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The Recycling and Waste Team at West Sussex County Council is delighted to announce the extension of its partnership with food rescue charity UKHarvest until April 2026. Over the past two and a half years, the initiative has hosted seven Community Food Hubs, running monthly in every district and borough across West Sussex. These child-friendly hubs are open to all residents and are designed to reduce food waste by redistributing surplus food. For a small voluntary donation, visitors can bring their own bags and collect a wide variety of food items that would otherwise go to waste. In addition to food distribution, each hub offers recipe ideas and hosts information stands on topics including waste prevention, wellbeing, and support from Citizens Advice . To learn more, please visit: www.westsussex.gov.uk/UKHarvest

Are you passionate about improving healthcare services? Do you want to have a say in how your GP surgery is run? Join the Patient Participation Group (PPG) and help shape the future of our practice! What is the PPG? A group of patients working together with the surgery to improve services and patient experience. Why Join? ✔ Share feedback & ideas ✔ Help improve patient care ✔ Meet like-minded people ✔ Stay informed about health services Who Can Join? Anyone registered with the GP surgery, patients of all ages and backgrounds are welcome! How to Get Involved? Ask at reception or email sxicb-wsx.village-southwater@nhs.net for more details. Together, we can make a difference!

West Sussex County Council has announced a temporary road closure on Polecat Lane in Copsale for urgent carriageway repairs. The closure, carried out by Volker Highways on behalf of the Council, will take place on Tuesday 27th May 2025 , during off-peak hours from 9:30am to 3:30pm . The works are expected to last for one day , although the legal order permits closure for up to five days if necessary. Access will be maintained  at all times for residents, pedestrians, and emergency vehicles. Diversion routes will be clearly signposted on site. For more information, contact West Sussex County Council or 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 had an event by the War Memorial on the day to remember those who lost their lives during the war. Thank you for the WI for decorating the War Memorial, prior to the event and for the delicious cakes they handed out after the event. Thank you for everyone who participated and attended as well. Please see our photo gallery from the event below.

We held a very successful Annual Parish Meeting last week, with many of the local community groups, organisations and schools attending and introducing themselves through their short presentations and yearly reports. There are a large number of amazing groups operating in and around Southwater and they are all here to make this village a better place to live for everyone. Their reports are uploaded to our website and can be accessed here. Thank you to everyone who attended and a very special thanks to those who came to represent the amazing work they do: Neighbourhood Wardens Southwater Youth Project The Ghyll, Southwater Southwater Community Partnership Southwater Art Club Southwater Neighbour Network The Southwater Infant Academy Southwater Junior Academy PTFA WI Southwater Football Club 4sight Vision Support Horsham Community Fridge (also in Southwater) Re-Engage - Tea Parties for the Elderly (contact Emma on 07930533913) Sussex Green Living Sustainable Southwater Conversation Starter Project Jubilee Scouts and Guides Girlguiding (Rainbows, Brownies and Guides ) Southwater Local History Group Southwater News Southwater Village Hall Southwater Welcome Club Annual Parish Meeting 2025 Photo Gallery:

The Chairman's Report and other written reports we have received from various Community Organisations within the Parish, are available to view here . The Meeting Programme is also available to view here .  We look forward to seeing you at the Annual Parish Meeting tonight: Date: Wednesday, 14th May 2025 Time: 7:30pm - 9:30pm Location: Lardner Hall, The Ghyll, Southwater

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!

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

Open invite to all Southwater community groups and residents to join us at the Annual Parish Meeting tomorrow: The meeting is held once a year and is an opportunity for residents to hear from local organisations, and community and volunteer groups about their activities over the past year. Please note, it is not a council meeting, but for the benefit of the community, however, the meeting is usually chaired by the Parish Council Chairman. The purpose of the meeting is to provide a platform for the residents to express their views and get to know the local organisations. Residents are welcome to attend but must contact SPC by 4pm on 13th May 2025, if they wish to speak. To view the Annual Parish Meeting Programme/ Agenda, please visit our website here: Annual Parish Meeting 2025| Southwater Parish Council (southwater-pc.gov.uk)  or view the agenda via the noticeboard outside Beeson House. If you have any questions, please email us at: enquiry@southwater-pc.gov.uk Date: 14th May 2025 Location: Lardner Hall, The Ghyll, Southwater Time: 7:30pm-9:30pm We look forward to seeing you there! Poster

Open invite to all Southwater community groups and residents to the Annual Parish Meeting: The meeting is held once a year and is an opportunity for residents to hear from local organisations, and community and volunteer groups about their activities over the past year. Please note, it is not a council meeting, but for the benefit of the community, however, the meeting is usually chaired by the Parish Council Chairman. The purpose of the meeting is to provide a platform for the residents to express their views and get to know the local organisations. Residents are welcome to attend but must contact SPC by 4pm on 13th May 2025, if they wish to speak. To view the Annual Parish Meeting Programme/ Agenda, please visit our website here: Annual Parish Meeting 2025| Southwater Parish Council (southwater-pc.gov.uk)  or view the agenda via the noticeboard outside Beeson House. If you have any questions, please email us at: enquiry@southwater-pc.gov.uk Date: 14th May 2025 Location: Lardner Hall, The Ghyll, Southwater Time: 7:30pm-9:30pm We look forward to seeing you there!

Southwater Parish Council would like to commend the swift and proactive response of our Neighbourhood Wardens, who continue to play a vital role in keeping our community safe and informed. Just a few days ago, our Wardens responded to a call from a concerned relative regarding suspicious individuals cold calling vulnerable residents, asking to purchase jewellery and antiques. The team acted immediately, locating and engaging with the individuals in question. Following a calm discussion and multiple local complaints about their conduct, the individuals agreed to leave the village and only return if legitimate appointments were made in advance. In a similar incident last week, the Wardens intervened when a man was found encouraging elderly residents to sign up for a lottery without verifying his credentials. After challenging him and confirming his identity with the associated company, the Wardens advised them of the issue, and the individual also chose to leave the area. These incidents serve as a timely reminder of the risks associated with unsolicited doorstep callers. While some may be legitimate, others use inappropriate or aggressive sales tactics that put residents at risk. We urge everyone to remain cautious, check IDs, contact companies directly, and speak to trusted family or friends before making any commitments. Our Neighbourhood Wardens are here to support everyone in Southwater. If you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to contact them . Something you can put on your door too Southwater Neighbourhood Wardens

May is National Walking Month in the UK. A timely reminder of how something as simple as walking can do wonders for our wellbeing. Whether it’s a brisk morning stroll, a walk to the shops, or an afternoon wander through lovely Country park, taking time to move on foot can have a big impact on both physical and mental health. Walking is one of the most underrated ways to improve overall health. Here are five powerful benefits of walking: Boosts Mental Wellbeing Walking helps clear the mind, reduces anxiety, and can improve your mood, especially when done outdoors in green spaces. Improves Physical Health Regular walking strengthens the heart, improves circulation, lowers blood pressure, and supports weight management. Increases Energy and Reduces Fatigue It may seem counterintuitive, but getting up and moving can actually make you feel more energised throughout the day. Supports Better Sleep Daily walks help regulate sleep patterns and promote deeper, more restful sleep. Encourages Social Connection Walking with friends, family, or community groups is a great way to stay connected and combat feelings of isolation. This May, why not make walking a part of your everyday life? Explore new local routes, swap the car for your feet on short trips, or organize a walking group at work. Here are a few local, organised, group walks that you can join in Southwater: Wellbeing Walks in Southwater - As part of Horsham District Wellbeing program. Fri 9 May and Fri 23rd May at 11:00am Level 1 Distance: 2.6 miles Duration: 75 mins Walk 1009. Meet in the car park of the Country Park, (off Cripplegate Lane, RH13 9UN). Along bridleways and country lanes and return via the Downs Link. No stiles but can be muddy. Not suitable for wheelchairs or prams. The café and toilets at the Park will be open. There is a parking charge at Southwater Country Park. Sorry, but no dogs are allowed on this walk. Contact Sue on 07751092103 for more information. Conversation Starter Project - Walk & Talk This friendly group meets every Friday by ‘Iggy’ the dinosaur in Lintot Square, at 12pm. These walks are FREE, there is no need to book in advance and are open to anyone over 18, registered assistance dogs are also welcome. Join Southwater WI Walking Group The walking Sub Committee is led by four WI members. Gillian Pinkard, Suzanne Lewis, Tricia Gardiner & Debbie Hallgren Look out on the group's Facebook page and emails for different walks, at various times of day/week and varying levels of walking ability. Visit their website for contact details and to see their other activities. Southwater Community Partnership - Walks Join their Facebook group for more information. Fancy just exploring? Please click below for a few local walking routes and maps. Southwater Southwater Heritage Trail Southwater South & Shipley Let's make May a month of movement and mindfulness. Every step you take is a step towards a healthier you!

Thank you to all the councillors and residents who came down to the triangular open space between The Avenue, King Edwards Road and Christ's Hospital, Southwater to witness and assist with The Queen's Green Canopy - The Platinum Jubilee 2022 Tree Planting Ceremony yesterday on Wednesday, 29th March 2023. Her Majesty The Queen

Southwater Parish Council maintains 7 play areas around the Parish, making sure they are all up to the safety standards and remain clean so everyone can enjoy them. The yearly pressure washing of the equipment and ground surfaces have started a couple weeks ago and most of our play areas have already been cleaned, ready to welcome the children, with only a couple of them waiting for their big yearly wash yet to take place. Here are a few photos of our play parks at Eversfield, Nutham Lane and Roman Lane being pressure washed. Our play areas are regularly checked by our Play area Inspectors, but please do not hesitate to contact us , if you come across something that doesn't look right.

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 .