COLUMNIST: Mike Mendoza, chairman of Adur District Council

The Bank Holiday began with a rather wet start, which concerned me as Adur was set again for yet another spectacular weekend.

Fortunately it ended up in blazing sunshine. Fishersgate Community Centre held its Fishersgate Vintage festival on Saturday at the ‘new’ centre.

More than 200 people turned up in the pouring rain to support this amazing community group, who work tirelessly to ensure that all members of their community have a place to meet, have a coffee and cake, learn computing skills and have fun.

Someone described the area as an ‘urban village’, which is quite fitting. I am looking forward to some new landscaping being laid to the outside and I am sure that some nice reader, who is in the business, may wish to donate to the cause. I know that all the workers would welcome you with open arms.

I had great pleasure in unveiling information plaques at the Manor Cottage Heritage Centre in Southwick.

I felt ashamed that I knew nothing about this gem in Adur’s crown. What a magnificent achievement by the Southwick Society and many congratulations to the committee and volunteers who have transformed this grade-two listed building, which dates back to the 15th century, into a living museum.

I have driven past many times without ever realising that the heritage centre was there!

The Southwick Society was formed 40 years ago to protect the interests of Southwick and Fishersgate by keeping a watching brief on planning applications in the area and other matters that may concern and or affect the local community.

If you wish to visit the centre, you will find it at 16 Southwick Street, almost opposite Southwick Square.

The first-ever River Fest is now over with many of the Shoreham town centre traders reporting record takings.

Again, sadly Saturday threw a massive dampener onto the outdoor events but Sunday and Monday saw many activities around the River Adur take place in wonderful sunshine.

The highlight had to be the swan race (not real swans by the way) that were supposed to race from the Yacht Club to the Norfolk Bridge.

Unfortunately, someone got the tides wrong, so the 20 swans had to be coaxed along the river by volunteers on paddle boards, going against the low tide.

It was fun to watch and Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice was the recipient of the proceeds of the race.

Virtually every pub and restaurant in Shoreham joined in, offering some first-class entertainment.

The art trail proved to be very popular. Everyone I spoke to thoroughly enjoyed the event and looks forward to next year.

James Parker from Suter’s Yard in Shoreham High Street, who thought of the idea several years ago, said: “This has exceeded all expectations, I am very happy with the way this event has gone and know we can do better next year. I would love to see more water-based activities and events next year.”

Well done to James and all the traders who took part and got behind the concept of River Fest.

At the civic centre for the past couple of weeks, there has been plans and information on display with regard to the upcoming Morrisons supermarket proposal.

This was due to go to the planning committee in the next few weeks. However, as I mentioned in my column last week, a questionnaire was sent out to many residents to gauge their feelings about supermarkets and other issues.

Residents’ comments from the questionnaire are being looked at, together with responses to the display at the Civic Centre. The feedback received has put the application back for a couple of weeks while concerns are discussed with the developers.

Bookings are coming in and tickets are now available online and from the Shoreham Centre for the Jive Aces Swing Shoreham Charity Event, being held on Sunday, September 29.

The full line-up is now complete and promises to be a spectacular event, affordable to all (£15 in advance) and at a sensible time, 4pm to 9pm.

Finally, thank you for some very kind comments I have received about my column, I am thrilled that you actually read it. I welcome all feedback and welcome any questions you may have re Adur District Council and Adur in general.