Posts Tagged ‘Updates’

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Crawley Festival 18th June – 3rd July 2011

Wednesday, June 1st, 2011

The Crawley Festival is very much a community event offering over seventy events during 2 weeks, and is made possible through the tireless efforts of event organisers, sponsors and Management Committee.

Friday 1st July

MUSIC IN THE SQUARE BY LOCAL SCHOOLS

Queen’s Square

10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

A chance for Crawley’s schoolchildren to perform for you. Come along and be entertained.

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BABY RHYME TIME

Crawley Library

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. + 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

FREE

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YOUTH CAFE

Crawley Library

7:00 p.m.

Activities led by Youth Services.

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ANIMAL TRACKS AND SIGNS

Buchan Park Countryside Centre

9 p.m – 10:30 p.m

Get up close to rodents! We will be setting live traps to catch small mammals and learning how to look for animal signs. Please bring a torch and insect repellent.

£3 per person/group ticket (4 persons) £10 (Children must be accompanied by adults)

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Saturday 2nd July

CRAWLEY AND NORTH SUSSEX RAMBLERS

Crawley Railway Station

9:00 a.m.

8 mile walk. Cars to Limpsfield Common NT car park – Golf House Rd – LimpsfieldChart – Westerham Lunch – The High Chart – Moorhouse Bank – Limpsfield Common.

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CRAFT FAIR

Queen’s Square

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Come and see and buy local crafts, pottery, art etc.

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SATURDAY STORYTIME

Crawley Library

9:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Listen to a selection of stories and join in an activity.

Free

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BOOKSALE

St Peter’s Church, West Green

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Hundreds of second hand books, proceeds to Church funds.

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BABY RHYME TIME

Broadfield Library

10:30a.m. – 10:50 a.m.

FREE

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SUMMER FETE

Manor Green Schools, Lady Margaret Rd, Ifield

12 noon – 3 p.m.

The Friends of Manor Green present a Summer Fete, supporting Special Needs Children. There will be Live Music from Sound Investment Dance Band, Thomas Bennett African Drum Group, Children’s Fancy Dress, Inflatable Slide, Medieval Stocks, Crockery Smashing, Goff’s Park Miniature Train, Italian Ice Cream Trike, BBQ and much, much more. Come along and give the schools some much needed support.

Free Entry

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MAIN STAGE

Crawley Festival’s Finale Event


There will be live bands performing on the stage, street theatre, workshops and the Cultural Kitchen with cookery demonstrations and food tasting from different cultures including Portuguese, Polish, Afro-Caribbean and English

12:00 to 17:00  FREE

Crawley Memorial Gardens

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WEALD MUSIC SOCIETY

Hawth

7:30 p.m.

Weald Music 40th Anniversary, including Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana.

Tickets: Adult £14.00, Senior Citizens £10.00, School Age £6.00

Further details 01293 553636

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AMERICAN INDEPENDENTS

St Andrew’s Church, Furnace Green

7:30 p.m.

To celebrate American Independence Day in the new St Andrew’s Church Centre, welcoming the Ifield Community College Choir.

Tickets Adult – £12, Senior Citizen – £10, School Age – £6

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Sunday 3rd July

THREE BILLY GOATS GRUFF AND OTHER FURRY TALES

Hawth Studio

2 p.m.

Theatre of Widdershins

Suitable for ages 3 plus

What really happened between the wolf and his three porky friends? Why was Goldilocks wandering in the woods? How did the goats overcome a mighty troll?

Let the wonderful Theatre of Widdershins explain with the help of fun, laughter, some gorgeous puppets and a soundtrack that will stick in your head long after you’ve left the theatre.

Tickets: £6.50. Family of four: £24

Further details phone The Hawth – 01293 553636.

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EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE FESTIVAL

Painting Exhibition by Brambles Respite Care (MS Society)

20/06/10 – 03/07/10

Hawth Foyer and Upstairs

A collection of art works either donated by local artists or created by multiple sclerosis sufferers. All works are available for sale with proceeds going to support MS Society sponsored Respite Care

Admission: Free

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Crawley Bike Week

18thJune – 26th June

Sunday 26th June – Oriel School Maidenbower, 10.00

Crawley Family Bike Ride is part of Team Green Britain’s Bike week 2011.

More information and participant registration can be found at http://www.bikeweek.org.uk/event_search.php?pagemode=display&event_id=281

This free ride is for all riders, including children provided they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.

This will be a great opportunity to discover something of the local Cycling facilities in Crawley including part of the National Cycle Network, that you may not previously have been aware of, while visiting the National Trust at Nymans by your own steam.

Riders should arrive at Oriel school from 10.00am to register – registration is free. The ride will be lead by experienced CTC (CTC the National Cycle organisation) leaders and will follow parts of the National Cycle Route (NCR) 20. We will go on road via Furnace Green, Tilgate and Broadfield to Handcross and Nymans gardens. If the weather is good we will return along Parish Lane and off-road through Tilgate Forest (suitable for all bikes except road (racing) bikes).

The route should be lightly trafficked and suitable for all riders including inexperienced ones. We will travel at a very slow pace suitable for riders of all abilities and physical condition.

We aim to arrive at Nymans gardens around 12 noon.

The return ride will leave Nymans gardens at 1pm and aim to be back at Oriel school at approximately 3pm.

Bike Dr – Queens Square

Crawley Borough Council and Ahead Cycles are partnering up to offer a Bike Dr service in Queens Square Crawley. The Bike Dr stall will be located beside the Band Stand in Queen’s Square between 11:30am and 1:30pm on Monday 20th, Wednesday 22nd and Friday 24th June. Bring your bike for a free health check, then take it with your Dr Bike checklist to Ahead Cycles on The Broadway to get 10% discount on any recommended repairs and services!

Bike Buddies Scheme

During bike week we will have two Bike Buddy rides. These will start on Monday to Friday at 08.00 at Three Bridges station. One will go to Manor Royal and one to K2. If you would like to learn the best route to work and/or to gain confidence by riding with others then this is your opportunity! All welcome.

Further details Lucy Adams 01293 585350

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Call to save lives and the planet…at no cost!

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.

 

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Coffee Time for the curious at County Record Office

Monday, May 16th, 2011

Coffee Time for the curious at County Record Office

It was said, at one time, that a person could walk right across West Sussex going from one great estate to another.

Now anyone can find out more about the county’s great estates, from manorial accounts to servant’s photographs, at the County Record Office Coffee Time Session on Wednesday 1st June.

The Record Office, in Orchard Street, Chichester, holds the sessions on the first Wednesday of every month, from 10am – 12pm, for people wanting to learn more about family history from experts, in a relaxed atmosphere over a cup of tea or coffee.

Sessions so far have included learning how to read old handwriting and introducing computer sources for family historians. Future sessions include reading old school records and general advice for beginners.

West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for the Record Office, Deborah Urquhart, said: “Many West Sussex residents will have ancestors who lived or worked for one of the great estates in the county, such as Petworth, Goodwood or Cowdray.

“The estate records held at the Record Office may be a treasure trove of information on someone’s family history.”

There are records on servants who worked in the big houses, including wage books, which show how much they earned and how long they worked for.

There is also information on some of the major landlords, such as their accounts and bills from local and London shopkeepers, lists of charities they supported, and information on their tenants and workers.

Deborah said: “The records of the great estates are well kept and have a good survival rate, especially when the estate has been in the same family for centuries.

“The Record Office has a host of experts who will be on hand to help anyone with their research, giving advice and tips.”

Tickets are £7.50 and need to be booked in advance. Call the Record Office on 01243 753602 or email, records.office@westsussex.gov.uk

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Sensory Day for people with sight or hearing loss

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.

 

 

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Tributes to tenant stalwart

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.

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Committee to hear Three Bridges parking proposals

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.

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ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS SAFELY

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

 

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Calling organisations to help disabled young people ‘Access All Areas’

Tuesday, May 10th, 2011

Calling organisations to help disabled young people ‘Access All Areas’

West Sussex County Council is helping services ensure they offer facilities and activities to young people with disabilities.

A special event called ‘Access All Areas’ is being hosted by the County Council’s Short Breaks for Disabled Children Team on Thursday 26th May.

The team is interested in meeting organisations that can offer facilities for learning or physically disabled young people, and also for those with disabilities such as autism.

The event is aimed at organisations such as:

• Community services

• Specialist schools

• Arts and leisure services

• Horse riding schools and sports centres

• Libraries

• Uniformed youth services such as Brownies, Guides, Cubs, Scouts

• Activity centres

• Cinemas and theatres

• Clubs

The information morning will include workshops, information zones and grant funding packs.

Peter Evans, County Council Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “Organisations can find out what grants they can apply for to ensure our disabled young people are given the best opportunities in West Sussex.

“We want to provide funding to enable organisations to deliver experiences and short breaks for our children and young people.”

“The series of workshops and presentations on the day will give organisations the opportunity to talk to others that applied for grants last year and find out how they used their money and what was achieved with it.”

The event is being held at Hilton Avisford Park, Yapton Lane, (BN18 0LS), from 9.30am ending with a networking lunch at 1pm.

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The remarkable adventures of Irish explorer TOM CREAN

Tuesday, May 10th, 2011

The Celtic and Irish Cultural Society as part of Crawley Fleadh 2011 welcomes best selling author Michael Smith to Crawley Library to talk on the remarkable adventures of Irish explorer, Tom Crean.

This lecture, illustrated with many outstanding historic photographs, is based on Smith’s No 1 best-selling book An Unsung Hero, which has has sold almost 90,000 copies worldwide and resulted in a statue being erected in Tom Crean’s honour in Kerry, Guinness theming a TV advertisement on the explorer-turned publican and Crean’s story being taught in Irish schools for the first time.

Lecture on Tom Crean ‘The Ice Man’ at Crawley Library, Tuesday 24th May @ 19.30

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What does the Big Society mean to you?

Monday, May 9th, 2011

What does the Big Society mean to you?

What does the Big Society mean to you? West Sussex County Council would like to know and is launching an online survey to find out.

The survey is designed to find out about how people are already getting involved in their local communities and help the County Council understand what it could do to help.

County Council Leader, Louise Goldsmith, said: “Many people across the county are already rising to the challenge of the Big Society and playing an active role in deciding what their communities need and in many cases helping to deliver that service or role.

“We hope this survey will uncover many more examples of the Big Society in action and help us to look ahead to how we might help to expand the concept in every corner of the county.”

To take part in the survey visit the County Council website at www.westsussex.gov.uk/haveyoursay and click on the ‘live consultations’ link.

At the end of the survey people will be invited to join the County Council’s residents’ e-panel – an online group which regularly asks for opinions and views on a range of topics.

Louise added: “The e-panel is a great way for us to quickly and easily find out more about the views of our residents. By signing up you will be helping to shape the future of our county.”

Find out more about the e-panel and the Big Society by searching on the County Council website at www.westsussex.gov.uk

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SUSSEX FIREFIGHTERS SUPPORT GLOBAL ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN

Friday, May 6th, 2011

West and East Sussex Fire & Rescue Services will be hosting a high profile road safety day at the M23 Pease Pottage Services next Wednesday (May 11th).

This special event has been planned to support the official launch of the United Nations Decade of Road Safety Action on May 11th, which is being marked simultaneously by countries worldwide.

To show their support on launch day, Fire Services from around the UK will be staging their own road safety events at motorway service areas right across the country.

In 2010 in Sussex, 1726 road traffic collisions were recorded for occupational road users, of which 252 people were either killed or seriously injured. This figure alone represents 30% of the overall number of incidents recorded on the county’s roads last year where people suffered serious or life threatening injuries.

Firefighters from both West and East Sussex, alongside colleagues from the County Council’s Road Safety Team and Sussex Police, will be raising awareness of a range of road safety issues. They will also be promoting ‘COSTS’ – the Company Operator Safer Transport Scheme – which has been specifically developed to address the dangers faced by business drivers, including the effects of fatigue, exceeding designated business vehicle speed limits and the dangers of distraction through mobile phone use.

A crashed car display will give drivers a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of collisions and safety demonstrations will be given using the seatbelt sled. There will also be fire and rescue equipment displays, short road safety films, voluntary eyesight testing, as well as road safety professionals on hand to chat informally to drivers.

West Sussex Deputy District Commander for Crawley and Mid Sussex, Richard Davy, who has organised the Pease Pottage event, said:

“Unfortunately, firefighters often see first hand the devastating aftermath of road traffic collisions and this event is part of our continuing campaign to drive down the numbers of people losing their lives, often needlessly, on the county’s roads.

“It is also an opportunity to join Fire and Rescue Services around the UK in supporting an important global road safety campaign. The emphasis of the day is on education, not enforcement – so if, as a result of speaking to us or seeing the demonstration, people stop one bad driving habit or start one good one, then lives could well be saved.”

The road safety day will be held from 9am until 2pm. Public access to the motorway services will not be affected.

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A cold warning from Trading Standards

Friday, May 6th, 2011

A cold warning from Trading Standards

DESPITE the recent warm weather, West Sussex County Council Trading Standards Service is issuing a Cold Warning.

Pete Bradbury, County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “When the weather is warm, dodgy doorstep dealers and rogue traders traditionally step up their cold calling activities.

“We are more relaxed at home than in a shop where we have actually gone out to buy something – door to door traders frequently exploit this.

“Older people are often a particular target and can be very vulnerable. If you have elderly neighbours, relatives or friends please warn them to be careful, and keep an eye out for unexpected callers.”

Favourite cold calling products and services include:

• Mobility aids and products, including stair lifts, bath aids, scooters and buggies.

• Disability aids, including hearing aids.

• Home improvement, repair and maintenance services, including the construction of extensions, conservatories, driveways, patios and the supply and/or fitting of double-glazing.

• Gardening services.

• Personal items, including cosmetics, toiletries, jewellery.

• Household items, such as kitchenware, decorative and household cleaning items.

• Nutrition and health products.

Graeme MacPherson, Head of Trading Standards, said the service’s advice is:

• Never get involved with uninvited callers at your door – say ‘NO’.

• If the caller says they are from the Council or other public body, ask to see their authority and check it – they will be PLEASED to show it.

• If you should be subjected to threats or intimidation call the Police at once on 999.

• Seek advice from West Sussex County Council Trading Standards Service before agreeing to anything, if you are unsure of your position. Call consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.

Graeme added: “If you do enter into a contract in your home, in many instances you do have the right to cancel a contract for goods or services made during a visit by a trader.

“You should by law be given a cooling off period and cancellation notice.

“But the best advice is not to enter into a contract in the first place. Unless you are absolutely certain that it is right for you – SAY ‘NO’.

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Music To Our Ears – Music Service is ‘outstanding’

Thursday, May 5th, 2011

Music To Our Ears – Music Service is ‘outstanding’

West Sussex Music Serivce's County Youth Orchestra

West Sussex Music Service (WSMS) is singing from the rooftops after being rated ‘outstanding’ by the Federation of Music Services (FMS).

The FMS, which is a collection of 150 of the UK’s local education authority music services representing more than 500,000 pupils and 10,000 teachers, worked with Ofsted on the decision.

The two organisations agreed WSMS offers outstanding music education and music making opportunities for schools, young people and the West Sussex community.

West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Education and Schools, Peter Griffiths, said: “We are delighted with this accolade, showing what a great service WSMS is.

“The WSMS service is closely aligned to the local authority’s vision for education, providing high quality music and education for all children and young people in, and out of school.

“With 10 music centres around the county, children can learn a range of instruments from the popular guitar or drums to the more unusual gamelan or djembe.

“There are also regular rock workshops, where people can perform in a band, and samba drumming classes.”

There’s also good news for the WSMS County Youth Orchestra, which has been awarded a place for the first time at the National Festival of Music for Youth in Birmingham.

They will play at the Symphony Hall on Saturday July 9, after winning their place by performing three pieces of music, including ‘Music from Gladiators’ by Wessel.

The orchestra will also perform as part of Chichester Festivities on June 30 in Chichester Cathedral and will tour the Czech Republic in July.

WSMS is looking for local businesses to sponsor the orchestra and other music groups.

If you’re interested, contact Roger Crocker, roger.crocker@westsussex.gov.uk

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A29 closed at Bury Hill

Thursday, May 5th, 2011

A29 closed at Bury Hill

The A29 remains closed today following a three car collision at Bury Hill yesterday evening (May 4).

The road surface has been so badly damaged with oil, diesel and petrol that it now needs to be resurfaced. The work to resurface the road, paint new white lines and replace cat’s eyes is expected to take a few days. At this stage it is expected that the road will remain closed until Sunday 8th May.

Motorists are advised to follow the following diversion routes:

• Southbound traffic – divert onto A283 at Pulborough and then onto A24 at Washington.

• Northbound traffic – A27 to A280 and then A24.

Please note the B2139 (Storrington – Whiteways) is not suitable as a diversionary route for HGV traffic because of the restricted height at the Houghton railway bridge.

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Celebrating the best of West Sussex buildings

Wednesday, May 4th, 2011

Celebrating the best of West Sussex buildings

The 2011 West Sussex Design and Sustainability Awards have been launched, promoting and celebrating the construction and restoration of buildings and open spaces.

West Sussex County Council has run an awards scheme since 1978. In 2007 the categories changed to reflect the increasing need for construction to be sustainable, both in terms of materials and energy use.

The award categories are:

• The New Building Award: for new buildings that best show the principles of good design.

• The Sustainable Building Award: for buildings using the principles of sustainable design and which are designed to minimise their impact on the environment for the life of the building.

• The Restoration Award: for the best conversion or restoration of an existing structure which gives new economic life to a redundant or underused building or structure.

• The Public Realm Award: for the best landscaping around an individual building or group of buildings, a public open space, new public art or an example of a quality street scene design and layout.

County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy Deborah Urquhart said: “The awards celebrate the rich variety of new and restored buildings in our county.

“It’s a tough job for the judges to choose the winning nominations, taking into account many factors including whether it makes a positive contribution to the surroundings, and whether sustainable materials have been used.”

The deadline for entries is Friday 3rd June. For further details contact 01243 642119, e-mail designawards@westsussex.gov.uk , or visit the County Council website at www.westsussex.gov.uk/designawards, to enter online.

 

 

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Young bookworms celebrate National Walk to School Week

Wednesday, May 4th, 2011

Young bookworms celebrate National Walk to School Week

Around 50,000 West Sussex pupils will be hot footing it to lessons for National Walk to School Week (May 16-20).

The County Council’s Safer Routes to School (SRtS) and TravelWise teams are providing schools, nurseries and Children and Family Centres with a range of resources, competitions and activities to support their efforts.

Primary schools will receive classroom registers, stickers, leaflets and posters to help them take part in the event. Following the success of last year’s competition, this year there is a creative writing and drawing competition for pupils in years one to six. The winning design will be displayed in libraries across the county.

In partnership with the Library Service, Walk to School themed Library visits for some primary schools will also take place in the Littlehampton, Crawley and Worthing areas. Children will be encouraged to get the most out of their local Libraries as well as listen to stories about walking and cycling.

Every West Sussex pupil who takes part in Walk to School Week will receive a voucher for one free DVD loan at their local Library.

In secondary schools the County Council is joining forces with Living Streets, a national sustainable transport charity, to offer schools a campaign kit. Called ‘Free Your Feet’, it is an all school walking challenge designed to get students active on their journeys to and from school.

Lionel Barnard, Deputy Leader of the County Council with responsibility for Highways and Transport, said: “The Walk to School campaign is now in its 14th year in West Sussex and these activities, available to all of our students, help to raise awareness of the importance of road safety as well as the health, environmental and economic benefits of using sustainable modes of transport.

“The week highlights there are alternatives to car travel for the school run”.

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Road improvements in Crawley have started

Wednesday, May 4th, 2011

Road improvements in Crawley have started

Work to revamp pavements and junction refurbishment in two roads in Crawley has started (Tuesday May 3).

Traffic signals under the railway bridge in St Mary’s Drive are being refurbished to repair wiring and detection faults.

Part of Queensway will also have its paving slabs removed and replaced with new ones.

The West Sussex County Council schemes, totalling £31,000, is being carried out Monday to Friday from 7am to 5.30pm, and occasionally on Saturdays from 7am to 1pm.

The St Mary’s Drive scheme is scheduled to take up to two weeks to complete, weather permitting.

Temporary lane closures are in operation and the pavement will be closed in sections during the work. The road is also expected to be closed for one day next Monday (May 9), dependent on weather.

The Queensway scheme is scheduled to take up to five weeks to complete, weather permitting.

Disabled parking bays will be suspended where necessary during the work, but every effort will be made to keep them open as much as possible. Pedestrian access will be maintained.

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County Council guide to help people cope with bereavement

Wednesday, May 4th, 2011

County Council guide to help people cope with bereavement

A BEREAVEMENT Guide has been produced by West Sussex County Council’s Registration Service.

Pete Bradbury, the County Council Cabinet Member responsible for the Service, said: “The brochure has two principle aims. The first is to help people as they face probably one of the most stressful and sad times in their lives.

“The second is to provide helpful advice and information.”

The Guide covers:

• What to do when a person dies – where to go, who to contact, what action needs to be taken.

• Emotional help – the many organisations that can assist people to cope with grief.

• The work of the Coroner – including inquests.

• The scattering and interring of ashes.

• Roadside memorials and tributes.

• Leaving money to charity.

A comprehensive checklist details the many organisations people may need to contact to tell them about the death.

The Guide concludes with The Last Farewell, which focuses on music at funerals.

“Music can evoke powerful emotions and in recent years people have been keen to add a more modern twist to their funeral by requesting contemporary songs,” says the Guide.

The Guide is available at a range of venues, including Libraries, Help Points, Registration Offices, GPs surgeries, and related businesses. It can also be viewed on the County Council website: www.westsussex.gov.uk

 

 

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Cash savings, coffee and croissants

Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011

Cash savings, coffee and croissants

Sign up for a free breakfast networking event that can help you find out how your business can make savings by adopting sustainable business practices.

This year’s Sustainable Business Breakfast, on Friday May 20 from 8-10.30am at The Hawth, has a transport theme. The event is hosted by Crawley Borough Council’s Green Business Programme (GBP) and the West Sussex Sustainable Business Network.

The event will include short presentations from expert speakers on business travel planning and electric vehicles and hear from local businesses implementing sustainable travel strategies.

And with ample networking opportunity over coffee and croissants it’s a morning not to be missed.

The Green Business Programme will also be providing information, advice and support for local companies.

For more information and to reserve a place, contact Rowan Wallis on 01243 777348 or  sbp@westsussex.gov.uk or Dorinda Kealoha on 01293 438545 or gbp@crawley.gov.uk

 

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Have a ‘warm front’ this winter

Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011

Have a ‘warm front’ this winter

Funding is now available under the Warm Front Scheme for residents to apply for grants to help keep their homes warm this winter.

It might soon be summer, but residents can apply now for the scheme, which gives grants to install insulation and heating improvements to make homes more energy efficient.

The scheme now has a new set of criteria, to qualify a person must live in their own home or rent privately and the property must have a SAP rating of 55 or under (this will be assessed at the beginning of the technical survey).

The scheme offers heating and insulation improvements worth up to £3,500 (£6,000 for oil central heating and other technologies). As energy prices rise, installing insulation and other improvements can result in more affordable heating and save money on household bills.

To apply for a Warm Front grant or find out more, call freephone 0800 316 2814 or visit www.warmfront.co.uk.

Grants will be awarded on a first come, first served basis.

A householder or spouse must be in receipt of one of the following to apply for a grant:

Pension Credit:

• Guaranteed credit or

• Savings credit

Income Support or Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance and have any of the following:

• Has parental responsibility for a child under five-years-old who ordinarily resides with that person

• Child Tax Credit (which must include a disability or severe disability element for a child or young person)

• Disabled Child Premium

• Disability Premium (enhanced disability or severe disability element premium)

• Pensioner Premium (higher pensioner premium or enhanced pensioner premium)

Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) which includes a work related activity or support component and have any of the following:

• Has a parental responsibility for a child under five-years old who ordinarily resides with that person

• Child Tax Credit (which must include a disability or severe disability element for a child or young person)

• Disabled Child Premium

• Disability Premium (enhanced disability or severe disability element premium)

• Pensioner Premium (higher pensioner premium or enhanced pensioner premium)

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