We have a record turnout of stallholders for my pensioners’ fair this Friday (22-04-2016) in the Guildbourne Centre from 10am-1pm. There will be lots of free advice on everything from pensions and security to keeping your utility bills down. Do spread the word.
The following day I will be holding the third of my ‘Talk to Tim’ public meetings focussing on the EU referendum. It will be at the Barn Theatre Southwick Community Centre from 2.15pm on Saturday. Again all constituents are welcome.
Last week we saw the publication of the Civil Aviation Authority’s final report into what changes will be applied to civilian air displays in the UK following the Shoreham tragedy. This was not the final report into what actually caused the accident which is being produced by the Air Accident Investigation Branch and due to be published in late May/June.
I think the report makes some sensible proposals for improving safety measures particularly around robust risk assessments in advance and keeping planes above 500ft. Ultimately the two most important individuals involved in these displays are the pilot and the official Flying Display Director and I have passed on some recommendations for how they could be better monitored to the CAA.
Following the public meeting I held in Shoreham last month with Southern Rail and Network Rail, I have received a follow up letter dealing with a number of the points raised especially around the problem of ‘skipped stopping’ and the use of the old fashioned 313 type rolling stock. I have published the letter on my website and will give an update in my next newsletter. We are still waiting the results of the consultation on closure of ticket offices where I gather that both the railway unions and Transport Focus have objected and we are trying to get the Rail Minister to veto the whole flawed project.
It was great to see so many people at the Lancing & Sompting Pastfinders local history fair at the Lancing Tab last Saturday, marking their 20th anniversary. Whenever I go to these exhibitions I always learn something new about our rich local heritage. It was particularly good to see the interest shown by the youngsters at a very hands-on Worthing Archaeology Society stall with plenty of prehistoric tools to play with – just as archaeology should be.