On Saturday 31st July and Sunday 1st August the annual Mela was held at the Hawth.
Consisting of information stands, such as the ‘Stop West Sussex going to waste’ campaign and the ‘Give Blood’ stand there was food galore of all types, a fun fair and music and dance from varying cultures.
Attended by the Mayor Lee Burke and Mayoress Ali Burke, the day was full of colour and sounds. We took alot of pictures and video which we hope will tell the story of this great event on their own. We would like to congratulate the Hawth and their staff for once again making it a safe and enjoyable event for all to enjoy.
Perfomers included the Diego Garcian/Reggae/Seggae Band, Filipino Dancers, Tanvee and Tiyana, Tariq and Reis, Monica Patel, Grizzly South feat. If-E, Maxwell, KK, Amy Othieno, Billy Delaney and friends and many more!
Did you attend the Mela? If you have any feedback, please feel free to comment below
Crawley Festival saw the annual Beer Festival at The Hawth from 25th to the 27th June.
Setting up camp on a small bit of the Hawth’s premises, Crawley Happy Times settled in for a weekend of music, fun, entertainment, good food and of course BEER! The sun shone down on what can only be described as one of the most successful events Crawley has seen. Music and dancing poured from every corner and the people flocked to see what it was all about. Even if the music was not to everyones taste, the beer tent sure was. The atmosphere over the whole weekend (not mentioning Sunday afternoon of course) was electric. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Lorraine Gould for the very kind invite and a massive thank you to Dave Watmore who organises the event along with his polite and dedicated staff. Well done to all who were involved. We really cannot wait for next year, which we are sure will be just as successful.
As always, we took some pictures and video for you to enjoy. If you could not make this years Beer Festival, we would encourage you to pop this in your diary for next year, as you really missed a brilliant weekend.
Saturday the 19th June 2010 saw the launch of the twenty fifth Crawley Festival.
We were treated to a superb array of music by the Crawley Millennium Concert Band who have been performing for the people of Crawley for many years now. Then the town crier invited the people of Crawley to attend the Crawley Festival held over the next two weeks. Next to be announced was His Worshipful The Mayor Lee Burke who addressed the people thanking the organisers and sponsors for their support. Mayor Lee Burke also thanked the community for their devotion and support to this two week event which will hold over fifty events. Included will be music, dance, theatre and craft. Why would you want to miss out?
We would like to congratulate Greggs Bakery for their fund raising efforst which consisted of handing out free cups for a refreshment of your choice, selling cakes for twenty pence and their ‘throw a wet sponge at the man’. Great stuff guys! We hope you raised lots of money.
We will be keeping you up-to-date with the events, but if you attend and wish to share your experience or photos with us, feel free.
We took some pictures for you, and a some video footage of the Zumba dancing and Mayor Lee Burke addressing the people of Crawley. We joined in with the Zumba but it is much harder than it looks, honest.
Our thanks goes to all the lovely people of Crawley who came out in support of this, the first of many great events in Crawley over the next two weeks. See you at the next one
Crawley is in for a treat this autumn, The Hawth is just about to reveal its new season and it has lots to offer those who love great music, hilarious comedy, stunning dance and powerful theatre.
Theatrical highlights for the coming months include the return of Love & Madness. The highly-acclaimed company wowed audiences with their performances of Oliver Twist, La Ronde and Romeo and Juliet at The Hawth in the last year and now they are back in The Studio with Accidental Death of an Anarchist and Richard III. Tara Arts are also back by public demand, this time bringing Shakespeare’s tragic romance to life using Bangladeshi theatre styles to breathe new life into the bard’s work in People’s Romeo. The Studio will also be offering a brand new show from Toby Wilsher, co-founder of Trestle Theatre with his new company MetaMorpho. Devil In The Detail is mask theatre at its best, dark comedy not to be missed!
Busting Out
Comedy fans have plenty to laugh about too with Busting Out! The hit musical comedy from Down Under. The show combines stand up comedy, musical, theatre and cabaret to leaving you feeling so good you’ll be busting to tell all your friends. If it’s Laughter Therapy you’re after then look no further as that’s the title of Jimmy Carr’s new show and you know what they say, laughter is the best medicine. Later in the season The Naked Truth will combine the funny and the poignant in a story of real women and real lives. The all-star cast including Maureen Nolan and Claire King (Emmerdale, Bad Girls) tell the story of five very different women and their struggle to master the art of pole dancing for a charity event sharing laughter and tears along the way.
Devil In The Detail
Music is always a key part of any Hawth season and the autumn is no exception. Blues-singing, guitar-picking, songwriting raconteur Roy Book Binder is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. As is Britain’s best-loved diva Jane McDonald. The singer and TV star will be leaving behind her Loose Women to perform a sensational concert with her fabulous musicians and singers. Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman of Rock band Yes have joined forces once again for a one off UK tour, The Anderson/Wakeman Project 360, features classic Yes and exclusive first performances of new songs, plus hilarious anecdotes from the two rock legends. Back For Good will be recreating the magic of Take That featuring a feast of feel-good hits from Relight My Fire to Patience, while One Night of Queen and Think Floyd will be paying tribute to two more greats. For those wanting to try something new, Mala Mamane Barka and his tribal songs are a chance to experience the mesmerising and unique music of a nomadic Niger tribe.
Jane McDonald
Dance, dance, dance with three very different dance performances that will each leave audiences breathless. Tango Pasión’s energy, zest and fervour for the Argentinean tango will captivate and amaze, experience the beauty and elegance of Tavaziva’s Wild Dog and explore The Shiver through movement and spoken word with Sadhana Dance.
Tango Pasion
October is Black History Month and as always The Hawth is celebrating in style. In fact this year we are starting early with a search for local performers at the Black History Month Talent Show in August. In honour of the World Cup the contest has a South African theme and winners will have the opportunity to perform at some of the main Black History Month events in the town this year. The Hawth’s Black History Month Celebrations include Island Life – An Evening of Diego Garcian Culture, Theatre Centre’s The Day The Waters Came, a play about the effects of Hurricane Katrina and of course the hugely popular Black History Month Celebration featuring a wealth of local talent as well as a performance from Baraka, who combine sounds from across Africa and the Caribbean to get audiences up and dancing!
All this plus much, much more including films, visual art exhibitions and fairs¬¬ are included in the brand new-look brochure, get a free copy by calling the Box Office on 01293 553636 or browse online at www.hawth.co.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 Thursday 26th November, the community of Crawley came together to see some of the most remarkable youngsters within our community receive awards and medals.
Organised by Crawley Borough Council in partnership with West Sussex Council for Voluntary Youth Service, Sussex Police, West Sussex County Council and Crawley School Sports Partnership, more than 400 under 25′s were recognised for the difference they’ve made to Crawley and its community.
Twelve outstanding young people received awards under four categories; Community, Sport, Art and Personal Achievement, all sponsored by local organisations, voluntary groups and businesses.
We had the pleasure of talking to three of the judges and sponsors. Martin Stone of Topsy Turvy, sponsor of the Dance and Drama Award, Jim Hayton of Crawley Metals Supplies, sponsor of the Visual Arts Award and Michael Langley, Deputy District Commander for West Sussex Fire & Rescue, sponsors of the Music Award. This is what they told Shelley…
Compared competantly by Kirk Campbell and Sophie Campbell, the night was full of emotion and pride, both from the parents of the nominees and winners, also from the awardees.
With great performances by Young-B, The Divas, Thomas Bennett Community College and Euphoric Dance.
Euphoric Dancers perform at the Youth Awards 2009
As we sat listening to the reasons why these young individuals were being rewarded, we felt quite humble in their presence.
Last years winner of the Laser Hub Music Award was Billy Delaney who performed at this years ceremony.
Daniel Horwood, from Bewbush, won the Sussex Police Courage Award. Daniel was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in October 2008, a few months before he was to sit his GCSE’s. Daniel, just seventeen, suffered countless blood transfusions, lumbar punctures, injections and various cocktails of drugs as his exams approached. Daniel even suffered a suspected stroke which left him paralysed for days. Through his pure determination and support from friends, family and school tutors, Daniel sat his exmas and passed with flying colours. He even got a standing ovasion at the school leaving party.
Other personal achievement awards were also given to Gilberto Silva and Charlotte Schillinger.
Gilberto’s autism and severe learning difficulties did not stop him achieving the highest possible exam marks for his age group at maths, winning the West Sussex Youth Service Education Award.
Charlotte is a dedicated member of the scouts who has been an inspiration to adults and children who have met her through the 2nd Ifield Scout Group. For this and many other achievements, she won the Apollo Group Inspiration Award.
Community
Lena Finch, who cares for her disabled mum, was honoured at the awards. Lena has been helping care for her Mum for ten years, taking more and more responsibility over this period. Lena is her Mum’s main carer.
Other community awards were won by Reniece Robinson and Luke May.
Reniece collected the Let’s FACE It Environment Award for her conservation work, which included helping launch a paper recycling scheme at her school.
Luke deservadly won the Crawley Young Persons Council Volunteer Award for his dedicated work at Dormans Youth Arts Centre.
Arts
Footloose were presented with the Topsy Turvy Dance and Drama Award
Footloose, a dance group for young people with learning disabilities won an arts award. Footloose creates high-quality contemporary dance which members then perform at venues around the south east. The group meets every week at Manor Green Primary School.
Awards organisers said Footloose members treat each other with respect and compassion and new members are always welcome.
Jamie Friday was awarded The West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service Music Award for his tireless support and help running music events whic then gave other performers the chance to perform. Jamie used to visit Dormans Youth Club as just another member but soon made his presence known as a helpful and resourceful individual.
Bewbush Youth Centre was awarded the Crawley Metal Supplies Visual Arts Award for its graffiti art project in Dorsten Square. Youngsters took part in a six-week project to design art for the boards around the old community centre and Dorsten pub, which has helped brighten the area during the current regeneration project.
Sports
At the young age of just ten, Jack has won more than 150 trophies. Jack, from Furnace Green, trains four times a week with the Crawley Black Belt Academy, helping train the young members as well as his own training.
Jack collected the Eezehaul Sports Person Award on crutches, having broken his foot falling off his bike. Jack has won a host of competitions and has been doing martial arts since the age of four, achieving a second dan black belt. Jack is also a member of Team Fusion, a group of Britain’s best young martial artists and dance performers.
At the awards, Jack was described as a “confident and well grounded” person and a “role model for others”.
The Freedom Leisure Sports Team Award was won by a group of talented young gymnasts.
Hawth Gymnastics Teamgym (junior) members gave up shopping trips and time with friends to train for thirteen hours a week and are ranked third in the country.
Tessa Stokes won the Crawley School Sports Partnership Sports Volunteer Award for her work with the young sports ambassador project.
FULL LIST OF NOMINEES
ARTS AWARDS
Aidan Daniel
Adison Austin
James Newman
Callum Johnston
Callum Thompson
Ali Mehmood
Michael Bennett
Shakim Salim
Anthony Brikell
Tegan-Rose Newman
Louise Carpenter
Adrienne Hall
Jamie Friday
Ginah Wamulo
Lucy Muyanga
Charlotte Chorley
Liam Jenkinson
Josh Martin
Lucy Dorkings
HSM ‘Oaks Edition’ Dance and Drama Club
Awa Sarr
Charlotte Wadmore
Sabreen Ibrahim
Footloose Dance Group
Thomas Bennett Free 2 Dance Company
Stages Performing Arts
Kirsty Ayling
Usman Aslam
Sumera Hussain
Kyranne Barrett
Nikesh McHugh
Rikesh McHugh
Clayton Lear
Reece Hanslow
Ky Harper
COMMUNITY AWARDS
Reniece Robinson
Ryan Dawson
Jonathan Harrold
Keiran Joseph
Lena Finch
Becky King
Dani King
Jodie Hutchinson-Purcell
Keiran Pledger
Ashley Pledger
Lisa Cooper
Maddie Smith
Josie Fryers
Charlotte Goswell
Amy Davis-Dwan
Laila Hussain
Rhea Kneafsey
Katie Cleary
Ali Mehmood
Pravin Sanasy
Luke Taylor
Jamie Friday
Michael Hobbs
Sapna Shah
George Bick
Jamie White
Kara Mason
Michael Murphy
Eloisa Gordon
Sana Ghafoor
Leslie Edwards
Kennedy Mutongerwa
Vicki Elston
Billy Delaney
Lewis Fletcher
Tariq Khawaja
Ant Heron
Paige Sayers
Zahid Akram Khan
Sarim Qamar
Adil Hussain
Luke May
George O’ Keefe
Lauren Thynne
Adam Wanstall
Leanne Woods
Daria Czekajska
Stuart Bayliss
Ellis Payne
Emily Bartlett
Alexandra Armstrong
Frank Alfoldi
Owen Lumley
Lisa Brackpool
Michael Bond
Ben Freer
Kelly Halifax
Jasraj Nothay
Erin Witton
Chibs Ngona
Ramone Walkes
Reema Nawaz
1st Northgate Brownies
1st Ifield Brownie Pack
Cnetral Sussex Students
7th Crawley Beavers
Love in a Box Team
New Wybourne Youth Club
SPORTS AWARDS
Elizabeth Eves
George Penfold
Rebecca Potteton
Billy Hatcher
Chris Brownlee
Ross Mist
Gavin Brownlee
Charlotte Poole
Grant Goode
Poppy Weekes
Kirsty McAleney
Hayley Wise
Harry Phelps
Nathan Amin
Lee Tilbury
Isobel Sutherland -Basson
Leanne Penn
Jack Foyster
Sanjay Amin
Marcus Jones
Yasmin Mills
Keanu Kellett
Tessa Stokes
Tyler Whale
Thomas Bennett Free 2 Dance Company
The Oaks Girls Football Club
Hawth Gymnastics Team Gym (Junior)
St Margarets Multi-Sports Squad
Maidenbower Junior Y6 Footbal Team
PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Allunay Bossoni Da Silva
Shazad Ali
Rafiullah Sharafyar
Sandrine Permal
Jema Assonne
Iiona Bartocha
Anam Ahmed
Waqas Akthar
Hassan Butt
Mohammed Mnili
Mariam Ahmed
Tom Parsons
Abigail Mott
Callum Macleod
Charlotte Schillinger
Danielle James
Jamie Friday
Zartaashia Khan
Stuart Bayliss
Sherri Devlin
Harry Ford
Nicole Thomas
Jade Carter
Joshua Arnold-Crews
Claire Arnold
Goerge Pollard
Daniel Horwood
James Foster
Luke Foster
Sian-Marie Keeping
Aazaz Rehman
Gilberto Junior de Sousa Silva
Leila Draude
Charlotte Devalmency
Lois Cook
Claire Anscomb
Nona Buckley-Irvine
Billy Delaney
Ramone Walkes
Ben Freer
Ant Heron
Paige Sayer
Erin Wilton
Tang Khawaja
James Sturkey
Liam Harris
Satheesan Nagendran
Ali Mehmood
Pammas Njie
Billy Delaney aka Young-B is about to follow in the steps of others by re-instating Crawley on the map.
Billy Delaney's Music Award Certificate, Nov '09
Billy became known to most of us last year when he won the Laserhub Music Award at the Youth Awards 2008.
Andrew Snowden presents Billy with his award
We asked Billy what incited him to become a singer. Billy told us his influence mainly came from his family who were always playing music around the house. His Mum and Dad influenced him with various flavours of artists. Billy’s Mum likes to listen to George Michael, Usher, 50 Cent and Akon whereas his Dad is into his Scar music such as Madness, The Specials and Bad Manners. “My Nan was also a massive influence on me and encouraged me to get involved with music at an early age. Nan was also the one who put me forward for the award, which I am eternally grateful for” said Billy, adding that his Nan passed away shortly after.
Billy went on to say he originally attended Thomas Bennett school in Tilgate but after a bullying incident which involved a sharp object he moved to Ifield Community College where the Head Master, Dr. Lind, was a tremendous help to him and his future. Billy said “Dr. Lind is a great Head who was always there for me. He was always encouraging and extremely supportive”. Billy said drama played a massive part in building his confidence, teaching him how to express himself. “I liked the happy positive side of drama and even played Fat Sam in the Bugsy Malone school production”.
Billy left school in 2007 and decided to apply for a place at Northbrook Music College. After successfully achieving BTEC first diploma in music in July 2008, Billy then went on to take his music career very seriously. Along with some college friends Billy performed at several gigs. By January they had all gone their seperate ways. Billy then met Chris Foster aka Mr Rampz who assisted Billy in preparing for his future. By the end of January, ’09 they had set down three tracks and are in the process of working on more.
In November, ’09 Billy won the LaserHub Music Award for his musical talents. Billy’s music passed on a positive message and vibes about knife crime prevention to the youth of Crawley. Billy told us knife crime was starting to become a prominent problem within Crawley at that time, so he felt compelled to do something positive through his music.
Young-B making his mark
We asked Billy what his plans for the future are now. Billy said “I have lots of plans for the future, but am taking it slowly. We here at Crawley Happy Times, would like to wish Billy all the best in his career. We will keep an eye on Billy’s progress and keep you up-to-date. Good luck Billy!
Award Winning 12-Piece Party Band London Soul will be bringing the house down at Bar Med, Crawley, with their classic mix of soul, rock, disco and funk.
Great looking Vocalists
With stunning vocalists and musicians from London’s West End, they are not to be missed!
If you cannot make the evening, but would love to see the band, they are also playing Crawley Band Stand on the 5th of September at 12PM to 2:30PM. Come along and support them!
Who, Where, When: London Soul – Bar Med, Crawley (100 High St), Saturday 5th September, 7.30PM. Drinks only £1.75 until 11PM!
A repertoire guaranteed to keep your wedding and function guests on their feet all night, featuring classic songs by
From brass to class
The Commitments, Blues Brothers, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Ricky Martin and Robbie Williams to name but a few. Formed in 1997, London Soul are one of the most respected show bands having performed at major venues all across the globe, including international award ceremonies, major global corporation functions and media covered celebrity events and weddings.
Playing timeless songs from every era right up to modern-day classics, London Soul caters for every age group and popular music genre as the hits keep coming all night.
London Soul’s Official Website is www.London-Soul.com but they can also be found on Facebook if you want to become a fan and find out what London Soul are up to!
More into Big Band Music, Frank Sinatra and The Rat Pack? Looking to book a Function Band? London Soul also provide ‘London Swing’ (www.London-Swing.com). London Swing are inspired by the music from classic swing and jazz artists such as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Sammy Davies Jr., alongside more modern artists such as Michael Bublé: all artists who reflect on a magic era, but with a modern twist.
Always pulling in a huge crowd
London Swing brings a touch of class to any event, while paying tribute to these timeless artists and songs. A truly unique band, playing unforgettable versions of all the classic songs, London Swing brings Las Vegas swing across the Atlantic and back through time to remember a golden age.
Rave reviews of performances include those published in ‘The Stage’: international entertainment newspaper;
“This 12-piece band blew a storm to start the second half. How rewarding to see so many talented young people playing real instruments. Superbly attired and exceptional visually, the four vocalists featured a great span of songs.. phenomenal stuff.”…
