On Thursday 24th September ’09 Crawley Happy Times had the privilege of attending the Crowne Plaza Hotel’s Elite Health & Fitness Club to hear about some amazing people.
Why are they so amazing?
Twenty-six members of the Elite Health Club at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Gatwick, have completed an epic swim covering the distance of the River Thames – 220 miles! This equated to swimming 23,066 lengths of the pool. The members only had 50 days to complete the challenge of swimming 462 lengths each day between them.
Staff & Ladies from Elite Health Club with Michael Beasley STCH
This latest challenge follows other successful challenges and social events including swimming the English Channel and also to run, walk and cycle the length of Route 66. So far these challenges have helped raise nearly £5,000 for St Catherine’s Hospice.
We met up with Michael Beasley, Corporate Fundraiser for St Catherine’s Hospice who said: “We would like to thank the Elite Health Club and its members for their valued support. The challenges and social events are great activities for the members to get involved in and also helps raise valuable money for the hospice. Their support will help us continue to deliver vital end of life care in our community.”
Katie Brindle, Elite Health Club Manager said “I would like to say thank you to all the members that have taken part in our challenges and for their sponsorship. They have made a tremendous effort to get to the club and swim their lengths to complete the challenge on time. Thank you to Stuart who designed the challenge. If it wasnt for his creative mind we would not be able to run events like this! St Catherines is our local charity and all our staff and members are happy to help raise money for such a good cause. I would like to say thank you to St Catherines for their support with our money raising. Raising over £5000 for St Catherines so far is a brilliant well done all”.
We were very impressed with this great achievement, especially as the participants we met and spoke to were ‘mature’ ladies. Well done ladies.
For further information on Elite Health & Fitness visit their website here or call 01293 608614. Maybe you would like to be part of their next challenge
On Friday 25th September ’09 Crawley Happy Times went along to The Maidenbower Day Centre to meet some wonderful people.
All the employees at Maidenbower Day Centre
Volunteers donate their time to help with various range of things including serving drinks and lunches, assisting with various activities from art to bingo, and helping with groups out in the community.
(L-R) Peter Catchpole, Liz Bassett, Sam Korpal & Angie Whittle
The Day Centre offers flexible services to adults of all ages who have a wide range of needs. These include people with physical and sensory disabilities, mental health problems, progressive long term chronic illness, older people, and those with dementia. The Day Centre is a great relief for those who care for others, giving them a well deserved break for a couple of hours. The work the volunteers do, along side the paid employees, is truly amazing. We found them all to be enthusiastic, happy and very caring.
Who are these wonderful volunteers?
Zara Edwards
Melanie Burford
Karen Dixon
Doug Moyse
Eddie Roberts
Andrea Coomer
Jo Roche
Brian Mullett
Kevin Dalton
Sue Kenrick
Rob Montgomery
Paul Baker
Mary Robbins
Bonnie McAloom
Jeff Hill
The volunteers with their certificates
Volunteers who could not attend -
Paul Mansell
Tim McAtamney
Edna Avery
Sue Evesleigh
Bob Ure
Martin Fortnum
Paul and Christine Landragin
Kassy Spires
Rachel Bird
The Leader of West Sussex County Council Henry Smith came along to present the certificates to the 22 volunteers. Henry said:”We are truly fortunate to have dedicated individuals in our community who give up their time to help others. This event to say thanks may be small, but it is sincere in gratitude.”
Colourful tree with paper messages as leaves. Beautiful
Also present was Peter Catchpole, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Adult Services who said “the Day Centre is a valuable part of the community and without the help from the volunteers, would not be able to look after as many indivduals. They all do such great work here. It’s been a wonderful afternoon.”
We would like to thank Liz Bassett, Manager of The Maidenbower Day Centre for inviting us down to experience such a heart warming afternoon. The food was delicious including a great cup of tea!
Claire Mowl-Seegobin is an independent Usborne representative who is making it her mission to assist children of all ages to improve their reading and writing.
Claire is currently heading a project on behalf of Gossops Green Primary School in association with Usborne. Usborne are a worldwide publishing company who supply books for home, schools and libraries Usborne will donate 60% of the total sales over £500 in extra books to Gossops Green Primary School. In real terms this would mean if every parent with a child at the school, donated £1.50, this would give an estimated total of £723. Usbornes would then donate and extra £433 in books making a total of £1156 for the school. All this from a simple £1.50 donation, astonishing!
Claire is going one better than this by actually donating 15% of her own earnings to any individual who wishes to purchase additional books for a child personally. All they need do is email Claire and inform her the value of their order.
Companies or individuals can either donate a sum or purchase books on Gossops Green Primary Shcool’s behalf to which Usborne will donate a percentage to the school for more books.
Claire told us this would be easily achievable for most schools in our area if companies were to get involved and make a donation of some kind. Do you think your school could benefit from such a project?
An average book from Usbornes costs just £5.99. The books are all extremely good value for money and very educational. Children respond to the books extraordinarily well because of their irresistible content – humour, colour, surprise and originality.
If you would like your school to get involved and benefit from Claire’s and Usborne’s generosity, then please contact Claire directly via email claire.usbornebooks@googlemail.com or visit the website here.
Claire would also like to announce the FOGGS Xmas shopping night at Gossops Green Primary School is on Thursday 8th October from 19:00 till 21:00 (adults only). Entry is free.
If anyone would like to have a stand at this event the cost is £10 and a donation to the raffle. Please contact Crawley Happy Times on 01293 572182.
Sussex Bootcamps have successfully built a new way of exercising and have altered peoples approach to ‘getting fit’.
Boxing is great exercise and loads of fun
Seven weeks ago Becky Fuller and Shelley (me) decided to join Ben Davis of Sussex Bootcamps on a four week training regime.
Becky wanted to loose weight after having her second child. Shelley is on a sponsored diet to make money for the work required on the playground at her son’s school. Two good reason to attend.
At first it was really hard as exercise came in the form of lifting the glass up to the mouth or walking to the shops. But as time went on it became surprisingly addictive.
When and where did they do this?
Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 18:15 at Hazelwick School in Three Bridges. The cost is £110. Now why would you not just go to the gym I hear you you ask. For many reasons. The support and encouragement you receive from the instructors and fellow members is just something you do not find in a gym. Becky and Shelley made friends with the rest of the group which really helped them in their quest for weight loss. Becky said “you all go through the same gruelling sessions together. Both Shelley & I found it motivational and inspiring. I have lost a total of one and a half stone and can fit into clothes I didn’t think I would ever fit into again. It was worth every penny”.
Shelley decided to keep a short diary of how the four weeks went and how she felt about each session.
Bootcamp Journal
Monday 3rd August – Day 1
Before: - Feeling a bit nervous about tonight, anxious even. Can’t let anyone down! Worrying I won’t be able to keep up, and will end up a mess on the floor. Have made a pact, no alcohol for the whole 4 weeks. This is going to be tough.
After: – Well that wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be. The exercises are no too bad. My wrists ache a bit due to my arthritis but I refuse to make an issue out of it. No aching yet. Did I push myself enough? I think so. Basic exercises, sit ups, skipping, running and plenty of great toning exercises.
Wednesday 5th August – Day 2
Before: - Not so anxious this time. We are a group made up of woman bar 1 man and everyone has been really nice so that makes it easier to turn up again. Been working in the sun all day so feeling a bit tired.
After:- Damn! That was really hard today. My thighs are killing me. I feel so much worse than I did after Monday. That will teach me for taking it so lightly. We did the same exercises performed on Monday so I was shocked at how much it took out of me. I’m keeping my fingers crossed it will get easier. Don’t want to get fearful of going. What is it they say, no pain no gain. Damn them poets! Felt a bit faint today but put that down to the heat I had been in most of the day. Didn’t drink as much water as I should have. On a good note the rest of the group are lovely and we get to move around to meet and work with others in the group. We are all gelling already, and I love that. Ben, the trainer, gave us a nutritional talk and put the whole protein, carbohydrates, fats into perspective for me. He made it sound so easy to understand. I needed that lol.
Friday 7th August – Day 3
Before: – My legs are still killing me! Today is boxing day which I think will be better on my poor body right now. I feel a little apprehensive but am focusing on the fact it is only four weeks, not four months or years. Makes me feel better. Have done well the last couple of days on my diet so am feeling a bit better about it all. Just ache, badly.
After: – Did I say boxing was going to be easy? Well how wrong was I! I perspired profusely with this exercise, but I was not alone. Ben worked us as hard as usual but always reassuring us we only had to work as hard as we could and no harder. We are all working as a ‘team’ and encouraging each other, which really helps. I had a great time today. It was tough but felt good and was lots of fun with the other participants. Getting back to feeling excited about the next session again. Still hurting but not so much.
Monday 10th August – Day 4
Before: – Feel a little more confident today but have a bad headache. Not feeling my best to be honest. But I am still going. Can’t let the ‘team’ down.
After:-It was mainly jumping about today in some form or another. The skipping is great fun but I get so breathless doing it. Found my shin bone was painful to touch after this session. I am sure it will go away and was just a cause of all the jumping, which my poor little body has not done for some years lol.
Wednesday 12th August – Day 5
Before:- Not feeling well at all today. Been diagnosed with potential swine flu so have to miss tonight. Should be ok for Friday as I have been unwell for a while now, so if I do have it, it should be non-contagious by now. Just hope I have not passed it onto any of the ‘team’.
Friday 14th August – Day 6
Before: – Still feeling a bit rough but must get back into the swing of things, or this feeling might consume me!
After: - Couldn’t interact completely today. It was boxing again, which I really enjoy, but had to sit out of some of the turns due to my breathlessness and lack of energy. Damn, must get well again.
Monday 17th August – Day 7
Before: – Feeling a bit better today. Looking forward to seeing how much I can manage to be honest. Still feeling a bit flu-ey. Just got to get rid of this silly cough now. Plenty of water consumed, ready for the session.
After: – Ben was absent today so was ably subbed by Steven. It was different but quite refreshing. Funny enough the time seemed to fly by on this session. Not sure if this had something to do with a different trainer. Maybe it was because I am slowly getting better. Who knows. Enjoyed the session, not aching so much now.
Wednesday 19th August – Day 8
Before:- Feeling a lot better today and really looking forward to today’s training. It’s nice to know Ben is back. Not that we missed him of course….lol. The ‘team’ is really starting to gel now. We have been through so much together in such a short amount of time. So I also look forward to seeing everyone.
After: -It was a really hard training session today. Lots of up and down, push ups, burpees, running and various other excruciating exercises. If this had been our first day, we would never have been able to cope, so it is amazing how far we have all actually come. The ‘team’ all looked shattered. We had a chat after about how much better we are looking mind you, and how better we all feel, keeping to a healthy eating regime and the exercises chopping inches of our waist lines. It is starting to get addictive. Am I crazy, probably.
Friday 21st August – Day 9
Before: – Looking forward to the session once again. Feeling 100 times better, cough subsided. The enthusiasm comes from the results, not the actual training. I have been able to put tops on that would not even go past my chubby shoulders in the past. When you can see the results, it really hits home at how good it is and how good I feel.
After:- Phew! Another week over and done with. Only one more week to go. Yhipee!! We were inside for the first time today, raining. Sophie was our trainer for today as Ben was bunking off again lol. Boxing today. Think I may have damaged a muscle in my shoulder today. Really hurt, but I was brave. Love the boxing so it was not too much of an effort to persevere. Went home soaked with perspiration again. Time for a cold shower.
Monday 24th August – Day 10
Before: – I can’t believe I have made it to the last week in one piece! It has been such a great adventure and I am looking and feeling great! Can’t wait to get there today. Shoulder is still a bit niggled but I will be fine and take it easy.
After: – Loads of different training exercises today. Lots of sit-ups and leg work. Starting to adore skipping! I remember when we first did skipping, I was so out of breath I found it hard, but as time has gone on my breathing seems to have gained in endurance. Had a laugh with the others again today, which makes it all so that much easier.
Wednesday 26th August – Day 11
Before:- My shoulder is killing me today. Had to pop to the doctors yesterday. Got some Ibuleve Gel which has helped some. Think it was having the window down in the car on the way home last week, the breeze encouraged my arthritis to play up. Hate getting old! Dreading not being able to keep up today.
After: – That was hard work, but I feel so fit now. Had trouble doing some of the exercises which included the arms but didn’t let myself down with any of the others. The bond between the group is so great and appreciated, letting the group down is not an option, for me anyway. I am sure no-one would think anything if I wasn’t able to, or for any other members either, but of course the relationship we all have means they would have encouraged me if I needed it. Nice. Can’t wait for Friday, but feel a little sad the 4 weeks are over and I may not get to see the others again
Friday 28th August – day 12 FINAL DAY!
Before: – Feeling excited and sad at the same time as this is our last day. I have already made my mind up that I am going to come back for another 4 weeks. Mad, yes. Fit, very!!!
After:- Wow! 4 weeks of gruelling exciting bootcamp completed. I have dropped at least one and a half dress sizes, especially on my hips and thighs, and feel fantastic! All I have to say to anyone now is…..can’t wait for the next 4 weeks to start!! Bring on the 7th October!
Shelley is now into her third week of the next four weeks regime and is still going strong.
This sounds great! When is the next one?
The next Sussex Bootcamp in Crawley starts Monday 12th October, ’09. If you have any questions or just want to get your name down, please contact Ben on 01444 340030 or visit their website. Sussex Bootcamps are generously offering any reader of Crawley Happy Times a 10% discount when quoting Ref CHT3 which is only valid for the next Crawley training course on the 12th October. Good luck and don’t forget to let us know how you get on.
Shelley interviewed Ben on completing the last session of the four weeks. You can see it below….
On Thursday 17th September ’09 Crawley Happy Times had the great honour of attending the Peer Supporters Mother 2 Mother Awards at Bewbush Family Centre.
Any nursing mother will tell you that breastfeeding is not always an easy feat. Unfortunately babies are not born with a natural sense of how to latch on and feed in comfort therefore the feeding process can be stressful for both mother and baby, and sometimes very painful to accomplish. This is where the Peer Supporters from Bewbush Family Centre come in. Rotating on a 24 hour basis these dedicated supporters are on hand to help and advise new mothers on the breastfeeding of their child. Support for fathers is also present. The family unit is the most important foundation in our lives, which is something the Peer Supporters take very seriously, providing care and support to anyone in the family who may need it.
Tracy Norton, Michelle Neale and Ann-Marie Harvey
Mary Admunds (assistant) and Elaine Fox from Milk, Littlehampton
Sue Austin peer supporter and information assistant
The nine graduates have spent ten weeks on a Peer Supporter Training Course run by West Sussex Primary Care Trust (PCT) covering how breastfeeding works and how to support new mums to breastfeed. The certificate awarded is a recognised qualification and has support from the likes of MP Laura Moffatt and Mayor Brenda Burgess.
Rachel & Kevin Haywood with their beautiful 9 month old son
Mayor Brenda Burgess enjoying the company
Ellie Elkins praising the work of the peer supporters and graduates
All 'The Team' from Bewbush Family Centre, Crawley
Following their graduation, the Peer Supporters will run the local Friday Breast Feeding Cafe in West Green Drive, and the new drop ins at Bewbush, Southgate, Langley Green and Broadfield Children and Family Centres, where anyone, either ante-natally or post-natally can pop in and talk to a Peer Supporter, during the Child Health Clinic. There is always a Health Visitor on hand should professional advice be needed.
We were pleasantly surprised by the amount of woman who were graduating and impressed with the dedication and passion they pass on to other woman who were struggling with breast feeding and of course other related issues which crop up before and after giving birth. The support shown from mother 2 mother, is at times, emotional.
We spoke to Verity Whitton who had successfullybreast fed 2 children and was about to embark with another due soon. “The Cafes were a great support” said Verity. “Without them I am not sure I would have been able to keep going. I wanted to give up on many occasions. This is why I have become a Peer Supporter so I can give something back”.
Sandra Ackfield is a family outreach worker in Langley Green who was recently given the opportunity to become a Peer Supporter. Sandra told us that although her own children are now 15 and 23, she had terrible trouble when breastfeeding them so could really appreciate the support given by the clinics.
Kinga Bubezsat looking ready to explode with her third child. Kingasaid “I was only able to breastfeed my second child as there was no support offered to me, even though I asked at the hospital after giving birth”.
Mayor Brenda Burgess
MP Laura Moffatt
Andrene Alejandro
Rachel Haywood told us “I noticed a leaflet at the hospital after the midwife had mentioned it so I came to the centre for some support. I felt so strongly about doing something in return that I am now a Peer Supporter myself, and I love it”. Rachel’s husband Kevin was also keen to tell us his views. Kevin said “the support for Rachel and our son has been excellent. Rachel would definitely given up on breastfeeding if it was not for the support she has been given here. I am really pleased as we both feel breast milk is best for our son”.
For any woman who might be considering breast feeding, we would recommend you pop down to one of the clinics named above and have a chat with one of the Peer Supporters. We are certain they will help you with all your questions. Who knows, you might even want to become a Peer Supporter yourself one day
Young people make a real difference to the community, whether it’s through volunteering, caring for the environment, achieving in sport or being creative with the arts. And, in doing so, they also contribute to their personal development.
The Crawley Youth Awards are a public celebration of those young people who are an inspiration to us all.
Awards Include:
Environment
Carer Recognition
Volunteer
Education
Music
Visual Arts
Dance/Drama
Courage
Team Award
Sports Volunteer
Sports Person
Inspiration
Nominees will be invited to the Crawley Youth Award ceremony at The Hawth Theatre on Thursday, 26th November. The winners will be announced on the night and will receive their awards and prizes from our special guests.
The Youth Awards are organised by Crawley Council, Sussex Police, the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, the Youth Offending Team and the Youth Service with the help of local sponsors Crawley Young Person’s Council, Crawley Lions Club, Crawley School Sport Partnership, Apollo Group, Let’s FACE it!, Freedom Leisure, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, Crawley Metal Supplies, Eezehaul, and Topsy Turvy.
Crawley Youth Awards 2008
Local young people received awards for their outstanding achievements at the third Crawley Youth Awards Ceremony on 6th November, 2008. The event, which attracted more than 800 people at the Hawth theatre, also saw more than 300 young people receive certificates for their nominations. Please follow the link below for the details of the winners.
The evening’s entertainment was provided by The Crawley Sword Club, Newrotiks, Miss Hits, The Movement and Dream Girls Melody. Two members of the Crawley Young Persons Council hosted the ceremony.
We here at Crawley Happy Times Online would love to hear your stories of achievements by the young people of Crawley, so get writing!
During the day instructors took part in 120 one minute rounds, and students fought in 60 one minute rounds. There were 300 students who participated and 30 instructors, all of whom were supported by family and friends.
Stephen Brooks is the head of association and has been the main instigator in raising money. Stephen said “We are grateful to The Royal Marsden as most, if not all of us, have in some way been effected by cancer. Therefore, we quite literally fight for charity.”
The £30,000 raised is to be specifically used in developing the new Children’s and Young Person’s Centre at The Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton. This project aims to create enough money to build what could be Europe’s leading Cancer Centre for Children and Young People, and with a target of £15million this money is a big help to the cause.
However, this sum is only part of the money raised by the Martial Arts Schools. To date they have totalled around £140,000 for The Royal Marsden Cancer Campaign. This is a huge achievement and has been highly commended by the hospital’s Fundraising and Community Development Manager, Amanda Heaton.
Amanda said, “This wonderful association has raised a large sum of money, and I am amazed at their success. Everyone there should be very proud of themselves and I hope they had a great day. I am sincerely grateful to everyone who participated and to those who organised the tournaments. Long may this fundraising event continue.”
We at Crawley Happy Times feel extremely proud to have such an amazing group of individuals who come together as a team to raise such a large amount of money. Well done!
On Sunday 18th October folk from in and around Crawley will be donning their running shoes for a massive 10k race in aid of St Catherine’s Hospice.
Last year more than 600 people took part, raising over £30,000 towards much needed end of life care. Let’s see if we can beat that this year.
The Course
This years Crawley 10k charity race will take place through the beautiful scenic Tilgate Forest which will be fully marshaled with clear frequent signs and water stops. The race starts at the K2 Leisure Centre running track, following forest tracks, paths, playing fields and a road. Experienced and non-runners are all welcome. You could even walk the course if you just wanted to be part of the event. Unfortunately the course is not suitable for pets or wheelchairs due to the uneven ground covered. All entrants receive a medal with an award being presented to the winning team, man and woman.
Who are St Catherine’s?
St Catherine’s are a well deserving charity, caring in so many different ways for our loved ones who are terminally ill. St Catherine’s also give so much back to the community by holding such great events such as the recent Dragon Boat Festival and the Midnight Walk (Horsham). It is definitely a givers gain philosophy which enriches the entire community.
Who can enter?
Catherine from St Catherine’s said “experienced independent runners are frequently present as were on previous occasions as well as running clubs but this year we would like to encourage more businesses to get involved. They only need a team of 4 to enter and can even enter more than one team if they wish. We are really looking forward to this years race and hope to raise a lot of money for the charity which needs around 5 million pounds a year to maintain”.
Runners in last years 10k charity race
How much does it cost?
Advanced entry fees range from £10 to £12 with fees on the day at £15. Places for entry are limited so it is advisable to enter as soon as you can. You can do this by filling in a form online or emailing catherineboulter@stch.org.uk. For any further queries please call 01293 447364.
Crawley Happy Times will be covering the race and interviewing the winners. If you are not entering the race please do still come down and say hello and support the runners.
Leaving a gift in your Will to Cancer Research UK is the best possible way
you can help keep people together for longer
More than a third of Cancer Research UK lifesaving work is funded by gifts left in people’s Wills. Legacies play a huge role in helping to beat cancer. Beating cancer is a long-term goal and legacies help Cancer Research UK plan for their future research.
Legacies help fund the research needed to work on improving understanding and find better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat different forms of the disease. It also helps Cancer Research provide much needed cancer information, in a clear and accessible way, for everyone who needs it, as well as campaigning to make sure beating cancer remains at the top of the political agenda.
How To Leave Cancer Research A Legacy
Create/Update your Will
If you already have a Will but it does not include a gift to Cancer Research then you can update your Will and add a legacy. If you do not own a valid Will then you can create a Will and include a gift to Cancer Research UK.
How to create your Will
Founded in 1989, Just Wills plc has grown into one of the UK’s leading Estate Planning organisations and produces many thousands of Wills and associated legal documents each year.
In partnership with Crawley Happy Times, when you make your Will with Just Wills we will donate 10% of our fee to Cancer Research UK (offer ends 31st October 2009).
To book an appointment please contact us on
0845 120 4765
(Quote Reference CHT)
Alternatively why not write your Will today at www.justwills.co.uk and enter the
discount code CHT.
Single Wills from £32.00 Married/Partnership Wills from £51.00
On Saturday 5th September 2009 Crawley Happy Times had the privilege of attending Bar Med in the High Street Crawley to watch London Soul perform. And what a performance it was. Drawing in a huge crowd London Soul rocked the evening with some fantastic cover versions.
Lead singer Kevin Chipol of London Soul
London Soul, a multi-award winning dynamic 12-piece soul, rock and pop band have played every major venue and have been established at the top of their trade for many years.
Comprising of a full brass section and female backing singers, London Soul play an excellent dancing repertoire guaranteed to keep you dancing all night. Featuring classic songs by The Commitments, Blues Brothers, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Ricky Martin and Robbie Williams to name a small few. The huge crowd attending Bar Med to watch London Soul perform thoroughly enjoyed the music, dancing the night away.
Most of the band are originally from Crawley. Kimberley, vocalist told us it was great performing in Crawley as they can have their friends and family come down to watch them. Some of the band are from London.
The Door Staff Bar Med
Bar Med came alive with the sound London Soul. With stunning vocals and brass instruments combined, made a sound that is truly unique and extremely entertaining. Sam, Manager of Bar Med told us it was wonderful to have London Soul perform at the venue. Sam went on to tell us they are being proactive in drawing good talent to Bar Med in Crawley, for the entertainment of the community. For further performance details, please visit their website. Bar Med is a fantastic venue compromising of a dance floor, stage and two bars with friendly efficient staff. A great venue for any band to perform.
London Soul, Bandstand, Crawley town centre
London Soul also performed during the day on the bandstand, in the town centre. Many shoppers stopped to listen and watch them in action. It’s great to see the bandstand being used on a weekly basis for the purpose of having such performances as London Soul. They were a great hit!
The technical team of London Soul
We look forward to keeping up-to-date with London Soul’s progress and would like to thank Kimberley and the rest of the band for inviting us down to experience such a great performance. We have no doubt this vibrant bunch of musicians and singers who make up London Soul will be very successful.
For all pictures please visit our facebook page here.
On Sunday, 6th September 2009, companies from all over the county donned their tribal colours and set off to Tilgate Lakes, Crawley, for the 7th Annual Dragon Boat Race Festival.
Baker Tilly. Capt. Gerrard Weide
Elementus. Capt. Emma Thomas
Organised by, and held on behalf of St. Catherine’s Hospice, the day was full of entertainment, great camaraderie, friends, family and good food.
Teams consisting of thirteen people were challenged to several gruelling boat races in some spectacular (and extremely expensive looking) dragon boats across the length of Tilgate Lake. The teams fought it out until there are 6 teams left who then had a race to the post to ascertain the winners.
Edwards of Crawley. Capt. Miles Firth
Edwards of Burgess Hill. Capt. Richard Fawdrey
Virgin Atlantic. Capt. Paul Rickard
There were some brilliant and innovative outfits this year. A special identity is essential as this helps the spectators recognise who to shout encouragement to! Most had matching colours with their company name or logo visible, some went a little further and painted their bodies green with green outfits or dressed as vikings with hats and horns. Some wore clown hats and another team dressed up as the Flintstones.
Deloitte. Capt. Kat Bradley
Barclays Bank. Capt. David Owen
The teams who entered have been working hard since February this year to raise money for St Catherine’s Hospice which goes towards the total raised on the day. Matthew Cornish, Corporate Fund Raiser for St Catherine’s Hospice, told us he believes a massive £50,000 had been raised this year but the total has yet to be confirmed. The most raised in one year’s Dragon Boat Festival was a staggering £58,000! All of the money raised goes to such a great cause which, eventually, affects everyone.
We were blessed on this Sunday as the weather was as good as it gets. The sun popped out for most of the day and the rain stayed in. Mind you, we could not help but feel for some of the entrants who got quite wet whilst competing, as when the sun disappeared behind the clouds and the evening air started to settle in, drying off was a problem.
Guy Salmon. Capt. Des Campbell
Doosan Babcock Energy. Capt. Jacqui Lucas
Halcrow. Capt. Robert Kleinjan
It was a simple affair really, with food either being made and bought as a picnic or prepared by the very friendly and clean vans from Wynnings & Weaver who have food ranging from pies and pastries, burgers, baguettes and even yummy donuts. Owner Serena Wyatt told us it was lovely to be part of such a great day and was happily donating a percentage of the takings to St Catherine’s Hospice. Alongside the food vans were anotherthree selling toys and other handy items to keep the children happy (kites, frisbees etc.) all manned by volunteers of St Catherine’s Hospice. Thank you: your hard work did not go unnoticed. The whole day was all about the cause, which was really refreshing.
A J Walter Aviation. Capt. Angela Westwood
Enterprise Rent A Car. Capt. Katie Andrews
Capita Symonds. Capt. Jackie Fraser
We had the usual suspects looking after our well being. The local constabulary were keeping a quiet, watchful eye on proceedings. Our thanks go to PCSO Steve West, PCSO Andreanna Woods, PCSO Wendy Johnstone and PCSO Lindsay Haggart. We also thank St John’s Ambulance who looked after anyone with injuries. While we were taking their picture they were nursing a young lad who seemed to have banged his head slightly but we do not think there was anything more serious than that.
Coutts & Co. Capt. Chris Hemblade
Varian Medical Systems. Capt. Steve Pullem
Just Retirement. Capt. Pauline Graham
As a town we should be very proud of our Mayor. The Worshipful the Mayor Brenda Burgess makes sure she is present at any event which includes the community and this event was no exception. Mayor Brenda Burgess and her husband, Three Bridges ward Councillor Bob Burgess, were happily walking round talking to all the teams and their supporters. Not every town has such a dedicated devoted Mayor. It is always a pleasure to see Mayor Brenda Burgess and her husband. Accompanying the Mayor were Rebecca Day, and Rosemary Cowley, who is the Chairman of Trustees for St Catherine’s Hospice.
Richard Place Dobson. Capt. Melissa Morrison-Hardwick
G4S Cash Services. Capt. Nikki Greenfield
G4S Care & Justice. Capt. Stephen Wilson
We were also honoured to have three exceptionally smart gentlemen from Corps Security. Peter Lewis, Branch Manager, Richard Cleaver and Peter Reid wore their uniforms with pride and went on to tell us they are due to have their 50th anniversary shortly, so watch this space for more information.
CGG Veritas. Capt. Keith Driver
Bard. Capts. Kate Palmer & Hannah Mullane
Entertainment was forthcoming in the shape of the Crawley Blackbelt Academy led by Wayne Beadell; and Nam Yang of Epsom, who were led by Maria Wanless. Great displays of artistic control and discipline were demonstrated by both organisations.
The day would not have been possible without all the hard work by Dragon Boat Events. This wonderful company has helped raise over £5 m for charities and have travelled worldwide with their fantastic set up. Dragon Boat Events take a fixed fee for their efforts, leaving the rest of the money to go to the allocated charities. For anyone thinking of having such an event, these guys are definitely the ones to call. They are well organised, polite, friendly and completely professional. They set the whole day off with a great speaker system including requests for songs in between the races, compered by their own Bill Handley who kept us up-to-date with the results of the races. Excellent work from Dragon Boat Events. We’re sure we speak for us everyone when we say thank you.
BAA. Capt. Steve Wirths
Crawley Borough Council. Capt. Gary Povey
Broadfield East Junior School. Capt. Sue Gascoine
So when all had been said and done, it came down to the last race. Six eager looking teams boarded their boats and took to the starting line. The whistle went and the race started. It was neck-a-neck and all rowed like their lives depended on it. It really was the most exciting part of the day and all the people attending were at the edge of the lake, cheering on their preferred team. It seemed forever before we eventually heard the results, with last year’s winners Tilgate Warriors nervously waiting to see if they had been usurped. We will not spoil the outcome for you. Instead we filmed the last race and the award presentations. Maybe you can experience some of the exciting atmosphere we all enjoyed!
Crawley News. Capt. Glenn Ebrey
Cho Wa Ju Jitsu Kwai aka Tilgate Warriors. Capt. David O'Doherty
More Than Dragons. Capt. Jen Edwards
If you were unable to make this year’s event, we suggest putting a date in your diary for next year as not only was it the most spectacular event we have had the pleasure of attending this year but it is completely FREE to attend. You could always go one better and enter a team! If you’d like to enter for next year, please contact Matthew Cornish, Corporate Fund Raiser on 01293 447365 or email matthewcornish@stch.org.uk
Thomas Eggar. Capt. Simon Bomford
Crawley Happy Times Online are keen on being part of this fantastic event next year, so if you feel you would like to be on our team and/or help raise funds throughout the year, then please contact Shelley on 01293 572182 or email shelley@crawleyhappytimes.co.uk
When Gossops Green Primary School had a meeting about an Ofsted report, one of the parents, went in support of her five year old son who is a pupil at the school. Who was this parent? Why, Shelley, the founder of the Crawley Happy Times of course! Shelley asked Mrs Martin, Head Mistress, why the playground had been shut for the year her [Shelley's] son, Logan, had attended in the reception year. The playground in question was for the reception classes; years one and two, but of course, being shut meant the young children had to play with the older ones (for the morning and afternoon breaks) who may play ‘harder’ than the little ones.
Mrs. Martin explained that the playground required some work to make it safe but they had run out of money due to excessive costs on various serious issues that had occured at the school. Shelley, being a local businesswoman, pointed out that she may know a few people (including herself) who would be willing to give up their time to help these children, if they were also able to raise some funds to pay for the necessary materials.
Before - Work in progress
Before - Dull and dangerous
Tangled web of shrubs
Shelley never one to welch on an offer, went to speak to her friends David and Tina Pring of D&T Properties to see if they would consider their time for free. David and Tina were more than willing to help out. The next step was to raise the money. Shelley had wanted to lose weight for some time, so decided to go on a sponsored diet to raise at least £1000 by shedding 3 stone. Shelley then wrote a letter to her local Council representative, Keith Blake, and got a reply from Henry Smith, Leader of West Sussex County Council, who explained it was more his jurisdiction and that he would see if he could arrange a meeting to discuss the possibility of funding.
David of D&T Properties cleaning up
Martin Toyne of Toyne Gardening
Martin hard at work
In June, Shelley met with Leigh Houlgrave and Peter Proudley in the school offices alongside Mrs. Martin and Tina. It was agreed the council would fund the project up to £2000 which would go with the £1000 Shelley had committed to raising through her sponsored diet. This was more than enough money to get the playground up to scratch and open for the children’s return to school in September.
After - Number Ladder
After - Martin's great work
All hands to the painting
August came and the work was under way. David and John of D&T Properties erected a wonderful wooden fence all the way around the playground, preventing any chance of the children playing on the concrete banks, safe from harm. Whilst David and John worked hard on this, Shelley and Tina set about painting the snakes and ladders and number games by hand so the children could see them properly and could play on them. They were so faded in places they were virtually non-existent! They even had help from Miss. Crawley (Natalie Fagence), who took time out to come and help. There was plenty of help in the form of our children too. Logan & Stacey (Shelley’s son and daughter) and Lilly (Tina’s daughter) both added their artistic skills with a paint brush. Shelley’s friend Rebecca Fuller was happy to help as her son is attending in September.
Nearly there!
The last finishing touches came from Martin of Toyne Gardening. Martin, a self employed gardener, donated his time to sort out the the shrubbery and the weeds and made the flower bed look a lot more inviting than the tangled mess which had presented itself previously. Shelley was there too, busily trimming the hedges around the top, sweeping up and generally making the playground look presentable for the children.
The end result is a fantastic playground with brightly coloured games, clean and tidy plants and, more importantly, a safe area for the young ones to play and learn freely without any chance of harm. We spoke to Mrs Martin who said “Shelley should be really proud of what she has accomplished here. Without Shelley’s determination and help from her friends, this would not have happened. It looks wonderful and the children love it”.
Finished Playground
After - Bright and beautiful!
After - Fenced off, safe for children to play & learn
Shelley has yet to complete her diet, but has just finished four weeks with Sussex Bootcamp and is feeling and looking great. Shelley is about to embark on another four weeks’ training regime on the 7th September at Hazelwick School. If anyone would like to join Shelley, please visit the website or call Ben Davis on 07832110311. We will be speaking more about that in the next couple of days. Please keep your eyes out for Shelley’s progress.
Crawley Happy Times would like to thank all the people who helped Shelley in this project. Shelley went on to tell us that if there are any other projects that need her attention, ask someone else, as she will be on holiday!
Award Winning 12-Piece Party Band London Soul will be bringing the house down at Bar Med, Crawley, with their classic mix of soul, rock, disco and funk.
Great looking Vocalists
With stunning vocalists and musicians from London’s West End, they are not to be missed!
If you cannot make the evening, but would love to see the band, they are also playing Crawley Band Stand on the 5th of September at 12PM to 2:30PM. Come along and support them!
Who, Where, When: London Soul – Bar Med, Crawley (100 High St), Saturday 5th September, 7.30PM. Drinks only £1.75 until 11PM!
A repertoire guaranteed to keep your wedding and function guests on their feet all night, featuring classic songs by
From brass to class
The Commitments, Blues Brothers, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Ricky Martin and Robbie Williams to name but a few. Formed in 1997, London Soul are one of the most respected show bands having performed at major venues all across the globe, including international award ceremonies, major global corporation functions and media covered celebrity events and weddings.
Playing timeless songs from every era right up to modern-day classics, London Soul caters for every age group and popular music genre as the hits keep coming all night.
London Soul’s Official Website is www.London-Soul.com but they can also be found on Facebook if you want to become a fan and find out what London Soul are up to!
More into Big Band Music, Frank Sinatra and The Rat Pack? Looking to book a Function Band? London Soul also provide ‘London Swing’ (www.London-Swing.com). London Swing are inspired by the music from classic swing and jazz artists such as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Sammy Davies Jr., alongside more modern artists such as Michael Bublé: all artists who reflect on a magic era, but with a modern twist.
Always pulling in a huge crowd
London Swing brings a touch of class to any event, while paying tribute to these timeless artists and songs. A truly unique band, playing unforgettable versions of all the classic songs, London Swing brings Las Vegas swing across the Atlantic and back through time to remember a golden age.
Rave reviews of performances include those published in ‘The Stage’: international entertainment newspaper;
“This 12-piece band blew a storm to start the second half. How rewarding to see so many talented young people playing real instruments. Superbly attired and exceptional visually, the four vocalists featured a great span of songs.. phenomenal stuff.”…
On Friday the 28th of August, Brenda Burgess, the Mayor of Crawley, joined the Gatwick Diamond Rotary Club for its second day of a four day extravaganza of events in and around Crawley. The events were based round the World Wide Wedding Day and this was the third year Gatwick Diamond Rotary Club had got involved. All those involved dressed up in wedding attire which helped to create a great atmosphere. [Ed- I saw one bride and bridesmaid wandering around Crawley market on Saturday and thought how beautiful, if incongruous, they looked!]
Manor Royal was the venue for both of the walks: on Thursday (the 27th) the brides ambled from the VW Dealer South to the Hazelwick Flyover and on Friday the 28th, they swept back the other way, from the VW Dealer North to Pizza Express.
The Mayor mentioned that this was a excellent way to meet the public and she that would be celebrating an anniversary of her own soon. When asked to comment after the event she said “I thoroughly enjoyed myself. It was brilliant! I am due to celebrate my own Ruby Wedding later this year. Thank you. I had a great time.”
On Saturday (29th) Raffle Tickets were on sale outside the Marmaris Restaurant in the High Street.
On Sunday (30th) Gatwick Diamond Rotary Club had a Tombola stand at the Irish Festival in Southgate Playing Fields. During the day Mayor Burgess visited our stand and bought some tickets for the Tombola. To her surprise, she won a thirstquenching can of Guinness. At the end of the day, two draws took place and the winners were as follows:
‘Name the Teddy Bear’: won by Ticket No 4 – Sue of Crawley chose the name of ‘Boris’. Well done Sue!
Elaine, also of Crawley was the lucky winner of a trip for 20 to Hepworth Brewery. Elaine, if you’re reading, don’t forget to update Crawley Happy Times on how your trip went. That’s if you can remember it afterwards!
Over £300 was raised over the four days, which will be split among Brambles Respite Care Centre, St Catherine’s Hospice and Open House (The Mayor’s Charity).
Special thanks go to Becca Barnes who dressed up as the Bride, the Girls from Riva Hair Salon; Jasmine, Amanda and Tia the Bridesmaid (Amanda’s Daughter). We’d also like to thank The Mayor for dressing up as the mother of the Bride.
Clothes for the event were kindly supplied by Dickies Suit Hire. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone else who helped to make this a successful and enjoyable event and we look forward to an even better one next year!
To see more pictures please visit the gallery (bridal pics are half way down the page). For regular updates on what Gatwick Diamond Rotary Club are doing, please follow them on Twitter or visit their website, where they have their blog and forums where people can chat about their good charity work.
~ Geoff Williamson, MultiMedia Chairman, Gatwick Diamond Rotary Club
Crawley Happy Times at The Annual Crawley Irish Festival
On Sunday, 30th August 2009, flags came out, outfits were donned, jigs were performed and music was played.
Where did this all happen? At the 14th annual Crawley Irish Festival, held on Southgate playing fields. This festival was supported by the Irish Government, through the Dion fund, Crawley Borough Council, West Sussex County Council and the Crawley Town Centre Partnership with additional sponsorship from the Murphy Group and O’Connor Utilites Limited.
The weather was slightly breezy on the day but this did not deter the hundreds of people who attended! Crawley Happy Times had the honour of a stand at the event. We set up and proudly awaited any interest in our posters and pens.
The Lions Club Mascot
The day was full of entertainment and Irish dancers, showing off their talents, from 3 different stages strategically set about the field. There were various other stands, all raising money for the next Irish Festival in 2010. There were some of the usual faces; you know, the ones who always help out and raise money for great causes, and, of course some new fundraisers too. We had the pleasure of seeing the Worshipful the Mayor Brenda Burgess, her lovely husband and we also met John Nolan, Chairman of the Celtic and Irish Cultural Society, who will be speaking to Crawley Happy Times in the near future to update us on the money raised. As soon as he has recovered from arranging this amazing event, that is!
On the Dome Stage the entertainment was relentless: The Olive Stones opened the musical interlude and were swiftly followed by Martin Ruddy, Kathy Durkin, Reelstrings and last, but not least, Shawn Cuddy. On the Trad stage we were treated to a great array of Irish music by Brogue, Flying Toads, Dun The Veil, Siansa and Crannog. The last stage; the Irish Dancing Stage, was the venue for the Irish dance competition. The beautiful children vying for the top prize were either part of the O’Brien School of Dancing or the Andromeda Edmonds School of Dancing. The dancers were immaculately presented and moved like angels. Pictures to follow.
Gordon Skeggs looked after the main stage, including the sound and lighting. Gordon now has a big, red coach which tours on roadshows, promotions, festivals and various other events. The name of Gordon’s company, Just Unique is very apt as so is Gordon!
Gordon Skeggs with his bus
Obviously, at an Irish Festival, there had to be a beer tent. Drinkers weren’t disappointed: Guinness and various other lagers were on tap. After all, a festival is not a festival without a beer tent!
People brought picnics and blankets (some even brought their own chairs) and sat on the field enjoying the music. There were plenty of activities to keep the children happy, including two bouncy castles and a mini fun fair. The local constabulary were on hand, keeping a watchful eye on the day, although, thankfully, their arresting presence was deterrance enough.
The St. John Ambulance crew were also on hand to help with any injuries, which were, thankfully, minimal.
Volunteers for the day
If you have never been to the Crawley Irish Festival in the past 14 years then, we recommend you put this date in your diary for next year.
It occurs on the same August Bank Holiday Sunday, every year. Not only is it a wonderful day for the whole family, it is also a chance to meet up with friends for nibbles and a drink or two.
We very much look forward to attending next year and hope John enjoyed it enough to want to do it all over again.
Our thanks go to John Nolan for the stand, Linda Silence of Visions Photography for taking some great pictures on our behalf and to all those who came to our stand in support of Crawley Happy Times. Oh and a special thank you to Madeleine Mills representing The Lions Club, who let us borrow some ballons for our stand.
