On Wednesday 29th June 2011 Hazelwick and Aggrey Memorial school from Ghana presented a evening of Cultural exchange
Communities of Crawley joined in to celebrate the diversity of our town.
School pupils performed with singing, dancing and a fashion show. Other cultures present included the Portuguese Society, Crawley Black History and the Crawley Irish Cultural Society.
A huge thank you to all who attended. It was a great evenings entertainment.
We would like to thank Noreen Nolan for this wonderful write up with pictures and video.
Crawley Borough Council and the Expanding Communities Project set up a free Polish cultural celebration at Hazelwick School.
The council, in partnership with St Wilfrid’s and Hazelwick schools, organised the Expanding Communities Project at the Three Bridges-based school on Friday November 12.
We took some footage and pictures of the evening for you to enjoy.
The event is a result of close work between the Expanding Communities Project worker and both schools and aims to enhance community cohesion.
This free event was open to everyone and ran from 6-8pm and began with presentations prepared by students of St Wilfrid’s and Hazelwick schools. Funding has been provided by both schools and the Migration Impact Fund.
The main part of the event was Chopin’s recital for the grand piano performed by professional artist, Pawel Ulman.
Finally a selection of traditional Polish dishes were available to try with an opportunity to socialise and network.
Councillor Nigel Boxall, Cabinet member for Community Engagement, said: “Events like these help to build cohesive communities and develop positive relationships between people of different cultural backgrounds.
“I’m delighted that the council supported this event and urge all residents, Polish or otherwise, to get involved or the future.”
For more information on future events contact Agnieszka Tworkowska, Polish Community Worker, by calling 07824 696584 or email polishcw.crawley@cvs-arunwide.org.uk
West Sussex puts its best foot forward for International Walk to School Month
West Sussex schoolchildren are joining pupils across the world to celebrate International Walk to School Month.
More than 120 local schools are taking part in the month-long campaign. It is designed to encourage parents to leave the car at home, and use sustainable transport, such as walking, cycling, trains and buses for the twice-daily school run.
West Sussex County Council’s Travelwise Team is providing schools with registers to help them measure the reduction in car trips made throughout the week starting Monday October 11.
The team will also provide resources that will teach pupils about sustainability, how other children around the world travel, and what types of transport are available to them.
Lionel Barnard, West Sussex County Council Deputy Leader, with responsibility for Highways and Transport, said: “Taking part in International Walk to School Month is a great way for our pupils to consider how their travel choices can affect the environment, their health and local air quality.
“These popular events really help encourage pupils and parents to make their travel habits more sustainable.
“As part of the National Walk to School event held in May, around 7,000 car trips to school were saved in West Sussex, reducing total possible carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 2 tonnes.”
For more information contact Greg Merrett, from the Travelwise Team at gregory.merrett@westsussex.gov.uk
More than 200 West Sussex schools are counting down to the 10th annual Primary Mathematics Competition.
Seven heats will be held between Tuesday October 12 and Friday October 22.
The teams, consisting of four pupils from each school, will be assisted by a teacher or parent to help with marking, and urged on by their school supporters.
The 12 highest scoring schools from the heats will compete in the finals on Thursday November 11, to be held at County Hall North Professional Centre, Horsham.
The heats will be held on:
Tuesday October 12, 9.30am-12 noon, at Birchwood Grove Primary School, Burgess Hill
Monday October 18, 9.15am-3.30pm, at Felpham Community College, Bognor Regis
Thursday October 21, 9.15am-3.30pm, at Thomas A’Beckett Middle School, Worthing
Friday October 22, 9.15am-3.30pm, at County Hall North, Horsham
Peter Griffiths, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Education and Schools, said: “The County Council has always supported this competition as it encourage youngsters to enjoy maths and develop their skills in this vital subject.”
For more information contact Debbie Chisholm, Primary Mathematics Consultant, on 01403 229268.
Members of the Barbados Netball squad have been meeting school children in Crawley.
Crawley Happy Times went along to their first visit held at Maidenbower Junior School.
The Bajan team are training at K2 Crawley ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Delhi next month.
They will be playing a warm up game at K2 on Sunday and at The Triangle in Burgess Hill on Friday, which the public can watch for free. Under 16’s must be accompanied by a supervising adult.
Every parent hopes their child will be born healthy and grow up without serious injury or illness. Tragically sometimes these expectations are shattered: children are born with disabilities or become disabled as a result of an accident or illness. The Children’s Trust based in Tadworth, Surrey, is here to help these children and their families.
Where and what time?
The circular walk will start and finish at the Pavillion in Priory Park, Reigate Surrey at 10pm on Saturday 25th September. The route will take you through the surrounding areas of Reigate and Redhill. We expect Sleepwalkers will finish between 1am-3am as people walk roughly 3miles an hour.
Journalist and BBC news presenter Nicholas Owen is officially starting the event off!
Who can take part?
Unlike other walks this one is open to men and women of all ages. Children are welcome but under 16′s must be accompanied by an adult
Why not wear your pyjamas or nightwear?
Why not enter into the spirit of Sleepwalk and pop on your pj’s or fancy dress. It will look great to see Sleepwalkers in their blue sleepwalk t-shirt (which you will collect on the night) and pyjama bottoms!
Registration Prices:
For those registering 10 or more you will automatically be entered into the draw to win a pamper package.
For more information
Please contact Bryony or Emma: sleepwalk@thechildrenstrust.org.uk or call 01737 364323
New direction agreed for West Sussex Youth Services
A decision has been taken to re-shape West Sussex Youth Services to involve young people more in the way the service works.
The decision has been taken today (Friday) by West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Children and Families Pete Bradbury.
It follows consultation with young people, staff, residents, partners and the County Council’s Children and Young People’s Services Select Committee.
Work will now take place to create an Integrated Youth Support and Development Service, by combining the Youth Service, Youth Offending Service and Connexions (the general advice service for 13 to 19-year-olds). The budget for the combined service will be reduced by £2 million, targeting scarce resources on those most in need.
Earlier this year the County Council said it would focus on work with and support for vulnerable young people such as young offenders, Looked After Children, teenage parents, young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEETs), and young people with drug or alcohol problems.
This approach will play a leading role in the new service and teams will have the flexibility to respond to targeted groups and areas of need. They will also work closely with local community partnerships when there is a specific need.
The decision report says the new service will be in place by April 2011 and will lead to universal youth provision largely coming from within communities, with the support of the County Council.
The County Council will explore opportunities to help organisations become more self-funding and apply for external funding.
Work will take place to reduce overall staffing levels within youth services, focused on reducing management levels and developing integrated teams that provide local pools of staff.
Reductions in revenue and staffing costs to some voluntary organisations supported by the Youth Service will also be phased in. These are:
Crawley Youth Centre
Cobnor Outdoor Centre
Konnect Project, Bognor Regis
Chichester Boys Club
Lodge Hill, near Pulborough
The Rural Mobile Trust
The report adds that the County Council will work closely with local communities and other partners to explore alternative methods of governance for the following –
Crawley – either the Oriel or Ifield youth wing Horsham – Weald and Holbrook Mid Sussex – Cuckfield and the Beacon Centre at Hassocks Arun – Yapton, Rustington/Ferring Chichester – Witterings
The report also says that existing contracts for 2011 onwards will be renegotiated to achieve a cost saving, including the contact for the Connexions service.
Pete Bradbury said: “It’s no secret the County Council has to make huge financial savings and find new ways of working. Every service is being looked at in turn to make sure it is as efficient as possible.
“I am confident the new-look Youth Service will ensure that young people are involved in designing and evaluating services they believe are more tailored to their needs.
“We will focus our resources at communities most in need across West Sussex. In those areas where we cannot provide, we will play a key role to enable communities and other partners to run youth services themselves, very much part of the Big Society agenda.”
The Friends of Goffs Park are having a green day on Wednesday August 4.
The fun starts from 5-7pm with a plant swap. Visitors can meet at Crawley Museum to exchange surplus plants.
Then, from 7pm Trees and Teas takes over. This is a guided walk from Crawley Museum with a tree expert from Crawley Borough Council, followed by tea and biscuits.
Other fun includes children making leaf faces with a local artist.
Last weekend, Shelley from Crawley Happy Times Online took her son Alex to Rushmore Arena in Aldershot for a two hour driving lesson. What’s so special about that, I hear you say? Well, Alex is only fifteen. Local driving school, Storm offer under 17′s driving lessons to anyone over the age of fourteen. Alex had a great time and by the end of the lesson
Alex & Clive about to begin
was driving with confidence and control. The lesson was extremely in-depth, starting with the instructor, Clive Greenfield, taking Alex through the controls and pedals, explaining what they do, which ones to press and when, including indicators and mirrors. By the end of the two hours, Alex was learning reverse parking.
‘Off Road’ lessons are for learners who have had issues passing, or people who have passed their test but had a bad experience on the road, knocking their confidence. Storm Driving School has a wealth of experience and knowledge and their pass rate currently stands at 82%, with all instructors being a grade 5 or above.
The lessons are provided for various reasons. For fun, to build confidence and, of course, to give the more mature teenagers
The instructors from Storm Driving School
a great foundation for learning on the road. Leaner drivers always state that traffic is the one thing that makes it a nerve racking experience at first.
Great scenery. Peaceful and stress free
Learning the basics on a road without any other traffic builds confidence and might end up saving you money for lessons in the long run.
The Rushmore Arena is a modest journey down the M25, then the M3 and very easy to find. The scenery is breathtaking and peaceful. Remember that adults have to sit and wait for two hours, so taking an engrossing book to read whilst the learner is on the course is advisable. Mind you, there is always the opportunity to slip off shopping in Aldershot town centre or visit Tescos to do the grocery shopping! Alternatively, there is the local banger racing opposite the driving arena.
Storm Driving School has been teaching pupils on Crawley roads for nearly 3 years and have an impeccable record for passing pupils first time round.
Our thanks go to Daniel and Deborah Rooke who run Storm Driving School and of course to the patience of Clive Greenfield who taught Alex.
If you are interested in speaking to Storm Driving School about your requirements then please call on 01293 575309 or visit the website here.
After a successful run of Bootcamp sessions in Horsham and Haywards Heath, Sussex Bootcamp is now coming to Crawley!
Ben Davis, one of the fitness instructors of Sussex Bootcamp said “we are really excited about the next Bootcamp sessions which are being held from Monday 3rd August until Friday 28th August at Hazelwick School, Three Bridges and sessions start from 18.15 meeting in the car park at the front”.
For anyone looking to lose weight or just tone up after dieting, this is definitely for you. For further information and lots of video testimonials please visit here. Do hurry if you wish to be on this session as spaces are limited and going fast!
Click on the picture to be able to order your copy today
Shelley and Becky from Crawley Happy Times Online are going to be participating in this session of Sussex Bootcamp and will be giving a weekly update on their progress. Please keep checking in to see how they have done.
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.
West Sussex Music Service has hit the top note by being classed as a grade 1 service, with outstanding features.
This is the result of a report by the Federation of Music Services in partnership with the Department for Children Schools and Families (DCSF).
The outstanding features of the West Sussex Music Service listed included:
· support for pupils
· achievement and standards
· the quality of teaching and learning
· leadership and management
· a service which adds value for young people and gives good value for money
· skills of the musicians and teachers within the service
West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Education and Schools, Peter Griffiths, said: “This report reflects the hard work the committed team of professional teachers in the Music Service puts in, and we would like to thank everybody including parents and schools for their support.”
For more information on the Music Service, email music@westsussex.gov.uk or call 01243 612317.
CHILDREN and young people from the most disadvantaged backgrounds in West Sussex are being urged to ‘Go4it’ and take part in a wide range of after school activities.
West Sussex County Council Extended Services programme has received Government funding to ensure children and young people can take part in a wide range of additional activities they may not normally be able to afford, including:
· Study support
· Arts activities such as dance, drama, arts and music
· Sports
· Visits
· Holiday activities and summer schools.
The programme, which has been branded ‘Go4it’, will be piloted this summer in Crawley, Durrington and Worthing, before being launched Countywide next April.
The Extended Services programme includes:
· Access to childcare and a safe place to be
· Out-of-school hours activities
· Family and parenting support
· Specialist support services
· Access to school facilities that benefit local communities
“The programme helps remove barriers to learning, and supports achievement and educational attainment,” said Anne Parkinson, West Sussex County Council’s Extended Services Lead Officer.
Henry Smith, County Council Leader, said: “Tackling deprivation and disadvantage in order to support achievement is a core focus of our Extended Services programme.
This funding is part of the drive to increase activities for all and narrow the gap in attainment and well being.”
Currently, 238 (83%) of West Sussex schools provide access to a wide range of activities, developed as part of the Extended Services programme.
“This funding will support schools to provide and commission an exciting range of activities for children and young people.
“It will help subsidise access to these opportunities for disadvantaged children, young people and children in care who through economic circumstances would not be able to afford to participate,” said Henry.
Anne added: “This is a great opportunity for children and young people to take part in new activities they might otherwise not be able to access.
“We’re sure schools will work closely with them to find out what they really want to do, and develop creative and exciting opportunities they will really enjoy.”
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=6164c58e-2a05-4b6e-9839-1abb464d6ca2)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=9839e8be-dcf8-4738-ad7a-30c07d550c00)
