The WoW Committee usually meet every two months to discuss matters such as current issues regarding Widewater and upcoming events. Bullet points from the minutes will be posted on this page following each Committee meeting.
August 2025
The WoW committee met on Saturday 9th August. Here are the main points covered:
- The recent near cataclysmic state of the lagoon was a main discussion point – very much considered a major wake up call for ensuring the correct maintenance processes and equipment are in order.
- A new management plan for the lagoon due this year to include all interested and relevant parties (Environment Agency, Lancing Parish Council and WoW via the Local Nature Reserve Steering Group). This should be designed to provide clarity about the reoles and responsibilities of all parties
- We will again be welcoming volunteers from Virgin Media on a couple of dates in September to undertake a range of tasks relating to the upkeep and maintenance of the lagoon. They did a brilliant job last year and we look forward to seeing them again.
- The huge discrepancy between WoW membership numbers (currently 79) and Facebook group members (over 4,500) was discussed and routes were discussed to increasing WoW membership levels
- The committee recently welcomed Glynn Rubidge as a new member and he has already been active in helping with clearing the mitigation pipe. Another new member has been invited to join the committee and will help with ongoing monitoring of the health of the lagoon.His appointment will be confirnmed once he has accpeted our invitation.
- The use of members’ money was discussed at length and it was confirmed that funds held by WoW on your behalf should be used solely for matters relating to the upkeep of the lagoon.
- Date of next meeting was to be agreed
February 2025
There was a WoW Committee meeting on 17th February. Here are the main outcomes:
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> There are around 30 swans on the lagoon at present and as we approach breeding time, developments will be interesting to observe
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> On Wednesday 12th March, there is an annual awards presentation at Lancing Parish Hall and WoW itself has been shortlisted for an award
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> WoW will also be represented at Lancing Green Dreams on 8th June on Beach Green
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> We will aim to run four litter picks each year with the first one this year scheduled for 29th March 11am-12 midday
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> A flower/nature walk is scheduled for 1st June with more information to follow in due course
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> Information on further social events this year will be published over the next couple of months; these events are always a highlight and well attended
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> After the financial year end (31st March), there will be an annual General Meeting. Again details will follow in the next month.
October 2024
The WoW committee held its latest meeting on 7th October 2024; here are some highlights for members and Facebook subscribers. We are always looking for more talent to join the committee so please talk to one of us if you are interested.
- Two outrageously successful volunteer events since our last meeting. Brilliant work from volunteers from Virginmedia Group (thanks to Andy) who have promised to return next year. Brilliant work also from the Brighton College team on make a difference day. Thanks were extended on behalf of all of us.
- Planning continued for the next social event on Saturday 16th November. Get your stetsons, chaps, cowboy boots, frilly frocks or whatever floats your boat ready for an evening of line dancing and blazing saddles (Yes beans and sausages are on the menu)
- Birdlife is flourishing on the reserve with healthy water and salinity levels. Recent sightings include Kingfishers, Little Egrets, a Heron, Little Grebes, possibly a Great White Egret, a Kestrel a Sparrowhawk and approximately 25 Swans!
- Increasing analysis of website usage and Facebook membership to help understand and broaden our appeal to existing and potential new members who care about the Nature reserve
- AGM to be held in the new year with date and format to be confirmed nearer the time