Last week I proudly swore my allegiance to His Majesty King Charles III and was honoured meanwhile to be appointed Minister for Safeguarding at the Home Office.
Positive news as much-needed ‘Energy Price Guarantee’ moves forward, limiting the amount suppliers can charge homes and businesses for units of gas. The Chancellor, meanwhile, has set out his bold Growth Plan, as we battle potential stagflation with the backdrop of war in Europe. It contains the biggest package of tax cuts in generations, including cutting the basic rate of income tax to 19p next April plus scrapping the NI Levy rise. I know this bold move has created some real turbulence but feedback from local businesses has been strong, as has stamp duty changes which has led to constituents getting touch to say they are able to now purchase their home locally.
Last weekend, I joined the start of the final of the Sir Nicholas Soames new players Bowls competition. Saltdean prevailed over Henfield to lift this trophy at Beech Hurst gardens. A game that looks easy but is far from it, as I’ve found out on previous visits to both the Lindfield and Burgess Hill Bowls Club.
As part of the ‘Great Big Green Festival Week’, it was great to attend the St Augustine’s Church, Scaynes Hill, Pop-Up Charity Shop for St Peter and James Hospice. A great way to re-use and repurpose pre-loved items. Thank you Sarah, the Rev Bev, and to all those that organised this fabulous eco event.
It was a delight to open in Cuckfield, a brilliant exhibition at David Foord-Brown Antiques, entitled “Living in the 18th Century” one man’s antique collection formed over seventy years! Well worth a visit and I managed to get special Christmas presents sorted too.
Burgess Hill Bonfire Society came up trumps with another wonderful procession and firework display. This event takes 364 days of planning and fundraising, the team have worked incredibly hard to make the event’s return the great success it was. I was delighted to be one of judges of the fantastic procession and the inventive and clever costumes.
