Crawley Council officers launched a range of technology at The Hawth last week to help vulnerable people lead independent lives.
Thousands of carers working with vulnerable people in Crawley have to ensure the safety of vulnerable people while letting them live as independently as possible – an increasingly hard task with decreasing budgets.
A range of services called Telecare provides support and reassurance to vulnerable people across the town at little cost.
The technology ranges from a Lifeline and pendant (push-button alarms linking to staff in a monitoring centre) to devices that monitor wellbeing and environment, detecting everything from heat, cold, flooding and falls.
The system can help a huge range of people from the elderly, people with physical and learning disabilities, people with long term conditions, people recently released from hospital and victims of crime, harrassment or physical abuse.
In nearby Worthing Telecare has helped hundreds of people, including enabling a severely epeleptic young woman live alone without full-time carers for the first time in years.
For more information contact lifeline@crawley.gov.uk or call 01293 438687
The Hawth Crawley is delighted to announce that it has secured a grant of £99,999 supported by the National Lottery, through Arts Council England to develop and promote Going Global II, an audience development programme designed to offer audiences culturally diverse and international work in Crawley over the next two years.
Going Global II will give The Hawth the chance to further its programme of culturally diverse and international performances. The theatre will continue to showcase South Asian and African-Caribbean work while developing programming for emerging communities including Eastern European and Portuguese. The grant will also enable The Hawth to commission and co-produce culturally diverse work specifically for children to enjoy and to bring diverse communities together.
Councillor Lenny Walker, Cabinet member for Leisure and Cultural Services at Crawley Borough Council, said: “This is fantastic news and I’m delighted that we will be offering even more culturally diverse and international work at The Hawth. I hope the securing of this funding and the new programme enables more people to experience the arts locally.”
Sally Abbott, Regional Director, Arts Council England, said: “The Arts Council believes that the arts should be enjoyed by as many people as possible, and a project that seeks to widen engagement fits in with our mission of great art for everyone. We are delighted to be supporting this project and look forward to seeing people across Crawley enjoying the arts.”
Shows already set to attract the crowds include Tavaziva Dance’s Wild Dog capturing the beauty and elegance of Africa as part of Black History Month, The Jingle Dress which will transport little ones to Native America and there will be breathtaking dance in The Shiver which combines classical Indian dance and poetry by acclaimed poet and playwright Lemn Sissay. In the coming years The Hawth hopes to engage almost 200 artists, performers and theatre companies in order to attract new audiences with shows and workshops, giving everyone the chance to experience different cultures and create links with different communities.
This grant has also created an exciting new role at The Hawth as the theatre are now looking for an Audience Development Assistant to actively promote Going Global and co-ordinate community projects for the next two years. Anyone interested in the role can express an interest by emailing info@hawth.co.uk for more information.
The 20th Junior Citizen event kicks-off on Monday and is set to teach Crawley’s youngsters how to stay safe and be responsible over the next two weeks.
Open to all year six pupils, the Crawley Borough Council organised event teaches children how to recognise all kinds of potentially dangerous situations, gives advice on what to do and also helps them learn valuable life skills to encourage responsible citizenship.
Around 1,100 10 and 11-year-olds will take part in morning or afternoon sessions at The Hawth Theatre where they’ll learn about road safety, the dangers of electricity, first aid, recycling, reducing energy use, safety in the kitchen, personal safety, fire safety and safety in the home.
The event is also supported by partner organisations including West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, West Sussex County Council Road Safety and Safer Routes to School, EDF Energy, Sussex Police, Crawley Luxury Coaches, the Royal National Lifeboat Institute and the Probus Club of the Sussex Weald.
K2 Crawley, which is run by leading not-for-profit leisure trust Freedom Leisure, has been awarded a ‘Provisional Level’ Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI) Award. The trust has worked closely with Crawley Wellbeing and Crawley Borough Council to increase the inclusion of disabled people, of all ages, at K2 Crawley. The presentation of the IFI Award verifies that the centre facilities, its staff and the equipment available, offer truly inclusive opportunities.
On a national basis, only 8.8%* of disabled people are regularly physically active and Freedom Leisure and its partners are actively working to encourage more local people with disabilities to participate in sport and exercise. In order for the centre to receive the award, Freedom Leisure has ensured that there is equipment in the gym to allow disabled members to enjoy a work out. There are sufficient and accessible parking bays and toilet and changing facilities.. There are further improvements planned between now and the end of the year, including £12,000 worth of new fitness equipment. To enable as many people as possible to be able to participate in exercise the centre offers a range of pricing options..
Having a disability should not be a barrier to keeping fit and being able to enjoy exercise. With easy disabled access, trained staff and the right equipment, Freedom Leisure aims to make using the gym a trouble-free and a fun experience. Freedom Leisure’s friendly and fully trained staff can help to create exercise programmes that will increase physical activity at a level that suits the individual, they are also there to support, motivate and help people to achieve their personal goals. All this helps make the change to a more physically active lifestyle as easy as possible which can reduce the risk of some cancers, cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes and obesity.
Chris Lovelock Centre Manager at K2 Crawley commented, ‘The increased investment in the centre has made a tangible difference to our disabled customers’ experience here at K2 Crawley. It is important to the whole Freedom Leisure team that we provide accessible facilities and a wide variety of activities for all members of the local community. These improvements and those set for the future are great steps forward in providing more fitness activities for all who wish to use K2 Crawley.’
Councillor Lenny Walker, Cabinet member for Leisure and Cultural Services at Crawley Borough Council, said: “This is great news for Freedom Leisure, Crawley Wellbeing and the council. We try very hard to make our services accessible to all and K2 Crawley is no exception. The fact that it is the only approved 2012 Paralympic training camp in Sussex proves this.”
For more information on the new autumn timetable please
Calling all groups and organisations who run activities and services for children and young people aged 10 and over in Crawley.
Crawley Strategic Youth Action Partnership (CSYAP) is looking at the services available to young people in the town. This review will focus on identifying where activities and services are available and what young people think of them.
The outcome of the review will be used by local partner agencies – Crawley Borough Council, Spurgeons Childcare, Sussex Police, West Sussex County Council’s Youth Service and West Sussex Council for Voluntary Youth Service
- to ensure future services better meet the needs of Crawley’s young people.
If you are providing services and activities for young people we want to hear from you. CSYAP has created a form for organisations to complete, which will enable it to monitor what is happening, where it’s happening and how.
This will make CSYAP better placed to respond to the needs of young people.
Groups can fill in the online form by visiting www.crawley.gov.uk/youngactive and clicking on the second survey on the page. The forms must be completed by Friday September 17.
Councillor Nigel Boxall, Cabinet member for Community Engagement, said: “I strongly urge all groups to fill in this survey. A wide range of responses will give us a much better idea of what activities are currently on offer for children and young people locally and where there are gaps.
“We want to know more about what is out there but we need your help. So please go online and fill in the survey.”
When the review is complete, CSYAP will be seeking funding to establish a website for young people. All the information collected will be included on a database of events and activities on the site.
The website will be accessible for both young people and organisations who provide services so that young people can always find out about the latest services and activities available for them.
If you are a young person in Crawley, you can complete our online survey on the same page – www.crawley.gov.uk/youngactive – giving your views on activities and services.
West Sussex Adult and Community Learning Service has been rated ‘Good’ in a recent Ofsted inspection, the second highest rating.
The inspection took place in July. The main findings in the Ofsted report said:
• Learners demonstrate a good standard of work and make good progress. They enjoy their programmes and value the benefits of learning.
• The curriculum is well planned and offers a broad range of subjects.
• The service is a key member of partnerships in the area resulting in improved learning opportunities in the community.
• Support for learners to meet their individual needs is particularly good.
• Promotion of equality and diversity is good. The service works well to attract learners from the whole community and overcome barriers to learning.
• Leadership is particularly strong – managers offer clear direction and promote high standards throughout the service.
West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Education and Schools Peter Griffiths said: “It is a great achievement for a local authority service to receive such a good grade. It’s a real tribute to everyone’s hard work and commitment that the West Sussex service has been judged to be working so effectively.
“Our tutors provide a high quality service to learners over a wide range of courses. Learners recognise the value of the service and many people enjoy the range of courses on offer, from qualifications for job skills to personal development.”
Areas for improvement identified by Ofsted were:
• “Improve the use of the individual learner record to measure progress to reward learners.
• Further develop systems for the observation of teaching and learning to help improve the learning experience.
• Improve arrangements for monitoring and follow-up of non-attendance to reduce absenteeism.
• Increase the promotion of equality and enrich learning through the positive celebration of diversity throughout the curriculum.”
Peter added: “The service is constantly looking to improve and we will take the areas identified by Ofsted and look to achieve them before the next inspection.”
The overall summary of the Ofsted report says the service has implemented ‘significant improvements’ since the last inspection. It says the organisation ‘works very effectively to offer good provision that meets well the needs of learners’.
It adds:
‘Learners’ achievement rates are high and their progress and skill development are good. Arrangements to safeguard learners are good. Learners say they feel safe and comfortable in the learning environment.’
To view the full range of courses available from the Adult and Community Learning Service, visit the website at www.westsussex.gov.uk/adulteducation.
On Saturday 31st July and Sunday 1st August the annual Mela was held at the Hawth.
Consisting of information stands, such as the ‘Stop West Sussex going to waste’ campaign and the ‘Give Blood’ stand there was food galore of all types, a fun fair and music and dance from varying cultures.
Attended by the Mayor Lee Burke and Mayoress Ali Burke, the day was full of colour and sounds. We took alot of pictures and video which we hope will tell the story of this great event on their own. We would like to congratulate the Hawth and their staff for once again making it a safe and enjoyable event for all to enjoy.
Perfomers included the Diego Garcian/Reggae/Seggae Band, Filipino Dancers, Tanvee and Tiyana, Tariq and Reis, Monica Patel, Grizzly South feat. If-E, Maxwell, KK, Amy Othieno, Billy Delaney and friends and many more!
Did you attend the Mela? If you have any feedback, please feel free to comment below
On Saturday 31st July, the official launch of the Irish & Celtic Cultural Society festivities was kicked off with good food, excellent dancing, fine music and great company.
Attended by Councillors Bob and Brenda Burgess, Bob Lanzer, His Worshipful the Mayor Councillor Lee Burke and Mayoress Councillor Ali Burke, and many more. The guinness flowed, the band played and the food went down a treat.
2010 sees the 15th Annual Irish Festival on the 29th August. Last year was a huge success, even though the weather was not too bright. This year, we are hoping the sun will smile down on this brilliant event hosting music, stands, dancing and of course the beer tent.
The Launch Party was hosted by the Celtic and Irish Cultural Society in the presence of the Mayor of Crawley Cllr Lee Burke together and Mr Michael Keavney of the Irish Embassy and some invited guests including the sponsors, supporters, volunteers and helpers that made last years festival the success it has become.
A light buffet was served to a backdrop of live music – by one of the bands ‘Dun the Vail’ who will be playing at the Festival. A special dance display was also a treat of the evening. We were also treated to a performance from ‘Just Kelly’ who just happened to be passing by. Thank you Kelly!
The centre piece of the night was the ‘toasting’ to the success of the festival including the cutting of the 15th Anniversary cake with the Mayor saying a few words about the festival and the CICS and asking all in attendance to drink to the festival’s success and the cutting of the 15th Anniversary cake.
The Festival attracts up to seven thousand visitors to the town from throughout Crawley, Sussex and the Southeast of England and has built a reputation as a great family day out over the August weekend. The event showcases some of the best musical talent from Britain and Ireland on three live entertainment stages, showing modern, traditional Irish music and open dance competitions. This year it featuring heavily on the younger element of the community with a special children’s entertainment marquee involving games, song and story with particular emphasis on Irish traditions and folklore. In addition, sport and cultural identity are each featured prominently with Ceili and Set dancing, GAA sports, tug-o-war, a funfair, various food and craft stalls and displays with the added attraction of a licensed beer tent.
The event is run by The Celtic and Irish Cultural Society, which was formed to promote a greater understanding of Celtic and Irish traditions to Crawley and the surrounding areas. With support from Crawley Borough Council and West Sussex County Council it is featured heavily in regional printed and radio media as well as the local weekly and Irish themed publications. Further details about the society and previous events can be found online at www.celtic-irish.co.uk
Crawley Happy Times were invited down to experience the evening. We took some pictures and video for you to enjoy.
The importance of market towns was highlighted at an event hosted by West Sussex County Council at Lodge Hill in Pulborough last week.
The event was for local authorities, community partnerships and other interested parties, to discuss how they can the support market towns in the future.
A market town’s main function is to act as a market place for the surrounding town and support an economy and community. Local ones stretch right across West Sussex, from Midhurst to Hassocks. These towns all face challenges from the economic downturn and impacts from changing shopping habits.
County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy, Deborah Urquhart, said: “Market towns do not only serve the town itself but are a hub for wider communities.
“They are places for people, businesses and visitors to meet, trade and enjoy the variety of facilities, providing services such as doctors, libraries, and leisure centres.”
A range of projects were showcased which had been supported under a government funded Small Rural Towns Programme.
These included new river pontoons at Arundel, enhanced childcare facilities at Billingshurst, shop front improvements at Selsey and Midhurst, a one-stop advice centre at Storrington, and proposals for a cycle hire scheme in Hassocks.
All had been developed by local people who want to help their towns.
Deborah said: “We want to keep these towns vibrant and expanding, and this event has enabled us to see where support is needed.
“As part of the government’s ‘Big Society’ idea, we want to give communities a greater influence over what and how services are provided.
“This event proved successful in seeing how we can move forward with the county’s market towns.”
Crawley first aiders braced for biggest challenge of the year
First aiders from Crawley St John Ambulance will be among a 120-strong band of St John Ambulance volunteers involved in a military style operation at this weekend’s Brighton Pride parade.
Kerry Weston is part of the charity’s management team for the event and Linda Weston, who runs Crawley St John Ambulance’s adult unit, will be in charge of one of the three medical treatment centres in Preston Park.
As revellers eagerly await Brighton’s event of the year, the nation’s leading first aid charity is feverishly working behind the scenes to make sure the right medical cover is in place to support the city’s biggest and best-loved party.
Sussex St John Ambulance started planning for this year’s event almost before last year’s festivities had ended.
The charity’s team will include nine doctors, six paramedics, seven nurses, experienced first aiders from across the county and an 11-strong fleet of ambulances and support vehicles.
The three treatment centres will include an advanced medical centre which will operate a triage system to identify priority patients. It will be staffed by highly trained health professionals using sophisticated A&E equipment.
Sussex St John Ambulance’s Operations Manager Dan May said: ‘While it’s party time for most people, for us it’s a huge undertaking, requiring intense use of our resources and often our most advanced medical skills.
‘We need to be geared up for every imaginable medical emergency whether it’s a cut finger or a cardiac arrest and our mission is to make sure anyone who needs first aid gets it as soon as practically possible.’
The St John Ambulance team has worked closely with the festival organisers, Brighton City Council and the emergency services to ensure arrangements are in place to cope with an expected 120,000 revellers over the weekend of 7-8 August.
This will be the 18th time St John Ambulance has provided medical cover for the event. Its first aiders typically deal with about 400 casualties over the weekend, including many serious medical emergencies.
Mr May said: ‘One of our key aims is to relieve pressure on the local ambulance service and NHS A&E department, by treating as many people as possible on the spot without the need for hospital admission.’
St John Ambulance will also be represented in the Saturday parade with a team promoting the charity’s Life Lost campaign message that first aid is the difference between a life lost and a life saved.*
Lesley Burn, of Pride, said: ‘We simply couldn’t run the event without this level of medical support. Having worked with St John Ambulance for many years, we know we can rely on them to help us ensure tens of thousands of people enjoy themselves in a fun but safe environment.’
St John Ambulance has more than 1,000 adult volunteers in Sussex who provided medical cover at more than 1,000 public events in the county last year. The charity is not part of the NHS and also receives no government funding so relies on donations and fundraising to continue working in the local communities. For information on making a donation or becoming a volunteer please call 01273 371 500 or visit www.sja.org.uk/sussex.
New direction agreed for West Sussex Youth Services
A decision has been taken to re-shape West Sussex Youth Services to involve young people more in the way the service works.
The decision has been taken today (Friday) by West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Children and Families Pete Bradbury.
It follows consultation with young people, staff, residents, partners and the County Council’s Children and Young People’s Services Select Committee.
Work will now take place to create an Integrated Youth Support and Development Service, by combining the Youth Service, Youth Offending Service and Connexions (the general advice service for 13 to 19-year-olds). The budget for the combined service will be reduced by £2 million, targeting scarce resources on those most in need.
Earlier this year the County Council said it would focus on work with and support for vulnerable young people such as young offenders, Looked After Children, teenage parents, young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEETs), and young people with drug or alcohol problems.
This approach will play a leading role in the new service and teams will have the flexibility to respond to targeted groups and areas of need. They will also work closely with local community partnerships when there is a specific need.
The decision report says the new service will be in place by April 2011 and will lead to universal youth provision largely coming from within communities, with the support of the County Council.
The County Council will explore opportunities to help organisations become more self-funding and apply for external funding.
Work will take place to reduce overall staffing levels within youth services, focused on reducing management levels and developing integrated teams that provide local pools of staff.
Reductions in revenue and staffing costs to some voluntary organisations supported by the Youth Service will also be phased in. These are:
Crawley Youth Centre
Cobnor Outdoor Centre
Konnect Project, Bognor Regis
Chichester Boys Club
Lodge Hill, near Pulborough
The Rural Mobile Trust
The report adds that the County Council will work closely with local communities and other partners to explore alternative methods of governance for the following –
Crawley – either the Oriel or Ifield youth wing Horsham – Weald and Holbrook Mid Sussex – Cuckfield and the Beacon Centre at Hassocks Arun – Yapton, Rustington/Ferring Chichester – Witterings
The report also says that existing contracts for 2011 onwards will be renegotiated to achieve a cost saving, including the contact for the Connexions service.
Pete Bradbury said: “It’s no secret the County Council has to make huge financial savings and find new ways of working. Every service is being looked at in turn to make sure it is as efficient as possible.
“I am confident the new-look Youth Service will ensure that young people are involved in designing and evaluating services they believe are more tailored to their needs.
“We will focus our resources at communities most in need across West Sussex. In those areas where we cannot provide, we will play a key role to enable communities and other partners to run youth services themselves, very much part of the Big Society agenda.”
Buchan Country Park achieves prestigious Green Flag award
Buchan Country Park in Crawley is celebrating after receiving the prestigious Green Flag Award.
This national award is the national standard for parks and recognises welcoming, well-managed, high quality green spaces.
Buchan Country Park, owned and managed by West Sussex County Council, is a haven for a variety of wildlife and good for walking or enjoying a picnic. The Park also runs a series of events throughout the year aimed at encouraging people to enjoy the park and learn more about it.
The award is based on eight criteria:
• a welcoming place
• healthy, safe and secure
• clean and well maintained
• sustainability
• conservation and heritage
• community involvement
• marketing
• management
The Green Flag will fly at Buchan Country Park for 12 months.
Deborah Urquhart, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy, said: “This award recognises the hard work that both staff and volunteers have put into ensuring that the Country Park remains a special piece of Sussex countryside.
“The park is enjoyed by many families and there are lots of events going on during the school summer holidays.
“Congratulations to all involved with Buchan Country Park, this award is a credit to them.”
For more information about Buchan Country Park and events, visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/buchan, email buchan.park@westsussex.gov.uk, or phone 01293 542088.
You can ‘Meet the Buchan Bushcrafters’ on video at www.westsussex.gov.uk/video and scroll down to the ‘Where we live’ tab.
The Friends of Goffs Park are having a green day on Wednesday August 4.
The fun starts from 5-7pm with a plant swap. Visitors can meet at Crawley Museum to exchange surplus plants.
Then, from 7pm Trees and Teas takes over. This is a guided walk from Crawley Museum with a tree expert from Crawley Borough Council, followed by tea and biscuits.
Other fun includes children making leaf faces with a local artist.
Crawley Festival saw the annual Beer Festival at The Hawth from 25th to the 27th June.
Setting up camp on a small bit of the Hawth’s premises, Crawley Happy Times settled in for a weekend of music, fun, entertainment, good food and of course BEER! The sun shone down on what can only be described as one of the most successful events Crawley has seen. Music and dancing poured from every corner and the people flocked to see what it was all about. Even if the music was not to everyones taste, the beer tent sure was. The atmosphere over the whole weekend (not mentioning Sunday afternoon of course) was electric. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Lorraine Gould for the very kind invite and a massive thank you to Dave Watmore who organises the event along with his polite and dedicated staff. Well done to all who were involved. We really cannot wait for next year, which we are sure will be just as successful.
As always, we took some pictures and video for you to enjoy. If you could not make this years Beer Festival, we would encourage you to pop this in your diary for next year, as you really missed a brilliant weekend.
Saturday the 19th June 2010 saw the launch of the twenty fifth Crawley Festival.
We were treated to a superb array of music by the Crawley Millennium Concert Band who have been performing for the people of Crawley for many years now. Then the town crier invited the people of Crawley to attend the Crawley Festival held over the next two weeks. Next to be announced was His Worshipful The Mayor Lee Burke who addressed the people thanking the organisers and sponsors for their support. Mayor Lee Burke also thanked the community for their devotion and support to this two week event which will hold over fifty events. Included will be music, dance, theatre and craft. Why would you want to miss out?
We would like to congratulate Greggs Bakery for their fund raising efforst which consisted of handing out free cups for a refreshment of your choice, selling cakes for twenty pence and their ‘throw a wet sponge at the man’. Great stuff guys! We hope you raised lots of money.
We will be keeping you up-to-date with the events, but if you attend and wish to share your experience or photos with us, feel free.
We took some pictures for you, and a some video footage of the Zumba dancing and Mayor Lee Burke addressing the people of Crawley. We joined in with the Zumba but it is much harder than it looks, honest.
Our thanks goes to all the lovely people of Crawley who came out in support of this, the first of many great events in Crawley over the next two weeks. See you at the next one
After the massive success of last year’s Crawley Folk Festival, The Hawth is pleased to announce that 2010’s Festival is on sale now and bigger and better than ever!
The weekend includes music from 2010 BBC Folk Award winner Martin Simpson (best traditional track), the highly regarded acoustic blues guitarist Steven Finn and The Jemima Price Band . On Sunday we are delighted to be able to present the newly crowned Folk Singer of the year, John Boden with The Remnant Kings who will be headlining the main stage. Celebrated whistle and flute player Brian Finnegan and Geoff Achison & The Spikedrivers will be taking to the Amphitheatre.
BAD SHEPS black 4 grain
Of course there’s the usual range of goodies on offer too, including free workshops, craft stalls, demonstrations in Morris and traditional folk dance and the big news is the selection of beers available in the Real Ale Tent has DOUBLED this year!
All this plus free performances from Ian Briggs, Jess Morgan, The Flying Toads and more on the free Foyer and Beer Tent Stages across the weekend.
Don’t forget if you really want to get into the festival mood, we also have great on site camping facilities for just £10 and as always Under 12s Go Free so why not bring the family!
There is a fantastic special offer for all early bookers – book before 9 May 2010 you can SAVE £2.50 per ticket with our EARLY BIRD OFFER!
Jon Boden
There’s also lots to look forward to on the Friday night too. Audiences can choose from Blues in the Amphitheatre with Rag Mama Rag, Ian Briggs & The Supervampers and Nicky Moore’s Blues Corporation or you have another chance to catch Adrian Edmondson with his band The Bad Shepherds, following huge public demand after last year’s performance, they’ll be taking to the main stage to showcase punk songs with a folk twist once again.
Tickets for Blues Night: £12.50 (discounts: £10)
Special Offer: £7.50 for weekend ticket holders (if booked at the same time).
Tickets for The Bad Shepherds: £16.50 (discounts: £13.50)
Special Offer: £10 for weekend ticket holders (if booked at the same time).
You can purchase a ticket for one day or the whole weekend by calling the box office on 01293 553636 or book online at www.hawth.co.uk.
On Saturday 13th February Shelley & Sharon from Crawley Happy Times were invited to the Hawth to see some amazing talent perform for a crowded arena.
Organised by the team of youngsters who make up ViYC (Vision in Youth Collective) and headed up by Ben Freer, Chairman of ViYC, the evening was a massive success.
What is ViYC?
Vision in Youth Collective (ViYC) is a group of young people aged 14 to 25 years old who advise Crawley Borough Council’s Arts Service on events for young people. ViYC play a vital role in selecting artists for gigs like Urban Sensations and open-mic sessions Unsigned.
ViYC members have recently worked alongside Crawley International Mela Association promoting and organising a Sukshinder Shinda gig as part of the Mela festival. Over 400 young people attended the event.
ViYC are always looking for new members. For more details contact liz.hart@crawley.gov.uk or phone 01293 438156.
Urban Senations 6
Ben told us this is the 6th event in three years. They have also been involved with Mela UK last year and will be more involved with this years event. Ben, who is the longest member of ViYC and still only sixteen told us “I really want to do this type of work for a living so am really enjoying the opportunities ViYC has given me. Everyone works very hard so we hope it is a successful evening and enjoyed by all. We can not thank the Hawth and the staff enough for allowing us this great opportunity.” The staff were wonderful including Liz Hart and Dave Watmore who were quietly watching over the evening in the wings. Liz told us “the members of ViYC have once again done an amazing job of putting this together and have arranged some great headliners too. We are very proud of their achievements”.
Performers
On arrival back stage, we bumped into our young friend Rishi Sharma aka KK. We first met KK at Connect ’09 where he stole the show with his rapping. Only fourteen, KK has ambition, drive and oodles of talent. Last year we suggested keeping an eye on KK, we would like to reiterate that! KK told us he was performing with his good friend Nathan Maxwell aka Bandit. It was our first encounter with Bandit but we are sure we will see him again. Also present was Tom Jordon, KK’s manager. Tom told us he has his own set up for producing and writing music which included his own studio. Although very young Tom seems to have a good head on his shoulders, telling us he also helps out Amy and Billy Delaney. Tom went on to say he is always looking for new local talent.
Next we had a quick chat with Billy Delaney and his friends Jason Hazel aka Souljh and Callum Hopkins aka Flash. Billy told us they were performing together for tonights event. Billy has just been signed and is on his way to great things. We are very happy for Billy who has worked extremely hard over the last couple of years.
In the next room we met Lady C and the Sillouettes who gave a wonderful performance of modern day chart music. They came from all over the place except for the drummer, Lisa, who is from Crawley. We really liked their sound and hope to see them again some day.
Next we met the truly delightful gentlemen who made up Goodfoot Boy Band. These four young individuals from London came to perform their very dramatic dance moves. Bringing theatre, music and dance together, they raised the roof. We really hope to meet these amazing performers again.
In the next room we spoke to our Amy Othieno and her team comprising of Zeth Hockenden, David Simon, Jamie McGraw aka Jzida and for one night only Chelsea Mandizha was the dancer for the evenings performance. Amy has just released her second album and is now looking for a good record label to sign to. Amy is very big in New Zealand with her songs being played on a regular basis on the radio. We feel Amy would make a great addition to any recording company and we would like to wish her luck.
Oli Davis aka Phantom performed with Bandit, KK, Brutz and Alex for one night only making up a group they named Versitile. We spoke to Oli about this special performance. Please see the video for further infomation.
Last of the local performers came in the very tall gentlemanly form of Jerrone Daley aka Snooze. On stage Snooze held the audience in the palm of his hand. A very talented rap artist who we also advise keeping an eye on.
Later that evening the headliners arrived amongst a flurry of young fans. We were privileged enough to speak to all three who were very happy to give a quick interview. First we spoke toDaniel Gomez aka Saint. Saint told us he is curerently the UK battle champion (like Eminem in 8 Mile). Saint has just released a song featuring with Ndubz which you can listen to here. We were very impressed at the amount of time Saint spent out the back with some young lads, listening to them rap in turn. We wish Saint all the best for a successful future.
Saint is the UK battle champion
Next on our hit list for an interview was Jermaine Scott aka Wretch 32, who was adorable. As you will see in the interview, Shelley and Wretch hit it off straight away. It was a pleasure to speak to Wretch 32 and we wish him all the success. You can see some of Wretch 32′s music here.
Wretch 32 was a pleasure to meet
Last but not least we spoke to Tayo Jarrett aka Scorcher. Poor Scorcher had a terrible headache so we didn’t hold him up for long. Scorcher and Wretch 32 mingle in the same circles and are both grime, rap artists. Scorcher told us “I lived in a house with a big family and there was always different types of music coming from each room, so you get a good knowledge of music and rhythms which has helped me in my musical career”.
Scorcher listened to all sorts of music when he was young
Enigma Security were on hand, donating their services. Ifti Haq, Director, told us they are always happy to donate their services where the young people of Crawley are involved. They also donate their time and services for the Mela event and have done so year on year since it started.
(L-R) Jamal, Vitor and Ifti from Enigma Security
All in all, it was a wonderful evening full of great music, great organisation and great people. Well done to all who were involved. We look forward to attending Urban Sensations 7!
You can view previous Urban Sensation performances here,
Crawley Community Arts is celebrating this week as they smashed through their target for the last quarter of 2009, encouraging more than 10,000 people to get involved in activities in Crawley for that period alone.
The team based at The Hawth Theatre is responsible for presenting many of the community events and exhibitions at The Hawth and running workshops and groups across Crawley.
In 2009 projects included highly polished performances by Pitchy Breath Theatre Company such as the new pieces Scratch and We All Stood Together, the Urban Sensations gigs which draw young people from across the area to see the top artists on the urban scene. The chart-topping, MOBO Award-winner Chipmunk made a notable appearance last year and this year Wretch 32, Scorcher and Saint will be performing in February.
Scorcher
Community Arts also enjoyed huge success with their regular club nights for people with learning disabilities and their friends, The Bluebird Club and record-breaking audiences attended the Black History Month Celebration last October as local performers and professionals took to the stage along with special guest Kezia Obama.
Female Transport Final
Crawley Community Arts also run weekly workshops, Crawley Youth Theatre, Hot Taps (tap dancing), Footloose Dance Group (dance for learning disabled people), Kids ‘n’ Co and Splash (drama groups for young people), Circus Skills Workshop Circuswurx and the Theatre Company Course for adults which presents its first show Female Transport in February.
Watch out for more from the team in 2010. For more information on what Community Arts offer contact Carolyn Murphy on 01293 438152.
Yesterday, Sunday 17th January 2010, Crawley Happy Times attended the Hawth for the Premier showing of RH11 the movie and was met with something a little different to what was originally expected.
The crowd waiting for the start of the pemier of RH11
When Shelley interviewed Jonty Egginton and Callum Johnston back in December, the guys were very good at hiding the story line, which made it all the more surprising. The film is called RH11 due to it being filmed in Crawley with local residents making up most of the cast. But that is where the association with Crawley ends. The film is not based on the behaviour of local youths and was never intended to be so.
(L-R) Aiste Vilcinskaite & Hannah Charlton
Using local artists for the soundtrack, they followed in the steps of films such as adulthood, but that is where the resemblance ends for this film. Before the showing we were treated to some live performances by the soundtrack artists, such as Ghostwriters, Young-B, KK, Rippa & Envy who helped make the film such a rollercoaster of emotions through music.
(L-R) Billy Lenson & Jack Gadd
About two years ago young Callum had an idea for a film and started on the script. Six months on he met up with Jack Gadd and together they came up with the final script. They brought on Jonty Egginton to produce the film and enlisted the help of good friends and family as the actors. The parents of both Jonty and Callum funded the venture. With the use of one camera and some small technical equipment you could be mistaken for thinking ‘well it can’t be that good’. Well think again! We can honestly say the film is amazing! The story line, the acting, the music, the complete genious of the film, is breathtaking and seriously emotional. We will not give away the storyline as this would spoil your viewing, but will say it is full of action, romance, sadness, hunour and of course some important messages for the youth of today regarding patience and respect for others. It was nothing less that awesome!
Ali Mehmood
What these young individuals have acheived with this film makes us think we should be keeping a close eye on them in the future. We asked the guys what they had in store for us next. Callum told us “I am off to drama school in New York for the next two years”. We would like to wish young Callum all the best and think he is going to be the next Susan Boyle of the film scene! As for Jonty and Jack, we are sure we have not heard the last of them either.
We were honoured to be amongst the many who packed out the Hawth’s main theatre to watch this premier. The roaring round of applause at the end of the film spoke for itself.
Michael Oram
You can order your copy of this truly spectacular film here. We guarentee you will not be disappointed
Jonny Wood
It just leaves for us to say well done to all involved. We have already ordered our DVD from the site, have you?
Please Note: – This film is recommended for over 18′s due to some bad language and violent scenes.
Crawley Happy Times were invited to the filming of the new movie, RH11 at Central Sussex College, Crawley.
The entire movie is filmed in Crawley. Headed up by seceral young locals including Callum Johnston and Jonty Egginton. The main player Callum came up with the idea whilst being on a gap year from University and went on to discuss his plans with his friend Jack Gadd. After writing the script, which took a long time, they involved Jonty, also on a gap year from his studies, to help with the filming. Jonty is currently working part time for a radio station in Brighton.
We asked Callum why they entered into such an immense project. Callum said “I felt it would be a great thing to portray how some young people, who want to further themselves within the education sector, unfortunately, for reasons beyond their control get involved with the ‘wrong crowd’. The story is based on what they do after the fact”. Not giving too much away, Callum told us “it’s how they then deal with this situation which makes all the difference, and we felt it was important to show this side of life”.
With just the help and support from friends and family, these young talented individuals have managed to film the whole movie including the editing and production. We asked if they had received any funding or help to which Jonty told us “my parents have loaned themselves to the hilt to help us with the finances of the film. We have considered funding but the process is so long and at times complicated we have not been successful as yet. Saying that, we are always looking for financial help, even at this late stage (the film is having it’s first showing at the Hawth on the 17th January 2010)”.
We found Callum, Jonty, the production crew and the cast to be dedicated and focused. Possibly leading the way for any other entrepreneurs thinking of making it in the film industry.
We were honoured to meet these budding artists as we feel their mission statement is along the same lines as Crawley Happy Times. To show there is an alternative to what seems the only choice in some cases. We believe we may have a couple of potential ‘Guy Ritchie’s’ on our hands. We stayed for a while to watch some of the filming in progress and took a little clip for you to flavour.
We are really looking forward to seeing this film. The first showing is at The Hawth on the 17th January. We are sure the people of Crawley will show their support and attend. So make sure you get your tickets now! You can book via their website or via The Hawth.
We would like to end by thanking all involved in the movie and to wish them all the success.
On Saturday 12th December Xmas was officially launched by the performance of Cinderella at the Hawth in Crawley.
With a star studded cast and the talents of two local performing arts companies, it was a brilliant rendition of the classic, Cinderella. With Julian Clary as Dandini, Danny Bayne as Prince Charming and the beautiful Vicky Longley as Cinderella the show was bound to be entertaining and full of those great one liners which gave the audience the chance to shout at the stage “he’s behind you!” and “Oh no it’s not!”. But in our opinion the true star of the show came in the form of Joe Tracini who played Buttons. Some may recognise this extremely talented young man from BBC three’s Coming of Age and My Spy Family. Joe owned the stage and had the audience eating out of his hands (we did very well looking after his present). We found Joe to be a mix of Joe Pasquale and Norman Wisdom, in the greatest of ways! (Some may get the connection between these two Joe’s but we do not feel the need to highlight it, as Joe stands out all on his own).
Stages Performing Arts and Stagecoach complimented the star cast with such talent that you would think they had performed together for the whole year! The young performers, mostly from Crawley, were so proffesional it was hard to distinguish them from the leading cast members which we have no doubt the proud parents in the audience would agree with.
In the interval we met a gentleman who was watching with his daughter. He said she was getting a bit big for panto now, but he enjoyed it so much that he came every year and would probably come even if his daughter didn’t want to. The gentleman told us “my christmas starts once I have watched panto at the Hawth, it’s almost a tradition and get’s me in the mood”. We felt this was the case for most of the serial panto goers. In fact if you are not addicted before, this performance would have changed that. The scenery was just amazing, with two real shetland ponies used to pull the stunning carriage. The production crew should be very pleased with themselves. And, of course, the outfits were fit for a Prince
Cinderella runs at Crawley’s Hawth Theatre from 12th December 2009 to 3rd January 2010. Tickets are selling fast so call Box Office now to book on 01293 553636 or online at www.hawth.co.uk.
Also the cast are ‘out and about’ in Crawley this week. You can read more about where and when here…
Crawley Happy Times were invited by our friends at the Hawth to the after party where some of the cast made an appearance. We would like to thank Lorraine and Steve for their hospitality, which was exceptional. We took some pictures for you. Enjoy
Joe Tracini signs our ticket for us. Such a nice man!
Shelley and CHT finger puppet thought Joe Tracini stole the show!
Stephen Carlile was lovely. Here we found Stephen signing a programme for two young children
Stephen Carlile made two very excited boys day with an autograph while Mum watched on proudly
Our Shelley could not resist a picture with Stephen Carlile
