West Sussex County Council: A Day To Show You're Proud Of Sussex

Date: Oct 23, 2006

Press Release Number: PR1071

A Day To Show You're Proud Of Sussex

June 16 is a day that West Sussex County Council Leader Henry Smith says he hopes everyone who is proud of the county will put in their diaries year after year.

Mr Smith was speaking about the enormous interest being shown in the County Council's recent decision to support the idea of declaring June 16 as Sussex Day.

The date has been chosen because it is also St Richard's Day - to mark the life of St Richard who was Bishop of Chichester from 1245 until his death in 1253.

Mr Smith, who this week visited the imposing statue of the Saint outside the Cathedral, said: "I feel that June 16 is very suitable for having a Sussex Day because it is also an important day in the calendar for the diocese of the whole county of Sussex.

"The thinking behind Sussex Day is to encourage people and organisations across the county to consider holding events on June 16 to celebrate our rich heritage and to give a sense of pride in where we live."

Mr Smith's challenge has already been taken up a member of his Cabinet.

Mark Dunn, who looks after the Children and Young People's Services portfolio, has pledged a personal prize of £500 for a competition in West Sussex schools linked to Sussex Day. Ideas for this are still being developed.

Mr Smith said: "I would very much like Sussex Day to be a community led effort, with the County Council encouraging and promoting events that people want to hold to show they care about a very special county.

"I also hope it will develop a strong sense of community cohesion between old and new communities alike."

. People with ideas and thoughts about Sussex Day are welcome to e-mail Mr Smith at leader@westsussex.gov.uk

ENDS

Contact: CE.Communications.Team@westsussex.gov.uk