Posts Tagged ‘CHT’
Thursday, June 30th, 2011
Speed cushions proposed for Worth Road
A PROPOSAL to install speed cushions and a signal-controlled Puffin crossing in Worth Road, Pound Hill, will be discussed at the next public meeting of the East Crawley County Local Committee.
The proposal is contained in a report drawn up for the Committee by County Hall highways experts.
The report says Worth Road has a poor personal injury record. In the three years up to March 2009, there were nine personal injury road traffic accidents – one fatal, two serious and six slight.
“The scheme is intended to improve road safety and especially to benefit vulnerable road users including pedestrians wishing to cross Worth Road,” says the report.
“With speed cushions located throughout the length of Worth Road, average vehicle speeds are more likely to be contained within the 30mph limit.
“A signal-controlled Puffin crossing will improve accessibility for pedestrians, especially school children and patients going to the doctors’ surgery located at the western end of Worth Road.”
The report proposes eight sets of cushions, which would allow wider wheel base vehicles, such as fire engines, ambulances and buses, to travel over them without disturbing passengers or increasing response times.
The crossing would be at the junction of Crawley Lane and there would be improved signs and white lines.
Richard Burrett, Committee Chairman, said: “The proposals we will be discussing have been drawn up by the County Council’s transport officers following considerable consultation with residents and interested parties.”
The meeting is being held on Tuesday 5th July in The Longley Room, Crawley Library, starting at 7pm.
Tags: CHT, crawley borough council, Information, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, Speed cushions proposed for Worth Road, West Sussex County Council
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Tuesday, June 28th, 2011
Small charities in West Sussex meet to join forces
Nearly 50 small charities from all over West Sussex have been given the chance to meet each other and see how they could work together.
The meeting was hosted by County Council Chairman Mike Coleman after a request from the Foundation for Social Improvement, which encourages small charities to join forces. It marked the end of the nationwide Small Charities Week.
“I was happy to lead the event, which was a landmark meeting for many of the small charities,” said Mike. “These days many of them are being called on to contribute to the Big Society, and simply getting to know each other means many can now think about sharing resources.”
A total of 49 individual charities from all areas were invited to attend. The organisations provide support, advice and activities for a wide range of people including older people, children, people with disabilities and those who are isolated or disadvantaged. Other groups are working to improve the environment.
“I learned a great deal about new initiatives and challenges that are under way,” continued Mike. “As a County Council we can now see if there are ways in which we can help these smaller organisations.”
Tags: CHT, Community, crawley borough council, Small charities in West Sussex meet to join forces, Times
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Tuesday, June 21st, 2011
WEST SUSSEX FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE SUPPORTS CHILD SAFETY WEEK
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is reminding parents and guardians not to forget about fire risks during Child Safety Week (20th to 26th June).
Child Safety Week, run annually by the charity Child Accident Prevention Trust, is designed to raise awareness of the main causes of serious childhood accidents and how to prevent them happening. House fires are still one of the biggest killers of children in the home but remembering to take a few simple precautions can make all the difference when it comes to keeping children safe.
During this awareness week firefighters will be visiting Southbourne Junior School, St Robert Southwell Primary School in Horsham and Wick Community Centre in Littlehampton to talk to children about the dangers of fire and raise awareness of the importance of safety precautions like having smoke alarms and an escape plan.
Carol Hart, Youth Education Officer for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, said:
“Fire holds a fascination for many children so it’s really important for their parents and guardians to talk with them about the dangers as well as make sure they know what to do should a fire break out.”
“Simple precautions like making sure that matches and lighters are kept well out of children’s reach and taking a moment to scan the room for potential hazards take just seconds, but can save lives. Getting children involved in testing your smoke alarm each week also helps to keep them fire aware, as well making sure your home and family is protected.”
Here are West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s top tips for a safer home:
. Keep candles, lighters and matches well out of children’s reach, and never leave burning candles unattended.
. Make sure children know that the kitchen is not a play area and set clear ground rules like: never switch on the cooker, never put anything on top of it and don’t touch any saucepans on the hob.
. Never leave younger children alone in the kitchen when you’re cooking and never let them play near the oven and hob.
. Discuss how to call 999 – make sure children know which number to call in an emergency. They should also know their address. You could pin both up by the phone and explain the importance of only calling 999 in a real emergency.
. Nominate your child to be ‘Escape champ’ – regularly role-play escape routes and give children responsibility to keep escape routes clear.
. Fit and maintain a smoke alarm – a working smoke alarm can give you that vital time you need to escape safely from a fire. You should fit one on each level of your home and test it weekly.
To find out more about Child Safety Week visit www.childsafetyweek.org.uk and for fire safety advice call the Community Fire Safety Team on 01243 642879
Tags: CHT, crawley borough council, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, WEST SUSSEX FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE SUPPORTS CHILD SAFETY WEEK
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Thursday, June 16th, 2011
West Sussex Youth Charity get £100,000 Big Society boost
Outset Youth Action has received £100k backing from the Government to ensure it can continue to help young people in West Sussex. To date the Government’s Transition Fund has helped more than 900 charities, which are most vulnerable to reductions in public spending, to prepare for new opportunities being developed to support a Big Society.
Outset Youth Action (Outset) is an independent county wide youth organisation and registered Charity which operates over the whole county of West Sussex.
Outset acts as a volunteering agency for young people aged 13 – 25, encouraging and supporting young people to take on a wide range of volunteering opportunities within their community. The nature of these opportunities is to provide support and benefit to West Sussex communities and contribute to each young person’s own personal development.
Outset encourages and supports a wide range of young people to volunteer for the benefit of their local community, irrespective of their personal situation. Outset Volunteers don’t need to have had previous volunteering experience – just a commitment to helping others and making a difference in their community.
Outset provides safe and suitable placements and oversees matters relating to health and safety. All placements are carefully monitored and risk assessed by Outset to ensure that they are both appropriate and safe for volunteers.
Community Organisations benefit from young people’s voluntary support to enhance the service that they provide the community. Young people influence and shape services and through their positive activities help dispel concerns about young people especially amongst vulnerable groups.
Sally Sikora, Outset Chief Executive States: We are thrilled to have received this ‘life-line’ from the Transition Fund. We have experienced catastrophic funding cuts this year from central government which has had a direct effect on our capacity to uphold services to the neediest of young people in West Sussex. With the support of the TRANSITION FUND we can continue to provide a service across the whole county of West Sussex and now have the capacity to develop our partnerships across all sectors in order to sustain our work into the future.
Francis Maude, Minister for the Cabinet Office, said:
“We all want a bigger, stronger society where people get involved and do their bit. This isn’t new – there are already loads of people right across Britain taking responsibility and making our communities better places to live. What is new is that this Government is making it easier for people to do more: giving people power to improve public service, putting communities in control, and supporting people to help others.”
Nick Hurd, Minister for Civil Society, said:
“The Transition Fund is part of a much wider package of support for charities and voluntary groups and social enterprises. The Cabinet Office will invest around £470million in direct support over four years. We are opening up new opportunities for charities to deliver public services, cutting red tape and developing new sources of finance such as the Big Society Bank.
“However, the scale of the economic challenges we face as a country mean that charities are facing tough times. All the charities receiving transition funds have a plan to overcome current challenges and emerge stronger. We recognise the hugely important contribution charities make to our society and we are committed to supporting them.”
Details of Outset Youth Action can be found:
www.outsetyouth.org.uk info@outsetyouth.org.uk Tel : 01798 831153
County Office, Lodge Hill Pulborough, West Sussex, RH20 1LZ
Tags: 000 Big Society boost, CHT, Community, crawley borough council, crawley happy times, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, West Sussex Youth Charity get £100
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Wednesday, June 15th, 2011
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.
Greenaway Residential Estate Agents welcome all donations so please click on the link www.justgiving.com/teams/greenawayresidential
Tags: bike, British Heart Foundation, charity, children, CHT, Community, crawley happy times, Darren Greenaway, Greenaway Residential Estate Agents, Information, Jenny Anscombe, Local Estate Agents get on their Bikes, London To Brighton Bike Ride, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, Simon Brown, Times
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Monday, June 13th, 2011
Latest guide to approved traders now available
THE latest Approved Traders Directory, which is free and lists more than 350 local traders that have been comprehensively vetted by West Sussex County Council Trading Standards Service, is out now.
The directory is produced by Trading Standards to support its Buy With Confidence scheme, which was launched in 2005 to protect consumers, particularly older and vulnerable residents, from dodgy dealers.
Every trader featured in the directory has been vetted by Trading Standards officers, including a Criminal Records Bureau check when applicable. They are regularly monitored to make sure they continue to offer a high quality service.
Pete Bradbury, County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “The directory gives consumers peace of mind because all businesses listed have agreed to provide a trustworthy and high standard of customer service.
“It is particularly valuable for older and vulnerable consumers who need to know who they can trust and it will help protect them from becoming victims in their own homes.”
The Approved Traders Directory is available from Buy With Confidence traders, Libraries, Register Offices, Help Points, Tourist Information Centres, District and Borough Council offices, doctors and dentists surgeries and selected DIY stores across West Sussex or by calling 01243 642124.
It can also be viewed on line www.westsussex.gov.uk/tradingstandards
West Sussex County Council Trading Standards Service is always seeking reputable businesses to join Buy With Confidence.
Pete said: “Buy With Confidence is another example of the way West Sussex County Council is backing local businesses in a challenging economic climate.
“It is a valuable resource for all local legitimate businesses because membership tells residents you’re a trader to be trusted, particularly at a time when people are being cautious about where they spend their money.
“It is independent recognition of your business’ standards and tells consumers you have demonstrated a high level of commitment to fair trading and provide a quality service.”
Buy With Confidence membership entitles traders to:
• A free listing in the Approved Trader Directory and the opportunity to advertise their business.
• A place on the ‘Buy with Confidence’ website, including a link to their website.
• Certificate of membership to display in premises.
• Use of the Buy with Confidence logo on premises, stationery and transport.
• Regular newsletters.
• The opportunity to advertise through West Sussex County Council media at discounted rates.
For further information about how to become a member call 01243 642124, email: buywithconfidence@westsussex.gov.uk
Tags: CHT, Community, crawley borough council, Latest guide to approved traders now available, West Sussex
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Friday, June 10th, 2011
County Malls
Very own Fathers Day Giftspiration event where tenants will be out in the mall promoting the top products and gadgets for Fathers Day.
For the low down on 2011′s key Fathers day presents and advice on how to avoid choosing the wrong wooly jumper. This will equal one happy Dad and one gleeful you.
Thursday 16th June - Saturday 18th june
Bar Med
have organised a mass charity collection in County Mall for Great Ormond Street Hospital – there will be lots of the uniforms taking part including Police, Ambulance and Fireman – please come down and support this brilliant cause.
Saturday 18th June
YMCA
will be in County Mall on a recruitment drive promoting their training programmes and work placements
Wednesday 22nd June
Tags: children, CHT, Community, crawley happy times, Fathers Day Giftspiration at County Mall Crawley, Information, News Bulletins, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, West Sussex
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Thursday, June 9th, 2011
Health conscious Crawley people are snapping up places on a new adults’ speed walking/running group in Broadfield.
Set up in April, the Run for You group is now attracting even more members each week who are all beginners to running or speed walking.
With the support of Crawley Wellbeing, the course is led by town resident Steph Martin who is keen to prove anyone can get jogging regardless of their size, age or ability.
The group meets at Broadfield, Stadium at 6.30pm every Tuesday and costs £2.50, of which Steph donates 50p to St Catherine Hospice, the local charity she runs for.
The session takes place in nearby Rathlin Road Park and last an hour.
Steph is planning to set up a Thursday night group starting 23rd June at 6.30pm, meeting at the tennis courts in West Green Park.
Steph is also keen to set up other Run for You groups around the town if there is enough demand.
For more information contact Steph Martin on 0783 5612 851 or the Wellbeing Team on 01293 585317
Tags: Chichester, CHT, Councillor Lenny Walker, crawley borough council, Health conscious town folk pound the pavements, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, West Sussex County Council
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Thursday, June 9th, 2011
The Hawth’s new season is shaping up nicely – here’s what you can look forward to is the autumn months. It has everything you expect from us and maybe even a little more. There’s comedy, dance, film, family shows and theatre but also aerial performances and even mind reading.
While the last of the summer weather keeps the evening’s warm audiences can still enjoy alfresco theatre. Families will love Roald Dahl favourite Fantastic Mr Fox (Aug 3, Goffs Park), Pirates of Penzance (Aug 11, Amphitheatre) and Wind In The Willows (Aug 20 & 21, Amphitheatre) in August. It’s also a season of classics as Theatre San Frontieres return to Crawley with their production of Lorca’s Love in the Garden (Oct 13) performed in Spanish, Shakespeare’s Othello (Oct 20) is brought to life with a Caribbean setting and a twist in the casting and Rebecca Vaughn is back after the success of Austin’s Women, with I Elizabeth (Oct 19), a powerful exploration of the virgin queen’s struggle with womanhood and sovereignty. Those looking for something a little different can look forward to Mindwalking (Oct 16), aerial theatre from the award-winning BandBazi that takes on the emotionally charged subject of dementia.
As always music plays a key part in the season with Kate Rusby’s (Sept 
fourth visit to The Hawth in September. One of the UK’s best loved rock ‘n’ roll legends Joe Brown (Oct 2) takes to the stage with his timeless classics and BBC Big Band are back by popular demand this time with Ken Peplowski (Oct 22) offering a tribute to Benny Goodman. If you want something more serene then the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (Oct 15) kick off the new Classical Concert Series by transporting everyone to Scandinavia with music of Sibelius and Grieg. Blues fans will be delighted to hear Crawley Blues Festival (Oct 29) is back for the sixth year in a row. The day brings together the likes of Mike Piggott, Martin Wheatley and Mike Dowling while the evening sees the return of Southern Nights, Nigel Bagge and Eddie Armer plus many more.
Kate Rusby
If you enjoy dance performances then get ready for a great night with Candoco (Oct 7) as the dance company of able bodied and disabled dancers celebrate their 20th anniversary. For a taste of the Emerald Isle why not join Rhythm of the Dance (Oct 3) with their special guests the three Irish Tenors and experience some of the world’s finest Irish dancing.
Candoco Dance
There’s also a selection of laugh out loud comedy in October; mind reader Chris Cox (Oct 26) will amaze and astound as he does the impossible and controls coincidence. You may have seen Hal Cruttenden (Oct 27) on television with the like of Jason Manford, Michael McIntyre and Rob Brydon – now’s your chance to see him live as he shares his witty observation, minute grievances and misplaced anger. Rounding off a week of comedy is Paul Foot (Oct 28), one of the UK’s most creative and original comedians.
October is Black History Month which offers up a selection of events this year from Conversations with the Blues (Oct 5) with Paul Oliver and Michael Roach to children’s show Droplets (Oct 16 & 17) which takes little ones on a journey from the west to Africa. There is also the main event, Black History Celebration (Oct 8), which this year has an African and Caribbean theme to celebrate Crawley’s links to the Barbados Olympics team. With performances by local artists and headline act Steady Bredren performing classic reggae it’s sure to be a great night for all the family.
As always there is plenty for families to look forward to. As well as all the outdoor theatre there is also a great selection of the popular weekend morning studio shows. A Bird In Your Ear (Sept 24)will enthral children of 3 plus as all the stories in it are from the imaginations of little ones and The Way Back Home (Oct 2) brings award-winning author Oliver Jeffers’ intergalactic adventure to life.
For more information on all these shows and more pick up a What’s On brochure at the Hawth or call the box office : 01293 553636 or visit www.hawth.co.uk to sign up to the mailing list.
Tags: CHT, Community, crawley borough council, crawley happy times, Information, New Season @ The Hawth, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, Updates, West Sussex County Council
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Wednesday, June 8th, 2011
Gatwick Diamond Meet the Buyers 2011
A speed dating event for businesses is coming to Crawley.
Gatwick Diamond Meet the Buyers takes place on Thursday 30th June at the Arora Hotel in Crawley. It’s an opportunity for local SMEs to meet a range of buyers who are looking for new and innovative suppliers for upcoming tenders.
The event aims to promote local sourcing and improve economic growth in the Gatwick Diamond region.
Meet the Buyers is based on speed dating for buyers and suppliers. Before the event suppliers have the opportunity to review the buyers’ catalogue, in which the buyers highlight their needs. >From this, suppliers can identify the buyers that they would like meet with for a 10-minute pre-arranged appointment.
The event is sponsored by Gatwick Airport, the Gatwick Diamond Initiative, Crawley Borough Council and Mid Sussex District Council and supported by Horsham, Reigate and Banstead and Mole Valley district councils.
To encourage local SMEs to join this year’s event, the sponsors are subsidising the entrance fee for businesses operating in the Gatwick Diamond area.
Workshops leading up to the Meet the Buyers event will help SMEs prepare for the networking day and beyond through the tendering process. Led by consultants with years of industry experience, these half-day workshops are the most efficient way to get SMEs up to speed for Meet the Buyers and the ensuing tendering process.
Last year’s programme involved 364 companies in total, 110 of which attended the Meet the Buyers day. The 2011 Meet the Buyers event looks set to be even bigger.
In 2010 the value of business generated through the Gatwick Diamond Meet the Buyers programme was just under £3m – an excellent result, which shows a year on year increase.
For more details on the workshops or Meet the Buyers, visit
www.business-business.co.uk/gatwickdiamondmeetthebuyers or email Philippa@btob.co.uk
Tags: Arora Hotel, CHT, Community, county, crawley borough council, Crawley Borough Council and Mid Sussex District Council and supported by Horsham, crawley happy times, Gatwick Airport, Gatwick Diamond Meet the Buyers 2011, Gatwick Diamond Meet the Buyers takes, Information, Philippa@btob.co.uk, Reigate and Banstead and Mole Valley district councils., Shelley Fagence-Traynor, the Gatwick Diamond Initiative, Times, Updates, West Sussex County Council
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Tuesday, June 7th, 2011
Vote now for pioneering Hastings Homeless Service!
Sussex residents are being urged to cast their vote for the ground breaking St John Ambulance Homeless Service which provides first aid and vital health care to some of the most vulnerable people in Hastings.
The service has reached the South East semi-finals of the National Lottery Awards and is now relying on local people to see it crowned with the coveted ‘Best Health Project’ title.
The project is competing against nine others in its category. The first round of public voting runs until midday on 20th June – vote by visiting www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards/best-health-project/123/ or call 0844 836 9703.
The three projects with the most votes in each category will go through to the final round of public voting later in the summer.
St John Ambulance set up its Hastings Homeless Service in 2003 with the help of a £152,701 Lottery grant. It received another £181,498 worth of Lottery funding in 2007.
Hastings podiatrist Sue Rains is pictured tending to the feet of a homeless client
The charity’s 14-strong team of dedicated volunteers provides a unique service to homeless and vulnerable people who, for a variety of complex reasons, find themselves excluded from GP and other mainstream health services.
The service ranges from emergency first aid in life or death situations to ongoing support designed to help desperate people turn their lives around.
The team includes five nurses, a mental health nurse and a podiatrist. Together they provide four daytime health clinics a week at the Seaview Project day-centre in St Leonards and a fortnightly Saturday evening clinic at Hope Kitchen in Hastings.
The free drop-in clinics enable homeless people to receive treatment for a range of serious illnesses and conditions common among those who live at the margins of society – they include bronchitis, trench foot, skeletal injuries and mental problems linked to alcohol and drug abuse. Last year the service had more than 1,400 contacts with clients.
Along with professional health care, the charity also provides a wide range of support services designed to help people tackle their problems and turn their lives around.
A homeless man with trench foot
A pioneering partnership between the Homeless Service and the Conquest Hospital has been successful in reducing repeated readmission to hospital because St John Ambulance ensures patients are given the support they need when they are discharged after treatment.
The project has reduced the burden on the NHS while ensuring that discharged patients don’t simply return to their desperate lives on the streets with all the associated health risks.
Homeless Service Manager Markie Barratt said: ‘It’s easy to vote so I hope as many people as possible will support us.’
‘Gaining a national award would be a great boost for the project which relies on public donations and Lottery funding to provide vital health care to people who most need it. In many cases the service is quite literally the difference between a life lost and a life saved.’
Tags: CHT, Community, County council, crawley borough council, crawley happy times, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, Vote now for pioneering Hastings Homeless Service!, West Sussex
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Wednesday, June 1st, 2011
Friday 24th – Sunday 26th June
The Hawth, Crawley
What could be better on a warm summer’s day than sitting outside in beautiful woodland surroundings listening to great music and enjoying a pint! Crawley’s 20th annual Folk and Beer Festival offers all this and more from Friday 24th – Sunday 26th June at The Hawth.
All ages will find something to entertain them at this family friendly fest. There are free performances from Spare Parts who play fiddle and concertina, blues from Cajun Dawgs, alternative folk from 4Square, contemporary Irish music with Ciarog plus free workshops in music, song and dance all leading up to the Festival Bal (ticketed event) on Saturday evening. Everyone will enjoy the free colourful dance displays in traditional styles and Morris dancing and then how about enjoying food from around the world at one of the many refreshment stands.
For those who love to shop, the festival market offers the chance to pick up unique pieces of clothing, beautiful craftwork and jewellery, fresh herbs and flowers and much more.
The Copper Family
For older visitors there is also the Beer Festival offering ales, ciders and perries from the beer tent all weekend. There are 45 different drinks to choose from, all from small, local breweries. Sample a pint of Rip Tide from Littlehampton or Brighton Blonde. For those who find themselves over indulging at the weekend there’s also Guilt Complex from Surrey Hills Co and Shooting Star from the Hammerpot Brewery. There will even be a beer from Maidenbower Brewery, you can’t get much more local than that!
Don’t forget to book for the ticketed events too, which this year include the Polish Pogues Warsaw Village Band (Fri 24 June 7.30pm), blues from The Elevators (Fri 24 June, 8.15pm), local folk legends The Copper Family (Sat 25 June, 7.15pm) and The Demon Barbers – Time Gentlemen Please (Sun 26 June 5pm), fresh from winning Best Live Act at the 2011 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.
The Demon Barbers Roadshow
If you really want to get into the festival spirit, we have great on-site camping facilities from just £10 and as always, under 12s go free. So why not bring the whole family along!
For more information on the festival line up, blogs and music tasters visit www.myspace.com/crawleyfolkfestival
Warsaw Village Band
Tags: BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, Brighton Blonde, Cajun Dawgs, children, CHT, ciders and perries, Community, County council, Crawley, crawley borough council, Crawley Folk & Beer Festival 2011, crawley happy times, Guilt Complex from Surrey Hills Co and Shooting Star from the Hammerpot Brewery, Happy, Henry Smith, Henry Smith MP, Information, les, Maidenbower Brewery, News Bulletins, online, Polish Pogues Warsaw Village Band, rawley’s 20th annual Folk and Beer Festival, Rip Tide from Littlehampton, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, The Copper Family, The Demon Barbers – Time Gentlemen Please, The Elevators, the hawth, The Perfect Summer Weekend, Times, West Sussex, www.myspace.com/crawleyfolkfestival
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Wednesday, June 1st, 2011
Your chance to win Sussex Day prizes
The fifth annual Sussex Day is looming up, and it’s time to plan how you can celebrate your county’s rich heritage. The date is June 16th, chosen because it’s St Richard’s Day, marking the life of the Bishop of Chichester from 1245 until his death in 1253.
Here are just a few of the events taking place – on Sussex Day itself the County Record Office in Orchard Street, Chichester, will be celebrating with a special exhibition called West Sussex On Film. People are being invited to bring along their old films showing the county many years ago.
There are competitions and prizes to be won. The county’s schools meals provider, Chartwell, are running a special Sussex Day school meal competition, for five to seven year olds, and eight to 11 years old.
Entrants will create and cook a main course meal, which must be healthy, suitable for steaming, and have some locally grown or reared ingredients. There are two age categories – five to seven year olds, and eight to 11 year olds – with valuable prizes for the winners.
Mike Coleman, the new Chairman of West Sussex County Council, is offering a £50 cash prize for the best poem about West Sussex. Entries can come from anyone of any age, and can be e-mailed to: competitions@westsussex.gov.uk Runners-up will receive a book token worth £20, and a copy of Sussex, Tales of the Unexpected, by Kim Leslie. The volume details fascinating stories of life from the Tudor period to the last century.
Closing date is 15th June, and the winner will be announced the next day, which is Sussex Day. The runner-up will receive a book prize, courtesy of West Sussex Libraries.
“Sussex Day has become an important day in the calendar, when we take time to remember what a beautiful county we live in,” said Mike. “I am looking forward to receiving lots of poems, and I hope everyone finds some time and some way to celebrate the event.”
If you visit the County Council home page at www.westsussex.gov.uk and write ‘What’s On’ in the Search Bar, a whole host of activities covering various times of the year will appear. You can even invite people to your own event by adding it to our database.
If you still have your bunting from a Royal Wedding party, you could plan another one on a date near to June 16 to celebrate Sussex Day. To get a special offer on West Sussex flags, visit our Sussex Day pages to see how you can buy a 5ft by 3ft flag for just £36 including VAT, post and packing.
To order your West Sussex flags just visit the ‘County Council Merchandise’ section of our eshop.
Finally, sit back and relax, capturing the flavour and spirit of what it’s like to live in one of the best parts of Britain. Our short film ‘Spirit of Sussex Day,’ is a musical and spoken journey into why we celebrate the event. Just follow the link on our Sussex Day pages. To find these, enter the words ‘Sussex Day’ in the search bar of the County Council home page.
Tags: Bishop of Chichester, CHT, Community, county, Hawth, Information, Shelley Fagence-Traynor
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Wednesday, June 1st, 2011
Call-in agreed on grants decisions
Two decisions related to the allocation of prevention and wellbeing grants to County Local Committees have been called-in at West Sussex County Council.
A special meeting of the Adults’ Services Select Committee will consider the call-in on Friday 3rd June, at 10.30am, at County Hall, Chichester.
The decisions, taken by the Cabinet Member for Adults’ Services, were on the delegation and the approval of prevention and wellbeing grants. Countywide grants would be decided by the Cabinet Member while grants for local areas would be decided by the relevant County Local Committee.
The call in focuses on the process of the allocation of the grants by County Local Committees at local level.
Funding of £174,000 is available for the Prevention and Wellbeing grants in 2011/12. The grants are available for organisations to help provide community-based activities that promote independence and social inclusion.
Chairman Irene Richards said: “The scrutiny committee will fully examine the process for the allocation of the grants, and will then make our recommendation to the Cabinet Member.
Tags: Call-in agreed on grants decisions, children, CHT, County council, crawley borough council, crawley library, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, West Sussex
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Wednesday, June 1st, 2011
One year after the coalition was formed, Henry Smith MP has welcomed the actions already taken by the Government to support women and families. Looking back on what has been achieved and what is being done, it is clear that right across Government action is being taken to improve the lives of women and families.
Ten things the Government is doing to help women and families:
1. Increasing health visitors to ensure every family has the support and advice they need to give their children a good start in life.
2. Supporting families through the Universal Credit which will lift nearly one million people – including 350,000 children – out of poverty.
3. Pushing for equal pay for equal work by working with employers to encourage voluntary, non-legislative action to improve transparency on pay
4. Tackling violence against women and girls by introducing a new cross-Government strategy.
5. Funding rape crisis centres to reverse the decline in such centres by protecting existing centres and funding new ones.
6. Encouraging flexible parental leave by giving parents the choice of how they take leave for child care.
7. Tackling the glass ceiling through an all-age careers service to ensure young women make broader and more ambitious career decisions.
8. Increased Child Tax Credit to support 4 million lower income families.
9. Extending early years support for education and childcare to the 130,000 poorest 2 year-olds.
10. Supporting 890,000 of the lowest paid workers, many of whom are women, by raising the minimum wage.
Henry said:
“I am proud to support this Government that has done so much to help women and families. Over the past year Government action in so many areas has done so much for women and families right across Crawley.
“An extra 4,200 health visitors will help ensure every family has the support and advice they need. And our new cross-government strategy to tackle violence against women is being matched by stable funding to protect existing rape crisis centres and to fund new centres.
“Despite the tough decisions the Government has had to make on the economy they are helping the most disadvantaged families and the lowest paid workers, many of whom are women. Universal Credit will lift nearly one million people, including 350,000 children out of poverty. Raising the minimum wage and increasing child tax credits will help more.”
Follow Henry daily on Facebook by visiting: www.facebook.com/henrysmithmp
Tags: CHT, Community, Crawley, Crawley MP Welcomes The Government's Actions To Help Women & Families, Henry Smith MP, Information, Shelley Fagence-Traynor
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Wednesday, June 1st, 2011
Friday 24th – Sunday 26th June
The Hawth, Crawley
It’s not long now until the Crawley’s best-loved music festival comes to The Hawth grounds for a weekend to remember. Now is your last chance to book for the family friendly 3-day celebration – Crawley Folk and Beer Festival.
The Demon Barber
There is lots to look forward to at the 20th annual Crawley Folk Festival including great music from ‘the Polish Pogues’ Warsaw Village Band on Friday night, blues from The Elevators in the Studio on the same evening, Sussex folk legends The Copper Family offer up their traditional English songs and unique harmony on Saturday and then to bring the festival to an impressive close The Demon Barbers Roadshow combine Clog, Rapper Sword and Morris with B-boying, Popping and Krump in Time Gentlemen Please!
The Flying Toads
There are free performances out in the grounds from the melodic guitarist Danny Kyle, The Flying Toads will get everyone jigging to their lively Irish reels and Catriona Price and Alex Roth play folk songs and instrumentals with a jazz influence – there really is something for everyone.
There is a brand new stage on the Saturday afternoon offering rising young stars the chance to showcase their talents. Declan McDermott performs easy, reflective country-folk, Crawley-based Jimi Squirrell sings original songs and East Grinstead’s Andy Twyman will appeal to blues fans with his punked up blues boogie.
Another first for this year’s fest is the Bal, a European dance led by Angles and JigJaw that everyone who loves to dance can enjoy. There will be song and dance workshops during the day for those who want to learn the moves and the music and all are welcome to come along for a spin around the dance floor.
All this plus the usual goodies are on offer including workshops, food stands, craft stalls and demonstrations in Morris and traditional folk dance. Be sure to sample a pint at the Beer Festival too as there are 50 beers and ciders to choose from.
The Elevators
Don’t forget that if you really want to get into the festival spirit, we have great on-site camping facilities from just £10 and as always, under 12s go free. So why not bring the whole family along!
For more information on the festival line up, blogs and music tasters visit www.myspace.com/crawleyfolkfestival
Tags: CHT, Councillor Lenny Walker, Crawley Folk & Beer Festival - Not long to go now, crawley happy times, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, West Sussex County Council, www.myspace.com/crawleyfolkfestival
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Tuesday, May 31st, 2011
Crawley Borough Council is calling on residents to support their local soldiers at a homecoming march in the town on Thursday 16th June.
The first Crawley homecoming march of the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment takes place from 12 noon.
The march, which will feature 250 soldiers who have recently returned from Afghanistan, begins at the Territorial Army Centre in Kilnmead before heading west along The Boulevard and south up the High Street.
The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment was Private John Brackpool’s regiment, a Crawley resident who died while on duty in 2009 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, aged 27.
Mayor of Crawley, Councillor Carol Eade, said: “I hope as many residents as possible will join me in supporting this event, watching the march along The Boulevard or the High Street.
“It’s a prestigious event for Crawley – to see 250 soldiers marching through the town will be very special.”
The High Street will be closed to vehicles from 6am-2.30pm on 16th June and there will be no parking in the High Street from 12.01am on 16th June.
Following the march there will be a service at St John’s Church in the High Street.
A recruitment tent for the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment will also be erected in Queens Square.
Tags: children, CHT, Community, Henry Smith MP, Show Your Support For Local Heroes
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Friday, May 27th, 2011
The London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG) is looking for people with inspirational stories to carry the flame in the Olympic Torch Relay.
Crawley Borough Council is asking town residents to nominate deserving people who always strive for the best and never give up, regardless of circumstance, to help shine a light on the UK.
The town applied for involvement in the Olympic Torch route and now the night stops have been decided Crawley eagerly wait to see if it has been successful for a day stop.
Regardless of the town’s success, the torch will pass within an hours’ journey of 95 per cent of the UK and for Crawley, Brighton has already been chosen as a night stop.
Councillor Lenny Walker, Cabinet member for Leisure and Culture said: “This is a great opportunity for the many inspirational, brave and talented people of Crawley to get involved in the worlds greatest sporting event.
“The relay needs 8,000 people from across the UK and I know Crawley has many deserving people who could be part of that.”
The relay will take place between May 19th to July 27th, 2012 and Crawley will find out if it has been successful in its bid for a day stop later this year.
Nominate someone you know to be a London 2012 torch bearer by 29th June and give them their moment to shine. Visi www.london2012.com/olympictorchrelay for more information and to nominate.
Tags: CHT, county, Crawley, crawley borough council, Crawley calls for inspirational Olympic torchbearers
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Friday, May 27th, 2011
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.
Tags: charity, CHT, county, crawley borough council, FIREFIGHTERS ISSUE BANK HOLIDAY BONFIRE WARNING, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, West Sussex County Council, West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service
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Tuesday, May 24th, 2011
Primary schools from across the town got a taste of local democracy last week in a Q&A session with the Mayor.
Children from eight primary schools, Bewbush; St Francis; West Green; Our Lady Queen of Heaven; Langley Green; The Mill; Gossops Green; and Waterfield, sat in councillor’s seats in the council chamber to grill the outgoing Mayor, Councillor Lee Burke.
The children, from the Crawley North West Locality School Council, asked everything from what the Mayor does and how his year had been, to how much the mayoral chain is worth and which famous people he had met.
The Crawley North West Locality School Council is made up of a number of primary schools who meet regularly to share ideas and work together.
Tags: Chichester, CHT, Community, crawley happy times, Mayor Lee Burke, School kids find out what it’s like to be Mayor, Shelley Fagence-Traynor
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