From Storrington and Sullington Parish Council
White Stork & Nature Festival
The Festival took place on one of the hottest-ever May days and received very positive feedback from many of the hundreds of visitors.
The theme of the day was nature and sustainability and there was an extraordinary range of stalls and activities. We were entertained by the birds of prey flying over the recreation ground, a lovely fancy dress parade by children from Storrington and Shipley primary schools, and a series of fascinating nature and stork related talks, wonderful singers, original stork songs, musicians and dancers.
In his opening words, Sir Charles Burrell, co-owner of the Knepp Estate, was very positive about the Festival and Storrington’s support for nature and sustainability through hosting this event. Charlie who was accompanied by Patrick Barkham, the Natural History Writer for the Guardian, described the event as “inspiring” and “pioneering” noting that he fully expected the festival to grow considerably over time.
Special thanks to our major sponsors; the Hunter Group and GL & Co. There were so many others who donated money and prizes, loaned equipment and gave us discounted rates. Huge thanks to everyone including all our volunteers.
Stork Mural
Storrington’s bespoke wall mural of nesting storks was opened by Lady Emma Barnard, of Parham House (also Lord Lieutenant for West Sussex) on the morning of the White Stork & Nature Festival. This prominent nature artwork in Place Villerest celebrates the white storks with which Storrington has long been associated. The ancient name of the village, ‘Estorchetone’ is mentioned in the Domesday Book, meaning the abode or homestead of storks. The mural is a community-funded initiative and donations, however small, can be made via this link: https://bit.ly/StorkMural
Photo with thanks to Janet Brown.
Asking Questions of the Council
The Parish has amended its standing orders to allow for members of the public to ask questions in a council or committee meeting which are not related to the agenda. This aligns with the approach taken by Horsham District Council. Agendas are published the Thursday before a meeting, and questions can now be submitted by midday on the day prior to the meeting. Members of the public would need to ask their question in person and up to 15 minutes will be allowed at each meeting for all questions. For clarification, feel free to check in with the office@storrington-pc.gov.uk
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Cllr Virginia Hicks
Vice Chairman
Storrington and Sullington Parish Council
Submitted to the Storrington Community Website using the News Item contact form.