Posts Tagged ‘News Bulletins’
Wednesday, July 13th, 2011
Consultation begins on Fire and Rescue Services merger
THE Fire and Rescue Service in West Sussex starts a 12-week public consultation tomorrow (July 14) to seek the views of the public, businesses and staff on its potential merger with East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.
The consultation is being launched with public meetings in Crawley, which is also tomorrow (Thursday 14th July), and Worthing, which is on Tuesday 19th July.
The Crawley meeting is in the The Fire Service Training Centre (the ex-library building), Northgate Avenue. The Worthing one is in Worthing Library, Richmond Road. Both start at 7pm.
Throughout the consultation Fire Officers will be attending County Local Committee meetings, open days and public events. They will also hold specially arranged forums for partners, businesses, the voluntary sector and members of public. Feedback can also be given online, by post or phone.
West Sussex County Council and the East Sussex Fire Authority (ESFA) have been examining options for closer collaboration between the two Fire Services to see if it would improve performance and protect frontline services from the financial pressures on public sector spending.
The latest business case suggests a full merger under a new combined fire authority for the whole of Sussex provides the best opportunity to make savings of £3.8 million while safeguarding services to the community.
There are no plans to close any fire stations in the merger.
The consultation will run from July 14th – October 6th. ESFA is also consulting on the proposed merger and both ESFA and the County Council will consider the feedback and a final business case before making a final decision at separate meetings in December.
County Fire Officer Max Hood hopes as many people as possible will take part in the consultation.
He said: “The pressures on public spending mean all local authorities are working to find ways of providing essential services with reduced budgets.
“A merger would see a significant change in the management and support costs of the Fire & Rescue Service in West Sussex. It could also mean we can protect fire stations and the other frontline services that people need.
“We’re still waiting for details on the future funding from the government before the business case on a possible merger can be completed, but it’s also important to listen to the views of local people before a final decision is taken.
“I hope as many as possible will attend the meetings and public events to speak to Fire Officers, read the consultation document or seek information via the websites before giving us their feedback on the way forward.”
Pete Bradbury, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “Our priority remains to provide excellent fire and rescue services to our residents.
“In the current difficult financial climate, we believe this innovative approach of merging the fire services of East and West Sussex and Brighton and Hove could enable us to continue to deliver excellent services and improve our operational capability, while reducing back office, management and administration costs.
“The views of the public are important to us and I hope residents, businesses, organisations and stakeholders will participate in the consultation. No decision will be made until the results of the consultation have been considered.”
The business case and consultation document is available online at www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire . Copies of the consultation document are available in libraries, help points, and in reception areas of local authorities, and printed copies can be sent on request.
You can contact the consultation team via email at fireredesign@westsussex.gov.uk or write to Fire Redesign Team, WSFRS HQ, Northgate, Chichester PO19 1BD, or phone 01243 753706.
If approved by central government a merger would take effect on 1st April 2013.
Tags: charity, Community, Consultation begins on fire and rescue services merger in Sussex, Crawley, crawley happy times, Henry Smith, News Bulletins, West Sussex
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Wednesday, July 13th, 2011
Volunteers needed to help deliver meals
Do you have a few hours spare to help out in your community? If so, West Sussex County Council’s Meals on Wheels service needs you.
The service, which is run by the WRVS, is looking for volunteer drivers to deliver meals between 11.30am and 1.30pm in their own areas. It could be once a month, once a week, or every day, depending on how much time you have.
Meals on Wheels supplies a great selection of hot, chilled or frozen two-course meals to adults in West Sussex, who may be leaving hospital or recovering from an illness, or need the meals as they can no longer cook for themselves.
As a delivery driver, you would need to have your own car, and undertake a CRB check.
The service is also looking for people to accompany the drivers on their deliveries.
Peter Catchpole, County Council Cabinet Member for Adults’ Services, said: “The service Meals on Wheels provides is vital to the people of West Sussex.
“If you have a spare lunchtime while the children are at school, or a day off college, or perhaps you’re now retired, why not do something rewarding and help out in your community?”
There are seven Meals on Wheels kitchens located throughout West Sussex:
• Bognor Regis (also covering Chichester and the Witterings)
• Crawley (also covering East Grinstead)
• Mid Sussex (also covering Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, Steyning and Henfield)
• Horsham
• Worthing (including Lancing, Shoreham, Southwick and Fishersgate)
• Rustington (also covering Arundel, Ferring and Littlehampton)
• Petworth (including Midhurst and Pulborough)
• Selsey
For more information, call 01903 231341.
To see a little bit of what the Meals on Wheels Service does, view this video http://tinyurl.com/5tf22qq
Tags: Allan Hambly, charity, Chichester, children, County council, News Bulletins, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, Volunteers needed to help deliver meals
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Wednesday, July 13th, 2011
Free exhibition captures Crawley history
The story behind one of Crawley’s hidden masterpieces is revealed at a free digital exhibition being held at the town’s Library throughout July.
The exhibition is about a painting by Victor Burr, marking when Princess Elizabeth visited Crawley on January 25th, 1950. The picture was donated to the Library by the Burr family in the 1990s and features on the BBC ‘Your Paintings’ season website.
On the Library’s digital wall, there is a range of images from Crawley in 1950 that inspired Victor Burr’s painting, including:
• The Princess’s visit to celebrate the start of the ‘New Town’ project.
• The events she attended such as the opening of the Manor Royal and the High Street civic reception recorded in the painting.
• A 7ft by 5ft digital reproduction of the original painting
• Many rarely seen pictures of the visit, and of Crawley in the 1940s and 1950s, digitised and displayed on a slide show in the Library.
Lionel Barnard, West Sussex County Council Deputy Leader with responsibility for the Library Service, said: “It is wonderful the Library has had the opportunity to digitise many images from the past and make them available to a large number of people without damage to the original.
“This exhibition is a must for anyone interested in the history of Crawley.”
The exhibition runs until Saturday 30th July. For more information call Crawley Library on 01293 651751.
Tags: Allan Hambly, Councillor Lenny Walker, Crawley, Free exhibition captures Crawley history, Information, marking when Princess Elizabeth, Mayor Lee Burke, News Bulletins, Victor Burr, West Sussex County Council
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Tuesday, July 12th, 2011
Saturday 30th & Sunday 31st July from 12 noon
The Hawth Grounds, Crawley
It’s back and better than ever, with more free family fun. This year the Mela has an Eastern theme with Eastern European acts including the 15-piece Gypsy Stars band and a magical Indian dance production from the Ramayana’s Deception in the Forest episode. Performed by stilt dancers the piece will involve local Bharatnatyam dancers as well as well-known UK artists such as Sid Shaha. There will also be traditional Ghanan drumming from Kakasistsi.
The community stage this year is packed full of great local acts including Bhangra from Jai Khan, grime/pop music from Grizzly South and dance from Shaun Angel Dance Academy and Rhythm High Dance Group on Saturday. On Sunday you can look forward to the beautiful voice of local singer Grace Saif, a Zumba display, Black Orchids Belly Dance team and local dancers Monica and Friends and Anouska and Shreeya. If you would like to perform on the community stage this year, whether you are part of a choir, a street dance team of a want to show off your African drumming, whatever your act contact Liz Hart on 01293 438156 or email liz.hart@crawley.gov.uk
There is also the usual range of workshops to look forward to, with an Eastern European exhibition, a Far East area with Japanese calligraphy, origami and Shiatsu massage, an Indian Zone with sari dressing and henna; origami and Shiatsu, hair beading and braiding by Urbanchic and Black History exhibition in the African zone plus Children’s Arts and Crafts in the Elgar Room.
2011 also brings better and more varied international foods than ever, with stalls catering to Indian, Caribbean and Nepalese tastes among others; and an expanded retail bazaar for bargain-hungry shoppers.
For a weekend of family fun, don’t miss Crawley International Mela! For more information visit www.crawleymela.org
Admission: Free
Saturday 30th July – Main Stage – Crawley International Mela
Schedule for Main Stage Performances
| Time |
Acts |
Description |
| 1345-1400 |
Opening procession |
Led by Jugnu Bhangra Dholis: The Mayor, Community leaders and sponsors |
| 1400-1430 |
Opening Ceremony |
and multifaith prayers |
| 1430-1450 |
Jugnu Bhangra I & Dance |
Probably the UK’s most experienced and accomplished Bhangra performers, this internationally-known group returns to the Crawley Mela for another inspiring show. See their homepage for more information and videos. |
| 1450-1510 |
Belly Dancing |
Babybliss Melissa |
| 1515-1530 |
Ramayana Promenade |
Spectacular stilt dance presentation of the ‘Deception in the Forest’ episode with Sid Shaha and others (seeCommunity Stage for more information). |
| 1530-1545 |
Bollywood Dance |
Diva Dance Group – Saraasa |
| 1545-1600 |
Jugnu Bhangra II |
As above |
| 1600-1630 |
Iffy-K Bhangra/Urban/HipHop |
With three highly successful albums under his belt (‘Emotions’, ‘Sohniyeh Teri Surat’, ‘Rhythm on Fire’) and international singles, Iffy-K shows the experience gained from working with famous producers such as Hunterz, Tiger Style, Kam Frantic, D-Boy, Kami K, Jawad Haider, Sangra Vibes, Cheshire Cat, Pala Uppal, Ali Mustafa & Sohail Abbas (Pak), and Rajeev Bhatt (India). Performing in Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi and English, Iffi is an exciting artist performing Internationally and throughout the UK. |
| 1630-1730 |
Navin Kundra |
Singer, songwriter and musician Navin Kundra is a chart-topping (BuzzAsia, Sunrise Radio) multi-talented performer whose music combines eastern and western influences with a contemporary and edgy progressive sound. Whether it is the soulful love song, ‘Tere Liye (For You)’ or the contagious electro-pop ‘Jee Le’ or the urban fusion of ‘Love Thing’, Navin utilises his ability to effortlessly flip from singing and writing in Hindi to English to Punjabi whilst playing the guitar or piano to create an unforgettable musical experience. Check it out atNavin online.com. |
| 1730-1830 |
Khan Brothers Qawwali |
Ustad Haji Ameer Khan and brothers come from one of the Indian sub-continent’s most ancient and respected musical families, now one of the few groups in Britain singing traditional Qawaali, the intense devotional style associated with Sufi Muslims, well-known in the west due to the success of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Check out performances including Crawley 2010 onGoogle. |
| 1900 |
Main Stage Close |
Saturday 30th July – Community Stage – Crawley International Mela
Schedule for Saturday Community Stage Performances (more to come):
| Time |
Who |
Performing |
| 1400 |
Opening Ceremony |
Main Stage |
| 1415 |
Street Urban Dance |
Zumba and Salsa |
| 1430 |
Marcin Szymcyzk |
Vocals, keyboards |
| 1450 |
Shaun Angel Dance Academy |
Crawley based street dance team |
| 1510 |
FIPA Stilt Dancers |
“Deception in the Forest” – ancient Ramayana tale narrated by FIPA Choreographer Hi Ching |
| 1535 |
Jai Khan |
Essex based Bhangra dance and vocals |
| 1550 |
Bilal Shahid and dancers |
Northampton based Grime/RnB/Rap |
| 1610 |
Jai Khan |
Essex based Bhangra dance and vocals |
| 1615 |
Rhythm High Dance Group |
Croydon based Bollywood dance group |
| 1635 |
Planet Gnawa |
African Fusion Band |
| 1735 |
Rhythm High Dance Group |
Croydon based Bollywood dance group |
| 1745 |
Delaney |
HipHop Vocals |
| 1800 |
Phantom |
Grime M/C |
| 1815 |
Grizzly South |
Grime MCs |
Sunday 31st July – Main Stage – Crawley International Mela
Schedule for Main Stage Performances
| Time |
Performers |
Information |
| 1400-1500 |
FireTones |
Classic 60s Rock – check out their website athttp://www.firetones.co.uk/ |
| 1500-1600 |
Gypsy Stars |
Traditional Eastern European music and dance |
| 1600-1700 |
Kakasitsi |
Master drummers of Ghana, see our home page. |
| 1700-1800 |
Sunday Driver |
Victorian Raj/Steampunk Fusion Band, tracks, gigs and more athttp://www.sundaydriver.co.uk. |
Sunday 31st July – Community Stage – Crawley International Mela
Schedule for Community Stage Performances (more to come):
| Time |
Act |
Performance |
| 1330 |
Jaynes Zumba |
Zumba/African/Salsa demo |
| 1350 |
Black Orchids |
Belly Dancing Troupe |
| 1405 |
Monica & friends |
Local dance team |
| 1415 |
Rare Urban Gems |
Vocals and dance team |
| 1425 |
Tribal Fusion Belly Dance Solo |
Belly Dancer |
| 1435 |
Grace Saif |
Crawley singer songwriter |
| 1450 |
Shaun Angel Dance Academy |
Crawley based street dance team |
| 1505 |
Anouska & Shreeya |
Local Bollywood dance team |
| 1515 |
Desi |
Local bhangra dance team |
| 1525 |
Brydon |
Local M/C |
| 1550 |
Marysia |
Polish band and vocals |
| 1640 |
Redzz |
London based Hip Hop/R&B |
| 1700 |
Malwina |
Crawley-based Polish singer |
| 1715 |
Chagos Archipelagos Rainbow Youth Club |
Chagos Dance team |
| 1735 |
Cross Currents |
Multicultural band |
| 1810 |
Portugese Musicians |
Traditional vocals and music |
Tags: children, county, CRAWLEY INTERNATIONAL MELA 2011, Information, News Bulletins, Shelley Fagence-Traynor
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Tuesday, July 12th, 2011
Got an old car you’re thinking of scrapping? Want to help support your local firefighters?
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is once again appealing for people to donate scrap cars and help firefighters hone their road traffic collision rescue skills.
A number of Fire Stations across the county are in need of extra cars for crews to train on and practice the latest preparation, stabilisation and cutting techniques they need when they are rescuing casualties from life-threatening car crashes.
Richard Davy, West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s Deputy District Commander for Crawley & Mid Sussex, explains why the supply of scrap cars is so important:
“Attending road traffic collisions and being able to quickly and safely rescue people trapped in their cars is a core part of a firefighter’s role and undoubtedly saves many lives each year. Getting practical ‘hands on’ training is obviously a vital part of maintaining and developing those rescue skills.
“It could be a matter of life or death when we arrive at an incident, with often only a narrow window of opportunity to either make space for medical stabilisation or rapid casualty removal to facilitate some of the more complicated medical procedures, so having cars to practice on is crucial.
“For many years local scrap merchant Mark Maynard from Autocovery has been donating scrap cars to us for Crawley, Horsham, Horley and East Grinstead Fire Stations. However, over the last few months his stocks have run really low and obviously this has a serious knock-on effect on the number of vehicles available to us. That’s why we are urging anyone thinking of scrapping their car to consider donating it to us.”
For anyone wishing to donate their car, Autocovery will pick it up free of charge, process the vehicle log book and deliver he car to the Fire Station. In the first instance, contact Mark on 07860 667785 or 01293 415909.
Tags: children, Community, county, crawley happy times, FIRE SERVICE APPEAL FOR SCRAP CARS, News Bulletins, West Sussex
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Tuesday, July 12th, 2011
Crawley Circus Festival & Kettle of Fish at The Hawth
Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th August
Join in the fun as the circus comes to town. The Hawth offers the perfect weekend for juggling and circus enthusiasts from Saturday 6th August to Sunday 7th August. The English garden party themed festival also includes the incredible Kettle of Fish Circus Cabaret. The show brings its usual blend of talented contemporary circus performers to Crawley for one night only on Saturday 6th August at 7.30pm.
There will be lots to get involved with over the weekend including workshops and games plus festival-goers can demonstrate their skills at the renegade show.
Kettle of Fish
For those who prefer to sit back and watch, Kettle of Fish brings international acts to the stage for a thrilling night of circus skills including one of Europe’s finest and most innovative jugglers, Rod Laver with his oral ping pong. Rod recently smashed the world record by juggling 8 ping pong balls with his mouth and has appeared several times on the BBC’s Let Me Entertain You. Also taking to the stage is Carlos Romero with his virtuoso manipulation and another appearance for Isis and Nathan, after their success last year.
reference book celebrating the greatest jugglers of all time ‘Virtuosos of Juggling’.
Those attending the festival is heartily encouraged to wear fancy dress, think Rule Britannia, vicars, cricketers, tea ladies, morris men, Chaphoppers and ukuleles….and bring lots of cake!
You can book tickets for Kettle of Fish on its own or purchase a weekend ticket for the Circus Festival which includes entry to Kettle of Fish.
Weekend tickets: £25 (Under 12s: £18) (The weekend ticket includes Kettle Of Fish Circus Cabaret and camping (otherwise £5 per tent).
Day Tickets: £9 (Under 12s: £6.50)
Under 6s are free if accompanying weekend ticket holders, but must be booked in advance.
Book before August 1st and save up to £5!
Call The Hawth Box Office 01293 553636 to book your tickets now or visit www.hawth.co.uk.
Tags: Allan Hambly, CHT, Community, Councillor Lenny Walker, Henry Smith, News Bulletins, ROLL UP ROLL UP - Crawley Circus Festival & Kettle of Fish at The Hawth, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, West Sussex County Council
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Monday, July 11th, 2011
FOUR lucky families are now back in their newly retrofitted eco council homes following an extreme green makeover set to massively reduce the properties’ CO2 emissions.
(l-r and back to front) Mark, Amy, Tommy, Bradley and Amelia
The Crawley Borough Council homes are four of just 86 across the whole country which have been fitted out with innovative materials rarely used in regular house building in a bid to reduce their carbon emissions by 80 per cent.
The work is thanks to Crawley Borough Council’s successful bid to the Retrofit for the Future competition run by the Technology Strategy Board which saw a near half million pounds reward to retrofit the homes in Furnace Green, Langley Green, Pound Hill and Three Bridges.
Wattbox; intuitive technology which learns the family's behaviour and regulates temperature and power in accordance.
Councillor Lee Gilroy, Cabinet member for Housing, said: “This project is really exciting; it shows us and the rest of the UK what materials can be used in social housing to help meet CO2 reduction targets.
“The outcome will be very interesting and could help lead to a cleaner, greener future for Crawley residents.”
The properties chosen for the green makeover represent the mix of homes found in the town; two 1950s pre-fabricated buildings, a 60s shuttered concrete terrace and a more standard brick construction with a cavity wall.
All the homes chosen for the Retrofit project were energy inefficient and were losing heat through walls, windows and leaks in the fabric of the buildings.
Amy Hammond, a full-time mum of three who lives with her husband Mark in Hastings Close, Furnace Green, is absolutely delighted with the results.
She said: “It’s amazing, it’s like being on Extreme Makeover. So much has been done it feels like a brand new home, although it still feels like home to us.
“Before it was terrible; we had mould, damp and it was draughty. Whenever the kids got ill it went to their chest. I think this is going to make a really big difference. It’s been warm lately but the temperature has always been perfect in here.”
Son Tommy was also over the moon, adding: “I thought it was really nice, it feels really cosy.”
The modifications were carried out by Crawley Council’s contractors, Wates, with the support of project partners Keegans and ECD Architects.
Materials used include a range of insulation like Spacetherm and Nanogel, LED lighting, micro-combined heat and power (CHP) boilers, triple glazing and solar panels.
The micro-CHP boilers will be controlled by an intelligent device which learns the tenant’s occupancy patterns and comfort preferences to suit different lifestyles; they were also left with a range of highly energy efficient kitchen appliances.
Monitoring energy use, temperatures and humidity levels is being carried out by the Energy Saving Trust for comparison with the other pilot projects across the country on a publicly accessible database.
The green homes are expected to save the tenants hundreds of pounds (reducing annual combined gas and electricity bills of £800 to around £100, for example) – as well as tonnes of carbon emissions.
The move towards seriously eco-friendly social housing will take Britain a step closer to its target of an 80 per cent reduction in household energy use by 2050.
For more detailed information about the properties and the architects log onto www.crawley.gov.uk/retrofit
(l-r back to front) Amy, Amelia, Mark, Tommy and Bradley
Tags: Allan Hambly, CHT, Crawley, crawley borough council, crawley happy times, Henry Smith, News Bulletins, Tenants get back to the future
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Friday, July 8th, 2011
Community cash boost from Local Committee
THREE community groups have received a cash boost from the East Crawley County Local Committee.
They are:
• The Environment Centre – £1714 towards education sessions in local schools.
• 7th Crawley Scout Group – £1270 towards items of storage equipment for garages they have renovated.
• Three Bridges Forum – £500 for artwork and leaflet production, plus the purchase of an oak sapling to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
The money comes from the Committee’s Community Initiative Funding, which is cash it receives from West Sussex County Council to support groups that enhance their neighbourhoods.
Committee Chairman Richard Burrett said: “We are always keen to hear from groups in East Crawley we may be able to help as they continue their valuable work in the community.
Tags: CHT, Community cash boost from Local Committee, county, crawley borough council, East Crawley County Local Committee, Henry Smith MP, News Bulletins, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, West Sussex
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Wednesday, July 6th, 2011
Big Top Treats in Libraries this summer
Roll up, roll up to the annual free Summer Reading Challenge held in all West Sussex Libraries, which this year has the theme ‘Circus Stars’.
The Challenge runs from Saturday 16th July to Saturday 10th September. Aimed at four to 12 year olds, children are challenged to read up to six books, and will win prizes at different stages, including a gold medal if all six are read.
Children can join characters Clemmy, Megan and Anand throughout the summer for a range of activities. The launch day on July 16 at Crawley, Worthing and Chichester Libraries will see a number or circus-themed events from juggling, hula-hoop challenges and face painting.
Louise Goldsmith, Leader of West Sussex County Council, said: “The Summer Reading Challenge is always a fun time for our Libraries and it’s a great chance for children around the county to come together and celebrate books.
“Last year, when the theme was ‘Space Hop’, more than 11,000 young people took part in the challenge, borrowing 400,000 books between them.
“We look forward to this year being as successful.”
For more information on the Summer Reading Challenge, visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/libraries or visit your local Library.
Tags: Allan Hambly, Big Top Treats in Libraries this summer, Chichester, Community, mayor, Mayor Lee Burke, News Bulletins, Times, West Sussex County Council, www.westsussex.gov.uk/libraries
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Tuesday, July 5th, 2011
Work progresses on Public Health Plan
Work has begun to develop a Public Health Plan for West Sussex, involving councils, the NHS and the voluntary sector.
Organisations met at an event to look at developing the plan, and to explore what it might mean for local people.
As part of the Government’s proposed reforms to the NHS, responsibility for Public Health will transfer from NHS West Sussex to West Sussex County Council by 2013, and so this is a timely development to bring the NHS and local authorities closer together.
West Sussex already has a Director of Public Health and Wellbeing working jointly across NHS West Sussex and West Sussex County Council, partnership work is increasing with the introduction of the new Health and Wellbeing Hubs across the county, and the creation of the county’s Health and Wellbeing Board including representatives from the county council and local NHS.
West Sussex County Council Leader Louise Goldsmith said: “Working to improve public health in West Sussex is something that involves everyone, local councils, the NHS, the voluntary sector and our local communities.
“Public health is very important, but is something that no one organisation can tackle alone. It’s something we all need to get involved with to encourage healthier lifestyles and living.”
Initial work is taking place under different themes including carers, alcohol, emotional wellbeing, ready for school, and ageing population.
It’s planned to have a draft West Sussex Public Health Plan ready for the autumn, with the final version signed off towards the end of the year. The newly established Health and Wellbeing Board will lead on following progress of the Plan and monitoring its implementation.
Building on work that’s already taken place, the Plan will:
• Set the framework for public health, and the role of local authorities as leaders of public health.
• Seek to improve health and wellbeing in West Sussex in line with local priorities.
• Establish local health outcomes in order to reduce health inequalities.
• Establish a new approach to influence all parts of making health choices.
Judith Wright, West Sussex Director of Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “Public health is everyone’s business and involves the efforts of a number of different agencies, communities and individuals.
“It is important that we focus those efforts to achieve the kind of real improvements in people’s health that we want in West Sussex.
“The event was all about us coming together to agree what we need to focus on and how we can make a difference to the lives of our residents. It was a really positive day.”
Tags: county, crawley happy times, Information, News Bulletins, West Sussex, Work progresses on Public Health Plan
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Monday, July 4th, 2011
Two online summer guides to events in Crawley for children and young people have been launched.
Go! Crawley Kids is full of exciting things to do across the town for children aged under 13. The 26-page online brochure includes fun activities around the town including parkour, football courses, skateboard, tennis, go-karting, arts and crafts, karate, golf, athletics and much, much more. A flyer advertising the website – www.crawley.gov.uk/gocrawley - will be delivered to all primary school children from today (Monday July 4).
For those aged 13 and over, the Go! Crawley Facebook page is their dedicated online space to plan their summer. The page – www.facebook.com/gocrawley – features up-to-the-minute news and information on what’s happening, when and where. Postcards and posters advertising the Facebook page will be in secondary schools today.
Discounts, free tickets and special offers will all be promoted on the Facebook page.
Chase Fitness, Community Arts Summer Schools, Community Tennis Courses, Crawley Play Service, Crawley Museum, Dynamic Adventures, Extreme Sports, Goffs Park Pitch ‘n’ Putt, The Hawth, Healthy Balanced Generation, K2 Crawley, SKF Karate, Tilgate Park and Nature Centre and Crawley Wellbeing are providing a wide range of things to do during the summer holidays.
Crawley Skate Park, Goffs Park, Tilgate Park and Nature Centre, K2 Crawley, Crawley Museum, Ifield Watermill, Chase Fitness, Crawley Rugby Club, The Hawth, the 3G Pitch at Broadfield Stadium, adventure playgrounds, Parkour Training Area and Oriel High School are among the venues for this summer of fun.
Councillor Lenny Walker, Cabinet member for Leisure and Cultural Services, said:” There are so many great events, courses and activities that are mentally stimulating and physically challenging, there are lots of opportunities to avoid boredom this summer holiday.”
If you’re under 13, pick up your Go! Crawley Kids leaflet from school, the Town Hall, K2 Crawley or The Hawth, or visit www.crawley.gov.uk/gocrawley
If you’re over 13 visit www.facebook.com/gocrawley
Mayor of Crawley, Councillor Carol Eade and Councillor Bob Lanzer, Leader of Crawley Borough Council, launching Go!Crawley with some of the children and young people used in the publicity
Tags: Community, crawley borough council, crawley happy times, Go! Crawley launched, News Bulletins, Shelley Fagence-Traynor
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Friday, July 1st, 2011
FIRE AUTHORITIES TO CONSULT ON PROPOSED MERGER
East Sussex Fire Authority and West Sussex County Council have today (Friday July 1st) announced they are to hold a public consultation on the proposed merger of East and West Sussex Fire & Rescue Services.
The decision to consult comes after a business case concluded a merger was the best option to protect community fire and rescue services from the national pressures on public spending, subject to details of future funding arrangements for local authorities which are being reviewed by the coalition government.
A twelve-week public consultation is now planned to take place from 14th July to 6th October. Feedback from the consultation will be considered before a final decision is made.
In December 2010, the Fire Authority and County Council had jointly announced they would explore options for closer collaboration, up to and including a full merger of the two Fire & Rescue Services.
The aim was to explore which options would preserve services to local communities at the same time as seeking efficiency savings to meet financial pressures from grant reductions. Both Services also wanted to see how increased collaboration or a full merger would improve operational resilience and overall capacity to the collective benefit of local residents, businesses and visitors alike across the whole of Sussex and the City of Brighton & Hove.
Today’s announcement on the consultation follows a decision by Councillor Pete Bradbury, West Sussex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Protection, after the proposed merger was discussed at the Council’s Community Services Select Committee. The proposed merger had already been considered in confidential session by East Sussex Fire Authority at its meeting on June 2nd.
Should the authorities decide not to pursue a full merger, work would still continue on closer collaboration between the two Services to progress the more limited opportunities for financial savings and organisational efficiencies. A final business case, including all of the outcomes from the public consultation as well as final information on the financial implications, will be presented to East Sussex Fire Authority and West Sussex County Council at their respective meetings in December.
If agreed, a merger would still be subject to Government approval and would not be able to come into effect before 1st April 2013.
Councillor Pete Bradbury, West Sussex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “Our priority remains to provide excellent fire and rescue services to our residents. In the current difficult financial climate, we believe this innovative approach of merging the fire services of East and West Sussex and Brighton & Hove could enable us to continue to deliver excellent services and improve our operational capability, whilst reducing back office, management and administration costs.
“The views of the public are important to us and I hope residents, businesses, organisations and stakeholders will participate in the consultation. No decision will be made until the results of the consultation have been considered.”
Councillor John Livings, East Sussex Fire Authority Chairman, said: “Over the years, we have striven to deliver high quality services to all our local communities, at a price council tax payers can afford to pay. These are the key priorities identified as being the most important from our annual consultation exercises. As such, we have kept council tax increases low and made efficiency savings to avoid cutting our services to local communities.”
He continued: “However, most public services are facing more difficult budget decisions and we are no different, yet we remain committed to making the right decisions and prioritising our resources effectively.
“We believe a larger Fire Authority covering East and West Sussex and our City would be better in terms of building a more resilient organisation to deliver much needed services, as well as giving more scope to reduce management and overhead costs. A consultation process will provide local council taxpayers with the opportunity to give us their feedback before any decisions are taken on the way forward.”
Tags: children, Community, Crawley, crawley borough council, crawley happy times, FIRE AUTHORITIES TO CONSULT ON PROPOSED MERGER, News Bulletins, West Sussex
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Thursday, June 30th, 2011
An impressive 52 riders turned out for Crawley’s family bike ride on Sunday, the hottest day of the year so far.
The cycle route started at Oriel High School in Maidenbower and took riders to Nymans gardens in Handcross where they enjoyed free entry to the National Trust site.
The route followed National Cycle Route 20 and was part of Bike Week which ran from June 18-26.
The week also saw Crawley Council team up with Ahead Cycles to offer The Bike Doctor, free health checks for bikes followed by a 10 per cent discount on repairs at Ahead Cycles.
Bike Buddies also ran from Three Bridges Station at 8am from Monday to Friday helping people learn the best routes to Manor Royal and K2 Crawley, also helping them gain confidence on their bikes.
Councillor Lenny Walker, Cabinet member for Leisure and Culture, said: “There was more to do in Crawley this Bike Week than ever before. The family bike ride was a great success and a good way to discover new parts of Crawley as well as visiting a nearby National Trust property.
“Bike Week has given more Crawley bike owners the skills and confidence to get out on two wheels this summer.
Tags: crawley borough council, Crawley's Bike Week a big "Success", Henry Smith, Henry Smith MP, Information, News Bulletins, West Sussex
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Tuesday, June 28th, 2011
We are looking for one or two players for next season at Under 13’s especially a goalkeeper.
We will be playing in the Sussex Sunday Youth Football League
Manager Alan White is a progressive Level 2 Coach and we are looking for good players aiming to make a step up,
We also have a qualified goalkeeping coach working with the team
At TD Shipley our coaching is based on building on the strengths you have as a player now, improving players confidence on the ball – through technical coaching and good football in a exciting environment. Our team has more than challenged the best teams locally in league, cup and six a side competitions and are looking strengthen the team with great local talented players
If you are looking for a new team or a new challenge, please call Manager Alan White on 07730012216. www.tdshipleyyouthfc.co.uk
Tags: Allan Hambly, County council, Crawley, crawley borough council, crawley happy times, Henry Smith MP, Information, News Bulletins, TD Shipley U13 Youth Football Club - New Players Wanted
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Friday, June 24th, 2011
In advance of tomorrow’s Armed Forces Day 2011, Henry Smith MP takes the opportunity to say thank you to all those that are serving in the Armed Forces, their families, veterans and cadets and encourages all to show their support on the day.
Commenting on this week’s Armed Forces Day Henry said:
“”Today I’ve been pleased to take part in Armed Forces Day 2011 by meeting cadets and personnel at K2 – and even having a go at the training assault course the Army put up!
“Armed Forces Day is a great opportunity for us to show our appreciation for all those who wear the uniform, their families, veterans and cadets. We all owe a huge debt to our brave service personnel who work tirelessly keeping this country safe. I wish those attending a great day out and on behalf of all local residents to say a big thank you to our amazing Armed Forces.
“The Government is committed to providing for our troops. In the past year ministers have already doubled the operational allowance and introduced a pupil premium to help with the education of our forces children. I absolutely support these practical policies that show our commitment and gratitude to our brave forces.”
Follow Henry daily on Facebook by visiting: www.facebook.com/henrysmithmp
Tags: Crawley MP Encourages Residents To Show Their Support In Armed Forces Day, Henry Smith MP, Information, Local, News Bulletins, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, West Sussex
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Friday, June 24th, 2011
Henry Smith MP has today congratulated local air cadet, 18 year old Harry Lane, who is a Flight Sergeant with 19 (Crawley) Squadron, HQ Sussex Wing Air Training Corps. At the ceremony and luncheon at the Royal Air Force Club in London, Harry was presented with the Duke of Westminster Award by Admiral the Right Honourable the Lord West of Spithead, a veteran of the Falklands and Iraq wars, for his commitment to his time as a member of the air cadets and to the local community.
The Duke of Westminster Award is an annual competition organised by CVQO to recognise the most outstanding cadet from four cadet forces: the Combined Cadet Force, the Sea Cadet Corps, the Army Cadet Force and the Air Training Corps.
Henry said:
“It is extremely impressive that Harry was selected for the Award from nine finalists drawn up from a short list of 300 nominations, which, in turn, were nominated from a 20,000 strong group of Cadet Vocational Qualification Organisation (CVQO) learners nationwide.
“The Award is the strongest testament to the outstanding commitment and determination demonstrated by the young Flight Sergeant both to his Squadron and the local community. I am sure that many local residents will join me in congratulating him on having achieved such a prestigious award and one which I am sure will stand him in fantastic stead for his future career, wherever that might lead him.
“I also understand that it doesn’t end there. Harry will depart with the other finalists for South Africa next month where he will be working with and teaching young orphans.”
Speaking at the ceremony, Lord West said:
“It is always a pleasure to hear of young people, from all walks of life, from different parts of the country and different backgrounds making a real contribution to their local communities while enriching their own lives and prospects for the future.”
Follow Henry daily on Facebook by visiting: www.facebook.com/henrysmithmp
Tags: children, County council, crawley borough council, Crawley MP Congratulates Local Air Cadet On Prestigious Duke Of Westminster Award, News Bulletins, Times
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Thursday, June 23rd, 2011
The Hawth is pleased to announce that Crawley Audi is the official sponsor of its Classical Concert Series once again. The car retailer is sponsoring the ever popular season of classical music for a second year in a row and the theatre is delighted to be receiving the company’s continued support of the arts.
Speaking about the sponsorship deal, Toby Burton, Head Of Business at Crawley Audi said “We are very pleased to be able to support The Hawth’s Classical Concert Series and the excellence it represents. It’s vital to the cultural vibrancy of the town that The Hawth continues to stage concerts by world-renowned musicians and Crawley Audi are proud to support this in any way we can.”
The Hawth’s Classical Concert Series for 2011/12 offers a wonderful selection of concerts and recitals, performed by some of the finest classical musicians in the world. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra returns to perform three concerts taking audiences on a musical journey around Europe with the music of Sibelius and Greig evoking the northern lights of Scandinavia and Vivaldi’s and Mendelssohn will bathe everyone in Mediterranean sunshine. Finally it’s off to Vienna for an evening of enchanting classics.
Nicola Benedetti
Other concerts in the series include the Armonico Consort and Orchestra of the Baroque with one of the word’s greatest violinists, Nicola Benedetti. There will also be studio recitals from Leos Cepocky and Michael Dussek, Piers Adams and David Wright and a return visit for Four Girls Four Harps, whose last performance sold out.
For full information about the Classical Concert Series or to buy tickets call 01293 553636 or go to www.hawth.co.uk
Tags: Chichester, county, CRAWLEY AUDI - Sponsor The Hawth Classical Series 2011/12, crawley borough council, News Bulletins, the hawth, Times
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Monday, June 20th, 2011
Crawley MP Supports Big Society Fund For Local Voluntary Sector
Henry Smith MP has welcomed the news that money from the Government’s Big Society Transition Fund will support the local voluntary sector. The funding, part of the third wave of payouts from the £107 million Transition Fund, is being paid out to Crawley Home-Start.
Although three quarters of charities receive no public funding, the Government is determined to protect those charities, such as Crawley Home-Start, which are most vulnerable to public spending cuts.
Henry said:
“I’m pleased that the Government is committed to supporting charities, voluntary groups and social enterprises across the South East despite the necessity of dealing with Labour’s disastrous economic legacy.
“It’s great to hear that Crawley Home-Start, which does important work to offer early intervention to families with children under 5 offering support services to those suffering from a variety of difficulties including isolation, depression, substance abuse and financial problems, will receive £34,602 in funding.”
The local Broadfield based Scheme Manager for Crawley Home-Start, Liz Roe, said:
“Like many other organizations, we have been adversely affected by the current economic situation and we have struggled to find the necessary funds to maintain our work.
“We were, therefore, very pleased to be awarded a grant from the Transition Fund. Although this cannot be used to fund our service to families directly it can be used to plan for a more sustainable future for the Scheme. We will, therefore, plan expenditure carefully with the aim of ensuring that the scheme is around for a long time to come and vulnerable families in our area can continue to receive the support they desperately need.”
The Cabinet Secretary responsible for the fund, Horsham MP Francis Maude, also chipped in to say:
“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.”
The Transition Fund provides grants to these organisations to allow them to prepare for the future opportunities opened up by the Big Society. The money will fund the crucial changes that charities need to make to take advantage of the new opportunities available to them from opening up public sector contracts. So far more than 900 charities nationally have received support from the Transition Fund.
Follow Henry daily on Facebook by visiting: www.facebook.com/henrysmithmp
Tags: Allan Hambly, Crawley MP Supports Big Society Fund For Local Voluntary Sector, dance, funds, News Bulletins, West Sussex County Council
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Thursday, June 16th, 2011
The town’s first BMX track was officially opened last week with demos and bike maintenance advice for keen BMXers.
The £75,000 inclusive track is one of just seven in the South East and was opened on Tuesday 7th June with a speech from the Mayor Cllr Carol Eade.
Councillor Lenny Walker, Cabinet member for Leisure and Culture said: “This is an excellent piece of work by Community Services staff, residents and Members, and is a great addition to the town. It will hopefully attract users from far and wide and increase Crawley’s profile too.
Tony Fleming, 40+ BMX world champion 2008
“The most pleasing aspect about this project is that it’s designed with disabled users in mind and I really look forward to seeing everyone make the most of this fantastic new facility.”
The event saw Wheels for All adapted cycles ready for trying out; an impressive demo by Tony Fleming of Dirt Works BMX, the 40+ world champion 2008; and bike maintenance advice from Sibot BMX Store.
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 adjoining inclusive track has been designed specifically with disabled children and young people and their parents/carers in mind and is 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.
(l-r) Matt Stemp, Mayor Cllr Carol Eade, Sean Martin from Manor Green College, Cllr Lenny Walker, Luke Pedlham
Tags: BMX track officially opened, children, Community, county mall, crawley borough council, crawley happy times, News Bulletins, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, West Sussex County Council
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Wednesday, June 15th, 2011
Stopping-the-spread-of-‘argos-families’-in-west-sussex
ENCOURAGING and helping communities to play an active role in their local library will prevent the spread of ‘Argos Families’ – families where the only book in the home is the Argos catalogue.
That was the view expressed by Deborah Urquhart, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member responsible for libraries, when she spoke to its Community Services Select Committee at County Hall today (Wednesday June 15).
Deborah was outlining the need for the Library Service to review community libraries in West Sussex.
She said: “There is now a need to review community libraries and how we can as a County Council ensure they continue to offer the opportunity for learning and reading whilst achieving necessary savings.
“The little ones and older people continue to borrow books. But we must ensure there are learning opportunities to all groups.
“Nationally there is a long term trend in declining book borrowing. As a County Council we need to engage with communities to turn that decline around.
“We cannot – like some places – afford to have Argos Families in West Sussex.”
Deborah said it is time to think about making better use of the Library Service’s assets.
“A lot of our libraries are only 24 hours a week. However, we have started talking to parishes and we are asking them, ‘What is it you want in your community and how can we utilise the library building to support delivery?’” she said.
Tags: Allan Hambly, Argos catalogue, children, Information, News Bulletins, Stopping the spread of ‘Argos Families’ in West Sussex, Times
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