As the United Kingdom commemorates the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day this May, we pause to reflect on the immense sacrifices made by those who fought and fell during the Second World War. While VE Day marked the end of conflict in Europe on 8 May 1945, it also serves as a solemn reminder of the lives lost in pursuit of peace. Below are the list of people Southwater has sadly lost during the First and Second World War. We will remember them. WW I WW II

Following the resignation of Councillor Pauline Flores-Moore and Councillor Ilanit Slowly from Southwater Parish Council, the Council now has the ability to co-opt two vacan c ies . May we take the opportunity to thank Pauline and Ilanit once again for their contribution to Southwater Parish Council. If you are interested in becoming a Parish Councillor for Southwater please see below for more information and visit our " Becoming a councillor " page and contact us to apply.

Following the resignation of Councillor Pauline Flores-Moore from Southwater Parish Council the Council now has the ability to co-opt the vacancy . May we take the opportunity to thank Pauline for her contribution to Southwater Parish Council. To read her statement, please follow the link here. If you are interested in becoming a Parish Councillor for Southwater please see below for more information and visit our " Becoming a councillor " page.

Residents across West Sussex are being encouraged to take action against waste by repairing and reusing items instead of throwing them away. Running throughout May, The Big Fix campaign  brings together volunteers, communities and repair cafés across the county to show how simple fixes can help tackle climate change, cut costs and extend the life of everyday belongings. Repair cafés  are free, volunteer-run events where people can bring broken items to be repaired and learn practical skills. They help revive a range of household items, from clothing and furniture to kettles, lamps and more. West Sussex County Council is proudly supporting The Big Fix by highlighting the dates, times and locations of established repair cafés in our county, educating residents about the benefits of repair and hosting an online forum for repair cafés and residents to connect and share tips for fixing everyday items. Our community climate map  can help you find your nearest repair café in West Sussex. Councillor Deborah Urquhart, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, said: “Reducing waste, encouraging reuse and increasing recycling are all important elements of Our Council Plan. The Big Fix not only helps people reduce waste, but also empowers communities to share knowledge and develop practical skills in the future. “Repair cafés are run by dedicated volunteers who give their time and expertise to help others. They're a brilliant example of what can be achieved when communities come together to make a difference.” Why should we repair? Every time we throw something away, we’re not just discarding an item – we're wasting the raw materials, energy and water that went into making it. Repairing helps conserve valuable natural resources and cuts down on carbon emissions, all while saving money and passing on vital skills. Originally launched by Recycle Devon in 2019, The Big Fix began as a response to throwaway culture, encouraging people to use their local repair cafés and fix broken household belongings. In 2020, the campaign expanded and saw over 2,500 items repaired across the UK in a single day. In May 2024, the campaign saw 3,177 items fixed throughout the month – 132 of those in West Sussex, across four repair cafés. See the information page  for details on repair cafés in West Sussex and tips on repairing at home.

West Sussex County Council has issued an early warning notice regarding a temporary daytime road closure on Andrews Road, Southwater. The closure will take place on May 15, 2025 , from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM , and continue until May 16, 2025 , at the same time. The restriction is necessary to allow BT  to carry out essential ducting work. The affected section is between the junction with Mill Straight and the junction with Treetops. Access will be maintained for emergency services, residents, and pedestrians , but drivers are advised to plan alternate routes. The work is being carried out by Sunbelt Rentals on behalf of BT . For more details, visit: one.network  or contact 03700 500792 . Stay updated by following @WSHighways  on Twitter or emailing ttro@westsussex.gov.uk for more information.

Each spring, gardens across the UK begin to burst into life, but many well-meaning homeowners reach for the lawnmower just as nature needs a helping hand. That’s where No Mow May  comes in. This nationwide campaign, started by the charity Plantlife , encourages people to put away the mower for the entire month of May to allow wildflowers and grasses to thrive. The goal? To support pollinators like bees, butterflies, and other insects, which rely on native plants for food and habitat. When lawns are left uncut, species such as clover, daisies, and dandelions are able to bloom, providing vital nectar during a time when food sources are still scarce. Participating in No Mow May is a simple yet powerful act of conservation. It turns ordinary lawns into temporary wildflower meadows, helping to boost biodiversity and support struggling insect populations, which play a crucial role in ecosystems and food production. So this May, skip the trim and let your grass grow wild. Your local bees will thank you and so will the planet.

To view the Planning Committee Meeting Agenda, please visit our website here: Planning Committee Meeting| Southwater Parish Council ( southwater-pc.gov.uk )  or view the agenda via the noticeboard outside Beeson House.

The Councillor Surgery is taking place face to face on Saturday 3rd May 2025 from 10:00AM in the Parish Chamber at Beeson House. This is a great opportunity for you to speak with your Parish, District and County Councillors and raise any queries/concerns and share ideas you may have. See you at 10AM on Saturday!

Looking for a fun, social, and slightly competitive way to spend your time? Try lawn bowls this summer on the bowls green by The Ghyll for free at the ‘Come and Try’ sessions! Wednesdays at 6:30 PM & Saturdays 10:00 AM–12:00 PM Your first 3 sessions are completely free – no booking needed! Just wear flat-soled shoes – the group will provide the rest. Whether you’re new to the game or just curious, they welcome everyone. More info:  Jean – 07973 405558 | southwaterbowls@gmail.com Or visit: www.southwaterbowlsclub.co.uk Lawn Bowls Poster

West Sussex County Council has issued a temporary traffic regulation notice for Polecat Lane, Copsale. In accordance with Section 14(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, the use of, and parking on, Polecat Lane from the junction (location unspecified in notice) will be prohibited on 2nd May 2025 , for that day only. The closure will take place during off-peak hours, between 09:30 and 15:30 , and is required to enable Volker Highways to carry out urgent carriageway patching repairs  on behalf of WSCC. Access for emergency vehicles, residents, and pedestrians will be maintained throughout the works and an alternative traffic route will be clearly signed on-site. Although the closure is scheduled for a single day, the restriction may remain in force for a maximum of five days  from the stated start date if necessary. For further information regarding the traffic impact, contact West Sussex County Council on 01243 642105 . For enquiries relating to the works, Volker Highways can be reached on the same number. Temporary Road Closure Notice, Polecat Lane, Copsale - 2 May 2025

We would like to invite residents and community groups to the Annual Parish Meeting on the 14th May 2025. The meeting is held once a year and is an opportunity for residents to hear from local organisations, and community groups about their activities over the past year and get to know each other. It is not a council meeting but for the benefit of the community and it is usually chaired by the Chairman of the Parish Council. If you are new to the village or looking for something to do, a volunteering opportunity, or a new group to join, this is the perfect time to get to know everyone. There will be refreshments and nibbles provided for everyone, and we hope the meeting will help bring the community together, help the organisations to recruit volunteers and/or members and would provide an opportunity to arrange collaborative work in the future. Residents are welcome to attend, and should contact SPC by 4:00pm 13th May 2025, if they wish to speak. When? Wednesday 14th May 2025 7:30pm - 9:30pm Where? Lardner Hall,  The Ghyll, Pevensey Road, Southwater RH13 9XZ

We’re calling for more volunteers to join the hundreds who already play an important role in our West Sussex Library Service. Picture from WSCC Newsletter The service currently has 334 active volunteers across 13 different roles in our 36 libraries and out in the community, and in the last year alone collectively gave around 16,500 hours of their time to help others. It’s a special year for the library service as it celebrates 100 years of being in the heart of West Sussex communities and it also has the largest number of volunteers at the county council. Below we highlight two of the roles where we need more volunteers to give their time to help other local people fulfil their potential, which is one of the council’s key priorities. Home Library Direct – volunteers   visit housebound people in their own homes or care homes, choosing, delivering and returning library items for them. This is the service’s oldest voluntary role stretching back as far as the 1930s. There is a real need for Home Library Direct volunteers in the Durrington and Broadwater areas of Worthing and there is also high demand in Crawley and East Grinstead. View this video to see a volunteer visiting a Home Library Direct customer. Read on  - this is a learn to read scheme for adults with little or no literacy skills where volunteers are matched with adult learners and give one to one sessions in libraries helping them develop their reading skills. Read On volunteers are needed in Crawley, Rustington and Bognor Regis libraries. There are currently 20 Read On volunteers supporting adult learners in nine libraries and since April last year they’ve completed over 100 sessions and given almost 400 hours of their time. Summer Reading Challenge  – This is a national reading scheme delivered in libraries each year and is free for children to take part. The scheme runs from July to September and this year the theme is ‘Story Garden’. We’re looking for volunteers aged 14 plus to support the scheme in all our 36 libraries. The role involves helping families and young children sign up to the scheme and talking to children about the books they are reading as well as handing out stickers and free activities. The online application will go live in early May and further details will be available soon in your local library and on our West Sussex Libraries Homepage - West Sussex . Other library services that have volunteers include: Digital volunteers   who help people learn the basics of using computers and the internet, either on a one-to-one basis or by assisting group classes. Melody for the Mind volunteers  who help run regular sessions, singing songs and rhymes, to bring people with dementia and their carers together.   Reading Group volunteers  run library-based reading groups or set up new reading groups in your area.   Find a full list of library volunteer roles here and details about how to apply. Volunteers gain from their roles as well as the people they are helping. As a Home Library Direct volunteer said : “The pleasure it gives others, that’s why I do it.” Other bonuses include: having a more active lifestyle and improved sense of wellbeing developing new skills and retaining existing skills meeting new people and making friends learning and experiencing new activities and challenges gaining confidence, improved self-esteem and a sense of satisfaction. Councillor Duncan Crow, Cabinet member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue said: “Our 36 libraries really are at the heart of the community and the volunteers are an integral part of it, helping people with a wide range of needs, from children who take part in the Summer Reading scheme, people who need help with their digital skills, adults who want to improve their literacy and bringing people with dementia and their carers together for therapeutic singing.” If you are not already a member of the library, it’s quick and easy to join if you live or work in West Sussex. Find out more about the library service’s centenary celebration events here. ​   For further information please contact the news desk on 0330 222 8090 or email pressoffice@westsussex.gov.uk . For urgent out-of-hours enquiries please call 07767 098415.

A temporary closure of Westons Hill in Itchingfield has been announced by West Sussex County Council. The prohibition affects the stretch from the junction with Fulfords Road to Itchingfield Road  and will be enforced on 29th April 2025  only. The restriction will be in effect during off-peak hours, from 09:30 to 15:30 , and is necessary to facilitate urgent carriageway patching repairs  by Volker Highways, acting on behalf of WSCC. Emergency, residential, and pedestrian access will remain available while the works are in progress. Signage will indicate any alternative routes for general traffic. As with similar notices, the closure could legally continue for up to five days  from the start date if conditions require. Enquiries regarding traffic disruption can be directed to West Sussex County Council at 01243 642105 , while questions about the works themselves should be addressed to Volker Highways using the same contact number.

A temporary closure has been announced for Jackrells Lane , from the junction with Broadwater Lane to Reeds Lane in Southwater , scheduled to take place on 28th April 2025 . This measure has been enacted by West Sussex County Council under Section 14(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. The restriction will apply during off-peak hours only, from 09:30 to 15:30 , to facilitate urgent carriageway patching repairs  being carried out by Volker Highways on behalf of WSCC. Access will be maintained for emergency vehicles, residents, and pedestrians throughout the closure. Alternative routes for traffic will be clearly signposted at the site. While the planned closure is for a single day, the regulation allows for the restriction to remain in place for up to five days  from the stated start date if required. For information on how the closure may impact traffic, residents can contact West Sussex County Council on 01243 642105 . Enquiries regarding the roadworks themselves should be directed to Volker Highways on 01243 642105 .

VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day, marks 8 May 1945, when Germany  surrendered to the Allied forces, bringing an end to the Second World War in Europe. Southwater Parish Council will fly a special flag at the War Memorial to commemorate t he 80th Anniversary of this event and you can also join the below programme, organised by the Holy Innocents Church: Programme: 10.45 service at the War memorial. Silence at 11.00am 18.00 service in the church 18.30 ringing of the church bell Where? Holy Innocents Church, Church Lane, Southwater, West Sussex, RH13 9BT War Memorial, Fairbank Rd, Southwater, Horsham RH13 9LN VE-Day Programme in Southwater, 8th May 2025

Southwater Parish Council would like to thank all residents who took the time to respond to The Big Southwater Bin Survey. The feedback from over 200 participants has provided valuable insight into how litter, recycling and dog waste bins are used throughout the parish. Respondents identified specific locations where additional bins may be helpful, and highlighted areas where bins may be underused. The survey revealed strong community interest in reducing litter and improving the local environment. A number of residents also expressed concerns about overflowing bins and their impact on the visual appeal of the area. The comments suggest a wide variation in opinion on the placement, type, and frequency of bin usage. These results will inform future considerations regarding bin provision across the parish. We are grateful for the constructive input and the community’s ongoing engagement. Southwater Parish Council remains committed to listening to residents' views as part of our ongoing efforts to support a clean and pleasant environment. Please click here to access the detailed results and analysis in a PDF format. Thank you for your feedback!

Easter is just around the corner and while it’s a time filled with joy, treats, and traditions, it can also generate a surprising amount of waste. This year, why not take a few easy steps to make your celebrations more environmentally friendly? A Greener Easter Choose Reusable and Natural Decorations Swap single-use decorations for reusable items that can be enjoyed year after year. Think fabric bunting, wooden ornaments, ceramic rabbits, or second-hand treasures from charity shops. For a more natural feel, decorate with fresh flowers, painted stones or seasonal greenery, which can be composted afterwards. Host a Low-Waste Easter Egg Hunt Rather than using individually wrapped chocolate eggs that might melt or get lost, consider reusable plastic or wooden eggs. These can be filled with small toys, clues, or to be exchanged for a larger chocolate treat or other special prize. After the hunt, simply store the eggs for next year. Make Treats or Give Experience-Based Gifts Skip heavily packaged shop-bought Easter eggs and make your own chocolate treats or baked goods at home. Wrap them in reusable containers or compostable paper. Alternatively, consider giving experiences – such as a nature walk, a day out, or time spent crafting – instead of material gifts. Choose Products with Minimal Packaging If buying Easter products, opt for those with minimal or recyclable packaging. Look for cardboard boxes without plastic windows and avoid unnecessary plastic or foil. Supporting local chocolatiers who use eco-conscious packaging is another great choice. Get Creative Use clean packaging materials for craft projects. Easter egg boxes, foil, and plastic trays can become brilliant supplies for junk modelling. It’s a fun way to encourage creativity while teaching children about reusing and recycling. Recycle Correctly: A Quick Guide Make sure your waste is sorted properly after Easter: Easter egg boxes  – Clean, dry cardboard can go in your home recycling bin. Flatten it to save space. Plastic packaging  – Rinse plastic trays and inserts before recycling them at home. Foil wrappers  – Scrunch clean foil into a ball and place it in your recycling bin. Sweet wrappers and soft plastics  – These can’t be recycled at home in West Sussex, but many supermarkets offer soft plastic recycling collection points. Flowers and greenery  – Compost them or use your garden waste bin, if available. Additional Eco-Friendly Easter Tips Use natural dyes : Try red cabbage, beetroot, turmeric, red onion skin or spinach to dye eggs naturally. Try plant-based meals : Even a single vegetarian meal can lower your environmental impact. Avoid plastic Easter grass : Replace it with shredded paper, fabric scraps or real hay. Use sustainable baskets : Choose baskets made from natural materials or repurpose containers you already own.

The May edition of the monthly Newsletter from Southwater Parish Council is now available to view, please click here . Would you like to be first one to receive our newsletter? Scroll to the bottom of the page to subscribe!

Help Shape the Future of Communication in Southwater Southwater Parish Council is committed to keeping our community well-informed, engaged, and connected. As part of our ongoing efforts to improve how we share news and updates, we are asking residents to take part in our short Communication Survey . This is your opportunity to tell us what works well and where we could do better. Whether you prefer emails, social media, printed newsletters, or you get informed from noticeboards around the village, we want to understand the best ways to reach you. The survey will only take a few minutes to complete and will help us: Identify the most effective communication channels Understand the community’s preferences Improve how we share important news, events, and decisions Take the survey here. Your feedback will help ensure Southwater Parish Council’s communications are clear, accessible, and tailored to the needs of our residents. Thank you for taking part in making our village even more connected.

The Southwater Neighbourhood Plan (SNP) was officially “made” and adopted in June 2021 following a referendum undertaken by Horsham District Council (HDC). Since then, Southwater Parish Council has been working to review and update the plan with a view to extending the protections afforded by paragraph 14 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and to ensure it continues to reflect the needs and priorities of the growing Southwater community. We’ve received some recent enquiries from residents asking whether a review is being carried out.  Whilst various updates have been provided throughout the process at the Planning Committee meetings, we thought it would be helpful to provide a full update.   Community Consultations The review began in 2022 with an initial consultation involving local organisations and community groups from 24 August to 5 September 2022. This was followed by a broader public consultation between 31 January and 10 March 2023. As part of this wider engagement: Flyers were delivered to every home in the parish. Posters were displayed on Parish noticeboards. Details were published on the Parish Council’s website and social media channels. Two public drop-in sessions were held at Beeson House – with around 16 attendees on 1 March and 75 on 4 March 2023. Feedback gathered through both digital and physical response forms has informed the revisions proposed to the Plan.   Grant Funding and Financial Impact To support the review process, the Parish Council successfully secured two Neighbourhood Planning grants of £10,000 and £6,250 from Locality across two financial years (2022-23 & 2023-24). However, due to delays in progressing the Plan (largely outside of the Council’s control), portions of the unused grant had to be returned at the end of each respective financial year, as required under Locality’s grant terms and conditions.   Submission to Horsham District Council (HDC) The revised Southwater Neighbourhood Plan was submitted to Horsham District Council in November 2023. However, the review had since experienced delays as HDC prioritised its own emerging Local Plan. Following a meeting with HDC’s Head of Strategic Planning on 29 May 2024, a response to our submitted revised plan was finally received on 14 August 2024. In their response of 14 August 2024, HDC advised that, due to the ongoing revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the need to meet stringent water neutrality requirements, for Southwater to formally progress the review after the Local Plan Inspector's Report is published. This would help ensure alignment with the latest policies and avoid the need for further revisions. A summary of HDC’s key feedback includes: Policy changes may trigger the requirement for examination and referendum. Amendments must consider forthcoming updates to the NPPF and HDC’s Local Plan. Water neutrality is a critical factor for any development proposals in the district. Timing the review post-Inspector’s Report will reduce the risk of conflicts and delays.   What happens next? The Parish Council remains committed to completing the SNP Review. We continue to monitor progress of HDC’s Local Plan closely, which is still awaiting further response from the Examiner after they cancelled the Local Plan’s hearings mid process. There may be added complication for HDC and their work towards the Local Plan with the Government White Paper on Devolution, where Sussex is progressing towards a Mayoral Strategic Authority and where both the County Council and Horsham District Council will become part of a larger Unitary Authority serving a much wider area by 2028.

To view the F&GP Committee Meeting Agenda, please visit our website here: Finance & General Purposes Meeting| Southwater Parish Council (southwater-pc.gov.uk)  or view the agenda via the noticeboard outside Beeson House.

In partnership with Horsham District Council’s Community Safety Partnership, Sussex Police have created a localised Horsham District Antisocial Behaviour survey in order to capture the voices of our communities.   The purpose of the survey is to understand the ASB types based on geographical data and whether residents are likely to report ASB or what may prevent them from doing so. This provides the opportunity to fully understand the specific issues where reporting incidents may not be happening, which is covered in the survey.   The survey link is here https://forms.office.com/e/C9M9JW9F9W and is live until the 20th April 2025, alternatively, please scan the QR code to access it.   This runs in conjunction with the ongoing engagement events and Local Policing for Local People.

​ Weald to Waves is an ambitious, community-driven project aimed at creating a 100-mile wildlife corridor across Sussex, connecting the Weald to the coast. This initiative seeks to restore and link diverse habitats, enabling species to thrive and migrate freely. By involving local communities, landowners, and conservation groups, the project fosters a collaborative approach to nature recovery.  Participants can contribute by pledging their gardens, greenspaces, or larger landholdings to support biodiversity. The project provides resources, expert advice, and a network of like-minded individuals to guide and inspire participants. Through collective action, Weald to Waves aims to reverse biodiversity decline and promote sustainable coexistence between people and nature. Residents of Southwater have a unique opportunity to be part of this transformative movement. By pledging your garden or local greenspace, you contribute to a larger network of habitats that support wildlife and enhance ecological connectivity. Engaging in this project not only benefits the environment but also enriches your community by fostering a deeper connection with nature. Together, we can create a thriving corridor that ensures a sustainable future for both wildlife and people in Sussex. For more details and to pledge, please visit the Weald to Waves website here.

The March Report has been published and is now available to read on our website, please click here: Southwater Neighbourhood Warden's Monthly Reports 2025

Due to works being carried out on the network in Lintot Square, the internet has been down most of the day. This also has an effect on our phone lines, therefore it might be problematic reaching us today. Our office is open as usual, please walk in, if you have any urgent matters. The works should be completed around 7pm tonight, and we are hoping to be able to operate normally tomorrow. The current situation might cause problems with the streaming of tonight's Planning Meeting, therefore we would like to ask residents to join the meeting in person at Beeson House, from 6:30PM, where possible. Apologies for the inconvenience, hopefully things will be back to normal as soon as possible. Posted by Community Engagement Officer at 12:35 02/04/2025.

Ilanit Slowly has announced her resignation from Southwater Parish Council after four and a half years of dedicated service. Reflecting on her time in the role, she shared the following statement: "As I leave Southwater Parish Council after four and a half years, I look back on a time that started partially in lockdown, meeting some councillors for the first time via Zoom. Times have changed but the need for community focus and collaboration is still as important today. It is with regret that I am resigning as a councillor. My commitments have become too great to devote enough quality time required to the role, whilst continuing with my other volunteering work. I took a break from council meetings late Autumn through the Winter to allow sufficient time to see if my situation changed and it remains the same. This opens a vacancy, and the opportunity for new talent, a passionate volunteer who is committed to the community and to people. If you would like to learn more about the role, please contact enquiry@southwater-pc.gov.uk . I would also like to take this opportunity to formally thank Southwater Parish Council and the Parish Office, I have learned many things and forged some friendships that will last a lifetime. It has been a valuable and rewarding experience.I am keen to still be very much community focused, via The WI – Southwater Women’s Institute, Southwater Community Partnership, Southwater Youth Project and Southwater Village Hall. If you would like to learn more about any of these organisations, please see website details": WI - southwaterwi.co.uk Community Partnership - southwatercp.org.uk Youth Project - southwateryouthproject.co.uk Village Hall - southwatervillagehall.org.uk Southwater Parish Council extends its heartfelt thanks to Ilanit for her outstanding contributions over the years. Her commitment has left an indelible mark on our community, and we are deeply grateful for her dedicated service. We wish her every success in her future and look forward to her continued involvement within the community.

Following the resignation of Councillor Ilanit Slowly from Southwater Parish Council, there is now a new vacancy at the Council. May we take the opportunity again to thank Ilanit for her contribution to Southwater Parish Council in the last 4 and a half years. If you are interested in becoming a Parish Councillor for Southwater please see below for more information and visit our " Becoming a councillor " page.

​On Saturday, 29th March 2025 , Southwater residents united for a Community Litter Picking Day , reinforcing their dedication to a cleaner village as part of the Great British Spring Clean  and Keep Britain Tidy initiatives. Organised by Southwater Parish Council, Southwater Community Partnership and the Neighbourhood Wardens , the event ran from 10 AM to 4 PM, with volunteers gathering at Lintot Square before dispersing to various locations within Southwater. Participants of all ages contributed their time and effort, resulting in the collection of an impressive 10 bags of rubbish  from streets, and public areas. This collective endeavor not only enhanced the village's appearance but also fostered community spirit and environmental responsibility.​ While the village benefits from the diligent work of litter wardens  who maintain cleanliness throughout the week, events like these highlight the importance of community involvement in preserving the environment. The success of the Litter Picking Day underscores the positive impact that collaborative efforts can have on local surroundings.​ A heartfelt thank you to all who participated, your dedication plays a crucial role in ensuring that Southwater remains a welcoming and litter-free community.