Posts Tagged ‘Shelley Fagence-Traynor’
Friday, June 24th, 2011
In advance of tomorrow’s Armed Forces Day 2011, Henry Smith MP takes the opportunity to say thank you to all those that are serving in the Armed Forces, their families, veterans and cadets and encourages all to show their support on the day.
Commenting on this week’s Armed Forces Day Henry said:
“”Today I’ve been pleased to take part in Armed Forces Day 2011 by meeting cadets and personnel at K2 – and even having a go at the training assault course the Army put up!
“Armed Forces Day is a great opportunity for us to show our appreciation for all those who wear the uniform, their families, veterans and cadets. We all owe a huge debt to our brave service personnel who work tirelessly keeping this country safe. I wish those attending a great day out and on behalf of all local residents to say a big thank you to our amazing Armed Forces.
“The Government is committed to providing for our troops. In the past year ministers have already doubled the operational allowance and introduced a pupil premium to help with the education of our forces children. I absolutely support these practical policies that show our commitment and gratitude to our brave forces.”
Follow Henry daily on Facebook by visiting: www.facebook.com/henrysmithmp
Tags: Crawley MP Encourages Residents To Show Their Support In Armed Forces Day, Henry Smith MP, Information, Local, News Bulletins, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, West Sussex
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Tuesday, June 21st, 2011
WEST SUSSEX FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE SUPPORTS CHILD SAFETY WEEK
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is reminding parents and guardians not to forget about fire risks during Child Safety Week (20th to 26th June).
Child Safety Week, run annually by the charity Child Accident Prevention Trust, is designed to raise awareness of the main causes of serious childhood accidents and how to prevent them happening. House fires are still one of the biggest killers of children in the home but remembering to take a few simple precautions can make all the difference when it comes to keeping children safe.
During this awareness week firefighters will be visiting Southbourne Junior School, St Robert Southwell Primary School in Horsham and Wick Community Centre in Littlehampton to talk to children about the dangers of fire and raise awareness of the importance of safety precautions like having smoke alarms and an escape plan.
Carol Hart, Youth Education Officer for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, said:
“Fire holds a fascination for many children so it’s really important for their parents and guardians to talk with them about the dangers as well as make sure they know what to do should a fire break out.”
“Simple precautions like making sure that matches and lighters are kept well out of children’s reach and taking a moment to scan the room for potential hazards take just seconds, but can save lives. Getting children involved in testing your smoke alarm each week also helps to keep them fire aware, as well making sure your home and family is protected.”
Here are West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s top tips for a safer home:
. Keep candles, lighters and matches well out of children’s reach, and never leave burning candles unattended.
. Make sure children know that the kitchen is not a play area and set clear ground rules like: never switch on the cooker, never put anything on top of it and don’t touch any saucepans on the hob.
. Never leave younger children alone in the kitchen when you’re cooking and never let them play near the oven and hob.
. Discuss how to call 999 – make sure children know which number to call in an emergency. They should also know their address. You could pin both up by the phone and explain the importance of only calling 999 in a real emergency.
. Nominate your child to be ‘Escape champ’ – regularly role-play escape routes and give children responsibility to keep escape routes clear.
. Fit and maintain a smoke alarm – a working smoke alarm can give you that vital time you need to escape safely from a fire. You should fit one on each level of your home and test it weekly.
To find out more about Child Safety Week visit www.childsafetyweek.org.uk and for fire safety advice call the Community Fire Safety Team on 01243 642879
Tags: CHT, crawley borough council, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, WEST SUSSEX FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE SUPPORTS CHILD SAFETY WEEK
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Friday, June 17th, 2011
Henry Smith MP has today warmly welcomed Siemens’s announcement that 2,000 jobs are to be created as part of a contract to build 1,200 new carriages for the Thameslink route as part of a £6 billion upgrade of the key connection. As a result of this deal, depots for the new trains will be built at Three Bridges and also in north London.
Commenting on the recent revelation, Henry said:
“I congratulate Siemens for seeing the potential of Crawley as a place to expand their business with a skilled workforce, great place to live and good transport connections.
“Over 600 new jobs will be created for Crawley which clearly represents a vote of confidence in the town and is an endorsement of the local economy.”
This announcement follows reports on Wednesday that UK unemployment numbers have fallen by almost 90,000 in the three months to April this year, the most significant fall in over a decade according to the independent Office for National Statistics.
Unemployment has also fallen in Crawley, on which Henry Smith added it was: “Cautiously welcomed, whilst appreciating it’s 100% of a problem for those without a job.”
Follow Henry daily via: www.facebook.com/henrysmithmp
Tags: crawley happy times, Henry Smith, Local MP Welcomes Hundreds Of New Jobs For Crawley, Shelley Fagence-Traynor
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Thursday, June 16th, 2011
West Sussex Youth Charity get £100,000 Big Society boost
Outset Youth Action has received £100k backing from the Government to ensure it can continue to help young people in West Sussex. To date the Government’s Transition Fund has helped more than 900 charities, which are most vulnerable to reductions in public spending, to prepare for new opportunities being developed to support a Big Society.
Outset Youth Action (Outset) is an independent county wide youth organisation and registered Charity which operates over the whole county of West Sussex.
Outset acts as a volunteering agency for young people aged 13 – 25, encouraging and supporting young people to take on a wide range of volunteering opportunities within their community. The nature of these opportunities is to provide support and benefit to West Sussex communities and contribute to each young person’s own personal development.
Outset encourages and supports a wide range of young people to volunteer for the benefit of their local community, irrespective of their personal situation. Outset Volunteers don’t need to have had previous volunteering experience – just a commitment to helping others and making a difference in their community.
Outset provides safe and suitable placements and oversees matters relating to health and safety. All placements are carefully monitored and risk assessed by Outset to ensure that they are both appropriate and safe for volunteers.
Community Organisations benefit from young people’s voluntary support to enhance the service that they provide the community. Young people influence and shape services and through their positive activities help dispel concerns about young people especially amongst vulnerable groups.
Sally Sikora, Outset Chief Executive States: We are thrilled to have received this ‘life-line’ from the Transition Fund. We have experienced catastrophic funding cuts this year from central government which has had a direct effect on our capacity to uphold services to the neediest of young people in West Sussex. With the support of the TRANSITION FUND we can continue to provide a service across the whole county of West Sussex and now have the capacity to develop our partnerships across all sectors in order to sustain our work into the future.
Francis Maude, Minister for the Cabinet Office, said:
“We all want a bigger, stronger society where people get involved and do their bit. This isn’t new – there are already loads of people right across Britain taking responsibility and making our communities better places to live. What is new is that this Government is making it easier for people to do more: giving people power to improve public service, putting communities in control, and supporting people to help others.”
Nick Hurd, Minister for Civil Society, said:
“The Transition Fund is part of a much wider package of support for charities and voluntary groups and social enterprises. The Cabinet Office will invest around £470million in direct support over four years. We are opening up new opportunities for charities to deliver public services, cutting red tape and developing new sources of finance such as the Big Society Bank.
“However, the scale of the economic challenges we face as a country mean that charities are facing tough times. All the charities receiving transition funds have a plan to overcome current challenges and emerge stronger. We recognise the hugely important contribution charities make to our society and we are committed to supporting them.”
Details of Outset Youth Action can be found:
www.outsetyouth.org.uk info@outsetyouth.org.uk Tel : 01798 831153
County Office, Lodge Hill Pulborough, West Sussex, RH20 1LZ
Tags: 000 Big Society boost, CHT, Community, crawley borough council, crawley happy times, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, West Sussex Youth Charity get £100
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Thursday, June 16th, 2011
The town’s first BMX track was officially opened last week with demos and bike maintenance advice for keen BMXers.
The £75,000 inclusive track is one of just seven in the South East and was opened on Tuesday 7th June with a speech from the Mayor Cllr Carol Eade.
Councillor Lenny Walker, Cabinet member for Leisure and Culture said: “This is an excellent piece of work by Community Services staff, residents and Members, and is a great addition to the town. It will hopefully attract users from far and wide and increase Crawley’s profile too.
Tony Fleming, 40+ BMX world champion 2008
“The most pleasing aspect about this project is that it’s designed with disabled users in mind and I really look forward to seeing everyone make the most of this fantastic new facility.”
The event saw Wheels for All adapted cycles ready for trying out; an impressive demo by Tony Fleming of Dirt Works BMX, the 40+ world champion 2008; and bike maintenance advice from Sibot BMX Store.
The four-lane track is designed to reduce pedalling by using the pumping action of the rider’s body weight and leg compression to propel themselves around the track, while an extra circuit will see bumps, textured surfaces and cambered / transition corners.
The adjoining inclusive track has been designed specifically with disabled children and young people and their parents/carers in mind and is totally accessible, fun and challenging for everyone.
Funding for the track, which is next to Cherry Lane Adventure Playground, was awarded to Crawley Borough Council from West Sussex County Council’s Aiming High for Disabled Children programme.
(l-r) Matt Stemp, Mayor Cllr Carol Eade, Sean Martin from Manor Green College, Cllr Lenny Walker, Luke Pedlham
Tags: BMX track officially opened, children, Community, county mall, crawley borough council, crawley happy times, News Bulletins, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, West Sussex County Council
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Wednesday, June 15th, 2011
Greenaway Residential Crawley have entered a team of 10 riders into this years London to Brighton bike ride in aid of The British Heart Foundation.
Greenaway Residential Estate Agents based in Crawley has always believed in giving back to the community and after organising and participating in many charitable events over the years the team have decided to step up their efforts in 2011. After recently entering a team into the Haywards Heath Bike Ride to help raise money for Help The Heroes, the team completed the nineteen mile course without any form of training and admittedly were all pretty tired. However wishing to push themselves more they have now entered a team in to the London To Brighton Bike Ride on Sunday 19th June 2011 to raise money for the British Heart Foundation. Having experienced the tiredness of the last event the team have started training towards the fifty four mile event and are under no illusion how tough it will be with a 6am start at Clapham Common. Not short of motivation the team have set their target of raising a minimum of £1500 and would ideally like raise far more this worthwhile cause. Managing Director Darren Greenaway has also pledged to donate £100 for each new Landlord who instructs Greenaway Residential Estate Agents when the property is let before the 19th June 2011.
Once the event has been completed the team then changes its focus to raise money for The Greenaway Foundation which raises money to provide Christmas for the residents of Crawley and surrounding villages. The team believe Christmas should be a happy time and we like to try and ease the burden on families that struggle over the festive time by at least providing them with the food for a hearty Christmas Dinner.
Greenaway Residential Estate Agents welcome all donations so please click on the link www.justgiving.com/teams/greenawayresidential
Tags: bike, British Heart Foundation, charity, children, CHT, Community, crawley happy times, Darren Greenaway, Greenaway Residential Estate Agents, Information, Jenny Anscombe, Local Estate Agents get on their Bikes, London To Brighton Bike Ride, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, Simon Brown, Times
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Wednesday, June 15th, 2011
School Closure Information – County Council Website Service
West Sussex County Council has launched website pages to advise parents on school closures or partial closures on Thursday30th June, following ballots in favour of industrial action by the National Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL).
The website pages will be updated as and when schools take a decision about whether to close or not on the day.
The list of closures can be found by by click on this link- www.westsussex.gov.uk
Tags: County council, Crawley, Hawth, Henry Smith MP, Information, School Closure Information - County Council Website Service, School Closure Information - West Sussex County Council Website Service, Shelley Fagence-Traynor
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Monday, June 13th, 2011
Crawley MP Backs Action To Protect Local Nature
Henry Smith MP has backed the Coalition Government’s ambitious new plan to protect the natural environment in England.
Last week, the Coalition published The Natural Choice – the first White Paper on the natural environment in over 20 years. The document sets out a series of innovative proposals to protect the environment:
• New ‘Local Nature Partnerships’, to coordinate action to protect nature across local authorities and other local organisations.
• Creating ‘Nature Improvement Areas’, to ensure targeted action to protect the environment in areas where there is the potential to restore nature on a significant scale. The Government has promised £7.5 million of initial support for 12 projects.
• Protecting the natural environment in the planning system, including a presumption in favour of sustainable development and proposals for ‘biodiversity offsetting’, where conservation actions ‘offset’ the negative impact of development.
• A new Green Area designation, which will allow local people to protect the green spaces they value.
• Action to phase out the use of peat, in order to protect lowland peat habitats and significant carbon stores.
The package of proposals has been welcomed by respected organisations such as WWF, the Wildlife Trusts and the RSPB.
Henry said:
“These proposals won’t just help protect nature across the country, they are great news for local residents.
“The measures in the Government’s innovative plan would give local people more power to protect the green spaces they value and encourage the local authority and other local bodies to work much more closely together.
“Although there is much to do to put these ideas into practice, they offer a fantastic opportunity to protect and enhance the natural environment in Crawley.”
Follow Henry daily on Facebook by visiting: www.facebook.com/henrysmithmp
Tags: children, crawley happy times, Crawley MP Backs Action To Protect Local Nature, MP Henry Smith, News Bulletins, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, West Sussex
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Friday, June 10th, 2011
County Malls
Very own Fathers Day Giftspiration event where tenants will be out in the mall promoting the top products and gadgets for Fathers Day.
For the low down on 2011′s key Fathers day presents and advice on how to avoid choosing the wrong wooly jumper. This will equal one happy Dad and one gleeful you.
Thursday 16th June - Saturday 18th june
Bar Med
have organised a mass charity collection in County Mall for Great Ormond Street Hospital – there will be lots of the uniforms taking part including Police, Ambulance and Fireman – please come down and support this brilliant cause.
Saturday 18th June
YMCA
will be in County Mall on a recruitment drive promoting their training programmes and work placements
Wednesday 22nd June
Tags: children, CHT, Community, crawley happy times, Fathers Day Giftspiration at County Mall Crawley, Information, News Bulletins, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, West Sussex
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Thursday, June 9th, 2011
Health conscious Crawley people are snapping up places on a new adults’ speed walking/running group in Broadfield.
Set up in April, the Run for You group is now attracting even more members each week who are all beginners to running or speed walking.
With the support of Crawley Wellbeing, the course is led by town resident Steph Martin who is keen to prove anyone can get jogging regardless of their size, age or ability.
The group meets at Broadfield, Stadium at 6.30pm every Tuesday and costs £2.50, of which Steph donates 50p to St Catherine Hospice, the local charity she runs for.
The session takes place in nearby Rathlin Road Park and last an hour.
Steph is planning to set up a Thursday night group starting 23rd June at 6.30pm, meeting at the tennis courts in West Green Park.
Steph is also keen to set up other Run for You groups around the town if there is enough demand.
For more information contact Steph Martin on 0783 5612 851 or the Wellbeing Team on 01293 585317
Tags: Chichester, CHT, Councillor Lenny Walker, crawley borough council, Health conscious town folk pound the pavements, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, West Sussex County Council
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Thursday, June 9th, 2011
The Opera Club of Reigate & Redhill will be performing at the Hawth Theatre in Crawley for one night only on Friday 17th June @ 7.45pm. “Generations” is a celebration of musical shows that the Opera Club of Reigate & Redhill has performed over the years. This award winning amateur company and its cast have wowed audiences throughout the South East at theatres, outdoor events for the National Trust and at various charity concerts.
“Generations” boasts a cast of nearly 70 members of the Company covering a wide age range of 7 to 70+. There really is something for everyone to enjoy.
The show promises to be highly entertaining and an opportunity to see some productions that have never been performed before.It’s also a chance for all aspiring performers Young and Older to see the company in action and then join them for Oliver. This show has only just been made available again after its successful run in the West End and the Opera Club have been very lucky to secure a license to perform it before it goes on tour in 2012. So if you fancy the opportunity of playing Oliver, The Artful Dodger or indeed any of the other loveable rogues come and see The Opera Club at the Hawth and find out more about joining them. The hunt is on to find Oliver and the Dodger!
Act One begins with a Gilbert and Sullivan section with a new storyline expertly constructed by Alison Cooper, an established Director and seasoned performer in her own right. Alison has been responsible for directing numerous shows for the Opera Club including her award winning Scarlet Pimpernel and many innovative G&S shows. The story takes place at a village fete and book signing and features songs from various well loved Gilbert and Sullivan Operettas
Act One continues with a section from our Youth members, every one of them under 25 and some as young as 8. The emerging talent has been skillfully directed and nurtured by Fiona Thompson a member of The Opera Club and now working professional actress and singer. The section will feature excerpts from the Wizard of Oz, Avenue Q, West Side Story, Rent and Hairspray.
Act 2 presents some of the recent successes of The Opera Club, together with a taster of what we will be doing in the future. The section features members from the whole of the company and has been directed by Kevin Hogg and Sarah Esser. Both these directors have a long established record as performers as well as directing successful full-scale productions at theatres within the local area. The shows presented will include Children of Eden, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Sweet Charity, Chess, Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame and our next full scale production Oliver.
Tickets are on sale now from The Hawth Box Office on 01293 553636 or online at www.hawth.co.uk
Tags: children, Councillor Lenny Walker, Crawley, crawley happy times, Generations – A Celebration of the Musicals (and the hunt for Oliver!), Henry Smith, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, the hawth
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Thursday, June 9th, 2011
The Hawth’s new season is shaping up nicely – here’s what you can look forward to is the autumn months. It has everything you expect from us and maybe even a little more. There’s comedy, dance, film, family shows and theatre but also aerial performances and even mind reading.
While the last of the summer weather keeps the evening’s warm audiences can still enjoy alfresco theatre. Families will love Roald Dahl favourite Fantastic Mr Fox (Aug 3, Goffs Park), Pirates of Penzance (Aug 11, Amphitheatre) and Wind In The Willows (Aug 20 & 21, Amphitheatre) in August. It’s also a season of classics as Theatre San Frontieres return to Crawley with their production of Lorca’s Love in the Garden (Oct 13) performed in Spanish, Shakespeare’s Othello (Oct 20) is brought to life with a Caribbean setting and a twist in the casting and Rebecca Vaughn is back after the success of Austin’s Women, with I Elizabeth (Oct 19), a powerful exploration of the virgin queen’s struggle with womanhood and sovereignty. Those looking for something a little different can look forward to Mindwalking (Oct 16), aerial theatre from the award-winning BandBazi that takes on the emotionally charged subject of dementia.
As always music plays a key part in the season with Kate Rusby’s (Sept 
fourth visit to The Hawth in September. One of the UK’s best loved rock ‘n’ roll legends Joe Brown (Oct 2) takes to the stage with his timeless classics and BBC Big Band are back by popular demand this time with Ken Peplowski (Oct 22) offering a tribute to Benny Goodman. If you want something more serene then the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (Oct 15) kick off the new Classical Concert Series by transporting everyone to Scandinavia with music of Sibelius and Grieg. Blues fans will be delighted to hear Crawley Blues Festival (Oct 29) is back for the sixth year in a row. The day brings together the likes of Mike Piggott, Martin Wheatley and Mike Dowling while the evening sees the return of Southern Nights, Nigel Bagge and Eddie Armer plus many more.
Kate Rusby
If you enjoy dance performances then get ready for a great night with Candoco (Oct 7) as the dance company of able bodied and disabled dancers celebrate their 20th anniversary. For a taste of the Emerald Isle why not join Rhythm of the Dance (Oct 3) with their special guests the three Irish Tenors and experience some of the world’s finest Irish dancing.
Candoco Dance
There’s also a selection of laugh out loud comedy in October; mind reader Chris Cox (Oct 26) will amaze and astound as he does the impossible and controls coincidence. You may have seen Hal Cruttenden (Oct 27) on television with the like of Jason Manford, Michael McIntyre and Rob Brydon – now’s your chance to see him live as he shares his witty observation, minute grievances and misplaced anger. Rounding off a week of comedy is Paul Foot (Oct 28), one of the UK’s most creative and original comedians.
October is Black History Month which offers up a selection of events this year from Conversations with the Blues (Oct 5) with Paul Oliver and Michael Roach to children’s show Droplets (Oct 16 & 17) which takes little ones on a journey from the west to Africa. There is also the main event, Black History Celebration (Oct 8), which this year has an African and Caribbean theme to celebrate Crawley’s links to the Barbados Olympics team. With performances by local artists and headline act Steady Bredren performing classic reggae it’s sure to be a great night for all the family.
As always there is plenty for families to look forward to. As well as all the outdoor theatre there is also a great selection of the popular weekend morning studio shows. A Bird In Your Ear (Sept 24)will enthral children of 3 plus as all the stories in it are from the imaginations of little ones and The Way Back Home (Oct 2) brings award-winning author Oliver Jeffers’ intergalactic adventure to life.
For more information on all these shows and more pick up a What’s On brochure at the Hawth or call the box office : 01293 553636 or visit www.hawth.co.uk to sign up to the mailing list.
Tags: CHT, Community, crawley borough council, crawley happy times, Information, New Season @ The Hawth, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, Updates, West Sussex County Council
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Wednesday, June 8th, 2011
Gatwick Diamond Meet the Buyers 2011
A speed dating event for businesses is coming to Crawley.
Gatwick Diamond Meet the Buyers takes place on Thursday 30th June at the Arora Hotel in Crawley. It’s an opportunity for local SMEs to meet a range of buyers who are looking for new and innovative suppliers for upcoming tenders.
The event aims to promote local sourcing and improve economic growth in the Gatwick Diamond region.
Meet the Buyers is based on speed dating for buyers and suppliers. Before the event suppliers have the opportunity to review the buyers’ catalogue, in which the buyers highlight their needs. >From this, suppliers can identify the buyers that they would like meet with for a 10-minute pre-arranged appointment.
The event is sponsored by Gatwick Airport, the Gatwick Diamond Initiative, Crawley Borough Council and Mid Sussex District Council and supported by Horsham, Reigate and Banstead and Mole Valley district councils.
To encourage local SMEs to join this year’s event, the sponsors are subsidising the entrance fee for businesses operating in the Gatwick Diamond area.
Workshops leading up to the Meet the Buyers event will help SMEs prepare for the networking day and beyond through the tendering process. Led by consultants with years of industry experience, these half-day workshops are the most efficient way to get SMEs up to speed for Meet the Buyers and the ensuing tendering process.
Last year’s programme involved 364 companies in total, 110 of which attended the Meet the Buyers day. The 2011 Meet the Buyers event looks set to be even bigger.
In 2010 the value of business generated through the Gatwick Diamond Meet the Buyers programme was just under £3m – an excellent result, which shows a year on year increase.
For more details on the workshops or Meet the Buyers, visit
www.business-business.co.uk/gatwickdiamondmeetthebuyers or email Philippa@btob.co.uk
Tags: Arora Hotel, CHT, Community, county, crawley borough council, Crawley Borough Council and Mid Sussex District Council and supported by Horsham, crawley happy times, Gatwick Airport, Gatwick Diamond Meet the Buyers 2011, Gatwick Diamond Meet the Buyers takes, Information, Philippa@btob.co.uk, Reigate and Banstead and Mole Valley district councils., Shelley Fagence-Traynor, the Gatwick Diamond Initiative, Times, Updates, West Sussex County Council
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Wednesday, June 8th, 2011
Tilgate Parade improvements
Tilgate Parade will be the next neighbourhood centre upgraded as part of Crawley Borough Council’s programme of parade improvements.
The council has had a programme of investment in the environment and facilities at Crawley’s neighbourhood parades since 2003 and will begin improving Tilgate Parade in the spring of 2012.
A public exhibition for retailers and residents and will be held on Monday June 20 from 12 noon until 5.30pm. Visitors will have the opportunity to find out more about the project by viewing and commenting on the plans and speaking to the council officers involved.
The council is seeking views on the following:
• How can the pedestrian area in front of the parade be improved?
• How easy and safe is it to walk to the parade?
• Have you experienced anti-social behaviour when visiting the parade?
• Is there adequate parking for cars and cycles?
• What do you think about the parade recycling and toilet facilities?
• Is there anything else that should be part of the improvements scheme?
Councillor Bob Lanzer, Leader of the Council, said: “The council’s neighbourhood regeneration programme has toured much of the town now and delivered big environmental and/or facility improvements in Bewbush, Furnace Green, Gossops Green, Ifield, Langley Green, Northgate, Pound Hill, Southgate and West Green.
“The consultation event in Tilgate will ensure residents have their say on what they want to see improved at their parade. I urge residents to attend or view the information on the council’s website and tell us their views.”
If you can’t make it to the exhibition on June 20, visit www.crawley.gov.uk/tilgate to view the plans and give your views via the online form.
Tags: crawley borough council, Henry Smith MP, News Bulletins, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, Tilgate Parade improvements, www.crawley.gov.uk/tilgate
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Tuesday, June 7th, 2011
Vote now for pioneering Hastings Homeless Service!
Sussex residents are being urged to cast their vote for the ground breaking St John Ambulance Homeless Service which provides first aid and vital health care to some of the most vulnerable people in Hastings.
The service has reached the South East semi-finals of the National Lottery Awards and is now relying on local people to see it crowned with the coveted ‘Best Health Project’ title.
The project is competing against nine others in its category. The first round of public voting runs until midday on 20th June – vote by visiting www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards/best-health-project/123/ or call 0844 836 9703.
The three projects with the most votes in each category will go through to the final round of public voting later in the summer.
St John Ambulance set up its Hastings Homeless Service in 2003 with the help of a £152,701 Lottery grant. It received another £181,498 worth of Lottery funding in 2007.
Hastings podiatrist Sue Rains is pictured tending to the feet of a homeless client
The charity’s 14-strong team of dedicated volunteers provides a unique service to homeless and vulnerable people who, for a variety of complex reasons, find themselves excluded from GP and other mainstream health services.
The service ranges from emergency first aid in life or death situations to ongoing support designed to help desperate people turn their lives around.
The team includes five nurses, a mental health nurse and a podiatrist. Together they provide four daytime health clinics a week at the Seaview Project day-centre in St Leonards and a fortnightly Saturday evening clinic at Hope Kitchen in Hastings.
The free drop-in clinics enable homeless people to receive treatment for a range of serious illnesses and conditions common among those who live at the margins of society – they include bronchitis, trench foot, skeletal injuries and mental problems linked to alcohol and drug abuse. Last year the service had more than 1,400 contacts with clients.
Along with professional health care, the charity also provides a wide range of support services designed to help people tackle their problems and turn their lives around.
A homeless man with trench foot
A pioneering partnership between the Homeless Service and the Conquest Hospital has been successful in reducing repeated readmission to hospital because St John Ambulance ensures patients are given the support they need when they are discharged after treatment.
The project has reduced the burden on the NHS while ensuring that discharged patients don’t simply return to their desperate lives on the streets with all the associated health risks.
Homeless Service Manager Markie Barratt said: ‘It’s easy to vote so I hope as many people as possible will support us.’
‘Gaining a national award would be a great boost for the project which relies on public donations and Lottery funding to provide vital health care to people who most need it. In many cases the service is quite literally the difference between a life lost and a life saved.’
Tags: CHT, Community, County council, crawley borough council, crawley happy times, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, Vote now for pioneering Hastings Homeless Service!, West Sussex
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Monday, June 6th, 2011
Your Chance to Inspect the County Council’s Accounts
Members of the public can take a look at West Sussex County Council’s accounts for the year ending March 31 2011.
The accounts, including those of the pension fund, will be available at County Hall, West Street, Chichester, from 9am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday from Friday, June 24 to Friday, July 22.
People can make copies of the accounts and all books, deeds, contracts, bills, vouchers and receipts relating to them. There is a charge for photocopying.
Anyone wishing to examine the accounts during the inspection period should telephone the Chief Accountant Tim Stretton on 01243 777100 (ext 77868) on weekdays between 9am and 4.30pm to arrange an appointment.
Tags: children, Community, county, Crawley, News Bulletins, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, West Sussex County Council, Your Chance to Inspect the County Council's Accounts
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Friday, June 3rd, 2011
Tilgate Park, Crawley’s jewel in the crown, is getting even better.
Improvements and new activities at Crawley Borough Council’s flagship park will make a visit even more enjoyable this summer.
Environment Agency work on the new dam at the northern end of Tilgate Lake should be completed in July. The lake will then refill naturally with rainwater.
Fencing is likely to remain around most of the lake for safety reasons until the lake is full, although the crest above the new dam will be open next month.
Once the lake is full, the council will encourage family-friendly fishing, while carp fishing will continue in the adjacent Silt Lake. The council is also looking into providing a wider range of leisure activities on Tilgate Lake, for example boating, canoeing, windsurfing, etc.
The council will also be working with partner organisations to provide a range of exciting land-based leisure facilities within the park and its woodlands, such as aerial walkways in the trees and more activities for children.
The pub in the park, formerly The Bluebird, is expected to reopen as a pub/restaurant in the autumn.
Changes to parking this summer will see the fisherman’s car park, behind the new dam, improved with better surfacing with 210 marked spaces.
We are aiming to update the animal enclosures and improve the café and gift shop facilities. The animal collection will be reassessed to include more animals popular with children, while maintaining a strong conservation focus.
A potential membership scheme for Tilgate Park will also be investigated, which could provide a range of benefits for local people.
Councillor Lenny Walker, Cabinet member for Leisure and Culture, said: “Tilgate Park is rightly regarded as one of the best parks around and this is why it’s important to improve the facilities with the investment being made.
“We are determined to make Tilgate Park and its facilities better, with boating and family fishing on the main lake, a new pub/restaurant opening, aerial walkways, more car parking spaces and an improved Nature Centre.
“We know people come to Tilgate Park from far and wide but our priority is Crawley residents. This is why we are looking into the possibility of a local membership scheme for the park that rewards frequent visitors, especially local Council Tax payers.”
Tags: Community, County council, crawley happy times, Exciting times at Tilgate Park, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, West Sussex
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Thursday, June 2nd, 2011
Firefighters Host Community Information Day
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service will be hosting a Community Information Day in Findon next Tuesday (June 7th).
The event, which is being held at the Village Hall from 9.30am until 2pm, is an opportunity for local residents to come and talk to crews about fire safety, as well as pick up useful advice and information from a range of other local support agencies.
The Older People’s Information Centre (TOPIC), a mobile information service that has been ‘touring’ the county over the last 12 months, will be there offering advice on issues that affect older residents including health and well being, pensions and benefits, support for carers, information on local activities and days out, as well as information on specialist smoke alarms and equipment for those with a disability or mobility issues.
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s Community Information Bus will also be available throughout the day with firefighters and specialist advisors on hand for people to chat to informally and pick up lots of simple and practical tips on how to stay fire safe in their homes, including advice on safer cooking habits and preventing kitchen fires.
Arun District Commander, Dave Benham, who has organised the information day said:
“We are always trying to find ways of making home fire safety advice more accessible, particularly for some of our more vulnerable residents, so hosting an information day like this is an important part of our ongoing campaign to reduce the number accidental fires that occur in the home.
We also hope by that by teaming up with other local support agencies and creating this ‘one stop shop’ of advice and information right in the heart of the community, we are making it easier for people to access a broader range of support that can make a huge difference to their lives.”
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service offer FREE Home Fire Safety Checks – simply call 0800 328 6487 or visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire to find out if you are eligible.
Tags: Community, Councillor Lenny Walker, crawley borough council, crawley happy times, Firefighters Host Community Information Day, News Bulletins, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, West Sussex County Council
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Thursday, June 2nd, 2011
Benefits promotion
Are you claiming all the benefits you’re entitled to? If not Crawley Borough Council has a new officer who can help you claim more money.
Fay Power, Benefits Promotion Officer at Crawley Borough Council
Fay Power, Benefits Promotion Officer at Crawley Borough Council, identifies people who could be entitled to a range of different benefits including Housing and Council Tax Benefit, Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance and Carer’s Allowance.
If you are on a low income, or already in receipt of benefits, Fay will be able to let you know if you’re claiming all that you should be.
Fay is also running weekly drop-in sessions at the Crawley Advice Shop in County Mall every Wednesday between 9.30am and 12.30pm.
The aim of the drop-in sessions are to help people with Housing and Council Tax Benefit claims, and to offer benefit ‘health checks’ to make sure people are claiming all that they are entitled to.
Councillor Lee Gilroy, Cabinet member for Housing, said: “These sessions are a great way of helping more people claim the benefits they are entitled to.
“Residents who are able to claim more are often on low incomes so even a few pounds can make a big difference.”
Nationally, the Government estimates pensioners and people on low incomes are failing to take up almost £6 billion of benefits they are entitled to, including Housing and Council Tax Benefits.
If you are unable to make a Wednesday morning session at Crawley Advice Shop you can call Fay on 01293 438695, email fay.power@crawley.gov.uk or visit www.crawley.gov.uk/benefits
Tags: Benefits promotion, county, crawley borough council, crawley happy times, News Bulletins, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, www.crawley.gov.uk/benefits
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Wednesday, June 1st, 2011
Friday 24th – Sunday 26th June
The Hawth, Crawley
What could be better on a warm summer’s day than sitting outside in beautiful woodland surroundings listening to great music and enjoying a pint! Crawley’s 20th annual Folk and Beer Festival offers all this and more from Friday 24th – Sunday 26th June at The Hawth.
All ages will find something to entertain them at this family friendly fest. There are free performances from Spare Parts who play fiddle and concertina, blues from Cajun Dawgs, alternative folk from 4Square, contemporary Irish music with Ciarog plus free workshops in music, song and dance all leading up to the Festival Bal (ticketed event) on Saturday evening. Everyone will enjoy the free colourful dance displays in traditional styles and Morris dancing and then how about enjoying food from around the world at one of the many refreshment stands.
For those who love to shop, the festival market offers the chance to pick up unique pieces of clothing, beautiful craftwork and jewellery, fresh herbs and flowers and much more.
The Copper Family
For older visitors there is also the Beer Festival offering ales, ciders and perries from the beer tent all weekend. There are 45 different drinks to choose from, all from small, local breweries. Sample a pint of Rip Tide from Littlehampton or Brighton Blonde. For those who find themselves over indulging at the weekend there’s also Guilt Complex from Surrey Hills Co and Shooting Star from the Hammerpot Brewery. There will even be a beer from Maidenbower Brewery, you can’t get much more local than that!
Don’t forget to book for the ticketed events too, which this year include the Polish Pogues Warsaw Village Band (Fri 24 June 7.30pm), blues from The Elevators (Fri 24 June, 8.15pm), local folk legends The Copper Family (Sat 25 June, 7.15pm) and The Demon Barbers – Time Gentlemen Please (Sun 26 June 5pm), fresh from winning Best Live Act at the 2011 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.
The Demon Barbers Roadshow
If you really want to get into the festival spirit, we have great on-site camping facilities from just £10 and as always, under 12s go free. So why not bring the whole family along!
For more information on the festival line up, blogs and music tasters visit www.myspace.com/crawleyfolkfestival
Warsaw Village Band
Tags: BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, Brighton Blonde, Cajun Dawgs, children, CHT, ciders and perries, Community, County council, Crawley, crawley borough council, Crawley Folk & Beer Festival 2011, crawley happy times, Guilt Complex from Surrey Hills Co and Shooting Star from the Hammerpot Brewery, Happy, Henry Smith, Henry Smith MP, Information, les, Maidenbower Brewery, News Bulletins, online, Polish Pogues Warsaw Village Band, rawley’s 20th annual Folk and Beer Festival, Rip Tide from Littlehampton, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, The Copper Family, The Demon Barbers – Time Gentlemen Please, The Elevators, the hawth, The Perfect Summer Weekend, Times, West Sussex, www.myspace.com/crawleyfolkfestival
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