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Chichester canal celebrates 200th anniversary

The Chichester Ship Canal is 200 years old in 2022! The formal opening of the canal was held on 9th April 1822, and happily, 9th April 2022 falls on a Saturday, the first weekend of the school Easter Holidays. The perfect date for a celebration. Or in this case, not just one celebration, but an entire season of celebratory events. The Chichester Ship Canal Trust, the volunteer led, self-funded, charity behind the canal, is planning a season of anniversary events to help people discover more about the unique heritage and different ways to explore the canal.

Events will run through the spring and summer and will feature a historical talk by local author and historian Alan Green at the West Sussex County Record Office, a year-long curated exhibition at The Novium, hosted boat trips along the canal, a photography competition, a pub quiz, the installation of a new sign to mark the location of the famous view painted by JMW Turner, family-friendly activities through the school holidays, a guided walk with the Friends of the Old Ford to Hunston Canal, and an art partnership with a contemporary art group ARTEL.

Catherine Cannon, Trustee, said, ‘Recognising the canal’s position at the heart of the cultural, leisure and heritage sector in Chichester City, the Trust is really pleased to be a host venue for Chichester District Council’s ‘Culture Spark’ opening Event, and a partner host for Chichester University and the Fringe performers through the summer’.

The Trust will further mark 20 years of formation in September 2022, which coincides with Heritage Open Days. 

One date not to be missed is the flagship ‘200th Anniversary Celebration Event’ on Saturday 9th April 2022. Alison Golt, 200th Project Team, said, ‘We’re inviting the community to the Basin, where the event will begin at 11am with short speeches including by the High Sheriff of West Sussex, followed by a gunfire salute from the Fort Cumberland Guard. The Trust is hosting a day of live music, stalls, food, entertainment, children’s activities, water-based displays including the 1950’s vintage tugs, canoe club and model boats, and land-based exhibitions which will feature knitted bunting, volunteer stories and our heritage centre display. The day will culminate in a flotilla along the canal arriving at the basin at 3pm, to be welcomed by the Mayor and Mayoress of Chichester’.

Chichester Canal 200th anniversary event flyer - event - 9 April 2022 11am to 3pm

Coronavirus update – 14 December 2021

Coronavirus update for Members and Parish Councils

14 December 2021

Key changes

www.gov.uk/coronavirus

·        10 December 

You must wear a face covering in most indoor public places, at large venues and events, and on public transport. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own

·        13 December 

People aged 30 or over can pre-book a booster dose appointment two months after their second dose. Book your booster: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/ or find a walk in vaccination site: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/find-a-walk-in-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccination-site/ 

You should work from home if you can.

·        From 14 December 

Fully vaccinated (at the moment this refers to two doses of the vaccine) contacts of someone with COVID-19 should take rapid lateral flow tests every day for seven days. If you test positive or develop symptoms, you need to self-isolate for ten days. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/daily-rapid-testing-for-covid-19-contacts-launches-this-week

·        From 15 December 

People aged 18 or over will be able to pre-book a booster dose appointment two months after their second dose. You can get your booster dose https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-booster-vaccine/ three months after your second dose.

You’ll need to show your NHS COVID pass https://www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-covid-pass  at nightclubs, some venues and large events to show you’re fully vaccinated, have had a negative test result in the last 48 hours, or if you have an exemption.

Vaccination update

In our area the Sussex Health and Care Partnership is responsible for the roll out of the vaccination booster programme. We have been in touch with our NHS colleagues to offer our help, including:

  • offering additional premises for vaccinations;
  • sharing key updates with our stakeholders and our local communities; and,
  • encouraging our staff and members to volunteer to assist with the ongoing vaccination programme.

At the moment, our NHS colleagues are exploring how they can extend the hours and days of their vaccination services. Any available appointments will be added to the National Booking system.

From tomorrow (Wednesday 15 Dec) all adults will be able to arrange their vaccination when they reach two months from their second dose, and receive it when they are at three months.

It’s worth noting that new appointments are being added all of the time.

Where can I access my jab?

We have included the list below. However, it can also be found here: https://www.sussexhealthandcare.uk/keepsussexsafe/covid-19-vaccinations/where-can-i-get-my-covid-19-vaccination/west-sussex-gp-led-vaccination-services/

  • Northgate vaccination centre – book via the national booking website or calling 119
  • Kamsons Pharmacy, Eastgate Square, PO19 1JL – book via the national booking website or calling 119
  • Pharmacy Link, New Parade, East Wittering, PO20 8EA – book via the national booking website or calling 119
  • Midhurst Pharmacy, Whithorne House, North Street, GU29 9DH – Book via the national booking website or by calling 119
  • Sidlesham vaccination service, for patients at:
    • Cathedral Medical Group
    • Langley House Surgery
    • Lavant Road Surgery
    • Parklands Surgery
    • Selsey Medical Practice
    • Southbourne Surgery
    • Tangmere Medical Centre
    • Witterings Medical Centre
  • Pulborough Medical Group, for patients at:
    • Pulborough Medical Centre
    • Loxwood Surgery
  • Riverbank Medical Centre, for patients at:
    • Riverbank Medical Centre
    • Petworth Surgery

What about walk-in vaccinations?

Currently, walk in services are mainly offering first and second vaccinations. You can find out more, including the locations that are offering them, here: https://www.sussexhealthandcare.uk/keepsussexsafe/covid-19-vaccinations/where-can-i-get-my-covid-19-vaccination/walk-in-vaccination-sessions/

Volunteering

We are currently encouraging our staff to volunteer to assist with the booster vaccination drive. We are also asking staff if they are trained to administer vaccinations. We would consider releasing staff to assist with the booster vaccination programme if they have been trained in this area.

How can I volunteer?

There are various ways you can volunteer. The majority can be found here: https://www.england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/join-the-nhs-covid-19-vaccine-team/#i-am-interested-in-volunteering However, many local NHS services are also using their own volunteer schemes and you can check their websites for details.                                                   .

NHS vaccination communications and enquiries

Website

https://www.sussexhealthandcare.uk/keepsussexsafe/

Email
sxccg.mpvaccineenquiries@nhs.net for all vaccination enquiries
sxccg.mpenquiries@nhs.net for all other enquiries

Christmas closure

Chichester City Council offices will be closed from 4.30pm on Thursday 23rd December and will reopen on Tuesday 4th January 2022.

The City Councillors and Officers wish you all a happy festive season and new year.

Job vacancy – Committee and Communities Officer

Chichester City Council is looking for a friendly, professional, and self-motivated Committee and Communities Officer – 30 hours per week

This role is office based in central Chichester with the possibility to work from home once training is completed. The salary will be £25,991 to £27,741 FTE, dependant on qualifications and experience.

KEY DUTIES:

  1. To be the first point of contact responsible for Committee and Working Group meetings, including preparing agendas, papers, and minute-taking and maintenance of attendance and minute books; and coordinate actions arising from those meetings.
  2. Liaise with other staff as necessary to ensure smooth administration of the Committee and Working Group meetings and other Council’s affairs as appropriate.
  3. To work with community and voluntary groups in support of City Council projects.

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

  • Self-motivated and able to work under own initiative
  • Excellent organisational skills
  • Awareness of the role of the City Council in local government
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Good IT skills, including word processing, emailing, and the ability to quickly pickup skills for any project-specific software

The successful applicant will be enthusiastic, organised and adaptable.

Closing date 14th January 2022

Interviews will be held week commencing 17th January 2022.

TO APPLY: Please call our office on (01243 788502) or email administration@chichestercity.gov.uk for an application form.

Job description: Committee and Communities Officer (downloadable PDF)

Alternatively, download and complete the job application form: Committee and Communities Officer application form (downloadable PDF)

Completed forms should be returned to:

Job vacancy – Mayor’s Secretary

Chichester City Council is looking for a Mayor’s Secretary – 18.5 hours per week

This role is office based in central Chichester with the possibility to work from home once training is completed. The salary will be £23,080 to £24,491 FTE, dependant on qualifications and experience.

KEY DUTIES:

  • To undertake administrative and secretarial duties in support of the activities of the Mayor, Town Clerk and City Council generally.
  • Liaise with other staff as necessary to ensure smooth administration of the Council’s affairs.
  • Maintaining the Mayoral budget

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

  • Great written and verbal communication skills
  • Good customer relations
  • Good attention to detail
  • Able to work in a team and on own initiative and organise date and time engagements
  • Office Computer literacy skills and IT knowledge

The successful applicant will be enthusiastic, adaptable and looking for a new challenge. They will also need to have flexibility to adapt their work pattern as required by the Mayoral schedule.

Closing date 14th January 2022

Interviews will be held week commencing 17th January 2022.

TO APPLY: Please call our office on (01243 788502) or email administration@chichestercity.gov.uk for an application form.

Job description: Mayor’s Secretary (downloadable PDF)

Alternatively, download and complete the job application form: Mayor’s Secretary application form (downloadable PDF)

Completed forms should be returned to:

New rules for poultry and captive bird keepers to contain avian flu outbreak

A press release from West Sussex County Council – 25 November 2021

Captive bird and poultry keepers will be legally required to keep their birds indoors under new measures to control the spread of avian flu.

It comes after a number of confirmed cases of the H5N1 strain of the virus in recent weeks, including a case in the Arun area.

The new legal requirement is for all UK bird keepers to keep their birds indoors from Monday 29 November in a bid to minimise contact with wild birds migrating from mainland Europe.

Enhanced biosecurity measures are also being introduced – including regular cleaning and disinfecting and reducing the number of visitors coming into contact with birds.

Peter Aston, West Sussex Trading Standards Team Manager, said: “The consequences of avian flu spreading to domestic birds and poultry in West Sussex would be severe.

“All owners need to follow the new rules and additional guidance to ensure their birds avoid catching the disease.

“Poultry owners should also watch out for signs that their birds have been infected. The main symptoms of avian flu include a swollen head, blue discolouration of the neck and throat, loss of appetite, diarrhoea and respiratory distress.”

Duncan Crow, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue, said: “I urge all bird and poultry keepers to do all they can to ensure we prevent the spread of avian flu to domestic birds in West Sussex.”

Poultry and captive bird keepers are reminded to do the following:

  • House or net all poultry and captive birds to keep them separate from wild birds
  • Cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear, housing, equipment and vehicles on a regular basis
  • Reduce the movement of people, vehicles or equipment in areas where poultry and captive birds are kept to minimise contamination
  • Thoroughly cleanse and disinfect housing on a continuous basis
  • Minimise direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds

Avian flu is a disease which mainly affects birds but in very rare cases it can spread to people and other mammals. Do not touch or pick up any dead or sick birds that you find. Report them to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.

Bird keepers should report suspicion of disease to the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. Further advice for bird keepers on reducing the spread of avian influenza is available at: www.gov.uk.

Chichester Remembers – Remembrance Sunday – 14 November 2021

Image showing Litten Gardens, Chichester and the War memorial with poppy in foreground

The Annual service of Remembrance will take place at the War Memorial, Litten Gardens on Remembrance Sunday 14th November, commencing at 1100am.

Uniformed, and other participants will assemble in East Street and march to the War Memorial around 1030, led by the ATC Band of 461 Squadron.

The Mayor, Councillor John Hughes, and other civic dignitaries will lay wreaths together with other representatives from the ex-service and wider community.

The Garrison Artillery Volunteers will be located in the adjacent New Park Road Recreation Ground and will be firing their World War one 18pounder gun to mark the commencement and completion of the Two Minutes’ Silence.

This year, we see the 100th anniversary of the unveiling of the War Memorial which used to be located in Eastgate Square and was moved to the present location in 1940. The War Memorial, owned and maintained the City Council, is now a Grade II Listed structure.

We will also be commemorating the centenary of the foundation of the Royal British Legion and especially the Chichester Branch.

At the conclusion of the service the various contingents will march past the saluting base in Eastgate Square and form up again in East Steet before being dismissed.

Music for the service is being provided by the Chichester City Band and the service traditionally ends by the singing of ‘Sussex by the Sea’

You can download a PDF of the Order of Service here: Chichester City Council – Remembrance Sunday – 14 November 2021 – Order of Service

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