Last Friday we came together to celebrate Sussex Day. It is a reminder of everything that Sussex has to offer. As a rural Member of Parliament, the significance of community spirit is important to me.
I saw much of this community spirit at the Madehurst 5k and 10k this weekend where I was delighted to help out as a volunteer steward. Over 300 participants took part across the two events, plus a good number of little runners in the children’s race. The event was raised money for Dementia Support, a West Sussex based charity putting the needs of people living with dementia and their families at the heart of everything they do.
This week we continue to celebrate our Sussex’s unique offering during English Wine Week. This annual celebration offers an opportunity to commend the flourishing English Wine industry across the country – not to mention the 50 vineyards in Sussex, and 300 hectares of vines in the constituency I represent. I joined other MPs last week in Parliament to launch the Sussex Wine Tourism Plan, funded by the Government and led by Sussex Modern, Plumpton College and our local councils. The plan sets out an ambitious strategy to boost the industry to attract even more tourists to our county.
The wine production sector in Sussex is proudly entrepreneurial and growing by the day. It supports hundreds of local jobs and spans across a variety of sizes – from Nyetimber’s international exporting operation in West Chiltington, the diverse experiences available at Kinsbrook Vineyard near Thakeham, the Parliament supplying Arundel-based Digby Fine English, the growing offering available at Wiston Estate, and the boutique Ambriel Sparkling at Nuthourne (with much more viticulture in between!). Make the most of the Sussex sun this summer by supporting this outstanding industry.
