On Thursday 25th July the people of Dorsten came for their annual visit to Crawley.
Crawley has been twinned with Dorsten in Germany since 1974 and over this time many strong friendships have built up.
Over the years, Crawley and Dorsten Twinning Associations have been creating new links and strengthening existing ones through cultural, social and educational exchange visits. In addition, a number of organisations based in both towns have arranged their own visits based on their own particular interests such as the Weald Choir.
Crawley Town Twinning Association is a voluntary organisation and they are always looking for new members to ensure that the links between the two towns continue to grow and thrive for future generations.
Anybody can become involved either as individuals, clubs, families or societies. Perhaps you belong to a club and would like to share ideas with your counterparts in Dorsten, perhaps you have a business and would like to sponsor an activity or maybe you’re keen to learn about German culture and learn the language.
We spoke to Ian, Marita and Mayor Carol Eade about the visit and their plans.
On the 11th March the Irish festivities started as it meant to go on…….in style. It was followed by St Patrick’s Day on the 17th March, closely followed by the Irish Parade on the 20th March.
The Ceili:
Craic or crack is a term for fun, entertainment, and enjoyable conversation, particularly prominent in Ireland. It is often used with the definite article – the craic. The word has an unusual history; the form craic was borrowed into Irish from the English crack in the mid-20th century, and the Irish spelling was then reborrowed into English. Under either spelling, the crack/craic has great cultural currency and significance in Ireland. <source: wikipedia>
St Patrick’s day & the Irish Parades:
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated by the Irish and Irish at Heart in big cities and small towns alike with parades, “wearing of the green,” music and songs, Irish food and drink, and activities for kids such as crafts, coloring and games. Its a time for fun. Some communities even go so far as to dye rivers or streams green! <source>
We took plenty of footage and pictures for you to enjoy. They tell the story for us
We would like to thank John Nolan and the CICS committee for all their hard work in organising these events. We would also like to thank everyone who came to enjoy these events and for the support shown.Special thanks goes to Carrie Anne Campbell for taking some amazing pictures and letting us use them on our site
Last Thursday Crawley Happy Times was invited down to the recently opened Cha Tea Room for a cup of tea and cake.
Pat Hollington, greeted us with a smile and politely showed us to a fine looking clean table and chairs where we sat comfortably.
This quaint, pretty room based in the George Hotel (to the left as you go in through the main doors and up a few steps) is just lovely. It holds a warm inviting atmosphere with great views out onto the High Street. The light streams in from the big windows filling the room, making it a perfect area to sit in with a good book whilst sipping hot tea and nibbling on a delicious cake. The menu also boasts of Bagels, croissants, gateauxs, paninis, toasted sandwiches and even beer and wine.
Crawley is missing a refined inexpensive peaceful area to relax in for a break from the hustle of the town. But no more! The Cha Tea Room fills this gap adequately. It makes a perfect addition to the George Hotels already well established services. Dating back to 1615 this former Coaching Inn, is steeped in history and character. The Cha Tea Room brings this character to life!
Pat told us Dawn, her daughter, runs the business but was unable to attend due to other commitments. Dawn was made redundent from Iceland leaving her at a loose end, when the owner of the George Hotel asked Pat if she knew anyone who might be looking to run a new venture. Pat instantly thought of Dawn and the rest is history. Along with Dawn’s father Marshall, who helps when he can, there is a real family feel to the business.
While we were visiting, we were joined by a couple who sat at another table to enjoy their first taste of the Cha Tea Room. They told us they thought is was a lovely concept with great service. The tea was hot and the cakes were delicious said the lady, adding, we will be back next week for sure.
Please show your support by visiting Dawn and Pat for tea at the Cha Team Room in the George Hotel. Any visit made in February will include a free cake with ever ‘pot for two’ bought. Please quote CHT3 when ordering and mention where you read about them
We end by thanking Dawn and Pat for their hospitality. We wish them all the best for the future and look forward to visiting again soon.
We interviewed Pat and spoke briefly to the couple visiting the Cha Tea Room
On Saturday 5th September 2009 Crawley Happy Times had the privilege of attending Bar Med in the High Street Crawley to watch London Soul perform. And what a performance it was. Drawing in a huge crowd London Soul rocked the evening with some fantastic cover versions.
Lead singer Kevin Chipol of London Soul
London Soul, a multi-award winning dynamic 12-piece soul, rock and pop band have played every major venue and have been established at the top of their trade for many years.
Comprising of a full brass section and female backing singers, London Soul play an excellent dancing repertoire guaranteed to keep you dancing all night. Featuring classic songs by The Commitments, Blues Brothers, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Ricky Martin and Robbie Williams to name a small few. The huge crowd attending Bar Med to watch London Soul perform thoroughly enjoyed the music, dancing the night away.
Most of the band are originally from Crawley. Kimberley, vocalist told us it was great performing in Crawley as they can have their friends and family come down to watch them. Some of the band are from London.
The Door Staff Bar Med
Bar Med came alive with the sound London Soul. With stunning vocals and brass instruments combined, made a sound that is truly unique and extremely entertaining. Sam, Manager of Bar Med told us it was wonderful to have London Soul perform at the venue. Sam went on to tell us they are being proactive in drawing good talent to Bar Med in Crawley, for the entertainment of the community. For further performance details, please visit their website. Bar Med is a fantastic venue compromising of a dance floor, stage and two bars with friendly efficient staff. A great venue for any band to perform.
London Soul, Bandstand, Crawley town centre
London Soul also performed during the day on the bandstand, in the town centre. Many shoppers stopped to listen and watch them in action. It’s great to see the bandstand being used on a weekly basis for the purpose of having such performances as London Soul. They were a great hit!
The technical team of London Soul
We look forward to keeping up-to-date with London Soul’s progress and would like to thank Kimberley and the rest of the band for inviting us down to experience such a great performance. We have no doubt this vibrant bunch of musicians and singers who make up London Soul will be very successful.
For all pictures please visit our facebook page here.
