Formed in 2003 Footloose is a lively and creative weekly movement workshop for people with learning disabilities and they are looking for new volunteers to assist at their sessions which takes place at Manor Green School on Wednesday evenings, 5.15pm – 6.30pm during term time.
The group, which has dancers from aged 8 to 28 is led by professional dance workshop leaders and supported by parents, family and support workers however it is the work of volunteers that enables the group to continue.
‘We have amazing volunteers. Some young people have come through volunteering schemes and Duke of Edinburgh Awards, some have come to us because they want to work with young people in the future and some come to us as they are keen on dancing. We’re want to hear from anyone who can volunteer a couple of hours a week to work take part in our sessions, which are always really rewarding for everyone’ said Sam Bloom, a former volunteer and now co-leader of the sessions.
Christine Yardley is a member of Footloose and says ‘Footloose is good because we do loads of different dances and we get me make lots of different friends.’
Whether you are a dancer, a carer or would simply like the rewarding experience of volunteering you can always expect a warm friendly welcome at Footloose and an emphasis on fun and teamwork! You do not need any dance experience, just plenty of enthusiasm.
If you would like more information and have the energy and commitment to attend weekly sessions, please contact Liz Hart in the Community Arts Team on 01293 438156 or email liz.hart@crawley.gov.uk.
Henry Smith is delighted that the Big Lottery Fund is to invest almost £20,000 in local community projects.
Henry said:
“Historically Crawley community projects haven’t done very well in winning lottery grants but I’m delighted that’s changing following a campaign I’ve pursued to highlight the possibilities which exist through the lottery. The latest awards are very encouraging.
“If local voluntary groups or charities need further information on how to bid then I would be happy to help them make the right connection with the Big Lottery Fund.”
The Northgate Youth Club has been awarded £7,279, to purchase equipment for the newly established youth club for local young people. This will enable the club to provide a fun and safe environment for young people.
Three Bridges Infant School has been awarded £10,000, to create a woodland garden within its grounds for the benefit of local children. This will create a safe woodland area for children to play in and learn about nature.
And a further £875 have been awarded to a local World War II veteran & his partner to cover travel expenses to return for a commemorative visit to Belgium this coming month.
Crawley Borough Council’s noise experts carried out free MP3 headphone checks in County Mall yesterday (Thursday 4th August) – and were shocked at what they found.
Of the 30 tests carried out, six people were playing music at volumes above 100 decibels, which should only be listened to for a few minutes each day. They admitted to playing music this loud for at least an hour every day – at this level they are likely to be damaging their hearing.
Fifteen people were playing music at volumes above 90 decibels for more than an hour each day, which is above recommended guidelines.
The council’s Environmental Health Team urges MP3 owners to take three simple steps to protect their hearing:
1. Avoid volume levels that completely block out other background noise
2. Take regular breaks from using your headphones
3. Use the ‘smart volume’ feature if you have one.
West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is reminding local householders to ensure their chimney is fire-safe while the weather is fine by booking a registered chimney sweep this Chimney Fire Safety Week (25th-30th July 2011).
With summer in full swing, the inviting warmth of an open fire is the last thing on peoples’ minds, but it’s best to check that your chimney is ship shape in the summer months when its not being used.
The peak season for the country’s professional chimney sweeps is in fact drawing very near and with their diaries filling up fast West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service has joined forces with the National Association of Chimney Sweeps and The Guild of Master Sweeps to urge householders to book their appointments now.
Community Fire Safety Officer Jackie Boyle explains: “An open fire is ideal for keeping warm in the winter, but without proper maintenance a chimney can be become dangerous. The latest statistics show that there are approximately 6,000 chimney fires a year in England and most of them are preventable.
To keep yourself and your family safe from fire you should take care to have your chimney swept regularly, depending upon what fuel you burn, before the colder winter months set in and you begin to use your fire and chimneys again. If the worst should happen a smoke alarm can give you the extra time you need to escape in a house fire – make sure you test yours regularly.”
West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service recommend that people follow our simple guidelines on Chimney Fire Safety to help reduce their chances of a fire;
. Have your chimney swept at least once a year, twice a year if burning wood.
. When burning wood, use dry, seasoned woods only.
. Build smaller, hotter fires that burn completely and produce less smoke.
. Never burn cardboard boxes or waste paper.
. NEVER use petrol or paraffin to light your fire.
. Do not overload the grate or appliance.
. Use a fire or spark guard to prevent accidental fires.
. Inspect your chimney breast, particularly in the roof space. Make sure that it is sound and that the sparks or fumes cannot escape through cracks or broken bricks.
. Ensure the fire is fully extinguished before going to bed or leaving the house.
. Make sure wood burners and other fire appliances are installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions.
. Make sure your smoke alarm is working properly, early detection can save lives.
To find your local chimney sweep, contact the National Association of Chimney Sweeps on free phone 0800 833464 or www.nacs.org.uk
Fire safety advice is free and easy to access from West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s Community Safety Team on 01243 642878 or www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire
The second Race for life in Tilgate Park on Wdnesday 22nd June was another successful event with hundreds of woman running, jogging and walking the 5k course. We took footage and picture for you. See if you can spot yourself
On Wednesday 25th May Tilgate Park turned pink for the annual Race for Life charity event in aid of Cancer Research.
Over 1,600 woman came to run, walk or jog the 5km course. Some came in support of friends or family who had entered. Some where in recovery themselves but most came to raise money in remembrance of a loved one who has been affected by cancer.
Not everyone was in pink mind. We bumped into a lovely lady called Fiona Hankinson (very soon to become Mrs King) who was dressed as a smurf! Others were in fancy dress and some even bought their dogs to help them around the course.
A big well done to LA Fitness who came to help the ladies warm up for the third year in a row.
His Worshipful Mayor Councillor Lee Burke and Mayoress Councillor Ali Burke attended. Mayor Lee told us he was overwhelmed by the amount of woman present and wished them all luck in their fund raising efforts.
We would like to thank everyone who took part and especially those who spoke to our step-in reporter Laura Senekal. Laura is one of the head organisers of Relay for Life which takes place in August at Gratton Park in Pound Hill. For further information on this event please visit here.
If you took part you will see yourself on the race footage.
01293 651760 (we are based in between the primary school and the shops).
We have professionals from around Crawley selling their produce, including a variety of foods and healthy snacks, gift idea, children’s clothes and books, storytime for children, crafts and beauty treatments.
Prices are reasonable, and entry is free! All ages are welcome, and staff will be around to help with any information or questions.
Television and film actor and one of British theatre’s biggest stars Nigel Havers is heading to Crawley this Christmas to lead the cast in this year’s swashbuckling pantomime, Peter Pan, at The Hawth.
Nigel Havers is renowned for playing charming, smooth-talking characters throughout his distinguished career. He was recently seen playing Lewis Archer in Coronation Street and last December spent time in the jungle for I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!
Nigel, who will play the role of the villainous Captain Hook in Peter Pan, has appeared in countless television programmes including Lunch Monkeys, Little Britain, Brothers and Sisters, Sarah Jane Adventures, Dangerfield and The Charmer to name but a few. His numerous film roles include Empire of the Sun, A Passage to India and Chariots of Fire.
Peter Pan is produced by Qdos Entertainment, the world’s largest pantomime producer and staged by the same team behind the theatre’s recent record-breaking pantomimes of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Cinderella. Jonathan Kiley, executive producer of the show, said:
“We are thrilled to have such an icon of British theatre lead the cast of this year’s superb production at The Hawth. Nigel is a highly-celebrated actor in the world of entertainment and he is relishing the chance to play Captain Hook and being as villainous as he can! This production of Peter Pan is not to be missed, so hook your seats today!”
Featuring magnificent scenery, beautiful costumes, an abundance of comedy and stunning flying sequences, Peter Pan will have The Hawth’s hallmark of outstanding value-for-money and entertainment for all ages.
Peter Pan runs from Friday 9th to Saturday 31st December 2011. Tickets, from only £12.75 and with generous concessions and group discounts available, can be booked on 01293 553636 or online at www.hawth.co.uk.
It all kicked off on Sunday (April 3), for Sussex Police as they were faced with a group of youths in Crawley.
Although this isn’t what you think – the police were playing a football match against young people from the Escape Youth Project in Broadfield.
The event was organised by the West Sussex County Council run Escape Youth Project – a drop-in service, which host youth facilities for 11 to 19 year olds on a Sunday at Broadfield’s youth centre – and Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Ashleigh Hanlon.
The football event was also supported by West Sussex County Council Youth Service, Sussex Police, Freedom Leisure, Crawley Borough Council, Rare Range Coaching, who helped with coaching on the day, and local resident group Inspire Broadfield, who provided refreshments on the day.
Around 150 people turned up on Mother’s Day at Crawley’s K2 Leisure Centre to watch the Under 19s beat the force 1-0 in the last 25 seconds of the game, when Levi Austin headed the ball to Terry Sandwell who scored the goal.
Crawley Town FC player Richard Brodie awarded trophies and congratulated players after the match.
Peter Evans, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “This event is a great example of communities working together to help develop young people’s relationships with each other and encourage them to be active.
“Well done to all involved and everyone who went along to support the teams.
On Friday 11th of March at 8pm 119 people packed out Hazelwick school to “Zumba for a reason”
That reason was to raise awareness and funds for The Cystic Fybrosis Trust, Organised by Joanne Cooper.
Cystic Fibrosis affects the internal organs, especially the lungs and digestive system, by clogging them with thick sticky mucus. This makes it hard to breathe and digest food.
* Each week, five babies are born with Cystic Fibrosis.
* Each week, two young lives are lost to Cystic Fibrosis.
* Average life expectancy is 38 years.
I didn’t realize just how many people around me are affected by Cystic fybrosis until I started organizing the event. Mums at my childrens school spoke to me about there experiences, ladies in my classes, A neighbor of mine even knocked to donate £30 as she had lost a close friend to CF.
Lots of fantastic local instructors gave up there spare time to come down and to teach for everyone…. Vicky Hayes, Mandi Zumba lloyd, Sarah Cubitt, Ellie Cubitt, Sarah Broadley, Sarah Ray, Jayne Nicola and Nicole Wizotzki.
We Zumba’ed for a full hour and a half and raised £1090.08!!!
We had a special surprise at the end of the evening. The wonderful Sam Kenneally who attends Joanne’s Wednesday class sang the last song for everyone… bringing the night to a fantastic end….
Thank you to everyone who donated xxx
7:45pm till 8:45pm
Zumba
Hazelwick School
South Hall
Mill Lane
Three Bridges
Crawley
RH10 1SX
John Scott, star of ITV1’s “This Morning” and Bio Channels “School Makeover Mum” and fashion stylist to the stars will be in County Mall Crawley on the 1st and 2nd April making over mums for Mothers Day. Plus you can see the latest fashions on stage from big names stores like Debenhams, BHS, Internationale, Laura Ashley, Jane Norman, Oasis and more! Shows starts at 11am and 2pm each day.
Free St George’s Day and Royal Wedding party packs
Crawley Borough Council is giving away celebration packs for St George’s Day and Royal Wedding street parties.
Residents and community groups can apply for the packs, which include handheld flags, bunting, balloons, hats and a large flag.
Each pack caters for 25 people but they are limited so the council is advising party organisers to get in touch and apply as soon as possible.
St George’s Day is Saturday April 23 and the Royal Wedding takes place on Friday April 29. Celebratory events could include street parties, a children’s party, a tea dance, bingo – or anything that involves members of the community.
Phil Rogers, Director of Community Services at Crawley Borough Council, said: “We know that across the town many people and groups are thinking of putting on street parties or other celebrations for St George’s Day and the Royal Wedding.
“We want to support these people by giving them party kits to help bring neighbours and communities together at these celebrations and to ensure they go with a bang.”
To apply visit www.crawley.gov.uk/community and fill out an eform online or call the council’s Community Development Team on
Applicants who are successful must pick up their party pack from the Town Hall. Packs are limited to one per applicant and will be provided on a first come, first served basis.
If any packs remain they will be offered for future events including the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee next year and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Crawley MP Congratulates Local Firm On Successful £100m Deal For London 2012 Security Services
The Manor Royal based G4S has won a deal to recruit, train and manage over 10,000 security staff for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Henry Smith said:
“This £100 million contract is one in a series of successful business deals won across Crawley which help place local business at the heart of the upcoming 2012 Games.
“Well done to the G4S team that worked so hard to put together and sell a winning bid which will undoubtedly create yet more jobs locally and assist other businesses. The bid was won against the backdrop of tough competition and it is a true testament to G4S that they have been appointed for this essential role.
“I am pleased to see the extent to which Crawley is benefiting from the London Games and will continue to try and build on this platform further still.”
You should have filled out your census questionnaire on Sunday (March 27).
If you haven’t done it yet then you still have nine days to complete the once-in-a-decade survey which paints a picture of the nation and helps government and councils decide on future spending priorities and services.
The Office of National Statistics (ONS) is running the mammoth survey and collects the information used for a fairer future.
The census deadline is April 6 and those who have failed to fill it out online or send it back in the post will get a visit from one of 35,000 census collectors nationwide.
Collectors will offer help and advice to those who have had difficulty filling in their census forms and will supply replacement questionnaires if they have been lost or damaged.
Crawley people who need help filling in their surveys can also drop-in to a number of census sessions around the town; Wednesday (March 30) from 11am to 1pm at Age UK in Shackleton Rd, Tilgate; Friday (April 1) at Crawley Library, 9-5pm; Friday at Langley Green Community Centre (polish event), 12-6pm; and Saturday (April 2) at Broadfield Library, 10am to 2pm.
The data collected by the census is very important to central and local government.
The way Crawley has changed over the last 10 years could make a difference to how much money the government thinks the town needs, possibly resulting in improved services.
It should only take about 10 minutes to fill out each person’s details which will be kept securely for 100 years.
Although you’ve got your paper questionnaire, 2011 is the first time the census can be filled out online, making the process even easier.
Your personal internet access code is printed on the front of your form and you’ll need this to sign-in and complete your questionnaire online.
The code acts like your password and you’ll need to use it every time you log in.
The information you provide must be relevant to your household on census day which was March 27.
Simply visit www.census.gov.uk and follow the on-screen instructions.
For help filling out the forms visit the census website or call 0300 020 1101
Have an eggs-cellent time at Buchan Country Park this spring
There are lots of eggs-citing events going on at Buchan Country Park in Crawley this spring and summer.
The 2011 brochure is out now, packed with fun for all the family.
Some of the events are:
• Wednesday 20th April – celebrate the Easter ‘Eggstravaganza’ between 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm with a traditional craft session including egg decorating, Easter card making, Easter boxes and chocolate sweets. It costs £3 per child and they must be accompanied by an adult – adults are free. Meet at the Countryside Centre.
• Sunday 1st May – birdlovers can celebrate ‘International Dawn Chorus Day’ with a two-mile guided walk between 4.45am-7.30am. It will be followed by a continental breakfast at the Countryside Centre. Tickets cost £5 per person or £15 for a group of four people. Adults must accompany children. Meet at the Countryside Centre.
• Saturday 4th June – discover ‘Midnight Moths’ between 9pm-midnight. Find out how ultra-violet light, wine and treacle attracts moths. Tickets cost £3 per person or £10 for a group of four people. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Countryside Centre.
• Saturday 23rd July – take a picnic and rug along with a favourite teddy bear to the ‘Teddy bears tea party’ between 2pm-4pm. There will be pond dipping, treasure hunts, storytelling and games for all ages. It costs £3 per child and they must be accompanied by an adult – adults (and teddy bears) are free. Meet in the Wild Garden.
Booking is essential for most events. To book, phone 01293 542088 or email buchan.park@westsussex.gov.uk
Keith Blake, West Sussex County Council Deputy Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy, said: “As the weather starts to get warmer and the lighter evenings approach, there are many activities for all the family to get involved in over spring and summer.”
For more events at the country park, or to download the brochure, visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/buchan and click on ‘events’
The Kung Fu School in Spindle Way in Crawley leads the way in martial arts entertainment as well as being one of the best schools in the area.
Who are they?
The Kung Fu School is without a doubt Crawley’s premier martial arts facility and arguably one of the best in the UK. Fully equipped with modern and traditional training equipment, wooden dummies and wallbags, it has two training areas with solid wooden floors and mirrored walls. There is no better place to start martial arts training.
They are the longest established Wing Chun Club in Crawley with their first class opening in 1992. After many years in local halls and community centres, the appropriately titled ‘Kung Fu School’ was opened on Spindle Way in 2005. So when it comes to Kung Fu, they are experts in our field.
Having studied under some of the worlds most renowned (and sometimes controversial) Wing Chun masters, the Kung Fu School never rests on it laurels and is constantly pushing forward to develop its curriculum and making sure students have some of the best tuition available. <source>
Sifu Paul Hawkes invited Crawley Happy Times to their recent Chinese Day. The school is always well attended on such events, as it was last year when the ex-Mayor Brenda Burgess experienced the entertainment for herself. You can read this article here.
This years was no exception. Sifu Paul and his team always make the events interesting and educational. We would like to thank the whole team for the invite and wish them all the success for the future.
Three Bridges U9′s Football Club are on the hunt for a new goal keeper.
On Saturday 19th March Crawley Happy Times sent Shelley down to Furnace Green Playing Fields to meet Paul Williams, Assistant Manager who gave us more information.
You can visit the website for further details on the teams here.
The council is urging Crawley people to do their bit for the planet this week and switch off for Earth Hour.
Crawley Borough Council already has a policy to switch off lights in its buildings across town and now it’s asking residents to switch off for an hour between 8.30 and 9.30pm on Saturday (March 26).
Councillor Keith Blake, Cabinet member for Environment, said: “We’ve been switching off the lights in all our buildings every night since 2003. Crawley Council is working hard to make sure it considers the environment in all its activities.
“Last year we reduced our carbon emissions by five per cent, this year we’re aiming for 10 per cent with a goal to be carbon neutral by 2050.
“We’ve commissioned some highly eco-friendly buildings recently, like the new Bewbush Centre, the new homes currently being built in Rushetts Place, Langley Green, and the Retrofit project which is reducing carbon emissions from four existing council properties by 80 per cent.
“We’re now looking at making existing buildings ever more efficient while making greater use of renewable energy such as Solar PV”
Earth hour started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia, where 2.2 million people and 2,000 businesses turned their lights off for one hour to take a stand against climate change.
2010 saw the biggest Earth Hour yet with 128 countries and territories joining the global display of climate action. Iconic buildings and landmarks from Asia Pacific and Europe to Africa and the Americas switched off.
This year WWF, the organisation behind Earth Hour, want people to go beyond the hour and think about what else they can do to make a difference.
The Hawth’s film seasons go from strength to strength. The four-times Oscar winning King’s Speech has proved it really does reign supreme as the first screening at the theatre sold out and a second showing has been added on Wednesday 23rd March at 8pm in order to accommodate all those desperate to see the film on the big screen.
The new season of film then kicks off with another Academy Award winner. The Fighter starring best supporting actor, Christian Bale and best supporting actress Melissa Leo will be shown at The Hawth on Thursday 7th April at 8pm. The film, certificated a 15, is inspired by the true story of two brothers, both boxers who, against all odds, come together to train for an historic title fight.
On Tuesday 3 May at 8pm Nicole Kidman’s powerful performance as a bereaved mother will be brought to the screen in Rabbit Hole (PG). Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by David Lindsay-Abaire, this moving film has been subject to much critical acclaim.
Rounding off the springtime film selection is True Grit (15) on Wednesday 4th May at 8pm. A great opportunity to catch the Oscar nominated masterpiece on the big screen before it’s too late. The Coen brothers’ adaptation of the classic Western story of vengeance and valour received 8 Bafta and 10 Oscar nominations and tickets to the Hawth’s screening in May are selling fast.
TRUE GRIT
Tickets for King’s Speech, The Fighter, Rabbit Hole and True Grit are priced £6 (discounts £5.50) and are available from the Hawth Box Office on 01293 553636 or you can book online at www.hawth.co.uk.
On Wednesday 11th May and Monday 27th June 10am – 5.30pm , The Hawth Studio will hold free screenings of Life At The Hawth. The selected footage from Gavin Beasley’s four hour documentary filmed at The Hawth in 2009/10 follows life in the theatre from work backstage to the performances themselves. The footage will run throughout both days, so feel free to pop in to see a little of life behind the scenes.
