Posts Tagged ‘county’

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Could you become a rights of way volunteer?

Thursday, June 2nd, 2011

Could you become a rights of way volunteer?

An event on becoming a West Sussex public rights of way volunteer ranger or parish path inspector takes place on Sunday June 12.

It’s being held at Dial Post Village Hall, Old Worthing Road, Dial Post, RH13 8ND, from 2pm to 4pm.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer will be able to find out more about the role and speak to officers from West Sussex County Council to learn how they can help to keep rights of way accessible for everyone to enjoy.

Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy Deborah Urquhart said: “Volunteers play a vital role in the maintenance and upkeep of the county’s rights of way network.

“In West Sussex we have 2,530 miles of public rights of way, allowing access into some fascinating, unspoilt and diverse landscapes.”

Volunteers are being offered various opportunities to be involved as they wish, by helping with inspections of paths, or undertaking supported practical tasks to improve access and address problems identified by residents and visitors.

The County Council runs an ongoing inspection and maintenance programme to ensure the rights of way network stays as safe, open and usable as possible. Every right of way is inspected every nine months, followed by the completion of any identified maintenance.

Volunteer Parish Inspectors receive full training and have an input in the prioritising of works as well as providing vital local knowledge.

Practical tasks are planned well in advance so volunteers can choose which practical sessions they would like to be involved with.

Deborah added: “Volunteers can be involved with installing bridges, signposts, gates and steps, as well as clearing vegetation.”

For further information about the event or volunteering for parish path inspections or practical tasks, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Darren Rolfe on 07793 187893 or e-mail darren.rolfe@westsussex.gov.uk

 

 

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Online petitions

Thursday, June 2nd, 2011

Online petitions

An online system for creating and taking part in petitions is now available on Crawley Borough Council’s website.

The council’s e-petitions service enables Crawley residents or anyone who works or studies in the town to create, view and manage the progress of petitions online.

E-petitions make the information available to a much wider audience, giving local people the opportunity to gather more names to support the e-petition.

A petition may gather signatures in both forms – you can have a paper version and an online version, although repeat signatures will be removed.

Councillor Duncan Crow, Deputy Leader of Crawley Borough Council, said: “We welcome petitions which can help inform debate and potentially result in changes that can have a positive impact on local people.

“It is also a good way to highlight an issue that matters to you where the council has responsibility or influence.

“This new online system is a simple and convenient way of bringing an issue to the attention of the council for it to consider and gives residents another way of letting us know their views, whether they support or object to something the council is doing.”

For more information visit www.crawley.gov.uk/petitions

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Benefits promotion

Thursday, June 2nd, 2011

Benefits promotion

Are you claiming all the benefits you’re entitled to? If not Crawley Borough Council has a new officer who can help you claim more money.

 

Fay Power, Benefits Promotion Officer at Crawley Borough Council

Fay Power, Benefits Promotion Officer at Crawley Borough Council, identifies people who could be entitled to a range of different benefits including Housing and Council Tax Benefit, Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance and Carer’s Allowance.

If you are on a low income, or already in receipt of benefits, Fay will be able to let you know if you’re claiming all that you should be.

Fay is also running weekly drop-in sessions at the Crawley Advice Shop in County Mall every Wednesday between 9.30am and 12.30pm.

The aim of the drop-in sessions are to help people with Housing and Council Tax Benefit claims, and to offer benefit ‘health checks’ to make sure people are claiming all that they are entitled to.

Councillor Lee Gilroy, Cabinet member for Housing, said: “These sessions are a great way of helping more people claim the benefits they are entitled to.

“Residents who are able to claim more are often on low incomes so even a few pounds can make a big difference.”

Nationally, the Government estimates pensioners and people on low incomes are failing to take up almost £6 billion of benefits they are entitled to, including Housing and Council Tax Benefits.

If you are unable to make a Wednesday morning session at Crawley Advice Shop you can call Fay on 01293 438695, email fay.power@crawley.gov.uk or visit www.crawley.gov.uk/benefits

 

 

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Your chance to win Sussex Day prizes

Wednesday, June 1st, 2011

Your chance to win Sussex Day prizes

The fifth annual Sussex Day is looming up, and it’s time to plan how you can celebrate your county’s rich heritage. The date is June 16th, chosen because it’s St Richard’s Day, marking the life of the Bishop of Chichester from 1245 until his death in 1253.

Here are just a few of the events taking place – on Sussex Day itself the County Record Office in Orchard Street, Chichester, will be celebrating with a special exhibition called West Sussex On Film. People are being invited to bring along their old films showing the county many years ago.

There are competitions and prizes to be won. The county’s schools meals provider, Chartwell, are running a special Sussex Day school meal competition, for five to seven year olds, and eight to 11 years old.

Entrants will create and cook a main course meal, which must be healthy, suitable for steaming, and have some locally grown or reared ingredients. There are two age categories – five to seven year olds, and eight to 11 year olds – with valuable prizes for the winners.

Mike Coleman, the new Chairman of West Sussex County Council, is offering a £50 cash prize for the best poem about West Sussex. Entries can come from anyone of any age, and can be e-mailed to: competitions@westsussex.gov.uk Runners-up will receive a book token worth £20, and a copy of Sussex, Tales of the Unexpected, by Kim Leslie. The volume details fascinating stories of life from the Tudor period to the last century.

Closing date is 15th June, and the winner will be announced the next day, which is Sussex Day. The runner-up will receive a book prize, courtesy of West Sussex Libraries.

“Sussex Day has become an important day in the calendar, when we take time to remember what a beautiful county we live in,” said Mike. “I am looking forward to receiving lots of poems, and I hope everyone finds some time and some way to celebrate the event.”

If you visit the County Council home page at www.westsussex.gov.uk and write ‘What’s On’ in the Search Bar, a whole host of activities covering various times of the year will appear. You can even invite people to your own event by adding it to our database.

If you still have your bunting from a Royal Wedding party, you could plan another one on a date near to June 16 to celebrate Sussex Day. To get a special offer on West Sussex flags, visit our Sussex Day pages to see how you can buy a 5ft by 3ft flag for just £36 including VAT, post and packing.

To order your West Sussex flags just visit the ‘County Council Merchandise’ section of our eshop.

Finally, sit back and relax, capturing the flavour and spirit of what it’s like to live in one of the best parts of Britain. Our short film ‘Spirit of Sussex Day,’ is a musical and spoken journey into why we celebrate the event. Just follow the link on our Sussex Day pages. To find these, enter the words ‘Sussex Day’ in the search bar of the County Council home page.

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Grass verge cutting

Tuesday, May 31st, 2011

Grass verge cutting

Crawley Borough Council is updating residents on its plans to cut grass verges this spring and summer.

The exceptionally warm spring has brought about a great deal of grass growth and also encouraged a lot of wildflowers to grow in the verges.

As the grass has grown very quickly, it is taking longer for council staff to cut it. However, in the past week we have caught up with most of the growth.

The council will cut the grass as often as necessary to ensure verges remain neat and tidy. Cutting rounds will begin when there has been sufficient grass growth. The number of cuts will depend on the weather through the growing season.

Council officers undertake regular quality inspections and will decide when a new round of cutting needs to start.

Every attempt will be made to make sure cut grass is removed from pavements and all litter is removed from grass before cutting. These are the issues that residents have been most concerned about in previous years.

Staffing changes mean that more resources can be deployed to help cut grass verges at times of high growth.

Councillor Ken Trussell, Cabinet member for Environmental Services, said: “It’s important to stress that we are working towards a better quality of cut, removing litter before the grass is cut and ensuring that cut grass is removed from pavements.

“In November we’ll review all feedback we receive during this pilot year.”

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Crawley calls for inspirational Olympic torchbearers

Friday, May 27th, 2011

The London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG) is looking for people with inspirational stories to carry the flame in the Olympic Torch Relay.

Crawley Borough Council is asking town residents to nominate deserving people who always strive for the best and never give up, regardless of circumstance, to help shine a light on the UK.

The town applied for involvement in the Olympic Torch route and now the night stops have been decided Crawley eagerly wait to see if it has been successful for a day stop.

Regardless of the town’s success, the torch will pass within an hours’ journey of 95 per cent of the UK and for Crawley, Brighton has already been chosen as a night stop.

Councillor Lenny Walker, Cabinet member for Leisure and Culture said: “This is a great opportunity for the many inspirational, brave and talented people of Crawley to get involved in the worlds greatest sporting event.

“The relay needs 8,000 people from across the UK and I know Crawley has many deserving people who could be part of that.”

The relay will take place between May 19th to July 27th, 2012 and Crawley will find out if it has been successful in its bid for a day stop later this year.

Nominate someone you know to be a London 2012 torch bearer by 29th June  and give them their moment to shine. Visi www.london2012.com/olympictorchrelay for more information and to nominate.

 

 

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West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service Issue Bank Holiday Bonfire Warning

Friday, May 27th, 2011

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service Issue Bank Holiday Bonfire Warning


Planning a garden clear up this bank holiday? Then firefighters are reminding you to follow a few bonfire basics to ensure your good intentions don’t end up in a 999 call.

The warning follows a recent rise in the number of calls to West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service to extinguish out of control bonfires in people’s gardens or grounds, including one in Crawley where fire crews had to help a lady to safety after a bonfire spread to a hedgerow, a car and smoke-logged her house.

Jackie Boyle, Community Fire Safety Officer for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, advised:

“With the bank holiday coming up many of us will be getting out into our gardens for a bit clear up and may need to dispose of unwanted garden waste. As the safest, most responsible and environmentally friendly way to dispose of garden waste we would recommend, wherever possible, that you take it to your local recycling centre, use a green waste collection service, or even compost it.

“With the recent blustery wind conditions, the risk of a bonfire spreading out of control is increased so if you are going to have a bonfire it’s really important that you take the right precautions to protect yourself, your property and the environment. If a bonfire is not properly controlled there is a real risk that is can spread to fences, sheds, hedges and even people’s homes, putting lives in danger.”

It’s easy to follow the bonfire basics…

. Let your neighbours know you are planning to have a bonfire or they may end up dialling 999.

. Build your bonfire away from sheds, fences and trees.

. Avoid having a bonfire in windy conditions – it increases the likelihood of the fire spreading out of control.

. Don’t build it too big, and make sure it is stable.

. Don’t burn aerosols, tyres, canisters or anything containing foam or paint – they can produce toxic fumes or explode.

. Don’t use petrol or paraffin to get the fire going – it can get out of control quickly.

. Don’t leave your bonfire unattended or leave it smoulder when you have finished – make sure it is fully extinguished.

. If a bonfire does get out of control – don’t risk injury by tackling it yourself – call 999.

For more information on recycling your garden waste log onto www.recyclingforwestsussex.org and for further fire safety advice call the Community Fire Safety team on 01243 642879.

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Olympic legend visits West Sussex

Tuesday, May 24th, 2011

Young people from West Sussex were treated to a visit from Seb Coe on Friday (May 20).

The Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) and double Olympic Gold Medallist, made the visit to mark the involvement of schools from across West Sussex in the London 2012 Education programme, and the ongoing success of West Sussex initiatives linked to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Seb visited Horsham’s Tanbridge House School, to mark the achievements of the county’s schools as part of the Get Set network – the official London 2012 education programme for schools, colleges and education providers across the UK. The day also saw another star of London 2012, Wenlock, the official mascot of the 2012 Olympic Game visit the school.

Seb was joined by 200 young people from schools across West Sussex that are involved in the Get Set programme, as well as a group of London 2012 hopefuls from the county. The athletes put on displays in Gymnastics, Sitting Volleyball, Beach Volleyball, Judo, Cycling and Handball to showcase their skills to the London 2012 Chair. He then had the chance to watch and take part in coaching sessions led by the Hopefuls in, Sitting Volleyball, Handball Beach Volleyball and Athletics.

Seb commented: “It was a privilege to visit West Sussex today to celebrate the success of its 2012 initiatives so far, and to see the work in action. We want as many young people as possible to be involved with London 2012 and getting into sport. Having all these projects in place shows that the South East is really maximising the opportunities which are arising from the Games.”

The afternoon gave Seb the chance to see two presentations by youngsters from the host school, Tanbridge House, along with St Paul’s Catholic College and Mid Sussex School Sport Partnership, to showcase the work that they have been doing linked to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Mr White, Headteacher at Tanbridge House School said: “I am delighted that Tanbridge was chosen for such a prestigious event. The presence of Seb Coe has inspired so many students to become involved with the 2012 Olympics and beyond.”

Chairman of Horsham District Council, Councillor Claire Vickers added: “The visit today was wonderfully inspirational for all involved. The showcase of sporting talent on display from our West Sussex London 2012 hopefuls, and from the young sports stars from the area, was fantastic”.

The visit was organised by the South East Partnership for the London 2012 Games in conjunction with West Sussex County Council (on behalf of the county London 2012 Games partnership West Sussex-Ahead of the Game) and Surrey County Council.

Deborah Urquhart, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy commented: “It was a real privilege to have Seb visit West Sussex today, to celebrate the success of our widespread achievements at a local level. The school children were thrilled to be able to share their work linked to the 2012 educational programme with such a legend, and I’m sure it will be a day they never forget.

“We are hoping that this visit from someone as inspirational as Seb will make all our hard work surrounding the Olympics and Paralympics more visible to the public, and raise the profile of the 2012 programme locally.”

Councillor Lenny Walker, Crawley Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Leisure and Culture, said: “It was great to see Thomas Bennett’s Get Set students have the chance to meet Lord Coe, an Olympic legend, in West Sussex on Friday. Olympic and Paralympic Games fever is growing and the visit has only served to heighten this excitement.

“It is really good to see the commendable partnership of Crawley Borough Council, West Sussex County Council, Freedom Leisure and the schools being recognised by an Olympic icon such as Lord Coe.”

Pam Alexander, Chair of the South East Partnership, Nations and Regions Group Member for the South East and Chief Executive of SEEDA added: “The South East of England will host six events in 2012 – Time Trial and Road Cycling in Surrey, the Canoe Sprint and Flat Water Rowing Events at Eton Dorney, as well as the Paralympic Rowing event and today we have heard the great news that it will also host the Paralympic Road Cycling at Brands Hatch in Kent. Today’s visit demonstrates the energy and excitement already being generated right across the South East to make the London 2012 Games a success for all and to deliver a strong legacy of inspiration and achievement”.

(l-r) Deborah Urquhart, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy; Councillor Lenny Walker, Cabinet member for Leisure and Culture at Crawley Borough Council; Lord Coe; Matt Hunt, Area Manager of Freedom Leisure; Kate Wilson, Community Services Manager at Crawley Borough Council; Carolyn Carr, West Sussex Coordinator for the 2012 Games

Pupils from the following schools took part in today’s event at Tanbridge House School:

Shoreham Beach Primary School, Shoreham-by-Sea

The March CE Primary School, Chichester

The Orchards Middle School, Worthing

Vale First and Middle School, Worthing

Bourne Community College, Southbourne

Shoreham Academy, Shoreham-by-Sea, and Bronze Ambassadors from local primary schools

St Paul’s Catholic College, Burgess Hill

Tanbridge House School, Horsham

The Angmering School, Angmering

The Regis School, Bognor Regis

Thomas Bennett Community College, Crawley

Westergate Community School, Westergate

 

 

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WANTED: Volunteers for library’s reading challenge

Thursday, May 19th, 2011

WANTED: Volunteers for library’s reading challenge

Read all about it – volunteers aged 13 to 25 years old are needed to help out at West Sussex County Council’s Library Service’s Summer Reading Challenge.

Volunteers will be asked to spare time during the challenge to help families register, choose and discuss books, and to award medals and certificates for children who complete the challenge.

The free annual Summer Reading Challenge, which runs from Saturday 16th July to Saturday 10th September, is aimed at 4 to 12 year olds who are asked to read up to six books from their local Library, winning awards at different stages. The theme this year is the circus.

All volunteers will get:

• full training and support for the work

• experience of working with children and families

• a chance to develop new skills such as organisation, communication and teamwork

• a certificate from Outset Youth Action showing the hours they have volunteered.

Deborah Urquhart, County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for Libraries, said: “Whether you can spare a few hours a week or a day, this is a great chance for young people to get involved in a community event and gain some skills.

“People could recommend books to the children that they used to read, and get involved in creating medals and badges.

“The Summer Reading Challenge is always a success, and brings children together as well as expanding their reading skills.”

To get involved, visit http://tinyurl.com/6yvyxr4 and click on the application form. Alternatively, visit your local Library for more details.

 

 

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Help shape the future of Worth Park

Wednesday, May 18th, 2011

A grand design for the restoration and conservation of Worth Park has been developed – and now it’s your chance to have your say.

A masterplan to return Worth Park in Pound Hill to its former glories has been created, showing new designs for tree planting, pathways and historic features in the park.

Crawley Borough Council wants feedback on the masterplan so interested residents and groups are invited to Ridley’s Court, Milton Mount Avenue on Wednesday 1st June  from 2-8pm to view the plan and give comments.

Council staff and the project team will be on hand to talk through ideas and take feedback.

Councillor Lenny Walker, Cabinet member for Leisure and Culture, said: “This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in conserving one of Crawley’s lesser known, but historically significant, parks.

“I urge everyone with an interest in Crawley’s heritage and parks to have a look at the masterplan and give us feedback at this event.”

The masterplan has been developed following an initial grant from the Heritage Lottery Fun (HLF). The final version will form part of the important and nationally competitive round two application process. If successful, the council will win the £2 million grant needed to restore the park and encourage more people to use and enjoy it.

The bid follows consultation with more than 200 park users over the past few years, which identified a great strength of feeling and affection for the park. So far the majority of people listed the restoration of the Clock Tower, gardens, camellia walk, fountain and lake as their top priorities.

Worth Park covers eight hectares and consists of formal gardens, recreational parkland and a lake area, which is a site of nature conservation interest. It was originally a medieval deer park and formed part of the Forest of Worth, which stretched from Slaugham in the south to Worth in the north. The park hides the remnants of a high status late Victorian pleasure garden and landscape, constructed by James Pulham and Son.

For more information and directions to Ridley’s Court visit www.crawley.gov.uk/worthpark

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From the Antarctic to Ireland – Polar author to visit Library

Tuesday, May 17th, 2011

From the Antarctic to Ireland – Polar author to visit Library

Come and explore at Crawley Library on Tuesday 24th May, when bestselling author Michael Smith will discuss his books on Ireland’s Antarctic explorers.

In association with The Celtic and Irish Cultural Society, Michael’s visit will be a chance for people to find out more about the story behind his two books, ‘An Unsung Hero’ and ‘Great Endeavour’.

‘An Unsung Hero’ is a biography on Tom Crean, an Irish explorer who took part in three major voyages, including Robert Falcon Scott’s Terra Nova Expedition in 1911-1913, where he saw Scott die just before reaching the South Pole. He also walked 56km alone to save someone’s life, and this led to him receiving the Albert Medal.

‘Great Endeavour’ is about Ireland’s Antarctic Explorers, spanning 200 years of exploits and featuring exclusive stories and photographs.

Michael Smith has written books on Polar history for adults and children and contributed to a wide range of television and radio programmes, newspapers and websites.

The talk starts at 7.30pm and tickets are £3.

To book your ticket call Crawley Library on 01293 651751 or email crawley.library@westsussex.gov.uk

 

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Rainbow flag to fly at County Hall

Monday, May 16th, 2011

Rainbow flag to fly at County Hall

THE multi-coloured Rainbow Flag, the international symbol of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community, will be flown at County Hall, Chichester, by West Sussex County Council for the first time on Tuesday May 17.

It will be marking IDAHO – International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia, which was founded in France seven years ago with the aim of creating a global community sharing the ideal of a world without homophobia.

Hundreds of associations in more than 50 countries have used the day to raise public and political awareness of LGBT rights.

It is held on May 17 because that is the anniversary of the World Health Organisation decision in 1990 to remove homosexuality from its list of mental disorders.

Louise Goldsmith, Leader of the County Council, said: “This was a historic step towards considering freedom of sexual orientation and gender identity as a fundamental basic human right.

“Flying the Rainbow Flag at County Hall is a highly visible demonstration of our continuing commitment to developing LGBT initiatives, tackling discrimination in the community and to eradicating homophobia and homophobic crime.

“We are also determined to tackle discrimination within the workplace and in those organisations that deliver services on our behalf.

Mike Coleman, Chairman of the County Council, said: “This commitment was acknowledged by the charity Stonewall, which campaigns and promotes equality for LGBT people. It said West Sussex County Council is one of the UK’s top 100 LGBT-friendly employers.”

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Crawley MP Backs Bill To Create St George’s Day

Friday, May 13th, 2011

Crawley’s local MP, Henry Smith, has today backed a Bill put before Parliament to introduce St George’s Day celebrations for England.

Henry Smith MP

Henry explained:

“I feel that, as a country, we are all too quick to point out the divisions and difficulties and far too slow in celebrating our commonalities and our heritage. I believe that our English national holiday, St George’s Day, should be officially established in a similar way to the fact that St Patrick’s Day is celebrated in Ireland and elsewhere.

“Last month I took part in St George’s Day community events, including the Scout and Guides parade from the Memorial Garden to Queen’s Square and the Shakespeare reading. Next year I would like to see the parade extended to the High Street too.

“It is time that we celebrate what it is to be English, Welsh, Irish or Scots. It is right that the English public reclaim the symbol of patriotism from some extremist groups and use it for purposes of union and not of division”

Nadhim Zahawi MP, who introduced the Bill to Parliament said:

“I am very lucky to have had the opportunity to introduce this Bill. It is not every day that you get to deliver on a promise to your constituents and to do something that helps us to celebrate our great nation.

“The show of support from the public has been enormous and I’m also very grateful to fellow Parliamentarians like Henry who have supported the Bill throughout the Parliamentary process.”

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

 

 

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Life-changing support from Crawley’s Wellbeing Team

Thursday, May 12th, 2011

Feeling, happier, healthier and fitter is something many of us want to achieve but if you’ve reached the end of your tether Crawley’s Wellbeing Team could help.

The Wellbeing Team, based at K2 Crawley, offer a free service to help people change their lives by encouraging them to adopt healthier lifestyles.

65-year-old Rhiannon Sharpe from Three Bridges has just been awarded as the team’s ambassador and knows all to well how the Wellbeing Team’s support can be life-changing.

Rhiannon Sharpe

She said: It’s just completely changed everything around for me; everything use to be hard work before I came here.”

Rhiannon, an ex smoker and grandmother of two, was referred to the team by her doctor following a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); a term used for lung conditions including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

In 2009 Rhiannon couldn’t walk up the stairs without stopping and had refused medics’ advice for oxygen to be given to her at home.

She said: “I wasn’t going to start using oxygen at home because it meant I would just sit there and do nothing. Everything had got so much harder; I couldn’t go dancing with my husband anymore and looking after the grandchildren was a big struggle.”

The dedicated team helped Rhiannon get back to health through fun and gentle exercise and advice on healthy eating and lifestyle habits.

She added: “I’m so much happier now; I have a zest for life. I walk two miles every day; I go dancing with my husband twice a week and I’ve taken up swimming. And thanks to all that I’ve lost a stone and a half.”

The fun-loving gran couldn’t swim before she visited Wellbeing but she took up lessons thanks to the team and now she’s a dab hand.

Rhiannon said: “The achievements I’m most proud of are the exercise and the swimming. I’m so pleased my doctor referred me, it hasn’t just changed my life it’s had a positive affect on all my family, especially my husband Rod and our grandchildren.”

Councillor Lenny Walker, Cabinet member for Leisure and Cultural Services said: “Rhiannon’s story is really inspirational and goes to show what a difference the Wellbeing Team can make to peoples’ lives when they’re determined to make a change.

“Rhiannon was referred by her doctor and it would be great to see more of this. The partnership between medical professionals and CBC is really important. The work the team do coupled with the swimming referral scheme are great examples of us working together.”

Crawley Wellbeing has something for everyone, whether it’s advice on getting fitter, kicking a habit or just improving wellbeing.

Call 01293 585317 or complete an online enquiry form at www.crawleywellbeing.org.uk to make an appointment with an advisor.

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TD Shipley U12A Team looking to strengthen the team for next season

Thursday, May 12th, 2011

TD Shipley U12A Team looking to strengthen the team for next season.

They will move up to Under 13′s in the Sussex Sunday League Under 13′s  season 2011/2012.

If you feel you are up for a challenge then call the team Manager Alan White on 07730 012216 or

email :-  footballcoach1@02.co.uk  or visit our club website www.tdshipleyyouth.co.uk

Ockley 6 a Side Tournament Sat 7th May 2011

Joel Mann, Jamie Gibson, Reece Hannah, Jack Butler, Jack Betchley, Daniel Boyle, Jaedon Paterson, Mason Docherty

TD Shipley Under 12a went to the first tournament of 2011, with a slowstart and losing the first match to hosts Ockley (2-1), the boys

qualified for the semi finals by pulling off wins against Dorking Saints (1-0) with a nicely taken penalty from Gibson and defeating

Steyning Strikers (4-1) with Boyle facing his old team and putting in a couple of neat goals, A 3-0 win in the semi’s against lower Beeding,

saw the TD Boys face Ockley in the final, Butler and Paterson facing their old team for the second time in The tournament saw a good start

with TD getting the ball on the ground and play the passing game that has proved successful all season, with the final whistle blowing at

4-0 saw TD bring home the first trophy of the season, great football from the boys with Reece Hannah getting a couple of nice goals for

his efforts after signing for TD Shipley late in the season.

Mid Sussex 6 a Side Tournament Sun 8th May 2011

Renarto Carvahlo, Jack Betchley, Ben Wilson, Jack Butler, Mason Docherty, Conner White, Charlie Nichols, Darren Helson

An early start on Sunday Morning saw TD Under 12a take on the whole of the Mid Sussex league for Under 12’s including 24

teams from Mid Sussex. With a good start in the group stages, with 5 wins out of 5, including the scalps of the League Champions

Southdown , the TD boys were up for giving any of the teams put in front of them a tough game, With TD’s confident football, and

opting for the passing game over long ball tactics that many of the other side’s go for, playing the early ball, saw off Denton &

South Heighton in the quarter final quite convincingly, Facing a semi final against the Cuckfield was a match that should have

been the final, but with TD going 1-0 down to a scrappy goal, and then a well taken 2nd, saw them dip out in the Semi final to the

eventual winners.

 

A great weekend of football and with the whole squad taking a major part in both tournaments, no special mentions as everyone involved

played a big part in the two tournaments.

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Crawley community hubs nominated for Building Excellence Award

Thursday, May 12th, 2011

The town’s brand new community hubs have been nominated for building excellence awards.

The Bewbush and Langley Green community centres which opened late last year have been nominated by the Local Authority Building Control (LABC) for the South East Region Building Excellence Awards.

The awards recognise excellence in the construction industry and the areas building control team, known as Sussex Building Control, are delighted to see the buildings nominated which are sustainable, modern and well designed.

Stephen Shorrocks, Building Control Manager at Sussex Building Control commented:

“It’s been great working with Crawley Council, West Sussex County Council, the architects and contractors. We’re so pleased to see these projects entered in to the regional awards scheme.

“In building control, public safety is paramount and a key consideration on schemes like these is the risk associated with fire. We worked closely with Crawley Council’s planning team, the clients, architects, contractors and the fire service to ensure that the means of escape and fire safety measures met the regulations.

“Crawley Borough Council was keen to ensure these buildings were as green as possible and we advised on all aspects of design and build relating to sustainability. Being recognised for our contribution to the success of the scheme is wonderful.”

Boasting a function hall, gym, café, youth area, voluntary services office and a neighbourhood police base, the Bewbush Centre in Dorsten Square also received an ‘Excellent’ BRE Environmental Assessment Method rating earlier this year.

And the Langley Green Centre which houses the Children and Family Centre and provides a much improved entrance to the Langley Green Primary School reached a ‘very good’ for the same assessment.

Councillor Lenny Walker, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture and lead member for the Bewbush regeneration project said: “This is more great news for the centres and well deserved. It’s fantastic to see everyone’s hard work recognised.”

Councillor Nigel Boxall, Cabinet member for Community Engagement and lead member for the Langley Green regeneration project added: “It’s brilliant! Both these centres are making a remarkable difference to their communities, offering a range of services which residents have told us they both need and want.”

The award ceremony takes place on Friday 10th June at The Copthorne Hotel and Resort, Effingham. For more information about the awards scheme visit www.labcawards.org or to find out more about building control please visit www.sussexbuildingcontrol.org

 

 

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Tributes to tenant stalwart

Wednesday, May 11th, 2011

Tributes to tenant stalwart

John Andrew

Crawley Borough Council pays tribute to John Andrew, a longstanding tenants’ representative, after he died on 22nd April.

John was heavily involved with Crawley Homes as a tenant representative. He played an active role in the Crawley Homes Forum and was its chair for the past four years.

He was involved in many other service panels during his years as an involved tenant from looking at the repairs service to the overall performance of Crawley Homes.

John, who lived in Ifield West, was a very popular person among the other involved tenants and council staff and played a large part in changes to resident involvement.

Over the past year John was one of the representatives who was involved with the Association of Retained Council Housing and will be missed by this national tenants group.

Councillor Lee Gilroy, Cabinet member for Housing, said: “I met John on many occasions. He worked tirelessly on lots of groups and forums and his input will be sorely missed by myself, council officers and his colleagues.

“John took his many representative roles seriously and his hard work and enthusiasm helped to create a better service for all of the council’s tenants.”

He played an active role in his community and was involved in other groups in the town, as well as sitting on the GP panel for his local surgery.

John’s funeral took place on Friday 6th May at Surrey and Sussex Crematorium.

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Committee to hear Three Bridges parking proposals

Wednesday, May 11th, 2011

Committee to hear Three Bridges parking proposals

A REPORT on proposed amendments to the Three Bridges Controlled Parking Zone will be the headline issue at the next meeting of the East Crawley County Local Committee.

The Committee meeting will also include:

• A verbal update on a recent consultation on parking issues in Pound Hill.

• Requests for Community Initiative Funding, which is cash the Committee receives from West Sussex County Council to support local organisations that enhance their neighbourhoods.

• The ‘talk with us’ forum. “This is our regular forum that enables people to raise local issues they are concerned about,” said Committee Chairman Richard Burrett.

The meeting is being held on Tuesday 17th May in The Longley Room, Crawley Library, starting at 7pm.

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ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS SAFELY

Tuesday, May 10th, 2011

ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS SAFELY


The last few weeks of sunshine have been great for people getting out and about to make the most of the good weather but the recent wildfires across the countryside in Berkshire, Lancashire, Wales and Yorkshire, are a reminder of how important it is to take care when enjoying the great outdoors.

In the UK, fire statistics show that on average 74,000 fires are started on grass and heath land every year and While the Met Office is predicting some showers in coming weeks, the fine weather is set to continue for most.

With this in mind, Fire Minister, Bob Neill has issued some top tips on staying fire safe in the warm, dry weather, he said: “We’ve just seen the warmest April on record and despite the rain this weekend, the good weather is set to continue. So it’s important to stay fire-aware when out and about in the sun.

“Fires can be as devastating to wildlife and habitats as they are to people and property, and some simple steps, from taking care with your barbeque, to disposing of cigarettes and matches responsibly, can help ensure you can enjoy yourself in safety – a few moment’s thought could save lives and land.”

By following the Fire & Rescue Service’s common sense advice you can ensure people and the countryside stay safe from the effects of fire:

Wildfires

- be careful not to drop a match or smouldering cigarette in the countryside at any time of year. Dispose of cigarettes and matches carefully and responsibly

Open Fires

When camping in the countryside, if you must have an open fire, remember:

- camp fires should be set downwind

- do not leave fires unattended

- make sure that fires are fully extinguished after use

Grass and forest fires spread rapidly

- never throw cigarette ends out of a car window – they could start a fire and ruin surrounding countryside

- don’t leave bottles or glass in woodlands as sunlight shining through glass can start a fire. Take them home or put them in a waste or recycling bin.

Barbeques

- take care to follow any local rules about using barbeques in the countryside

- never leave a barbeque unattended

- take great care when disposing of the ashes

- always keep a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergencies

Fire safety advice is free and easy to access from West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s Community Safety Team on 01243 642879 or at www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire

 

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Calling organisations to help disabled young people ‘Access All Areas’

Tuesday, May 10th, 2011

Calling organisations to help disabled young people ‘Access All Areas’

West Sussex County Council is helping services ensure they offer facilities and activities to young people with disabilities.

A special event called ‘Access All Areas’ is being hosted by the County Council’s Short Breaks for Disabled Children Team on Thursday 26th May.

The team is interested in meeting organisations that can offer facilities for learning or physically disabled young people, and also for those with disabilities such as autism.

The event is aimed at organisations such as:

• Community services

• Specialist schools

• Arts and leisure services

• Horse riding schools and sports centres

• Libraries

• Uniformed youth services such as Brownies, Guides, Cubs, Scouts

• Activity centres

• Cinemas and theatres

• Clubs

The information morning will include workshops, information zones and grant funding packs.

Peter Evans, County Council Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “Organisations can find out what grants they can apply for to ensure our disabled young people are given the best opportunities in West Sussex.

“We want to provide funding to enable organisations to deliver experiences and short breaks for our children and young people.”

“The series of workshops and presentations on the day will give organisations the opportunity to talk to others that applied for grants last year and find out how they used their money and what was achieved with it.”

The event is being held at Hilton Avisford Park, Yapton Lane, (BN18 0LS), from 9.30am ending with a networking lunch at 1pm.

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