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West Sussex libraries celebrate Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender history month

Thursday, January 26th, 2012

West Sussex libraries are celebrating the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender history month in February with three exciting events.

The service has been working closely with the LGBT group in the county, called Glo-West, in a bid to bring some of the UK’s most popular authors and performers to the Crawley, Worthing and Shoreham branches. These include:

• Novelist Stella Duffy at Crawley Library on Wednesday 15th February: The two-times winner of the Stonewall Writer of the Year award will be answering questions about her books from 7pm. She will be joined by author Jonathan Kemp – whose novel, “London Triptych”, about the UK’s gay underworld, won the Authors’ Club Best First Novel Award.

• Writer and alternative historian Rose Collis at Shoreham Library on Tuesday 7th February: The East Sussex-based artist will perform excerpts of her new one-woman musical show, “Trouser-Wearing Characters”, before it goes to the Brighton Fringe Festival in May. The event starts at 7pm.

• A talk on The Bloomsbury Group of Charleston House at Worthing Library on Monday 13th February: Visitor’s manager Darren Clarke will be speaking from 7pm about how the farmhouse was once a meeting place for writers and painters, known as the Bloomsbury group, which included Virginia Woolf and Lytton Strachey.

West Sussex County Council Deputy Leader, Lionel Barnard, who oversees the Library Service, said: “We are pleased to help mark the celebrations of this national event by showcasing some of the UK’s finest talent in our area.

“Everyone is welcome and you don’t have to be a library member or part of the LGBT community to attend.“The events cost just £3 each but places are limited and may need to be booked in advanced.”

For tickets contact Crawley Library on: 01293 651751, Worthing Library on: 01903 704 809 or Shoreham Library on: 01243 454 438. Alternatively visit: www.westsussex.gov.uk/libraries.

 

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Nominate a special young person

Monday, July 25th, 2011

Nominate Crawley’s inspirational young people and make sure they’re recognised.

The Youth Awards 2011 is underway and Crawley Borough Council is accepting nomination forms.

Last years’ event was a sell-out again, rewarding more than 370 young people from across the town for their achievements.

Ellis Barton, 13, won last year’s Carer Recognition award for his dedication to his younger brother Toby who is severely autistic.

Ellis gives up his time, cuts short trips out and even accompanies his brother to swimming lessons, always putting Toby first; the Youth Awards was a fantastic way of recognising Ellis’ selfless acts.

And, St Margaret’s School in Ifield bagged the Environment award for their eco school status, recognising the efforts of many which also contribute to the community.

Now in its seventh year, the awards aim to celebrate and recognise young people who have made a real difference to Crawley and its community.

Organised by Crawley Borough Council, in partnership with West Sussex County Council Youth Service, Crawley School Sports Partnership, West Sussex Council for Voluntary Youth Services, Crawley Young Persons Council and Crawley Wellbeing, the young people will be awarded for their achievements in November.

Anyone can nominate a young person and the only criteria for nominees are that they are under 25 years old and they live in Crawley, or the reason for their nomination occurred within the town.

Those nominating young people under 16 must also get permission from the nominee’s parents or guardians first.

There are 12 awards in four categories, these are:

Community Awards:

Let’s FACE It! – Environment Award

Crawley Lions Club – Carer Recognition Award

Crawley Young Persons Council – Volunteer Award

Sports Awards:

EEZEHAUL – Young Sports Person of the Year Award

Freedom Leisure – Sports Team Award

Crawley School Sports Partnership – Sports Volunteer Award

Arts Awards:

Safer Crawley Partnership – Music Award

Topsy Turvy – Dance and Drama Award

Crawley Metal Supplies – Visual Arts Award

Personal Achievement Awards:

Apollo Group – Inspiration Award

Sussex Police – Courage Award

West Sussex County Council – Educational Achievement Award

If you would like to see an inspirational young person recognised then log onto www.crawley.gov.uk/yaa or pick up a nomination form from schools, youth centres, the Town Hall, K2 Crawley, The Hawth, Crawley Library, Topsy Turvy (town centre hairdresser) and Connexions. The deadline for nominations is 14th September, 2011.

 

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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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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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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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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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Go-ahead for Three Bridges parking zone extension

Tuesday, May 24th, 2011

Go-ahead for Three Bridges parking zone extension

A PROPOSAL to extend the Three Bridges Controlled Parking Zone has been given the go-ahead by the East Crawley County Local Committee.

The proposals, drawn up by County Hall highways experts, include The Birches and the surrounding roads, along with a small change to the Northgate Controlled Parking Zone relating to Northgate Road and Dyers Almshouses.

Richard Burrett, Committee Chairman, said: “The limitations of the existing waiting restrictions and inconsiderate parking by

non-residents in unrestricted roads such as The Birches have been major concerns for many local residents.

“Following extensive consultations with residents, the County Council Highways Team recommended that the current parking arrangements in Three Bridges be amended.

“This will allow on-street parking for residents, visitors and short-stay shoppers to take place where road width permits.

“At the same time, yellow line restrictions will be introduced where necessary to enable the free movement of vehicles and to prevent obstructions.”

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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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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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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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Share your royal wedding snaps with the rest of West Sussex

Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011

Share your royal wedding snaps with the rest of West Sussex

Did you take a snapshot of your street festooned with flags on the day of the royal wedding? Or perhaps you photographed your neighbours toasting the bride and groom with a glass of bubbly?

You could share your pictures with the county and worldwide by e-mailing them to the photograph archive of West Sussex County Council Library Service.

It already holds more than 1.5m pictures of people, places and events in West Sussex from the 1850s to the present day. Many are street parties and events including Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887, VE Day in 1945 and Queen Elizabeth’s Silver Jubilee in 1977. The originals are housed at Worthing Library.

Deborah Urquhart, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for Libraries, urged residents to share their pictures electronically.

“If you took some great photos of royal wedding celebrations, you could share them with everyone by sending some to the Library Service,” she said.

“It’s a great chance to preserve images of West Sussex celebrating an historic day. Some pictures will be kept permanently, and also showcased on Flickr, the photo-sharing website, at the end of May.”

Anyone whose pictures are used by the Library Service, particularly in exhibitions, publications and websites, will be credited as the photographer.

E-mail ten of your best photos and a note of where they were taken, to County Local Studies Librarian, Martin Hayes, martin.hayes@westsussex.gov.uk or phone him with any queries on 01903 704811.

To look at some of the Library Service’s existing photos, visit

http://www.flickr.com/photos/westsussexpast/collections/

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WORDFest – Crawley Festival of Words

Wednesday, March 30th, 2011

 

WORDfest BOOKfair

Saturday 2nd April @ 09.00 – 18:00

Queens Square, Crawley Town Centre

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Live Writing @ Waterstone’s County Mall

Saturday 2nd April @ 10:00 – 17:00

In the window of Waterstone’s, 83-84 County Mall, Crawley

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RISE Living Library @ Crawley Library

Saturday 2nd April @ 10:00 – 12:30

Crawley Library, Southgate Ave, Crawley

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Author Event – Meet Stephen Welch

Saturday 2nd April 11:00 – 16:00

Waterstone’s 83-84 County Mall,Crawley

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Meet the Crime Writers: Julia Crouch, Sam Hayes, Peter Lovesey & Andrew Martin

Saturday 2nd April @ 18:30 -21:00

County Mall Shopping Centre Food Court, Crawley

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Live Writing @ Waterstone’s County Mall w/ Adam Lowe

Sunday 3rd April @ 10:00 – 17:00

In the window of Waterstone’s , 83-84 County Mall, Crawley

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Live Writing @ Waterstone’s County Mall w/ Kay Sexton

Monday 4th April @ 10:00 – 17:00

In the window of Waterstone’s , 83-84 County Mall, Crawley

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An Audience w/ ***WILBUR SMITH*** @ Crawley Library

Tuesday 5th April @ 16:30 – 18:30

Crawley Library, Southgate Ave, Crawley

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Panel Discussion **Working With Words** @ Crawley Library

Tuesday 5th April @ 19:00 – 20:30

Crawley Library, Southgate Ave, Crawley

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Live Writing @ Waterstone’s County Mall w/ Damien G Walter

Wednesday 6th April @ 10:00 – 17:00

In the window of Waterstone’s, 83-84 County Mall, Crawley

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Report, Discuss Promote @ The Hawth Followed by LIVE Open MIC

Wednesday 6th April @ 18:00 – 21:00

The Hawth Theatre, Hawth Ave, Crawley

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LIVE Open MIC @ The Hawth w/ Launch of Pighog Press Passport Series

Wednesday 6th April @ 19:30 – 23:00

The Hawth Theatre, Hawth Ave, Crawley

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Author Event ***Meet Cathy Brett*** @ Crawley Library

Thursday 7th April @ 16:30 – 18:00

Crawley Library, Southgate Ave, Crawley

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Meet the experts ***Comics & Graphic Novels Panels*** @ Crawley Library

Thursday 7th April @ 18:30 – 21:30

Crawley Library, Southgate Ave, Crawley

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WORDfest “WORDquiz” @ Crawley County Mall Food Court

Thursday 7th April @ 20:00 -22:00

County Mall Shopping Centre Food Court, Crawley

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Panel Discussion **Self Publishing** @ Crawley Library

Friday 8th April @ 18:00 – 19:30

Crawley Library, Southgate Ave, Crawley

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Author Event ***Meet David Alric*** @ Waterstone’s County Mall

Saturday 9th April @ 11:00 – 16:00

Waterstone’s, 83-84 County Mall, Crawley

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Author Event ***Meet Shaun Attwood*** @ Waterstone’s County Mall

Saturday 9th April @ 11:00 – 16:00

Waterstone’s, 83-84 County Mall, Crawley

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Author Event ***Meet Bobbie Darbyshire*** @ Waterstone’s County Mall

Saturday 9th April @ 11:00 – 16:00

Waterstone’s, 83-84 County Mall, Crawley

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WORDfest Finale ***One Town, One Book*** Group Meeting w/ Alex Preston

Saturday 9th April @ 19:30 – 22:30

Crawley Library, Southgate Ave, Crawley

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Author Event ***Meet Melanie Welsh*** @ Crawley Library

Saturday 16th April @ 16:30 – 19:30

Crawley Library, Southgate Ave, Crawley

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Read All About It – Crawley’s first ever festival of words

Wednesday, March 16th, 2011

Read All About It – Crawley’s first ever festival of words

There’s a host of events to celebrate Crawley’s first ever festival celebrating words and writing.

‘WORDfest’, which runs from Saturday April 2 till Saturday April 9, is led by Crawley Library and the town’s Waterstones bookshop.

Throughout the week there will be author talks and signings at the Library, including world-famous novelist Wilbur Smith on Tuesday April 5, at 4.30pm, and local author Alex Preston, who wrote the festival’s chosen book ‘Bleeding City’ on Saturday April 9 at 7pm. Tickets for both events are £3.

There will be some week-long activities, including ‘Fun Days’, where people can design a new cover for their favourite book, and a live writing exhibition. This will see a different author every day being given a blank writing pad, pen and laptop and have to produce a short story inspired by different one word themes. On the sixth day, an illustrator will design an image for each story.

Both these events will be held at Waterstones in the County Mall and people can come along and see the authors in action.

If you want to know how to self-publish a book, visit the Library on Friday April 8 at 6pm to speak to Keith Churchouse, Alan Gilliand and Christine Mustchin, who are all self-published authors and will give advice and information. Tickets cost £3.

Other venues will be hosting events. At The Hawth Studio on Tuesday April 5, there will be a free special WORDfest Open Mic night. The cream of Crawley’s talent will be there, including ‘Pighog Press’ poet Anthony Owen. Anyone who would like to recite someone’s else’s work, or read their own work can come along the night and put their name down.

Keith Blake, West Sussex County Council Deputy Cabinet Member with responsibility for Libraries, said: “In an age where television and film is so popular, it’s vital to remember the importance of reading, writing and being creative – and WORDfest will do this.

“With a wide range of events and activities, some of them free, there will be something for everyone, and it’s a great opportunity to share information, be creative, meet new people and gain advice from the professionals.”

For a full list of events, including venues and prices, visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/libraries and click on the Crawley Library what’s on pages. Alternatively, visit www.twitter.com/crawleywordfest, www.wordfestcrawley.org
www.facebook.com/CrawleyWordFest2011. Call Crawley Library on 01293 651751.

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Ambition for Leisure and Culture

Tuesday, March 1st, 2011

Ambition for Leisure and Culture

The Crawley Borough Council budget approved on 23rd February

provided the sound financial footing needed to develop Crawley’s future

leisure and cultural offer

Councillor Lenny Walker, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Cultural

Services, comments, “We have a fantastic leisure and cultural offer in

Crawley and we aim to improve this even further.  Tilgate Park is one of

Crawley’s gems and we see further potential pursuits for residents and

visitors.  We have allocated £500,000 in the recent budget for spend-to-

save initiatives across our parks and open spaces.”

We will be looking to bring the former Bluebird Pub back into use and

introduce new features such as Go-Ape in the forest and boating on the

lakes.  The Walled Garden and Nature Centre can also be improved

and provide an even more entertaining day out.”

The Hawth Theatre is also being reviewed so as to deliver even more for

its diverse audiences.

Councillor Lenny Walker sees great additional potential in The Hawth

which will remain firmly in Council ownership, “We will review how The

Hawth is run while treating today’s offer as the minimum baseline that we

wish to improve upon.  There may be opportunities for new investment

such as increasing the capacity of the main theatre and making more

use of the less well-known amphitheatre.  Feedback from the public is

that we should review the programme of shows and we have taken this

on board.  In doing so, we will continue to provide an eclectic mix of arts

and culture, supported by a strong commitment to community arts

development.”

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County Council sets out future of transport

Monday, February 28th, 2011

County Council sets out future of transport

A blueprint for the future of transport in West Sussex has been published by the County Council.

The Transport Plan, which covers the period 2011 to 2026, has been produced after extensive consultation with local communities and stakeholders.

The document, which was approved by the full County Council this month, sets out aims for improvements to the transport system across each district and borough.

The plan also details the County Council’s long-term strategy, looking at issues and challenges facing transport over the next 15 years.

Lionel Barnard, West Sussex County Council Deputy Leader with responsibility for Highways and Transport, said: “This is an important document which realistically sets out where we are and where we would like to be with transport in the county.

“It comes at a time when we are experiencing heavy cuts to our funding. This means we have to prioritise and adapt while at the same time working towards important improvements and developments to keep West Sussex moving.”

The plan says the County Council’s top priorities are:

• Improvements to the A27 at Chichester, Arundel and Worthing.

• Programmed improvements to the A23 between Handcross and Warninglid.

• Maintaining the condition of the county’s roads.

• Continuing to work with local communities to improve road safety, provide access to services and encourage healthy and sustainable travel.

Lionel added: “One of the main messages we received following our consultations was that transport can help to improve the economy of the county while also improving the quality of life for residents, commuters and visitors. I am confident our Transport Plan will help to achieve this.”

The plan is available to download on the County Council website at: www.westsussex.gov.uk/ltp and will be available in all West Sussex libraries or by calling 01243 642105, from early March.

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Read All About It – World Book Day and Night in West Sussex

Monday, February 21st, 2011

Read All About It – World Book Day and Night in West Sussex

World Book Day on Thursday March 3 and the first ever World Book Night on Saturday March 5 will be celebrated in West Sussex with a series of author visits and free books being given away.

Three female authors will be visiting Worthing and Storrington Libraries.

Author of the ‘Jordan Lacey’ series and the ‘Casey Jones Cruise Ships Mysteries’, Stella Whitelaw will be visiting Worthing Library on World Book Day at 2pm. She will give a talk aimed at new writers, and those exploring a career in writing, on how to get your book published. She will also be signing copies of her most recent book, ‘Book Proposals: The essential Guide’.

Tickets are free but space is limited so advance booking is required. Call Worthing Library on 01903 704809.

‘Wheels Around the World’ at Storrington Library, from 7pm, also on World Book Day, will see travel writers Pam Goodall and Doreen Webster discuss their books based on their experiences of travelling the world with a difference.

West Sussex resident Pam was approaching her 60th birthday when she decided to leave her comfortable home and pedal her way around Europe, Asia and America on a bicycle.

Doreen Webster, 76, has written a guide on travelling with her wheelchair-bound husband, around the world, seeing everything from a Canadian glacier to the Great Wall of China.

Tickets are £1 and are available from Storrington Library on 01903 743075.

World Book Day is followed by the first ever World Book Night on Saturday March 5.

Across Britain more than a million books will be given away for free in an effort to get more people reading and talking about literature. Publishers are providing the books of nominated book-givers to give out and some have been chosen to do this West Sussex Libraries.

A limited number of free copies of books will be available during the day at:

• Billingshurst Library – Rachel’s Holiday by Marian Keyes

• East Grinstead Library – Northern Lights by Philip Pullman

• Horsham Library – Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Rachel’s Holiday by Marian Keyes (for those joining guided tours behind the scenes of Horsham library).

From 6.30 – 8.30 pm, Crawley Library will see authors and readers unite, with visitors receiving free copies of several books, including the award-winning Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell and books by bestselling author Sam Hayes, who will be attending the event.

Tickets cost £3 and include a free glass of wine or soft drink.

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GREENbin spaces available

Friday, February 18th, 2011

GREENbin spaces available

Around 1,000 places are now available on Crawley Borough Council’s GREENbin service.

The council has rearranged the GREENbin collection rounds so it can accommodate more customers while still using one collection vehicle and crew.

This change does mean a small number of residents will now have their green garden waste collected on a different day of the week to their rubbish and recycling collections.

The service can now accommodate around 5,000 customers. All customers on the waiting list will be contacted before accepting new customers.

Councillor Keith Blake, Cabinet member for Environmental Services, said: ”The GREENbin scheme has been a great success.

“It has collected lots more garden waste than our previous scheme and results in fewer journeys to the Household Waste Recycling Site.

“Also, this extra green waste going to the composter should add between one and two per cent to our annual recycling rate.”

Last year, the scheme saw 879 tonnes of green waste collected from 4,000 homes.

All customers already signed up to the service will receive their annual invoice at the start of February and collection calendars detailing the collection schedules for the year will be sent out around the middle of February.

The cost for the 2011 GREENbin collection service is just £45, which takes into account the VAT increase as well as inflationary increases in contractual costs. The fortnightly collection service runs from March until November. The green waste is taken to a large composting facility in Henfield.

To apply for a GREENbin, visit www.crawley.gov.uk/greenbin, call 0800 5875 888 or email amenity.services@crawley.gov.uk

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Proposal to extend Three Bridges parking zone

Thursday, February 10th, 2011

Proposal to extend Three Bridges parking zone

A PROPOSAL to extend the Three Bridges Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) will be discussed at the next meeting of the East Crawley County Local Committee.

The proposals are contained in a report to the Committee from County Hall highways experts.

They include Northgate Road, incorporating Dyers Almshouses, and The Birches.

The report says: “Despite the introduction of the CPZ, as well as Civil Parking Enforcement in Crawley Borough in April 2010, the limitations of the existing waiting restrictions and inconsiderate parking by non-residents in unrestricted roads such as The Birches have been a major concern for many residents in Three Bridges.

“In Northgate Road, incorporating Dyers Almshouses, demand for parking from residents and visitors has increased over the years. It is now at risk of outweighing the available parking space in the road.

“Northgate Road is a standalone zone, so there is very little alternative if all parking spaces are taken at a particular time. Unsurprisingly, residents have expressed concern over their inability to park, despite having paid for an annual parking permit.

“There is also concern that residents in Dyers Almshouses may not be able to have visitors on a regular basis. Officers are keen to increase the parking that is available in the road.”

Richard Burrett, Committee Chairman, said: “The proposals have been drawn up in response to issues raised by various groups, including residents, traders and the Three Bridges Community Forum.”

The meeting is being held in the Longley Room, Crawley Library, on Wednesday February 16, starting at 7.30pm.

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Dinner Boxing Show (Crawley ABC)

Tuesday, February 1st, 2011

Dinner Boxing Show (Crawley ABC)

Three course dinner, Sports Auction, Raffle, Stand up Bingo and plenty of quality boxing. Should have a Crawley boxer involved in all contests.

Dinner Tickets – £50, Spectator Tickets – £10. Up to 15 quality amateur bouts.

For tickets please call 07775 740600

Friday 18th February @ 19:30

Copthorne Effingham Park Hotel, Crawley

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Help Us Hatch The Egg

Tuesday, February 1st, 2011

Open Workshop, Crawley Library, Saturday 26th February 2 -4 pm

Help Hatch a Crawley Mascot to take part in a Carnival Parade.

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