Mayor of Bognor Regis' Weekly Briefing: Half term fun to be had in Bognor Regis!

February half term is now just days away, so here is your final reminder of the Town Council’s first event offering of the year - a series of free phenomenal Laser Shows at Hotham Park on Wednesday 18th February! Taking place in the stunning setting of the park, visitors can enjoy a series of breath taking laser shows, perfectly synchronised to music and powered by cutting-edge technology from Showmen Events Group. Performances will start at 5.00pm, with a new show every 30 minutes through to 8.00pm. Entry is completely free, with no tickets required - simply arrive and soak up the atmosphere. The event promises a memorable evening for families and friends alike, offering a dazzling mix of sound, light and open-air magic.

Families across West Sussex are being reminded that free Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) sessions will be available for eligible children during the February half term. Funded by the Government and delivered by West Sussex County Council, the HAF programme provides fun, structured holiday activities alongside healthy meals for children who receive benefits-related free school meals. Although the scheme normally runs during the Easter, summer and Christmas holidays, additional funding has been made available this February to offer at least two days of provision for eligible children.

Each session lasts a minimum of four hours and includes a nutritious meal, with families able to choose days that best suit them during the half term break. Activities vary by provider but typically include sports, games, arts and crafts, creative workshops and outdoor play, giving children the chance to stay active, socialise and try new experiences in a safe and supportive environment.

Parents and carers can book sessions through the county council’s HAF booking system using their child’s unique HAF code. Further details about local providers and available sessions can be found on the West Sussex County Council website. Spaces are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment!

Efforts to make Bognor Regis a safer place to live, work and visit have received a further boost with the launch of a new Community Safety Grant Fund by the Safer Arun Partnership.

The fund, which offers grants of up to £2,500, will support community-led projects that build on ongoing safety initiatives across the Town, in addition to the work already being undertaken by the Bognor Regis Town Centre Action Group and the Community Wardens. Together, these initiatives aim to deter antisocial behaviour, reduce crime, improve feelings of safety and protect vulnerable residents.

Local voluntary and community groups, charities, residents’ associations, youth organisations and other organisations delivering activities in the Arun district are being encouraged to apply for funding to help strengthen these efforts and make a positive difference in their communities.

Those interested can find out more about the Safer Arun Partnership and access the guidance and application form by visiting: www.arun.gov.uk/safer-arun-partnership. For any assistance or to request the guidance and application in an alternative format, such as a hardcopy, please email: [email protected].

Finally, this week, please be advised that Bognor Regis Town Council’s Annual Town Meeting of Electors will take place on Monday 16th March. The meeting is held specifically for our residents and provides an opportunity to meet your Town Councillors and take part in an open public forum, where you can raise topics of your choice directly with your elected representatives. The meeting will be held in the Council Chamber at the Town Hall on Clarence Road. Residents are encouraged to arrive from 6.30pm, ahead of a 7.00pm start. There is no need to register in advance, and everyone is welcome to attend. Councillors hope to see a strong turnout, as this meeting offers a valuable chance for residents to share their views and have their voices heard.