Posts Tagged ‘Times’
Sunday, June 12th, 2011
An Olympic challenge for West Sussex
Inspirational people from West Sussex are being sought to help carry the Olympic torch in the relay across the country next year, in the run up to the London 2012 Olympics.
London 2012 is asking for nominations of individuals whose personal stories will inspire the millions of people watching the Olympic Torch Relay.
West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy Deborah Urquhart said: “London 2012 is looking for inspirational people to take part in the relay as torchbearers. We have many amazing people in West Sussex and I hope residents will take part and nominate their special person to join in this exciting event.”
The Olympic flame arrives in the UK on Friday 18th May 2012. The Olympic Torch Relay starts on Saturday 19th May 2012, and lasts for 70 days, finishing on Friday 27th July 2012.
The flame represents peace, unity and friendship and will be carried by 8,000 torchbearers during the relay.
To nominate someone, visit the website at www.london2012.com. Nominators will need to write up to 150 words explaining why they are nominating someone and why that person is so inspirational. Nominations close on Wednesday 29th June.
For the latest news on the London 2012 games and what’s happening in West Sussex, visit the West Sussex – Ahead of the Game website at www.westsussex-aheadofthegame.com.
Tags: An Olympic challenge for West Sussex, Chichester, Community, county, crawley borough council, crawley happy times, News Bulletins, Times, www.london2012.com, www.westsussex-aheadofthegame.com
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Friday, June 10th, 2011
Fantastic Mr Fox
Wed 3 August 6.30pm, Goffs Park
Following their highly acclaimed production of James and the Giant Peach last year, Illyria returns with an even bigger Dahl classic! All Mr Fox wants from life is to feed his family and farmers Boggis, Bunce and Bean have an ample supply of chickens, geese and ducks. But they are also the cruellest, meanest and most ruthless farmers you could ever meet, and they are determined to put a stop to Mr Fox once and for all.
Come with the family and bring a picnic along to enjoy before the show!
The Wind In The Willows
Sat 20 & Sun 21 August, Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sun 2.30pm, Amphitheatre
Crawley’s community theatre present Kenneth Grahame’s classic following the adventures of Mole, Ratty, Badger and of course, the jovial but big-headed Mr Toad!
A great family favourite performed in a woodland setting, bring along a picnic and thrill to tales of the river bank.
A Bird In Your Ear
Sat 24 September 2pm, Studio
A chance to enjoy stories you won’t find anywhere else – because each one has been born in the minds of children. Genies in teapots and hat-munching squirrels are just a few of the characters joining boys and girls on fantastical exploits, brought to life with puppetry, song, and opportunities to jump on stage and join in!
‘encapsulates everything that a child’s imagination should be… wondrous’ The Stage
Suitable for children aged 3 plus
The Way Back Home, Adam Carpenter as Boy, Charlotte Cooper as the Alien
The Way Back Home
Sun 2 October 2pm & 4.30pm, Studio
Award-winning author Oliver Jeffers’ intergalactic tale about a little boy seeking adventure.
Finding a plane in his cupboard, he takes it out for a go right away! He flies higher and higher until he lands on the moon. He’s lost and alone until a passing Martian lands. Can they really be friends? And how will they find their way home?
An exciting new production from the team behind the hit show Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! with original music produced by the composers of The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom.
Suitable for children aged 3 plus. Running time: 50 minutes
High School Rocks
Sun 9 October 3pm, Theatre
An amazing high energy, foot stomping show featuring all the hits from High School Musical, Hannah Montana, Camp Rock and Glee!
Join the superb cast on a rollercoaster ride of fun, the ultimate party to celebrate all of these awesome teen sensations in one fantastic night.
Don’t forget your dancing shoes and be prepared to rock out!
Suitable for ages 5 plus
Circle of Tales
Sat 22 October 11am & 2.30pm, Studio
One of UK’s most acclaimed puppet companies bring you a mythical African tale.
Nozindaba sets out to search for stories, asking friendly and fierce animals if they could help. After meeting many funny creatures she’s told by a wise elephant where to find the secret of wonderful tales…
Told with African and English language, puppets, video and the sweet, sweet sounds of live music played on traditional instruments.
Suitable for ages 4 plus. Running time: 50 minutes.
After the show, children are invited to play musical instruments, meet the puppets and chat.
BOX OFFICE: 01293 553636 ONLINE:WWW.HAWTH.CO.UK
Tags: Community, Crawley, crawley borough council, Family Fan at The Hawth, News Bulletins, Times, West Sussex
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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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Thursday, June 2nd, 2011
Online petitions
An online system for creating and taking part in petitions is now available on Crawley Borough Council’s website.
The council’s e-petitions service enables Crawley residents or anyone who works or studies in the town to create, view and manage the progress of petitions online.
E-petitions make the information available to a much wider audience, giving local people the opportunity to gather more names to support the e-petition.
A petition may gather signatures in both forms – you can have a paper version and an online version, although repeat signatures will be removed.
Councillor Duncan Crow, Deputy Leader of Crawley Borough Council, said: “We welcome petitions which can help inform debate and potentially result in changes that can have a positive impact on local people.
“It is also a good way to highlight an issue that matters to you where the council has responsibility or influence.
“This new online system is a simple and convenient way of bringing an issue to the attention of the council for it to consider and gives residents another way of letting us know their views, whether they support or object to something the council is doing.”
For more information visit www.crawley.gov.uk/petitions
Tags: children, county, Crawley, Information, News Bulletins, Online petitions, Times, www.crawley.gov.uk/petitions
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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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Friday, May 20th, 2011
Fostering Open Day in Crawley
West Sussex County Council urgently needs to recruit more foster carers in Crawley and surrounding areas because of the rising number of children needing foster care.
As part of Foster Care Fortnight (May 16 to 29), West Sussex County Council is holding a fostering drop-in session at Crawley Library on Saturday 28th May from 10am to 4pm as part of a recruitment drive to sign up more carers.
These informal sessions give people a chance to chat to existing foster carers, like Babs Bower, and members of the highly experienced team, to allay fears and answer any questions people may have about fostering.
Local foster carer, Babs says: “I’ve been a foster carer for under-fives and sibling groups for over 30 years and I still enjoy it. Over the years I have cared for over 100 children; each one of them have been individuals with their own particular needs.
You don’t have to be a certain age or type of person to foster but you do need to be firm, fair and have patience. You have to treat these children as special because they are.”
Cabinet Member for Children and Families, Peter Evans, said: “To provide the highest standard of care, West Sussex County Council does its very best to match West Sussex children needing care to West Sussex foster carers.
“Children thrive on familiarity so our approach also means children and young people who need care stay close to their school, friends, people and places they know.”
West Sussex County Council makes sure a full package of training and support is provided to all its foster carers to meet the needs of the children and young people they care for.
Anyone who’s interested in fostering West Sussex children and young people but cannot make the event can call the Fostering Recruitment Team on 01403 229333 or visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/fostering
Tags: children, CHT, crawley borough council, crawley happy times, Happy, Information, News Bulletins, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, Times, www.westsussex.gov.uk/fostering
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Thursday, May 19th, 2011
WANTED: Volunteers for library’s reading challenge
Read all about it – volunteers aged 13 to 25 years old are needed to help out at West Sussex County Council’s Library Service’s Summer Reading Challenge.
Volunteers will be asked to spare time during the challenge to help families register, choose and discuss books, and to award medals and certificates for children who complete the challenge.
The free annual Summer Reading Challenge, which runs from Saturday 16th July to Saturday 10th September, is aimed at 4 to 12 year olds who are asked to read up to six books from their local Library, winning awards at different stages. The theme this year is the circus.
All volunteers will get:
• full training and support for the work
• experience of working with children and families
• a chance to develop new skills such as organisation, communication and teamwork
• a certificate from Outset Youth Action showing the hours they have volunteered.
Deborah Urquhart, County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for Libraries, said: “Whether you can spare a few hours a week or a day, this is a great chance for young people to get involved in a community event and gain some skills.
“People could recommend books to the children that they used to read, and get involved in creating medals and badges.
“The Summer Reading Challenge is always a success, and brings children together as well as expanding their reading skills.”
To get involved, visit http://tinyurl.com/6yvyxr4 and click on the application form. Alternatively, visit your local Library for more details.
Tags: CHT, Community, county, crawley happy times, crawley library, Happy, Information, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, Times, WANTED: Volunteers for library’s reading challenge
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Wednesday, May 18th, 2011
A grand design for the restoration and conservation of Worth Park has been developed – and now it’s your chance to have your say.
A masterplan to return Worth Park in Pound Hill to its former glories has been created, showing new designs for tree planting, pathways and historic features in the park.
Crawley Borough Council wants feedback on the masterplan so interested residents and groups are invited to Ridley’s Court, Milton Mount Avenue on Wednesday 1st June from 2-8pm to view the plan and give comments.
Council staff and the project team will be on hand to talk through ideas and take feedback.
Councillor Lenny Walker, Cabinet member for Leisure and Culture, said: “This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in conserving one of Crawley’s lesser known, but historically significant, parks.
“I urge everyone with an interest in Crawley’s heritage and parks to have a look at the masterplan and give us feedback at this event.”
The masterplan has been developed following an initial grant from the Heritage Lottery Fun (HLF). The final version will form part of the important and nationally competitive round two application process. If successful, the council will win the £2 million grant needed to restore the park and encourage more people to use and enjoy it.
The bid follows consultation with more than 200 park users over the past few years, which identified a great strength of feeling and affection for the park. So far the majority of people listed the restoration of the Clock Tower, gardens, camellia walk, fountain and lake as their top priorities.
Worth Park covers eight hectares and consists of formal gardens, recreational parkland and a lake area, which is a site of nature conservation interest. It was originally a medieval deer park and formed part of the Forest of Worth, which stretched from Slaugham in the south to Worth in the north. The park hides the remnants of a high status late Victorian pleasure garden and landscape, constructed by James Pulham and Son.
For more information and directions to Ridley’s Court visit www.crawley.gov.uk/worthpark
Tags: Allan Hambly, children, CHT, county, crawley happy times, Help shape the future of Worth Park, Information, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, Times
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Tuesday, May 17th, 2011
Top Ten chart position for county Record Office
West Sussex Record Office has been rated among the Top Ten record offices in England and Wales. The annual assessment system, used by The National Archives, awarded four stars to West Sussex, which puts it in the top category.
The County Record Office beat the national average score of 65.5% with a resounding 81.5%. Assessors looked at the complete range of services offered by record offices. West Sussex scored particularly highly in the areas of preservation and conservation.
“The assessors’ verdict is really good news,” said Deborah Urquhart, Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy, who has responsibility for the Record Office.
“Many of our users often tell us that West Sussex Record Office provides an excellent service, and this national recognition proves they’re right.”
Tags: Crawley, crawley happy times, News Bulletins, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, Times, Top Ten chart position for county Record Office, West Sussex County Council
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Tuesday, May 17th, 2011
Call to save lives and the planet…at no cost!
Sussex St John Ambulance is urging local people to join a recycling scheme which enables them to do their bit to save lives and the planet at no cost to themselves.
By giving old mobile phones, inkjet, laser and toner cartridges to the Recycle 4 Charity scheme, people can turn unwanted items into much needed cash to support the vital work of the nation’s leading first aid charity.
It costs nothing to join the scheme, unwanted items are collected free of charge and people can keep track of exactly how much money their recycling efforts have generated for St John Ambulance.
Sussex St John Ambulance county fundraiser Jeanne Peterson explained: ‘Many people throw away these items simply because they don’t even realise recycling services for them exist.
‘We hope the fact that this kind of recycling can be used to support a really worthwhile cause will convince people it’s worth making the very little effort involved in backing the scheme. After all, no-one knows when they or someone they love might find themselves in an emergency situation where our first aid training could mean the difference between life and death.
‘It’s a win-win situation – waste is reduced, it’s good for the environment and we get badly needed donations to continue our vital work in local communities throughout Sussex.’
Anyone interested in joining the scheme can get more details and register at the Recycle 4 Charity web site: www.recycle4charity.co.uk/intelsignup.aspx?supporterid=C25268
Or contact Jeanne on 01273 371522 / email jeanne.peterson@sussex.sja.org.uk for more information.
Once registered, participants receive recycling bags and boxes with their unique supporter ID printed on them so they can log into the web site at any time to see how much money has been donated. Posters are also available to enable people to promote the scheme among colleagues, relatives and friends.
The bags and boxes are collected free of charge when they contain a minimum number of items.
All money raised will be used by Sussex St John Ambulance which relies on public donations to fund its voluntary work. The charity has more than 2,000 members in the county who provide first aid cover at hundreds of public events across each year.
For information on making a donation or becoming a volunteer please call 01273 371 500 or visit www.sja.org.uk/sussex.
Tags: Call to save lives and the planet...at no cost!, Crawley, crawley happy times, Information, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, Times, Updates, www.sja.org.uk/sussex
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Tuesday, May 17th, 2011
West Sussex businesses confirm need for faster broadband
Just 10 percent of West Sussex businesses feel their internet connection is fast enough for their current needs, a survey carried out by West Sussex County Council has shown.
A total of 621 businesses from across West Sussex took part in the survey, which was carried out earlier this year to understand business views on broadband and how it helps, or hinders their work.
The County Council’s been lobbying BT and internet service providers to help get faster broadband in West Sussex and tackle the ‘not spots’ where people are unable to get broadband at all.
Initial results from the business survey show:
• Just 10 percent of businesses feel their internet connection is fast enough for their current needs.
• A further 32 percent say their internet connection is just about acceptable.
• 80 percent of businesses say the internet is vital to them, with an additional 18 percent saying it is very useful.
• Businesses in rural areas suffer from poor broadband access in particular, with just five percent of those surveyed saying their internet is fast enough. This is compared to 21 percent located in urban areas who said their broadband speed was fast enough.
Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy Deborah Urquhart said: “The survey results show that the internet is vital for many businesses and that there is a lot to be done to ensure the network in West Sussex can meet all business needs.
“We want to help local businesses and the local economy to benefit from the opportunities a fast broadband connection can bring.”
The survey provides evidence for bids for funding, including from Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) – part of the Department for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, for investment in broadband improvements. West Sussex County Council has submitted a bid to BDUK for funding, and is expecting to hear whether the bid has been successful by the end of May.
A summit on broadband provision organised by Arundel and South Downs MP Nick Herbert, together with West Sussex County Council, takes place on Friday 20th May at County Hall, Chichester.
The survey results will be available over the next week on the County Council website at www.westsussex.gov.uk/broadband.
Tags: children, CHT, Community, County council, crawley happy times, News Bulletins, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, Times, West Sussex, West Sussex businesses confirm need for faster broadband, www.westsussex.gov.uk/broadband
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Monday, May 16th, 2011
Henry Smith has today welcomed the Home Secretary’s commitment to fight crime by slashing police bureaucracy. In a speech on Monday, Theresa May outlined a package of reforms which will save 2.5 million police hours a year – the equivalent of 1200 officer posts.
Henry said:
“These reforms will cut paperwork above all by restructuring the police’s performance review process, and simplifying crime recording. They will change the culture of policing by moving away from the tick box culture of today. This is a truly radical change with Government committing to trust the police to get on with their job.”
Although Labour promised to cut bureaucracy, the police saw more paperwork not less. The police were directed by Whitehall diktat and spent their time chasing centrally-defined targets, rather than responding to the needs of local communities. Despite record spending, bureaucracy and form-filling kept police behind desks. A report last year by the police inspectorate found that only eleven per cent of police officers were visible and available to the public at any time.
The Government is introducing a series of measures as part of their plan to fight crime:
• Slashing bureaucracy. The new package of reforms will save an estimated 2.5 million hours of police time, the equivalent of 1200 officer posts. Steps have already been taken to save up to an additional 800,000 hours of police time by scrapping the stop form and limiting stop and search reporting.
• Removing all targets. All Labour’s targets for the police have been scrapped and replaced with a sole emphasis on cutting crime.
• Providing transparent information. Street-level crime maps on police.uk provide accurate information so local communities can see how police are dealing with crime in their area.
Henry continued:
“This is a watershed moment for policing across Crawley and for our local officers who serve across Sussex and in other forces such as the Met. After years of rising paperwork, Government is taking effective steps to cut crime by tackling the bureaucracy that keeps the police behind desks, not out on the streets.
“Dealing with the paperwork from a simple burglary can require 1,000 process steps. Labour claim to support reducing bureaucracy but couldn’t even answer whether the police should spend more time on paperwork or patrol.
“Only this Government is prepared to trust the police to get on with their jobs – rather than tying them up in paperwork and red tape. That’s why I support the Home Secretary’s decision to scrap all police targets and instead set the police just one goal – to cut crime.”
Follow Henry daily on Facebook by visiting: www.facebook.com/henrysmithmp
Tags: CHT, Community, crawley happy times, Crawley MP Backs Frontline Police Officers, Henry Smith MP, Information, News Bulletins, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, Times
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Monday, May 16th, 2011
Key into computers with FREE courses for over 50s
Does the thought of ‘opening an attachment’ or forwarding an email scare you? If so, Silver Surfers’ Day could be for you.
To celebrate Silver Surfers’ Day, on Friday 20th May, West Sussex Library Service is holding free courses for those aged over 50, who feel they are being left behind by the computer generation but want to try.
There will be structured training sessions on the Friday at the following Libraries:
• Chichester – 9.15am – 11.15am
• Bognor Regis – 9.30am – 11.30am
• East Grinstead – 9.30am – 1pm
• Horsham – 10am – 12pm
• Willowhale – 2pm – 4pm
There will also be informal and drop-in sessions offered at Crawley, Goring, Littlehampton, Rustington and Worthing Libraries on the Friday and at Lancing Library on Wednesday 18th May, and Shoreham Library on Thursday 19th May. Ask in any of these Libraries for more details.
Trained staff will be there to help the surfers learn how to open an email account, send attachments, and give advice and tips on the best way to make use of the Internet.
Deborah Urquhart, County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for the Library Service, said: “Silver Surfers’ Day is aimed at showing a generation of would-be users, who may feel it’s too late to learn, that the world of the Internet is not scary.
“The Library Service has run courses like this before, with great success.
“For anyone who wants to begin surfing the World Wide Web, this is the perfect opportunity.”
To reserve a place, contact any of the Libraries listed above.
Tags: CHT, Community, Crawley, crawley happy times, Happy, Information, Key into computers with FREE courses for over 50s, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, Times, West Sussex, West Sussex County Council
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Monday, May 16th, 2011
Rainbow flag to fly at County Hall
THE multi-coloured Rainbow Flag, the international symbol of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community, will be flown at County Hall, Chichester, by West Sussex County Council for the first time on Tuesday May 17.
It will be marking IDAHO – International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia, which was founded in France seven years ago with the aim of creating a global community sharing the ideal of a world without homophobia.
Hundreds of associations in more than 50 countries have used the day to raise public and political awareness of LGBT rights.
It is held on May 17 because that is the anniversary of the World Health Organisation decision in 1990 to remove homosexuality from its list of mental disorders.
Louise Goldsmith, Leader of the County Council, said: “This was a historic step towards considering freedom of sexual orientation and gender identity as a fundamental basic human right.
“Flying the Rainbow Flag at County Hall is a highly visible demonstration of our continuing commitment to developing LGBT initiatives, tackling discrimination in the community and to eradicating homophobia and homophobic crime.
“We are also determined to tackle discrimination within the workplace and in those organisations that deliver services on our behalf.
Mike Coleman, Chairman of the County Council, said: “This commitment was acknowledged by the charity Stonewall, which campaigns and promotes equality for LGBT people. It said West Sussex County Council is one of the UK’s top 100 LGBT-friendly employers.”
Tags: CHT, Community, county, County council, crawley happy times, Happy, Henry Smith MP, Information, Rainbow flag to fly at County Hall, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, Times, West Sussex, West Sussex County Council
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Friday, May 13th, 2011
Sensory Day for people with sight or hearing loss
Find out more about sensory impairment and equipment that can help people with visual or hearing loss at a Sensory Day in Crawley this month.
The event takes place on Tuesday 24th May, from 10am to 3pm, at the Friary Hall, Haslett Avenue West, Crawley, RH10 1HR. It has been organised by 4SIGHT, the West Sussex Association for the Blind, and will be attended by the West Sussex County Council Sensory Services Team.
Admission is free. There will be information available, and displays and stands including:
• Equipment for visually impaired people such as talking clocks and watches, devices that bleep to prevent overfilling a cup, and frames to aid writing letters.
• Scanners to read documents and letters, together with demonstrations of computer aids.
• Equipment for people with hearing loss, such as flashing doorbells and listening devices (excluding hearing aids).
For further information contact 4SIGHT on 01243 828555, e-mail enquiries@4sightsussex.co.uk or visit the website at www.4sightsussex.co.uk.
Tags: Allan Hambly, children, County council, Crawley, crawley happy times, Sensory Day for people with sight or hearing loss, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, Times, Updates
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Thursday, May 12th, 2011
TD Shipley U12A Team looking to strengthen the team for next season.
They will move up to Under 13′s in the Sussex Sunday League Under 13′s season 2011/2012.
If you feel you are up for a challenge then call the team Manager Alan White on 07730 012216 or
email :- footballcoach1@02.co.uk or visit our club website www.tdshipleyyouth.co.uk
Ockley 6 a Side Tournament Sat 7th May 2011
Joel Mann, Jamie Gibson, Reece Hannah, Jack Butler, Jack Betchley, Daniel Boyle, Jaedon Paterson, Mason Docherty
TD Shipley Under 12a went to the first tournament of 2011, with a slowstart and losing the first match to hosts Ockley (2-1), the boys
qualified for the semi finals by pulling off wins against Dorking Saints (1-0) with a nicely taken penalty from Gibson and defeating
Steyning Strikers (4-1) with Boyle facing his old team and putting in a couple of neat goals, A 3-0 win in the semi’s against lower Beeding,
saw the TD Boys face Ockley in the final, Butler and Paterson facing their old team for the second time in The tournament saw a good start
with TD getting the ball on the ground and play the passing game that has proved successful all season, with the final whistle blowing at
4-0 saw TD bring home the first trophy of the season, great football from the boys with Reece Hannah getting a couple of nice goals for
his efforts after signing for TD Shipley late in the season.
Mid Sussex 6 a Side Tournament Sun 8th May 2011
Renarto Carvahlo, Jack Betchley, Ben Wilson, Jack Butler, Mason Docherty, Conner White, Charlie Nichols, Darren Helson
An early start on Sunday Morning saw TD Under 12a take on the whole of the Mid Sussex league for Under 12’s including 24
teams from Mid Sussex. With a good start in the group stages, with 5 wins out of 5, including the scalps of the League Champions
Southdown , the TD boys were up for giving any of the teams put in front of them a tough game, With TD’s confident football, and
opting for the passing game over long ball tactics that many of the other side’s go for, playing the early ball, saw off Denton &
South Heighton in the quarter final quite convincingly, Facing a semi final against the Cuckfield was a match that should have
been the final, but with TD going 1-0 down to a scrappy goal, and then a well taken 2nd, saw them dip out in the Semi final to the
eventual winners.
A great weekend of football and with the whole squad taking a major part in both tournaments, no special mentions as everyone involved
played a big part in the two tournaments.
Tags: Ben Wilson, Charlie Nichols, CHT, Community, Conner White, county, crawley happy times, Daniel Boyle, Darren Helson, Jack Betchley, Jack Butler, Jaedon Paterson, Jamie Gibson, Joel Mann, Mason Docherty, News Bulletins, Reece Hannah, Renarto Carvahlo, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, TD Shipley U12A Team looking to strengthen the team for next season, Times, West Sussex County Council, Youth
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Thursday, May 12th, 2011
The town’s brand new community hubs have been nominated for building excellence awards.
The Bewbush and Langley Green community centres which opened late last year have been nominated by the Local Authority Building Control (LABC) for the South East Region Building Excellence Awards.
The awards recognise excellence in the construction industry and the areas building control team, known as Sussex Building Control, are delighted to see the buildings nominated which are sustainable, modern and well designed.
Stephen Shorrocks, Building Control Manager at Sussex Building Control commented:
“It’s been great working with Crawley Council, West Sussex County Council, the architects and contractors. We’re so pleased to see these projects entered in to the regional awards scheme.
“In building control, public safety is paramount and a key consideration on schemes like these is the risk associated with fire. We worked closely with Crawley Council’s planning team, the clients, architects, contractors and the fire service to ensure that the means of escape and fire safety measures met the regulations.
“Crawley Borough Council was keen to ensure these buildings were as green as possible and we advised on all aspects of design and build relating to sustainability. Being recognised for our contribution to the success of the scheme is wonderful.”
Boasting a function hall, gym, café, youth area, voluntary services office and a neighbourhood police base, the Bewbush Centre in Dorsten Square also received an ‘Excellent’ BRE Environmental Assessment Method rating earlier this year.
And the Langley Green Centre which houses the Children and Family Centre and provides a much improved entrance to the Langley Green Primary School reached a ‘very good’ for the same assessment.
Councillor Lenny Walker, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture and lead member for the Bewbush regeneration project said: “This is more great news for the centres and well deserved. It’s fantastic to see everyone’s hard work recognised.”
Councillor Nigel Boxall, Cabinet member for Community Engagement and lead member for the Langley Green regeneration project added: “It’s brilliant! Both these centres are making a remarkable difference to their communities, offering a range of services which residents have told us they both need and want.”
The award ceremony takes place on Friday 10th June at The Copthorne Hotel and Resort, Effingham. For more information about the awards scheme visit www.labcawards.org or to find out more about building control please visit www.sussexbuildingcontrol.org
Tags: Allan Hambly, Building Control Manager, Chichester, children, CHT, Community, county, crawley borough council, Crawley community hubs nominated for Building Excellence Awards, crawley happy times, Happy, Local Authority Building Control (LABC) for the South East Region Building Excellence Awards., News Bulletins, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, Stephen Shorrocks, Times, West Sussex
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Wednesday, May 11th, 2011
Tributes to tenant stalwart
John Andrew
Crawley Borough Council pays tribute to John Andrew, a longstanding tenants’ representative, after he died on 22nd April.
John was heavily involved with Crawley Homes as a tenant representative. He played an active role in the Crawley Homes Forum and was its chair for the past four years.
He was involved in many other service panels during his years as an involved tenant from looking at the repairs service to the overall performance of Crawley Homes.
John, who lived in Ifield West, was a very popular person among the other involved tenants and council staff and played a large part in changes to resident involvement.
Over the past year John was one of the representatives who was involved with the Association of Retained Council Housing and will be missed by this national tenants group.
Councillor Lee Gilroy, Cabinet member for Housing, said: “I met John on many occasions. He worked tirelessly on lots of groups and forums and his input will be sorely missed by myself, council officers and his colleagues.
“John took his many representative roles seriously and his hard work and enthusiasm helped to create a better service for all of the council’s tenants.”
He played an active role in his community and was involved in other groups in the town, as well as sitting on the GP panel for his local surgery.
John’s funeral took place on Friday 6th May at Surrey and Sussex Crematorium.
Tags: Allan Hambly, Cabinet member for Housing, charity, children, CHT, Community, Councillor Lee Gilroy, county, Crawley, crawley borough council, crawley happy times, Crawley Homes Forum, Happy, Ifield West, Information, John Andrew, News Bulletins, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, Times, Tributes to tenant stalwart, Updates, West Sussex County Council
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Wednesday, May 11th, 2011
Committee to hear Three Bridges parking proposals
A REPORT on proposed amendments to the Three Bridges Controlled Parking Zone will be the headline issue at the next meeting of the East Crawley County Local Committee.
The Committee meeting will also include:
• A verbal update on a recent consultation on parking issues in Pound Hill.
• Requests for Community Initiative Funding, which is cash the Committee receives from West Sussex County Council to support local organisations that enhance their neighbourhoods.
• The ‘talk with us’ forum. “This is our regular forum that enables people to raise local issues they are concerned about,” said Committee Chairman Richard Burrett.
The meeting is being held on Tuesday 17th May in The Longley Room, Crawley Library, starting at 7pm.
Tags: Allan Hambly, Chichester, children, CHT, Committee to hear Three Bridges parking proposals, Community, county, crawley borough council, crawley happy times, crawley library, Happy, Information, Local, News Bulletins, Pound Hill, Richard Burrett, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, The Longley Room, Three Bridges Controlled Parking Zone, Times, Updates, West Sussex, West Sussex County Council
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Tuesday, May 10th, 2011
ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS SAFELY
The last few weeks of sunshine have been great for people getting out and about to make the most of the good weather but the recent wildfires across the countryside in Berkshire, Lancashire, Wales and Yorkshire, are a reminder of how important it is to take care when enjoying the great outdoors.
In the UK, fire statistics show that on average 74,000 fires are started on grass and heath land every year and While the Met Office is predicting some showers in coming weeks, the fine weather is set to continue for most.
With this in mind, Fire Minister, Bob Neill has issued some top tips on staying fire safe in the warm, dry weather, he said: “We’ve just seen the warmest April on record and despite the rain this weekend, the good weather is set to continue. So it’s important to stay fire-aware when out and about in the sun.
“Fires can be as devastating to wildlife and habitats as they are to people and property, and some simple steps, from taking care with your barbeque, to disposing of cigarettes and matches responsibly, can help ensure you can enjoy yourself in safety – a few moment’s thought could save lives and land.”
By following the Fire & Rescue Service’s common sense advice you can ensure people and the countryside stay safe from the effects of fire:
Wildfires
- be careful not to drop a match or smouldering cigarette in the countryside at any time of year. Dispose of cigarettes and matches carefully and responsibly
Open Fires
When camping in the countryside, if you must have an open fire, remember:
- camp fires should be set downwind
- do not leave fires unattended
- make sure that fires are fully extinguished after use
Grass and forest fires spread rapidly
- never throw cigarette ends out of a car window – they could start a fire and ruin surrounding countryside
- don’t leave bottles or glass in woodlands as sunlight shining through glass can start a fire. Take them home or put them in a waste or recycling bin.
Barbeques
- take care to follow any local rules about using barbeques in the countryside
- never leave a barbeque unattended
- take great care when disposing of the ashes
- always keep a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergencies
Fire safety advice is free and easy to access from West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s Community Safety Team on 01243 642879 or at www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire
Tags: 01243 642879, Allan Hambly, Berkshire, Bob Neill, Chichester, CHT, Community, county, County council, Crawley, crawley happy times, Deborah Urquhart, ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS SAFELY, Fire & Rescue Service, Fire Minister, Happy, Information, Lancashire, News Bulletins, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, Times, Updates, Wales and Yorkshire, West Sussex, West Sussex County Council, West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service's Community Safety Team, www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire
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