Every Thursday the Crawley Youth Theatre meet at Dormans to plan, act, perform and have as much fun as possible.
On arrival we got to see the youths in action. Playing team games, working together and enjoying every minute. The sessions are extremely productive. Talking of playing, the CYT have performed one, if not more if possible, successful live stage performances each year since starting in April 2005. Last year they performed Arabian Nights and a Terry Pratchett show. Led by Gemma LeGrand and volunteer Dodie Browne, the children have learnt to express themselves in a constructive and dramatic fashion while role playing or taking on various challenges.
It was the last session of the school term so there was lots of food and fizzy for the teenagers to enjoy. We spoke to some who told us they come along to make new friends and to display their drama skills. Some are drama students who wish to take it further, some just like attending.
The CYT runs in term times and anyone can go along to see if it is for them. The first session is free, so pop along to meet the members, they are a great bunch of teenagers. The sessions run from 18.30 till 19.30 for 13 to 16 years, then 19.45 till 21.15 for 16 plus. Gemma said “it doesn’t matter if you are at school, college or even in work, the sessions are for everyone. We cover all aspects of drama and put on at least one show each year which involves both the younger and older members”.
Gemma told us “we are very grateful to Kenny who runs Dormans. Kenny provides the space for free. Without this generousity we would not be able to afford the sessions. Each child pays £3.50 to attend, which goes towards the cost of the productions or any outings we may go on. We are also very privileged to have Dodie help out. Dodie comes all the way from out of town and volunteers her time to assist me with the older sessions here at Dormans, also producing the last play Arabian Nights”.
We were impressed with the relationship between Gemma, Dodie and the youths. Gemma told us about one member in particular called Tim who had come along when the CYT first started but is now preparing to go to University. Gemma felt they had been on a journey together and was sad to lose Tim from the group.
Dormans supports many activities including Rock Music Nights, Crawley Youth Activities Projects, A freestyle Club and the Friday Phab Club. More details can be found under leisure.
We would like to thank Gemma, Dodie, Kenny and all the members of the Crawley Youth Theatre for allowing us to come down to meet them. We enjoyed the cake and biscuits too
On Saturday the 20th February Shelley went along to the Kung Fu School based in Spindle Way, Crawley to see the Chinese perform.
A large number of people turned out to watch this truly wonderful event. A troupe of professional performers sent by the Chinese government came to celebrate The Kung Fu School being awarded the title of “Confucius Institute Classroom”… the Confucius Institute represents the Chinese government for promoting Chinese health, wellbeing & culture. The Kung Fu School is the only martial arts school in the world to receive this title. “It’s due our professionalism, knowledge and constant focus on developing & moving forward” says Master Paul Hawkes, Chief Instructor.
Paul went on to say “I really enjoyed the afternoon. It was so rewarding watching everyone enjoying themselves so much. It puts a smile on my face just thinking about it. That’s what I dreamt of when I pictured my Kung Fu School, a safe, friendly, professional martial arts school for the whole of the family to enjoy. I feel that we are on the right road, however there’s still plenty of room for improvement”.
Lots of people came to see this amazing event
The day was full of entertainment, dance from the Confucius Institute and some of the young Kung Fu School members. Also present to introduce each performance was Lara Martin, Project Manager for the Confucius Institute based in London South Bank University. Lara told us “it is a privilege to be here and we are very proud of Paul and his staffs achievement with the award. It’s great to see so many people here for this event”.
Lara Martin - Project Manager Confucius Institute
Mayor Brenda Burgess and Councillor Bob Burgess also attended this monumental occassion. Mayor Burgess and Councillor Burgess quite happily interacted with the proceedings, even taking part in some of the challenges set by Lara, which included showing how to use the fans and some very difficult handkerchief twirling and much more. Mayor Brenda Burgess told us “this is a wonderful event and we commend Paul and his staff for their achievement of being awarded the Confucius award”.
(L-R) Councillor Bob Burgess, Master Paul Hawkes and Mayor Brenda Burgess
Anita Parker of Crawley has a young son, Callum, who attends the Kung Fu School. Anita told us “Callum, who is six, has balance problems which he was getting physio for. Then I heard about the school and thought it might be a good thing for Callum. After only twelve weeks Callum’s balance has dramatically improved. I have even noticed a change in Callum’s attitude and school work, which is great. I would recommend the Kung Fu School to anyone”.
Callum and Mum, Anita Parker
Paul said they have lots planned for 2010 so we look forward to keeping you abreast of all forthcoming events.
Crawley Happy Times would to say a big well done to all involved in this truly spectacular event
Did you attend this event? Please feel free to comment below.
Something special is happening in Crawley this weekend. For any sport or fitness fanatic, this could be an unmissable event. Paul Hawkes told us all about it.
Children from the Kung Fu School demonstrating at the National Portrait Gallery
Who is Paul Hawkes?
Paul Hawkes has been studying martial arts for almost thirty years, specialising in Wing Chun Kung Fu since 1986. During this time Paul has trained students in Karate, Judo, Muai Thai, Eskrima and various styles of Wing Chun. Paul opened his first class in 1991 and was awarded his Master grade in 2007 by Grand Master Kernspecht, the European Chief instructor for the largest Kung Fu organisation in the world.
Weapons demonstration at the National Portrait Gallery
Paul told us “In 2005 I realised my dream of having the finest full time Kung Fu School in the country when I opened The Kung Fu School at 1a Spindle Way. The facility is truly outstanding and fully equipped with everything that you would ever need for your training”.
The flaming torch dance
Who can learn?
“We teach children & adults although not within the same classes because they learn very differently and their needs are often very different. We have classes for 4 – 6 year olds, 7 – 12 year olds and 13+.
We have classes Monday – Thursday & Saturdays. We also offer Kung Fu birthday parties on Friday & Saturday afternoons which are very popular”.
Tai Chi sword
What is happening with The Kung Fu School this weekend?
Paul told us “Last Saturday twelve of our children performed at the National Portrait Gallery in Trafalgar Square for the Chinese New Year. They were superb and what’s really great is that quite a few of them joined the school because they were shy and certainly would never have volunteered for anything. Next thing, they’re on stage at one of the most famous Galleries in the world, performing in front of hundreds of people including VIP’s from the Chinese Embassy”.
Chinese papercutting dance
Paul went on to say “This Saturday we have a troupe of professional performers sent by the Chinese government to celebrate The Kung Fu Schools being awarded the title of “Confucius Institute Classroom”… the Confucius Institute represents the Chinese government for promoting Chinese health, wellbeing & culture. We are the only martial arts school in the world to receive this title. It’s due our professionalism, knowledge and constant focus on developing & moving forward”.
The event
There will be Lion dancing, traditional Chinese dancing, tai Chi, Wu Shu and then have mini workshops where the children can have a go at the various activities.
Chinese handkerchief dancing
They event is FREE and open to anyone over four years old and is from 2.00ish to 4.30. If you wish to attend this fantastic event please call on 01293 544333 to reserve your place. If you would like more information about the Kung Fu School please check out our website www.kungfuschools.org
Acrobatic Wu Shu
The Kung Fu School are offering one month’s FREE membership to children and adults… so if you’d like to see what it’s like and why they are so unique call 01293 544333 to arrange your tour of the school and your first lesson.
When Gossops Green Primary School had a meeting about an Ofsted report, one of the parents, went in support of her five year old son who is a pupil at the school. Who was this parent? Why, Shelley, the founder of the Crawley Happy Times of course! Shelley asked Mrs Martin, Head Mistress, why the playground had been shut for the year her [Shelley's] son, Logan, had attended in the reception year. The playground in question was for the reception classes; years one and two, but of course, being shut meant the young children had to play with the older ones (for the morning and afternoon breaks) who may play ‘harder’ than the little ones.
Mrs. Martin explained that the playground required some work to make it safe but they had run out of money due to excessive costs on various serious issues that had occured at the school. Shelley, being a local businesswoman, pointed out that she may know a few people (including herself) who would be willing to give up their time to help these children, if they were also able to raise some funds to pay for the necessary materials.
Before - Work in progress
Before - Dull and dangerous
Tangled web of shrubs
Shelley never one to welch on an offer, went to speak to her friends David and Tina Pring of D&T Properties to see if they would consider their time for free. David and Tina were more than willing to help out. The next step was to raise the money. Shelley had wanted to lose weight for some time, so decided to go on a sponsored diet to raise at least £1000 by shedding 3 stone. Shelley then wrote a letter to her local Council representative, Keith Blake, and got a reply from Henry Smith, Leader of West Sussex County Council, who explained it was more his jurisdiction and that he would see if he could arrange a meeting to discuss the possibility of funding.
David of D&T Properties cleaning up
Martin Toyne of Toyne Gardening
Martin hard at work
In June, Shelley met with Leigh Houlgrave and Peter Proudley in the school offices alongside Mrs. Martin and Tina. It was agreed the council would fund the project up to £2000 which would go with the £1000 Shelley had committed to raising through her sponsored diet. This was more than enough money to get the playground up to scratch and open for the children’s return to school in September.
After - Number Ladder
After - Martin's great work
All hands to the painting
August came and the work was under way. David and John of D&T Properties erected a wonderful wooden fence all the way around the playground, preventing any chance of the children playing on the concrete banks, safe from harm. Whilst David and John worked hard on this, Shelley and Tina set about painting the snakes and ladders and number games by hand so the children could see them properly and could play on them. They were so faded in places they were virtually non-existent! They even had help from Miss. Crawley (Natalie Fagence), who took time out to come and help. There was plenty of help in the form of our children too. Logan & Stacey (Shelley’s son and daughter) and Lilly (Tina’s daughter) both added their artistic skills with a paint brush. Shelley’s friend Rebecca Fuller was happy to help as her son is attending in September.
Nearly there!
The last finishing touches came from Martin of Toyne Gardening. Martin, a self employed gardener, donated his time to sort out the the shrubbery and the weeds and made the flower bed look a lot more inviting than the tangled mess which had presented itself previously. Shelley was there too, busily trimming the hedges around the top, sweeping up and generally making the playground look presentable for the children.
The end result is a fantastic playground with brightly coloured games, clean and tidy plants and, more importantly, a safe area for the young ones to play and learn freely without any chance of harm. We spoke to Mrs Martin who said “Shelley should be really proud of what she has accomplished here. Without Shelley’s determination and help from her friends, this would not have happened. It looks wonderful and the children love it”.
Finished Playground
After - Bright and beautiful!
After - Fenced off, safe for children to play & learn
Shelley has yet to complete her diet, but has just finished four weeks with Sussex Bootcamp and is feeling and looking great. Shelley is about to embark on another four weeks’ training regime on the 7th September at Hazelwick School. If anyone would like to join Shelley, please visit the website or call Ben Davis on 07832110311. We will be speaking more about that in the next couple of days. Please keep your eyes out for Shelley’s progress.
Crawley Happy Times would like to thank all the people who helped Shelley in this project. Shelley went on to tell us that if there are any other projects that need her attention, ask someone else, as she will be on holiday!
On Thursday 23rd July, Crawley Happy Times attended an awards ceremony at Oriel Youth Wing, with the expectation of a brief award-giving event, then home early for a cup of cocoa. How wrong were we!? On arrival, the youth wing was busting with excited children, proud parents and various youth workers. We were greeted by Jo Bell and Michaela Homewood, both youth workers. Jo and Michaela look after the youth wing and had obviously put a lot of effort and time into making the evening such a wonderful event. With 388 members of the youth wing, they are always very busy.
As the evening began, two young presenters, Kolbi Hayes and Stuart Bayliss, came on to the stage to welcome us all to this evening and to introduce the presenters. First up, we were treated to a fantastic slide show, put together by Callum Vitler (accompanied by music from Queen and Bob Sinclair), giving everyone in the room an insight into what the children had been up to during the year, with some wonderful clips of adventure holidays and day trips. They had been to London, Thorpe Park, Lodge Hill and Southwater Country Park to
Councillor Henry Smith speaking to the audience
name but a few, involving themselves in activities like basketball, dancing, football, paintball, first aid training days and many other activities, providing discipline, exercise and by the looks of it, plenty of fun! It really was a joy to watch the children of Oriel youth wing being so supportive, considerate and polite to one another. And, of course, they were being educated in so many different ways.
Next we were introduced to Henry Smith, Councillor for Maidenbower, who told us his last visit to the youth wing was back in June 2006. Henry congratulated the children and helpers on their achievements and then went on to compliment everyone involved in keeping the youth wing’s operation so successful; wishing them continuous success for the future. Henry awarded the Outstanding Contribution Award to Callum Vitler. We recommend keeping an eye on this young man. Something tells us he may be destined for great things!
Debbie Green then took the stage to present Darren Hollis with the Wishfish Inspirational Award. Another name to keep an eye on!
Next we had what can only be described as a masterful rendition of Michael Jackson’s ‘Smooth Criminal’, performed by young Charlie Mott. Charlie must have put an awful lot of practice and effort into this performance. We filmed it for you to enjoy too. Well done, Charlie.
Steve Hemmings volunteers his time to help with the music side of the youth wing and we had the pleasure of some examples from his ‘pupils’ showing off what they had learned under Steve’s guidance. In fact, the support from various adults/parents just clarifies: the more we help and support our children, the further they can go.
The words team work, respect, unity, helpfulness and many more great words came to mind throughout the evening. Especially when older teenagers, Jessi Gasson and Karl McCaughan demonstrated what they had achieved with 5 younger members: in just 6 weeks they had become spectacular dancers.
The names of these dancers are: Charlotte Mortlock, Sophie Nulty, Blaize Szantos, Chloe Martin and Louise Brooks. It was a brilliant demonstration of unity and teamwork and pretty good dancing!
It was a real feel good evening which we are extremely glad to have been part of. The youth of
More certificates being presented
Crawley do not always get a good writeup, but let me reassure you, the young children we met on Thursday were articulate, polite, considerate, positive, educated and well-presented.
On the subject of support, Sergeant Ben Websdale and Police Community Support Officer Lucy Hailes proudly attended, admiring the achievements of the children and the efforts of others, even joining in the festivities at the after-party.
Crawley Happy Times would like to thank Jo and Michaela and all the supporters and children for a wonderful evening. Special thanks go to Margaret, Michaela’s Mum, for the delicious spread she put on which was enjoyed by all, including myself
Members receive their First Aid certificates
We look forward to reporting on the awards of 2010!
Full list of award winners: -
TROPHIES/CERTIFICATES/THANKS LIST
YOUNG PEOPLE
YOUTH FORUM
Matt Sykes – Certificate
Josh Park – Certificate
Kieran Slater – Certificate
Sam Allen – Certificate
Jack Arnell – Certificate
Ed Brooks – Certificate
James Thompson – Certificate
Callum Vitler – Certificate
Kolbi Hayes – Certificate
JUNIOR VOLUNTEERS
Stuart Bayliss – Thanks
Callum Vitler – Thanks
Kolbi Hayes – Thanks
Calum Macleod – Thanks
John Currie – Thanks
Darren Hollis – Thanks
Satheesan Nagendran – Thanks
MUSIC MENTORING
John Currie – Certificate
Darren Hollis – Certificate
Lauren Meineck – Certificate
Mathieu Clay – Certificate
Tyler Green – Certificate
Tyler Green – Certificate
Sam Trumpeter – Certificate
Faith Butler – Certificate
William Stothart-Mason – Certificate
James Thompson – Certificate
James Hawes – Certificate
PEER MENTORING
Satheesan Nagendran – Certificate
Laura Fagan – Certificate
Stuart Bayliss – Certificate
Chelsea Hardwell – Certificate
Avalon Harris-Trussell – Certificate
Charlotte Pattenden – Certificate
David Fox – Certificate
Calum Macleod – Certificate
Dan Kordowski – Certificate
Faith Butler – Certificate
James Coupar – Certificate
Lee Jeffery – Certificate
Samah Malik – Certificate
Noel Reynolds – Certificate
Liam Tankard – Certificate
Matthew Vincent – Certificate
Stephen Whittingham – Certificate
James Thompson – Certificate
DANCERS
Karl McCaughan – Voucher as thanks
Jessie Gasson – Voucher as thanks
Chloe Martin – Certificate
Sophie Nulty – Certificate
Blaize Szantos – Certificate
Louise Brooks – Certificate
Charlotte Mortlock – Certificate
Charlie Mott – Certificate
TROPHIES
Outstanding Contribution Award – Callum Vitler
Wishfish Inspirational Award – Darren Hollis
ASDAN
Darren Hollis – Certificate
Callum Vitler – Certificate
Darren Hollis – Certificate
Charlotte Pattenden – Certificate
Avalon Harris-Trussell – Certificate
Stuart Bayliss – Certificate
Calum Macleod – Certificate
Satheesan Nagendran – Certificate
FIRST AID
Misty Harris-Trussell – Certificate
Chelsea Hardwell – Certificate
Callum Vitler – Certificate
Avalon Harris-Trussell – Certificate
Charlotte Pattenden – Certificate
D OF E SERVICE AWARD
Lauren Meineck – Certificate
John Currie – Certificate
A demonstration on the drumsJo Bell speaks of her pride for the members and the youth wing
Stuart Bayliss playing Ludovico Einaudi's Nefeli
Sgt Ben Websdale trying to catch up with the talent in the room
When in the Company, dancers develop their choreographic and performance skills and get to work with top professionals.
They develop their contemporary dance technique, work with professional choreographers and take part in high profile performances, including performing at county and regional showcases in the South East.
West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy Deborah Urquhart said: “By joining the Company, dancers get an experience similar to that of a professional group. They also see what it’s like to be involved in the dance industry through high quality performances and regular training.”
The Company has been running since 2003 and has a weekly class at the University of Chichester during term time. The style of dance is primarily contemporary, although other styles are also used. It’s open to both girls and boys.
You can find out more by viewing a film at West Sussex Video. Go to the County Council website at http://www.westsussex.gov.uk/, click on ‘West Sussex Video’ and then ‘Your Chance to Dance’.
The auditions will be taken by the Company Artistic Director Justine Reeve and will consist of a basic contemporary technique class and short creative workshop.
The deadline for audition applications is Friday September 11.
