Posts Tagged ‘Henry Smith’

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Crawley MP “Speaks Out” Against Prejuice by Signing Holocaust Memorial Day Book Of Commitment

Wednesday, January 25th, 2012

This week Henry Smith signed a Book of Commitment in the House of Commons, in doing so pledging his commitment to Holocaust Memorial Day and honouring those who died during the Holocaust.

Friday 27th January will mark the 67th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Nazi concentration and extermination camp which is the site of the largest mass murder in history – and in the weeks running up to the day, the Holocaust Educational Trust placed a Book of Commitment in the House of Commons, giving MPs the chance to honour those who were persecuted and killed during their Holocaust and encouraging constituents to actively speak out against prejudice and bigotry today.

In signing the Book of Commitment Henry paid tribute to the extraordinary men and women who having survived the Holocaust, work to educate young people about what they endured, through the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Outreach programme.

In the weeks around Holocaust Memorial Day, thousands of commemorative events will be arranged by schools, faith groups and community organisations across the country, remembering all the victims of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides. This year, people will also be encouraged to take a stand against racism and prejudice today – and to speak out against hatred wherever they encounter it.

Henry Said:

“Holocaust Memorial Day marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and is an important opportunity to both remember the victims of genocide and highlight the problems of racism and discrimination that still exist. I encourage all local residents to mark the day and to commit to ‘speaking up and speaking out’ against prejudice today.”

Karen Pollock MBE, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said:

“We are proud that Henry is supporting Holocaust Memorial Day this year. It is vitally important that we both remember and learn from the appalling events of the Holocaust – as well as ensuring that we continue to challenge all forms of bigotry.”

Follow Henry daily via: www.facebook.com/henrysmithmp; www.youtube.com/user/HenrySmithMP; or www.henrysmith.info.

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CRAWLEY FOLK TO BENEFIT FROM LOWER ENERGY BILLS

Tuesday, January 17th, 2012

Rising fuel bills are stretching household finances and people are looking for ways to save money on their energy bills.

Help is at hand through Big Energy Week (16th-21st January 2012) which is being run by Citizens Advice. This has received support from local MP Henry Smith who is encouraging Crawley residents to find the best possible energy deal, which is now easier than ever.

Henry commented:

“Fuel bills are a big worry for many people at the moment. I am pleased to support Big Energy Week and hope it will make a big difference to my constituents. Help is now on hand that can really help every one of us to reduce our fuel bills this winter.

“Therefore I’m very pleased that several of the big fuel companies have dropped their fuel prices by an average of 5% with immediate effect. The cost of gas imports is now falling and British Gas, EDF, EON, Coop and Ovo are passing these price decreases on to their customers. This will certainly be welcome to the hard working families of Crawley.

“Following a meeting between the Prime Minister and the heads of the big energy companies earlier this year, new services have been created that allow customers to accurately compare fuel providers. Ofgem has backed this up by announcing plans to simplify tariffs to make it easier for customers to know exactly what the price each provider is offering.

“Previously there were 400 tariffs to choose from and so I greatly encourage everyone to take advantage of this new simplified system to make sure they are getting the best possible deal. Combined with the help offered by the Citizens Advice and the Big Energy Week, I hope everyone in Crawley can in some way lower their energy bills this winter.”

Citizens Advice, Chief Executive, Gillian Guy added: “We know hikes in prices have put extra pressure on people’s budgets at a time when money is already tight. Day in day out our Bureaux helping people who can’t afford their fuel bills.

“We’re worried that some people are struggling unnecessarily because they’re not on the best deal; live in homes that haemorrhage heat or are not getting all of the financial help available to them.

“More and more people are coming to us for advice on how they can save money on their energy bills. Through Big Energy Week we hope to help lots of people cut their fuel bills and ease their money worries.”

Follow Henry daily via: www.facebook.com/henrysmithmp; www.youtube.com/user/HenrySmithMP; or www.henrysmith.info.

 

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Network Rail are in Control at Three Bridges

Monday, December 12th, 2011

On Friday 9th December Network Rail invited us to view the site for the new 2400sq meters

(L-R) Simon Chapman, Mark Ruddy, Henry Smith & Brett Jarman

The building itself is being built with sustainable and environmental measures. With solar panels and specialist glazing to minimize heat loss and many other measures to make it groundbreaking and environmentally friendly. The works have been carefully and considerately planned with the surrounding road networks and public areas taken into consideration at all times. The building is the fourth of its kind built by the specialist construction company Spencer Limited on behalf of Network Rail which has gone through a careful design process. Brett Jarman told us “after constructing three of these specialised buildings, we feel we have a world class building now”.

Henry Smith MP

Attending this landmark event was Henry Smith MP who told us “This is a ground breaking event for the building of a new signalling centre. Three Bridges will become the hub of the signalling centre for the railways for the entire South East. This will bring high quality employment to Crawley.

Getting signed in and kitted out

The capacity of track and signalling will be increased with the addition of investment into a complete revamp of Three Bridges Station. It’s going to be a great new customer experience with an extra 120 car parking spaces for the commuters. All in all it is going to be of great financial benefit and employment source to Crawley, with 3000 jobs being created. With 53 millions pounds worth of investment going into Gatwick Station and planned improvements to Crawley Station too the travelling experience will be greatly improved in just over a years time. The construction comp-any and Network Rail have gone to lengths to communicate with the general public on any disruption issues but if there are any concerns, the public can call the Network Rail Hotline on 0845 7114141 or are more than welcome to contact my office on 01293 934554 or email here“.

Mark Ruddy, Route Managing Director for Sussex Network Rail

We spoke to Mark who told us “we are starting to build a brand new rail operating centre that will modernise the whole of the running of the South East of England. We chose Three Bridges because it is the main link from London to Brighton main line which is probably the busiest route in Europe with ten trains per route mile travelling at any time of the day. Three Bridges is the main key focal point for these trains.

Crawley is a natural hub for this part of the country and sits central between London and Brighton, especially with Gatwick on its doorstep. We have chosen to start this project now because there has been a five to seven percent increase on the growth of the railway passenger demand year on year over the last decade. If we are to keep up with this curve we need to radically modernise the railway. This has to be in proportion to the timing of the growth as the cost can be surmountable. Construction has just begun with the projected build completion to be December 2012. We will then move signals and controllers into the building. The control hub should be up and running by Spring of 2014. We hope to grow it to be able to host the Thames Link trains by 2018 when we will be committed to running 24 train per hour. To do this we will need this new signalling centre. On the ecological side of the project, we believe moving large numbers of people around by train to be one of the most ecological methods and we have gone to further lengths with this build to make it even more environmentally friendly. We have put the land and the building through rigorous tests to make sure we are doing the best for the environment now and in the future, including re-homing all wildlife before construction commenced. With solar power and other ecological methods the hub should be pretty much self sufficient, power wise”.

Henry was really pleased with his special gift

We feel Network Rail have gone to extreme lengths to make this a safe, beneficial and environmentally friendly project which will only increase the traffic of passengers to Crawley bringing a greater economy to the town.

We will keep you all updated with the progress of this new and exciting project.

We would like to thank Jon Crampton, Media Relations Officer for the invite. Our thanks also goes to Chris Burchell, Managing Director of Southern Trains, Brett Jarman, Project Director for Spencer Limited for showing us around the site, Peter lawrence, Regional Director South for Spencer Limited, Henry Smith MP, and Mark Ruddy, Route Managing Director for Sussex Network Rail.

What a nice touch by C Spencer Limited

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Crawley MP Delighted Olympic Torch To Pass Through Town

Tuesday, November 8th, 2011

Henry Smith MP was delighted at the news that the Olympic Torch will pass through Crawley on 17th July on its national tour in the run up to the London 2012 Games next summer.

Henry said:

“I think it’s fantastic that the Olympic torch will be visiting Crawley on July 17th next year. This is a great honour for the town and reflects our commitment to sport and community.

“It gives everyone in Crawley the opportunity to experience the Olympic spirit and celebrate the great achievements of local torchbearers. I hope people will come down and show our town’s love of sport and pride in our community.”

Follow Henry daily via: www.facebook.com/henrysmithmp; www.youtube.com/user/HenrySmithMP; or www.henrysmith.info.

 

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Crawley MP Welcomes £11 Million Investment In Family Support

Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011

Henry Smith MP has welcomed an £11 million investment in new online and telephone services which will help to support parents and families.

The Government is providing funding to eleven voluntary and community organisations to deliver a range of support including relationship advice, advice on educational issues and services tailored specifically for fathers.

Henry said:

“Every parent across the country can benefit from these services and I welcome the Government’s decision to trust organisations with a proven track record in supporting families to deliver them.

“Online and telephone support will give families in Crawley the help they need, when they need it, without interfering in family life.”

Follow Henry daily via: www.facebook.com/henrysmithmp; http://www.youtube.com/user/HenrySmithMP; or www.henrysmith.info.

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Crawley MP Parks The Government Between The Lines

Thursday, October 27th, 2011

Henry Smith MP, together with organisations such as the AA, RAC, Consumer Focus, Citizens Advice Bureau, Trading Standards, local and county councils and with cross bench parliamentary support, has successfully convinced the Government to introduce a provision for an independent appeals service for victims of unscrupulous parking firms.

Henry said:

“I am delighted that the Government has included a provision to create an independent appeals service which will finally ensure that parking firms can be effectively held to account. For too long now these firms have been allowed to inflict hefty penalty charges on individuals, often vulnerable people, for no offence at all. These penalty charges are often increased within a matter of days and in some cases accompanied by unacceptable threatening letters and has been a real problem for many residents using the former Sussex House site car park.

“Having introduced my Private Parking Bill earlier this year, I received a great deal of support both from the public and other ministers. In a meeting with the Home Secretary she kindly offered to look into the matter and has since decided to amend the Government’s Protection of Freedoms Bill to reflect local concerns. I see this as a triumph for direct democracy that local concerns originating in Crawley can be heard and indeed acted upon.

“I hope that the independent appeals service will ensure that private parking operators are finally accountable to their customers and will put an end to the rogue element of an industry which is largely responsible.”

Follow Henry daily via: www.facebook.com/henrysmithmp; http://www.youtube.com/user/HenrySmithMP; or www.henrysmith.info.

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Crawley MP Encourages Local Cummunity Fundraisers To Take Advantage Of Endowment Match Challenge

Tuesday, October 18th, 2011

Henry Smith has encouraged local communities to participate in the Community First Schemes Endowment Match Challenge which is offering a total of £50 million in grants for community led projects across England.

Henry said:

“This is a fantastic scheme and a great opportunity for local communities to get the financial support they need for a wide variety of local projects. This scheme hopes to build local confidence and the capacity to develop community led solutions to problems faced by local residents.”

As part of the Endowment Match Challenge £50 million will be made available on a per capita basis and managed by the Community Development Foundation. For every £2 plus gift aid secured by local fundraisers, £1 will be allocated from the £50 million pot. I strongly encourage local fund raisers to apply to be part of this scheme.

“The aim over the next four years is to increase this £50 million fund into an endowment worth £150 million. Fundraisers will work to secure funding from philanthropists, local businesses and locals. This endowment fund will be invested and the interest will provide a sustainable source of grants and social investment that, as of 2015, will be distributed annually. This money will help support social action at neighbourhood level.

Henry continued:

“I have also been pleased to hear that the Community Organisers programme is looking to recruit and train 500 more senior community organisers, along with a further 4,500 part-time volunteers over the next four years. These Community Organisers will seek to discover what people are concerned about at a neighbourhood level and mobilise them to tackle these problems.

“I strongly support this scheme as the priorities will be set by locals rather than the organisers. Neighbourhoods and local communities know what problems they are facing better than anyone else and so are in the best position to produce effective solutions. These schemes form just part of a nationwide effort to give greater powers to individuals to have a greater say how their local community is run which I firmly believe is the best way to achieve successful results.”

Follow Henry daily via: www.facebook.com/henrysmithmp or visit: www.henrysmith.info for further details.

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Crawley MP Pleased Government Has “Got A Grip” On Immigration

Monday, October 10th, 2011

Henry Smith MP has praised the Government for restricting immigration numbers to those who will contribute to society.

Henry said:

“Under Labour, nearly 2.2 million immigrants entered the United Kingdom. In 2005 we were the only country to open our borders completely to the eight new EU member states. Labour ministers predicted that only 13,000 people would arrive, but were proved massively wrong as approximately 750,000 came to our shores.

“Many immigrants do bring useful skills that we need, however, many more were arriving who became burdens on society rather than contributors. I’m particularly pleased that the immigration limit for unskilled workers is now zero. Previously, far too many were allowed to settle in the UK without any skills set which all too often rendered them dependent on taxpayer’s support. I fully support the Government’s decision to forcibly remove 55,000 people over the last three months who had no right to remain in Great Britain and the Government’s insistence that immigrants entering the UK, whether permanently or on student/work visas, should have a basic command of the English language.

“Now only skilled workers are permitted to enter the UK and only if they have a specific job offer already in place. This means that workers already living in the UK will now rightfully get priority for jobs. The number of skilled workers allowed in is also limited, though this limit has not been reached this year, or in 2010.”

Another area that the Government has tackled is that of immigrants abusing education and marriage as a way to stay in this country. 69 bogus colleges have had their licenses revoked with several more under investigation. All incoming students require a good level of English and are only allowed to stay on, after their studies, if they receive a firm job offer. These measures alone are predicted to cut net migration by 60,000 as those who abuse these visas, to work rather than study, will now be denied entry or deported.

Tackling the problem of sham marriages is a much tougher problem. New rules demanding a certain level of English have been introduced as well as requiring a couple to have lived together for at least five years, rather than only two years currently, before they can reside here. The sponsor will now also have to prove that they can support their new partner which will put an end to benefit migration.

Henry added:

“We simply cannot afford a repeat of the unchecked, mass immigration into the UK that we’ve seen over the past decade. Our focus now must be restoring the wellbeing of our national economy and ensuring that those out of work are helped back into work.”

Follow Henry daily via: www.facebook.com/henrysmithmp or visit: www.henrysmith.info for further details.

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Paws Applause: Crawley Is Leading The Way In Animal Welfare Practices

Monday, October 3rd, 2011

Henry Smith was “thrilled” to hear that Crawley Borough Council has achieved a Gold Stray Dogs Footprint in the RSPCA’s Community Animal Welfare Footprints (CAWR) 2011.

Henry commented:

“I was thrilled to hear that Crawley Borough Council’s hard work in promoting good animal welfare practices has been officially awarded by the RSPCA.”

The Community Animal Welfare Footprints was set up to recognise, celebrate and promote this fine work done by local authorities and housing providers in England and Wales. The scheme has proved very successful and has grown from 70 entries in its first year in 2008 to over 130 in 2011. This is a great example of the achievements local government can have when they are given the power to do so.

Henry continued:

“I’m very proud that our local council has been recognised as an example of innovation, multi-agency working and good practice that others in the cause of animal welfare.

“The RSPCA does amazing work across the country and I am greatly looking forward to attending a reception at the House of Lords, hosted by the RSPCA, where I can offer my personal congratulations to all who made this success possible. I have long been a vocal supporter of animal rights in Westminster and, as a vegetarian myself for the past few decades, I have the utmost respect for those that give their time to protecting animals.”

Follow Henry daily via: www.facebook.com/henrysmithmp or visit: www.henrysmith.info for further details.

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Crawley MP Urges Local Voluntary Groups To Apply For New Government Development Fund

Thursday, September 29th, 2011

Henry Smith MP has welcomed a newly launched Social Action Fund worth £20 million which aims to benefit voluntary and community groups whose work is invaluable to local society.

Henry commented:

“I am pleased that this Government recognises the invaluable work that voluntary and community organisations carry out and has pledged this fund to support such groups. There are numerous organisations in Crawley that would really benefit from the funding on offer and so I would urge them to make an application.

“Crawley and West Sussex councils give great support but I would like to see voluntary organisations locally getting the further help they deserve. The Big Society is about communities offering unique services that the state often can’t I am pleased that the Government recognises it must therefore create a supportive environment for the voluntary sector to grow.”

The deadline for the first round of funding is on 14th October. For further information please visit www.nesta.org.uk or make an application at www.thesocialinvestmentbusiness.org.

Follow Henry daily via: www.facebook.com/henrysmithmp or visit: www.henrysmith.info for further details.

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Local MP Welcomes Pupil Premium Support For Crawley Students

Monday, August 15th, 2011

Henry Smith MP today welcomed new figures which show that disadvantaged children in Crawley are set to receive £683,000 this year under the Government’s new ‘pupil premium’.

The pupil premium is a new policy promised by the Conservatives before the General Election last year. It is an extra lump sum of cash which follows every disadvantaged child and is received by schools, allowing them to provide additional support such as one-to-one tuition and extra pastoral care.

Henry said:

“The Government has announced that in the year from April 2011, the pupil premium will be worth £430 for every pupil on Free School Meals, £430 for every looked-after child, and £200 for every child who has a parent in the armed services. This means that in Crawley this year 1,590 children overall will benefit from the £683,000 funding.

“There can be no doubting that this is fantastic news for young people in Crawley. The gap between the academic performance of children from deprived backgrounds and their peers is far too big and has been ignored for too long.

 

“The pupil premium will tackle this disparity head on, providing targeted funding for those who need it most. This could mean extra one-to-one tuition or more pastoral support.

 

“Despite the growing academic disparity under Labour, I am pleased that this Government, even in these tough economic time, is delivering a massive boost to the education of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable children.”

For more information on how this could help you, please follow the link:

http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/teachingandlearning/premium/a0076063/pupil-premium-what-you-need-to-know.

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Henry Smith MP, honorary member of Gatwick Diamond Rotary Club

Thursday, August 11th, 2011

The name Gatwick Diamond Rotary Club derives from the Business Development Area we are in the middle of.

Last week Henry Smith MP for Crawley was made an honorary member of the Gatwick Diamond Rotary Club.

By an amazing quirk of fate the Gatwick Diamond Rotary are the 60th Club in District 1250 and when formed it was also the Diamond Jubilee of Crawley New Town being given the Green Light in November 1947, and the 60th Anniversary of the Queens Wedding

The Gatwick Diamond is an important economic area, centred on Gatwick Airport, situated between London and Brighton.

their Motto is “Service Above Self” and above all whilst helping the Local Community we have “Fun and Fellowship”

At Gatwick Diamond Rotary Club they are always looking for new members from all walks of life with a wide spectrum of talents that the Rotary can tap into so as to be able to respond quickly & efficiently to any situation that might occur.  They want to concentrate on helping the Local Community wherever possible but at the same time respond immediately to any emergency anywhere in the world that might occur.

It is team effort that has got us this far and the Rotary will continue to work together to build our club for the future.  They embrace technology wherever possible to get their name promoted using Social media platforms like Facebook, linkedIn and Twitter.

The Rotary need a multiplicity of new ideas and skills for the club to embrace the 21st century.

They aim to change the Public’s perception of Rotary as being an “Old Man’s Club” and introduce a new dynamism.  Namely they want a vibrant club with members of all ages, sexes, creeds & job capabilities so that they can tap into their abilities to respond quickly & efficiently to any situation that might occur, whether locally or on the International front.  The Rotary already have a multiplicity of ideas and skills in the club but you can never have too many.

They will continue to invite new member to join the team using technology and the media wherever possible to help us in this objective. Their objective is to achieve Diamond Membership in our Club and to become a real Gem of a Club.

Current list of Members

Dr Mansour Jumaa – President & Founder Member -Leadership Training

Ernest Izard – Immediate Past President, Founder Member, Treasurer & Charity Chair – Royal British Legion

Betty Izard – President Elect & Membership Chair

Graham Cridland – Vice President & Youth Chair – West Sussex Angling Academy
Winner of Heart FM Local Heroes The Outstanding Community Contribution award &
‘Heart’s Local Hero 2011′

Joanna Carter-Robinson – Past President 2009-2010 & Founder Member

Geoff Williamson – Founder President 2007-2009 & Networking Chair – Entrepreneur

Margaret Williamson – Founder Secretary 2007 to date

Brenda Burgess – Crawley Mayor 2009-2010 & Crawley Councillor

Smita Bhatia – Community Chair

Lee Burke Crawley Mayor 2010-2011 & Crawley Councillor

Bob O’ Brien – Town Centre Manager to Mar 2011

Nicola Brown – Helping on various Sub Committees – Social Worker

David Vargas-Racero – eMember – TV & Video Production

Resat Gundogdu – Honorary Member – Real Barbecue and Bar

Joe Branco – Transferred from Reigate Hill – Foreign Exchange Trainer

Henry Smith MP – Honorary Member – Politician

Source: Thanks to Geoff Williamson – Founder President 2007-2009 & Networking Chair – Entrepreneur

 

 

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Crawley Borough Council wants to improve its online services – and needs your help.

Tuesday, August 9th, 2011

The council has set up a survey, which can be accessed from the homepage of the website at www.crawley.gov.uk, to get people’s opinions on its online offering.

Respondents can tell us how they use the internet – or if you don’t, why not – and what services they would like to see provided online in the future.

The council wants to make sure it provides the online services that people want and will use, so please take a few minutes to give your ideas.

Everyone who takes part in the survey will be entered into a prize draw for a chance to win £50 of High Street Vouchers.

The survey has also involved face-to-face and telephone questions too.

 

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Crawley MP Welcomes Boost To Local Pubs

Thursday, August 4th, 2011

Henry Smith enthusiastically supports the Government’s review which will boost the number of local pubs. As part of its commitment to the Great British pub, the Government this week launched a review of restrictive covenants, a legal clause that can be used to prevent community pubs reopening as public houses following a sale.

Henry said:

“In my role as a Member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group responsible for pubs and an avid supporter of the CAMRA campaign, I fully recognise the importance of pubs as hubs of community life and that they are as important to the local social scene as they are to the local economy here in Crawley. But time is being called at too many of our ‘locals’, depriving people of treasured places to get together in the community.

“In September I will have the privilege to get behind the bar at the Mill House pub in Ifield and see firsthand the difficulties faced by publicans whose premises often act as a focal point for local communities. I should note, however, that those looking for free samples will be bitterly disappointed.

“The Government is putting the people back in charge, giving them the power to step in and save their much-loved community assets. By reviewing this restrictive red tape we will enable people to use their collective powers to ensure that their locals remain local and continue to thrive at the heart of every community.”

The Government has already announced that it is supporting community pubs via a range of policies, including:

• Introducing a community right to buy. New rights through the Localism Bill will enable residents to save struggling pubs by taking them over rather than seeing them empty and derelict. Communities seeking to do this can get the expert advice they need through the Government-funded Asset Transfer Unit.

• Reviewing the rules on restrictive covenants. These rules have often restricted competition and seen pubs disappear from our towns and villages.

• A ban on the sale of alcohol below cost price. This will help protect local pubs from deep discounting by some supermarkets.

• Reforming licensing rules. This will make it easier to play live music in local pubs.

• Fair taxation on alcohol. Having already abandoned the last administration’s proposals for a significant increase in cider duty, the Government is balancing the need to tackle problem drinking without unfairly penalising responsible drinkers or ignoring the social and economic importance of pubs.

• The doubling of small business rate relief for another year. The Government is providing £380 million to extend the temporary one-year increase in Small Business Rate Relief which started last October for a further year (1 October 2011 – 30 September 2012). Eligible pubs should take advantage of this, because they do not always claim the discounts they are entitled to. The Government is also cutting red tape for businesses re-applying for this relief in the future.

Follow Henry daily via: www.facebook.com/henrysmithmp or visit: www.henrysmith.info for further details.

 

 

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CRAWLEY FIRE STATION OPENS ITS DOORS TO RESIDENTS

Thursday, July 28th, 2011

Looking for a family day out with a difference? Then why not join firefighters in Crawley as they host their mid Summer Open Day on Saturday 30th July.

The Fire Station on Ifield Avenue will be throwing open its doors to the public for what should be a great day combining exciting firefighting and rescue displays, fun activities as well as tips and advice from fire crews including staying safe in the kitchen while cooking and how to plan an escape route in the event of a fire.

There will be an opportunity for people to chat to the firefighters, get a rare up-close look at the fire engines and specialist equipment and learn more about the work the Fire & Rescue service do in the community. Partner organisations Sussex Police and South East Coast Ambulance Service will also take part in the day and be on hand to offer safety advice to residents.

The day runs from 10.30am until 3.30pm and admission is free.

Watch Manager at Crawley Fire Station, John Convey, said:

“Our aim is to put on an enjoyable, exciting day packed with lots of activities, drills and demonstrations, while at the same time raise awareness of some really important fire and road safety messages.

“We don’t want the only time people see their local fire crew to be if they dial 999 in an emergency so this is a great opportunity for them to get to know us better and ask questions in an informal setting. If people leave with a smiles on their faces as well as with extra knowledge that helps keep them safe, then the day will be a success.”

For information on other upcoming Open Days and for fire safety advice visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire

 

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Crawley MP Welcomes Defenece Secretary’s Visit

Tuesday, July 26th, 2011

Henry Smith MP was delighted to announce earlier that the Secretary of State for Defence, Rt Hon Dr Liam Fox MP, will be visiting Crawley on Thursday July 28.

Henry said:

“It’s great to welcome the Defence Secretary to Crawley. Our town has quite a connection with the Armed Forces. Many local households have family members serving, Crawley is home to an active Territorial Army centre as well as major defence companies, such as Manor Royal based Thales UK and Boeing.“

“I welcome the opportunity to discuss with the Defence Secretary and local residents the phased withdrawal of our troops from Afghanistan and the significant equipment developed right here in Crawley such as the high-tech Watchkeeper unmaned drone aircraft.”

Follow Henry daily via: www.facebook.com/henrysmithmp or visit: www.henrysmith.info for further details.

 

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Aspire are inspirational

Monday, July 25th, 2011

On Thursday 21st July we sent Shelley along to see the first specially adapted apartment designed to assist spinal injury patients on leaving hospital.

The newly furbished apartment is based in Barley House, Barley Close, Southgate. It is situated in the new flats by The Guinness Trust Partnership. Aspire are a charity who help spinal injury patients adapt into the world of being a wheelchair user.

We spoke to Krupesh Hirani, Policy & Research Officer for Aspire National Training Centre who told us “Aspire are a charity who help people who have been paralysed by spinal cord injury. Every eight hours a person in the UK is paralysed by a spinal cord injury. The housing programme is one of our main programmes. What we look at is housing people after their injury. The most common cause of a spinal injury is a road traffic accident so they will not have been a wheelchair user previously. They could live in a first floor flat. what that means is someone could be discharged into a setting which we think is not positive for their rehabilitation. Or they might have to be discharged to a care home or could be kept in hospital for a longer period of time, which is also not the best situation. So what we do through our housing programme is find temporary accomodation for wheelchair users to be discharged to while their long term housing solution is being looked at. Our tenants have a six month contract. In which time they are assisted in their rehabilitation and their requirements in their own home to help meet their needs. This apartment is the first in Crawley. We have 21 apartments such as this across the country. We lease the apartment from housing associations such as The Guinness Trust so if there are any housing associations which identify a need, we are very happy to discuss options. The apartments already in place were identified as being needed in that area by the NHS and we will carry on trying to identify the needs of such apartments in all areas. We already have apartments in Brighton all the way up to Glasgow. The apartment is part of the Guinness Trust’s 500th project and has been operational for just over a month”.

We then spoke to our local MP Henry Smith who told us “This is a really good and it’s great that Aspire have opened their twenty first unit here in Crawley. It is specifically designed to help people who have suffered a spinal cord injury. To be able to spend six months here, to be able to learn how to live a normal life again is great. the unit is specially adapted to help them so they know what they may need when returning back to their own home. With an injury of this kind happening every eight hours this type of work is essential to the community. Alot of people do not know about Aspire but that is not unusual as it is relatively rare to know someone with a spinal injury. It is really important that for the people who have to transform their lives they have the support from charities such as Aspire. It’s also wonderful that Aspire have chosen Crawley for their this new unit. Being able to be discharged from hospital is a benefit to everyone, including the cost on the NHS, so this serves as a great function to everyone involved. It also helps the wheelchair user learn what they may need adapting in their own home and what doesn’t. This type of injury is a devastating and very serious situation for those effected. It’s great to be aware of the help that is offered by such charities as Aspire”.

We met Mark at Barley House. Mark had recently been involved in an accident which left him paralysed. Mark has been in the apartment for a month now and looked like he was adapting very well to his new situation. We would like to wish Mark all the best for his future.

We took some pictures while visiting.

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Crawley MP Highlights New Funding Opportunity For Local Charities

Monday, July 25th, 2011

Henry Smith MP has today highlighted an important initiative for local community charity and voluntary groups to nominate themselves for a total of £18,000 worth of awards.

Crawley’s Natwest Branch, as part of their Community Force project, are encouraging local voluntary groups to put themselves forward for three £6,000 awards.

“I am pleased that Natwest has recognised its stake in the Big Society and is offering £18,000 worth in award money for three successful projects chosen by local residents.

“I am always in awe of the fantastic work carried out by so many community groups in Crawley that really make a remarkable difference to so many peoples’ lives. It is, therefore, fantastic when companies like Natwest develop programmes that local charities can apply for funding from. I hope this will provide even more support for the good work they do.”

Charity and voluntary groups wishing to put themselves forward for the awards should register at www.natwest.com/communityforce from today.

Follow Henry daily via: www.facebook.com/henrysmithmp or visit: www.henrysmith.info for further details.

 

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Consultation begins on Fire and Rescue Services merger in Sussex

Wednesday, July 13th, 2011

Consultation begins on Fire and Rescue Services merger

THE Fire and Rescue Service in West Sussex starts a 12-week public consultation tomorrow (July 14) to seek the views of the public, businesses and staff on its potential merger with East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.

The consultation is being launched with public meetings in Crawley, which is also tomorrow (Thursday 14th July), and Worthing, which is on Tuesday 19th July.

The Crawley meeting is in the The Fire Service Training Centre (the ex-library building), Northgate Avenue. The Worthing one is in Worthing Library, Richmond Road. Both start at 7pm.

Throughout the consultation Fire Officers will be attending County Local Committee meetings, open days and public events. They will also hold specially arranged forums for partners, businesses, the voluntary sector and members of public. Feedback can also be given online, by post or phone.

West Sussex County Council and the East Sussex Fire Authority (ESFA) have been examining options for closer collaboration between the two Fire Services to see if it would improve performance and protect frontline services from the financial pressures on public sector spending.

The latest business case suggests a full merger under a new combined fire authority for the whole of Sussex provides the best opportunity to make savings of £3.8 million while safeguarding services to the community.

There are no plans to close any fire stations in the merger.

The consultation will run from July 14th – October 6th. ESFA is also consulting on the proposed merger and both ESFA and the County Council will consider the feedback and a final business case before making a final decision at separate meetings in December.

County Fire Officer Max Hood hopes as many people as possible will take part in the consultation.

He said: “The pressures on public spending mean all local authorities are working to find ways of providing essential services with reduced budgets.

“A merger would see a significant change in the management and support costs of the Fire & Rescue Service in West Sussex. It could also mean we can protect fire stations and the other frontline services that people need.

“We’re still waiting for details on the future funding from the government before the business case on a possible merger can be completed, but it’s also important to listen to the views of local people before a final decision is taken.

“I hope as many as possible will attend the meetings and public events to speak to Fire Officers, read the consultation document or seek information via the websites before giving us their feedback on the way forward.”

Pete Bradbury, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “Our priority remains to provide excellent fire and rescue services to our residents.

“In the current difficult financial climate, we believe this innovative approach of merging the fire services of East and West Sussex and Brighton and Hove could enable us to continue to deliver excellent services and improve our operational capability, while reducing back office, management and administration costs.

“The views of the public are important to us and I hope residents, businesses, organisations and stakeholders will participate in the consultation. No decision will be made until the results of the consultation have been considered.”

The business case and consultation document is available online at www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire . Copies of the consultation document are available in libraries, help points, and in reception areas of local authorities, and printed copies can be sent on request.

You can contact the consultation team via email at fireredesign@westsussex.gov.uk  or write to Fire Redesign Team, WSFRS HQ, Northgate, Chichester PO19 1BD, or phone 01243 753706.

If approved by central government a merger would take effect on 1st April 2013.

 

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ROLL UP ROLL UP – Crawley Circus Festival & Kettle of Fish at The Hawth

Tuesday, July 12th, 2011

Crawley Circus Festival & Kettle of Fish at The Hawth

Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th August

Join in the fun as the circus comes to town. The Hawth offers the perfect weekend for juggling and circus enthusiasts from Saturday 6th August to Sunday 7th August. The English garden party themed festival also includes the incredible Kettle of Fish Circus Cabaret. The show brings its usual blend of talented contemporary circus performers to Crawley for one night only on Saturday 6th August at 7.30pm.

There will be lots to get involved with over the weekend including workshops and games plus festival-goers can demonstrate their skills at the renegade show.

Kettle of Fish

For those who prefer to sit back and watch, Kettle of Fish brings international acts to the stage for a thrilling night of circus skills including one of Europe’s finest and most innovative jugglers, Rod Laver with his oral ping pong. Rod recently smashed the world record by juggling 8 ping pong balls with his mouth and has appeared several times on the BBC’s Let Me Entertain You. Also taking to the stage is Carlos Romero with his virtuoso manipulation and another appearance for Isis and Nathan, after their success last year.

reference book celebrating the greatest jugglers of all time ‘Virtuosos of Juggling’.

Those attending the festival is heartily encouraged to wear fancy dress, think Rule Britannia, vicars, cricketers, tea ladies, morris men, Chaphoppers and ukuleles….and bring lots of cake!

You can book tickets for Kettle of Fish on its own or purchase a weekend ticket for the Circus Festival which includes entry to Kettle of Fish.

Weekend tickets: £25 (Under 12s: £18) (The weekend ticket includes Kettle Of Fish Circus Cabaret and camping (otherwise £5 per tent).

Day Tickets: £9 (Under 12s: £6.50)

Under 6s are free if accompanying weekend ticket holders, but must be booked in advance.

Book before August 1st and save up to £5!

Call The Hawth Box Office 01293 553636 to book your tickets now or visit www.hawth.co.uk.

 


 

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