We're proud to celebrate Sussex Day!
As a Sussex based company and home to many of our employees, Goldstar Consultancy recognises Sussex Day. It is a great opportunity to celebrate the rich heritage and culture of Sussex.
The history
The day is celebrated on St Richard’s Day, the 16th June each year, which is the feast day of St Richard of Chichester, Sussex’s patron saint. It was officially recognised in 2007 after a Worthing resident suggested the idea to West Sussex County Council.
The flag itself was registered in 2010. It depicts six gold martlets on a blue field, representing the six ancient sub-divisions (or Rapes) of the country. Chichester, incorporating Bognor Regis, Selsey and Midhurst. Arundel incorporating Littlehampton. Bramber, with Worthing, Horsham, Crawley (west), Shoreham-by-Sea, Southwick and Steyning included. Lewes featuring Brighton and Hove, Crawley (centre and east), Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath, Peacehaven, Newhaven and Telscombe. Pevensey, including Eastbourne, Seaford, East Grinstead, Crowborough, Hailsham, Uckfield and Heathfield and finally Hastings, including Bexhill-on-Sea, Rye and Battle.
Since 2013, the flag is flown in each of the six ancient sub-divisions of Sussex in the week preceding the 16th June. The flag can be seen over the Council House in Chichester, Maltravers Street in Arundel, St Nicholas’ Church in Bramber and Pevensey, Lewes Castle and Hastings Castle. Each location representing their respective historic division across the counties.
Each year more towns get involved and raise the flag on the 16th June, including Peacehaven, Seaford, Newhaven, Bexhill-on-Sea, Petworth, Shoreham, Slindon and Worthing. At Newhaven in East Sussex and Petworth in West Sussex, the Sussex Charter is read out and Sussex-by-the-Sea, the unofficial county anthem is read out.
Unique in the South East
Often thought by many to be some form of rural adjunct to London, the county has as rich and unique culture as any other region. Going as far back as it being the last Anglo-Saxon kingdom to be Christianised the county has a centuries-old reputation for being separate and culturally distinct from the rest of England. This may have originated from the areas geography, with the sea to the south, the forest and sticky clays of the Weald to the north and coastal marshes to the east and west. They all played their part in the county escaping vast insurgence of Norse influence with the Germanic culture of South Saxons remaining far more intact thena elsewhere in England.
There is a long-standing recognition that the people of the county have a reputation for independence of thought and an aversion to being controlled as expressed in the county motto “We wunt be druv” or we won’t be driven. This reputation extends to the admiration of the independence and toleration of others. Other long standing characterisations include the sharp, shrewd, stubborn Weald Folk and the more deferential Downs folk.
Even today these long established characteristics are present in the celebrations of the county. Strong traditions of bonfire celebrations, proud musical heritage and the colourful and creative Brighton Festival and Fringe, (England’s largest arts festival). Drama and the theatre takes centre stage in many of the coastal towns from Hastings in the east to Bognor in the West and the Chichester Festival Theatre in Chichester. Brighton Pride is one of the UK’s largest and longest running gay pride parades and this expression of independence and acceptance has grown across the county with pride events now taking place in Crawley, Eastbourne, Hastings and Worthing.
Commercial diversity from creativity to crops
Although the regional commitment to creativity extends to commerce, Sussex has retained much of its agricultural heritage. Apart from the coastal strip and Gatwick Diamond it has few large towns but its commercial diversity is vast. The county’s proximity to London and its strong economical and transportation infrastructure make it an attractive proposition for businesses in all industries. This is echoed in the Sussex Chamber of Commerce vision to support business growth, champion key issues and drive sustainable economic growth in the county.
These are just some of the reasons Goldstar celebrate Sussex Day. As Sussex Zoho Consultants and Digital Transformation experts we work with local businesses who share the same drive and focus. We see the opportunities to grow new business opportunities, develop skills, knowledge and expertise in the region to nurture a brighter and better future. We look to discover new prospects both in and for businesses in the region to support their local, national and international growth. Most of all we are invested in our team and put them at the heart of what we do making sure we find time to celebrate our heritage and culture, celebrating our achievements just as Sussex day celebrates those of the county.