On Thursday 23rd September the Crawley Citizens Advice Bureau celebrated it’s first birthday.
Interview: Here you see Shelley talking to Julian, Advice Shop Manager and Sarah, Chief Executive Officer for Central Sussex Citizens Advice Shop Bureau. Then Shelley speaks to Deputy Leader of Crawley Borough Council Duncan Crow. Next is Henry Smith, MP and Deputy Mayor Carol Eade.
Pictures:
With the likes of Henry Smith, MP for Crawley, Deputy Mayor Carol Eade, Deputy Leader of Crawley Borough Council Duncan Crow, County Mall Manager Neil Carter, and many members of staff, the shop was filled to the brim.
On behalf of the community, Crawley Happy Times would like to thank the Crawley Citizens Advice Shop for all their hard work and advice which has helped over 6000 people over the last twelve months. Keep up the great work
On Saturday 20th February Shelley went along to the Running Club at K2 to see Iain Stevenson training in preperation for running three marathons over three consecutive weekends.
Iain Stevenson is preparing to run over 78 miles over three marathons
Who is Iain and why is he doing this?
Iain, 35 from Northgate had never run before, until last year when he ran the London Marathon to raise funds for research into a rare form of cancer. Sadly Iain and his wife lost their young son, Ben to this form of cancer in 2007. Ben was only two when he was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, an aggressive childhood cancer. Ben lost his struggle just after his third birthday. Unfortunately there is no funding available for the research into this devastating illness.
(L-R) Graham Eaton (Manager of the Running Club) and Iain Stevenson
What is Neuroblastoma?
Fewer than 100 children are diagnosed each year with neuroblastoma in the UK. Most children who get this cancer are younger than five years old. Neuroblastoma is the second most common solid tumour in childhood and makes up 8% of the total number of children’s cancers.
Neuroblastoma is a cancer of specialised nerve cells, called neural crest cells. These cells are involved in the development of the nervous system and other tissues.
Neuroblastoma can occur anywhere in the body, but it most often occurs in one of the adrenal glands in the abdomen (tummy). The adrenal glands are specialised glands which are found above the kidneys. They release hormones to maintain blood pressure, and enable us to respond to stress.
In some children, the neuroblastoma can occur in nerve tissue alongside the spinal cord in the neck, chest, abdomen or pelvis.
Source: – Macmillan
Iain (far left) in training at the Running Club at K2
What Iain has already accomplished and his future goals
Iain raised £5,500 by running the London marathon last year. His goal is to beat that this year by running marathons in Paris, Brighton and London on three consecutive weekends. This is a massive feat for anyone, especially someone who before last year had never run, let alone run a marathon. Iain told us a friend of his ran the London marathon to raise awareness on their behalf and when he went to support his friend and saw him running, he had an overwhelming urge to get involved, feeling it would be a great way to raise awareness and funds for such a worthy cause. Iain’s first marathon will be in Paris on the 11th April.
We hope the weather is this nice on all the marathon dates
We would like to wish Iain all the best and will keep you up-to-date with his progress. If you would like to support Iain, why not attend and cheer him on. Alternatively you can show your support by donating here.
VIDEO
Are you running any marathons? Please feel free to comment below.
During your time as a Crawley resident, have you ever, at some point in time, heard the words ‘Rotary Club’? And have you ever wondered ‘what do they do?’. We have.
Mascot and friend, donated to the Rotary by Laura Moffat when won in a competition
So, to answer this question Shelley met up with Geoff Williamson. Geoff has been involved with the Rotary Club for several years and has just finished a year as President. Shelley asked “what is the Rotary Club and what is it’s purpose?”. Geoff told Shelley ”the Rotary Club is a coalition of business individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Being a Rotary member gives experienced business people the chance to give something back to the community. We raise money for local charities and good causes like Open House, St Catherines and many others. It’s also an opportunity to help those less fortunate than us abroad. For instance, we are currently working on a campaign to assist in the vaccination of children in Africa and Asia, against the infection of polio. Polio is a crippling and sometimes fatal disease. All we are asking for is a donation of £1 which will help immunise five children against polio. We are very grateful to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for pledging to match the funds raised by Rotary worldwide for this campaign. This is just another great example of business’ working together with the community to raise funds for local or international aid.
Some of you may recognise Geoff from when he and many others dressed up and walked round the industrial estate to raise money for a local charity which was featured here…
It soon became apparent these words we had had heard about, ’Rotary Club’, stood for community engagement, support and aid. Their achievements are endless and that’s not even getting onto the subject of their fund raising efforts and events.
Geoff did mention to Shelley about membership saying they are currently open for new members. There are only two conditions, you are aged 18 or over and have at least two years business experience. If you are interested in having a chat or popping along to one of their meetings to get more of a feel for the club then please visit their site here for further details.
Have you ever been involved with Rotary Club or benefit from their great work? Are you a current member and want to express your view? Then please let us know by writing in the comments box below.
On Thursday 23rd July, Crawley Happy Times attended an awards ceremony at Oriel Youth Wing, with the expectation of a brief award-giving event, then home early for a cup of cocoa. How wrong were we!? On arrival, the youth wing was busting with excited children, proud parents and various youth workers. We were greeted by Jo Bell and Michaela Homewood, both youth workers. Jo and Michaela look after the youth wing and had obviously put a lot of effort and time into making the evening such a wonderful event. With 388 members of the youth wing, they are always very busy.
As the evening began, two young presenters, Kolbi Hayes and Stuart Bayliss, came on to the stage to welcome us all to this evening and to introduce the presenters. First up, we were treated to a fantastic slide show, put together by Callum Vitler (accompanied by music from Queen and Bob Sinclair), giving everyone in the room an insight into what the children had been up to during the year, with some wonderful clips of adventure holidays and day trips. They had been to London, Thorpe Park, Lodge Hill and Southwater Country Park to
Councillor Henry Smith speaking to the audience
name but a few, involving themselves in activities like basketball, dancing, football, paintball, first aid training days and many other activities, providing discipline, exercise and by the looks of it, plenty of fun! It really was a joy to watch the children of Oriel youth wing being so supportive, considerate and polite to one another. And, of course, they were being educated in so many different ways.
Next we were introduced to Henry Smith, Councillor for Maidenbower, who told us his last visit to the youth wing was back in June 2006. Henry congratulated the children and helpers on their achievements and then went on to compliment everyone involved in keeping the youth wing’s operation so successful; wishing them continuous success for the future. Henry awarded the Outstanding Contribution Award to Callum Vitler. We recommend keeping an eye on this young man. Something tells us he may be destined for great things!
Debbie Green then took the stage to present Darren Hollis with the Wishfish Inspirational Award. Another name to keep an eye on!
Next we had what can only be described as a masterful rendition of Michael Jackson’s ‘Smooth Criminal’, performed by young Charlie Mott. Charlie must have put an awful lot of practice and effort into this performance. We filmed it for you to enjoy too. Well done, Charlie.
Steve Hemmings volunteers his time to help with the music side of the youth wing and we had the pleasure of some examples from his ‘pupils’ showing off what they had learned under Steve’s guidance. In fact, the support from various adults/parents just clarifies: the more we help and support our children, the further they can go.
The words team work, respect, unity, helpfulness and many more great words came to mind throughout the evening. Especially when older teenagers, Jessi Gasson and Karl McCaughan demonstrated what they had achieved with 5 younger members: in just 6 weeks they had become spectacular dancers.
The names of these dancers are: Charlotte Mortlock, Sophie Nulty, Blaize Szantos, Chloe Martin and Louise Brooks. It was a brilliant demonstration of unity and teamwork and pretty good dancing!
It was a real feel good evening which we are extremely glad to have been part of. The youth of
More certificates being presented
Crawley do not always get a good writeup, but let me reassure you, the young children we met on Thursday were articulate, polite, considerate, positive, educated and well-presented.
On the subject of support, Sergeant Ben Websdale and Police Community Support Officer Lucy Hailes proudly attended, admiring the achievements of the children and the efforts of others, even joining in the festivities at the after-party.
Crawley Happy Times would like to thank Jo and Michaela and all the supporters and children for a wonderful evening. Special thanks go to Margaret, Michaela’s Mum, for the delicious spread she put on which was enjoyed by all, including myself
Members receive their First Aid certificates
We look forward to reporting on the awards of 2010!
Full list of award winners: -
TROPHIES/CERTIFICATES/THANKS LIST
YOUNG PEOPLE
YOUTH FORUM
Matt Sykes – Certificate
Josh Park – Certificate
Kieran Slater – Certificate
Sam Allen – Certificate
Jack Arnell – Certificate
Ed Brooks – Certificate
James Thompson – Certificate
Callum Vitler – Certificate
Kolbi Hayes – Certificate
JUNIOR VOLUNTEERS
Stuart Bayliss – Thanks
Callum Vitler – Thanks
Kolbi Hayes – Thanks
Calum Macleod – Thanks
John Currie – Thanks
Darren Hollis – Thanks
Satheesan Nagendran – Thanks
MUSIC MENTORING
John Currie – Certificate
Darren Hollis – Certificate
Lauren Meineck – Certificate
Mathieu Clay – Certificate
Tyler Green – Certificate
Tyler Green – Certificate
Sam Trumpeter – Certificate
Faith Butler – Certificate
William Stothart-Mason – Certificate
James Thompson – Certificate
James Hawes – Certificate
PEER MENTORING
Satheesan Nagendran – Certificate
Laura Fagan – Certificate
Stuart Bayliss – Certificate
Chelsea Hardwell – Certificate
Avalon Harris-Trussell – Certificate
Charlotte Pattenden – Certificate
David Fox – Certificate
Calum Macleod – Certificate
Dan Kordowski – Certificate
Faith Butler – Certificate
James Coupar – Certificate
Lee Jeffery – Certificate
Samah Malik – Certificate
Noel Reynolds – Certificate
Liam Tankard – Certificate
Matthew Vincent – Certificate
Stephen Whittingham – Certificate
James Thompson – Certificate
DANCERS
Karl McCaughan – Voucher as thanks
Jessie Gasson – Voucher as thanks
Chloe Martin – Certificate
Sophie Nulty – Certificate
Blaize Szantos – Certificate
Louise Brooks – Certificate
Charlotte Mortlock – Certificate
Charlie Mott – Certificate
TROPHIES
Outstanding Contribution Award – Callum Vitler
Wishfish Inspirational Award – Darren Hollis
ASDAN
Darren Hollis – Certificate
Callum Vitler – Certificate
Darren Hollis – Certificate
Charlotte Pattenden – Certificate
Avalon Harris-Trussell – Certificate
Stuart Bayliss – Certificate
Calum Macleod – Certificate
Satheesan Nagendran – Certificate
FIRST AID
Misty Harris-Trussell – Certificate
Chelsea Hardwell – Certificate
Callum Vitler – Certificate
Avalon Harris-Trussell – Certificate
Charlotte Pattenden – Certificate
D OF E SERVICE AWARD
Lauren Meineck – Certificate
John Currie – Certificate
A demonstration on the drumsJo Bell speaks of her pride for the members and the youth wing
Stuart Bayliss playing Ludovico Einaudi's Nefeli
Sgt Ben Websdale trying to catch up with the talent in the room
An innovative website is up and running, enabling people to select and compare care providers across West Sussex.
It ties in with the launch of the 2009/10 West Sussex Care Guide, giving information and advice on support and care services for adults across West Sussex.
The Guide is published jointly by West Sussex County Council and the West Sussex Forum, which represents and works on behalf of independent care providers across the county.
A new feature for this year is the Caringinfo.com (www.caringinfo.com) website, believed to be the first of its kind in the UK. It displays the Care Quality Commission overall star rating for each care home, and enables people to select and compare care providers on the basis of their rating.
The Care Guide and website contain information on the different types of care available and who may be eligible for help from the County Council. There are also details of carers support services across the county and information on self-directed support and how the scheme works.
Readers of the Care Guide can also find out more about various community services, including the Meals on Wheels service and the differences between residential and nursing home care.
The Care Guide contains a list of useful contacts and has listings for care homes across the county, banded together into the relevant locality, including how many places each home has and what type of care they provide. Registered care at home organisations are also listed geographically.
West Sussex County Council Leader Henry Smith said: “West Sussex is unique in publishing a care guide as a collaboration between the council and the independent sector. It’s an informative and important guide outlining all types of care available in West Sussex and how to access those services.”
Paul Renshaw, Chief Executive Officer of The West Sussex Forum, said: “Information and advice are the glue of a 21st century care system that seeks to function well and deliver choice and control to older and disabled people, their families and carers.
“Until now, those people in West Sussex who fund their own care or who do not meet the criteria for local authority support have been left to navigate the system without any professional input – often at a time of major change and considerable personal upheaval. Caringinfo and The West Sussex Care Guide are leading the way in helping people get the support and advice they need.”
For a copy of the care guide contact your Locality Office. You can also view the guide on the County Council website at www.westsussex.gov.uk or the Forum website at www.caringinfo.com.
