Calling all under ten and under nine year olds!
Shelley interviews Saif Ahmed, Jacob Coward and Manager Paul Taylor about the Gatwick Colts Football Club and their requirements for some new recruits.
We would like to thank Jo Coward for inviting us down to meet the team 
Be the best with one year to go …
Celebrate one year to go until the London 2012 Games by organising an event for Open Weekend 2011.
The theme for the fourth Open Weekend is ‘showcasing your best’. Sport, art, dance, film, music, and heritage events can all be part of the nationwide Open Weekend activities from Friday July 22 to Sunday July 24, 2011.
West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy Deborah Urquhart said: “Last year thousands of people across West Sussex enjoyed taking part in events put on by many organisations including leisure centres, libraries, museums and galleries.
“Blue Touch Paper Carnival weaved its way around Horsham’s Sparks in the Park event, sports taster sessions at K2 Crawley and East Grinstead Leisure Centre introduced new people to different activities, and Chichester’s Pallant House Gallery opened its doors for free.
“I’m certain this year will be even bigger and better as enthusiasm grows across West Sussex with one year to go.”
Organisations are encouraged to get involved. If you’re putting on an event you need to register it with the London2012.com website by the end of June. Also please email info@westsussex-aheadofthegame.com so it can be added to the list of events that will be promoted across the county.
Supported by BP and launched in 2008 with the start of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad, more than a million people from around the UK have taken part in Open Weekend activities in the past three years.
On Friday 29th October the official opening of the Chase Fitness premises was a great success.
With many dignitaries and members, young and old attending, the room filled up with excitement at the opening for Chase Fitness.
Crawley Happy Times were invited down to help The Chase family and their staff celevrate this auspicious occasion.
We took some pictures for you to enjoy.
We wish Chase Fitness all the success for the future
Sussex County Women’s and Girls league
Under 13’s pre-seasons tournament, held at Oakwood FC – Sunday 29th August 2010
For the first tournament of this age group, we were in for a treat, with excitement right to the end. Including a tense final and a penalty shoot out to determine the best player of the tournament.
This eleven-a-side tournament is played on near full size pitches and each match lasts for 20 minutes, played one way. Five teams from the league join in to make the most of this pre-season opportunity. Oakwood playing in their usual red and black stripes were taking on today; Littlehampton Devils (yellow), Southdown (claret and blue), Eastbourne (royal blue) and Worthing (dark blue).
The tournament referees (Tony and Darren) kept the games in good order and ensured no foul play, there was not a yellow or red card in sight all day. Tony Vitler (Oakwood’s First team Goalkeepers coach and U18 manager) said that the spirit of the games had been friendly, competitive and had shown a good atmosphere on the pitch. Darren Kirkham – Oakwood’s U16 Manager said that it had been great fun.
First Round results;
5th Place – Eastbourne (2 points)
4th Place – Worthing (4 points)
3rd Place – Southdown (7 points -1 goal difference)
Finalists – Littlehampton and Oakwood both with 7 points and a +2 goal difference
Final Result;
Oakwood 2 (Taylor, Mia)
Littlehampton 0
Having enjoyed the friendly and laid back atmosphere of the first round, the final took on a more competitive feel. The time was now increased to a 30 minute match (two 15 minute halves) and it was being taken more seriously. There were some nerves in the fist 15 minute half and the teams pretty much cancelled each other out. Manager Trevor Warren took full advantage of the half time talk to motivate his young talented side.
The second half showed some great individual performances from Littlehampton, I picked out Brooke (number eight) who had a shot on target saved by the right foot of the Oakwood keeper and Tia (number twelve) who showed some promising skill and good strength. The breakthrough for Oakwood came against the run of play from the length of the pitch, with a great finish from Taylor (number two) with a second goal following from Mia (number nine) who had shown some great link up play with the promising forward Elise (number eleven).
Other notable individual performances came from Chloe (No6) for her motivation and awareness of other players, Casey (No 16) had been strong all tournament and saw her shot go over the bar and last but by no means least, a gutsy and mature performance from the keeper Hayley. A mention should also go to the two young girls (Sarah & Georgia) from the U11 side who happily stepped forward to fill the boots of the 2 girls who left early to attend another event. These youngsters were not fazed by marking girls a lot bigger than them, Georgia (number five) showed great commitment and courage. Oakwood dominated the second half and deserved to win. Littlehampton had played well all day but had run out of legs in the end.
The Player of the tournament trophies were awarded to Dominique (number fifteen) for Eastbourne and Tia (number twelve) Littlehampton as decided by a thrilling penalty shoot out, which saw Hayley (Oakwood) save two penalties, giving her some vital practice and a real confidence boost.
Neil Blackwell (Director) has been involved with the club for over 26 years and his commitment to his staff who give up their time is great to see. Neil speaks with pride about his club, saying that they have manage to expand the club to a First team, a reserve team, 12 boys teams and now the addition of 4 girls teams. In all there are over 180 girls and boys in the club of varying ages and skills.
Other dedicated staff are; Jamie, Chris and Jane helping with the food and refreshments, Jane in the bar and the coaching staff who help out on the lines and looking after the kids. The club has a great family atmosphere and the pitches and grounds are kept really well.
involved in some much needed corporate sponsorship, your help would be most welcome and would mean so much to all those involved.
Look out for their up and coming events which include a Halloween and fireworks night on 30th October and they are also planning a Veterans charity match which is more likely to be a chance for all those parents to show us what they have got!
Oakwood FC were great hosts today and made Crawley Happy Times feel very welcome, offering me quotes throughout the day to use, the best of these being from Mark the Oakwood U11 coach who said “Goalkeepers are born not made”. Well Hayley, you certainly showed us what you were made of today, keep up the great work.
The U13 girls at this club showed great commitment today; which is good to see, as this age group is prone to losing good players as their interest may wane. At Oakwood there is absolutely no evidence of this. The U13 girls’ season starts next Sunday.
Good luck from CHT.
Report and pictures by our sports correspondent Becs Mountjoy. Thank you Becs
Crawley Happy Times were invited down by Tricia Harding to witness the talent of Furngate Football Club.
Furngate Youth FC was founded in 1983 and has gone from strength to strength year on year. We spoke to Raj Dhiman, Club Chairman who told us they are a strong team with some potential professional talent coming up through the ranks. With children from the age of four right up to sixteen the club meets every Thursday at St Wilfreds School in Southgate.
Furngate Youth Football Club meet here every Thursday
Under 11′s play seven-a-side, over 11′s play eleven-a-side with the option of moving up to Mid Sussex or the Tanbridge Leagues. The Club offers support, training, structure and lots of fun for the young ones. The relationship between the coach and the children is very important so they stay with the same coach as they move up through the individual years.
From 4-16yrs, it's all in the game
Furngate Youth Football Club hold an annual football tournament. This years was last weekend. for your diary the next tournament is on the 2nd – 3rd July 2011.
Raj wants to thank Metro Cars for being their kit sponsor and Crawley Observer for being their main sponsor.
We would like to thank Raj Dhiman, Tricia Harding and their Vice President Norma Ayton for speaking to us.
Crawley Happy Times were invited down to meet the Topaz Baton Twirling Team at St Johns Church in Crawley to see what they are all about.
Jenny Johnson, Corps Director and Jodie O’Shaughnessy, Trainer, were there to greet us and introduce us to the team of baton twirlers. Jenny started baton twirling when she was just ten years old. Jenny went on to introduce her daughter to baton twirling when she was just three.
What is baton twirling?
Baton twirling is an international sport involving the movement of a metal rod while performing a rhythmic routine. The sport is enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels and is thought to have evolved from the practice of rifle twirling at army parades. Governed by two recognized organizations, the World Baton Twirling Federation and the World Twirling Association, twirlers can compete in various events at the World Championships and International Cup. Baton twirling is a recognized sport involving the balance and movement of a baton while performing a rhythmic, gymnastic-like routine.
SOURCE:
Who can attend the Topaz Baton Twirling Team classes?
Jenny told Crawley Happy Times “the class is open to everyone. There are no age restrictions. It is left down to the discretion of the parents, which also goes for any children with disabilities. We would like to get more boys involved to be honest. Our best twirler is a boy. We used to have about twenty five members but have diminished in members since Christmas. We would welcome anyone to come and try the class for free”. Jodie went on to say “Topaz Baton Twirling Team have represented England in the National for the last ten years. We are very proud of the standard of our baton twirlers and have members who travel to the classes from quite far afield”.
Laura Lambert let CHT finger puppet have a go at baton twirling
We spoke to the girls present. They were helping the younger ones with their practise and told us they enjoy the classess and love going to competitions. Laura Lambert told us “it has been a real boost for my confidence and I have made some great friends to”.
When and where are the classes held?
Classes are currently held at St Johns Church in Crawley’s town centre.
Mondays – Beginners Class 18.00 – 20.00
Sundays – Advanced Class 18.00 – 20.00
NOTE: The organisers are currently searching for a new venue with high ceilings (which is affordable). As much as they appreciate St John’s hospitality, they need a higher area. If you have any interest in helping please contact us directly and we will put you in touch with the organisers.
We would like to thank everyone for their hospitality, we were made most welcome.
We took some footage of the members practising and interviewed Jodie and Jenny. Thank you to the Laura Johnson, Rebecca Potterton and Laura Lambert for speaking to us.
Student’s from the Phoenix Schools of Martial Arts kick-box their way to 30K.
Local lad Anthony Clayton from Phoenix Schools of Martial Arts told us about their annual tournament which raised a massive £30,000 for The Royal Marsden Cancer Campaign.
Phoenix Martial Arts
During the day instructors took part in 120 one minute rounds, and students fought in 60 one minute rounds. There were 300 students who participated and 30 instructors, all of whom were supported by family and friends.
Stephen Brooks is the head of association and has been the main instigator in raising money. Stephen said “We are grateful to The Royal Marsden as most, if not all of us, have in some way been effected by cancer. Therefore, we quite literally fight for charity.”
The £30,000 raised is to be specifically used in developing the new Children’s and Young Person’s Centre at The Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton. This project aims to create enough money to build what could be Europe’s leading Cancer Centre for Children and Young People, and with a target of £15million this money is a big help to the cause.
However, this sum is only part of the money raised by the Martial Arts Schools. To date they have totalled around £140,000 for The Royal Marsden Cancer Campaign. This is a huge achievement and has been highly commended by the hospital’s Fundraising and Community Development Manager, Amanda Heaton.
Amanda said, “This wonderful association has raised a large sum of money, and I am amazed at their success. Everyone there should be very proud of themselves and I hope they had a great day. I am sincerely grateful to everyone who participated and to those who organised the tournaments. Long may this fundraising event continue.”
We at Crawley Happy Times feel extremely proud to have such an amazing group of individuals who come together as a team to raise such a large amount of money. Well done!
The Gladiators
Wow! What a brilliant day! For the third year in a row, the inflatable day at Southgate playing fields was a massive success. There was so much to do, it took us about 3 hours to get round and speak to everyone. First we were greeted by Sam Murray, Project Officer and Barbie Hartin, Manager of Waterlea Playground, where we purchased the bands for the children at an affordable £3 each. This included access to all of the inflatables and the Laser Storm.
The painted face
Then, as the children excitedly worked out what bit of fun to have first, we made our way to the face-painting tent where we found Michelle Matthews, Leanne Hussey, Denise Lyons and Gemma Brooks; all Play Workers, busy painting tiny, happy faces. The children were quickly transformed into tigers, butterflies, spider people and various other amazing creations. They were doing a great job considering the humidity of the day, which as any woman can confirm, can play havoc with the make-up.
This little butterfly was a bit shy
Great fun for the kids
Further along we encountered the under-6 play area. There were so many tubes, ball pits and various other toys to keep the toddlers busy, it was a great break for the parents to safely let the children go and play without any worry of harm, while they sat around the edge, relaxing. The colours in the play area were bright and vibrant, enticing the young ones and keeping them amused for hours. Of course, the area was capably supervised by Jane Bond and Lacey Wayman, also Play Workers. A great idea for those parents or child carers with children of various ages. Right next door to this fantastic set up they had a mini inflatable castle for the toddlers to enjoy and, take our word for it, they enjoyed it immensely! In the knowledge that the children were under the watchful eyes of Play Worker Robyn Walder, parents and carers could relax and enjoy the sunshine.Toddlers thoroughly enjoying the wonderful under 6 play area.
Toddlers enjoying the under 6 play area
Refreshments Required
It had become quite hot by this time, so we made our way over to the refreshment tent where we were greeted by Chris Morgan, Play Leader at Waterlea, and has done fantastic work with children of all ages for many years. Chris was ably by his staff, Ruby Baverstock and Kayleigh Ambrose. We had a lovely cup of coffee, made by Chris, which went down a treat. Thank you Chris.
Ruby assisting with the refreshments
Piroutte Performers
Pirouette Performers, a dance school in Crawley built soley by Michaela Dodgson, put on some brilliant free workshops and also offered free dance class vouchers, which enticed many of the young children to participate. We’re sure you would like to hear more about Michaela and her climb to success, so watch this space!
Connexions
Our friends from Connexions were the next on the visit schedule. Dedicated Youth Worker, Jo Bell, was present, but in her Mobile Co-Ordinator role this time. So many ‘hats’, and such a hard worker! Alongside Jo, we were introduced to Pat Wickes, Key Advisor & Guidance Worker who also manages the Connexions drop-in centre in the town. We didn’t dare ask either of these ladies what they did in their spare time, as we can’t imagine they have any! Both Jo and Pat were positioned in front of the Connexions bus; it was extremely impressive with its desk-like set-up and a little sofa seat to the rear. Jo told me the bus serves Crawley by travelling around and helping youths in the community with work, life and drug advice and support. It is a brilliant concept and we at Crawley Happy Times are very interested in speaking to Jo and Pat further about how Connexions assists our community. Again, watch this space.
Jo and Pat from Connexions
Revitalising Water
Relief was forthcoming from the humid weather we were experiencing (not that we’re complaining), as we encountered Anne Corbett handing out free water and apples, care of ASDA. Anne is a fresh face for Asda, having recently taken the position of Events Co-ordinator. Anne was made for this role as her friendly and happy approach made it easy to speak to her and accept one of her delicious bottles of water. Thank you Anne.
Newly appointed Anne from ASDA
I scream for ice-cream!
Even more relief was forthcoming when we bumped into Danny Ibrahim of Izzysices. Danny has been an ice-cream vendor for many years and was brilliant with the young ones, offering various sauces and competitive prices. The ice-cream cones were very generous and we enjoyed them immensely. Not only was Danny doing a wonderful job with the children, but was he also chose to donate a percentage of his takings to Crawley Borough Council, the holder of the event. It must have been extremely hot in his van too. Well done, Danny!
Danny serving delicious ice-cream
Happy but tired
Are you feeling slightly tired yet? We were, and we were only halfway around this amazing, entertaining event. For the duration of the event, there were children everywhere and not once did we hear any moans, groans or crying. Bliss!
Then we came across various bouncy inflatable objects including a huge bouncy slide mindfully watched by Mandy Martin, Play Worker, a bouncy inflatable basketball arena, supervised by young Tom Francis and then the inflatable gladiator arena, refereed by Ryan Ripley, another Play Worker.
Arty Work
Along the way, we once again had the pleasure of bumping into the Worshipful the Mayor Brenda Burgess who was getting her hands dirty, painting with the children. Mayor Burgess looked like she thoroughly enjoyed herself. We also met Nigel Sheehan, Head of Community Services for Crawley Borough Council and were chuffed when Nigel complimented us on the write-up we did for the opening of the new parkour and play area in Bewbush recently.
Mayor Brenda Burgess being artistic
Restriction the key to the next Beckham?
Later that day, we discoverd a strange-looking, round cage-like contraption which enclosed some young children running around inside with a football. We were intrigued by this, so approached a young lady leaning against the nearby van. Sarah Davis explained that the curious cage-contraption was in fact used for 2-on-2 football games. It has been invented to help children with control and discipline. Sarah and Paul Norcross, development officers for Nomad, a Christian organisation aiming to introduce Christianity to the young, were very passionate about what they did and explained how the various programs and activities they provide, including the football games, help children to learn. “Nomad is here to show youngsters there are people who really care about them if they need support” Said Sarah.
Good food fast, not fast food
Another generous contribution to the day came from a very clean and tidy mobile catering unit called The Healthy Appetite whose motto, in our eyes, is ingenious: “good food fast, not fast food”. David Lyons, owner of the catering unit, told us they were donating food to all the workers at the event, free of charge. This is a great way of showing thanks for their presence and earnings from the day. David and his assistant, Lee Gibbs, were non-stop as the food was lovely (so we are told: ‘we’ are on a diet). Thank you for all your hard work.
Great food served up fast
Making music
Amongst the laughter, joy and thrills from the youngsters enjoying the day, we were entertained by various local young bands. Unfortunately we did not get the names of all of them (although we recognised one of the bands from a charity event in Copthorne a couple of weeks ago; nice to see you guys again) but we did manage to pin down a band called Small Print.
Rick, Martyn and Tariq
Small Print consisted of Rich Franklin, (guitar and backing vocals), Martyn Wilson, (guitar and vocals), Keiran Giffen, (drums), Josh Franklin, (bass guitar), and, standing in for an absent member, Tariq Kajwaja, (guitar). Great sound guys – keep up the good work!
Mischief and Mayhem
You may not want to know which tent we visited next. Let’s just say you entered at your own risk. Mayhem comes to mind. Denise Lyons, who we met earlier in the face painting tent, stood in front of us, surrounded by young children with what can only be described as ‘yukky stuff’ all over them. We enquired as to the nature and name of this particular tent before entering, as it looked dangerous. Denise and her colleague, Kate Nulty, told me it was the ‘Messy Play’ tent. Well it certainly lived up to its name! We took a picture to prove we are not exaggerating and then swifly left before we got covered ourselves!
Getting active
Last, but not least, we had the climbing wall and ‘laser storm’ enclosure. Both pieces of equipment were brought to the event by a company called Altitude. Ben Williams and Jemma Askew told us that both the climbing wall and the laser storm (a huge, inflatable, enclosed arena on the hill) had been a great hit with all ages and that they had provided the equipment at a discount, to help the Council with costs. The Laser storm was being looked after by Zara Smith and Andy Green on the outside but we were not adventurous enough to go inside to meet anyone else (far too hot).
What the parents had to say
While we wondered around the mass of children, inflatables and contented looking parents we asked some what they thought of the day. This what they had to say:
Natasha Williams from Tilgate said “the kids are having a wonderful time. My youngest has had her face painted and the boys are having fun”
Janine Hicklin from Langley Green said “there is alot to do for the kids. It is great entertainment and I fell really confident letting the kids go off and play. We even bought a picnic”
Carla Lethbridge from Gossops Green said “it is a fantastic day and great value for money. There is no excuse not to bring the kids down”
Thank you
Mark and Tony looked after our safety
Our thanks goes to Beverly Gibbons for inviting us down to such a brilliant and well organised safe fun day and to all the Council workers who put so much time and effort into the event making it one of the best days out so far. We are sure everyone who attended this fabulous event are grateful to Mark Paffett and Tony Hawkins who work for Crawley Borough Council and were responsible for the maintenance and inspection on the day. Their presence did not go unnoticed or unappreciated. Also a big thank you to everyone who contributed to this write up and especially to Danny from Izzyices for the icecream and rasberry sauce. It was delicious!
Below you can watch the interview with the main organiser Kathryn Ripley, Community Development Officer for Crawley Borough. It comes in 2 parts due to technical difficulties
A series of free events are being held across West Sussex this July as part of the London 2012 Open Weekend – a three-day national celebration marking the countdown to the 2012 Games.
The Open Weekend takes place from Friday July 24 to Sunday July 26, giving everyone a chance to share in the countdown celebrations.
Events planned for West Sussex include leisure centre open days, family art workshops, and special events at museums, libraries and galleries.
There will also be the opportunity to meet Olympian and Paralympian athletes, including Sascha Kindred OBE, six times Paralympic Games gold medallist swimmer, and Mark Hawkins, a full-time athlete for the Great Britain Handball Team.
West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy, Deborah Urquhart, said: “Many organisations across West Sussex have signed up to organise events. The Open Weekend enables everyone to share in the excitement of the Games, be inspired, get involved, and try something new.”
One of the events being organised for West Sussex in the run-up to the Games is the ‘Blue Touch Paper’ Carnival, designed to be the most accessible, inclusive and friendly carnival experience ever seen.
The Carnival had the honour of being selected to be part of the London 2012 Open Weekend national launch in Trafalgar Square on June 23, with London 2012 Chairman Sebastian Coe.
For a list of events taking place in West Sussex over the Open Weekend click here…
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