As we approach Christmas, I just wanted to wish you all the best for a Happy Christmas and the New Year.
Despite the obvious and ongoing challenges, we will have seen Sandgate Library completely refurbished this year. The works have been funded from external grants, and made it much more welcoming and accessible to all (indeed, it’s a “Warm Welcome Space” https://www.warmwelcome.uk/ so good we’re even on the map twice!).
We’ve celebrated the Jubilee, planted two new orchards that will develop and grow over coming years, enjoyed a great Sea Festival, commemorated the death of the Queen and remembered her service to our country.
Sandgate has retained our Seaside Award status, and welcomed Ukrainian refugees in venues across the village.
It’s also great to see other organisations in the village thriving. The Chichester Hall continues to invest in refurbishment and renewal. The Sandgate Society and Sandgate Heritage Trust merger is almost complete. St Pauls Church celebrated its 200th anniversary with a huge range of events. The Sandgate Community Garden work on a seemingly ever increasing number of projects. And 2nd Sandgate Scouts are growing and doing well, with their HQ on The Undercliffe looking better than for years.
Thank you to everyone involved in any way locally with making Sandgate what it is.
It’s been a privilege to work with you, and to have chaired the Parish since 2020. I hope you get a great break – wherever you are – and look forward to seeing you around the village over the holiday or in 2023.
Happy Christmas.
Tim
Tim Prater
Chairman, Sandgate Parish Council