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Welcome...Welcome... ContentsNEWS

oct/nov 2013 | Issue 65

COMMUNITY

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CONTaCTS

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Like our Chestnut Tree House Facebook page Follow us on Twitter @ChestnutSussex

We are looking for fun and festive people to help raise moneyfor Chestnut Tree House, Sussex’s only children’s hospice, byspending the day dressed as Santa. Registration is just £10 peradult, which includes a Santa suit and fundraising pack.

For further information, contact the Corporate Fundraising Teamon 01903 871821 or corporate@chestnut-tree-house-org.ukRegister online at www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk

Friday 13th December 2013If you can’t make this day just pick another of your choice

Wear a Santa Suit for the dayand support Chestnut Tree House!

CTH_SantaDay_A4Poster_210x260.pdf 1 9/4/13 10:32 AM

Welcome to your October/November issue of Crawley Live.In this issue we take a look at the improvements being planned for Ifield West following residents’ comments on pages six and seven.

On page eight we find out more about Crawley Borough Council’s attempts to ease the financial burden with its budget strategy and on page nine you can get the lowdown on the importance of signing up to the electoral register.

Pages 10, 11 and 20 all carry community arts information, including the Going Global season, Black History Month, Pitchy Breath Theatre, Footloose Dance Group and Circuswurx.

If you, or someone you know, would like Crawley Live in a different format such as large print, Braille or tape, or in a different language, please contact allan Hambly on 01293 438781 or email allan.hambly@crawley.gov.uk

News from across the town

06 Eight improvements for Ifield West Find out what changes are afoot in the area08 Budget plan to save money How the council plans to make savings and raise income09 Use your right to vote Look out for your electoral registration forms10 Going Global Season and Black History Month Culturally diverse theatre, music, dance and comedy at The Hawth11 Theatre and dance

Find out more about Pitchy Breath Theatre and Footloose Dance Group13 Crawley Wellbeing sign up for stoptober and Rethink Your Drink campaigns

14 Tackling street drinking and substance misuse A detailed look at the safer Crawley Partnership’s outreach project18 Indoor table-top sales Book your space or grab a bargain at the twice-monthly events19 Offer for Manor Royal employees Work on Manor Royal Business District? sign up for the credit union20 Learn the circus ropes Circuswurx workshops for promising performers

21 Forget Me Not Club Find out more about this new club supported by Dementia Friendly Crawley and Crawley Wellbeing

22 Help for community groups to stay safe simple steps from Crawley Community and Voluntary service

17 Community Noticeboard Crawley Astronomical society

24 Dear diary Comedy, a musical, plays, sport and fair

Design: Tileywoodman Creative 01737 221199 Printing: Belmont Press Ltd Published by: Crawley Borough Council, Town Hall, The Boulevard, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 1UZ. Telephone: 01293 438000

Council contacts Get in touch with the council

Printed on 100% recycled paper. Please recycle your copy of Crawley Live in your ReDtop bin after use.

www.crawley.gov.uk/news

S w a p i d e a s , g e t t i p s f o r g e t t i n g

a c t i v e a n d s t a y i n g h e a l t h y a n d

f i n d o u t w h a t ’ s h a p p e n i n g l o c a l l y

S w a p i d e a s , g e t t i p s f o r g e t t i n g

a c t i v e a n d s t a y i n g h e a l t h y a n d

f i n d o u t w h a t ’ s h a p p e n i n g l o c a l l y

Crawley Change4lifecrawleyChange4Life

Join www.facebook.com\CrawleyChange4Life

change4life bannerMAR2013.indd 1

28/03/2013 12:35:25

Would you or your family like to be healthier and happier?Crawley Change4Life gives you the chance to swap ideas, get tips for getting active and staying healthy and find out what’s happening locally.

Join Crawley Change4Life, like us on Facebook, spread the word and be part of the revolution to make a Change4Life in Crawley.

Visit www.facebook.com/crawleychange4life to get involved.

change4Life

Those looking for a new job, the chance to get back into work or a change in career can come along to the Crawley Jobs Fair.The event, hosted by Crawley MP Henry smith, will take place on Friday 27 september from

10am to 3pm in the Civic Hall. Admission is free and everyone, regardless of age or employment status, is welcome to attend.

An excellent opportunity to meet and speak to local employers, attend some useful seminars and get tips and advice.

For more information, visit www.crawleyjobsfair.com

Four ‘technically excellent’ Hazelwick School pupils earned two top awards at a regional science fair.Isabel summers, Tom Jellicoe, Rania Bach-Ich and Andrew Woods won the awards at the Big Bang south east 2013 fair, a sTeM sussex event at The Hawth

Their project ‘enviROBOT’, an interactive bin to encourage

fellow students to reduce litter, earned them the Gatwick Airport Prize for electronics and first place in the Junior engineering/Technology category of the regional heats for the National science + engineering Competition (NseC).

They will now represent the south east in the NseC final on March 2014.

Discover more about sTeM by visiting www.crawleystemfest.co.uk

Robot bin earns science prize

Tilgate Park won its 12th consecutive Green Flag award this year – and Crawley Borough Council wants your help to give the beautiful park even more recognition.Visitors are asked to vote for Tilgate Park as the nation’s favourite Green Flag park in the People’s Choice Award.

The 400-acre park boasts woodland, lakes, gardens and lawns. There is plenty to enjoy including excellent play facilities, Nature Centre, Go Ape, an 18-hole golf course, Walled Garden café, lake activities with Dynamic Adventures and the smith and Western restaurant.

Visit www.greenflagaward.org to vote and select south east on the map. Find Tilgate Park and select, then click the ‘Vote for this site’ button before 12 noon on 1 October.

tilgate Park

Halloween and trick or treating can seem like harmless fun, but for many people it can cause fright and distress.A ‘No Trick or Treat’ poster is available to print from www.crawley.gov.uk/communitysafety or to pick

up from the Town Hall. It also includes some helpful tips to make the night easier.

If you’re planning on trick or treating, please be considerate and don’t call on people you think may be afraid. Have fun in a safe and friendly way and respect the ‘No Trick or Treat’ posters to help everyone have a happy Halloween.

Have a happy Halloween

Go Ape winner

In 2012/13, crime in Crawley fell by more than three per cent.The past year saw continued support for the adult street drinker outreach project, the launch of the Broadfield Neighbourhood Hub and hard work by the safer Crawley Partnership.

The safer Crawley Partnership, which includes sussex Police and many other organisations, allows resources and intelligence to be combined to work towards a safer Crawley.

More information about the achievements made can be found in the 2012/13 annual review at www.crawley.gov.uk/communitysafety

crime falls in crawley

a Pound Hill family will be swinging through Tilgate Park treetops after winning a Go ape competition.In the last edition of Crawley Live, we asked ‘Where is Go Ape Tilgate Park located?’

Verity Cox came up with the correct answer, Crawley, and won a family ticket for four to take her tribe on the treetop adventure experience.

To find out how to have a go yourself, visit www.goape.co.uk

Fair just the job

The council has signed a new waste and recycling contract which promises significant savings, improved collections and new technology for the service.The contract with Biffa Municipal Ltd will begin in February, and will mean:

• A saving of £400,000 a year – £2.8million over the course of the contract

• Collections will remain weekly for rubbish and fortnightly for recycling and green waste

• Textiles and small electrical items can be collected

• More resident engagement and new technology will help the service run smoothly.

Residents will also get new wheeled bins for their rubbish in a roll-out scheme next year.

new waste and recycling contract

04 05 nEWS cRAWLEYLiveOct/Nov 2013

Dobbins Pond now

example of spillway improvement

Residents want to see the pond and surrounding area cleaned up to make it a quiet, family friendly place to visit.

Over the coming months the council will:

• Remove weeds and rebuild the spillway to improve flow and prevent stagnation

• Improve paths around the pond

• Create two picnic areas for everyone to enjoy. This will be located by the playground to make life easier for mums, dads and carers.

Local people want to be able to use the outside space at their community centre in all weathers.

The council listened and by the spring residents will see:

• A canopy providing a covered outdoor area

• More outdoor space following the removal of some shrub beds.

Residents want to see a neighbourhood forum to help them keep up-to-date and allow them to continue to have their say.

The council listened and:

• Helped local people set up the Talk Ifield Community Forum using a similar format to other community forums across the town

• A launch meeting has taken place but more members are needed and very welcome. To join email talkifield@gmail.com

Residents said there should be more community events in Ifield West.

The council is:

• Supporting a Let’s FACE it community clear up event on Berrymeade Walk on 12 October. If you would like to be part of this event, please meet at 10am by the footbridge.

Talk Ifield would like to organise a community event next summer. If you would like to help organise this event, email talkifield@gmail.com

Not all residents want to join a forum but they want to know what’s going on.

The council is:

• Trialling email news bulletins providing information on the local area

Visit www.crawley.gov.uk to find your neighbourhood and sign up.

Local people wanted to be able to top-up their gas and electricity without having to get in the car or jump on a bus.The council has:• Spoken to Tesco Express and a

brand-new PayPoint facility has been installed.

The Ifield West pitch is well used and local people want to see the tired ground resurfaced.

By spring 2014 the council will:

• Resurface the pitch with a 3G playing surface.

This was high on the list of priorities for local people but Crawley Borough Council does not provide healthcare facilities.

Despite this, the council is working on it and doing all it can to encourage a new facility to the area by:

• Speaking to healthcare providers in the town

• Investigating the viability of providing a facility in the area

• Seriously investigating the potential for providing a satellite GP service which may not offer all the facilities of a large established doctors’ surgery

There’s a long way to go but Ifield West residents will be kept informed.

Local people thought their councillors should hold regular surgeries.

Local councillors:

• Have held two local surgeries so far

• Are committed to attending the Talk Ifield Community Forum meetings where residents can ask questions and get advice.

Dobbins Pond

community centre

Having your say and staying informedMore events

Keeping everyone informed...

Utility PayPoint facility at tesco Express

Football pitch

Provide a doctors’ surgery at Ifield West

councillor surgeries

8 Changes are afoot in Ifield West thanks to the help of its residents.More than 400 local people responded to Crawley Borough Council’s consultation, which asked them how they thought their neighbourhood could be improved.

six volunteers, all from Ifield West, gave up hours of time to help council officers. They were trained in consultation techniques and used their local knowledge to pick where we should undertake the consultation as well as standing in the cold and speaking with hundreds of residents.

The council initially asked people what they liked and disliked, which helped council officers create a list of possible improvements which were later ranked by residents.

Crawley is built around a neighbourhood format which includes local amenities like a shopping parade, school and health facilities.

Ifield as a neighbourhood has all of these facilities but Ifield West is some distance from them and this can be inconvenient for local people.

Now, a £310,000 budget is set to bring forward eight improvements highlighted by local people as most important to them by spring 2014.

A ninth, providing a health facility, is currently being discussed with the appropriate organisations as healthcare is not the responsibility of Crawley Borough Council, although it can, and is, starting the debate using local feedback.

Work in the area will take place over the winter.

Improvements for Ifield West

06 07 IFIELD WESt cRAWLEYLiveOct/Nov 2013

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PLAPLAPLAPLAPLAn ton ton ton to

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Continuing to invest in the town while making more savings and raising income is at the heart of Crawley Borough Council’s Budget Strategy 2014/15 - 2018/19.The Budget strategy sets the scene for future budgets, recognising there are a range of options for capital investment, savings and income generation and Council Tax.

Councillors approved the strategy at a Full Council meeting on 24 July.

It includes:

• Savings of £2m in 2014/15. The budget gap is predicted to rise by a further £554,000 in 2015/16, £553,000 in 2016/17, £313,000 in 2017/18 and £632,000 in 2018/19

• A Council Tax rise of between zero and two per cent

• Setting aside £2.5m for capital projects in 2016/17 and £1.7m for the replacement of refuse and recycling vehicles

• Allocating £5m to fund the purchase of commercial properties to generate income to support services.

The council’s commercial property estate – primarily neighbourhood shops, light industrial units and workshops – is an important source of funding for council services, which is expected to bring in £3.9m this year and provides a reliable income even during difficult economic conditions.

Money available to councils is expected to continue to reduce over the next five years and it’s important the council both saves and raises more income over the coming years in order to protect frontline services.

The proposed £5m fund to buy commercial properties makes it possible to generate a higher level of rental income. If this money is allocated the council is not committed to acquiring any properties and an offer would only be made when there is a sound business case and no undue risk.

Over the last five years the council has made more than £7m of savings.

Make yourself heard...use your right to vote In the next two weeks you’ll receive the electoral registration form for your household.Only people registered to vote are able to have their say at the ballot box. The next elections in Crawley are the Borough and european Parliamentary elections on 22 May 2014.

Crawley Borough Council is urging residents to respond online, by phone or post to be able to use their democratic right to vote.

The register needs to be updated every year and the council sends out new forms to every home each time.

It’s quick and easy to register and if there are no changes to details, registering online is not only quick; it’s cheaper for the taxpayer too. Visit www.register-online.co.uk and use your unique reference number and internet password, which can be found on your registration form.

If you don’t send your form back or tell us there are no changes online or over the phone before 8 November, someone will visit you at home to help you complete it.

Failing to register means the council will assume you no longer live at the address and you will lose your right to vote. This could mean you can’t open a bank account, get a loan, mortgage or credit card.

eligible residents are people over 16 who are British citizens, citizens of the Irish Republic, citizens of other european union countries and qualifying Commonwealth citizens.

Voters also need to make sure they know the difference between the full and edited register. The full register, which includes the name and address of voters, is held at the Town Hall. Its main use is to show who can vote in elections and referendums.

The edited register contains fewer details but is available for general sale and can be used for any purpose. It can be bought by any person, company or organisation and can be used for commercial activities. If you want to opt out of having your details appear on the edited register please tick the ‘edited register’ box or follow the instructions online or on the phone.

To register to vote, visit www.register-online.co.uk or call 0800 025 3140 if there are no changes. If you have new details please complete and return the registration form to the Town Hall.

For more information call Andrew Oakley, electoral services Manager, on 01293 438346 or email elections@crawley.gov.uk

www.crawley.gov.uk/ elecTIoNS

01293 438346

10 11 ARtS cRAWLEYLiveOct/Nov 2013

kanda bongo manSaturday 19 October 7.30pm The HawthAfrican music legend and ‘The King of Soukous’ performs with his full band Supported by local artists and groups including the popular Ms Desire who returns for the third year running.

Tickets: £10 (discounts £8)Family of four: £32Book tickets: 01293 553636 www.hawth.co.uk

Crawley Black History LaunchSaturday 14 September 12 noon-4pmQueens Square BandstandLaunching this year’s events with a free familyday; DJ’s, African-Caribbean food tasting, facepainting and entertainment and a fashion show. Come and relax or dance in the Square.FREE

One World, One Walk fashion showSaturday 14 September - Queens SquareCBHF presents a celebration of our diversecommunities. Entrants from African countries display traditional vibrant colours alongside samples of their traditional food. The winner will win £50 worth of vouchers for Maureen’s Hair & Beauty, 40 Springfield Road, Southgate

gumboot workshopswelly dancingSunday 15 September & then Saturdays 21 September - 19 OctoberHawth Theatre2pm - 3pmLearn traditional South African Gumbootdancing and perform on the main stage at The Hawth on October 19th! The workshops are taught by Lucky Mayo and are great fun for all ages. Please bring a clean pair of wellies.FREE

stepping razor: a tribute to the legendary peter toshSaturday 26 October 7pm til lateBrother’s Coffee House, 12 Brighton Rd In partnership with Wordfest we celebrate the life of the original leader of the Wailers. An evening of Word, Sound, Visio & Power withJah Akushla, Kimberley “The Poet” & Crawley’sIntica Sounds on the B-Line Sound SystemCall 07411 378 604. All ages welcomeFREE

Road To CrawleyBig Draw eventSaturday 28 September, 12 noon to 4pmCrawley LibraryA fabulous family art event celebrating our vibrant and diverse community. All ages welcome.FREE - sign up at the Library

Creole WomenMonday 7 - Saturday 19 OctoberHawth FoyerAn original exhibition combining amateur photography with a study of identities and a collective reflection on womankind.

Jesus Cutino y son CubaFriday 11th OctoberHawth Studio 8pmHot and heavy Salsa band direct from CubaTickets: £13/£11 (01293 553636)

Gambian AssociationFriday 18th October 7pm Hawth StudioCBHF collaborate withThe GambianAssociation of Crawley to host a night of culture, heritage and Gambian beauty. This evening features Lamin Conateh taking us on a specially filmed journey of life in his native village.Free - Call 07411 378 604. All ages welcomeSitas StorySaturday 19 October 11amHawth Studio Tara Arts present a classic Indian taleTickets: £6.50/family of 4 £22.00(01293 553636)

Hip Hop Shakespeare LiveWednesday 13 November 7.30pmHawth Theatre Innovative live show produced by MOBO award winning hip hop artist Akala.Tickets: £13/£11 discount/£8.50 student and out:smart (01293 553636)

Immigrant DiariesThursday 28th November 7.45pmHawth Studio A night of comedy and storytelling hosted by Sajeela Kershi and Sameena ZeharaPlus special guestsTickets: £8.50 /£7.50 discount(01293 553636)

Crawley Black History LaunchSaturday 14 September 12 noon-4pmQueens Square BandstandLaunching this year’s events with a free familyday; DJ’s, African-Caribbean food tasting, facepainting and entertainment and a fashion show. Come and relax or dance in the SquareFREE

One World, One Walk fashion showSaturday 14 September - Queens SquareCBHF presents a celebration of our diversecommunities. Entrants from African countries display traditional vibrant colours alongside samples of their traditional food. The winner will win £50 worth of vouchers for Maureen’s Hair & Beauty, 40 Springfield Road, Southgate

gumboot workshopswelly dancingSunday 15 September & then Saturdays 21 September - 19 OctoberHawth Theatre2pm - 3pmLearn traditional South African Gumbootdancing and perform on the main stage at The Hawth on October 19th! The workshops are taught by Lucky Mayo and are great fun for all ages. Please bring a clean pair of wellies.FREE

crawleyblackhistorymonth2013

a season of exciting, thrilling and challenging culturally diverse theatre, music, dance and comedy is coming to The Hawth as part of its Going Global Season and Black History Month.

The season, put together by Crawley Borough Council with funding from Arts Council england, brings the very best of national and international talent to Crawley for people to explore, participate and celebrate established, new and emerging cultures.

To celebrate Diwali, India’s greatest festival, prominent Asian theatre company Tara Arts present Sita’s Story on Saturday 19 October, which introduces children aged five and over to the great Indian saga of The Rayamana.

One of Africa’s greatest living musicians, Kanda Bongo Man, makes his Crawley debut on Saturday 19 October as part of Crawley Black History Month. Kanda Bongo Man is the King of soukous and his influence on the African music scene cannot be understated.

Hip Hop shakespeare Live on Wednesday 13 November features local school participation, local hip hop artists Artists and a live band. The gig explores the links between hip hop and the works of shakespeare.

statistics don’t really tell the story of immigrants, people do. Immigrant Diaries, presented by Comic Angels on Thursday 28 November, features funny, poignant stories from stand-up comedians who share their journeys on how they and their families come to be the new kid in a new country.

For ticket details and many more events visit www.hawth.co.uk or call 01293 553636.

Footloose Dance Group is on the lookout for new members and volunteers.The group currently has 15 regular members and provides weekly dance workshops for people aged eight to 25 with learning difficulties and disabilities.

Footloose classes take place every Wednesday in term time from 5.15pm to 6.30pm at Manor Green school, Ifield.

With different dance styles, drama and creative movement, the workshops are fun and offer a fantastic opportunity to try something new, gain confidence and boost physical fitness and wellbeing. Trained dancers run the sessions with support from volunteers and support workers.

Christie Yardley, 17, a former dancer who now helps as a volunteer, said: “We do a range of different dances at one time and also I get to make lots of different friends. It gives children with learning disabilities a chance to socialise too.”

Based at The Hawth, Pitchy Breath is a community theatre company striving to produce high-quality and innovative work. Specialising in showcasing new writing, it not only encourages local writers but also actors, directors and stage managers and is open to everyone 18 years and over.Its next production is The Gentleman’s Friend by Tim Fifield on 29 October at 7.30pm in The Hawth studio. This innovative and quirky play is a story about Leonard, who has been married for 28 years when his wife leaves him.

Lonely Leonard finds it hard to face an increasingly hostile world and encouraged by his dysfunctional, hygiene-obsessed neighbour decides to “stay in” indefinitely.

Weeks later his old friend Frank visits and is shocked by Leonard’s withdrawal from society and resolves to get him back on the road to romance. This culminates in a trip to eastbourne to visit elektra, who guarantees to get men “match fit for romance”.

Tickets are available from The Hawth by visiting www.hawth.co.uk or calling 01293 553636.

Pitchy Breath Theatre is funded and supported by Crawley Borough Council. For more information about joining call Jo Joseph on 01293 438151 or email jo.joseph@crawley.gov.uk

Members also get the chance to showcase their talents. The group has performed at community events in Crawley, Horsham, east Grinstead and Brighton and also took to the stage during the Paralympics Ceremony in Crawley last year.

For more information about joining or volunteering call Liz Hart on 01293 438156 or email liz.hart@crawley.gov.uk

Going Global Season + Black History Month

PItcHY BREAtH

tHEAtRE

Let’s danceOctober is the month where we celebrate the talents and contributions of the town’s BME communities.This year’s crawley Black History Month is all set. There’s a fantastic array of events, many of which are free. The emphasis is very much on celebration as this year is the fifth birthday of crawley Black History Foundation.

Pick up a free programme or go to www.crawleyblackhistory.co.uk and you’ll find activities for all ages.

Stoptober is back. All over the country people will take the 28 day challenge to stop smoking during October. Last year over 160,000 people successfully quit smoking for Stoptober, thanks to the wide range of quitting support on offer.

For more information search ‘Stoptober’ online or visit www.smokefree.nhs.uk/stoptober Alternatively, speak to your local stop smoking service or pharmacist.

Be part of the challenge

219641_Stoptober_A4_Double_Sided_Poster_AW.indd 1 09/08/2013 15:00

Remember Ladies...

Cutting down on nightly wine,

helps you look and feel divine!

A nightly glass of wine could have the same calorie content

as a cheese burger!

It could be time to rethink your drink.

To find out more call: 01243 521041 or visit: www.rethink-your-drink.co.uk

Stoptober 2013 is nearly upon us – are you willing to take up the challenge and stamp out the habit for 28 days?

It’s the second year the West sussex Wellbeing campaign has been run and encourages people to sign up to stoptober to try and stop smoking for 28 days in October.

stopping smoking has long-term health benefits for all involved and their families, and can also save people a great deal of money.

For advice on accessing your local stop smoking service in West sussex call 0330 100 1823 or email sc-tr.wsxstopsmoking@nhs.net

The West sussex stop smoking service is commissioned by West sussex County Council Public Health and provided by the sussex Community NHs Trust.

To find out more, visit the West sussex Wellbeing website at www.westsussexwellbeing.org.uk

• £54.5 million lost in output to early deaths

• £39 million lost in output due to cigarette breaks

• £36 million cost to the NHS in West Sussex

• £33 million cost of productivity lost due to smoking related sick days

• £7 million cost of smoking related fires

• £10 million cost of passive smoking in West Sussex.

Sign up forSign upSign upSign upSign upSign upSign upSign upSign upSign upSign upSign upSign upSign upSign upSign upSign upSign upSign upStoptober

In West Sussex the overall cost for smoking to society is £183 million per year:

a season of exciting, thrilling and challenging culturally diverse theatre, music, dance and comedy is coming to The Hawth as part of its Going Global Season and Black History Month.The campaign warns that social drinking or a regular drink to relax after work can seriously affect your wellbeing. It does not matter what you drink – the effect on your health, risk of cancer, heart disease and liver damage could be similar.

The West sussex Wellbeing campaign is focusing on 35 to 55 year olds and encourages them to ‘rethink’ how much they drink.

Although you might not think it, risky drinking can be relatively easy to do. For example, risky drinking is regularly consuming one large (250ml) glass of wine on five nights of the week for women, and two pints of beer on five nights of the week for men.

Drinkers who are at an increasing risk of alcohol-related illness are defined as:

• Men who regularly drink more than three to four units a day but less than the higher risk levels; and

• Women who regularly drink more than two to three units a day but less than the higher risk levels.

Higher risk drinkers (who have a high risk of alcohol-related illness) are defined as:

• Men who regularly drink more than eight units a day or more than 50 units of alcohol per week; and

• Women who regularly drink more than six units a day or more than 35 units of alcohol per week.

14 15 oUtREAcH cRAWLEYLiveOct/Nov 2013

“When I first heard about Open House I was homeless and my drinking was horrendous. I got a room here but I didn’t take full advantage of the help on offer and I wasn’t ready to change; I ended up getting kicked out.

“I was back on the streets but Ian and Dion (outreach workers) didn’t give up on me. They literally walked the streets to make sure I was OK and went out of their way to help me. They even sorted me out a tent and thermal clothes and helped me find somewhere safe to pitch it.

“There were times when I was really bad, when I couldn’t get hold of much drink. I put myself in vulnerable situations and could have got really hurt.

“I’ve never taken drugs but there was an occasion when I was with a group of people I don’t normally hang around with; they were taking other things and I was feeling pretty desperate.

“Ian and Dion turned up to collect some bags of charity stuff for the centre and spotted me. They asked me over to help them; they spoke to me about how I got myself in that situation and what would happen next if I did do it. They gave me a choice, to give them a hand back to Open House and grab a coffee and chill-out, or to stay and see what happens – I helped them back.

“If it wasn’t for them I would definitely still be drinking, no one would be talking to me and I wouldn’t have anywhere to go. I’d be in a flat or on the street somewhere passed out; sometimes I wonder how I’m still here.”

He added: “I spend a lot of time at open House, I come and help out, chat to people and sort stuff out – it gives me some structure.”

Arran has been accepted into The sands Rehabilitation Centre in Bognor Regis and he’s looking forward to a new lease of life.

(l-r) Peter Mansfield-Clark MBe, Malcolm Nicholas, Arran Brown, Ian Wilkins.

substance abuseStreet drinking and

tackling the root...arran Brown is a recovering alcoholic; he was homeless and a street drinker until very recently and says he doesn’t know where he’d be without the support of the outreach workers through the street drinkers project.

Help is at hand

Crawley Open House, a Three Bridges based hostel and day centre offering support and services for people affected by homelessness, unemployment, loneliness and other forms of social exclusion, is working with the safer Crawley Partnership to help street drinkers and substance misusers who don’t normally seek out the help of Open House.

The Outreach project, funded by the safer Crawley Partnership which includes Crawley Borough Council and sussex Police, started in November and is currently working with around 30 people.

Peter Mansfield-Clark MBe, Director of Open House, said: “We have two outreach workers based here and they go out to areas where people might be drinking or taking drugs. We talk to them; get their confidence, let them know we’re on their side and there to help rather than prosecute. We take it from there, trying to deal with the root of the problem.

“Although the project is helping to change people’s lives, it’s also about making Crawley safer for everyone, not just individuals but the whole community.”

The small team work closely with people, offering support through Addaction, counselling, employment, help with housing and benefits issues and even getting people to GP and hospital appointments.

Members of the safer Crawley Partnership, including the police and Crawley Council, meet every two weeks to discuss issues including repeat offending, tenancy problems, health issues and required support.

With the right support and willingness to change many people approached by the team have made big improvements. This can mean continuing with their habit in a more controlled and sensitive way to completely changing their lives and going through long-term rehabilitation. This means residential care in a rehabilitation centre away from their home-town.

Malcolm added: “We’ve fostered partnerships with agencies that can help and although our aim is not to prosecute, we do have to be realistic with these people and challenge them on their behaviour. We need to get them to think about the way they’re behaving and what they’re doing with their lives to try to prevent further issues, for example losing their homes.”

The numbers may not seem huge but the impact some substance misusers have can be far reaching and often includes crime and anti-social behaviour. The project aims to deal with this the only way possible, through tackling the root of the issue; all the while saving lives and reducing crime.

a new initiative to get Crawley’s street drinkers on the right tracks is proving a success.

Malcolm nicholas from open House manages the outreach workers, he said: “We’re dealing with quite complex individuals who have chaotic lives and often a difficult background or have been marginalised in some way. It’s important we establish a rapport first and work with them to try and stabilise them; it’s challenging.”

CommunityNoticeboard

Just a couple of glasses

tonight, Joyce?

Yes Harold.

Same as last night.

And the night before...

That glass or two of wine every night can be as harmful

as a weekend binge!

It could be time to rethink your drink.

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To find out more call: 01293 585317 or visit: www.rethink-your-drink.co.uk

Crawley Astronomical Society

Crawley Astronomical society is celebrating its 50th anniversary

this year and is on the lookout for new members with an interest

in astronomy.

The group meets once a month to share information, learn from

experts in the field and attend events and lectures.

From science writers to those just starting to navigate the night sky,

the group welcomes anyone who enjoys the fascinating subject.

Crawley Astronomical society meets at 7.30pm on the third Friday

of each month (excluding July and August) at Ifield Community

Centre. For more details, come along to a meeting or visit

www.crawleyas.co.uk

Q+A with Neil Morrison, Chairman of

the Crawley Astronomical Society.

How long has your group been established?

This year is our 50th anniversary. Crawley Astronomical society was

formed in 1963 with Sir Patrick Moore as one of our founder members.

Is it open to all ages? Yes, we are open to anyone with an interest in Astronomy,

regardless of age.

Is there any cost? Our annual subscription is £25 or £20 for senior citizens and

students. We review the costs annually at our AGM.

How many members does it have? At present we have around 35 active members.

What activities does it provide? We hold monthly meetings where members can listen to

talks from experts in various fields of Astronomy.

We hold observing evenings where we watch things such

as meteor showers, bright planets and even comets.

Members also receive monthly observing notes highlighting

interesting events in the sky.

Linking with other Astronomy groups, we assist in Astronomical

Outreach activities and attend special lecture days held at venues

such as Chichester Planetarium.

SOCIaL

Crawley Plus Group, a social group for those in their 20s

and 30s, meets at weekends and on every third Tuesday of

each month. www.crawleyplus.org.uk

Dads United, for dads and male carers with children aged

under eight, meets every other saturday at 10am. Adam

01293 524297.

Day Centre lunch Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 10am-

1pm. WRVS Community Centre. Book by 10.30am 01293

432510.

Fairway Club for bingo and occasional outings, 70p. every

Wednesday, 1pm, at Ifield West Community Centre. June

Gillies 01293 532820.

The Friday Group for women in Langley Green. Meets

fortnightly at 1pm in st Leonards Church. Rosina Ridley

01293 408341.

The Friends and Neighbours Club for over 55s. Meets

every Wednesday at 1.30pm at the WRVs Community

Centre. Ken Ridley 01293 408341.

Gossops Green Community Morning every Thursday at

10am. st Albans Church Hall.

Ifield Club for over 55s. Meets every Thursday at 1.30pm

in Pelham Buckle Pub, Ifield.

Little Fishes parent and toddler group. Meets every Monday

at 8.45am during term-time. st Richards Church, Three

Bridges. Sue Murry 01293 533727.

Lunch Club for over 55s meets every Monday at 12 noon

at the Age Concern Centre, Tilgate. 01293 544144.

credit Union for

Manor Royal workers

18 19 coMMUnItY cRAWLEYLiveOct/Nov 2013

Indoortable-top

sales

(l-r) steve sawyer, Manor Royal Business District, executive Director; and Jenny King, Chair of the West sussex Credit union

The Town Hall has had a green makeover after a whopping 194 solar panels were installed on the roof.The panels have been installed on the roof above the council chamber, committee rooms and the main building.

The system will generate 39,000 kWh of electricity each year, reducing the Town Hall’s CO2 emissions by 21 tonnes annually and driving down electricity costs by £8,000 a year.

It is the third solar PV panel system installed this year with K2 Crawley, Metcalfe Way Depot and the Town Hall expected to reduce Crawley Borough Council’s energy bills by £25,000 each year and save 108 tonnes of carbon.

greenTown Hall goes

Manor Royal Business District has teamed up with the West Sussex Credit Union (WSCU) to help employees save and prevent them falling prey to pay day lenders and loan sharks.The Manor Royal savers scheme is open to any business operating in Manor Royal and offers employees the chance to save regularly or allowing them to borrow directly from their pay.

Manor Royal savers is free to companies and offers businesses a way to support staff financially without using their own money by allowing loans to be repaid from salary.

since 2008, West sussex Credit union (WsCu) has been encouraging local people to save – working across the county to provide affordable loans as an alternative to pay-day lenders. They now have over £1m of savings from people living and working in West sussex and have lent out over £2.4m in low-cost loans. From a standing start, they now have over 3500 members and it is estimated that around £6.5m is still circulating in our local economy to the benefit of local business.

Businesses interested in Manor Royal savers

should visit www.manorroyal.org or call

WsCu on 01903 237221.

Table-top indoor boot sales are held at the Bewbush Centre in Dorsten Square every first and third Sunday of the month until March.The sales, from 10am until 1pm, provide the perfect opportunity to pass on pre-loved items and raise some money in the process while giving bargain hunters the chance to discover a great bargain.

Free parking is provided, entrance for buyers costs just 50p (accompanied children are free) and the Freedom Leisure Café inside the Bewbush Centre will be open for refreshments throughout the sales.

Sellers can hire up to two tables to display their items on – they are six feet long, cost £10 each and must be booked in advance. Discounts are available for multiple bookings. stalls can be set up from 8.30am ready for the arrival of buyers at 10am.

If you would like to book a table or two, call Heather on 01293 438222, elaine on 01293 438652 or email communitycentres@crawley.gov.uk

The sales will be held on 6 October, 20 October, 3 November, 17 November, 1 December, 15 December, 5 January, 19 January, 2 February, 16 February, 2 March and 16 March.

Find us on Facebook for all the latest news on Bewbush Centre events.www.facebook.com/bewbushcentre

For more details about Crawley’s community centres visit www.crawley.gov.uk/communitycentres

Booking a community centreIf you’re looking for a venue for a special occasion, celebration, meeting or regular sessions, you can book a local community centre easily from just £5.60 per hour. Crawley Borough Council owns and manages 15 community centres across the town. Call 01293 438362 or email communitycentres@crawley.gov.uk.

Learn the ropes with Circuswurx

Forget me not

For more information on Circuswurx, contact Jo Joseph on 01293 438151 or email jo.joseph@crawley.gov.uk

Two circus skills groups are looking for promising performers and big-top beginners for their autumn workshops.Circuswurx and Circuswurx Juniors weekly workshops offer would-be jugglers, unicyclists and promising performers the chance to develop amazing new skills in alternative activities.

Circuswurx is open for those aged over 15 and takes place on Thursdays from 7.30-9.30pm. Circuswurx Juniors is suitable for those aged eight to 15 and runs from 6.30pm to 8pm on Mondays. All classes are at Broadfield Community Centre and cost £3.50.

The relaxed and friendly groups give participants the freedom to choose which skills they work on and how much they do. equipment and tuition is provided so all you need to bring is your enthusiasm!

Young people who have attended Circuswurx summer schools have enjoyed learning circus craft so much that, as well as continuing to improve their own skills, they now lead classes for children too.

Pete, Rosie and Haydn were keen to help other young people develop their own skills. At first they volunteered at the annual summer school and now they are running their own weekly class for young people.

Circus skills are great fun but they also have many other benefits. As soon as you learn a new skill you want to show it off and then you often find yourself teaching others. It’s great for personal development and working with others.

The newly-formed Forget Me Not Club is for carers of people with dementia. It meets at the RVS Centre every Monday from 10.30am-3pm.Come along for the day either on your own or bring the person you care for with you. The day starts with singing for life, a sing along session designed for people with or without dementia. It’s great fun and some quiz questions are thrown in along the way. Join in or just relax and be entertained.

Lunch is at 12 noon followed by an afternoon of games to join in with or just sit and chat to other carers who share your experiences. Advice and support from local organisations will be available on the day.

The cost of the club is £7.50 per person, which includes a two-course cooked lunch. Tea and coffee is available all day.

There is no commitment to come every week. However, please call 01293 432510 before 10.30am on the day if you want lunch so there is time to prepare it.

The sing for life session can be attended separately for £2 from 11am-12 noon (first one free). Lunch on its own from 12 noon-1pm costs £5.25. Afternoon games or chat session costs £2 and runs from 1-3pm (first one free). If you prefer you can bring a packed lunch and pay £4 for the day.

For more information call 01293 432510.

The Forget Me Not Club is waiting for carers to come and help shape it into the right club for them. The club is supported by Dementia Friendly Crawley and Crawley Wellbeing.

Crawley Dementia alliance is a collective group of local organisations whose aim is to support and improve the quality of life for people who live in Crawley and who are affected by any form of dementia – whether as a patient or carer.

For further information contact Crawley Wellbeing on 01293 585317 or email wellbeing@crawley.gov.uk

Crawley Dementia alliance

20 21 cIRcUSWURX cRAWLEYLiveOct/Nov 2013

BewbushMarion Ayling – 07886 920815 marion.ayling@crawley.gov.ukChris Cheshire – 01293 542359chris.cheshire@crawley.gov.ukMichael Jones – 07944 578872michael.jones@crawley.gov.uk

Broadfield NorthIan Irvine – 01293 439503ian.irvine@crawley.gov.ukBrian Quinn – 01293 512650brian.quinn@crawley.gov.uk

Broadfield SouthColin Moffatt – 01293 530585colin.moffatt@crawley.gov.ukAlan Quirk – 01293 413853alan.quirk@crawley.gov.uk

Furnace GreenDuncan Crow – 01293 888564duncan.crow@crawley.gov.ukCarol Eade – 01293 614216carol.eade@crawley.gov.uk

Gossops GreenKeith Blake – 01293 435373keith.blake@crawley.gov.ukChris Mullins – 01293 511069chris.mullins@crawley.gov.uk

IfieldJohn Denman – 01293 544442john.denman@crawley.gov.ukChris Oxlade – 07710 900813chris.oxlade@crawley.gov.ukPeter Smith – 07703 502430peter.smith@crawley.gov.uk

Langley GreenStephen Joyce – 01293 409242stephen.joyce@crawley.gov.ukDavid Shreeves – 07752 249984david.shreeves@crawley.gov.ukBrenda Smith – 01293 542535brenda.smith@crawley.gov.uk

MaidenbowerDuncan Peck – 07900 227211duncan.peck@crawley.gov.ukKen Trussell – 01293 883780ken.trussell@crawley.gov.ukLenny Walker – 01293 438625lenny.walker@crawley.gov.uk

NorthgatePeter Lamb – 07729 167084peter.lamb@crawley.gov.ukGeraint Thomas – 07950 926123geraint.thomas@crawley.gov.uk

Pound Hill NorthSally Blake – 01293 435373sally.blake@crawley.gov.ukKeith Brockwell – 07554 889597keith.brockwell@crawley.gov.ukRichard Burrett – 01293 522338richard.burrett@crawley.gov.uk

Pound Hill South and WorthLee Burke – 01293 400230lee.burke@crawley.gov.ukClaire Denman – 01293 544442claire.denman@crawley.gov.ukBob Lanzer – 01293 884789bob.lanzer@crawley.gov.uk

SouthgateHoward Bloom – 01293 863771Howard Bloom – 01293 863771Howard Bloom – 01293 863771Howard Bloom – 01293 863771howard.bloom@crawley.gov.ukhoward.bloom@crawley.gov.ukhoward.bloom@crawley.gov.ukLiam Marshall-Ascough –Liam Marshall-Ascough –07966 070994liam.marshall-ascough@crawley.gov.ukKarl Williamson – 07872 558223karl.williamson@crawley.gov.uk

Three BridgesBob Burgess – 01293 441204bob.burgess@crawley.gov.ukBrenda Burgess – 01293 441204brenda.burgess@crawley.gov.uk

TilgateNigel Boxall – 07825 680320nigel.boxall@crawley.gov.ukColin Lloyd – 01293 527843colin.lloyd@crawley.gov.uk

West GreenVanessa Cumper – 07825 826835vanessa.cumper@crawley.gov.ukBill Ward – 01293 517053bill.ward@crawley.gov.uk

9.30am - 3.30pm thursday 24 octobercrawley community & voluntary ServiceBrighton Roadcrawley

It’s a situation that must have happened hundreds of times. a community group decides to organise an event – a street party perhaps – the enthusiasm is there, volunteers step forward to organise and preparations start. Then someone goes and spoils it all by saying: “What about health and safety? It’ll never happen.” It’s easy to think health and safety regulations are too complex or too demanding and decide not to go ahead with an activity or event.Health and safety is a subject that has some of us rolling our eyes in exasperation, but none of us want our children, friends our communities to be unsafe – especially as a result of our own actions. simply following a few simple procedures will make sure your voluntary organisation is acting safely and ensure your community event is successful and safe too.

As part of its support to local voluntary and community organisations, Crawley Community & Voluntary service (CCVs) is holding a health and safety drop-in for voluntary and community groups on Thursday 24 October 2013.

There will be a wealth of free information and support for voluntary organisations. CCVs will also provide a free health and safety audit for the first five community groups or charities that come along.

CCVs has also produced a brief introduction to health and safety for voluntary organisations. The information pack provides basic guidance on first aid, food hygiene, risk assessment and other health and safety procedures.

If you would like to receive a free copy of the information pack, or for more information about keeping your activities and services healthy and safe, please contact David Clay on 01293 657158 or email david.clay@crawleycvs.org

Health and safety drop-in

Starting a community group

Bewbush and Ifield WestChris Oxlade 01293 565779chris.oxlade@westsussex.gov.ukBroadfieldBrian Quinn 01293 512650brian.quinn@westsussex.gov.ukGossops Green and Ifield EastSue Mullins 01293 511069sue.mullins@westsussex.gov.ukLangley Green and West GreenBrenda Smith 01293 542535brenda.smith@westsussex.gov.ukMaidenbowerBob Lanzer 01293 884789bob.lanzer@westsussex.gov.ukNorthgate and Three BridgesPeter Lamb 07729 167084peter.lamb@westsussex.gov.ukPound Hill and WorthRichard Burrett 01293 522338richard.burrett@westsussex.gov.ukSouthgate and Crawley CentralMichael Jones 07944 578872michael.jones@westsussex.gov.ukTilgate and Furnace GreenDuncan Crow 01293 888564duncan.crow@westsussex.gov.uk

If there is an emergency, the Government’s advice is to ‘go in, stay in and tune in’. These are the frequencies of local radio stations:

BBC Sussex Radio 104.8 and 95.3 FMHeart Sussex 102.4 and 103.5 FM

Northgatecouncillor Thomas and councillor lamb hold a surgery on Northgate Parade, from 12 noon-1pm on the third Saturday of every month. Three Bridges councillor lamb holds a surgery at cafe Xpress wash, gales Place from 1-2pm on the second Saturday of every month.

you can contact the council in a number of ways:

call: 01293 438000 during office hours and 01293 551636 for out of hours emergenciesMinicom: 01293 405202 for the deaf, hard of hearing or speech impairedFax: 01293 511803email: comments@crawley.gov.ukwebsite: www.crawley.gov.uk

residents can attend meetings held in public at the Town Hall. Questions can be asked at the beginning of Full council, cabinet and overview and Scrutiny. There are special rules for people who want to speak at Development control – call 01293 438311 for more information.

For more details of the meetings visit the council’s website at www.crawley.gov.uk or call 01293 438549. Meetings start at 7.30pm unless otherwise stated.

audit and Governance Committee: 30 September (6.30pm)

Cabinet: 9 october, 13 November

Council: 23 october

Development Control: 14 October, 4 November, 25 November

Extraordinary Full Council: 26 September

Full Council: 23 october

General Purposes: 1 October (7pm), 27 November (7pm)

Licensing: 12 November

Overview and Scrutiny Commission: 7 October (7pm), 11 November (7pm)

Performance Monitoring Scrutiny Panel: 20 November (6.30pm)

Council contacts

Bewbush Langley Green

cRAWLEY BoRoUGH coUncILLoRS

coUntY coUncILLoRS

coUncILLoRS’ SURGERIEScontAct tHE coUncIL

If there is an emergency, the

In An EMERGEncY

coUncIL MEEtInGS

Henry Smith MP01293 934554 or 020 7219 7043henry.smith.mp@parliament.uk

To make an appointment to see Henry smith MP please contact him on 01293 934554 or email henry.smith.mp@parliament.uk

Henry Smith MP

YoUR MP

22 23 coMMUnItY cRAWLEYLiveOct/Nov 2013

For a more extensive list of things to do visit www.crawley.gov.uk/events

6-27 Oct

Sundays 2-4pm

21 Oct7.30pm

25 Oct

7.30pm

16 Nov7.30pm

19-23 Nov Tues-Sat 7.30pm, Wed + Sat 2.30pm

Roller Disco

Every Friday5-7.15pm

Crawley Table Tennis Club is running a

young player coaching programme at Holy

Trinity school. Learn about service, shots

and match play. For more details contact

George Gray on 01444 870622 or email

pingponggeorge@gmail.com

Table tennis coaching

The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy Radio Show Live!Following a smash hit uK tour in 2012, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy comes to The Hawth in this ground-breaking new stage production. A radio show like you’ve never seen before! For more details call 01293 553636 or visit www.hawth.co.uk

Essence of Ireland A story of love, joy, happiness and heartache set

against the backdrop of Ireland, england and America

in the 20th century. The Hawth will be filled with Irish

classics such as Galway Girl, Irish Rover and Danny

Boy. For more details call 01293 553636

or visit www.hawth.co.uk

Lee Nelson brings his brand new stand-up

show to Crawley. The irresponsible Nelson

will present his unique take on the world

including his legendary audience interaction,

a game show finale and guest appearances.

For more details call 01293 553636

or visit www.hawth.co.uk

Lee NelsonOne of the world’s favourite musicals comes to The Hawth. Directed and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood and starring Paul Michael Glaser. For more details call 01293 553636 or visit www.hawth.co.uk

Fiddler on the Roof

5-6pm costs £3.90, 6-7.15pm costs £4.50, both sessions cost £7.40. Skate hire £1.50 or bring your own. Spectators £1. For more information call Amanda Hunt on 07787 538199.