Granted the Queen's Award for International Trade 2011
In 2006 Aerotron was granted the Queen’s Award for International Trade. Now, in 2011 they have been granted this prestigious award for the second time. Attended by various dignitaries such as Henry Smith MP, Mayor Carol Eade and the Lord Lieutenant, the ceremony was a great success.
Aerotron Limited
Aerotron Limited is one of Europe’s leading suppliers to the aviation industry specialising in component support solutions to both the Fixed and Rotary Wing Markets.
Established in August 1973 this privately owned company was founded by the Westley family and is still run as a family unit today. Based in Crawley’s industrial estate the company has become a formidable entity in the world of aviation. Aerotron took residence in a small office block at the end of Jenner Road but soon expanded into flush offices that now dominates the whole road. Aerotron are now a leading supplier to major OEM’s and Airlines. Their quality and reliability in various platforms contributed to being granted this award.
Tony Westley – Founder of Aerotron
“This is the second time that Aerotron has been granted this prestigious award in recognition of our export achievements, which we appreciate would not have been possible without out customers, suppliers and partners. We thank them for all their support. In this difficult economic climate it is pleasing to see that through our expansion into new regions and the dedication of the Aerotron team, our exports have tripled since out first award in 2006. This increase has bought about the need for further investment in inventory, resources and infrastructure where by the end of 2011 Aerotron will be opening it’s new 250,000 sq ft headquarters at Gatwick, strengthening the company as one of the world’s leading component support organisations”.
The Queen’s Award for International Trade
Recognising companies that have demonstrated growth in overseas earnings.
Business units must be able to demonstrate substantial growth in overseas earnings and commercial success, to levels that are outstanding for the goods or services concerned and for the size of the applicant’s operations. Businesses may apply under the following criteria:
- Outstanding achievement in international trade, sustained over not less than three years.
or
- Continuous achievement in international trade, sustained over not less than six years.More information can be found on the Business Link website.We would like to congratulate the Westley family and all the staff for this wonderful achievement and we wish them all the success in the future
On Saturday 25th September, the Green Glag Award for Buchan Park was honoured with a walk around and talk from Robin Edwards, Senior Ranger and many dignitories. Crawley Happy Times went along to enjoy the walk, talk and fantastic views. We even got to see a couple, Geraint and Kylie Roberts, on their wedding day, using the park for their photos and a very rare sighting of an Elephant Hawk-Moth Caterpillar! What a great day! Well done to all for the hard work that goes into making the area such an amazing park. riginal report below:
Buchan Country Park in Crawley is celebrating after receiving the prestigious Green Flag Award.
This national award is the national standard for parks and recognises welcoming, well-managed, high quality green spaces.
Buchan Country Park, owned and managed by West Sussex County Council, is a haven for a variety of wildlife and good for walking or enjoying a picnic. The Park also runs a series of events throughout the year aimed at encouraging people to enjoy the park and learn more about it.
The award is based on eight criteria:
• a welcoming place
• healthy, safe and secure
• clean and well maintained
• sustainability
• conservation and heritage
• community involvement
• marketing
• management
The Green Flag will fly at Buchan Country Park for 12 months.
Deborah Urquhart, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy, said: “This award recognises the hard work that both staff and volunteers have put into ensuring that the Country Park remains a special piece of Sussex countryside.
“The park is enjoyed by many families and there are lots of events going on during the school summer holidays.
“Congratulations to all involved with Buchan Country Park, this award is a credit to them.”
For more information about Buchan Country Park and events, visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/buchan, email buchan.park@westsussex.gov.uk, or phone 01293 542088.
You can ‘Meet the Buchan Bushcrafters’ on video at www.westsussex.gov.uk/video and scroll down to the ‘Where we live’ tab.
On Thursday 26th November, the community of Crawley came together to see some of the most remarkable youngsters within our community receive awards and medals.
Organised by Crawley Borough Council in partnership with West Sussex Council for Voluntary Youth Service, Sussex Police, West Sussex County Council and Crawley School Sports Partnership, more than 400 under 25′s were recognised for the difference they’ve made to Crawley and its community.
Twelve outstanding young people received awards under four categories; Community, Sport, Art and Personal Achievement, all sponsored by local organisations, voluntary groups and businesses.
We had the pleasure of talking to three of the judges and sponsors. Martin Stone of Topsy Turvy, sponsor of the Dance and Drama Award, Jim Hayton of Crawley Metals Supplies, sponsor of the Visual Arts Award and Michael Langley, Deputy District Commander for West Sussex Fire & Rescue, sponsors of the Music Award. This is what they told Shelley…
Compared competantly by Kirk Campbell and Sophie Campbell, the night was full of emotion and pride, both from the parents of the nominees and winners, also from the awardees.
With great performances by Young-B, The Divas, Thomas Bennett Community College and Euphoric Dance.
Euphoric Dancers perform at the Youth Awards 2009
As we sat listening to the reasons why these young individuals were being rewarded, we felt quite humble in their presence.
Last years winner of the Laser Hub Music Award was Billy Delaney who performed at this years ceremony.
Daniel Horwood, from Bewbush, won the Sussex Police Courage Award. Daniel was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in October 2008, a few months before he was to sit his GCSE’s. Daniel, just seventeen, suffered countless blood transfusions, lumbar punctures, injections and various cocktails of drugs as his exams approached. Daniel even suffered a suspected stroke which left him paralysed for days. Through his pure determination and support from friends, family and school tutors, Daniel sat his exmas and passed with flying colours. He even got a standing ovasion at the school leaving party.
Other personal achievement awards were also given to Gilberto Silva and Charlotte Schillinger.
Gilberto’s autism and severe learning difficulties did not stop him achieving the highest possible exam marks for his age group at maths, winning the West Sussex Youth Service Education Award.
Charlotte is a dedicated member of the scouts who has been an inspiration to adults and children who have met her through the 2nd Ifield Scout Group. For this and many other achievements, she won the Apollo Group Inspiration Award.
Community
Lena Finch, who cares for her disabled mum, was honoured at the awards. Lena has been helping care for her Mum for ten years, taking more and more responsibility over this period. Lena is her Mum’s main carer.
Other community awards were won by Reniece Robinson and Luke May.
Reniece collected the Let’s FACE It Environment Award for her conservation work, which included helping launch a paper recycling scheme at her school.
Luke deservadly won the Crawley Young Persons Council Volunteer Award for his dedicated work at Dormans Youth Arts Centre.
Arts
Footloose were presented with the Topsy Turvy Dance and Drama Award
Footloose, a dance group for young people with learning disabilities won an arts award. Footloose creates high-quality contemporary dance which members then perform at venues around the south east. The group meets every week at Manor Green Primary School.
Awards organisers said Footloose members treat each other with respect and compassion and new members are always welcome.
Jamie Friday was awarded The West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service Music Award for his tireless support and help running music events whic then gave other performers the chance to perform. Jamie used to visit Dormans Youth Club as just another member but soon made his presence known as a helpful and resourceful individual.
Bewbush Youth Centre was awarded the Crawley Metal Supplies Visual Arts Award for its graffiti art project in Dorsten Square. Youngsters took part in a six-week project to design art for the boards around the old community centre and Dorsten pub, which has helped brighten the area during the current regeneration project.
Sports
At the young age of just ten, Jack has won more than 150 trophies. Jack, from Furnace Green, trains four times a week with the Crawley Black Belt Academy, helping train the young members as well as his own training.
Jack collected the Eezehaul Sports Person Award on crutches, having broken his foot falling off his bike. Jack has won a host of competitions and has been doing martial arts since the age of four, achieving a second dan black belt. Jack is also a member of Team Fusion, a group of Britain’s best young martial artists and dance performers.
At the awards, Jack was described as a “confident and well grounded” person and a “role model for others”.
The Freedom Leisure Sports Team Award was won by a group of talented young gymnasts.
Hawth Gymnastics Teamgym (junior) members gave up shopping trips and time with friends to train for thirteen hours a week and are ranked third in the country.
Tessa Stokes won the Crawley School Sports Partnership Sports Volunteer Award for her work with the young sports ambassador project.
FULL LIST OF NOMINEES
ARTS AWARDS
Aidan Daniel
Adison Austin
James Newman
Callum Johnston
Callum Thompson
Ali Mehmood
Michael Bennett
Shakim Salim
Anthony Brikell
Tegan-Rose Newman
Louise Carpenter
Adrienne Hall
Jamie Friday
Ginah Wamulo
Lucy Muyanga
Charlotte Chorley
Liam Jenkinson
Josh Martin
Lucy Dorkings
HSM ‘Oaks Edition’ Dance and Drama Club
Awa Sarr
Charlotte Wadmore
Sabreen Ibrahim
Footloose Dance Group
Thomas Bennett Free 2 Dance Company
Stages Performing Arts
Kirsty Ayling
Usman Aslam
Sumera Hussain
Kyranne Barrett
Nikesh McHugh
Rikesh McHugh
Clayton Lear
Reece Hanslow
Ky Harper
COMMUNITY AWARDS
Reniece Robinson
Ryan Dawson
Jonathan Harrold
Keiran Joseph
Lena Finch
Becky King
Dani King
Jodie Hutchinson-Purcell
Keiran Pledger
Ashley Pledger
Lisa Cooper
Maddie Smith
Josie Fryers
Charlotte Goswell
Amy Davis-Dwan
Laila Hussain
Rhea Kneafsey
Katie Cleary
Ali Mehmood
Pravin Sanasy
Luke Taylor
Jamie Friday
Michael Hobbs
Sapna Shah
George Bick
Jamie White
Kara Mason
Michael Murphy
Eloisa Gordon
Sana Ghafoor
Leslie Edwards
Kennedy Mutongerwa
Vicki Elston
Billy Delaney
Lewis Fletcher
Tariq Khawaja
Ant Heron
Paige Sayers
Zahid Akram Khan
Sarim Qamar
Adil Hussain
Luke May
George O’ Keefe
Lauren Thynne
Adam Wanstall
Leanne Woods
Daria Czekajska
Stuart Bayliss
Ellis Payne
Emily Bartlett
Alexandra Armstrong
Frank Alfoldi
Owen Lumley
Lisa Brackpool
Michael Bond
Ben Freer
Kelly Halifax
Jasraj Nothay
Erin Witton
Chibs Ngona
Ramone Walkes
Reema Nawaz
1st Northgate Brownies
1st Ifield Brownie Pack
Cnetral Sussex Students
7th Crawley Beavers
Love in a Box Team
New Wybourne Youth Club
SPORTS AWARDS
Elizabeth Eves
George Penfold
Rebecca Potteton
Billy Hatcher
Chris Brownlee
Ross Mist
Gavin Brownlee
Charlotte Poole
Grant Goode
Poppy Weekes
Kirsty McAleney
Hayley Wise
Harry Phelps
Nathan Amin
Lee Tilbury
Isobel Sutherland -Basson
Leanne Penn
Jack Foyster
Sanjay Amin
Marcus Jones
Yasmin Mills
Keanu Kellett
Tessa Stokes
Tyler Whale
Thomas Bennett Free 2 Dance Company
The Oaks Girls Football Club
Hawth Gymnastics Team Gym (Junior)
St Margarets Multi-Sports Squad
Maidenbower Junior Y6 Footbal Team
PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Allunay Bossoni Da Silva
Shazad Ali
Rafiullah Sharafyar
Sandrine Permal
Jema Assonne
Iiona Bartocha
Anam Ahmed
Waqas Akthar
Hassan Butt
Mohammed Mnili
Mariam Ahmed
Tom Parsons
Abigail Mott
Callum Macleod
Charlotte Schillinger
Danielle James
Jamie Friday
Zartaashia Khan
Stuart Bayliss
Sherri Devlin
Harry Ford
Nicole Thomas
Jade Carter
Joshua Arnold-Crews
Claire Arnold
Goerge Pollard
Daniel Horwood
James Foster
Luke Foster
Sian-Marie Keeping
Aazaz Rehman
Gilberto Junior de Sousa Silva
Leila Draude
Charlotte Devalmency
Lois Cook
Claire Anscomb
Nona Buckley-Irvine
Billy Delaney
Ramone Walkes
Ben Freer
Ant Heron
Paige Sayer
Erin Wilton
Tang Khawaja
James Sturkey
Liam Harris
Satheesan Nagendran
Ali Mehmood
Pammas Njie
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
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.
When in the Company, dancers develop their choreographic and performance skills and get to work with top professionals.
They develop their contemporary dance technique, work with professional choreographers and take part in high profile performances, including performing at county and regional showcases in the South East.
West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy Deborah Urquhart said: “By joining the Company, dancers get an experience similar to that of a professional group. They also see what it’s like to be involved in the dance industry through high quality performances and regular training.”
The Company has been running since 2003 and has a weekly class at the University of Chichester during term time. The style of dance is primarily contemporary, although other styles are also used. It’s open to both girls and boys.
You can find out more by viewing a film at West Sussex Video. Go to the County Council website at http://www.westsussex.gov.uk/, click on ‘West Sussex Video’ and then ‘Your Chance to Dance’.
The auditions will be taken by the Company Artistic Director Justine Reeve and will consist of a basic contemporary technique class and short creative workshop.
The deadline for audition applications is Friday September 11.
riginal report below:
