School Closures in Crawley on Monday 6th Feburuary - Updated – 18:20 – 5/2/12
Currently there are no reported school closures.
Schools have been asked, where possible, to keep their own websites updated.
If you know of any schools that are not on the above list please Facebook Crawley Happy Times or email bry@crawleyhappytimes.co.uk
On Friday 9th December Network Rail invited us to view the site for the new 2400sq meters
(L-R) Simon Chapman, Mark Ruddy, Henry Smith & Brett Jarman
The building itself is being built with sustainable and environmental measures. With solar panels and specialist glazing to minimize heat loss and many other measures to make it groundbreaking and environmentally friendly. The works have been carefully and considerately planned with the surrounding road networks and public areas taken into consideration at all times. The building is the fourth of its kind built by the specialist construction company Spencer Limited on behalf of Network Rail which has gone through a careful design process. Brett Jarman told us “after constructing three of these specialised buildings, we feel we have a world class building now”.
Henry Smith MP
Attending this landmark event was Henry Smith MP who told us “This is a ground breaking event for the building of a new signalling centre. Three Bridges will become the hub of the signalling centre for the railways for the entire South East. This will bring high quality employment to Crawley.
Getting signed in and kitted out
The capacity of track and signalling will be increased with the addition of investment into a complete revamp of Three Bridges Station. It’s going to be a great new customer experience with an extra 120 car parking spaces for the commuters. All in all it is going to be of great financial benefit and employment source to Crawley, with 3000 jobs being created. With 53 millions pounds worth of investment going into Gatwick Station and planned improvements to Crawley Station too the travelling experience will be greatly improved in just over a years time. The construction comp-any and Network Rail have gone to lengths to communicate with the general public on any disruption issues but if there are any concerns, the public can call the Network Rail Hotline on 0845 7114141 or are more than welcome to contact my office on 01293 934554 or email here“.
Mark Ruddy, Route Managing Director for Sussex Network Rail
We spoke to Mark who told us “we are starting to build a brand new rail operating centre that will modernise the whole of the running of the South East of England. We chose Three Bridges because it is the main link from London to Brighton main line which is probably the busiest route in Europe with ten trains per route mile travelling at any time of the day. Three Bridges is the main key focal point for these trains.
Crawley is a natural hub for this part of the country and sits central between London and Brighton, especially with Gatwick on its doorstep. We have chosen to start this project now because there has been a five to seven percent increase on the growth of the railway passenger demand year on year over the last decade. If we are to keep up with this curve we need to radically modernise the railway. This has to be in proportion to the timing of the growth as the cost can be surmountable. Construction has just begun with the projected build completion to be December 2012. We will then move signals and controllers into the building. The control hub should be up and running by Spring of 2014. We hope to grow it to be able to host the Thames Link trains by 2018 when we will be committed to running 24 train per hour. To do this we will need this new signalling centre. On the ecological side of the project, we believe moving large numbers of people around by train to be one of the most ecological methods and we have gone to further lengths with this build to make it even more environmentally friendly. We have put the land and the building through rigorous tests to make sure we are doing the best for the environment now and in the future, including re-homing all wildlife before construction commenced. With solar power and other ecological methods the hub should be pretty much self sufficient, power wise”.
Henry was really pleased with his special gift
We feel Network Rail have gone to extreme lengths to make this a safe, beneficial and environmentally friendly project which will only increase the traffic of passengers to Crawley bringing a greater economy to the town.
We will keep you all updated with the progress of this new and exciting project.
We would like to thank Jon Crampton, Media Relations Officer for the invite. Our thanks also goes to Chris Burchell, Managing Director of Southern Trains, Brett Jarman, Project Director for Spencer Limited for showing us around the site, Peter lawrence, Regional Director South for Spencer Limited, Henry Smith MP, and Mark Ruddy, Route Managing Director for Sussex Network Rail.
What a nice touch by C Spencer Limited
On Sunday 20th November the second annual ‘Santas On The Run’ event was held in the memorial gardens, Crawley.
On this foggy Sunday morning over 350 entrants, all dressed in Santa outfits, ran and walked either one or two miles depending on their chosen route. The event raised in excess of £15,000 for Chestnut Tree House, a childrens hospice based in Arundel.
Said Event Organiser, Jo Carden: ‘Thank you so much to everyone who took part in Santas on the Run and made the event such a huge success. We would like to say a special thank you to all of our volunteers and marshals for their help; Malcolm Gray from Retrospect Event Sound; Jeanie Marshal Foods for donating mince pies; Edgars Water for supplying our runners with a well-earned drink; McDonalds Restaurant for providing vouchers for hot drinks after the run; the Mayor of Crawley, Cllr Carol Eade for starting the run; InChoir for performing in Queens Square after the run and holding a collection and Crawley Town Centre and County Mall for their support.
‘Once again, the people of Crawley have helped us put on a wonderful event; the atmosphere was just fantastic and everyone involved had a fun and festive morning whilst raising vital funds for a great local cause. We hope that after all of the sponsorship money has been collected, this year’s Santas on the Run will have raised in excess of £15,000 which will help us make it a very special Christmas for the children and families that we support.’ SOURCE:
On Thursday 17th November Santa came to town and bought a special guest with him.
Santa and his guest Scott Maslen (aka Jack Branning of Eastenders) lit up the County Mall when switching on the lights. Over three thousand people packed the County Mall to wait for the switch on, which was delayed for around forty minutes due to Scott being stuck in traffic on the M25. Scott came directly from filming on set. Santa, on the other hand was on time and full of joy. Treating the children to lots of gifts Santa once again put big smiles on all the little faces.
As always, the County Mall were supporting great charities. The Springboard Project, Age UK and The Army Benevolent Fund. With a Peter Pan theme in conjunction with the local Hawth Pantomime, there was also lost boy jugglers, tinkerbell and Captain hook characters handing out chocolate to all the good girls and boys. Mayor Carol Eade and her two wonderful daughters Sharon and Lisa also came in support of the event.
The crowd went mad for Scott and loved all the entertainment from Santa and Chris Oxlade, back for another year playing the wheels of steel and all the favourite Christmas classics with games for special spot prizes and giveaways.
The VIP winners were then invited to the management suite to meet Scott Maslen on a one to one basis. Scott was more than a gentleman, paying them lots of attention and even speaking to some of their unsuspected family members on mobiles.
We would like to thank everyone who came along….it was a long night in the end but we believe it was worth the wait. Thank you to the staff and management at the County Mall, Scott Maslen for coming to Crawley but most off all, thank you Santa!! See you on the eve of the 25th December….we have been good 
On Saturday 5th November Crawley’s Central Sussex College was the hub for the Future Car Challenge for yet another year.
The purpose of the challenge:
More than 65 low-emission vehicles – some not seen on UK roads before – completed the second annual Brighton to London RAC Future Car Challenge this weekend. The challenge put to the entrants was who could use the least amount of energy whilst travelling the sixty mile route.
The vehicles:
Those taking part ranged from enthusiasts driving their own vehicles to major car manufacturers including BMW, Chevrolet, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Renault, smart, Toyota, Vauxhall, Volkswagen and Land Rover. Many of the vehicles, such as the Land Rover Range_e, BMW Active-e and Volkswagen Golf Blue e-motion will not be on sale for two or more years and had rarely been seen on UK roads. As well as low-emission conventional (internal combustion) engined cars, the entry list included electric vehicles, hybrid models and cars powered by hydrogen fuel cells.
The entrants and the route:
The entrants started this morning from Madeira Drive, Brighton at 7.30am each were flagged off by the Mayor of Brighton Cllr Anne Meadows. Many of those who took part are wellknown motoring celebrities – including British Formula One legend and 1996 World Champion, Damon Hill OBE, Quentin Willson (TV presenter and magazine columnist), Gordon Murray (former F1 designer), Mark Goodier (Smooth Radio DJ) and Kevin McCloud (Grand Designs TV programme presenter).
Source: www.futurecarchallenge.com
Shelley got to meet some wonderful people at the event including our very own Mayor Carol Eade and Youth Mayor Pravin Sanasy. Along side the two Mayors, Shelley got to speak to the delightful Damon Hill, Robert Llewelyn and Mark Goodier.
Henry Smith MP, together with organisations such as the AA, RAC, Consumer Focus, Citizens Advice Bureau, Trading Standards, local and county councils and with cross bench parliamentary support, has successfully convinced the Government to introduce a provision for an independent appeals service for victims of unscrupulous parking firms.
Henry said:
“I am delighted that the Government has included a provision to create an independent appeals service which will finally ensure that parking firms can be effectively held to account. For too long now these firms have been allowed to inflict hefty penalty charges on individuals, often vulnerable people, for no offence at all. These penalty charges are often increased within a matter of days and in some cases accompanied by unacceptable threatening letters and has been a real problem for many residents using the former Sussex House site car park.
“Having introduced my Private Parking Bill earlier this year, I received a great deal of support both from the public and other ministers. In a meeting with the Home Secretary she kindly offered to look into the matter and has since decided to amend the Government’s Protection of Freedoms Bill to reflect local concerns. I see this as a triumph for direct democracy that local concerns originating in Crawley can be heard and indeed acted upon.
“I hope that the independent appeals service will ensure that private parking operators are finally accountable to their customers and will put an end to the rogue element of an industry which is largely responsible.”
Follow Henry daily via: www.facebook.com/henrysmithmp; http://www.youtube.com/user/HenrySmithMP; or www.henrysmith.info.
OWNERS of Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terrier Crosses can take advantage of the RSPCA Sussex North’s new “Chip and Snip” scheme.
For just £50 for a female or £40 for a male you can get your dog neutered and microchipped at one of the RSPCA Sussex North Branch’s participating clinics.
To be eligible for this scheme you must live in Crawley, Horsham or Haywards Heath and be receiving either jobseekers allowance, pension credits, council tax benefit or housing benefit.
Although neutering is particularly important to reduce the number of unwanted pets, it has additional benefits. Neutering prevents female animals coming into season, when they may attract unwanted male attention, become pregnant or have false pregnancies. It also prevents the risk of testicular cancer in male animals and uterus infections and cancers in females. For male dogs, neutering can also reduce behaviours such as urine marking and roaming.
Neutering operations should be straightforward – they are carried out under general anaesthetic and the animals usually recover quickly. Female are dogs are spayed, which involves removing the womb and ovaries and male animals are castrated, which means the testicles are removed.
Microchipping your dog gives them the best chance of being identified and returned to you if they become lost or stolen. Thousands of pets are lost every year and many are never reunited with their owners yet microchipping can change that.
Microchipping is a way of identifying your pet permanently and harmlessly – a tiny microchip is inserted under the animal’s skin, which gives the pet their own unique code. The microchip can be scanned and matched to the owner’s contact details, which are kept on a national database.
To take advantage of the RSPCA Sussex North’s Staffy and Staffy Cross Snip and Chip offer, please call 01444 819312 or email rspcasussexnorth@btinternet.com
To find out more about neutering and microchipping visit www.rspca.org.uk.
Winners of the West Sussex Design and Sustainability Awards 2011 have been announced.
The awards were presented at Edes House in Chichester by West Sussex County Council Chairman Mike Coleman, and attended by County Council Leader Louise Goldsmith.
Deputy Leader Lionel Barnard, who has responsibility for the environment, said: “As ever, the entries were of a very high standard, making it a difficult decision for judges to choose the winners.”
The winners and commendations were:
The Restoration Award:
Winner: Worth Abbey, Worth, Crawley
Commendation: The Dome, University of Chichester, Bognor Regis campus
Commendation: Pickwell Barn, Ansty
The Sustainable Building Award:
Winner: Lodsworth Larder, Lodsworth
Commendation: The Greenpower Centre, Fontwell
The New Build Award:
Langley Green Children’s Centre, Langley Green, Crawley
Each winner received a custom made trophy, made out of recycled glass with a sustainable oak wood base. The commendations received a custom made recycled glass coaster trophy.
Lionel added: “My congratulations to all the winners and those who were highly commended. These awards are a chance to celebrate the architectural quality and character of West Sussex buildings.”
The entries were judged by Chris Lamb, Chief Executive of Kent Architecture Centre, Leeza Aldis-Hobbs, Chairman of Chichester and South Coast Design Forum, and Michael Rowan of West Sussex County Council.
To find out more about the Design and Sustainability Awards, and the award winners visit the website at www.westsussex.gov.uk/designawards.
The selfless voluntary work of a Sussex St John Ambulance member who has dedicated 21 years of his life to the nation’s leading first aid charity has been recognised at an investiture into the Order of St John.
Alan Plastine, 33, who lives in Wordsworth Close, Crawley, was invested as a Serving Brother at a special ceremony on 29th September in the Order’s historic 12th century Priory Church in London’s Clerkenwell.
People can only become members of the Order of St John if they have shown exceptional service to its key foundations, which include St John Ambulance. The Order of St John is a Royal Order of Chivalry and each recipient is approved by Her Majesty the Queen, its Sovereign Head.
Alan said: ‘I’m so proud to have been given the honour of becoming a member of the Order of St John. Volunteering for St John Ambulance gives me the opportunity to make a positive contribution to my community, and my first aid skills mean I can be the difference between a life lost and a life saved.’
He was presented with the Order’s insignia by Rodney Green, the Prior of the Priory of England and the Islands (part of the Order of St John).
Alan works in the IT department at the charity’s national HQ in Clerkenwell and devotes his spare time to his voluntary role as a Sussex St John Ambulance Assistant Commissioner for Youth.
In July last year he had to put his first aid skills into practice after witnessing a serious accident on the busy main road right outside St John Ambulance’s NHQ. He and two colleagues were first on the scene and provided emergency medical care to a cyclist who collided with a car.
His voluntary work includes organising the county Cadet of the Year competition which aims to find the best Cadet in Sussex to be an ambassador for the charity at both local and national level. He also organises Cadet leadership courses and helps with training and adventure weekends.
He has played a key part in implementing the charity’s youth leader training programme in Sussex which offers a BTEC qualification.
Alan, who has been running the Crawley Cadet unit for the last year, says the best part of his voluntary work is helping young Sussex Cadets realise their full potential. He is keen to hear from anyone willing to give a few hours a week to help with Cadet and Badger activities in the county.
‘It’s very rewarding to see quite timid children arrive at the start of the weekend and become more confident as they learn new skills, make friends and become more confident,’ he said. ‘They’re learning how to save lives but it’s done in a fun way.’
Mr Green said: ‘This honour recognises the dedication that Alan has shown over the years to help the charity deliver its mission so that no one dies needlessly from a lack of first aid. He is a perfect example of how volunteers can make a real impact in their communities and we hope his story encourages others to learn vital life saving skills.’
Sussex St John Ambulance relies on public donations as it is not part of the NHS and receives no core government funding. Last year its volunteers devoted more than 168,000 hours of their free time, providing first aid cover at hundreds of public events across the county.
For information about supporting St John Ambulance please call 01273 371 500 or visit www.sja.org.uk/sussex.
Government funding has been awarded to Crawley Borough Council to support four new health and wellbeing services for Bewbush, Broadfield and Langley Green.
The council has invested eighty thousand pounds of reward money with local organisations for new services for parenting, heath inequalities and financial inclusion in these areas.
These new services include the Crawley Families Project, IMPACT Tasty Neighbourhood Watch programme, Crawley Talks Money and Get Started with Cooking.
Sussex Central YMCA recently merged with Horsham and Crawley Counselling Service which has been commissioned to deliver a new parenting intervention service for Crawley called the Crawley Families Project. This service will offer intensive and tailored intervention support to ‘new parents to be’ who have previously themselves experienced neglect or abuse. In addition to this work, it will be delivering a series of parenting courses for families with children aged eight to 11 years old.
IMPACT Foundation was successful in securing funding to deliver the IMPACT Tasty Neighbourhood Health Watch programme, a healthy cook and eat project. The IMPACT Tasty Team will deliver a variety of programmes to help, encourage and raise awareness of the importance of eating a well balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight and knowing how to cook from scratch or on a budget.
Central Sussex Citizens Advice Bureau has been commissioned to delivering a light touch money advice service known as Crawley Talks Money. In addition to directly supporting local residents in Bewbush, Broadfield and Langley Green in managing their finances, the project aims to improve access to debt advice by training frontline workers and key members within the community to spot problems early on and refer those greatest in need of money advice for further help.
Also, The Prince’s Trust has secured funding to deliver Get Started with Cooking, an engagement programme for young people aged between 16 and 25 who are not in education or employment. The course focuses on developing skills and knowledge within the catering sector and includes a Food Hygiene Certificate. Following the programme, the young people will be offered 3 months of one to one progression support to get back into education, training or employment.
Councillor Nigel Boxall, Cabinet Member for Community Engagement at Crawley Borough Council said:
“I am delighted that the council has managed to secure the funding for such worthwhile services for Broadfield, Bewbush and Langley Green.
“This is a great opportunity for local groups and organisations to work with us and help to address some of the challenges faced by people living in the town’s more deprived areas.
“All of these projects are set to help many families and individuals live a happier and healthier life.”
• To find out more about the outcome 22 grants please visit www.crawley.gov.uk/outcome22
• To find out more about the Crawley Families Project, contact Elizabeth O’Shea on 01403 217900 or 07557855733
• For more details on IMPACT Tasty Neighbourhood Watch Programme, call Lucinda or Elisabeth on 01444 457080.
• If you would like more information on Crawley Talks Money, please call Julian Paszkiewicz on 01293 657100.
• If you are interested in Get Started with Cooking, please call please call Jo Tolley on 01273 221477 or email Joanna.tolley@princes-trust.org.uk
West Sussex County Council’s TravelWise team is encouraging residents to get on their bikes and save money during TravelWise Week (September 19-23).
The week coincides with European Car Free Day on Thursday September 22.
Commuters could save more than £700 a year by switching from car to bike. A seven-mile cycle ride which takes around 30 minutes will also improve fitness at the same time.
As a further incentive, a number of local cycle shops are offering special Travelwise Week discounts until the end of September. For further details visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/travelwise.
Car sharing is another way to reduce commuting costs. Sharing a journey just once a week could save a person more than £100 a year.
The County Council’s car sharing website, www.westsussexcarshare.com helps people that live or work in West Sussex to find a car sharing partner.
Buying a bus or rail season ticket can be much cheaper than driving and parking, particularly if bought online. A monthly rail ticket from Bognor Regis to Chichester is currently £61.10 and a monthly bus ticket for the same journey costs £70, compared with the costs of around £100 in petrol and parking fees.
The County Council’s 3in1 card for young people offers cheaper bus travel and discounts to a range of shops and local attractions, as well as acting as proof of age. The card costs £50 – but is free to those receiving free school meals – and is valid for up to three years. Further information is available at www.yourspacewestsussex.co.uk.
Pieter Montyn, the County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “Travelwise Week is all about raising awareness of the benefits that more sustainable modes of transport have to offer. The week also provides a good opportunity for people to try greener and healthier ways of travelling. Small changes in your travel behaviour really can make a big difference.”
Sussex St John Ambulance is on the hunt for would-be paranormal investigators to take part in a spooky sponsored fundraising event at Newhaven Fort.
The ‘Spooktacular’ ghost hunt in aid of the nation’s leading first aid charity will take place on Saturday 22nd October at the 123-year-old fort where eerie encounters are frequently reported.
There have been many supernatural sightings at the fort, particularly in the tunnel leading to the beach. The sound of soldiers’ boots and air raid sirens are said to have been heard there and there are tales of a ghostly drummer boy who reportedly haunts this section of the coastline.
Sussex St John Ambulance County Fundraiser Jeanne Peterson: ‘This promises to be an unforgettable evening for anyone interested in the paranormal.
‘Of course there’s a fun side to it but the aim couldn’t be more serious. We need to generate donations to continue our life saving work in local communities – work which is very often the difference between a life lost and a life saved.’
It costs £39 to take part in the event but if you manage to raise £100 or more for St John Ambulance your ticket fee will be refunded.
The hunt takes place from 7.30pm on the Saturday until 2.30am the next morning. Hot soup will be provided and there’ll be an auction of paranormal investigation equipment.
A maximum of 40 ghost hunters will be guided in small groups by experienced paranormal investigators and a psychic medium.
Book online at www.compassparanormalevents.co.uk or call Compass Paranormal Events on 01558 292838.
St John Ambulance has more than 1,000 adult volunteers and more than 700 youth members in Sussex. Last year they devoted more than 168,000 voluntary hours to providing first aid cover at hundreds of public events across the county.
The charity receives no core Government funding and is not part of the NHS so relies on public support to help fund its vital first aid services.
To find out more about volunteering or fundraising please call 01273 371 500 or visit www.sja.org.uk/sussex
In 1986 Mr Peter Vallance bought his first historical aircraft, the Sea Hawk and that was just the beginning.
The Museum
The Gatwick Aviation Museum is now home to twenty eight aeroplanes. With around twenty of these being post war British aircraft all on display for the public to admire and learn from.
Shelley was invited to the museum by Peter who showed her and her son Logan around. Logan found it fascinating and didn’t want to leave.
The Gatwick Aviation Museum is an awe inspiring museum filled with history and memorabilia. Peter told us some of the memorabilia had been donated by the general public which he now keeps in great condition to show the history of aviation, especially at Gatwick.
Charity
The museum is a registered charity (charity number 1075858). It’s object is to provide an educational centre for the general public, students and school children. It means to raise awareness of national aviation awareness. Their aim to have a purpose built building which will preserve, maintain and display the classical aircrafts, engines and memorabilia.
Founders
Along with Mr Peter Vallance, Mr Graham Collins founded the charity. Peter was born in Crawley 66 years ago and attended school locally. Peter went on to experience a career in the Royal Forces. On leaving Peter started a successful business and became a respected member of various societies and committees.
Collin was originally born and raised in Somerset but ended up living in Surrey after a very respectful time in the Royal air Force then onto serving in the Metroplitan Police.
The passion for aviation bought these two young men together.
Aircraft
The variation of aircraft at the museum is amazing. You can see The Buccaneer, The Sea Hawk, The Sea Vixen, The Gloster Meteor, The Fairey Gannet, The Sea Prince, The Canberra, The Hawker Hunter, The Avro Shackleton, a Venom FB1, The Harrier, The Victor, The Whirlwind, The Percival Pembroke, The Piston Provest and so many more….
Open Days
The Gatwick Aviation Museum is opening its doors to the general public on the 11th & 25th (Peter accidentally says the 22nd in the interview) September and the 9th October, but you can visit by appointment. To book please visit their website here.
You will not want to miss going!
Shelley interviewed Mr Vallance:
Pictures
Once again Barmed was home to TV host and DJ Toby Anstis.
Toby was more than happy to have his picture taken with two lovely people
Shelley went along to speak to Toby and ask him about the famous people he had interviewed in the past.
Toby is always there for the public
Toby is back down at BarMed on the 17th December. Don’t miss it!
Where you at BarMed on this evening? You might see yourself on the footage
Crawley’s Got Talent (CGT) is an exciting event that will showcase Crawley’s diverse talent across all age groups.
CGT want to hear from you or your group if you sing, dance, act, make people laugh or have an unusual talent or skill.
Auditions will take place at the end of October and the live final will be early February 2012.
For more information contact Vikki Jacobs vikki.jacobs@crawley.gov.uk 01293 438565 or Liz Hart liz.hart@crawley.gov.uk 01293 438156.
Live Auditions at;-
.
A ‘friendly’ re-match has been arranged between young people from the Escape Youth Project in Broadfield and Sussex Police.
The football matches – one for the under-16s and the other for the under-20s – are taking place on Friday 26th August.
The event is being organised by the West Sussex County Council run Escape Youth Project – a drop-in service which hosts youth facilities for 11 to 19 year olds on Sundays at Broadfield’s youth centre – and the police, in partnership with Freedom Leisure, Inspire Broadfield and Crawley Borough Council.
It comes after an initial match was held in April, which aimed to improve relations between the police and young people in the area.
The matches are being held at Broadfield’s 3G pitches, with kick-off at 12pm.
On Saturday 20th August, Crawley was treated to a surprise visitor.
Barry with Son Shane and boxer Carl 'the jackal' Frampton
Champion boxer Barry McGuigan came down to Crawley Amateur Boxing Club with his up and coming talented young boxer Carl ‘the jackal’ Frampton who is training for his European title match in three weeks time in Belfast. Barry told us he had come down to make use of sparring partners Ross Payne, Ben Murphy and Ben Jones, all renowned boxers. Barry is the Manager of Carl in association with Matchroom. Barry’s son Shane is assisting his father with the training of Carl and came along on this day.
Shelley went along to speak to Barry. We would like to thank the Hopcraft family and Micky Alldis for this great opportunity.
Interview:
Pictures:
A youth participation co-ordinator at West Sussex County Council has set up a project to give young people in India opportunities to play sport.
Lara Pearce set up the ‘Youthivate’ project working with the Centre for Tribal Rural Development in India. The project will directly engage with young people to improve their health and wellbeing.
Through setting up and running a variety of sports sessions in the villages, Youthivate hopes to create opportunities for young people to become sports leaders and organise tournaments and festivals for children.
The project also aims to improve the quality of life of children in southern India through sport.
Lara said: “Young people who live in the villages enjoy watching sports but do not have the resources to play themselves.
“By building strong partnerships with local charities such as Cricket Without Boundaries which has donated equipment, Yellowave Beachsports which has donated volleyballs, and the Rugby Football Union, plus fundraising locally, we are able get sports equipment out to areas of severe poverty in southern India.
“Huge thanks also to myparceldelivery.com, which has been pivotal in this project’s success and is transporting all the equipment to India in September.”
To keep up-to-date with the project’s news, sign up to its blog at http://youthivate.wordpress.com
On Thursday 11th August Crawley was treated to a visit by the meerkats.
How cute is this little meerkat
As part of County Mall’s Wildlife Roadshow the meerkats were the talk of the town. Lots of people came to meet them.
We went along to see these cute and wonderful animals. Did you?
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