Parliamentary Boundary Changes
Although the consultation process has been taking place for nearly two years, many people are only now becoming aware that as a result a major change is proposed hereabouts -we are likely to become part of an extensive constituency called ‘Arundel and the South Downs’. Whatever the outcome, it will have no impact on the duties of Chichester District Council (eg bin emptying) and West Sussex County Council (highways maintenance). It will not affect our everyday life.
Every five years the boundaries of parliamentary constituencies are assessed, noting changes in the population and as necessary changing the area of the constituency to take account of this. The Boundary Commissioners are also obliged to take into consideration issues such as local ties, local government boundaries and geography in producing constituencies, as a result of this review, with electorates of between 69,724 and 77,062, 5% either side of the nominal figure. More than 2/3rds of the constituencies in England will experience some change.
Our inclusion in Chichester constituency hasn’t changed since 1974, when we were transferred to it from Horsham. In the past, the boundary change exercise tended to be a bit ‘flexible’ and as a result the electorates of some constituencies are currently well outside the average size. This tighter review aims to address this flexibility, and the initial proposals were published on 8th June 2021. Whilst it proposed us staying in Chichester constituency, half of the Manhood peninsula was allocated to Bognor constituency. There were howls of outrage from south of Chichester. This is probably the reason why the the areas of the three constituencies in the western part of West Sussex were then dramatically redrawn. It should be noted that these three constituencies have electorates on the high side, they being 77,985, 76,974 and 76,765. Only nine voters currently separate Chichester and the Arundel and South Downs constituencies; moving only Harting and Nyewood to Chichester would increase that electorate to over 78,000. Such an increase and change is unlikely to be given consideration, especially as that change would separate us from neighbouring parishes including those in Harting District Council ward. As it is we would remain with the parishes to the east of us that we have long had various associations with.
The Boundary Commission website provides a lot of information, including maps of the proposed constituencies. South East | Boundary Commission for England (independent.gov.uk)
Should you wish to comment you only have until 5th December.
ONE MINUTE SILENCE – Sunday 18 September 2022
A one-minute silence will be held at 8 pm on Sunday 18 September 2022, the day before the Queen’s Funeral.
The Prime Minister’s office said: “The silence can be marked privately at home on your own or with friends and neighbours, out on your doorstep or street, or at locally arranged community events and vigils .. The shared national moment of reflection is an opportunity for everyone across the UK to mark the death of Her Majesty and we will set out details of where the prime minister will mark it closer to that time.”
The book of condolence in the Parish Church will remain open until the close of the day on Tuesday 20 September.
Harting Film Night – Downton Abbey – A new Era
RESCHEDULED FROM 8th September
Tickets purchased for original September date remain valid.
The much-anticipated cinematic return of the global phenomenon reunites the beloved cast as they go on a grand journey to the South of France to uncover the mystery of the Dowager Countess’ newly inherited villa. Meanwhile, strapped for cash and faced with a leaking roof, Lady Mary decides to allow a film crew to use the Abbey as the setting for their latest picture. WHY SEE THIS FILM? Because it’s irresistible.
The doors and bar open at 7pm and the film commences at 7.30pm, with one interval when the bar will be open and ice creams sold. Whilst the maximum number of tickets for sale should hopefully accommodate everyone, tickets for £6 can be bought in advance from the Harting Stores or at the door (card or cash). Tickets purchased for original September date remain valid.
NEW STATE OF THE ART SOUND SYSTEM AND SCREENING
Queen Elizabeth II 1926-2022
Harting Parish Council joins the Nation in mourning the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
In a statement the Chair of Harting Parish Council said: “It is with great sadness that the members of Harting Parish Council have been made aware of the death of the Queen. We are not aware that her late Majesty ever visited the Parish, but it is clear that Councillors looked upon her as the beacon of stability during good times and bad throughout her seventy year reign. Formal Council business has been suspended during the ten day official period of mourning as a mark of respect, though be assured we will still be addressing any day-to day issue that arises.”
Both the Parish Church and the Congregational Church are open for prayers at this time. A Book of Condolence will be placed in the Parish Church and all are welcome to sign this.
Harting Film Nights return! – Downton Abbey – A New Era
HARTING FILM NIGHT AT THE COMMUNITY HALL
THURSDAY 8th SEPTEMBER @7.30pm
NEW STATE OF THE ART SOUND SYSTEM AND SCREENING
The much-anticipated cinematic return of the global phenomenon reunites the beloved cast as they go on a grand journey to the South of France to uncover the mystery of the Dowager Countess’ newly inherited villa. Meanwhile, strapped for cash and faced with a leaking roof, Lady Mary decides to allow a film crew to use the Abbey as the setting for their latest picture. WHY SEE THIS FILM? Because it’s irresistible.
The doors and bar open at 7pm and the film commences at 7.30pm, with one interval when the bar will be open and ice creams sold. Whilst the maximum number of tickets for sale should hopefully accommodate everyone, tickets for £6 can be bought in advance from the Harting Stores or at the door (card or cash).
NEW STATE OF THE ART SOUND SYSTEM AND SCREENING
Amber Hot Weather Alert – Thursday 11 August 2022
The Met Office has issued an amber warning for extreme heat affecting West Sussex from Thursday 11 August, with temperatures set to peak on Friday and Saturday.There is a 90 % probability of Heat-Health Alert criteria being met between 0600 on Tuesday and 0900 on Friday in parts of England
Please take care of yourself and look out for vulnerable friends and family during hot weather. The very young, the elderly and the seriously ill are the groups who are particularly at risk of health problems when the weather is very hot.
Please follow this advice to keep cool and comfortable and reduce health risks:
- Stay cool indoors by closing curtains on rooms that face the sun – and remember that it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
- Shut windows when it is hotter outside. If it’s safe, open them for ventilation when it is cooler.
- Avoid the heat: stay out of the sun and don’t go out between 11am and 3pm (the hottest part of the day) if you’re vulnerable to the effects of heat.
- Keep rooms cool by using shades or reflective material outside the windows. If this isn’t possible, use light-coloured curtains and keep them closed (metallic blinds and dark curtains can make the room hotter).
- Have cool baths or showers, and splash yourself with cool water.
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially cold drinks, regularly. Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol.
- Stay tuned to the weather forecast on the radio or TV, or on the Met Office website.
- Plan ahead to make sure you have enough supplies, such as food, water and any medications you need.
- Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day.
- Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear loose cool clothing and a wide-brimmed hat if you have to go out
If someone feels unwell, find them somewhere cool to rest. Give them plenty of fluids to drink. Seek medical help if symptoms such as breathlessness, chest pain, confusion, weakness, dizziness or cramps get worse or don’t go away.
People can receive more heat wave advice(Opens in a new window) from the NHS.
Please check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves.
Information supplied by West Sussex Emergency Management
Casual Vacancy – June 2022
Due to the resignation of a councillor, there is a vacancy on Harting Parish Council in the Harting ward.
No notice has been called for the election so the vacancy will be filled by co-option at the Parish Council meeting on 21 July 2022.
If you are interested in becoming a parish councillor, please contact the clerk via the link below.
Notice of vacancy for a councillor – 31 May 2022
Contact Us to find out more
