Towards the end

So to the end of a fascinating year and the last few days.
March 20 Brighton and Hove Business Lunch Club very kindly agreed to allow us to make a presentation on the Shoreham Lifeboat Appeal in time, given over during lunch, to a Community Appeal – Peter Huxtable MBE Coxswain told the tale and we came away £400 better off – Many thanks for the support and indeed continuing interest.
Easter Monday and a visit to the “Independent State of Cuckfield” by invitation of the Mayor – Nicholas Rowe to present cups and medals for winners of the Easter Walking Race an annual event to raise funds for the community. The idea of an Independent State was the brain child of the Bowring family in 1966 whereby the person who gets the greatest sponsorship in an annual competition is appointed Mayor. The community have raised through this means some £185,000 for charity since inception. This year’s race was an important milestone as Phyl Bowring died earlier this year. The weather did nothing to dampen the spirits of competitors and spectators – Congratulations to all who participated and supported.
I8 March The “Be Your Best Foundation” organise the “Rock Challenge” which is an international anti – drug and crime prevention initiative that takes the form of a friendly performing arts competition for primary and secondary schools. Local schools present 8 minute pieces of dance drama set to a contemporary soundtrack portraying a theme or issue of their choice on which they are judged.
The following schools participated and provided an excellent evening of thought provoking drama and entertainment: Boundstone Community College Lancing, Durrington High School Worthing, Oriel High School Crawley, Queen Elizabeth 11 Silver Jubilee School Horsham, Millais School Horsham, Davison High School Worthing and Bognor Regis Community College.
What skill, enthusiasm and commitment with every one winning an award of which there were plenty. We are so lucky to have such committed young people willing to participate and of course Teaching staff committed to such a worthwhile project. Well done all.
Tuesday 25 March ICIS: ‘Information & Innovation’ Event Billingshurst a networking and information sharing event for service providers in West Sussex at which ICIS: information for life gave a presentation on their innovative online directory of support services – a great opportunity for me to meet with and talk to many of the support services, I had not previously met and to thank them for all they are doing for the wider community – they are so committed and appreciated the forward thinking of ICIS for arranging the morning.
27 March Thursday Crawley Past, Present & Future a tour arranged by the Mayor of Crawley Cllr Sally Blake to learn, through presentation, of the development proposals for the Town as well as to visit sites of special interest representing the history of the communities which go to make up the Town as well as leisure facilities with lunch at the College prepared and presented by Students – a fascinating day and one which surprised many on the tour as they had no idea that Crawley existed before the New Town’s Commission commenced development in the early 50’s, something I knew as my family were responsible for providing the Crematorium which opened in 1953.
Friday 28 March a day in Lewes Court sitting with His Honour Judge Brown DL and meeting with other Judges present in the Court that day – a tradition in keeping with the role of the High Sheriff and upholding the law.
In the evening to Worthing to support the Mayor in a fund raising event “The Brain Game” for her specified charities – I am not sure if the wider community fully comprehend the value raised by the efforts of our Mayor’s and Chairmen throughout the County for good causes – it was a black tie dinner, so under instruction I wore the official uniform – all, young and old alike all said how nice it was to have an opportunity to dress up – as there as few chances these days – a lesson for us all that traditional values are greatly valued and much underestimated!
29 March Saturday and Curry Lunch in the Officers Mess 47th Regiment Royal Artillery at Thorney Island in support of the Army Benevolent Fund – goodness knows and whatever one may think – we need organisations like this to support those injured or suffering loss through the actions of our service people in action throughout the world. Thanks to the Commanding Officer Lt Col M.J. Kelly RA we were given an illustrated presentation on the deployment of the British Army at this time and of the role being undertaken by his own regiment.
Monday 31 March and a visit to Brighton County Court and Family hearing centre where I was invited to sit with District Judge Merrick in the County Court and District Judge Fawcett in the Family Court – an offer made in order in that I could understand the wider role of the Judiciary in the County. I had not appreciated that the District Judges covered both of these areas of responsibility as well as corporate law and divorce matters. The morning in the County Court was taken up with possession orders sought by landlords and mortgages providers – a sign of the times and current state of the economy – the afternoon centred on what to that time, had been, disputed arrangements for access to a small child following divorce proceedings. I learned a lot and came away with a heavy heart, but full of admiration for the personal manner in which the Judges involved all participants to ensure they understood the implications of their actions.
2 April Wednesday – Declaration of High Sheriff’s Hugh Burnett OBE DL of East Sussex and Sir Richard Kleinwort 4th Bt DL of West Sussex at Lewes Crown Court.
9 April Dining In of the High Sheriff of West Sussex at County Hall Chichester in the presence of the Lord Lieutenant and a toast the New High Sheriff.

Congratulations to both Hugh and Richard and all good wishes for as happy and interesting year as Christine and I have been privileged to enjoy.

It most certainly has been a year to remember not least as our first grandchild was born on 3 April 2008 – so as one door closes a whole new chapter in our family life opens!


THE END