Between Tuesday the 30th November and Friday 3rd of December we will be holding the Second Half of our SantaQuad events around Maidenbower, Pound Hill and Worth.
We are pleased to announce that we have been advised that:-
The Worshipful the Mayor of Crawley, Councillor Lee Burke & Conservative Councillor for Pound Hill South & Worth will be joining us on the evening of the 1st December
Bob Lanzer Leader of Crawley Borough Council & Conservative Councillor for Pound Hill South & Worth will be joining us on the evening of the 2nd December
And Sally Blake Conservative Councillor for Pound Hill North is hoping to be joining us on the evening of the 3rd December
Last Friday the 26th November Brenda Burgess Conservative Councillor for Three Bridges joined us and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Route 5 ( Tues 30th Nov) 1st Area South of Oriel Roundabout
Meet at Matthews Drive and Gates Close at 1745hrs RH10 7HH(5.45pm) RH10 7HH
Fancy yourself as a film star? Then audition for a new movie written by Crawley residents
Young residents tackle extremism head on
A film about extremism written by Crawley residents is being planned – and if you’re a budding movie star don’t miss the auditions next week.
Crossed Paths has been written by young Crawley residents who were previously involved in the cult local feature film, RH11.
The film follows the stories of Cutch and Yousif, as they become embroiled in the controlling underworld of violent extremism.
Callum Johnston, RH11 director and co-writer of this project, said: “Since finishing RH11 I have been regularly asked about future film projects by budding Crawley actors.
“Well, this is a chance for those people to step up and work on a genuinely exciting project.”
The writers hope to involve a cast of mainly local residents and will be holding auditions at the Town Hall on Tuesday August 25 from 12.30-8.30pm.
The young residents are being supported at every stage by independent film production company Compulsive Productions.
Dan Musty, Director of Compulsive Productions, said: “The young writing team has been inspirational in the amount of time and effort they’ve put into this script and I hope that local residents will support this production with a strong turn out for the auditions.”
For more information on Crossed Paths and to register for the auditions visit the Crossed Paths Facebook group or email dan@compulsiveproductions.com or adam.welton@crawley.gov.uk
“Didn’t we have a lovely time the day we went to the Ifield May Day Fayre”
Games, prizes, fun rides, music, demonstrations, dancing, singing, performances, food and drink. And it didn’t end there.
For those who attended the Ifield May Day Fayre at St Margarets Church and Ifield Barn Theatre, you will know what we are talking about. The event was well organised with plenty of variety to keep everyone happy. It was lovely to see children laughing and enjoying such simple rides such as the Boat Swings supplied by a school in Crawley, made by the caretaker some years back. The church supplied singing from various choirs and soloists, all exceptional. With stalls galore ranging from plants to food from local farmers, there was something for everyone. The May Day queen looked gorgeous!
The day went without a hitch. Even though the rain fell sporadically, this did not dampen the spirits of all who attended and organisers alike. We were, as always, honoured by the presence of our Mayor Brenda Burgess and Councillor Bob Burgess who brightened up the day with their friendly professional personalities.
We would like to thank everyone involved for making the day a great success and a thoroughly enjoyable day for us all. We had such a great day, we didn’t get a chance to get all the names of all who took part, which we apologies for.
We took some pictures and video for you to see. We would like to give special thanks to Alan Burgess of Ifield who kindly gave us permission to use his great photos taken on the day.
We are unsure why the video in the church is so blurred, but you can still hear how beautiful they sounded, so worth a listen! Watch out for when we get new video equipment lol!
On the 25th February Crawley Happy Times attended the AGM meeting for the Irish Cultural Society.
Invited by John Nolan, Chairman of the committee, Shelley went along to see what events they have in store for Crawley in March. Last year Crawley was treated for the 14th annual Irish Festival, the finale of the festivities organised by the committee. And this year is going to bigger and better!
(L-R) Bob Lanzer, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, John Nolan & Mayor Brenda Burgess
The Crawley Fleadh – pronounced flah – is a festival of varied traditional and modern events in celebration of Irish culture through a variety of different art forms and activities.
The 2010 Crawley Fleadh features varied activities including music, comedy, dance, film, sport, story telling and cookery. The 2010 event is the sixth such event. The event moved to March back in 2009 and now forms an annual Irish celebration as part of Crawley’s cultural calendar together with the Saint Patrick’s Celebrations.
The activities organised range from Irish Language Classes to Tin Whistle Classes as well as the concerts and the parade. During March there are four major events.
6th March – Crawley Fleadh Launch
17th March – Saint Patrick’s Day 2010
20th March – Irish Variety Concert
21st March – 7th Annual St Patricks Parade
With exception of the Irish Variety Concert, which is held at The Hawth, all events are free and for everyone. With marching bands, irish dancing, traditional irish music and a fancy dress competition, it is a wonderful time for the whole family to get involved and to enjoy. To see more information please visit here.
Crawley has been deprived of so many great events for the community. It is really refreshing to have the Celtic and Irish Cultural Society bringing such vibrant community events to our doorstep, so don’t miss out.
If, like *Murphy, you are a company and wish to support any of the events, please contact us on 01293 572182 where we will be happy to pass on your details. If you wish to volunteer your services as an organistaion or idividual, then please also call the number above.
*The Murphy Group is a lean and agile organisation with a family ethos. We recognise the need to be adaptable to customers` needs in a complex world. We respond by investing in a total in-house solution to ensure flexibility, control and above all quality and safety. Our UK and wider global activities are supported by a structured management approach that performs with seamless efficiency. We operate with integrity and transparency to deliver multi-disciplined projects on time and to the highest standards.
Thank fully my diary has been and still is very quiet. I have my first engagement on Saturday, although if this snow remains I can see the Mayoral car being stuck in the snow, which has accumulated in the close where I live. Trust me to live right down the end of a close!
The snow, so far, has not stopped me getting out and about on foot, but I failed to muster the energy to trek to the gym, so that’s one New Year’s Resolution which did not even get off the ground! However, hubby and I did manage to get to Tilgate Forest so that we could sledge. Yes, we went sledging – without children and I have pictures to prove it! Although I have to admit, that the second time we went sledging I did invite friends along who had children. Thank goodness, I had not disposed of the sledge when our own children had grown up. They might have grown up, but we haven’t
It was wonderful seeing people and families enjoying themselves sledging. As it’s a great way to keep fit, I don’t feel too guilty about not visiting the gym.
People were so keen to sledge they were using anything they could get hold of – inflatable dinghy’s, bits of old shopping trolleys, bin lids, trays, the list is endless. Accumulating rubbish in the sledging area is growing daily as plastic sheets and deflated ‘boats’ are discarded. I would like to offer a plea to help our poor work team who are working flat out in this weather.
Please help by taking discarded sledging aids home with you.
Another plea – please leave the rescue aids in their place which is at the edge of the lake. Removing these could be life threatening.
Other than that, have a great time.
Don’t forget to check on the Crawley Website for news and updates of services, especially regarding household rubbish.
Sussex Bootcamps are making it a priority to help those less fortunate than them over the Xmas period. And this is how they are doing it.
On Monday 14th, Wednesday 16th and Friday 18th December, Sussex Bootcamps are offering free sessions to their fitness classes for anyone who is interested. The only requirement is to bring some food to be donated to Open House in Three Bridges.
We spoke to Ben, senior instructor at Sussex Bootcamps who told us “We wanted to give something back to the community for all the support they have given us over the last year so we decided to do three free sessions which would help others in return. All you need to do is just bring some food and you can workout at Sussex’s leading fitness Bootcamp on December 14th, 16th And 18th for free. We are calling it “Turkey-Busting Workouts” because the session will burn off those pre Christmas calories. All food donations are going to Crawley Open House, Emmaus Homeless Charity, Brighton and Burgess Hill District Lions Club. We’re planning on making this an annual tradition here, as Christmas is such a wonderful family and friends occasion, and a time to show our appreciation for all we have, especially our health”.
Sussex Bootcamps Turkey-Busting Workouts are open to all Sussex residents and their family and friends on Monday 14th, Wednesday 16th ,and Friday 18th December in : -
Haywards Heath (6.15am, 8.30am, 9.30am, 6.15pm and 7.15pm
Horsham (6.15am, 8.30am, 9.30am, 6.15pm and 7.15pm)
Crawley (6.15pm and 7.15pm)
All Camps are 45 minutes long and you can attend every session that week, two sessions or just the one. We understand that this time of year is probably your busiest so it’s up to you how many session you want to do.
The worshipful the Mayor Brenda Burgess is going to make a guest appearance at the session on Monday 14th December at Hazelwick School on the 6.15pm session, joining in on the training. Open House is the Mayor’s chosen charity so was happy to join in for this great cause. Ben said “we are really looking forward to seeing Mayor Brenda Burgess on Monday. We feel it is a great cause and really appreciate the Mayor’s support and participation”.
Shelley from Crawley Happy Times will also be attending the three free sessions, so do register your place soon!
Please visit here to register your interest and save your place. Spaces are restricted so please register as soon as you can.
It’s a blast
Ben told us “As you can see, everyone has a blast at Sussex Bootcamps regardless of age and fitness level. And we’ll make sure you do too. There’s no need to be anxious about coming to camp if you’re a little out of shape, we’re not going to make you do anything crazy – that would just defeat the purpose.
All we want you to do is come out and have fun, burn off some pre Christmas calories, and feel great while helping those who could use some help this Christams (just one can of food goes a long way)”.
Because NOTHING makes you feel better, more alive and more engaged (so you can really enjoy your Christams) than getting your body moving and your heart pumping…and helping those less fortunate at the same time.
Here is some footage of previous classes, which are a lot of fun as well as being good for your health.
A very Merry Christmas from all at Sussex Bootcamps
On this day, the 11th November, ’09 Crawley stood in silence to remember those who gave their lives for their country. Crawley Happy Times went to the County Mall to pay their respect. Read more here….
On Thursday 17th September ’09 Crawley Happy Times had the great honour of attending the Peer Supporters Mother 2 Mother Awards at Bewbush Family Centre.
Any nursing mother will tell you that breastfeeding is not always an easy feat. Unfortunately babies are not born with a natural sense of how to latch on and feed in comfort therefore the feeding process can be stressful for both mother and baby, and sometimes very painful to accomplish. This is where the Peer Supporters from Bewbush Family Centre come in. Rotating on a 24 hour basis these dedicated supporters are on hand to help and advise new mothers on the breastfeeding of their child. Support for fathers is also present. The family unit is the most important foundation in our lives, which is something the Peer Supporters take very seriously, providing care and support to anyone in the family who may need it.
Tracy Norton, Michelle Neale and Ann-Marie Harvey
Mary Admunds (assistant) and Elaine Fox from Milk, Littlehampton
Sue Austin peer supporter and information assistant
The nine graduates have spent ten weeks on a Peer Supporter Training Course run by West Sussex Primary Care Trust (PCT) covering how breastfeeding works and how to support new mums to breastfeed. The certificate awarded is a recognised qualification and has support from the likes of MP Laura Moffatt and Mayor Brenda Burgess.
Rachel & Kevin Haywood with their beautiful 9 month old son
Mayor Brenda Burgess enjoying the company
Ellie Elkins praising the work of the peer supporters and graduates
All 'The Team' from Bewbush Family Centre, Crawley
Following their graduation, the Peer Supporters will run the local Friday Breast Feeding Cafe in West Green Drive, and the new drop ins at Bewbush, Southgate, Langley Green and Broadfield Children and Family Centres, where anyone, either ante-natally or post-natally can pop in and talk to a Peer Supporter, during the Child Health Clinic. There is always a Health Visitor on hand should professional advice be needed.
We were pleasantly surprised by the amount of woman who were graduating and impressed with the dedication and passion they pass on to other woman who were struggling with breast feeding and of course other related issues which crop up before and after giving birth. The support shown from mother 2 mother, is at times, emotional.
We spoke to Verity Whitton who had successfullybreast fed 2 children and was about to embark with another due soon. “The Cafes were a great support” said Verity. “Without them I am not sure I would have been able to keep going. I wanted to give up on many occasions. This is why I have become a Peer Supporter so I can give something back”.
Sandra Ackfield is a family outreach worker in Langley Green who was recently given the opportunity to become a Peer Supporter. Sandra told us that although her own children are now 15 and 23, she had terrible trouble when breastfeeding them so could really appreciate the support given by the clinics.
Kinga Bubezsat looking ready to explode with her third child. Kingasaid “I was only able to breastfeed my second child as there was no support offered to me, even though I asked at the hospital after giving birth”.
Mayor Brenda Burgess
MP Laura Moffatt
Andrene Alejandro
Rachel Haywood told us “I noticed a leaflet at the hospital after the midwife had mentioned it so I came to the centre for some support. I felt so strongly about doing something in return that I am now a Peer Supporter myself, and I love it”. Rachel’s husband Kevin was also keen to tell us his views. Kevin said “the support for Rachel and our son has been excellent. Rachel would definitely given up on breastfeeding if it was not for the support she has been given here. I am really pleased as we both feel breast milk is best for our son”.
For any woman who might be considering breast feeding, we would recommend you pop down to one of the clinics named above and have a chat with one of the Peer Supporters. We are certain they will help you with all your questions. Who knows, you might even want to become a Peer Supporter yourself one day
On Sunday, 6th September 2009, companies from all over the county donned their tribal colours and set off to Tilgate Lakes, Crawley, for the 7th Annual Dragon Boat Race Festival.
Baker Tilly. Capt. Gerrard Weide
Elementus. Capt. Emma Thomas
Organised by, and held on behalf of St. Catherine’s Hospice, the day was full of entertainment, great camaraderie, friends, family and good food.
Teams consisting of thirteen people were challenged to several gruelling boat races in some spectacular (and extremely expensive looking) dragon boats across the length of Tilgate Lake. The teams fought it out until there are 6 teams left who then had a race to the post to ascertain the winners.
Edwards of Crawley. Capt. Miles Firth
Edwards of Burgess Hill. Capt. Richard Fawdrey
Virgin Atlantic. Capt. Paul Rickard
There were some brilliant and innovative outfits this year. A special identity is essential as this helps the spectators recognise who to shout encouragement to! Most had matching colours with their company name or logo visible, some went a little further and painted their bodies green with green outfits or dressed as vikings with hats and horns. Some wore clown hats and another team dressed up as the Flintstones.
Deloitte. Capt. Kat Bradley
Barclays Bank. Capt. David Owen
The teams who entered have been working hard since February this year to raise money for St Catherine’s Hospice which goes towards the total raised on the day. Matthew Cornish, Corporate Fund Raiser for St Catherine’s Hospice, told us he believes a massive £50,000 had been raised this year but the total has yet to be confirmed. The most raised in one year’s Dragon Boat Festival was a staggering £58,000! All of the money raised goes to such a great cause which, eventually, affects everyone.
We were blessed on this Sunday as the weather was as good as it gets. The sun popped out for most of the day and the rain stayed in. Mind you, we could not help but feel for some of the entrants who got quite wet whilst competing, as when the sun disappeared behind the clouds and the evening air started to settle in, drying off was a problem.
Guy Salmon. Capt. Des Campbell
Doosan Babcock Energy. Capt. Jacqui Lucas
Halcrow. Capt. Robert Kleinjan
It was a simple affair really, with food either being made and bought as a picnic or prepared by the very friendly and clean vans from Wynnings & Weaver who have food ranging from pies and pastries, burgers, baguettes and even yummy donuts. Owner Serena Wyatt told us it was lovely to be part of such a great day and was happily donating a percentage of the takings to St Catherine’s Hospice. Alongside the food vans were anotherthree selling toys and other handy items to keep the children happy (kites, frisbees etc.) all manned by volunteers of St Catherine’s Hospice. Thank you: your hard work did not go unnoticed. The whole day was all about the cause, which was really refreshing.
A J Walter Aviation. Capt. Angela Westwood
Enterprise Rent A Car. Capt. Katie Andrews
Capita Symonds. Capt. Jackie Fraser
We had the usual suspects looking after our well being. The local constabulary were keeping a quiet, watchful eye on proceedings. Our thanks go to PCSO Steve West, PCSO Andreanna Woods, PCSO Wendy Johnstone and PCSO Lindsay Haggart. We also thank St John’s Ambulance who looked after anyone with injuries. While we were taking their picture they were nursing a young lad who seemed to have banged his head slightly but we do not think there was anything more serious than that.
Coutts & Co. Capt. Chris Hemblade
Varian Medical Systems. Capt. Steve Pullem
Just Retirement. Capt. Pauline Graham
As a town we should be very proud of our Mayor. The Worshipful the Mayor Brenda Burgess makes sure she is present at any event which includes the community and this event was no exception. Mayor Brenda Burgess and her husband, Three Bridges ward Councillor Bob Burgess, were happily walking round talking to all the teams and their supporters. Not every town has such a dedicated devoted Mayor. It is always a pleasure to see Mayor Brenda Burgess and her husband. Accompanying the Mayor were Rebecca Day, and Rosemary Cowley, who is the Chairman of Trustees for St Catherine’s Hospice.
Richard Place Dobson. Capt. Melissa Morrison-Hardwick
G4S Cash Services. Capt. Nikki Greenfield
G4S Care & Justice. Capt. Stephen Wilson
We were also honoured to have three exceptionally smart gentlemen from Corps Security. Peter Lewis, Branch Manager, Richard Cleaver and Peter Reid wore their uniforms with pride and went on to tell us they are due to have their 50th anniversary shortly, so watch this space for more information.
CGG Veritas. Capt. Keith Driver
Bard. Capts. Kate Palmer & Hannah Mullane
Entertainment was forthcoming in the shape of the Crawley Blackbelt Academy led by Wayne Beadell; and Nam Yang of Epsom, who were led by Maria Wanless. Great displays of artistic control and discipline were demonstrated by both organisations.
The day would not have been possible without all the hard work by Dragon Boat Events. This wonderful company has helped raise over £5 m for charities and have travelled worldwide with their fantastic set up. Dragon Boat Events take a fixed fee for their efforts, leaving the rest of the money to go to the allocated charities. For anyone thinking of having such an event, these guys are definitely the ones to call. They are well organised, polite, friendly and completely professional. They set the whole day off with a great speaker system including requests for songs in between the races, compered by their own Bill Handley who kept us up-to-date with the results of the races. Excellent work from Dragon Boat Events. We’re sure we speak for us everyone when we say thank you.
BAA. Capt. Steve Wirths
Crawley Borough Council. Capt. Gary Povey
Broadfield East Junior School. Capt. Sue Gascoine
So when all had been said and done, it came down to the last race. Six eager looking teams boarded their boats and took to the starting line. The whistle went and the race started. It was neck-a-neck and all rowed like their lives depended on it. It really was the most exciting part of the day and all the people attending were at the edge of the lake, cheering on their preferred team. It seemed forever before we eventually heard the results, with last year’s winners Tilgate Warriors nervously waiting to see if they had been usurped. We will not spoil the outcome for you. Instead we filmed the last race and the award presentations. Maybe you can experience some of the exciting atmosphere we all enjoyed!
Crawley News. Capt. Glenn Ebrey
Cho Wa Ju Jitsu Kwai aka Tilgate Warriors. Capt. David O'Doherty
More Than Dragons. Capt. Jen Edwards
If you were unable to make this year’s event, we suggest putting a date in your diary for next year as not only was it the most spectacular event we have had the pleasure of attending this year but it is completely FREE to attend. You could always go one better and enter a team! If you’d like to enter for next year, please contact Matthew Cornish, Corporate Fund Raiser on 01293 447365 or email matthewcornish@stch.org.uk
Thomas Eggar. Capt. Simon Bomford
Crawley Happy Times Online are keen on being part of this fantastic event next year, so if you feel you would like to be on our team and/or help raise funds throughout the year, then please contact Shelley on 01293 572182 or email shelley@crawleyhappytimes.co.uk
On Friday the 28th of August, Brenda Burgess, the Mayor of Crawley, joined the Gatwick Diamond Rotary Club for its second day of a four day extravaganza of events in and around Crawley. The events were based round the World Wide Wedding Day and this was the third year Gatwick Diamond Rotary Club had got involved. All those involved dressed up in wedding attire which helped to create a great atmosphere. [Ed- I saw one bride and bridesmaid wandering around Crawley market on Saturday and thought how beautiful, if incongruous, they looked!]
Manor Royal was the venue for both of the walks: on Thursday (the 27th) the brides ambled from the VW Dealer South to the Hazelwick Flyover and on Friday the 28th, they swept back the other way, from the VW Dealer North to Pizza Express.
The Mayor mentioned that this was a excellent way to meet the public and she that would be celebrating an anniversary of her own soon. When asked to comment after the event she said “I thoroughly enjoyed myself. It was brilliant! I am due to celebrate my own Ruby Wedding later this year. Thank you. I had a great time.”
On Saturday (29th) Raffle Tickets were on sale outside the Marmaris Restaurant in the High Street.
On Sunday (30th) Gatwick Diamond Rotary Club had a Tombola stand at the Irish Festival in Southgate Playing Fields. During the day Mayor Burgess visited our stand and bought some tickets for the Tombola. To her surprise, she won a thirstquenching can of Guinness. At the end of the day, two draws took place and the winners were as follows:
‘Name the Teddy Bear’: won by Ticket No 4 – Sue of Crawley chose the name of ‘Boris’. Well done Sue!
Elaine, also of Crawley was the lucky winner of a trip for 20 to Hepworth Brewery. Elaine, if you’re reading, don’t forget to update Crawley Happy Times on how your trip went. That’s if you can remember it afterwards!
Over £300 was raised over the four days, which will be split among Brambles Respite Care Centre, St Catherine’s Hospice and Open House (The Mayor’s Charity).
Special thanks go to Becca Barnes who dressed up as the Bride, the Girls from Riva Hair Salon; Jasmine, Amanda and Tia the Bridesmaid (Amanda’s Daughter). We’d also like to thank The Mayor for dressing up as the mother of the Bride.
Clothes for the event were kindly supplied by Dickies Suit Hire. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone else who helped to make this a successful and enjoyable event and we look forward to an even better one next year!
To see more pictures please visit the gallery (bridal pics are half way down the page). For regular updates on what Gatwick Diamond Rotary Club are doing, please follow them on Twitter or visit their website, where they have their blog and forums where people can chat about their good charity work.
~ Geoff Williamson, MultiMedia Chairman, Gatwick Diamond Rotary Club
Today Crawley Happy Times Online had the pleasure of attending the official opening of the new rejuvenated park on Breezehurst Drive, Bewbush, Crawley. Although the rain decided to fall on us for the first hour, it did not deter the residents of Crawley coming along to see what the rejuvenation project had to offer its community.
And what a splendid park it is! The new site has been put together with such attention, it really can’t help but be impressive. In four sections you will find a toddler’s park, kitted out to a very high specification, with safety in mind throughout. There’s also a teenagers’ park with some wonderful features, including an inventive trampoline built into the ground which was admired and thoroughly used when we were there.
West Sussex County Councillor Chris Oxlade
In between each of these sites stands the climbing wall, with a fantastic sponge flooring for a safer drop. Then last but not least stands the most amazing and spectacular parkour site, with varying architectural concrete blocks and an abstract metal sculpture. Alister was part of the consultation and design team and absolutely vital to the project, assisting in the technical placement of the concrete blocks. Alister, Urban Playground Team, told us he was very pleased with the outcome and hoped it would encourage the youth of Crawley to come together in a focused and energetic environment. You can hear more about what Alister had to say about the site in the following interview below.
The Worshipful the Councillor Mayor Brenda Burgess was present to officially open the new park. Mayor Brenda Burgess told us that, although she didn’t do parkour herself, she would be keeping a close eye on how the park influenced the youngsters, with the intention of using the knowledge and learning to build other parks within Crawley. Mayor Brenda Burgess also told us how
Mayor Brenda Burgess showing how it should be done
they had built the new park once consulting with the local community on exactly what they needed and what would be best for the youths of our town. We apologies for the lack of sound, it was a very windy day!
County Councillor Chris Oxlade (West Sussex County Councillor for Bewbush) was also present to give his support and to welcome the families and children who attended. Chris was very happy with the outcome and hoped it would lead the way for future projects.
Alister aka Buster speaking to the children about parkour
Appreciation for this wonderful project includes Nikke Gladwin-Paffett, Community Services Manager for Children & Young People. Nikke has worked in this field for many years so has a massive amount of experience to tap in to. Nikke arranged a design and play consultation where around 30 children from the Bewbush area where invited to design and draw what equipment they would like most in the park. Nikke then took them on a play tour of various other parks so they could see the different types of play equipment available to them. Along with Nikke and four of the main contractors, the children then sat around and worked out what was best for the new site. Geoff Waller who was from the civil engineer company also played a vital part in the project as did the designers and parkour professionals Urban Playground – Alister and Miranda. And not least, the young parkour people of Crawley who advised us in the early stages.
Liz Hart deserves a big mention as Liz was heavily involved with this project and helped to make it a great success. Liz is the Community Arts Officer based at The Hawth and has been working with the youth of Crawley for many years, improving their access to performing arts in various forms. Although when we spoke to Liz she prompted there is no I in team! Liz said former colleague Dave Downey was a part of the ‘team’ and his title was Active Crawley Officer, Extreme Sports, who now works at K2 was a great contributor to this project. Dave’s interaction with the children’s ideas and his input into the the parkour site were invaluable. Yvonne Newman, Client Project Manager, Property Services and Procurement was another great contributor of time and effort. The whole concept was built up over a two year period and it took twelve months to complete and construct.
We were amazed with the different types of equipment which made up the four sites. They are innovative, educational and great fun to play on. Personally I had a little go on one of the pieces of equipment called ‘ridgerider’ and fell off with great style may I say. Not completely recommended for the larger people of the town. Here are the pictures to prove my bravery.
Going, going......
We are very excited about this new park and look forward to the invite to the next rejuvenation project Crawley has to offer.
