Archive for July 6th, 2009

How women can turn creative flair into a business opportunity

Monday, July 6th, 2009

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How women can turn creative flair into a business opportunity

Are you a woman wanting to start a business in a creative industry but not sure where to start? If so, look out for New FREE courses coming soon to West Sussex.

As part of the ‘Keep West Sussex Working’ project, the County Council is funding courses to help women turn their creative flair into a business opportunity.

The location, dates and times of courses will be determined to suit those interested.

Many women explore creative skills and talents, such as painting, sculpting or designing, through hobbies and workshops. These courses will consist of workshops and coaching sessions designed to help women to take this a stage further, and establish creative enterprises that will work for them.

They will discuss how to overcome challenges and barriers to business start-up and employment in West Sussex, developing skills in business planning, marketing and accounting.

West Sussex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy, Deborah Urquhart, said: “Any woman with a creative flair should really take advantage of this opportunity.

“The courses could turn passion and enthusiasm of a creative skill into a driving force for local economic renewal in the county.

Although West Sussex County Council is funding these courses, they will be run by the not-for-profit organisation Women’s Wisdom.

The organisation runs a variety of workshops to support the personal growth of people in all stages of life, and believes that ‘artistic exploration naturally brings greater self-knowledge’.

Deborah adds, “This really is the wiser way to start up your creative business so, if you’re interested, contact the organisation and locations and dates can be chosen.”

The Crawley Happy Times says good luck to all the women looking to start up their own creative business. We’re sure that the course offered by Women’s Wisdom above will get your business going in no time!

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‘Go4it’ boost for after school activities

Monday, July 6th, 2009

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CHILDREN and young people from the most disadvantaged backgrounds in West Sussex are being urged to ‘Go4it’ and take part in a wide range of after school activities.

West Sussex County Council Extended Services programme has received Government funding to ensure children and young people can take part in a wide range of additional activities they may not normally be able to afford, including:

· Study support
· Arts activities such as dance, drama, arts and music
· Sports
· Visits
· Holiday activities and summer schools.

The programme, which has been branded ‘Go4it’, will be piloted this summer in Crawley, Durrington and Worthing, before being launched Countywide next April.

The Extended Services programme includes:

· Access to childcare and a safe place to be
· Out-of-school hours activities
· Family and parenting support
· Specialist support services
· Access to school facilities that benefit local communities

“The programme helps remove barriers to learning, and supports achievement and educational attainment,” said Anne Parkinson, West Sussex County Council’s Extended Services Lead Officer.

Henry Smith, County Council Leader, said: “Tackling deprivation and disadvantage in order to support achievement is a core focus of our Extended Services programme.

This funding is part of the drive to increase activities for all and narrow the gap in attainment and well being.”

Currently, 238 (83%) of West Sussex schools provide access to a wide range of activities, developed as part of the Extended Services programme.

“This funding will support schools to provide and commission an exciting range of activities for children and young people.

“It will help subsidise access to these opportunities for disadvantaged children, young people and children in care who through economic circumstances would not be able to afford to participate,” said Henry.

Anne added: “This is a great opportunity for children and young people to take part in new activities they might otherwise not be able to access.

“We’re sure schools will work closely with them to find out what they really want to do, and develop creative and exciting opportunities they will really enjoy.”

For more information about ‘Go4it’ contact Anne Parkinson on 01243 382457 or email anne.parkinson@westsusssex.gov.uk

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It Was A Bangin’ Day!

Monday, July 6th, 2009

Most Sundays, local lad Stephen Mackey can be found driving his loyal car either at Rusper or Smallfields in the Banger Racing Competitions. This Sunday was no exception!

The Fagence-Traynor family ventured to Smallfield to watch Stephen in his races (our other business sponsors Stephen and his car).

To our joy, Stephen came third, first and third in his various races.  With only two seasons of racing under his belt, Stephen stormed around the track to make first place; receiving his trophy and lap of honour.

We all watched with intense excitement and trepidation as a nasty crash can happen at any time in these races.

Shelley with Stephen, celebrating his win

Shelley with Stephen, celebrating his win

Contact is prohibited in the junior (Wizz Kids) and 1400 Prods races.  The more dicey racing is left for competitors in the ‘Nudge & Spin’, the Banger Racers and the Deadly Demolition Derby. [Ed- hope it's not too deadly!]

The racers, full of enthusiasm and burning passion, love the encouragement from supporters who cheer them on, making the atmosphere even more electric.

The venue

Smallfield has been hosting Banger Racing for some years now.  The road up to the field can be a challenge if met with a vehicle coming the opposite way, but once at the field you are met by friendly organisers who take your entrance fee and guide you to a suitable parking space.

There’s plenty of racing-related entertainment and, if you get peckish, the burger van is on hand to serve up delicious hot food and a lovely cuppa.  If you fancy a treat, the ice cream van is next door! However, if you prefer to self-cater, there are plenty of places to enjoy a yummy picnic.

A trip to Smallfield is a great day out for all the family

A trip to Smallfield is a great day out for all the family

One thing to consider is the amount of dust on-site, so make sure you don’t wear your Sunday Best…

All in all, we highly recommend shunning the goggle-box in favour of supporting these very brave individuals who race for your entertainment (oh, and the trophies and fame of course).

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