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 July 2 with Bollywood, Portuguese, Irish, contemporary and street dancing demonstrations in Memorial Gardens as part of Crawley Festival Mainstage.
Open Weekend, from Friday 22ndJuly to Sunday 24th July, 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 23rd July 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 24th July 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.
Henry Smith was pleased to learn today that the Big Lottery Fund has decided to invest almost £30,000 in local community projects.
Henry said:
“Historically Crawley community projects haven’t done very well in winning lottery grants but I’m delighted that’s changing following a campaign I’ve pursued to highlight the possibilities which exist through the lottery. The latest awards are very encouraging.
“If local voluntary groups or charities need further information on how to bid then I would be happy to help them make the right connection with the Big Lottery Fund.”
The Crawley Youth Centre has been awarded £9,750, the Crawley District Scout Council has been awarded £9,100 and Milton Mount Primary School has secured £10,000 to build a children’s adventure play trail for the local community.
The Crawley Youth Centre will use the funding to set up a new BME community club for older women, offering participatory activities such as games and excursions. It will also develop an existing club to include younger children, the groups will merge together on excursions. This will encourage younger children to engage with society at an earlier stage while offering older people a meeting place to socialise.
The Crawley District Scout Council will use the funding to purchase equipment to provide activities to young people and will also renovate the scout hut. This will enable the group to improve its service and enable more community groups to use the facilities.
Milton Mount Primary School will use the funding to create a children’s adventure play trail for all the community to use. This will promote fitness, provide challenges and opportunities for team building for the children within the school and the wider community.
This morning in the House of Commons the Business Secretary, Vince Cable, joined with Crawley MP, Henry Smith, in congratulating Crawley-based Virgin Atlantic Airlines and Central Sussex College for their work in creating new apprenticeships for local people.
Henry said:
“I’m delighted that the Business Secretary during Commons Questions paid tribute to Virgin Atlantic’s creation of 42 engineering apprenticeships along with Central Sussex College administering a further 900 apprenticeships, both in Crawley.
“The Business Secretary responded by honouring these two organisations as having helped in boosting the number of apprenticeships offered in Crawley by 62% over the past year.
“This significant increase in Apprenticeship opportunities goes some way in explaining why figures released from the Office for National Statistics yesterday show that the private sector has added 520,000 jobs in the last year. Only yesterday I was able to announce 170 new local jobs with Ceres Power and last month 600 new jobs with Siemens.
“Crawley jobs and Crawley skills are on the move again.”
Henry Smith has welcomed an announcement from Ceres Power that they have opened a new technology centre in Crawley creating 170 new jobs in the local economy.
Henry said:
“Companies such as local, leading green economy firm Ceres Power are proving how much of an asset they are for our town, having just announced 170 new positions. Today’s announcement follows on from Siemens decision to create 600 new positions in Three Bridges.
“It was reassuring to learn today that, in the three months to May, unemployment data (released today) shows joblessness continuing to fall in Crawley (now at 4.1%). For those still out of work I appreciate it remains 100% of a problem but I’m convinced that reducing red tape and our national debt will further stimulate the economy.
“Over the past year, some 1,500 investment projects from 54 different countries have been landed by the UK, creating and safeguarding almost 100,000 positions in the private sector.”
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
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.
Businesses, Friends and Family, and any individuals, who might wish to sponsor a prize, a hole, or the whole event, even donate items towards the Charity Auction. To discuss this please contact Jermaine Weeden on 07891 544 865, Barry Pelham 07956 028306, or Clive Fuller 07866 622219
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.
The Crawley Festival came to an end for another year with the Mainstage event held in the memorial gardens in the town centre. The community had seen many great events during the last two weeks with the finale full to the brim with young talent.
We would like to thank everyone involved with the Crawley festival and all those who performed, educated and informed the community. A special mention goes to Councillor Bob Burgess, Councillor Chris Oxlade, Geoff Allen, Tony Whitton and all his team. If we have forgotten to mention you we apologies, but thank you
The new West Sussex Adult and Community Learning Service programme for 2011/12 is out now – for the first time split into local areas.
There are seven brochures, tailored to local demand and containing the full programme of courses for each area.
More than 2,000 courses will be held by the West Sussex Adult and Community Learning Service over the coming year.
West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Education and Schools Peter Griffiths said: “The format of the brochure has changed in response to extensive consultation with students and follows the successful trial of local brochures earlier this year, which produced extremely positive feedback. We even had people queuing around the corner in Littlehampton to enrol at The Learning Shop.”
The brochures cover the following areas:
• Midhurst, Chichester, Southbourne and Selsey
• Bognor Regis, Felpham and Westergate
• Crawley
• Horsham, Billingshurst and Storrington
• Littlehampton and Rustington
• Burgess Hill and Haywards Heath
• Worthing, Lancing, Shoreham, Southwick and Steyning
Peter added: “Over the past term I’ve had the opportunity to visit Adult and Community Learning Centres across West Sussex, and see first hand the benefits of adult learning in helping people develop in many different areas of their lives.
“The wide range of courses available includes health and wellbeing, job skills and qualifications, computer skills, and personal development.”
The brochures have been delivered to households across West Sussex.
For further information, a copy of any of the brochures or to enrol, visit the website at www.westsussex.gov.uk/adulteducation, or contact 0845 6010161.
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.”
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.”
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
Crawley MP, Henry Smith has spoken about how “honoured” he was to officially open the new Manor Royal based Trade Skills 4U centre along with Falklands veteran Simon Weston OBE.
Henry said before unveiling a plaque at the new centre:
“The company specialises in re-training injured military service personnel in renewable energy product installation. A fantastic initiative which helps over 3,000 people a year as a result of an idea of the company’s inspirational Managing Director, Carl Bennett.
“Offering apprenticeships, promoting green energy and helping those to re-skill, especially injured members of the armed forces, achieves so many positive outcomes. I am delighted this is happening right here in Crawley.”
Inspirational people from West Sussex are being sought to help carry the Olympic torch in the relay across the country next year, in the run up to the London 2012 Olympics.
London 2012 is asking for nominations of individuals whose personal stories will inspire the millions of people watching the Olympic Torch Relay.
West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy Deborah Urquhart said: “London 2012 is looking for inspirational people to take part in the relay as torchbearers. We have many amazing people in West Sussex and I hope residents will take part and nominate their special person to join in this exciting event.”
The Olympic flame arrives in the UK on Friday 18th May 2012. The Olympic Torch Relay starts on Saturday 19th May 2012, and lasts for 70 days, finishing on Friday 27th July 2012.
The flame represents peace, unity and friendship and will be carried by 8,000 torchbearers during the relay.
To nominate someone, visit the website at www.london2012.com. Nominators will need to write up to 150 words explaining why they are nominating someone and why that person is so inspirational. Nominations close on Wednesday 29th June.
For the latest news on the London 2012 games and what’s happening in West Sussex, visit the West Sussex – Ahead of the Game website at www.westsussex-aheadofthegame.com.
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
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.”
Celebrating West Sussex carers during national week
Carers Week, which highlights the vital role of carers, will be marked in West Sussex this June with a series of events.
The national week, promoted by Carers UK, runs from Monday 13th June to Sunday 19th June. It recognises and celebrates the contribution the UK’s six million carers make for those they care for and to their communities.
Carers are people who help a relative, child, partner or friend who is either frail, has a mental and/or physical illness, learning difficulty, is disabled, or affected by substance misuse.
The theme this year is ‘The True Face of Carers’.
The Carers Support Services in Regis, Chichester and Rural, Worthing and District, and North and Mid Sussex, who provide support right across West Sussex, have a number of events planned for the week, including:
• Regis, Chichester and Rural Carers Support Service: On Monday June 13 at 11am – 3pm, there will be an information session at Arundel GP Surgery, Green Lane Close, Arundel (BN18 9HG). Contact 01243 537011
• Worthing and District Carers Support Services: On Tuesday June 14 at 10.30am – 4pm, wander among the buildings dating from the 13th to the 19th century at Weald and Downland Museum, Singleton, Chichester, (PO18 0EU). Walk amongst the 40 acres of beautiful Sussex countryside, enjoying period gardens, animals and woodland. Bring your own picnic. Event is free, but places are limited. Call 01903 536378.
• North and Mid Sussex Carers Support Services: Wednesday June 15 at 2.30pm – 4pm will see Horsham Carers Support Group visit Blue Jays Garden, Chesworth Close, Horsham. Costs £5, including refreshments. Booking required, call 01293 657040
• North and Mid Sussex Carers Support Services: On Thursday June 16 at 9.30am – 5pm, a coach trip to South Kensington, London, museum and parks. Leaving from Horsham railway station. Tickets cost £5 and booking is required. Call 01293 657040.
• North and Mid Sussex Carers Support Services: The Mental Health Carers Support Group will be holding a trip to the Sea Life Centre in Brighton on Friday June 17 at 11am. Call 01293 657040. Tickets are £2 and booking is required.
Peter Catchpole, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Adults’ Services, said: “Carers rarely have time to themselves as they are so busy looking after loved ones. This national week helps to highlight the importance of supporting carers and giving them some time to themselves.”
Your Chance to Inspect the County Council’s Accounts
Members of the public can take a look at West Sussex County Council’s accounts for the year ending March 31 2011.
The accounts, including those of the pension fund, will be available at County Hall, West Street, Chichester, from 9am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday from Friday, June 24 to Friday, July 22.
People can make copies of the accounts and all books, deeds, contracts, bills, vouchers and receipts relating to them. There is a charge for photocopying.
Anyone wishing to examine the accounts during the inspection period should telephone the Chief Accountant Tim Stretton on 01243 777100 (ext 77868) on weekdays between 9am and 4.30pm to arrange an appointment.
