On the 21st July at 7:20pm the first guests at the Crawley NCT (National Childbirth Trust) event ‘The Do!’ began to queue outside Club 7878 in Horley. They had been told that the first 50 guests through the door at 8pm would receive a gorgeous goodie bag (some of the details of which had been posted on the events Facebook page over the last few weeks). The first people admitted were greeted by the branch co-chairs – Alexis Ozmen and Clare Hoggan who presented them with their much anticipated bags. The club was decked out in balloons in NCT colours, there were cupcakes and nibbles for all to enjoy as they dipped into their goodie bags to discover the treats within and sipped their first drink. They were also treated to some close up magic by magicians Rob Sharp and Simon Archer.
While the DJ played some excellent party tunes, the guests continued to arrive before they were welcomed by the Co-Chairs, followed by an address by Member of Parliament for Crawley Henry Smith who shared his experience with the NCT having attended Ante Natal Classes in the Branch. After the final speaker Jules Jones who spoke about being a parent and volunteering with the NCT Henry Smith pulled the first 3 prizes in the fabulous prize draw then the lights were dimmed and the music cranked up and everyone concentrated on enjoying themselves.
MP Henry Smith helps pick the lucky winners of the raffle
The NCT is the UK’s largest parenting charity providing support in pregnancy with our excellent antenatal classes, supporting post-natally with breastfeeding support and early years classes all held locally within branches. Crawley branch have a weekly drop in – Bumps, Babes and Tiddlypeeps (Held on a Tuesday morning at Furnace Green Community Centre, Ashburnham Drive 10– 11:30am – everyone is welcome for a suggested donation of £1 to assist with hire costs) and hold Nearly New Sales twice yearly (in March and November) where anyone can buy and sell good quality pregnancy, baby and child related items. As well as these regular events there are also ad hoc social events for parents and their children (for example a Teddy Bears picnic and Christmas party as well as coffee mornings and soft play gatherings) and evening events for the hard working parents such as pamper evenings and fashion shows.
The night was danced away
In order to put on all these great events the branch is in need of volunteers. Volunteering is great fun and does not need to be time consuming – there are roles to suit everyone, committee posts which are a regular role as well as the smaller one off things like hosting a social event (large or small) and helping out at our nearly new sales. Whatever role a person takes on they can rely on the fact that they will be part of a fantastic team, have great fun meeting new people and will receive full support in their role. To find out more about the branch visit the facebook page by clicking here, email the chairs chair@nctcrawley.org.uk or call our branch enquiries line 08442436098.
Shelley interview Clare Hoggan & Alexis Ozmen
‘The Do!’ is the first event of its kind and was an enormous success. Its purpose was to thank all the volunteers of the branch past, present and future and everyone enjoyed themselves, lots of guests won prizes in the draw which were all donated by local businesses and the goodie bags were very well received. Alexis and Clare would like to thank Ian Metcalfe of Club 7878 (and Bar 429) for the use of the venue which was perfect, Sabine Edwards of Pendleton Events who donated her time and ensured the event ran smoothly, all the donors to the prize draw and goodie bags, Rob and Simon for wowing people with card tricks and the sponsors of the cupcakes and nibbles.
A great night was had by all and everyone is now crying out for more!
Source: Clare Hoggan, Crawley NCT Branch Co-Chair
We would like to thank Sabina and Clare for the great hospitality and the invite to this fab event
On Tuesday 1st February Crawley Happy Times were invited down to the County Mall for the official launch of the eagerly awaited DrSpaFish shop.
We were slightly dubious about putting our feet in a tank full of fish, but were pleasantly surprised with the results. Here are some facts about the company and the fish they use.
DrSpaFish and the Garra Rufa fish:
DrSpafish is a bright and cheerful environment with welcoming staff. After filling in and signing a routine medical questionnaire you are then ready for the treatment. We couldn’t find much info on when or how it came to the UK but can confirm it is one of the fastest growing franchises we have ever seen.
Garra Rufa or Spa Fish are the name of the primary fish used in the spa treatment known as a fish pedicure, fish reflexology which involves the Garra Rufa fish nibbling at the dead skin to leave feet feeling soft and smooth. Also known as Doctor Fish or Kangal Fish – named after the town in Turkey where the fish are found in abundance – these Garra Rufa fish have become very popular in the development of spa techniques across the world.
The Garra Rufa fish, native to river basins in Turkey, were found to have therapeutic healing qualities about 400 years ago and earned the title of “doctor fish”. Regular treatments will eliminate any hard skin on the feet and this is the most natural pedicure treatment you can get. It can also be beneficial to patients suffering from skin disorders such as psoriasis and exzema as the fish naturally eat and remove dead skin.
We took one of our readers with us to the launch. Thank you to Maz Mitchell for keeping us company. Maz enjoyed the treatment and says she will be going back again very soon
Here you will see interviews with some of the local visitors, an interview with Bradly Carter, Director of DrSpaFishand a summary of the visit from Shelley.
On Thursday 20th January Crawley Happy Times were invited to The Hawth to preview the short educational film Crossed Paths. This amazing film is intending to be shown in schools across the country to help educate the young population about extremism.
Definition of Extremism:
— n
1. a person who favours or resorts to immoderate, uncompromising, or fanatical methods or behaviour, esp in being politically radical
— adj
2. of, relating to, or characterized by immoderate or excessive actions, opinions, etc
We can use this word in many aspects of life but the film leans more towards the differences between cultures. The film is educational and very hard hitting.
Headed up by the director of RH11 Callum Johnston (and many more), produced by Compulsive Productions in connection with Crawley Borough Council, we believe this short film is going to spear head the way for further education and breaking down of barriers.
We interviewed the main characters after the showing. This is what they had to say.
Last year we were invited by Debbie Mann to The Mumpreneurs Networking Club in Burgess Hill. So, who and what is this club all about?
About The Mumpreneurs Networking Club:
An informal networking group for Mumpreneurs and those that want to reach them. If you’ve started your own business after having children or want to reach those that have, come along to one of our events, we guarantee you will be surprised at how much you enjoy you it.
Interviews:
No formal presentations just a chance to say who you are, what you do and meet like-minded businesses . Set up by local partnership Nicky Chisholm and Sara Guiel it’s a chance to share ideas, make some contacts or just get some advice – it’s open to all.
However big or small your business, we would love to meet you. Come along to one of our meetings, it’s amazing what can be achieved over a morning cup of coffee ! Non-members can book onto any event online – please click here to book. or click on the Store link in the Main Menu. Your first visit is FREE, thereafter, £15 to attend for non-members.
Members can attend any of the networking events in any area for FREE. To join The Mumpreneurs Networking Club and find out what it can do for your business, please click ‘Join Now’ in the Main Menu. If you would like to attend, please book beforehand so we know numbers
We were very impressed with the enthusiasm and vibrant atmosphere and were keen on knowing when this great organisation would be coming to Crawley.
Pictures:
Yesterday it happened! The Mumpreneurs had their first networking meeting at The Hawth, Southgate. The meeting was a brilliant start to the new Crawley event with lots of visitors and at least five new members. We feel this organisation is going to grow from strength to strength so if you have any interest do go along, your first visit is FREE. The meetings are once a month and you are never committed to attend.
Registration is at 10.30 with open networking. Then you have the opportunity to give a brief talk on who you are, what you do and what you are looking for, usually with a finish time of 12. Next meeting is on the 9th February. For all future dates please visit our calender here.
On Monday 10th January Crawley Town Football Club will play Derby in the FA Cup third round & are 2nd in the Blue Square Premier with 2 games in hand over AFC Wimbledon.
If that is not exciting enough, Crawley had two surprise visitors yesterday. Dan Walker, presenter of Football Focus and Derby player Robbie Savage attended Broadfield Stadium to discuss the match on Monday which is to be televised.
In the interview you will hear Dan explain how the Crawley players didn’t want to be interviewed or meet Robbie as they want to be totally focused for the game. We are very proud of our boys for taking such a stance. After all, they could have gone for the fame and glory, but no, they went down the professional route.
Just before the children broke up from school the children at Gossops Green Community Primary School were treated to some special DIY.
Headed up by Neal Allison and his team from The Apollo Group once again came up trumps for the school (some may remember the write up on the school play area at GGCPS. Apollo were the company who donated their time to install the play area to help the school <click here to see the write up>), now, with their bird box programme. Neal told us “it’s a great programme. We take our our old wood and pallets and give them to Mencap who then make them into easy to assemble flat packed bird boxes. We then buy them back. This helps us with the programme and gives Mencap some much needed funds as well as being proactive. It’s good for them, good for us, and great for the environment”. We asked Neal what the children think of it. Neal said “the children love building the bird boxes. They love to take them home to put up in their garden. It’s also good exposure to simple power tools, especially safety wise, at a young age”.
Pictures:
Crawley Happy Times popped in to watch the bird boxes being put together. We were most impressed with the patience and expertise of the children. Mrs Martin, Head of GGCPS was very pleased with the programme and welcomed Neal and his team with open arms.
We took some footage of the children whilst putting together the bird boxes who accomplished a massive twenty four very attractive looking bird boxes.
Video:
If you would like to know more about this programme and many other community programmes run by The Apollo Group please feel free to visit their website here.
The 2010 Youth Awards where once again a massive tribute to those young individuals who do amazing things under such adversity.
We were very proud to attend this wonderful annual event which was also attended by His Worshipful the Mayor Lee Burke, Mayoress Ali Burke, local MP Henry Smith and Councillor Jennifer Miller-Smith, Leader of Crawley Borough Council Bob Lanzer and many more.
We took footage of the performers and each award giving for you to enjoy
On Saturday 14th August, the first Ifield Fun Day kicked off in style.
Organised by Councillor Ali Burke and various member of Crawley Borough Council, the first Ifield fun day was visited by many. There was plenty to do, with a bouncy castle and Chase Fitness with their silly sports and a raffle, information stalls and of course Crawley’s most loved Ice Cream man Danny Ibrahim. Also attending raising money were Chris Oxlade and our dear friend Gary Morris. The Mill House supplied the food and drink while ‘Just Kelly’ came down to entertain all as a bumble bee on stilts. We also had a display of Irish dancing by some excellent and talented young ladies from various dance schools.
Not even the rain put a damper on the days event. Crawley Happy Times were invited down to have fun and meet some new and old faces. It was a great day and we would like to thank Ali for the invite. Well done to all involved. We look forward to next year. Hopefully the sun will shine all day for you then
We spoke to Councillor Ali Burke and Marie Ovenden who both told us about the team effort that had gone into making the day such a success. You can hear more in the interviews below.
Here are some clips of the Ifield Fun Day. Make sure you put it in your diary for next year! This year we had a self defence demonstration, a dance demonstration from the local Irish dance clubs and a great clip of the Mayor Lee Burke and Councillor Ali Burke in competition on the assort course, and much more. Crawley Happy Times went along for the fun.
“Didn’t we have a lovely time the day we went to the Ifield May Day Fayre”
Games, prizes, fun rides, music, demonstrations, dancing, singing, performances, food and drink. And it didn’t end there.
For those who attended the Ifield May Day Fayre at St Margarets Church and Ifield Barn Theatre, you will know what we are talking about. The event was well organised with plenty of variety to keep everyone happy. It was lovely to see children laughing and enjoying such simple rides such as the Boat Swings supplied by a school in Crawley, made by the caretaker some years back. The church supplied singing from various choirs and soloists, all exceptional. With stalls galore ranging from plants to food from local farmers, there was something for everyone. The May Day queen looked gorgeous!
The day went without a hitch. Even though the rain fell sporadically, this did not dampen the spirits of all who attended and organisers alike. We were, as always, honoured by the presence of our Mayor Brenda Burgess and Councillor Bob Burgess who brightened up the day with their friendly professional personalities.
We would like to thank everyone involved for making the day a great success and a thoroughly enjoyable day for us all. We had such a great day, we didn’t get a chance to get all the names of all who took part, which we apologies for.
We took some pictures and video for you to see. We would like to give special thanks to Alan Burgess of Ifield who kindly gave us permission to use his great photos taken on the day.
We are unsure why the video in the church is so blurred, but you can still hear how beautiful they sounded, so worth a listen! Watch out for when we get new video equipment lol!
Mayor Brenda Burgess officially opened the new play park at Tilgate lakes with the sun proudly beaming down on a fantastic day.
On Friday children from all over Crawley made their way to Tilgate for the launch of the new play park. The ribbon was cut by Mayor Brenda Burgess who also tested out some of the play apparatus to make sure it was up to standard.
The new equipment includes a 2.2m-high tube slide, rope tunnel and bridge, sliding pole, monkey bars, basket swing, snake swing, boulders, giants causeway steps, cradle seats, play net, rotating and rocking bouncer, swinging steps and a balance log.
Crawley Borough Council’s Play Rangers were on hand to organise games and fun for all the children, who had a wonderful day. We feel the council have gone a long way to setting up such a great play area in the park. Councillor for Tilgate, Nigel Boxall told us “we feel we have really accomplished great things with this new park, and that is not the end of it. We have plans to install an outside gym-like area and to put a track all the way around the lake. We would like to get the pub and restaurant opened again, but this is up to the brewery, who hold a long lease on the property. We are also trying to reduce the cost of the car parking fee to £2, which is a much needed fund for the park and the animal farm. We never want to charge for the people to enjoy the farm so this is the only way to help with the upkeep”.
The park definitely has a rejuvenated feel to it and we look forward to seeing the new plans being put into action.
We had a lovely day and is it was a joy to see all the little faces light up with each different apparatus being tested and pushed to its limits. We took some pictures and video of Mayor Brenda Burgess, Cllr Bob Burgess and Cllr Nigel Boxall reliving their youth on the amazing slide, which is one of a kind in the UK.
Were you at the opening? Have you taken your children to the park yet? Please let us know what you thought of it by commenting below xx
On Saturday 10th April Toby Anstis played to the crowd at Bar Med.
Most will remember Toby Anstis as the entertaining presenter on CBBC from 1992 to 1995 but Toby has done so much more. Born in 1970 in Northampton Toby has a BSc (Hons) in Psychology and Marketing but decided the stage was his calling. Toby then went on to present the morning show on Heart FM radio station. In 2010, Toby Anstis played the role of Teen Angel in Grease until 20 March.
Toby answered the phone to invite the caller down to Bar Med
Shelley and Michelle went down to see Toby at Bar Med where he was ‘on the decks’ belting out some great tunes for the massive crowd who came to see him. Toby told Shelley and Michelle he had been to Bar Med on many occasions as he found it very friendly and Sam, the Manager of Bar Med, always made him feel more than welcome. Shelley and Michelle found Toby to be friendly, polite and very down to earth, as well as being a true gentleman with a great sense of humour!
Here are some pictures of the evening and below is the interview with Shelley and Toby.
On Friday, 14th August, Natalie Fagence donned her crown and took her friends and family to Liquid & Envy in Crawley to dance the night away and toast her success. The Crawley News launched the competition 5 weeks ago, for the second year in a row. For a two week run, they posted beautiful pictures of some local ladies all looking to be crowned ‘Miss Crawley’. Two weeks were then devoted to frantic voting. There were a staggering 8,049 votes cast, with 44% of the votes cast for Natalie.
The competition was held last year, for the first time, under the supervision of Michael Connellan. Shannon Duggan was crowned the stunning winner.
Winner of Miss Crawley 2008 Shannon Duggan
We spoke to Alex Morrison, Senior Reporter for The Crawley News, who said: “the competition is mainly a bit of fun, but could be a great starting point for anyone wanting to get a step on the modelling ladder. The entrants then go on to represent the community of Crawley in various ways, mainly through charitable functions. I have not personally met Natalie yet, but have heard she is willing to participate in such occassions, which is great. I hear Natalie has her feet firmly on the ground; focusing on her education first, which we are all in support of”.
When we met Natalie on her celebrations she told us she wanted to finish university first, where she is training to become a Crime Scene Officer as part of her Bachelor of Science Honours degree. With so much to do, Natalie is going to take the modelling prospects one day at a time. It sounds to us like Natalie definitely has her feet firmly on the ground.
We asked Adam Foxley, Deputy Manager of Liquid & Envy, how he felt about having this event celebrated at the club. Adam said “it is a great occassion. We always enjoy supporting the local community. We want to wish Natalie all the best for her future and will support her in any way we can.” Kieran Laville, barman, said “it is an honour to have Natalie here for her celebrations; she is very a beautiful young lady”. DJ Wayne Terry also told us it was a pleasure to play for her.
Natalie, 19, is now getting ready to return to university and finish her studies so if there are any modelling agencies reading this, we suggest snapping up this treasure as soon as possible!
We would like to wish Natalie Fagence all the success in the future, whatever she decides to do. Please view the interviews with Natalie and Mum, Lisa, below. Apologies for the darkness of the video!
Our thanks go out to Sabrina Ebanks and her Dad ,Mycall, for their help in producing this video.
