an Antipodian wine tasting. Tickets £5. On 20 January we have a Beer and Skittles Evening, Tickets £3.50 to include light buffet snacks). Licensed bar available. We look forward to an Evening of Antiques with Wilson Antiques on 17 February and on 17 March we have an evening of music with Simon and Oliver Tappin. This evening includes a fish and chip supper with tickets at £3 each. Feel free to bring your own drinks. Our AGM follows on 21 April when we have a photographic exhibition with Martin Hayes from Worthing Library speaking on "Old Goring, Ferring and Worthing". For all tickets contact Angela Nicholson on 245110.
Christmas Lunch
Our Christmas lunch will be held on Thursday 16 December at the West Worthing Tennis Club, Titnore Lane. Lunch is £17 per head and will be catered
for by Gourmet Platters. Details from Angela Nicholson on 245110.
Outings
Our thanks again to John Aldred for organising yet another successful outing this year. We enjoyed a trip to Biddenden Vineyards near Tenterden in Kent, stopping for coffee at the Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells, eating a very hearty ploughman's lunch at Biddenden and even finding time for a look round the town of Tenterden before returning home. We also managed a little tasting and purchasing of Biddenden wines and ciders.
Theatre Group
The Theatre Group continues to thrive due to the commjtment and hard work of Ruby Guest. If you're interested in joining the group contact Ruby on 243696.
Holiday 31 May - 4 June 2011
Samur in the Loire Valley
Stay 4 nights at the Hotel Anne D'Anjou on the banks of the Loire river. Excursions include a visit to Chinon and the Abbey Fontevraud plus a half day trip to a Troglodyte village and a visit to the Chateau de Chenonceau.
The price is £445 pp for 2 people sharing a double or twin room (single supplement £80). A deposit of £75 per person required when booking. Contact John Aldred on 245408 for more details and booking form.
Goring Neighbourhood Community Panel
Please report antisocial behaviour and driving to the police on 0845 6070999 for non emergencies or, if you prefer, you can contact Jan Alexander, the Chair, at janzalexander@googlemail.com or on 07718212852. Your calls do matter. The more information residents give to the police the better they are able to protect our community.
How Can I Help?
We're looking for someone to help out with membership of the GRA. The role involves being the contact point for road wardens and new members and working with our Secretary who deals with membership administration. To keep in touch with our members our road wardens deliver 2 newsletters per year plus collect subscriptions once a year. If you think this might be for you telephone Sue Parkinso9n on 502783 to find out more.

West Durrington Development

2010-03-23T02:24:00.000-07:00

This statement was delivered by Kathryn Walker to the Development and Control Committee of WBC who were meeting to consider the application for the West Durrington Development. The application was rejected.

"Our concern with the application for West Durrington is that it may post an increased flood risk to already vulnerable areas adjacent to the site such as Durrington and Northbrook, and adjoining areas such as Ferring and Goring.
Residents in Goring have experienced repeated incidences of flooding in recent times, notably on 9 February 2009. Mr Nadeem Shad (Environmental Health) at Worthing Borough Council wrote to Southern Water in January 2009 to express the Council's concern over the adequacy of the public sewerage infrastructure in Marine Crescent and environs as there had already been repeated incidents of flooding in the area.
Southern Water replied to Mr Shad in March 2009 and, referring to the incident on 9 February, acknowledged that this occurence was as a result of 'the hydraulic overloading of the sewerage system due to the heavy rainfall experienced'. Southern water also stated that it was not possible to rectify the current infrastructure problems because of cost considerations. Cost considerations apparently outweigh the need to rectify the system or the concern expressed by the Council.
Residents are rightly asking when will the required improvements be made?
This week it was reported in the Worthing Herald (March 11) that Southern Water had to arrange for a flow of tankers to dump waste into a pumping station behind houses in Juno Close, Goring. This continued for days and severely affected the residents. The company explained that this action was essential to prevent certain homes from being flooded, after heavy rain in recent months had meant that the water table in Worthing was very high.
Another incident reported in the Sentinel this week (March 10) concerned Johnsons, a shop in Warwick Street, where sewage seeped through the floor, again after heavy rain.
Comments by Southern Water on the proposals for West Durrington indicate that currently there is insufficient capacity in the local network to provide foul sewage disposal to service the public sewerage system and that existing properties and land may be subject to a greater risk of flooding as a result. Southern Water suggested measures to ensure that the developer entered into an agreement with the company to provide the necessary infrastructure.
However, in a recent case reported in 'The Times' of December 14 2009, Barratt Homes successfully challenged Welsh Water and won the ruling that no objection could be taken by a sewerage undertaker to connection with a public sewer on the ground of lack of capacity of the sewer.
So where does that leave Southern Water in this case?
As for the disposal of surface water, the Head of Technical Services has commented in the planning report 'the overriding principle of this has been to ensure that the run off from the development does not exceed that of the current 'greenfield' site. To achieve this a sustainable drainage system has been designed. This system is new in both its concept and design and the Council with the Development will be on of the first to adopt such a large scale system in the UK'.
Thirty three balancing ponds are planned in order to manage the surface water drainage.
Southern water point out that 'under current legislation and guidance SUDS rely on facilities which are not adoptable by sewerage undertakers' and go on to say that it is essential that long term maintenance arrangements are put in place by the applicant to service the system in perpetuity. Southern Water ask that the responsibilities of each party to the scheme be specified, including arrangements for adoption by a public authority or statutory undertaker.
Residents need to know who is responsible should the system fail. Where does responsibility lie, with Southern Water, the Developer or the Council?
Would you want to see sewage seeping through the floor or water gushing through your house. Residents will want to know from whom they can claim compensation. If flooding does occur it may result in a claim from a large united group of householders rather than individual claims. Insurance premiums may be increased or insurance companies may refuse to insure or impose an excess.
Residents are concerned that this SUDS system may be 'untested' given its magnitude and that the system requirements may prove to be inadequate with seemingly ever-increasing rainfall.
Sir David King, the Governement's former Chief Scientific Advisor, as recently as 20 November 2009 commenting on BBC News 24, following the Cockermouth disaster, claimed that the 1 in 100 year event when measuring the likelihood of flooding taking place was now obsolete. He maintained that even if we allowed for a 1 in 1000 year event we could not be sure that would be enough to prevent flooding. Sir David has previously advised that it is unwise to build on flood plains.
This is why the Goring Residents' Association is asking the Council to think again about this scheme. According to the Head of Technical Services, the Council and the Development will be one of the first in the UK to adopt such a large scale scheme. Residents need to know that this scheme has been subjected to rigorous scientific assessment.
If the only way to secure a Public Inquiry is to refuse this application then we respectfully ask that the Council does precisely that."

2009-09-19T09:41:00.000-07:00

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

Newsletter Spring 2009

2009-03-08T09:34:00.000-07:00

The Greensward and Village Green

We are pleased to tell you that our campaign, together with the Ilex Conservation Group and the Worthing Society may have influenced the Council in their decision to look for an alternative site for the playground. We were able to show the depth of feeling by residents to preserve the Greensward as it is, and our thanks must go to the road wardens who played such a crucial role in collecting signatures for the petition, 2,300 in total. We would like to thank you for all your hard work and thanks must also go to David Rolph, our membership secretary, who so ably organised the Petition.

It must be said, however, that the campaign was launched to preserve the Greensward, and not to prevent a playground in Goring, and we would very much like to see the children of Goring benefit from having a new playground.

The Lottery Application (Section 3) did allow for a change in location in the event of local residents’ opposition and so the Lottery award should not be compromised or lost because the Council have decided to look at alternative sites. We have met with some criticism for our defence of the Greensward but we have, at all times, acted in good faith and reflected the views of the majority of residents. This was evident from the response to our petition.

Village Green

Worthing Borough Council’s voluntary application for Village Green status for the Greensward was passed at the Rights of Way committee on 23 February 2009. As a result, we have withdrawn our own application. This is because once land has become registered it would not be possible to re-register it. But now the Greensward does have some added protection, which is to be welcomed. However, Village Green status does not confer complete protection and we are continuing a ‘watching brief’ to ensure there are no further threats to this valuable green space.

Annual General Meeting –

St Mary’s Church Hall, Ilex Way

(NOT St Laurence’s Church Hall!)

We hope many residents will make it along to our Annual General Meeting on Thursday 16 April at 7.30pm. This year we are looking for 3 extra committee members and are keen to encourage participation from a wide section of the community.

The AGM will be followed by a tutored cheese tasting by “Say Cheese of Sussex” from Riverside, Lewes.

If you would like to know more, and for nomination papers, please contact Sue Parkinson, our Secretary, on Worthing 502783.

Outings

This year we’re delighted that John Aldred, our organiser, has arranged two outings, one to Windsor with a river cruise, the second to Lymington and The New Forest. The outing to Windsor is on Friday 10 July and will cost £28, the one to Lymington and The New Forest is on Saturday 5 September and will cost £13. Tickets from John at 3 Parklands Court, 171 Goring Road, Goring BN12 4BB. Do apply as soon as possible as the coaches fill up quickly.

Theatre Group

If you enjoy the theatre why not contact Ruby Guest on Worthing 243696 and join her group. Ruby organises 4 theatre visits per year; the latest was to Guildford to see Peter Egan and Belinda Lang in Noel Coward’s “A Song at Twilight”.

Summer Dance

As part of our drive to encourage more participation and offer a more varied social programme we are to host a Summer Dance on Saturday 1 August at the Conservative Club in Mulberry Lane.

Music for the evening will be provided by country group “Perfect Strangers” from Southampton, a very popular and successful group on the C&W circuit.

Tickets will be £6 and available from David Rolph on Worthing 503609 from 1 May.

It’s bring your own food but there will be a bar!

We do hope as many people as possible will join us whether you want to dance or just sit and enjoy the music.

Community Police Panel

Although the Goring Action Group was doing an excellent job helping the police stop anti-social behaviour in Goring, the police authority has now set up a Panel to be run according to national guidelines. It is intended to reflect the wishes of residents and to be run by them, although the police are represented. It is hoped to organise a public meeting in the near future but, in the meantime, if any resident would like to join please contact the Chairman, John Leitch on Worthing 507502.

The Panel meets every two months and identifies three kinds of anti-social behaviour where it thinks the police should act. The current problems being tackled are: the so-called “boy racers” who use the roads around Amberley Drive and Alinora Crescent, speeding drivers along Marine Drive and lewd behaviour near the Greensward.

How can I help?

If joining the committee isn’t to your liking perhaps you could become a road warden? To keep in touch with our members we need help to deliver the 2 newsletters per year plus collecting subscriptions once a year.

At the moment we need help for the following Roads:

Harvey Road, Marine Crescent, Eirene Road, Roseberry Avenue, West Park Lane, Sea Lane (even numbers), Angus Road, Rose Walk, Seafield Avenue, St John’s Avenue and St John’s Close.

If you would like to know more contact David Rolph on Worthing 503609

2009-02-26T02:28:00.000-08:00

GORING GREENSWARD

PRESERVE THIS PRECIOUS GREEN SPACE

Goring Residents' Association, The Ilex Conservation Group and The Worthing Society have received massive support for their campaign to preserve Goring Greensward as an open space.

Residents have responded to the campaign by the Goring Residents' Association and the other two groups, in a Petition and Proforma letters, rejecting the idea of a Lottery Playground on the Greensward proposed by Worthing Borough Council, in favour of an alternative location.

Over 2,300 signatures were obtained against using the Greensward.

The Goring Residents' Association together with The Ilex Conservation Group and The Worthing Society, sent out Proforma letters in the November issue of the Goring Guide and at the same time started a Petition to allow residents in Goring to oppose plans to install a Lottery Playground on the Greensward.

The Petition and Letters totalling over 2,100 signatures were presented to The Mayor at the Town Hall on 12 December 2008, the same day that Worthing Borough Council concluded their questionnaire in the 'Vibe' magazine and on-line.

A further 200 signatures were submitted a week later.

Worthing Borough Council stated in their application to TheBigLottery Fund that they would consider alternative sites if local residents' opposition to the site was a risk to the project being able to be progressed (Section 3 of the Assessment Questions, page 11).

Only five years ago, Worthing Borough Council in the 2003 Local Plan, Leisure and Recreation paragraph 11.22 recognised that 'Once built on, open space is likely to be lost to the community forever. As Worthing is a predominantly urban borough, open space within the Built Up Area is of particular importance'.

Open space cannot be increased, that is why it is crucial to conserve the open space that we have particularly as the population of Worthing continues to increase.

'Our campaign took place over the same period of time as that of Worthing Borough Council's questionnaire and we are very pleased that the residents have strongly supported us - to keep the Greensward green without any form of development on it.

There are 43 equipped play areas in Worthing but only one Greensward. This is the jewel in Worthing's crown.

This was recognised as such in the 1930's when Worthing Corporation acquired the land as part of their Town Planning Scheme.

Lately, the importance of unstructured play has been acknowledged by psychologists in an article in The Times (Nov 22 2008). They stressed "Take a child to a playground and the challenges are limited. Take a child to an open space, and the possibilities are much greater".

Kathryn Walker
Vice-Chairman

January 2009