Rustington Parish Council hosted its Annual Civic Thanksgiving Service on Sunday 20 September 2026, at St Peter and St Paul Parish Church.

Guests included the Deputy Lieutenant of West Sussex, Mrs Olivia Pinkney, CBE, QPM, DL, Councillor Jill Long, Chairman of the Arun District Council, together with other Chairmen, Vice-Chairmen, Mayors and Councillors from Angmering, East Preston, Littlehampton, Rustington, West Sussex County Council and the Arun District Council.

The Service was conducted by The Reverend Natalie Bawcutt.

Following the Service, the Community Awards’ Reception was held at The Woodlands Centre, where presentations were made to members of the community, for outstanding floral displays in both private front gardens and business premises. 

One of the highlights of the afternoon was the Presentation of both the Individual and Group Parishioners' Awards. 

The Individual Award was awarded to Mr Peter Cavell, in recognition of his outstanding and unceasing service, commitment and dedication to the Rustington Residents’ Association for the benefit of the community of Rustington for many year.

The Group Award was presented to ArtWorks, in recognition of the Group’s invaluable contribution to facilitating social inclusion for the health and well-being of the community or Rustington, by creative art activities.

Special thanks and appreciation were also conveyed to Ferring Nurseries, for the continued outstanding service and dedication they provided for the Village.

In concluding the afternoon, the Chairman of the Council, Councillor Andy Cooper, said that he was extremely impressed by the continuing hard work and impressive achievements of the local groups, organisations and individuals for the benefit of the community. He was particularly delighted that some of these efforts were being recognised by way of the awards presented, at this most enjoyable social event in the Council's Calendar.

He also thanked everyone for attending and helping to make the Event such a success.