Crawley Homes’ tenants took their opportunity to get involved in their service at the tenants’ festival last week.
The festival, in Queens Square on Tuesday (August 10), gave tenants a chance to have their say about Crawley Homes and council housing in Cabcam, a converted London taxi.
The event also promoted tenant involvement to a wider audience, showing tenants how they can get involved with different panels and groups so they can have their say on how services are run.
The council also registered five potential new customers for its Lifeline alarm service and there was lots of interest in the Neighbourhood Improvement Panel.
Other stalls held prize draws, mini DIY courses, crime prevention advice, fire safety, recycling and environmental information, arts and crafts for kids and all round family fun.
The council’s Decent Homes and responsive repairs contractors – Apollo, Mears, MITIE and Wates – also attended to answer questions from tenants.
Councillor Lee Gilroy, Cabinet member for Housing, said: “The tenants’ festival gave residents living in the council’s 8,000 properties a great chance to have their say on the service they receive.
“It was a chance for them to get involved on a more regular basis by joining a panel or forum. Thanks also to the Hindu Mandir in Ifield, the Sheltered Housing Forum and MITIE for providing some fantastic food.”
Tenant Cary Buckham said: “Even though the weather wasn’t great the festival was!
“We got to talk to lots of people and shared experiences. We wanted to let them know what the tenants of Crawley Homes can get involved with and I think we did in a far more fun way than in previous years.
“I hope that next year’s event will be bigger and better and fingers crossed the weather will be better too!”
For more information contact the Resident Involvement Team on 01293 438434.
SOURCE: CBC
Crawley Happy Times went along and spoke to Michelle Fitzgerald-Lees and Carrie Buckham about why this event is held and the hopeful outcome.
Help us keep you safe in bed this winter, say firefighters
YOU can book up now for free electric blanket tests being held in October by West Sussex County Council Fire and Rescue Service to help ensure residents sleep safely this winter.
Jackie Boyle, Community Fire and Road Safety Officer, said: “Last year 232 of the 645 blankets we tested had a fault – that’s more than a third. Such a high proportion really highlights the value of getting them checked regularly.
“Every year, around 1000 fires are caused by unsafe electric blankets. Sadly many people are seriously injured and some even killed.”
Peter Evans, County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “Older people can be especially vulnerable, but no one can afford to be complacent where electrical safety is concerned.
“So I would urge everyone to take advantage of this free offer from our Fire and Rescue Service and get their blanket tested.”
The tests will be taking place between 9.30am-1pm and 1.30pm-4.30pm at:
Burgess Hill: Martlets Hall, Civic Way – Thursday October 7.
Horsham: Lavinia House, Dukes Square, Denne Rd – Monday October 4.
Lancing: Adur District Council Office, 101 North Rd – Wednesday October 6.
Littlehampton: Tamarisk Centre, 42 Beach Rd, Littlehampton – Tuesday October 5.
Midhurst: Midhurst Fire Station, New Rd – Friday October 8.
Booking is by appointment only from August 26, please call 01243 642124. All venues have disabled access.
West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service has also drawn up some simple guidelines for the safe use of electric blankets. They are:
• Never buy a second hand electric blanket.
• Check for creases, fold or scorch marks.
• Never use a hot water bottle at the same time.
• Do not touch the blanket with wet hands or feet, or use it if it’s wet or damp.
• Store your blanket in the original box and don’t place anything heavy on top of it.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Home fire safety advice is free and easy to access from West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service’s Community Safety Team on 01243 642878 or www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire
Crawley Borough Council is helping the town support the victims of the Pakistani flood disaster by making it easy to donate to the cause.
Anyone who wants to donate, including larger amounts generated through fundraising, can do so at the Town Hall or on the council website.
Cashiers will take donations at the Town Hall between 9.30am and 3.30pm or you can give online by logging onto www.crawley.go.uk/fundraising and following the link; a downloadable postal donation form is also available.
All money taken by Crawley Council will go to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), an umbrella organisation for 13 UK based aid agencies.
Crawley Council is also calling on fundraisers to register their events online, through the council’s Events Directory, to help promote them; community groups can also register themselves on the Community Directory to make it easier for people to contact them.
The Pakistani floods have left 14 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, according to UN estimates – more than the scale of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
Leader of Crawley Borough Council, Bob Lanzer, said: “This is another terrible disaster that requires people to pull together and raise much-needed funds to help the millions of people impacted by this tragic event.
“We have a strong Pakistani community in Crawley and no doubt there will be people in the town who have been affected by this in some way. We want to make it easier for them and the rest of the community to support the people in Pakistan.”
West Sussex County Council hosts first Stonewall employee outside of London
Stonewall has chosen to place an employee at West Sussex County Council – the first time the charity has stationed someone outside of London.
Though Stonewall does have offices in Scotland and Wales the charity, which campaigns and promotes equality for lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people, has placed Dave Small, Regional Workplace Associate for South East and South West England, in Chichester for a six-month trial.
The County Council, which is one of the charity’s Diversity Champions, was one of a number of organisations in the region that expressed an interest in supporting Stonewall’s initiative.
There are more than 600 champions of Stonewall nationwide, with around 40 per cent of those outside of London. Organisations that work in the Diversity Champions Programme, commit to working with Stonewall to ensure that their workplaces are inclusive for LGB staff.
Dave said: “It has regional benefits being in Chichester, as I can attend forums in the county and the surrounding area, as well as speak to organisations that work, or want to work with us on a more local, face-to-face basis.”
Louise Goldsmith, Leader of West Sussex County Council, said: “We are delighted that Stonewall has chosen us to host Dave in the charity’s first efforts to station employees outside of London.
“I hope that having Dave here will give people in West Sussex and the surrounding area, the chance to find out more about what Stonewall and the County Council both have to offer for the lesbian, gay and bi-sexual community.
“We look forward to working with Stonewall more closely.”
Dave hopes that while he is based at County Hall, he can build and develop an even stronger regional network of contacts in the south east and south west, not only with current diversity champions, but those organisations who have yet to join the forum.
To find out more about the County Council’s services for lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender (LGBT) people, visit www.westsussex.gov.uk
Fancy yourself as a film star? Then audition for a new movie written by Crawley residents
Young residents tackle extremism head on
A film about extremism written by Crawley residents is being planned – and if you’re a budding movie star don’t miss the auditions next week.
Crossed Paths has been written by young Crawley residents who were previously involved in the cult local feature film, RH11.
The film follows the stories of Cutch and Yousif, as they become embroiled in the controlling underworld of violent extremism.
Callum Johnston, RH11 director and co-writer of this project, said: “Since finishing RH11 I have been regularly asked about future film projects by budding Crawley actors.
“Well, this is a chance for those people to step up and work on a genuinely exciting project.”
The writers hope to involve a cast of mainly local residents and will be holding auditions at the Town Hall on Tuesday August 25 from 12.30-8.30pm.
The young residents are being supported at every stage by independent film production company Compulsive Productions.
Dan Musty, Director of Compulsive Productions, said: “The young writing team has been inspirational in the amount of time and effort they’ve put into this script and I hope that local residents will support this production with a strong turn out for the auditions.”
For more information on Crossed Paths and to register for the auditions visit the Crossed Paths Facebook group or email dan@compulsiveproductions.com or adam.welton@crawley.gov.uk
Crawley Craft Fair returns to Queens Square on Saturday from 10am-4pm.
This exciting event, now in its second year, features work from many local and UK artists. Visitors will be able to browse and buy unique quality local crafts while children’s activities include face painting.
The event is run by local artist Kirsteen Benson in partnership with Crawley Town Centre Partnership and Crawley Borough Council.
Crawley Craft Fair will return to Queens Square on Saturday August 21 and on Saturday December 11 for a special Christmas craft fair.
Kids are set for a fun-filled summer day at Cherry Lane Adventure Playground next week.
The Langley Green based playground is holding its annual fun day on Thursday 19th August between 11am and 4pm.
The day will host a range of activities for kids including inflatable fun, face painting, tombola, coconut shy, dance, skateboarding and football competitions.
And to top it all off belly dancing and street dance will take place on the stage.
Entry to the fun day is free although a £3 wrist band will offer unlimited inflatable fun.
For more information contact the playground on 01293 516163
Fake goods cost local economy thousands, say Trading Standards
The damage to the West Sussex economy from selling counterfeit goods is being highlighted by the County’s Trading Standards Service.
Following a consumer complaint, Trading Standards officers seized more than 700 counterfeit copies of well-known blockbuster movies in a raid at a boot sale in Sayers Common, Hassocks. The fake DVDs and Blu-ray discs were selling at £5 for two.
“At normal high street prices the goods seized represent an estimated loss of £10,500 to the local legitimate business community,” said Graeme MacPherson, Head of Trading Standards. “Or to put it another way, every £1 given to a criminal counterfeiter represented £6 being taken away from businesses and the local economy.
“This is not good news at a time when many local businesses are feeling the effect of the current economic pressures.”
Peter Evans, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “Counterfeiters make large amounts of money by exploiting the reputation and trademarks of established brands. It could ultimately lead to local, legitimate businesses closing.
“Our Trading Standards Service has a commitment to protect proper businesses in West Sussex from the activities of counterfeiters.”
Currently most complaints from members of the public about counterfeit goods relate to fashion footwear or hair straighteners, bought over the internet.
If you have any suspicions about counterfeit goods being traded in West Sussex you can report the information anonymously at www.westsussex.gov.uk, and click on ‘Anonymous reporting of trade in counterfeit goods’ under the ‘Business’ section. This can be found on the left of the County Council homepage.
West Sussex Adult and Community Learning Service has been rated ‘Good’ in a recent Ofsted inspection, the second highest rating.
The inspection took place in July. The main findings in the Ofsted report said:
• Learners demonstrate a good standard of work and make good progress. They enjoy their programmes and value the benefits of learning.
• The curriculum is well planned and offers a broad range of subjects.
• The service is a key member of partnerships in the area resulting in improved learning opportunities in the community.
• Support for learners to meet their individual needs is particularly good.
• Promotion of equality and diversity is good. The service works well to attract learners from the whole community and overcome barriers to learning.
• Leadership is particularly strong – managers offer clear direction and promote high standards throughout the service.
West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Education and Schools Peter Griffiths said: “It is a great achievement for a local authority service to receive such a good grade. It’s a real tribute to everyone’s hard work and commitment that the West Sussex service has been judged to be working so effectively.
“Our tutors provide a high quality service to learners over a wide range of courses. Learners recognise the value of the service and many people enjoy the range of courses on offer, from qualifications for job skills to personal development.”
Areas for improvement identified by Ofsted were:
• “Improve the use of the individual learner record to measure progress to reward learners.
• Further develop systems for the observation of teaching and learning to help improve the learning experience.
• Improve arrangements for monitoring and follow-up of non-attendance to reduce absenteeism.
• Increase the promotion of equality and enrich learning through the positive celebration of diversity throughout the curriculum.”
Peter added: “The service is constantly looking to improve and we will take the areas identified by Ofsted and look to achieve them before the next inspection.”
The overall summary of the Ofsted report says the service has implemented ‘significant improvements’ since the last inspection. It says the organisation ‘works very effectively to offer good provision that meets well the needs of learners’.
It adds:
‘Learners’ achievement rates are high and their progress and skill development are good. Arrangements to safeguard learners are good. Learners say they feel safe and comfortable in the learning environment.’
To view the full range of courses available from the Adult and Community Learning Service, visit the website at www.westsussex.gov.uk/adulteducation.
On Saturday 31st July and Sunday 1st August the annual Mela was held at the Hawth.
Consisting of information stands, such as the ‘Stop West Sussex going to waste’ campaign and the ‘Give Blood’ stand there was food galore of all types, a fun fair and music and dance from varying cultures.
Attended by the Mayor Lee Burke and Mayoress Ali Burke, the day was full of colour and sounds. We took alot of pictures and video which we hope will tell the story of this great event on their own. We would like to congratulate the Hawth and their staff for once again making it a safe and enjoyable event for all to enjoy.
Perfomers included the Diego Garcian/Reggae/Seggae Band, Filipino Dancers, Tanvee and Tiyana, Tariq and Reis, Monica Patel, Grizzly South feat. If-E, Maxwell, KK, Amy Othieno, Billy Delaney and friends and many more!
Did you attend the Mela? If you have any feedback, please feel free to comment below
Friends of Broadfield Park are calling for volunteers to help keep the area in tip-top condition.
The group met on August 5 where they agreed three more clear-up and pruning dates for 2010; Saturday August 21, Saturday September 18 and Saturday October 23 all between 10am and 1pm.
The Friends also formed a steering committee to help organise events who will be meeting shortly.
Anyone interested in helping should contact Councillor Lee Gilroy on 07593
YOUNG volunteers from Outset Youth Action spent a day clearing Laurel from Crawley’s Hawth Woods and Rhododendrons from an area of Tilgate Park. This clearing of invasive bushes will allow natural habitat to re-grow.
Outset Youth Action is an independent West Sussex-wide organisation that acts as a free volunteering agency for 13-25 year olds. It is supported and works in close partnership with West Sussex County Council’s Children and Young People’s Services and V, the national youth volunteering body.
The day was organised by Gatwick Greenspace, which aims to protect the environment and wildlife in Crawley, Horley and Horsham.
Kevin Lerwill, Gatwick Greenspace Project Officer, said: “The young volunteers hard work made a real difference. We will now be holding a half-term event in October.”
One of the volunteers commented: “It was a great experience working with others in this way. I would certainly encourage other young people to get involved.”
Pete Bradbury, County Council Cabinet Member for Children Families, said the day highlighted the value of volunteering.
“It shows that everyone gains from volunteering. It was a chance for young volunteers to make a valuable contribution to their environment and at the same time enjoy a fun day making new friends,” he said.
For further information contact either:
• Chris Mente, Outset Youth Volunteer Adviser on 0777 9168697/ christine.mente@outsetyouth.org.uk
• Kevin Lerwill, Gatwick Greenspace on 01293 550730 / kevinlerwill@sussexwt.org.uk
West Sussex County Council and NHS West Sussex will jointly be reviewing all home care contracting requirements across the county to look at long-term needs and how best to provide the service.
At present the Council and NHS West Sussex commission more than one million domiciliary care hours per year from more than 100 external organisations, at a cost of approximately £28 million. This means that there are significant variations in prices charged and capacity issues within the market.
Deputy Cabinet Member for Adults’ Services Graham Tyler said: “West Sussex will have an increasingly elderly population over the coming years, but without additional funding to care for those who need it.
“The review of the contracts we have for home care will enable us to buy care for residents who need it at a competitive price.
“I would like to reassure residents that the quality and level of service will not be affected by these changes.”
Home care helps people with personal care needs within their home.
The County Council moved away from an in-house home care service with the launch of the Regaining Independence Support Service, providing short-term care and occupational therapy to help people remain independent in their own homes.
Home care is contracted through external organisations.
Graham added: “The County Council is in the middle of a financial review and expects to have to find a further £75 million of savings over the next three years.
“By making our home care service more efficient and effective, we aim to achieve a saving for the County Council of at least £2.5 million.”
The County Council will carry out a review to identify the total home care requirements for residents, not only for adults’ services but also children and for NHS West Sussex.
There will then be a tendering process to contract with home care providers to deliver current and future care needs. The new contracts are aimed to be in place starting from April 2011.
All residents who have home care will be kept up to date as the work progresses
THE highly successful Better Tomorrows Sculpture Challenge, which aims to inspire young artists to create art out of recycled materials, will be bolder and bigger in 2011.
Better Tomorrows, an independent community company that promotes sustainable living, introduced the competition two years ago to highlight the potential for recycling.
Sixth Form colleges, private institutes and universities from across West Sussex and Brighton and Hove are being challenged to come up with sculptures that could be made out of old bikes, plastic bottles or fabrics – any recyclable waste in fact. The theme will be to carry the message: “Recycle today for Better Tomorrows.”
A grant from the Ernest Cook Trust, which encourages young people to take an interest in the environment and arts, means Better Tomorrows can extend the challenge to more young people than ever.
Forty-two colleges, including Brighton and Hove’s City College and Varndean College, plus the University of Sussex and the University of Brighton, have been invited to take part.
The competition has a University Category and Sixth Form Category.
The winning sculpture from the University Category will be exhibited for up to six months in the Cass Sculpture Foundation, Goodwood, a charity set up to help British artists further their careers. There is also a £100 prize for second place and £50 for third.
The Sixth Form Category has a first prize of £150, a £100 second prize and a £50 third prize.
The closing date for applications is November 30 with judging taking place next June.
John de Mierre, Chairman of Better Tomorrows, said: “The Sculpture Challenge highlights the importance of recycling, just how easy it is to recycle and the wide range of materials that can be re-used or recycled, rather than being sent to landfill.
“Just as importantly, it also encourages young artists, offering them the opportunity to show their artistic talent in a first class shop window.
“Thanks to the Ernest Cook Foundation, the grant means we have been able to build upon the success of the first two Sculpture Challenges, which produced a wide range of imaginative entries.
“We are The confident young artists are sure to show once again an impressive amount of thought, craftsmanship and research as they face this art challenge with a difference.”
For further information about the challenge go to: www.bettertomorrows.org.uk or call 01243 756601.
NEARLY 230 young people from Crawley have received awards for the voluntary work they carry out in their communities.
They were honoured at a presentation ceremony hosted by Outset Youth Action, the West Sussex Youth Volunteering Charity, at Lodge Hill, Pulborough. A total of 1464 young people received awards.
Outset Youth Action is an independent West Sussex-wide organisation that acts as a free volunteering agency to provide more than 1400 13-25 year olds with a wide range of volunteering opportunities in the county. Many of them give more than 100 hours voluntarily to individuals and local organisations.
Sally Sikora, Outset Chief Executive, said: “Each year, Outset Volunteers provide West Sussex communities with around 110,000 hours of voluntary work, which benefits a wide range of local services.
“If simply paid the minimum wage this would cost around some £650,000 a year! That just goes to show what great value for money Outset and its members are.”
Pete Bradbury, County Council Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “The awards are worthy recognition of the commitment to volunteering these young people have shown.
“There’s no doubt about it – volunteering benefits everyone. It supports the personal development of young people and benefits local communities.”
Crawley Borough Council is set to launch a major campaign to get to grips with chewing gum litter on the streets and pavements.
The council is one of 12 local authorities nationwide that have been selected to take part in this year’s annual campaign to reduce chewing gum litter, run by the Chewing Gum Action Group (CGAG).
The impactful marketing campaign will target gum-chewers with striking posters informing chewers to ‘Bin your gum or it could cost you £80’. The campaign will run for four weeks from August 16 across the town, in order to make chewers aware of the fines associated with irresponsible disposal of gum.
The CGAG has been running successful campaigns to change the behaviour of irresponsible gum chewers since 2006. Previous campaigns have shown a positive shift in chewers’ attitudes and resulted in significant reductions in gum litter in the areas where the campaign was active.
The 2009 campaign achieved an overall reduction in gum litter of 48 per cent and it is hoped that this campaign will be another success and persuade chewers to think twice before dropping their gum on the floor.
As a campaign partner, Crawley Borough Council will receive paid-for advertising for the area and support from the group, including pre- and post-campaign workshops to equip partners with the information and resources needed for a successful campaign, as well as a dedicated co-ordinator to provide advice throughout the campaign process, and the opportunity to promote their campaign as a case study on the CGAG website at www.chewinggumactiongroup.org.uk
Councillor Keith Blake, Cabinet member for Environment, said: “This is a fantastic campaign and I’m delighted that Crawley Borough Council has been chosen to take part.
“Chewing gum blights our streets and anything which helps reduce this sticky menace can only be a good thing.”
A spokesperson for CGAG said: “We are delighted that so many councils are taking part in this year’s campaign. We hope the campaign message, which highlights the fine for littering, will resonate with the public and persuade chewers to think twice about dropping their gum on the floor and encourage them to use the bins available.”
The campaign will engage with as many sectors of the local community as possible, such as local businesses, schools, colleges, universities and shopping centres, to ensure the campaign message is widely spread.
Your support for this campaign means this council is on the way to achieving a cleaner, more attractive community.
More than 100 students attended the 2010 Student of the Year celebration event for beauty students in Burgess Hill.
The annual event at Marle Place, Burgess Hill, organised by the West Sussex Adult and Community Learning Service, celebrates hair, beauty and complementary therapy students from the past year.
Local business and salon owners from Mid Sussex attended the event and were able to network with students and tutors, giving valuable feedback and advice.
West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Education and Schools Peter Griffiths said: “Once again adult learning students have shown their work to be of an extremely high standard.
“This event not only rewards their hard work, but is also an important chance to meet with local businesses. Building a strong relationship with local businesses can offer employment opportunities and, by listening to employer needs, training can be developed to enhance student skills.”
The awards were:
• Reflexology and aromatherapy tutored by Pippa Harding – Student of the Year: Judith Van Dijk from Haywards Heath, Achiever of the Year: Nicola Bacon from Burgess Hill, Special Awards: Patricia Genders, from Burgess Hill.
• Swedish massage tutored by Pippa Harding – Student of the Year: Sadao Ueda from Haywards Heath, Achiever of the Year: Sharon Vincent from Horsham.
• Indian head massage tutored by Pippa Harding – Student of the Year: Sarah Belton from Crawley, Achiever of the Year: Sophie Mariner from Henfield.
• Nail treatments tutored by Kate Foster – Student of the Year: Lynsey Budgen from Haywards Heath, Achiever of the Year: Kelera Lancaster from Haywards Heath.
• Make up/beauty therapy tutored by Anita Hayman – Student of the Year: Sarah Preston from Crawley, Achiever of the Year: Lisa Lidbury from Burgess Hill.
• General beauty therapy tutored by Kate Foster – Student of the Year: Maxine Green from Burgess Hill, Achiever of the Year: Kelly Hargreaves from Burgess Hill.
• Hairdressing tutored by Julia Gargett – Student of the Year: Nicola Conticelli from Burgess Hill, Achiever of the Year: Selma Proctor from Hassocks.
• Make up competition winner: Amy Heath from Haywards Heath.
• Hair competition winner: Nicola Conticelli from Burgess Hill.
The West Sussex Adult and Community Learning Service offers a range of accredited diploma courses including City and Guilds Beauty Therapy Level 2 Diploma and City and Guilds Waxing and Manicure.
Other courses include VTCT (Vocational Training Charitable Trust) Swedish body massage, sports massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, ear candling and colour therapy.
A good way to find out more about courses is to attend a one-day taster. These include advanced massage techniques, colour workshops, Indian head massage, crystals and Alexander technique.
For further information contact the West Sussex Adult and Community Learning Service on 0845 6 01 01 61 or visit the website at www.westsussex.gov.uk/adulteducation.
Trading Standards seeking contact with Lancing holiday firm customers
FOLLOWING the death of the owner of two Lancing-based travel businesses, West Sussex County Council Trading Standards Service is working to clarify the position for customers.
The companies are Leisurebreak Holidays and Leisure Breaks with A1, which were based in Station Parade.
Graeme MacPherson, Head of Regulatory Services, said: “The owner’s death has resulted in many planned trips being cancelled and doubt over the return of deposits to customers who had already booked.”
Trading Standards and another travel firm, A1 Executive Travel, which shared premises with the businesses, are trying to make contact with the majority of the customers who had paid deposits to advise them of the situation.
“There is some good news – we found a number of cheques on the premises that had not been banked and these are being returned to customers,” said Graeme.
“But it is still unclear whether the businesses will continue to trade and we are investigating if there was any financial protection in place to safeguard customers’ money.”
Trading Standards advice for consumers looking to book similar trips is to check whether the operator is a member of a trade association, such as ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents) or AITO (Association of Independent Tour Operators).
“They will then be bound by the relevant association’s code of practice and the association could be prepared to step in if any problems occur.
“Consumers should also consider paying for some of the cost of the trip by credit card. If the total price of the trip is more than £100 even paying the deposit on card ensures you can also ask the credit card company for compensation if things go wrong,” said Graeme.
Peter Evans, County Council Cabinet for Public Protection, said: “Because booking a holiday represents a considerable investment for people looking forward to a well-earned break, our Trading Standards Service began the investigation as soon as they were made aware of the situation.”
If you are due to travel with these companies please contact Trading Standards for further advice on Consumer Direct 08454 040506
Youth mayor elections Pravin Sanasy (l) Crawley Mayor Lee Burke
Crawley’s first ever youth Mayor was elected at a Town Hall ceremony last week.
Pravin Sanasy from Ifield was elected by Crawley Young Persons Council
(CYPC) members last Tuesday (July 27).
Delighted Pravin said: “I felt great joy when it was announced I was the new Crawley Youth Mayor. I’m thrilled I’ve been given this fantastic opportunity and can’t wait to get stuck in to my new role. I look forward to a better future for young people in Crawley”
Mayor of Crawley, Lee Burke, his wife Councillor Ali Burke, Councillor Lenny Walker, Cabinet member for Leisure and Cultural Service and Councillor Nigel Boxall, Cabinet member for Community Engagement, congratulated Pravin and welcomed him as the new youth Mayor.
Councillor Ali Burke presented the idea to the CYPC in March where it was unanimously voted in and Councillor Lenny Walker proposed it to Cabinet where it received full support.
Councillor Walker, Councillor Nigel Boxall and Cllr Ali Burke worked hard to get the initiative off the ground and Crawley Mayor Lee Burke will be meeting with Pravin to give advice and help organise future events.
For more information on the new Crawley Youth Mayor please contact Vikki Jacobs at vikki.jacobs@crawley.gov.uk or 01293 438565
On Saturday 31st July, the official launch of the Irish & Celtic Cultural Society festivities was kicked off with good food, excellent dancing, fine music and great company.
Attended by Councillors Bob and Brenda Burgess, Bob Lanzer, His Worshipful the Mayor Councillor Lee Burke and Mayoress Councillor Ali Burke, and many more. The guinness flowed, the band played and the food went down a treat.
2010 sees the 15th Annual Irish Festival on the 29th August. Last year was a huge success, even though the weather was not too bright. This year, we are hoping the sun will smile down on this brilliant event hosting music, stands, dancing and of course the beer tent.
The Launch Party was hosted by the Celtic and Irish Cultural Society in the presence of the Mayor of Crawley Cllr Lee Burke together and Mr Michael Keavney of the Irish Embassy and some invited guests including the sponsors, supporters, volunteers and helpers that made last years festival the success it has become.
A light buffet was served to a backdrop of live music – by one of the bands ‘Dun the Vail’ who will be playing at the Festival. A special dance display was also a treat of the evening. We were also treated to a performance from ‘Just Kelly’ who just happened to be passing by. Thank you Kelly!
The centre piece of the night was the ‘toasting’ to the success of the festival including the cutting of the 15th Anniversary cake with the Mayor saying a few words about the festival and the CICS and asking all in attendance to drink to the festival’s success and the cutting of the 15th Anniversary cake.
The Festival attracts up to seven thousand visitors to the town from throughout Crawley, Sussex and the Southeast of England and has built a reputation as a great family day out over the August weekend. The event showcases some of the best musical talent from Britain and Ireland on three live entertainment stages, showing modern, traditional Irish music and open dance competitions. This year it featuring heavily on the younger element of the community with a special children’s entertainment marquee involving games, song and story with particular emphasis on Irish traditions and folklore. In addition, sport and cultural identity are each featured prominently with Ceili and Set dancing, GAA sports, tug-o-war, a funfair, various food and craft stalls and displays with the added attraction of a licensed beer tent.
The event is run by The Celtic and Irish Cultural Society, which was formed to promote a greater understanding of Celtic and Irish traditions to Crawley and the surrounding areas. With support from Crawley Borough Council and West Sussex County Council it is featured heavily in regional printed and radio media as well as the local weekly and Irish themed publications. Further details about the society and previous events can be found online at www.celtic-irish.co.uk
Crawley Happy Times were invited down to experience the evening. We took some pictures and video for you to enjoy.
