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Southern Railway – Put local young people on the right track to dance success

Thursday, July 14th, 2011

The Hawth are delighted to announce that Sussex train operator, Southern Railway is now the official sponsor of Dance Off, Crawley’s Vision in Youth Collective’s (ViYC) exciting new project. Their first ever dance competition will be held in The Hawth Studio on Saturday 16th July at 7.30pm with further Dance Offs planned for 2012.

 

The company, which serves communities across Sussex and beyond, has donated £1000 to support ViYC’s work with the youth in Crawley, giving the group the funds they need to kick start their new project this summer.

ViYC is a group of young people aged 14 to 25 who were brought together in 2007 by the Crawley Community Development Team to enable young people to have a say in the arts activities provided for them. Since then, they have developed an inspiring programme of activities, which reflect young people’s interests and bring teenagers from all different backgrounds together in a positive way. They always strive to celebrate the diversity and creativity of local young people, utilise their talent and help them reach their potential.

Sarah Morrison, Southern’s Corporate Social Responsibility and Partnership Manager said: ”We are very pleased to be associated with such a worthwhile initiative. We’re sure that the competition will prove to be really popular with young people in Crawley and it will provide another dimension where they can showcase their talents.”

The sponsorship money from Southern Railway will enable this project to have the best possible start and will be utilised to promote Dance Off across the area, go towards the running costs and ensure that ViYC can bring in top professional DJs and MCs to make the night a memorable one for all involved.

The Dance competition is open to all dancers, whether solo performers or part of a group. Anyone who would like to compete for the title of Dance Off Champion should contact Liz Hart on 01293 438156.

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Volunteers needed to help deliver meals

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

 

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Keep Dancing! – Crawley

Thursday, July 7th, 2011

A month-long Olympic inspired festival of dance, which culminates with Open Weekend, is underway.

Dance in Motion is part of Crawley in Motion, the name for sporting, cultural and community projects taking place in the town in the next 18 months, all inspired by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The events, co-ordinated by Crawley Borough Council, K2 Crawley and Crawley Schools Sports Partnership, will include demonstrations and lessons of all types of dance, from ballet to street and Bollywood to Zumba.

Dance in Motion began on Saturday (July 2) with Bollywood, Portuguese, Irish, contemporary and street dancing demonstrations in Memorial Gardens as part of Crawley Festival Mainstage.

The highlights are:

• Saturday July 9, 2-3pm – Zumba for you! at the Bewbush Centre. £2 per person

• Sunday July 10, 12 noon-2pm – Le Roc (modern jive), lesson from 12 noon-1pm, practice from 1-2pm at Ifield

Community Centre. £2 per person

• Friday July 15, 7.30-9.30pm – Beginners’ ballet at Northgate Community Centre. £2 per person

• Sunday July 17, 10am-12 noon – Tap for beginners at Langley Green Community Centre. £2 per person.

Open Weekend, from July 22-24, celebrates one year to go to the beginning of the London 2012 Olympic Games with free activities for all the family.

On Friday July 22, Run, Turtle! Run!, a fun theatre show based on Aesop’s fable, encourages physical activity and participation. It’s suitable for all ages and takes place at the Langley Green Centre at 2pm and the Bewbush Centre at 4pm.

Also on the Friday K2 Crawley hosts karate taster sessions from 8-8.45pm and 8.45-9.30pm. The sessions are run by British Karate Kyokushinkai, who host an international tournament the day after. Spectators are welcome at the tournament, also held at the leisure centre.

On Saturday July 23 from 10am-4pm the LazyTown Sports Club comes to town.

This exciting physical activity programme motivates children to live better and combines all the movement, excitement, music and action of the LazyTown shows.

Free 45-minute sessions for children aged three to eight accompanied by parents start at 10am, 11am, 12 noon and 1.30pm.

At 3pm the Fitkid Grand Finale will feature a special appearance from Sportacus himself!

The event, at Healthy Balanced Generation at Oriel High School in Maidenbower, is part of Crawley’s Open Weekend to celebrate exactly one year to the start of the Olympics.

On Sunday July 24 from 12 noon-4.30pm the Finale Day at K2 Crawley includes free one-hour workshops in beginners’ ballroom and Latin dancing (12 noon), Michael Jackson workshop (12 noon), street dance class (1pm), children’s dance party (1pm) and a grand ball (1.30-4.30pm).

The grand ball finale ends the Dance in Motion festival and the 2011 Open Weekend in style with a wonderful afternoon of ballroom and Latin dance planned.

Dancers of all abilities are invited to join in the fun, which includes an exciting cabaret from top ballroom amateur couple Ian Sharpe and Victoria Lawrence, with music from top London dance DJ, Mr Wonderful.

Tickets cost £6.50 (concessions £4.50) including refreshments). To book online visit www.hawth.co.uk or call 01293 553636.

A free crèche and free climbing wall sessions will also be available from 12 noon-2pm. Places are limited so please book in advance with K2 Crawley.

At 1pm inChoir, a modern West Sussex choir, will sign songs not normally associated with choirs in a free concert at K2 Crawley. The group concentrates on having a good time and promoting the health benefits of singing.

The full line-up of events plus more information is available at www.crawley.gov.uk/inmotion or www.healthybalancedgeneration.co.uk

To reserve a place at any of dance classes please call 01293 438328.

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Two public meetings on proposed Fire and Rescue Service merger

Thursday, July 7th, 2011

Two public meetings on proposed Fire and Rescue Service merger

TWO public meetings are being planned by West Sussex County Council to launch the public consultation on the proposal to merge East and West Sussex Fire and Rescue Services.

The meetings – both beginning at 7pm – are planned for:

Crawley: The Fire Service Training Centre (the ex-library building), Northgate Avenue, on Thursday 14th July.

Worthing: Worthing Library, Richmond Road, on Tuesday 19th July.

The meetings will be chaired by Pete Bradbury, County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, and will include a presentation from Max Hood, County Fire Officer.

There will also be an open session for people to ask questions and air their views about the proposal.

Pete Bradbury said: “This is an opportunity for us to hear first hand peoples’ views on the proposal to merge the two fire services.

“In the current difficult financial climate, we believe this innovative approach of merging the fire services could enable us to continue to deliver excellent services and improve our operational capability, while reducing back office, management and administration costs.

“While much depends on the approach of the Government, the views of the public are equally important to us and no decision will be made until the results of the consultation have been considered.

“I hope residents, businesses, organisations and stakeholders will participate in the consultation. If you cannot attend the public meetings, you can still give us your views online or by post.”

The consultation is scheduled to begin on July 14th and last until October 6th.

 

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Recognition for Crawley first aiders

Wednesday, July 6th, 2011

St John Ambulance volunteers from the Crawley area who devoted more than 2,000 hours of their own time to serving their local community last year have been honoured by the nation’s leading first aid charity.

Kim Godwin, Sussex St John Ambulance’s County Staff Youth Officer, was among those who received awards at the ceremony at Slaugham Manor in Haywards Heath on 24 June.

Kim, 52, who lives in Pease Pottage, devoted more than 1,000 voluntary hours to the charity last year, providing first aid cover at some of the biggest public events in Sussex and beyond the county.

Just a couple of weeks before the ceremony she played a crucial role in saving the life of a man who collapsed in the crowd during a MotoGP event at Silverstone. The casualty was unconscious and had stopped breathing.

She explained: ‘I started chest compressions and when a bystander offered to help I instructed him to take a face shield from my pocket and to give rescue breaths.

‘We continued until another St John Ambulance volunteer arrived with a defibrillator and other equipment. I cut through the casualty’s clothing and applied the pads to his chest.’

Kim Godwin with Lord Lieutenant

Kim and her colleague continued cycles of CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) and electric shocks using the defibrillator until the Silverstone medical teams arrived to take over the treatment.

The casualty was later discharged from hospital having made a good recovery. The actions of the St John Ambulance team earned high praise from the organisers of the event.

At the same event Kim drove one of the injured motorcyclists to hospital for emergency treatment.

Kim has been a St John Ambulance volunteer since 1978 when she did her initial first aid training. Highlights of her years with the charity include leading the first women’s team to win the National First Aid competition in 1992.

Linda Weston with County President Mark Scrase-Dickins.

Other award winners from Crawley included Linda Weston, who was recognised for having given 500 hours of voluntary service last year, and one of the charity’s younger members Luke Smith who achieved his Super Badger* award.

Crawley Super Badger with Hannah Tombs

Alan Plastine received awards for devoting 750 hours to the charity last year and for 17 years’ service. Alan, who lives in Pound Hill, is Sussex St John Ambulance’s County Staff Officer for Cadet Development.

Senior volunteer and event organiser Darren Brand said: ‘Last year our volunteers devoted a staggering 168,000 hours of their free time to serving their local communities.

‘Each year they provide first aid cover at hundreds of public events, many of which simply wouldn’t be able to take place without trained first aiders on hand. In many cases their first aid skills are quite literally the difference between a life lost and a life saved.’

Sussex St John Ambulance relies on public donations as it is not part of the NHS and receives no core government funding. The charity has more than 1,000 adult volunteers and more than 700 youth members in Sussex. To find out more about volunteering or fundraising please call 01273 371 500 or visit www.sja.org.uk

 

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Eight schools scoop Youth Cabinet Democracy Awards

Tuesday, July 5th, 2011

Eight schools scoop Youth Cabinet Democracy Awards

EIGHT schools and colleges have been presented with Democracy Awards for encouraging young people to vote in this year’s West Sussex County Council Youth Cabinet and UK Youth Parliament elections.

This year, just under 10,000 young people from 18 organisations voted. Forty-five young people stood as candidates for the Cabinet, which is part of the County Council’s Youth Services, and the Parliament.

The candidates wrote manifestos on issues they considered important for young people and also on why they should get elected.

The Youth Cabinet, which is made up of young people from throughout West Sussex, introduced the Democracy Award scheme three years ago to encourage schools, special schools, youth wings and centres to get involved in the annual elections.

There are three levels of Democracy Award: Bronze (for at least 50% voter turn out), Silver (70%) and Gold (90%).

There were two Gold winners – Manhood Community College and Shoreham Academy –

and two Silver winners – Ifield Community College and Horsham’s Millais School.

Worthing College, Worthing High School, Burgess Hill School for Girls and

Barnham’s St Philip Howard Catholic High School scooped Bronze awards.

The schools and colleges received their awards at a prestigious ceremony hosted by Children’s Minister Tim Loughton, MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, at the Palace of Westminster.

There was also a behind-the-scenes tour of the House of Commons and the House of Lords led by Henry Smith, MP for Crawley.

The awards were presented by Tim Loughton and Peter Evans, County Council Cabinet Member for Children and Families.

Tim Loughton said there was increasing central Government support for young people’s involvement in democracy and UK Youth Parliament.

Peter Evans said: “We’re committed further to continue working with all young people, to hear their views and take note of their ideas and suggestions.”

Hilary Maywood, Service Manager, West Sussex County Council Youth Support and Development Service, said the Democracy Awards reflect the huge amount of work done by teachers and youth workers to encourage students to lobby as candidates and vote as an electorate.

 

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Crawley MP Opens Gatwick Diamond “Meet The Buyers” Conference

Thursday, June 30th, 2011

Giving the opening address to business and local authority leaders this morning at the annual Meet the Buyers gathering in Crawley’s Arora Hotel, local MP, Henry Smith, said:

“Our area is about excellent connectivity, both commercially and logistically, which is a great asset to our local and regional economy.

“In the last week we have seen the announcement of 950 new jobs in Crawley and that is a testament to what a great place to it is to base and do business.

“I congratulate Gatwick Airport, Crawley Council and Gatwick Diamond for sponsoring an event which generates millions of pounds in new trade by connecting buyers with suppliers.”

Follow Henry daily on Facebook by visiting: www.facebook.com/henrysmithmp

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Crawley MP Welcomes Governments Consultation On Immigration & Settlement

Tuesday, June 28th, 2011

Henry Smith MP has welcomed the Government’s consultation on settlement designed to break the automatic link between temporary routes and permanent settlement.

Under the previous Government almost anyone who had been working in the UK for five years is eligible to apply to stay permanently. Breaking the automatic link between temporary routes and permanent settlement will help reduce net migration down from the hundreds to the tens of thousands a year.

Henry said:

“Time and time again, whether on the door-step or through emails and letters I receive, it is clear that Crawley residents have been deeply concerned by the virtually unchecked immigration into the UK under the previous Government and are unsure as to why local employers require workers from overseas when there are people looking for work locally in Crawley.”

“This Government has already capped economic migration, reformed the student visa route and introduced a dedicated police border force. Ministers insist that these actions will reduce net migration down from the hundreds to the tens of thousands a year. In addition, by tackling open door immigration, I believe we help tackle peoples’ fears and therefore deny extreme political parties any further footholds.”

Follow Henry daily on Facebook by visiting: www.facebook.com/henrysmithmp

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Skydive for Milly by Sally McLachlan & Paul Hewson

Tuesday, June 28th, 2011

The sky dive and a “story” on what happened and who it was for!

My name is Sally McLachlan and I used to go to secondary school with Emma Vaughan and heared about Milly being ill. I knew straight away I wanted to do something to help with the fundraising and decided to do a skydive with my friend Paul Hewson.

Sally McLachlan & Paul Hewson

We decided to raise the money for Brain Tumour UK and Millys Journey and managed to raise £1600.

We arrived at Headcorn Airfield, Kent at 08.30am Saturday morning ready to jump but unfortunately after the briefing it was apparent that the weather was against us! We waited 10 hours just incase the weather changed but 6.00pm we had to admit defeat and rebook. With a lot of pleading and persuading we convinced them to let us rebook for the next morning as Paul and I had travelled from Lancashire.

We arrived at 07.30 Sunday morning ready to go again and the weather was looking a lot better by 10.00 we were kitted up ready to go adreneline pumping! We climbed to 12000ft and jumped. Best experience ever and knowing that we were doing for Milly there were no nerves and no regrets. Thankyou to everyone that spomsored us and anyone that wants to raise money or donate please visit www.millysjourney.co.uk

we are both now hooked and planning a accelerated FreeFall course so we can jump solo!!!

Thanks Very much

Sally McLachlan & Paul Hewson

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TD Shipley Youth Football Club – New Players Wanted – Under 13’s for next season

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

 

 

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Crawley MP Congratulates Local Air Cadet On Prestigious Duke Of Westminster Award

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

 

 

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Crawley MP Hits Out At ‘Absurd’ Gatwick Airport ‘Congestion Tax’ Suggestion

Thursday, June 23rd, 2011

Crawley MP Hits Out At ‘Absurd’ Gatwick Airport ‘Congestion Tax’ Suggestion

Henry Smith MP has criticised suggestions from a consortium of regional airports that Gatwick, as a London airport, should additional charges through a congestion tax.

Earlier this week, Henry sought assurances from the Treasury Secretary on the floor of the House of Commons by asking:

“Last week, a consortium of regional airports called for a congestion tax on London airports such as Gatwick in my constituency. Will the Treasury rule out such an absurd and, frankly, anti-free trade measure?”

Speaking to local Airport representatives, Henry explained:

“The recent suggestion made by a group of regional airports that London airports should pay an additional ‘congestion tax’ is absurd and would damage the Gatwick economy and jobs. I am pleased, therefore, that the Treasury confirmed to me that Gatwick will not be unfairly burdened by taxes.

“There would simply no plausible rationale behind penalising Gatwick for its success and proximity to London. The Government is right in encouraging companies to establish here in the UK, particularly in the Crawley/Gatwick area with it’s uniquely ideal location, and is also right in not taking the advice of those regional airports whose recommendations would jeopardise this.”

Follow Henry daily on Facebook by visiting: www.facebook.com/henrysmithmp

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School Closure Information – West Sussex County Council Website Service

Wednesday, June 15th, 2011

School Closure Information – County Council Website Service

West Sussex County Council has launched website pages to advise parents on school closures or partial closures on Thursday30th June,  following ballots in favour of industrial action by the National Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL).

The website pages will be updated as and when schools take a decision about whether to close or not on the day.

The list of closures can be found by by click on this link-  www.westsussex.gov.uk

 

 

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Crawley MP Welcomes National Crime Agency

Monday, June 13th, 2011

Crawley MP Welcomes National Crime Agency

Henry Smith MP welcomed Government plans to introduce a new National Crime Agency (NCA), which will come fully into operation by 2013.

Henry said:

“Organised crime costs the UK public between £20 billion and £40 billion each year and affects the everyday lives of individuals. The NCA will be responsible for tackling these crimes which include child abuse, drug and people smuggling, illegal immigration, fraud, cyber crime and many other serious and organised crimes.

“Until now there has been no national overview or means of co-ordinating and focusing the law enforcement response to get to grips with the scale and complexity of the problem. This has led to too many of the 6,000 groups involved in organised crime in the UK escaping justice.”

The NCA will be made up of four distinct commands which will come together to work more efficiently and effectively:

• The Organised Crime Command will address organised crime groups across local, national and international borders.

• The Border Policing Command will co-ordinate law enforcement agencies, ensuring illegal goods are seized, illegal immigrants are dealt with and networks of organised criminals are effectively disrupted both overseas and at our ports.

• The Economic Crime Command will improve the capability to deal with economic crimes, including those carried out by organised criminals.

• The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre will retain its vital national role, unique identity and capabilities, while benefiting from shared intelligence across the NCA.

At the heart of the NCA will be an intelligence hub which will build and maintain a national intelligence picture of the threats, harms and risks to the UK from organised criminals. This information will be used to prioritise criminals and task police and law enforcement agencies to ensure there is an appropriate operational response.

Henry continued:

“This Government has a clear plan to fight crime with the new National Crime Agency. The impact of serious and organised crime is felt in the everyday lives of people in Crawley.

“The NCA will make sure crime-fighters work together to more effectively address serious and organised crime.

“Organised crime, economic crime, cyber crime and child exploitation are real problems, for real people across Crawley. The NCA will better defend our borders, protect children and tackle the drug trade and many other crimes.”

Follow Henry daily on Facebook by visiting: www.facebook.com/henrysmithmp

 

 

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Vote now for pioneering Hastings Homeless Service!

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.’

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New museum for Crawley moves a step closer

Monday, June 6th, 2011

Crawley Borough Council and Crawley Museum Society’s plan for a new museum for the town moved a step closer with the submission of a Heritage Lottery Fund bid on Friday (June 3).

Crawley Museum Society’s bid for £998,555 covers the fit out and alterations, including specialist display facilities and equipment, to The Tree and The Tree Annexe in the High Street to make it a suitable location for a museum.

An extra £763,000 has already been earmarked by the council to refurbish the listed building and bring it up to standard. Crawley Museum Society will operate the new service with financial support from the council.

The Tree has great potential to improve heritage in Crawley, with its central location, architectural quality and greater size. The building is well worth preserving, originating around 1280.

Greatly increased exhibition space will allow for detailed coverage of local themes, using interactive elements and lively displays, with input from the wider community. More room will allow for better storage and facilities for a workshop and meeting rooms.

The bid document details these specific outcomes:

• Develop and restore The Tree so that it is fit for purpose as the new location for the museum of Crawley, in a way that recognises and celebrates its heritage as a medieval building and its role in Victorian Society

• Relocate the Crawley Museum collection and service to The Tree

• Use the new location to illustrate Crawley’s past as well as its present and future

• Establish an outstanding education service for both formal and informal education both onsite and as outreach work

• Develop a programme of both temporary exhibitions and community-based projects establishing Crawley Museum as a heritage centre ‘of the people for the people’.

The bid document states: “As anyone can testify who has seen the team looking after a group of 30 schoolchildren plus their helpers in the galleries, Crawley Museum has almost reached saturation point in its use of the existing premises.

“There is an overwhelming desire to move to larger premises so that services and facilities can be expanded to meet the needs of the wider community, which underpins the rationale for the bid that follows, for the move to The Tree.”

If the bid is successful, it’s hoped that the museum could be open in 2013.

Councillor Lenny Walker, Cabinet member for Leisure and Culture, said: “We are determined to deliver a new museum for Crawley to celebrate our rich heritage.

“The museum’s current premises in Goffs Park House are far too small, with only about 10 per cent of artefacts on display at any one time.

“If we are fortunate enough to be successful in our bid to the Heritage Lottery Fun we will be able to provide Crawley Museum Society with a bigger, better base for a museum, nearer to the town centre – something they have asked us for.”

 

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Exciting times at Tilgate Park

Friday, June 3rd, 2011

Tilgate Park, Crawley’s jewel in the crown, is getting even better.

Improvements and new activities at Crawley Borough Council’s flagship park will make a visit even more enjoyable this summer.

Environment Agency work on the new dam at the northern end of Tilgate Lake should be completed in July. The lake will then refill naturally with rainwater.

Fencing is likely to remain around most of the lake for safety reasons until the lake is full, although the crest above the new dam will be open next month.

Once the lake is full, the council will encourage family-friendly fishing, while carp fishing will continue in the adjacent Silt Lake. The council is also looking into providing a wider range of leisure activities on Tilgate Lake, for example boating, canoeing, windsurfing, etc.

The council will also be working with partner organisations to provide a range of exciting land-based leisure facilities within the park and its woodlands, such as aerial walkways in the trees and more activities for children.

The pub in the park, formerly The Bluebird, is expected to reopen as a pub/restaurant in the autumn.

Changes to parking this summer will see the fisherman’s car park, behind the new dam, improved with better surfacing with 210 marked spaces.

We are aiming to update the animal enclosures and improve the café and gift shop facilities. The animal collection will be reassessed to include more animals popular with children, while maintaining a strong conservation focus.

A potential membership scheme for Tilgate Park will also be investigated, which could provide a range of benefits for local people.

Councillor Lenny Walker, Cabinet member for Leisure and Culture, said: “Tilgate Park is rightly regarded as one of the best parks around and this is why it’s important to improve the facilities with the investment being made.

“We are determined to make Tilgate Park and its facilities better, with boating and family fishing on the main lake, a new pub/restaurant opening, aerial walkways, more car parking spaces and an improved Nature Centre.

“We know people come to Tilgate Park from far and wide but our priority is Crawley residents. This is why we are looking into the possibility of a local membership scheme for the park that rewards frequent visitors, especially local Council Tax payers.”

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Crawley Folk & Beer Festival 2011 – The Perfect Summer Weekend

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

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Call-in agreed on grants decisions

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.

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Free Family Bike Ride

Wednesday, June 1st, 2011

Free family bike ride

This year’s Crawley Family Bike Ride takes place on Sunday 26th June and includes free entrance to Nymans Gardens, owned by the National Trust.

The second annual ride is from Oriel High School in Maidenbower to Nymans Gardens in Handcross and back. Registration starts at 10am and the ride is suitable for all ages and abilities, although children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

The route follows National Cycle Route 20 and is led by experienced cyclists.

Arrival at Nymans should be at about 12 noon. The return ride starts at about 1pm with arrival back at Oriel at about 3pm. For more information visit www.crawley.gov.uk/cycling or www.horshamandcrawleyctc.org.uk

The ride is part of Bike Week, which runs from June 18-26. Another event sees Crawley Borough Council and Ahead Cycles offering a Bike Doctor service. The Bike Doctor will be beside the Bandstand in Queens Square between 11.30am and 1.30pm on Monday June 20, Wednesday June 22 and Friday June 24.

Bring your bike for a free health check and then take it with you to Ahead Cycles on The Broadway to get a 10 per cent discount on any recommended repairs and services.

Bike Buddies will also run from Three Bridges Station on Monday to Friday, leaving at 8am on two routes – one to Manor Royal Business District and one to K2 Crawley. If you want to learn the best route to work or gain confidence riding with others then join in.

Bike Week aims to promote and encourage cycling as part of everyday life and highlights the social, health, environmental and economic benefits of cycling.

Councillor Lenny Walker, Cabinet member for Leisure and Culture, said: “There’s more to do in Crawley this Bike Week than ever before. The family bike ride is a great way to discover new parts of Crawley as well as visiting a nearby National Trust property, all at a leisurely pace.

“As well as the ride the Bike Doctor and Bike Buddies will help to give more local bike owners the skills and confidence to get out on two wheels this summer.”

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