Over the weekend, many in our communities will have observed Chinese New Year. I joined with John Ip and his wife to welcome nearly 100 guests at The Imperial China Restaurant on Sunday.
We celebrated the New Year of the Dragon at the party organised by Anne Chapman. Each table was a cheerful group of residents and community members.
This marks the first new moon after the 21st of January, celebrating the beginning of the new year with the awakening of Spring.
Many have been welcomed to Worthing and Arun from Hong Kong since the BN(O) Visa Scheme was introduced in January 2021. I was proud to be an early campaigner in support of this.
The scheme was launched in response to new 'national security laws' imposed on Hong Kong by the Chinese Communist Government heavily restricting their freedoms and human rights.
A warm welcome awaited all when coming to our pleasant stretch of the coast. The scheme also helped to shape the Homes for Ukraine scheme which followed two years ago. Together we celebrate Chinese New Year and their special place in our communities.
