It was a few years ago now that the amazing community along the Hove end of Old Shoreham Rd came together and created the Hove Community Field.

It’s a gorgeous space that’s welcoming to people and animals alike.

It’ll also have a special place in my heart because it’s where I went for my hour of exercise during that traumatic first lockdown.

Thanks to the hard work and leadership of amazing residents Lou and Polly, our wonderful mayor (also a local resident) Jacqui Quinn, and with the help of the Rotary Club, things have gotten even better.

Thanks to all their hard work, there’s now a noticeboard, food composting facilities, and expanded spaces that are good for increased biodiversity.

I just love this kind of community activity. Understandably, there’s so much cynicism these days about public life. People don’t think positive things can happen anymore. But this shows that when people come together and put in the work, good things can happen.

This community has created a new park and public facilities and packed it with friendly social activity.

They asked me to come along and help open the latest phase in this park’s development… and I jumped at the chance.

If you use this space or think there’s something that can be done to make public spaces more friendly in your area, let me know your thoughts.

Thanks to all those special people who make good things happen in our community. Sometimes it probably feels thankless… but it means the world to me and many others, Peter.