Black History Month 2011 kick’s off on Saturday 24th September with a Launch Parade in the Town Centre
Lots of local Entertainment & Free BBQ
More details to follow soon
On Saturday 8th October the “Main Event” will be held @ The Hawth
Details to follow soon.
Crawley Happy Times are proud sponsors of – Crawley Black History Month 2011
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?
Three of Crawley’s attractive parks have again been awarded the prestigious Green Flag.
Beautiful Tilgate Park has received the award for the tenth consecutive year while Goffs Park, in Southgate, and the Memorial Gardens in the town centre have picked up their fourth Green Flags – the national standard for quality parks and green spaces.
Tilgate Park, set in 400 acres, scooped its first Green Flag in 2002. Winners are judged to be welcoming, safe and well maintained and involve the local community.
Tilgae Park
Tilgate Park boasts a nature centre, golf course, lakes, lawns and gardens, woodland walks and bridleways.
Goffs Park has a lake, 18-hole pitch and putt course, miniature steam railway, state-of-the-art play facilities and is home to Crawley Museum.
The Memorial Gardens are an oasis of calm in the middle of the bustling town centre, with lunching office workers and sunbathers enjoying the lush lawns and vibrant plants.
Councillor Lenny Walker, Cabinet member for Leisure and Cultural Services, said: “This is a fantastic achievement and we are delighted to have won these awards.
“For Tilgate to have been awarded the Green Flag for 10 consecutive years is nothing short of amazing.
“All of these flags demonstrate the continued commitment of the council and its dedicated staff to keeping these great parks and open spaces so special, while providing a wide range of leisure activities. It is also just reward for a huge contribution from the Friends of Goffs Park.”
The Green Flag Award is sponsored by the Department for Communities and Local Government, English Heritage and Natural England.
For more details on Crawley’s parks visit www.crawley.gov.uk/parks
For more details on Green Flag Awards visit www.greenflagaward.org.uk
Giving the opening address to business and local authority leaders this morning at the annual Meet the Buyers gathering in Crawley’s Arora Hotel, local MP, Henry Smith, said:
“Our area is about excellent connectivity, both commercially and logistically, which is a great asset to our local and regional economy.
“In the last week we have seen the announcement of 950 new jobs in Crawley and that is a testament to what a great place to it is to base and do business.
“I congratulate Gatwick Airport, Crawley Council and Gatwick Diamond for sponsoring an event which generates millions of pounds in new trade by connecting buyers with suppliers.”
Follow Henry daily on Facebook by visiting: www.facebook.com/henrysmithmp
Small Charity Week 20th – 24th June 2011
Small Charity Week is next week so we’re sending you a quick email to make sure you are prepared to make the most of it.
The organisers of the week – the Foundation for Social Improvement – have given each day a theme so that you may focus your activities unilaterally with other small charities taking part. Use the week to give your fundraising a boost, launch a new campaign, get more support for you and your charity or maybe (and probably most importantly) at the very least make sure you celebrate being a small charity and all the good work you do. Simply use the week and the increased media exposure to promote your charity to whatever end suits you. It’s there to use in any way you like.
Below are the five themes for Small Charity Week and by clicking on the theme title, you’ll be directed to the Small Charity Week website and more information about that day. Also below is a bit about what we at the Small Charities Coalition and Charity Trustee Networks are doing for the week (e.g. launch of trustee matching pilots, new consultation groups to shape the direction of our charity and our new partnership with Google) so we hope that you can get involved in one way or another.
Monday 20 June – I Love Small Charities Day
We’re putting an extra effort behind supporting all areas of your charity with the pilot launch of an exciting new Trustee Matching Service. This service will give trustees specialist support through 1-2-1 and group matching, giving you the opportunity to share skills, experiences and best practice with other trustees. At the moment we’re looking for interested trustees to get in touch with Elise elise.austin@smallcharities.org.uk. In the coming days we’ll launch a webpage (www.smallcharities.org.uk/trusteematching) with more information and more opportunities to take part so watch this space.
Tuesday 21 June – The Big Advice Day
Get an answer to that burning question with hourly consultations happening throughout the day with top experts in all professional fields, including some of our best supporters. All you need to do is complete a registration form at www.smallcharityweek.com/big-advice-day and you’ll be contacted to set up an appointment either remotely or in person. If Tuesday doesn’t work for you, don’t forget that advice and support is available all the time through our skills matching services www.smallcharities.org.uk/matching
Wednesday 22 June – Policy Day
As a newly merged organisation, we’re having a review of what services small charities and their trustees want and need. We’re going to hold some focus groups in the next few months so get in touch if you’d like to help us understand more about what you want and how you want it. Contact our CEO Cath Lee to express your interest cath.lee@smallcharities.org.uk
Thursday 23 June – Fundraising Day
If you feel isolated in your efforts to keep your charity’s head above water, why not link up with other fundraisers and take part in our group support service which give you the chance to receive support through peer-to-peer sharing and learning of each others skills and experiences. Visit our website www.smallcharities.org.uk/groupsupport for more information about how they work or you sign up for one of the new groups starting this autumn by emailing Elise at elise.austin@smallcharities.org.uk and specifying the topic area you’d like support in and where in the UK you are based.
Friday 24 June – Celebration Day
We’re having our own little celebration today as we announce our new partnership with Google. Google are coming on board as a supporting organisation, giving their staff time to share their skills, experience and resources with our members. If you’d like to get matched with a Google member of staff (or Googler as they call themselves) then complete the following short form and then we’ll be in touch http://www.clicktools.com/survey?iv=3913074d4b086e9
Also, as part of Celebration Day we will be joining in the festivities down at London’s South Bank so come along, meet other small charities and have a bit of a PARTY!
The Celtic and Irish Cultural Society as part of Crawley Fleadh 2011 welcomes best selling author Michael Smith to Crawley Library to talk on the remarkable adventures of Irish explorer, Tom Crean.
This lecture, illustrated with many outstanding historic photographs, is based on Smith’s No 1 best-selling book An Unsung Hero, which has has sold almost 90,000 copies worldwide and resulted in a statue being erected in Tom Crean’s honour in Kerry, Guinness theming a TV advertisement on the explorer-turned publican and Crean’s story being taught in Irish schools for the first time.
Lecture on Tom Crean ‘The Ice Man’ at Crawley Library, Tuesday 24th May @ 19.30
Cash savings, coffee and croissants
Sign up for a free breakfast networking event that can help you find out how your business can make savings by adopting sustainable business practices.
This year’s Sustainable Business Breakfast, on Friday May 20 from 8-10.30am at The Hawth, has a transport theme. The event is hosted by Crawley Borough Council’s Green Business Programme (GBP) and the West Sussex Sustainable Business Network.
The event will include short presentations from expert speakers on business travel planning and electric vehicles and hear from local businesses implementing sustainable travel strategies.
And with ample networking opportunity over coffee and croissants it’s a morning not to be missed.
The Green Business Programme will also be providing information, advice and support for local companies.
For more information and to reserve a place, contact Rowan Wallis on 01243 777348 or sbp@westsussex.gov.uk or Dorinda Kealoha on 01293 438545 or gbp@crawley.gov.uk
Henry Smith today welcomed news that Tesco has invested £30,849 worth of ‘Tesco for Schools and Clubs’ equipment into local schools and clubs over the last year.
Henry said:
“Crawley is in the top fifty places nationally in which Tesco has invested the most into.
“I want to congratulate the community-minded spirit of locals for collecting so many vouchers at the till and to thank Tesco for the scheme. Over a million were collected last year, and I would encourage people to keep it up this year until the deadline on May 8th. So if they’re hanging around the house or kicking around the car then now’s the time to drop them off at your participating school or club!”
Tesco’s Government Affairs Director, Ben Coates, told Henry:
“For the first time, we are encouraging customers to choose a local school or club to receive their spare vouchers, by setting ‘postboxes’ in Community Champion stores. We hope this will contribute to even more equipment being distributed than the 440,000 items worth £9.3 million we gave nationally in 2011.”
Follow Henry daily via: www.facebook.com/henrysmithmp
FIRE KILLS CAMPAIGN MAKES ITSELF HEARD
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service reaches out to deaf and hard of hearing communities this Deaf Awareness Week (2nd -8th May) to ensure they have effective smoke alarms.
An estimated one million adults in the UK are unable to hear an ordinary smoke alarm because of hearing difficulties or removal of a hearing aid at night. As part of the UK Council on Deafness’Deaf Awareness Week, West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is reminding local residents of the importance of fitting and testing appropriate smoke alarms to alert them to a fire in their home.
A whole range of alarms designed specifically for the hard of hearing, from strobe lighting and vibrating alarms to small wearable radio linked pagers. These specialist alarms can save lives, alerting residents to a fire in the home even if an individual has taken their hearing aid out at night.
British Standard BS5446-3:2005, which was amended in 2007, specifies smoke alarm kits for deaf and hard of hearing people. Products made to this standard give deaf people assurance of quality smoke alarms designed to meet their needs.
Community Risk Manager, Kathy Burke says, “It is vital that people who are deaf or hard of hearing ensure they have the right smoke alarm technology in their home to protect them, and that they test them weekly, to make sure they work!”
Many people with hearing loss could be at serious risk if they don’t have the right alarm in place. A specialist alarm system provides valuable time to escape from a house blaze, and without it lives could be lost.
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is passing on vital fire safety information by linking up with the local Action for Deafness organisation. Firefighters from Shoreham will be on hand from 11am – 3pm, Tuesday through to Friday at the Action for Deafness Centre, Rowlands Road, Worthing where they will be on hand to give advice and tips on smoke alarms, fire safety in the home and Home Fire Safety Checks for the elderly and vulnerable.
Firefighters from Haywards Heath are hosting a similar event at the Action for Deafness centre, Hazlegrove Road, Haywards Heath to talk the local community about any safety concerns they may have and offer on the spot practical advice.
Fire safety advice is free and easy to access from West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s Community Safety Team on 01243 642879 or at www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire
The place for young people in West Sussex to find out what’s happening in the county has been improved.
The YourSpace West Sussex website has a fresh new look and is now easier to use and provides a single point of contact for services and information for young people, from careers advice and job searches (in partnership with Connexions), to bullying, sexual and health guidance and support, as well as things to do in the county and lists of youth clubs.
Volunteering opportunities are also highlighted on the website. Volunteering looks good on a CV, and can help young people stand out from the crowd when job hunting.
Bloggers and those who want to have their say on issues affecting their communities can do so, on YourSpace. Plus everything young people need to know about the West Sussex Youth Cabinet can be found at the click of a mouse.
The new ‘find’ function allows users to search the whole site in a quick and easy way. Searches can also be refined, making it even easier to find the information needed.
There are also ‘under 18s’ and ‘over 18s’ sections of the website, tailored to the needs of those age groups.
Peter Evans, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “Our flagship young people’s website is now even better for its users and has everything they need to know about what’s on offer to them in West Sussex.
“The new and improved features come after extensive consultation with young people themselves, asking them what they wanted to see on the website.
“Even the colours of the new website were chosen by young people as they didn’t like the old ones. They were kept involved as the website was developed.”
Visit the website at www.yourspacewestsussex.co.uk
It’s William and Cake….
It will be the icing on the cake for West Sussex Meals on Wheels users as part of celebrations for the Royal Wedding.
On Thursday 28th April, the day before the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton, West Sussex County Council’s Meals on Wheels Service will be adding a free piece of wedding cake to the menu.
It will go out as an extra item to everyone who receives a meal on that day and will be supplied by the Meals on Wheels food providers Apetito and Nibbles.
The Service has a wide range of meals on offer, from hot cooked meals to salads and desserts. Meals can be delivered frozen as well, to enable residents to stock up their freezer.
County Council Cabinet Member for Adults’ Services, Peter Catchpole, said: “The Royal Wedding will be a wonderful occasion and this is a great chance for some of our residents to celebrate it.
“There are many reasons why someone may want to take up our Meals on Wheels Service. They may be less able to cook their own meals, or have just come out of hospital.”
The Service is delivered by the WRVS across the county and can also include dietary needs such as diabetic, lower fat, gluten free, reduced salts and pureed meals and desserts.
There’s also an afternoon tea service providing sandwiches and homemade cakes.
An assessment from your doctor is not needed to apply for Meals on Wheels and people can contact the service direct. Contact your local Meals on Wheels kitchen or visit the County Council website, www.westsussex.gov.uk
Our theme for this breakfast is sustainable travel: we’ll have presentations from expert speakers on business travel planning and electric vehicles and hear from local businesses implementing sustainable travel strategies.
And with ample networking opportunity over coffee and croissant it’s a morning not to be missed!
Attendance is FREE, but places are limited, so book your seat now!
Contact Rowan Wallis on 01243 777348 or sbp@westsussex.gov.uk.
Friday 20th May @ 08:00 – 10:30
Crawley
Come outside and enjoy the arts in Crawley this summer
It feels like summer is almost here and to celebrate the return of the warm weather
The Hawth’s programme is going alfresco with four theatrical productions stepping
out of the theatre and taking to various outdoor sites in Crawley. So grab a blanket and a picnic and join us for some summer fun.
On Tuesday 28 June at 7.30pm the award-winning and ever-popular Illyria return to The Hawth Amphitheatre with Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. In its 20th year, Illyria present this story of a shipwreck – Viola is washed ashore in a country where everything is illogical, delirious, and completely topsy turvy. It could all end in tears – even if most of them are of laughter.
The ever-popular company return to Crawley, this time to Goff’s Park, on Wednesday 3 August 6.30pm with Fantastic Mr Fox by Roald Dahl, adapted by David Wood.
All Mr Fox wants from life is to feed his family, and farmers Boggis, Bunce and Bean have an ample supply of chickens, geese and ducks. But they are also the cruellest, meanest and most ruthless farmers you could ever meet, and they are determined to put a stop to Mr Fox once and for all. Mr Fox’s chances are slim at best…or will the sharpest wit win?
Gilbert and Sullivan’s most popular comic opera, Pirates of Penzance is brought to life on Thursday 11 August at 7.30pm in the Amphitheatre. Illyria deliver another first for the UK open-air touring theatre circuit packed with laughter, romance and a galleon-full of memorable lyrics. This wonderful operetta is faithfully performed by a reduced cast and accompanied by a Musical Director on keyboard and actor/musicians on various instruments.
Rounding off the summer in the Amphitheatre is Pitchy Breath Theatre with
The Wind in the Willows on Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 August. Crawley’s community theatre present Kenneth Grahame’s classic following the adventures of Mole, Ratty, Badger and of course, the jovial but big-headed Mr. Toad! A great family favourite that will transport you to the river bank.
Tickets for Illyria’s three shows are £12 (discounts £9) each. Pitchy Breath’s Wind in the Willows is £7.50 (discounts: £6/Family of Four: £22).
To make it easy for you to get out and enjoy the sunshine and theatre we have an amazing SUMMER SAVER OFFER! Book any two or more of these performances and save 10%
Tickets can be purchased from The Hawth Box Office on 01293 553636 or you can book online at www.hawth.co.uk.
Tonnes of energy saved in West Sussex
West Sussex County Council saved six tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions – the same amount an average household usually emits in one year – during National Climate Week and Earth Hour this year.
This was measured over seven council sites, County Hall in Chichester, Centenary House in Worthing, County Record Office in Chichester, Durban House in Bognor Regis, Power Place in Chichester, Willow Park Training in Chichester and Worthing library.
The energy consumption was monitored with smart meters – a device that records electric energy.
The first National Climate Week ran from Monday March 21 till Sunday March 27, and Earth Hour was on Saturday March 26. The aim was to promote actions being taken to combat climate change and to highlight the many positive steps already being taken in workplaces and communities across Britain.
Earth Hour, which started in Sydney, Australia in 2007, is organised by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). People showed their support by turning off lights between 8.30pm and 9.30pm on the day.
The County Council spread Earth Hour over the whole of the weekend, turning off all electrical equipment and lights where possible.
Deborah Urquhart, County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy, said: “Reducing carbon emissions is a top priority for the County Council, and we are always looking at ways to help the environment and encourage others to be more eco-friendly.”
A number of West Sussex schools were involved in events to celebrate Climate Week, with some taking part in the Climate Week Challenge and others attending a workshop on how to become Carbon Detectives.
Sackville School, East Grinstead, and Tanbridge House School, Horsham, were commended for their entries to the challenge. Pupils had five hours to write down their ideas for helping the environment, how it would save or make money, and what they would do to make it work.
Alternatively, schools could take part in the mini-challenge, where they had just one hour to complete the task.
Deborah added: “With the introduction of the new Carbon Reduction Commitment Scheme on carbon dioxide emissions and future energy price rises, it’s more important than ever for schools to save money through improved energy and water efficiency.
“We are pleased with the results of this year’s Earth Hour and National Climate Week, which proves every little bit helps, even turning off your computer monitor or lights when not needed make a difference.”
For more information contact the Carbon Management Team on 01243 752397 or email carbonmanagement@westsussex.gov.uk
In 2012 Crawley will have a St. George’s Day parade presenting cultural, working and educational aspects of living in Crawley. This will be followed by a display of music and dancing in Queen’s square.
There are already some excellent events celebrating various cultures that contribute to life in Crawley. There are some excellent events celebrating St. George’s Day. We now wish to add to this and hold a parade to celebrate out English culture.
This parade will take place on Sunday 22nd April 2012 the day before St. George’s Day.
The Parade will be non-political and our aim is to hold an event that is fun for all those that participate and enjoyable for all those that watch.
Volunteers are needed to help to organise the 2012 St. George’s Day Parade.
It is expected that the organising committee will be formed and start regular meetings in September.
We welcome all volunteers for this event and in particular we would like to include people with the skills to help with raising sponsorship, developing a web site, recruiting and organising the participants and the show in Queens Square and help in recruiting volunteers for the Parade. We will also need lots of volunteers for the parade itself.
We offer the opportunity for local businesses and organisations to enter floats and to sponsor the event.
We would also like to hear from anyone already planning St. George’s day event to avoid clash of schedules.
Volunteers and Sponsors should contact Richard Miller:
crawley_st_georges at yahoo.co.uk (01293) 406005
Make sure your Royal Wedding party fireworks are safe and legal
PEOPLE planning to use fireworks to add sparkle to their Royal Wedding celebrations are urged to make sure they are safe and legal by following simple guidelines drawn up by West Sussex County Council Trading Standards Service.
“Whether you’re a street party organiser or holding a party in your garden, there are some important facts you need to bear in mind,” said Graeme MacPherson, Head of the Service.
The guidelines cover:
Buying fireworks:
“Fireworks can only be bought from retailers that have a licence to sell them all year round. Because there are not many such outlets in the county you may try to buy fireworks on-line.
“This is fine – but an adult must sign for them on delivery,” said Graeme.
It is illegal to sell fireworks from a market or car boot sale.
“If you see them being sold in this way, walk away and let Trading Standards know on 01243 642124 – because not only is the seller committing an offence, there’s no guarantee the fireworks themselves will be safe.”
Storing fireworks at home:
“This is really a matter of common sense – keep the fireworks in their original packaging and away from any sources of ignition,” said Graham
The Firework Code:
The main points of the Code are:
• Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable.
• Keep fireworks in a closed box and use them one at a time.
• Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary.
• Light the firework at arm’s length with a taper and stand well back.
• Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks.
• Never return to a firework once it has been lit.
• Don’t put fireworks in pockets and never throw them.
• Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators.
“Finally, we would remind people to be a good neighbour and bear in mind it is illegal to let off fireworks after 11pm,” said Graeme.
Pete Bradbury, County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “Our Trading Standards Service has issued this timely advice because we want everyone to enjoy their Royal Wedding celebrations, while at the same time staying safe.”
More information on firework safety is available from the Royal Society for the Protection of Accidents (RoSPA) at www.saferfireworks.com
An Opportunity for Voluntary & Community Groups To Meet Crawley Borough Council & Big Lottery Funders
Saturday 14th May @ 10:00
The Hawth, Crawley
Young stars of the night at West Sussex’s answer to the Oscars
Young people became prom kings and queens in an American-themed awards night celebrating their achievements in youth projects.
The Oscar style event – dubbed the YOFSCARs – was organised by young people to honour their peers, aged 11-19, who took part in three competitions.
The ‘Fear Horror House’, based in Crawley, was awarded ‘Best Youth Opportunity Fund (YOF) Project’. It was built with just £350 from the YOF to raise money for St Catherine’s Hospice. With 12 friends from the local drama school who volunteered as “scare” actors, Sean Rouse raised more than £200 for the charity.
Organisers/planners of the event and judges of the awards - James Line, Kate Moore, Rebecca Bray, Callum Buxton, Jamie White, Boz Mc Fadden, Kolbi Hayes, James Hunter, Sophie Bowler, Madeleine Scutt, Will Chrystal
The West Sussex Children In Care Council (CICC) won ‘Best Locality Youth Forum’ for producing a user-friendly care assessment booklet with social services, and one for young people entering the care system.
The CICC has also held three consultation events giving children and young people in care a voice on how to improve services they use. It has also been working with the Corporate Parenting Panel to produce a pledge from West Sussex County Council, to get the best care provided.
Worthing Youth Council won ‘Best Community Project’ for producing schemes that have had a positive effect on the community. One of these projects involved an exchange visit with Worthing’s twin town in Germany. It has also created the ‘Use It Don’t Abuse It’ environmental campaign that was supported by Norwich Union and the volunteer organisation V.
The three organisations were awarded £500 each. Former County Council Cabinet Member Pat Arculus and Youth Mayor Matthew Badcock gave out the cheques.
Nigel Peters, West Sussex County Council Deputy Cabinet Member for Children and Families, and Tim Loughton, MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, also gave out awards for Takeover Day, where young people get the chance to ‘take over’ job roles in organisations, including the County Council.
Nigel said: “The night was a great example of young people’s achievements, giving their peers the chance to benefit from activities and services available to them.”
Young people, who have benefited from Youth Opportunity and Youth Capital funding, gave performances, from cheerleading and steel band playing to boxercise and circus acts.
A day of fun takes place at Goffs Park on Saturday 23rd April.
To celebrate Easter and St George’s Day, the Friends of Goffs Park have set up a range of family-friendly events in the park.
The fun starts at 10am when hot cross buns will be served with tea, coffee and squash.
Activities include an egg hunt, egg painting, children’s tombola and egg and spoon races for children and parents. Eggs, paints and spoons will be supplied.
Morris dancers will entertain the crowds at 2.30pm and 3.30pm and Shakespeare readings take place at 2pm and 3pm. Meet at the pitch and putt kiosk for all activities.
If the weather is bad the morris dancing and Shakespeare readings will take place in St Peter’s Church on Ifield Road, West Green.
For more information call Tony Coles on 01293 527402.
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