Greenaway Residential Crawley have entered a team of 10 riders into this years London to Brighton bike ride in aid of The British Heart Foundation.
Greenaway Residential Estate Agents based in Crawley has always believed in giving back to the community and after organising and participating in many charitable events over the years the team have decided to step up their efforts in 2011. After recently entering a team into the Haywards Heath Bike Ride to help raise money for Help The Heroes, the team completed the nineteen mile course without any form of training and admittedly were all pretty tired. However wishing to push themselves more they have now entered a team in to the London To Brighton Bike Ride on Sunday 19th June 2011 to raise money for the British Heart Foundation. Having experienced the tiredness of the last event the team have started training towards the fifty four mile event and are under no illusion how tough it will be with a 6am start at Clapham Common. Not short of motivation the team have set their target of raising a minimum of £1500 and would ideally like raise far more this worthwhile cause. Managing Director Darren Greenaway has also pledged to donate £100 for each new Landlord who instructs Greenaway Residential Estate Agents when the property is let before the 19th June 2011.
Once the event has been completed the team then changes its focus to raise money for The Greenaway Foundation which raises money to provide Christmas for the residents of Crawley and surrounding villages. The team believe Christmas should be a happy time and we like to try and ease the burden on families that struggle over the festive time by at least providing them with the food for a hearty Christmas Dinner.
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service Issue Bank Holiday Bonfire Warning
Planning a garden clear up this bank holiday? Then firefighters are reminding you to follow a few bonfire basics to ensure your good intentions don’t end up in a 999 call.
The warning follows a recent rise in the number of calls to West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service to extinguish out of control bonfires in people’s gardens or grounds, including one in Crawley where fire crews had to help a lady to safety after a bonfire spread to a hedgerow, a car and smoke-logged her house.
Jackie Boyle, Community Fire Safety Officer for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, advised:
“With the bank holiday coming up many of us will be getting out into our gardens for a bit clear up and may need to dispose of unwanted garden waste. As the safest, most responsible and environmentally friendly way to dispose of garden waste we would recommend, wherever possible, that you take it to your local recycling centre, use a green waste collection service, or even compost it.
“With the recent blustery wind conditions, the risk of a bonfire spreading out of control is increased so if you are going to have a bonfire it’s really important that you take the right precautions to protect yourself, your property and the environment. If a bonfire is not properly controlled there is a real risk that is can spread to fences, sheds, hedges and even people’s homes, putting lives in danger.”
It’s easy to follow the bonfire basics…
. Let your neighbours know you are planning to have a bonfire or they may end up dialling 999.
. Build your bonfire away from sheds, fences and trees.
. Avoid having a bonfire in windy conditions – it increases the likelihood of the fire spreading out of control.
. Don’t build it too big, and make sure it is stable.
. Don’t burn aerosols, tyres, canisters or anything containing foam or paint – they can produce toxic fumes or explode.
. Don’t use petrol or paraffin to get the fire going – it can get out of control quickly.
. Don’t leave your bonfire unattended or leave it smoulder when you have finished – make sure it is fully extinguished.
. If a bonfire does get out of control – don’t risk injury by tackling it yourself – call 999.
For more information on recycling your garden waste log onto www.recyclingforwestsussex.org and for further fire safety advice call the Community Fire Safety team on 01243 642879.
Allergy sufferers are being given advice about a potentially harmful caterpillar.
The council is providing information to residents to help control the spread of the Brown Tail Tussock Moth this spring.
The moth’s caterpillar is covered with small hollow hairs that fall off easily and can produce swelling, itching and a nasty rash. It’s a particular problem for eczema and asthma sufferers as well as council staff who work outdoors.
The caterpillars are brown in colour with a dotted white line down each side, with two distinct orange dots near the tail.
Normally by July, they turn into a black cocoon before hatching into the adult nocturnal moth, which has a brown body and white wings. After mating the adult moths lay eggs covered in hairs on the underside of leaves.
During the autumn, the eggs hatch, young caterpillars emerge and spin a web-like hairy tent structure at the end of a leaf shoot, so that they can congregate and hibernate through the winter.
The most effective control method is to inspect trees and bushes at this time of year and remove any “tents” or caterpillars by pruning the twigs they are on, place them in a metal bucket to burn on site.
Always wear gloves, goggles and cover exposed areas of skin. This is because the tents and caterpillars will release the allergic hairs if disturbed.
The council is unable to remove all of the moths from the town, and cannot remove caterpillars from private or tenanted property. But a spraying programme reduces their numbers, as does the removal of the ‘tent’ structures in the autumn, winter and spring.
This is what Crawley Borough Council’s new inclusive BMX Track will look like – and you could get your name on it!
The council is inviting BMXers to submit potential names for six of the track’s features. Anyone can suggest a suitable name, all they have to do is visit the extreme sports blog at www.crawleyextreme.com and submit their idea before Tuesday 31st May.
The competition winner will have the feature on the track named by them as well as receiving a prize from DC Shoes, a sponsor of the track.
Winners will be notified by email and the names of the features will be announced at the BMX Track’s first Race Day event, probably at the end of June.
Councillor Lenny Walker, Cabinet member for Leisure and Culture, said: “The BMX Track is yet another fantastic sporting facility for the town and this competition is a great chance to make a lasting impression on the track.”
The new £75,000 track, which is one of just seven other official tracks in the south east, opens on Monday 23rd May.
The four-lane track is designed to reduce pedalling by using the pumping action of the rider’s body weight and leg compression to propel themselves around the track, while an extra circuit will see bumps, textured surfaces and cambered / transition corners.
The track will be designed specifically with disabled children and young people and their parents/carers in mind and is set to be totally accessible, fun and challenging for everyone.
Funding for the track, which is next to Cherry Lane Adventure Playground, was awarded to Crawley Borough Council from West Sussex County Council’s Aiming High for Disabled Children programme.
From the Antarctic to Ireland – Polar author to visit Library
Come and explore at Crawley Library on Tuesday 24th May, when bestselling author Michael Smith will discuss his books on Ireland’s Antarctic explorers.
In association with The Celtic and Irish Cultural Society, Michael’s visit will be a chance for people to find out more about the story behind his two books, ‘An Unsung Hero’ and ‘Great Endeavour’.
‘An Unsung Hero’ is a biography on Tom Crean, an Irish explorer who took part in three major voyages, including Robert Falcon Scott’s Terra Nova Expedition in 1911-1913, where he saw Scott die just before reaching the South Pole. He also walked 56km alone to save someone’s life, and this led to him receiving the Albert Medal.
‘Great Endeavour’ is about Ireland’s Antarctic Explorers, spanning 200 years of exploits and featuring exclusive stories and photographs.
Michael Smith has written books on Polar history for adults and children and contributed to a wide range of television and radio programmes, newspapers and websites.
Feeling, happier, healthier and fitter is something many of us want to achieve but if you’ve reached the end of your tether Crawley’s Wellbeing Team could help.
The Wellbeing Team, based at K2 Crawley, offer a free service to help people change their lives by encouraging them to adopt healthier lifestyles.
65-year-old Rhiannon Sharpe from Three Bridges has just been awarded as the team’s ambassador and knows all to well how the Wellbeing Team’s support can be life-changing.
Rhiannon Sharpe
She said: It’s just completely changed everything around for me; everything use to be hard work before I came here.”
Rhiannon, an ex smoker and grandmother of two, was referred to the team by her doctor following a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); a term used for lung conditions including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
In 2009 Rhiannon couldn’t walk up the stairs without stopping and had refused medics’ advice for oxygen to be given to her at home.
She said: “I wasn’t going to start using oxygen at home because it meant I would just sit there and do nothing. Everything had got so much harder; I couldn’t go dancing with my husband anymore and looking after the grandchildren was a big struggle.”
The dedicated team helped Rhiannon get back to health through fun and gentle exercise and advice on healthy eating and lifestyle habits.
She added: “I’m so much happier now; I have a zest for life. I walk two miles every day; I go dancing with my husband twice a week and I’ve taken up swimming. And thanks to all that I’ve lost a stone and a half.”
The fun-loving gran couldn’t swim before she visited Wellbeing but she took up lessons thanks to the team and now she’s a dab hand.
Rhiannon said: “The achievements I’m most proud of are the exercise and the swimming. I’m so pleased my doctor referred me, it hasn’t just changed my life it’s had a positive affect on all my family, especially my husband Rod and our grandchildren.”
Councillor Lenny Walker, Cabinet member for Leisure and Cultural Services said: “Rhiannon’s story is really inspirational and goes to show what a difference the Wellbeing Team can make to peoples’ lives when they’re determined to make a change.
“Rhiannon was referred by her doctor and it would be great to see more of this. The partnership between medical professionals and CBC is really important. The work the team do coupled with the swimming referral scheme are great examples of us working together.”
Crawley Wellbeing has something for everyone, whether it’s advice on getting fitter, kicking a habit or just improving wellbeing.
Call 01293 585317 or complete an online enquiry form at www.crawleywellbeing.org.uk to make an appointment with an advisor.
Crawley Borough Council pays tribute to John Andrew, a longstanding tenants’ representative, after he died on 22nd April.
John was heavily involved with Crawley Homes as a tenant representative. He played an active role in the Crawley Homes Forum and was its chair for the past four years.
He was involved in many other service panels during his years as an involved tenant from looking at the repairs service to the overall performance of Crawley Homes.
John, who lived in Ifield West, was a very popular person among the other involved tenants and council staff and played a large part in changes to resident involvement.
Over the past year John was one of the representatives who was involved with the Association of Retained Council Housing and will be missed by this national tenants group.
Councillor Lee Gilroy, Cabinet member for Housing, said: “I met John on many occasions. He worked tirelessly on lots of groups and forums and his input will be sorely missed by myself, council officers and his colleagues.
“John took his many representative roles seriously and his hard work and enthusiasm helped to create a better service for all of the council’s tenants.”
He played an active role in his community and was involved in other groups in the town, as well as sitting on the GP panel for his local surgery.
John’s funeral took place on Friday 6th May at Surrey and Sussex Crematorium.
Calling organisations to help disabled young people ‘Access All Areas’
West Sussex County Council is helping services ensure they offer facilities and activities to young people with disabilities.
A special event called ‘Access All Areas’ is being hosted by the County Council’s Short Breaks for Disabled Children Team on Thursday 26th May.
The team is interested in meeting organisations that can offer facilities for learning or physically disabled young people, and also for those with disabilities such as autism.
The event is aimed at organisations such as:
• Community services
• Specialist schools
• Arts and leisure services
• Horse riding schools and sports centres
• Libraries
• Uniformed youth services such as Brownies, Guides, Cubs, Scouts
• Activity centres
• Cinemas and theatres
• Clubs
The information morning will include workshops, information zones and grant funding packs.
Peter Evans, County Council Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “Organisations can find out what grants they can apply for to ensure our disabled young people are given the best opportunities in West Sussex.
“We want to provide funding to enable organisations to deliver experiences and short breaks for our children and young people.”
“The series of workshops and presentations on the day will give organisations the opportunity to talk to others that applied for grants last year and find out how they used their money and what was achieved with it.”
The event is being held at Hilton Avisford Park, Yapton Lane, (BN18 0LS), from 9.30am ending with a networking lunch at 1pm.
Freedom Leisure joined the World’s Biggest Swim throughout the month of April by raising funds during the annual Swimathon for Marie Curie Cancer Care. Friends and family from around Sussex rallied together to swim a 1.5k, 2.5k or a 5k personal challenge at ten of Freedom Leisure’s pools. Together 211 swimmers completed their challenge on the day and have raised a grand total of £16,402.¹
The national Swimathon was supported by TV presenter and keen swimmer, Gail Porter and Olympic gold medallist, Duncan Goodhew, all with the aim of beating last year’s £2million national total. All funds raised go towards providing Marie Curie nurses to care and support cancer suffers or those with other terminal illness, in the comfort and familiar surroundings of their own home.
Freedom Leisure staff were on-hand with training advice for those taking part, as well as providing support and encouragement on the day when swimmers took to the water. Swimming is credited to be one of best total body exercise’s for both health and fitness. Not only does regular swimming get the heart and lungs pumping, but it is also great for building muscular strength and stamina, all whilst being relaxing and fun.
Jeff Hart, Managing Director of Freedom Leisure said, ‘Freedom Leisure is pleased to have been involved in Swimathon again this year and we’re very proud to have helped local people raise over £16,000. It is a great achievement for all involved and we look forward to supporting next years swimmers in raising funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care’.
Freedom Leisure centre’s that took part were K2 Crawley, Crowborough, Summerfield’s, Uckfield, and Hailsham Leisure Centre, Bexhill Leisure pool as well as The Dolphin, Triangle, Kings Centre and Rye Sport Centre.¹
What does the Big Society mean to you? West Sussex County Council would like to know and is launching an online survey to find out.
The survey is designed to find out about how people are already getting involved in their local communities and help the County Council understand what it could do to help.
County Council Leader, Louise Goldsmith, said: “Many people across the county are already rising to the challenge of the Big Society and playing an active role in deciding what their communities need and in many cases helping to deliver that service or role.
“We hope this survey will uncover many more examples of the Big Society in action and help us to look ahead to how we might help to expand the concept in every corner of the county.”
To take part in the survey visit the County Council website at www.westsussex.gov.uk/haveyoursay and click on the ‘live consultations’ link.
At the end of the survey people will be invited to join the County Council’s residents’ e-panel – an online group which regularly asks for opinions and views on a range of topics.
Louise added: “The e-panel is a great way for us to quickly and easily find out more about the views of our residents. By signing up you will be helping to shape the future of our county.”
Find out more about the e-panel and the Big Society by searching on the County Council website at www.westsussex.gov.uk
Do you live in Broadfield? Do you want to get involved and make a difference to what happens in your neighbourhood?
Crawley Borough Council would like to invite you to be part of a team working with representatives from local organisations to take part in a neighbourhood audit in Broadfield. We are looking for six residents to be part of the team, which will plan and carry out the audit.
The project will involve speaking to people who live and work in the area to find out what they think of the neighbourhood and local services to ensure that they have a say in what happens and that future services meet their needs.
You will receive training to develop skills to carry out the audit. Being part of the team will provide you with the opportunity to meet new people, develop new skills and make a difference to your community. Volunteer expenses will be covered.
The project will start in May. If you are interested in getting involved or would like more information, call Kathryn Ripley on 01293 438633 or email kathryn.ripley@crawley.gov.uk
THE YOUTH Awards 2011 is underway and anyone can nominate an inspirational young person from the town.
Now in its seventh year, the awards aim to celebrate and recognise young people who have made a real difference to Crawley and its community.
Organised by Crawley Borough Council, in partnership with West Sussex County Council Youth Service, Crawley School Sports Partnership, West Sussex Council for Voluntary Youth Services, Crawley Young Persons Council and Crawley Wellbeing, the young people will be awarded for their achievements in November.
The sell-out event last year saw around 500 young people recognised for their impressive achievements across the town.
Anyone can nominate a young person and the only criteria for nominees are that they are under 25 years old and they reside in Crawley, or the reason for their nomination occurred within the town.
Those nominating young people under 16 must also get permission from the nominee’s parents or guardians first.
There are 12 awards in four categories, these are:
Community Awards:
Let’s FACE It! – Environment Award
Crawley Lions Club – Carer Recognition Award
Crawley Young Persons Council – Volunteer Award
Sports Awards:
EEZEHAUL – Young Sports Person of the Year Award
Freedom Leisure – Sports Team Award
Crawley School Sports Partnership – Sports Volunteer Award
Arts Awards:
Safer Crawley Partnership – Music Award
Topsy Turvy – Dance and Drama Award
Crawley Metal Supplies – Visual Arts Award
Personal Achievement Awards:
Apollo Group – Inspiration Award
Sussex Police – Courage Award
West Sussex County Council – Educational Achievement Award
If you would like to see an inspirational young person recognised then log onto www.crawley.gov.uk/yaa Or pick up a nomination form from schools, youth centres, the Town Hall, K2 Crawley, The Hawth, Crawley Library, Topsy Turvy (town centre hairdresser) and Connexions. The deadline for nominations is September 14, 2011.
The Friends of Goffs Park are holding a musical event on Sunday 15th May.
Music in the Park, on the top lawn behind Goffs Park House, begins at 3pm. The Martineau Brass Quintet will entertain visitors in the beautiful surroundings with ‘St Peter’s Church in Ifield Road, West Green’.
If the weather is poor the event will relocate to St Peter’s Church in Ifield Road, West Green.
For more information call Tony Coles on 01293 527402 or Andy Rogers on 01293 537257
Music To Our Ears – Music Service is ‘outstanding’
West Sussex Music Serivce's County Youth Orchestra
West Sussex Music Service (WSMS) is singing from the rooftops after being rated ‘outstanding’ by the Federation of Music Services (FMS).
The FMS, which is a collection of 150 of the UK’s local education authority music services representing more than 500,000 pupils and 10,000 teachers, worked with Ofsted on the decision.
The two organisations agreed WSMS offers outstanding music education and music making opportunities for schools, young people and the West Sussex community.
West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Education and Schools, Peter Griffiths, said: “We are delighted with this accolade, showing what a great service WSMS is.
“The WSMS service is closely aligned to the local authority’s vision for education, providing high quality music and education for all children and young people in, and out of school.
“With 10 music centres around the county, children can learn a range of instruments from the popular guitar or drums to the more unusual gamelan or djembe.
“There are also regular rock workshops, where people can perform in a band, and samba drumming classes.”
There’s also good news for the WSMS County Youth Orchestra, which has been awarded a place for the first time at the National Festival of Music for Youth in Birmingham.
They will play at the Symphony Hall on Saturday July 9, after winning their place by performing three pieces of music, including ‘Music from Gladiators’ by Wessel.
The orchestra will also perform as part of Chichester Festivities on June 30 in Chichester Cathedral and will tour the Czech Republic in July.
WSMS is looking for local businesses to sponsor the orchestra and other music groups.
County Council guide to help people cope with bereavement
A BEREAVEMENT Guide has been produced by West Sussex County Council’s Registration Service.
Pete Bradbury, the County Council Cabinet Member responsible for the Service, said: “The brochure has two principle aims. The first is to help people as they face probably one of the most stressful and sad times in their lives.
“The second is to provide helpful advice and information.”
The Guide covers:
• What to do when a person dies – where to go, who to contact, what action needs to be taken.
• Emotional help – the many organisations that can assist people to cope with grief.
• The work of the Coroner – including inquests.
• The scattering and interring of ashes.
• Roadside memorials and tributes.
• Leaving money to charity.
A comprehensive checklist details the many organisations people may need to contact to tell them about the death.
The Guide concludes with The Last Farewell, which focuses on music at funerals.
“Music can evoke powerful emotions and in recent years people have been keen to add a more modern twist to their funeral by requesting contemporary songs,” says the Guide.
The Guide is available at a range of venues, including Libraries, Help Points, Registration Offices, GPs surgeries, and related businesses. It can also be viewed on the County Council website: www.westsussex.gov.uk
Funding is now available under the Warm Front Scheme for residents to apply for grants to help keep their homes warm this winter.
It might soon be summer, but residents can apply now for the scheme, which gives grants to install insulation and heating improvements to make homes more energy efficient.
The scheme now has a new set of criteria, to qualify a person must live in their own home or rent privately and the property must have a SAP rating of 55 or under (this will be assessed at the beginning of the technical survey).
The scheme offers heating and insulation improvements worth up to £3,500 (£6,000 for oil central heating and other technologies). As energy prices rise, installing insulation and other improvements can result in more affordable heating and save money on household bills.
To apply for a Warm Front grant or find out more, call freephone 0800 316 2814 or visit www.warmfront.co.uk.
Grants will be awarded on a first come, first served basis.
A householder or spouse must be in receipt of one of the following to apply for a grant:
Pension Credit:
• Guaranteed credit or
• Savings credit
Income Support or Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance and have any of the following:
• Has parental responsibility for a child under five-years-old who ordinarily resides with that person
• Child Tax Credit (which must include a disability or severe disability element for a child or young person)
• Disabled Child Premium
• Disability Premium (enhanced disability or severe disability element premium)
• Pensioner Premium (higher pensioner premium or enhanced pensioner premium)
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) which includes a work related activity or support component and have any of the following:
• Has a parental responsibility for a child under five-years old who ordinarily resides with that person
• Child Tax Credit (which must include a disability or severe disability element for a child or young person)
• Disabled Child Premium
• Disability Premium (enhanced disability or severe disability element premium)
• Pensioner Premium (higher pensioner premium or enhanced pensioner premium)
Composting – Give it a Grow, says West Sussex County Council
GARDENERS in West Sussex are being urged to ‘Give it a Grow’ during the 11th annual international Compost Awareness Week, which got underway on Sunday (May 1).
The call comes from West Sussex County Council, which is offering compost bins for as little as £2, and Better Tomorrows, the independent community interest company that aims to put the lid on the amount of rubbish that goes in the bin.
During 2011, the County Council is staging a series of composting events throughout West Sussex at farmers’ markets and food and gardening shows.
Their theme will be based on a ‘Pass It On’ concept, which aims to revive community spirit and encourage those already composting or growing their own vegetables to pass on their knowledge and skills to friends, family and neighbours.
Deborah Urquhart, County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy, said: “UK households in England throw away around four million tonnes of waste every year that could have been composted.
“More than 30% of the average household bin can be composted. One third of householders already compost at home, but we want others to get involved.
“Home composting organic waste materials helps to significantly reduce carbon emissions and can also be used as an effective and sustainable waste management method to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.
“That’s why we’re saying to gardeners – ‘Give it a Grow’.”
For those interested in home composting, now is the perfect time to get started. Householders can purchase home compost bins for as little as £2 for a 220 litre model and £18 for the larger 330 litre version plus delivery (until stocks last).
For further information about these products, please call:0844 571 4444. You can also order your home composters and composting accessories online, just visit www.getcomposting.com
On Friday 29th April 2011 the world looked on as Prince William married Catherine Middleton.
After the very emotional ceremony the good people of Crawley went on to celebrate in style! Flags donned the streets along with lots of food and refreshments all in preparation of the street parties.
We would like to thank the lovely people at Malthouse Road for the veggie burger, all the residents of Matthews Drive for the chocolate and lemonade, the fab people at Furnace Farm Road for the shandy and burger (and apologies for smashing the glass….ooops). Drake Road residents supplied us with a yummy bit of BBQ’ed chicken and last but not least the pint donated by The Half Moon before we settled down at The Windmill, Gossops Green to relax and enjoy the rest of the day.
You all did Crawley proud. We look forward to the next street parties
On Wednesday 27th April Crawley Borough Council’s held a civic reception for Crawley Town FC at the Arora International Hotel.
Mayor of Crawley, Councillor Lee Burke, with football club directors Sue and Ian Carter
The council presented club directors Sue and Ian Carter with a commemorative glass vase. Vic Marley, the club chairman, presented the Mayor of Crawley, Councillor Lee Burke, with a print of the team as they line up, ready to take on Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Mayor of Crawley, Councillor Lee Burke, with Vic Marley, chairman
Mayor of Crawley, Councillor Lee Burke, with Steve Evans, manager
Steve Evans, manager, said: “Crawley Town FC have had the most remarkable season. Bruce Winfield was the man who started this project and helped drive it through. We are heading to the Football League and we will try to represent the town in the same way we have over the past nine months. I’d like to thank everyone at Crawley Borough Council for their support.”
-r) Paul Raynor, assistant manager; Mark Stein, physiotherapist; Mayor of Crawley, Councillor Lee Burke; Steve Evans, manager; Gee Evans, chief scout
Mayor of Crawley, Councillor Lee Burke, with Crawley Town FC's first team squad and the Blue Square Premier Division trophy
Speech by Mayor of Crawley, Councillor Lee Burke
“Well ladies and gentlemen, where do I start.
I think it best if we go back to the very beginning. To look at the many highs and the one real low that has brought us all to be here today.
As you are all probably aware Crawley Town Football Club was formed in 1896 and played their formative years in the West Sussex League.
One hundred and ones years later – and after 48 seasons at Town Mead – the club moved to the magnificent Broadfield Stadium.
However, we’re here to talk about the past nine months that have made this the most incredible season.
The 2010/11 season would become the most famous season in the clubs history. New signings were made to strengthen the squad and “Project Promotion” commenced.
The season started well and come the turn of the year project promotion was on track and a place in the FA Cup 3rd round against Derby County was looming, following the away win at Swindon Town.
For those of us that were at the Broadfield Stadium on that damp cold Monday night on January 10th I am sure it was a night that we will never forget. The atmosphere inside the packed stadium was superb. When Sergio Torres struck the ball home in the 91st minute, and wrote a little piece of FA Cup history, the noise was deafening, especially as I had the Mayoress screaming in may ear.
The 4th round gave the club an away tie at Torquay, and Matt Tubbs superb strike put the club into the 5th round for the first time in its history.
I am sure that not only the majority of Crawley, but the majority of the country was watching the draw for the 5th round. Who would Crawley get? The Man Utd ball was picked and then everyone held their breath, the next ball was Crawley. I should think that the scenes of delight from the Redz Bar that were played out on our TV screens were mirrored in many, many homes across the town.
The 19th February 2011 is a date that is etched on our memories forever. To have been able to go to Old Trafford as Mayor to represent the town was a real honour. As has been widely reported as well as being a Crawley Town fan I am also a Manchester United fan. But on that day my allegiance was with only one team, the team of this town. Before the game many Utd fans and, even stewards, came up to me to wish Crawley the best of luck. The atmosphere inside Old Trafford was superb. That atmosphere was created by the thousands of Crawley Town supporters who had travelled up. The United fans appeared nervously quieter than I had expected.
The team that day put in an outstanding performance. Any nerves that you guys may have had before kick off appeared to go quite quickly as you got on with the game. You were not outclassed and you were not outplayed. I am sure that everyone’s heart skipped a beat when that ball bounced of the top of the cross bar towards the end. You may well have lost that day but you left the Theatre of Dreams with your heads held high. Not only showing a magnificent advert for non league football but a magnificent advert for Crawley Town FC.
Your exploits in the FA Cup this season have brought the world’s media to Crawley and through the power of football you have shown the country and the world what a brilliant town Crawley is.
Despite the welcomed distraction of the cup run the priority this season has always been project promotion. As of today 45 league games have been played, of which 31 have been won and 11 drawn. An impressive 92 goals have been scored and only 29 conceded.
The championship was secured on Saturday 9th April, with five games in hand, with a 3-0 win at Tamworth.
Unfortunately there was one person missing that day. One person, who had supported the club over many, many years, through good times and bad. One person, who had been involved at the highest level in the last couple of years.
We all know that I am referring to Bruce. It was a real shame that he could not be there in person to see his beloved Crawley secure the championship. But I am sure he was looking down that day with immense pride, as he is today.
I want to thank John Duly, Vic Marley, Alan Williams, Susan Carter and of course Bruce Winfield for all they have done in bringing stability to the club.
I want to thank Steve Evans, Paul Raynor, the players and the staff of Crawley Town FC for bringing so much joy to the people of Crawley this season.
Being a Football League club will bring new challenges both on and off the field. The players have already shown this season, with wins over league opposition, that they are capable of doing well at this higher level. We look forward to welcoming new opposition to the Broadfield next season and we will be right behind you as you challenge for a place in League One. Before that though there is the game against York on Saturday and the potential to secure 107 points for the season. This is an outstanding achievement.
Before I finish I would like to convey apologies and congratulations to Crawley Town FC from those members of the council unable to attend today’s celebration, as well as those of our MP, Henry Smith.
On behalf of the town and people of Crawley, and on behalf of the country, it is with immense pride that I congratulate you all at Crawley Town FC for what you have achieved this season. I wish you all the very best for life in the football league.
Thank you.”
(l-r) Matt Tubbs, Pablo Mills and Mayor of Crawley, Councillor Lee Burke
Henry Smith today welcomed news that Tesco has invested £30,849 worth of ‘Tesco for Schools and Clubs’ equipment into local schools and clubs over the last year.
Henry said:
“Crawley is in the top fifty places nationally in which Tesco has invested the most into.
“I want to congratulate the community-minded spirit of locals for collecting so many vouchers at the till and to thank Tesco for the scheme. Over a million were collected last year, and I would encourage people to keep it up this year until the deadline on May 8th. So if they’re hanging around the house or kicking around the car then now’s the time to drop them off at your participating school or club!”
Tesco’s Government Affairs Director, Ben Coates, told Henry:
“For the first time, we are encouraging customers to choose a local school or club to receive their spare vouchers, by setting ‘postboxes’ in Community Champion stores. We hope this will contribute to even more equipment being distributed than the 440,000 items worth £9.3 million we gave nationally in 2011.”
