Posts Tagged ‘Updates’

Share your royal wedding snaps with the rest of West Sussex

Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011

Share your royal wedding snaps with the rest of West Sussex

Did you take a snapshot of your street festooned with flags on the day of the royal wedding? Or perhaps you photographed your neighbours toasting the bride and groom with a glass of bubbly?

You could share your pictures with the county and worldwide by e-mailing them to the photograph archive of West Sussex County Council Library Service.

It already holds more than 1.5m pictures of people, places and events in West Sussex from the 1850s to the present day. Many are street parties and events including Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887, VE Day in 1945 and Queen Elizabeth’s Silver Jubilee in 1977. The originals are housed at Worthing Library.

Deborah Urquhart, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for Libraries, urged residents to share their pictures electronically.

“If you took some great photos of royal wedding celebrations, you could share them with everyone by sending some to the Library Service,” she said.

“It’s a great chance to preserve images of West Sussex celebrating an historic day. Some pictures will be kept permanently, and also showcased on Flickr, the photo-sharing website, at the end of May.”

Anyone whose pictures are used by the Library Service, particularly in exhibitions, publications and websites, will be credited as the photographer.

E-mail ten of your best photos and a note of where they were taken, to County Local Studies Librarian, Martin Hayes, martin.hayes@westsussex.gov.uk or phone him with any queries on 01903 704811.

To look at some of the Library Service’s existing photos, visit

http://www.flickr.com/photos/westsussexpast/collections/

Composting – Give it a Grow, says West Sussex County Council

Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011

Composting – Give it a Grow, says West Sussex County Council

GARDENERS in West Sussex are being urged to ‘Give it a Grow’ during the 11th annual international Compost Awareness Week, which got underway on Sunday (May 1).

The call comes from West Sussex County Council, which is offering compost bins for as little as £2, and Better Tomorrows, the independent community interest company that aims to put the lid on the amount of rubbish that goes in the bin.

During 2011, the County Council is staging a series of composting events throughout West Sussex at farmers’ markets and food and gardening shows.

Their theme will be based on a ‘Pass It On’ concept, which aims to revive community spirit and encourage those already composting or growing their own vegetables to pass on their knowledge and skills to friends, family and neighbours.

Deborah Urquhart, County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy, said: “UK households in England throw away around four million tonnes of waste every year that could have been composted.

“More than 30% of the average household bin can be composted. One third of householders already compost at home, but we want others to get involved.

“Home composting organic waste materials helps to significantly reduce carbon emissions and can also be used as an effective and sustainable waste management method to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.

“That’s why we’re saying to gardeners – ‘Give it a Grow’.”

For those interested in home composting, now is the perfect time to get started. Householders can purchase home compost bins for as little as £2 for a 220 litre model and £18 for the larger 330 litre version plus delivery (until stocks last).

For further information about these products, please call:0844 571 4444. You can also order your home composters and composting accessories online, just visit www.getcomposting.com

 

 

Inside Out Festival

Sunday, May 1st, 2011

Inside Out Festival

Sports clubs, dance and drama and special interest groups will be showcasing their talents at the third annual Inside Out Festival on Sunday 12th June.

The clubs and groups, who all use Crawley Borough Council’s community facilities – including community centres, Tilgate Forest recreation huts and sports pitches – will be demonstrating what they do and looking to recruit new members at the event in Queens Square from 10am-4pm.

Music, sports, dance, martial arts, drama and many special interest groups will make this year’s event colourful, fun, exciting and entertaining.

There’s something for everyone, whatever your age or interests. Groups attending include Crawley Divers, Crawley Astronomical Society, Crawley Keyboard Club, Crawley Interfaith Network, Brazilian Soccer Schools, Dynamic Adventures, Egyptian Belly Dance, Crawley Horticultural Society, Crawley Judo Club, Worth Croquet Club, NCT Bumps and Babes, Tiny Treasures and much, much more.

Groups will show off what they have to offer potential new members at the event while some will also demonstrate in front of the Bandstand.

Crawley Farmers’ Market will be in Queens Square on the same day bringing two lively events into the town centre.

Councillor Lenny Walker, Cabinet member for Leisure and Culture, said: “The Inside Out Festival brings a carnival atmosphere to the town centre and continues to grow in popularity.

“This year will be better than ever with more groups attending to show off what they do and attracting new members. If you have a hobby, or think it’s time to try something new, head to Queens Square on June 12th.”

Next year the Inside Out Festival will form the opening event for Crawley’s week-long celebration of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

For more information visit www.crawley.gov.uk/inmotion

 

 

Crawley MP Applauds Tesco’s Contributions To Local Schools & Clubs

Thursday, April 28th, 2011

Henry Smith today welcomed news that Tesco has invested £30,849 worth of ‘Tesco for Schools and Clubs’ equipment into local schools and clubs over the last year.

Henry said:

“Crawley is in the top fifty places nationally in which Tesco has invested the most into.

“I want to congratulate the community-minded spirit of locals for collecting so many vouchers at the till and to thank Tesco for the scheme. Over a million were collected last year, and I would encourage people to keep it up this year until the deadline on May 8th. So if they’re hanging around the house or kicking around the car then now’s the time to drop them off at your participating school or club!”

Tesco’s Government Affairs Director, Ben Coates, told Henry:

“For the first time, we are encouraging customers to choose a local school or club to receive their spare vouchers, by setting ‘postboxes’ in Community Champion stores.  We hope this will contribute to even more equipment being distributed than the 440,000 items worth £9.3 million we gave nationally in 2011.”

Follow Henry daily via: www.facebook.com/henrysmithmp

For More info Click Here…

 

Relaunch of Talk Broadfield

Wednesday, April 27th, 2011

Relaunch of Talk Broadfield

Talk Broadfield is your chance to have your say on things that matter to you in your neighbourhood.

The next Talk Broadfield community meeting takes place on Tuesday 17th May  at 8pm at Broadfield Youth and Community Centre. Come along, have your say and make your suggestions.

Talk Broadfield is a group of local residents that discuss the issues that matter to the people of Broadfield.

On 17th  May  the Morrisons’ store manager will be there to talk to residents about the issue of shopping trolleys.

In addition, Crawley Borough Council officers will speak with residents about the possibilities for organising community planting and litter-picking events to assist the local environment.

There will also be an opportunity to hear an update from the Neighbourhood Policing Team about issues in Broadfield.

If you have any questions about Talk Broadfield or would like any information on becoming more involved in your community please contact John Dale on 01293 438412 or email john.dale@crawley.gov.uk

 

 

FIRE KILLS CAMPAIGN MAKES ITSELF HEARD

Wednesday, April 27th, 2011

FIRE KILLS CAMPAIGN MAKES ITSELF HEARD


West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service reaches out to deaf and hard of hearing communities this Deaf Awareness Week (2nd -8th May) to ensure they have effective smoke alarms.

An estimated one million adults in the UK are unable to hear an ordinary smoke alarm because of hearing difficulties or removal of a hearing aid at night. As part of the UK Council on Deafness’Deaf Awareness Week, West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is reminding local residents of the importance of fitting and testing appropriate smoke alarms to alert them to a fire in their home.

A whole range of alarms designed specifically for the hard of hearing, from strobe lighting and vibrating alarms to small wearable radio linked pagers. These specialist alarms can save lives, alerting residents to a fire in the home even if an individual has taken their hearing aid out at night.

British Standard BS5446-3:2005, which was amended in 2007, specifies smoke alarm kits for deaf and hard of hearing people. Products made to this standard give deaf people assurance of quality smoke alarms designed to meet their needs.

Community Risk Manager, Kathy Burke says, “It is vital that people who are deaf or hard of hearing ensure they have the right smoke alarm technology in their home to protect them, and that they test them weekly, to make sure they work!”

Many people with hearing loss could be at serious risk if they don’t have the right alarm in place. A specialist alarm system provides valuable time to escape from a house blaze, and without it lives could be lost.

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is passing on vital fire safety information by linking up with the local Action for Deafness organisation. Firefighters from Shoreham will be on hand from 11am – 3pm, Tuesday through to Friday at the Action for Deafness Centre, Rowlands Road, Worthing where they will be on hand to give advice and tips on smoke alarms, fire safety in the home and Home Fire Safety Checks for the elderly and vulnerable.

Firefighters from Haywards Heath are hosting a similar event at the Action for Deafness centre, Hazlegrove Road, Haywards Heath to talk the local community about any safety concerns they may have and offer on the spot practical advice.

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

 

 

New and improved website for West Sussex young people launched

Wednesday, April 27th, 2011

The place for young people in West Sussex to find out what’s happening in the county has been improved.

The YourSpace West Sussex website has a fresh new look and is now easier to use and provides a single point of contact for services and information for young people, from careers advice and job searches (in partnership with Connexions), to bullying, sexual and health guidance and support, as well as things to do in the county and lists of youth clubs.

Volunteering opportunities are also highlighted on the website. Volunteering looks good on a CV, and can help young people stand out from the crowd when job hunting.

Bloggers and those who want to have their say on issues affecting their communities can do so, on YourSpace. Plus everything young people need to know about the West Sussex Youth Cabinet can be found at the click of a mouse.

The new ‘find’ function allows users to search the whole site in a quick and easy way. Searches can also be refined, making it even easier to find the information needed.

There are also ‘under 18s’ and ‘over 18s’ sections of the website, tailored to the needs of those age groups.

Peter Evans, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “Our flagship young people’s website is now even better for its users and has everything they need to know about what’s on offer to them in West Sussex.

“The new and improved features come after extensive consultation with young people themselves, asking them what they wanted to see on the website.

“Even the colours of the new website were chosen by young people as they didn’t like the old ones. They were kept involved as the website was developed.”

Visit the website at www.yourspacewestsussex.co.uk

It’s William and Cake….

Wednesday, April 27th, 2011

It’s William and Cake….

It will be the icing on the cake for West Sussex Meals on Wheels users as part of celebrations for the Royal Wedding.

On Thursday 28th April, the day before the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton, West Sussex County Council’s Meals on Wheels Service will be adding a free piece of wedding cake to the menu.

It will go out as an extra item to everyone who receives a meal on that day and will be supplied by the Meals on Wheels food providers Apetito and Nibbles.

The Service has a wide range of meals on offer, from hot cooked meals to salads and desserts. Meals can be delivered frozen as well, to enable residents to stock up their freezer.

County Council Cabinet Member for Adults’ Services, Peter Catchpole, said: “The Royal Wedding will be a wonderful occasion and this is a great chance for some of our residents to celebrate it.

“There are many reasons why someone may want to take up our Meals on Wheels Service. They may be less able to cook their own meals, or have just come out of hospital.”

The Service is delivered by the WRVS across the county and can also include dietary needs such as diabetic, lower fat, gluten free, reduced salts and pureed meals and desserts.

There’s also an afternoon tea service providing sandwiches and homemade cakes.

An assessment from your doctor is not needed to apply for Meals on Wheels and people can contact the service direct. Contact your local Meals on Wheels kitchen or visit the County Council website, www.westsussex.gov.uk

 

 

New highways contract for West Sussex

Wednesday, April 27th, 2011

New highways contract for West Sussex

West Sussex County Council has selected Balfour Beatty to deliver the maintenance and improvement contract for the County’s highways.

The contract will start on July 1, 2011 and replaces a contract that has been carried out by May Gurney for the last five years.

The new five-year contract will cover the majority of the council’s work in maintaining and improving the highway. Based on existing budgets it is estimated to be worth around £30m per annum.

Balfour Beatty has been appointed following a competitive tendering process, and will work with the County Council’s Highways service under the identity of ‘West Sussex Highways’.

Lionel Barnard, Deputy Leader of the County Council with responsibility for Highways and Transport said: “The County Council looks after 2,500 miles of public roads which people rely on every day so this is an important contract.

“We have been very impressed with Balfour Beatty’s approach. They have demonstrated a very good understanding of what we want to achieve with regard to maintaining and improving the roads, footways and other highway assets whilst delivering efficiencies, savings and an ambition to improve customer satisfaction.”

Balfour Beatty is a world-class infrastructure services business, operating across the infrastructure lifecycle with four market-leading businesses in professional services, construction services, support services and infrastructure investments.

Terry Woodhouse, Managing Director, Local Authority Business, Balfour Beatty, said: “We are delighted to be selected as the highway maintenance partner for West Sussex County Council. The Authority has an excellent reputation for managing and maintaining its highway network, and delivering high quality customer services.

“We are extremely excited about working alongside the Council and are dedicated to delivering an effective, efficient, sustainable and customer focused highways service for the county.”

Free Family Bike Ride

Tuesday, April 26th, 2011

Free Family Bike Ride

This year’s Crawley Family Bike Ride takes place on Sunday 26th June – and includes free entrance to Nymans Gardens, owned by the National Trust.The annual ride is from Oriel High School in Maidenbower to Nymans Gardens in Handcross and back. Registration starts at 10am and the ride is suitable for all ages and abilities, although children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

The route, which follows National Cycle Route 20, is:

• Under the railway line to Furnace Green

• Through Tilgate to the Broadfield Stadium/Thomas Bennett roundabout

• Under the subway to Broadfield

• Up the hill to Pease Pottage

• Short stretch to Handcross

The ride is led by experienced cyclists. There is usually light traffic on the route and a slow pace ensures everyone can keep up.

Arrival at Nymans Gardens should be at about 12 noon. All riders will be granted free access to the gardens. The return ride starts at about 1pm with arrival back at Oriel High School at approximately 3pm.

For more information visit www.crawley.gov.uk/cycling or www.horshamandcrawleyctc.org.uk

West Sussex residents plan a right royal knees up

Tuesday, April 26th, 2011

West Sussex residents plan a right royal knees up

Hundreds of West Sussex residents will be celebrating the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton with a traditional street party.

The County Council has announced that a grand total of 113 royal wedding street parties are planned in West Sussex for 29th April.

Deputy Leader of the County Council Lionel Barnard, who has responsibility for Highways and Transport, said: “We are delighted to see so many parties planned and have been pleased to help residents plan important aspects such as road closures to ensure the day runs smoothly.

“Street parties are a traditional way of celebrating events such as this and I hope the day will bring many communities together for a fun and memorable day.”

People living with dementia have their say at National event

Tuesday, April 26th, 2011

People living with dementia have their say at National event

Local people living with dementia and their carers gave their views on what they ‘HOPED’ for from their local care homes and care staff at a recent event.

They were from the local group HOPE (Hope of People of Experience), funded by West Sussex County Council to help develop the learning and training of social care staff and students in the county.

They spoke at the conference, called ‘Outcomes Matter in Dementia Care’ held at the University of Surrey, which was organised by the Journal of Dementia Care in association with Dementia Care Matters.

They spoke of their involvement in advising on what care people with dementia in West Sussex need and the best learning opportunities.

More than 200 people from care services across the South East attended.

David Moore, Training and Development Officer for Adults’ Services at West Sussex County Council, helps to run the group and supports group members to deliver staff training.

He says: “HOPE is an important organisation as it gives people who are living with dementia the chance to give their views on what support they need to live well with dementia”.

Peter Catchpole, County Council Cabinet Member for Adults’ Services, said: “The County Council is keen to support the implementation of the National Dementia Strategy’s key objectives by forming support groups, such as HOPE.

“By working with people who have direct experience of different varieties of dementia, staff can gain important insights that would be difficult to get any other way.”

For more information on HOPE and other West Sussex County Council dementia groups, visit http://tinyurl.com/3u97qta

The Queen Confers Award On Local Company For Outstanding Achievements In International Trade

Tuesday, April 26th, 2011

In celebration of her 85th Birthday, Her Majesty the Queen has issued as local company, Aerotron Limited, with the Award to Industry for outstanding achievements in International Trade.

Crawley MP, Henry Smith said:

“This is the second time that the Queen’s Award to Industry has been conferred upon Aerotron Limited in this category and it is a testament to the hard, dedicated work of the company’s staff in ensuring that Crawley is seen as an international location for business and that Britain is seen as ‘open for business’ abroad.

“The Prime Minister only yesterday emphasised the need to sell ourselves abroad and the need to be much more competitive internationally – Aerotron Limited is clearly an example to others in this respect.

“I find it extremely heartening to once again see Crawley leading the way at the forefront of British business, selling our services with our workforce both at home and abroad.

“I wholeheartedly congratulate Aerotron Limited’s Chairman, Mr Westley, his two sons and the rest of his team on their well earned Award.”

Follow Henry daily on Facebook by visiting: www.facebook.com/henrysmithmp

 

‘FOLLOW THE BBQ BASICS THIS BANK HOLIDAY!’ SAY FIREFIGHTERS

Thursday, April 21st, 2011

‘FOLLOW THE BBQ BASICS THIS BANK HOLIDAY!’ SAY FIREFIGHTERS

Firefighters are reminding people to take a little extra care if they are firing up their BBQs over the bank holiday break to make sure it’s just their sausages they are sizzling!

The warning comes following a fire at a family barbeque in Crawley yesterday. Firefighters were called to the house on Pound Hill just before 1pm after a barbeque and gas cylinder caught light in the back garden. Luckily nobody was hurt and fire crews were able to bring the blaze under control.

Each year West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is called to extinguish dozens of blazes where barbeques have got out of hand or coals have been discarded carelessly.

As we enjoy a prolonged spell of warm weather across the county and look forward to a bonus bank holiday period, firefighters are recommending taking a few simple precautions to ensure our alfresco cooking stays safe.

Community Fire Safety Officer for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, Jackie Boyle, said:

“With the bank holidays coming up and many people celebrating the royal wedding, having a barbeque with friends and family is a great way to socialise and make the most of the sunshine. Whether you are barbequing at home or getting out into the Sussex countryside, following a few common sense tips should ensure that everyone enjoys themselves safely.”

Barbeque Basics:

. Make sure that your barbeque is placed on clear level ground where it will not tip over.
. Use approved barbeque fuel or firelighters to light it, never petrol or paraffin.
. Keep barbeques away from the house, shed, fences, garden furniture or overhanging trees and shrubs.
. Keep children and pets well away from the cooking area.
. Don’t leave your barbeque unattended at any time.
. Empty any spent ash on to bare soil, not into a dustbin.
. If you are lighting a barbeque in the countryside or on the beach – check beforehand that it is an authorised area.
. When using a disposable barbeque make sure the coals are completely cold before throwing them away.

Gas Barbeques:

. For bottled gas barbeques make sure the controls and the cylinder valve are turned off before you change the cylinder.
. If you think there may be a leak in the gas cylinder connections or pipe, brush soapy water over the joints and watch for bubbles. If you find a leaky joint try to tighten it, but don’t over tighten it.
. When you have finished cooking, turn off the gas cylinder before the barbeque controls. This makes sure any leftover gas in the pipe is used up.
. Store gas cylinders outside and protect them from frost and direct sunlight. Don’t keep more spare cylinders than you need.

For a full range of fire safety advice visit www.westsussex.gov.uk or call the Community Fire Safety Team on 01243 642879

 

FIREFIGHTERS ISSUE TEA LIGHT WARNING FOLLOWING BEDROOM BLAZE

Thursday, April 21st, 2011

FIREFIGHTERS ISSUE TEA LIGHT WARNING FOLLOWING BEDROOM BLAZE

A woman from Crawley had a lucky escape last night after a tea light sparked a fire in her bedroom.

Firefighters were called to the terraced house on Colne Walk in Gossops Green just before 10pm last night after a tea light left unattended burned through a bookshelf and set light to bedding.

The woman, in her 50s, had left the tea light burning while she had a shower and on returning to her bedroom was shocked to see her bed in flames. Thankfully, she was able to raise the alarm and the six occupants of the house all managed to escape outside to safety before the arrival of the fire service.

Crews from Crawley were on scene within minutes and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus quickly extinguished the blaze using a hose reel. The lady was taken to hospital for a precautionary checked but was released shortly afterwards.

Speaking after the fire, Crawley Watch Manager, Steven Philips, said:

“Thankfully, the occupants of this house have had a lucky escape but this could have been a much more serious incident. The smoke alarms in the property were old and the batteries weren’t working, so had this incident happened later at night when everyone was asleep, it could have been life-threatening. Just having smoke alarms is not enough, they need to be tested regularly.

Nowadays, tea lights and candles are often used to create a relaxing atmosphere in the home but people don’t realise that there can be a danger. Because tea lights come with a flat metal base people assume it’s safe to place them onto any surface without the need for a heat resistant holder. However, tea lights reach extremely high temperatures and the foil container can burn through plastic or wooden surfaces very quickly, causing a fire.”

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service offers the following simple advice if you are using candles or tea lights:

. Never leave a burning candle unattended

. Always place candles and tea lights well away from curtains, furniture or flammable materials and always out of draughts

. Always place candles upright in suitable holders on a stable surface

. Keep candles out of reach of children and pets

. Never put tea lights on top of TV sets or other plastic surrounds like baths

. Ensure that tea lights and candles are placed in suitable heat resistant holders

. Push the button! Working smoke alarms save lives – so check yours regularly

For a full range of home fire safety advice call our Community Fire Safety Team on 01243 642879 or visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire

 

 

Crawley Wellbeing open morning

Wednesday, April 20th, 2011

Crawley Wellbeing open morning

Find out what Crawley Wellbeing Team can do for you at their open morning on Wednesday 4th May .

Speak to the team’s newly awarded ambassador, Rhiannon Sharpe, who is a slimmer, healthier and happier member of Crawley’s community.

Rhiannon, from Three Bridges, has lost weight and feels fitter and healthier since taking the Wellbeing Team’s advice and eating an improved diet, taking part in health walks and using free swim vouchers twice a week.

Running from 9.30am to 12noon at K2 Crawley, the morning will help town residents find out more about the Wellbeing Team and how their tailored programmes can help change your lifestyle.

Anyone is welcome to come along and speak to Rhiannon or one of the Wellbeing Advisors, Trudy, Jags or Julie but if you can’t make it but want to know more call 01293 582317 or visit www.crawleywellbeing.org.uk

Open Air Theatre from The Hawth this summer

Tuesday, April 19th, 2011

OPEN AIR THEATRE

Come outside and enjoy the arts in Crawley this summer

It feels like summer is almost here and to celebrate the return of the warm weather

The Hawth’s programme is going alfresco with four theatrical productions stepping

out of the theatre and taking to various outdoor sites in Crawley. So grab a blanket and a picnic and join us for some summer fun.

On Tuesday 28 June at 7.30pm the award-winning and ever-popular Illyria return to The Hawth Amphitheatre with Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. In its 20th year, Illyria present this story of a shipwreck – Viola is washed ashore in a country where everything is illogical, delirious, and completely topsy turvy. It could all end in tears – even if most of them are of laughter.

The ever-popular company return to Crawley, this time to Goff’s Park, on Wednesday 3 August 6.30pm with Fantastic Mr Fox by Roald Dahl, adapted by David Wood.

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. Mr Fox’s chances are slim at best…or will the sharpest wit win?

Gilbert and Sullivan’s most popular comic opera, Pirates of Penzance is brought to life on Thursday 11 August at 7.30pm in the Amphitheatre. Illyria deliver another first for the UK open-air touring theatre circuit packed with laughter, romance and a galleon-full of memorable lyrics. This wonderful operetta is faithfully performed by a reduced cast and accompanied by a Musical Director on keyboard and actor/musicians on various instruments.

Rounding off the summer in the Amphitheatre is Pitchy Breath Theatre with

The Wind in the Willows on Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 August. 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 that will transport you to the river bank.

Tickets for Illyria’s three shows are £12 (discounts £9) each. Pitchy Breath’s Wind in the Willows is £7.50 (discounts: £6/Family of Four: £22).

To make it easy for you to get out and enjoy the sunshine and theatre we have an amazing SUMMER SAVER OFFER! Book any two or more of these performances and save 10%

Tickets can be purchased from The Hawth Box Office on 01293 553636 or you can book online at www.hawth.co.uk.

Tonnes of energy saved in West Sussex

Monday, April 18th, 2011

Tonnes of energy saved in West Sussex

West Sussex County Council saved six tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions – the same amount an average household usually emits in one year – during National Climate Week and Earth Hour this year.

This was measured over seven council sites, County Hall in Chichester, Centenary House in Worthing, County Record Office in Chichester, Durban House in Bognor Regis, Power Place in Chichester, Willow Park Training in Chichester and Worthing library.

The energy consumption was monitored with smart meters – a device that records electric energy.

The first National Climate Week ran from Monday March 21 till Sunday March 27, and Earth Hour was on Saturday March 26. The aim was to promote actions being taken to combat climate change and to highlight the many positive steps already being taken in workplaces and communities across Britain.

Earth Hour, which started in Sydney, Australia in 2007, is organised by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). People showed their support by turning off lights between 8.30pm and 9.30pm on the day.

The County Council spread Earth Hour over the whole of the weekend, turning off all electrical equipment and lights where possible.

Deborah Urquhart, County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy, said: “Reducing carbon emissions is a top priority for the County Council, and we are always looking at ways to help the environment and encourage others to be more eco-friendly.”

A number of West Sussex schools were involved in events to celebrate Climate Week, with some taking part in the Climate Week Challenge and others attending a workshop on how to become Carbon Detectives.

Sackville School, East Grinstead, and Tanbridge House School, Horsham, were commended for their entries to the challenge. Pupils had five hours to write down their ideas for helping the environment, how it would save or make money, and what they would do to make it work.

Alternatively, schools could take part in the mini-challenge, where they had just one hour to complete the task.

Deborah added: “With the introduction of the new Carbon Reduction Commitment Scheme on carbon dioxide emissions and future energy price rises, it’s more important than ever for schools to save money through improved energy and water efficiency.

“We are pleased with the results of this year’s Earth Hour and National Climate Week, which proves every little bit helps, even turning off your computer monitor or lights when not needed make a difference.”

For more information contact the Carbon Management Team on 01243 752397 or email carbonmanagement@westsussex.gov.uk

Going local in West Sussex

Monday, April 18th, 2011

Going local in West Sussex

Top designer and Itchenor resident Wayne Hemingway talks about the challenges of launching Vintage at Goodwood and where he enjoys his breakfast in the latest edition of Taste West Sussex.

The magazine for West Sussex foodies has a range of articles, special offers, competitions and dates for your diary focusing on local food and produce.

Other articles include:

• The comeback of rhubarb and why it’s good news for West Sussex growers.

• The take up of the Greening Campaign by communities across the county and the initiatives they’ve started to promote local produce.

• The range of cookery courses available in West Sussex and ideas for how to expand your cooking repertoire.

• Meals on Wheels and how the service in West Sussex provides balanced, healthy meals.

• Southdown lamb, how the breed has changed over the years and why buying Southdown lamb helps preserve the countryside.

West Sussex County Council Leader Louise Goldsmith said: “Buying local is more environmentally friendly and supports our businesses and economy. We’re lucky to have so many food and drink producers in West Sussex.

“Taste West Sussex has many ideas for recipes, what produce is available locally and when it’s in season. I’ve tried many of the recipes myself using home-grown produce from the garden, and can thoroughly recommend them.”

Taste subscriptions are available for just £8.50 for three issues, delivered direct to your door. All subscribers get a free ‘Bag of Taste’ environmentally friendly jute bag.

Subscribers become a member of the Good Taste Club and receive a regular ‘Tastemail’ electronic newsletter with discounts, offers, recipes and foodie dates.

Taste West Sussex is available from a number of outlets including local food retailers and can be read online at www.westsussex.gov.uk/taste.

For further information contact 01243 777431, e-mail taste@westsussex.gov.uk or visit the website. The next issue of Taste West Sussex will be out in June.

 

 

Night-time road closure for A24 improvements

Monday, April 18th, 2011

Night-time road closure for A24 improvements

A section of the A24 between Washington and Buck Barn is being revamped from Tuesday 3rd May.

The essential road safety and improvement work will involve night-time closures of the road between its junctions with the A272 at the Buck Barn crossroads and the A283 Washington roundabout.

The £100,000 West Sussex County Council scheme will see the replacement of all road markings and cat’s eyes as well as some localised resurfacing. Any damaged or missing signs will also be repaired or replaced.

The work is scheduled to finish on Monday morning (May 9th), weather permitting. It will be carried out from 8pm to 5am.

A signed diversion route will operate via the A283, A2037, A281 and A272. Motorists travelling during the night in this area are advised to allow extra time for their journey.

Advance notices will be put in place on the surrounding roads to warn motorists about the roadworks a week before they are due to start.