Town Mayor Ginnie Waddingham seen here is presenting the three prize winners of the EG4KIDZ competition with their £20 prizes at the Library.

Lucky winners Lucy McCourt, Alex Fry and Oceaniana Connaughton were the lucky names chosen at random from the returned EG4KIDZ competition cards. Contestants had to visit 4 East Grinstead locations, The Library, Chequer Mead, Town Museum and Olympos Sports Centre and answer a simple question correctly. Each correct answer meant a stamp in the card and completed cards all went in the draw.

Masterminding the competition was Tourist Information Assistant Dawn Spalding, who had the job of contacting the lucky winners one parent told “You always do these things with the children, but never expect to win!” Well this time they did! ”

The competition returns next summer and Dawn promises that it will be bigger and better next time round and we are hoping that it becomes a central part of children’s summer holiday activities in the town.

EAST Grinstead was presented with Silver by Blue Peter gardener Chris Collins at the South and South East in Bloom awards ceremony.

The town was entered in only one category but Bloom committee member Trevor Tupholme hinted that next year might be different.

“The more categories you enter, the better you are likely to do so I think next year we may do better,” he said afterwards.

Cllr David Banks, who played a major role in preparing the town’s entry for the visit of the Bloom judges, said the award was recognition for the hard work of residents across the town in keeping East Grinstead attractive.

FORMER Canadian paratrooper William Magee made a sentimental return visit to East Grinstead in September - 62 years after he left in December 1945.

The 85-year-old was welcomed by Town Clerk Chris Rolley who arranged for him to meet Mayor Ginnie Waddingham and to tour the Canadian Wing at the Queen Victoria hospital.

William, who regularly gives talks to youth groups on the history of the war, also met pupils from Sackville school and revisited some of his old haunts including St Swithun’s parish church, and the hall where he used to organise dances for soldiers on their way home to Canada.

He originally arrived in East Grinstead after seeing war service across Europe and Africa, and was involved in security work and in helping with the repatriation of his fellow countrymen staging through the town on their way home.

“One of the things we did was help with the harvest that year and I was responsible for organising volunteers.

"I went into the Mess hall to find some but no-one offered to help - so I stood them all to attention and said they’d stay that way until I had the men I needed. I told them these farmers were the men putting food on their table, and if they didn’t work, they wouldn’t eat,” he laughed.

William was also able to distribute surplus supplies to local families as troops passed through the town.

“We had blankets and irons which I gave to people who had been kind to us,” he said.

And on one occasion he headed for friends in London with a kit bag containing a large quantity of cheese and tea donated by the catering staff, both of which were rationed at the time.

“I was struggling with the bag when a car drew up and offered me a lift - and it was one of Monty’s off-duty officers!”

On another occasion William recalled how, as a Sergeant, he had been “honoured on a Friday, got so drunk at the celebration I was busted to Private on Saturday, but made it back to Corporal by Monday!”

During his return visit to the town William enjoyed exchanging war time experiences over cream tea with an East Grinstead veteran, former Squadron Leader Jimmy Durrant of Great House Court.

“I have visited England before but I had never made it to East Grinstead, so this time I promised myself that no matter what it cost I would come back,” said William. “It’s been great.”

ELIZA Gilkson will be appearing at the town theatre on 3 October in the latest leg of her UK tour. A politically minded, poetically gifted singer-songwriter from Texas, Eliza has become one of the most respected musicians in roots, folk and American circles, and in February 2003 was inducted into the Austin Music Hall of Fame. Eliza’s poignant songs pull no punches and have deservedly led to Grammy nominations. Tickets £13/£11 concessions.

The Pericles Theatre Company will return in a production of one of Shakespeare’s lesser known plays Pericles, Prince of Tyre on 4 October. Tickets for this beautiful, funny and musical show, which shows community theatre at its best, are £15/£12 concessions.

Sit down for some stand-up on 5 October when Barnstormers Comedy presents an evening of comics who write and perform their own material. Over-18s only, tickets £12 or £10 booked in advance.

DAPA (Dorking Academy of Performing Arts) presents Barry Manilow’s Copacabana on 7/8 October. Based on the hit song of the same name, the show is full of glitz and glamour, with an imaginative story and moments of hilarious comedy. Tickets £12.50/under-16s £8.50.

Rockin’ Rodent Promotions present The Hamsters on 9 October. The Hamsters, who have performed 4,000 concerts in 21 years, will be playing their own brand of rootsy Rock and also the music of Jimi Hendrix and ZZ Top – for which they are widely regarded as being the UK’s leading interpreters. Tickets £12.50.

Carib Aid Presents The Creative Talent Show on 11 October in an evening showcasing talented young people and their singing, dancing, drumming, drama and poetry. With special guests The London Community Gospel Choir and Mobo Award winners from London, G-Force (Contemporary Gospel and Rap). Tickets £7 in advance/£8 on the door. Family ticket £5 per person.

From 1.30 – 2.15 pm on Tuesday 14 October the Chequer Mead Lunchtime Concert series presents The Ashgrove Duo. Flautist Julie Groves and guitarist Ashley Hands will perform a wide variety of styles, from the delicate love songs of Shakespeare’s time to the driving rhythms of Argentinean Tangos. The Ashgrove Duo formed in 2006, and Julie performs solo recitals in venues such as St. Martin's in the Fields and Blackheath Halls, St James’ Piccadilly and St John’s Smith Square. She is also an International Artist for the Concordia Foundation. Table reservations for a meal at Cuisine Studio 01342 324860. Tickets £4/concessions £3.50.

About Time on 15 October is a display of crazy feats of feet and wild tapping beat - from jazz to funk, to swing to street. It’s about rhythm, it’s about tap, and it’s About Time. The group made its debut on the Paul O’Grady Show and members have had extensive solo careers including appearances in London’s West End. Tickets £12/concessions £10/ group bookings £8.

Cuisine Studio presents its Jazz Café on 16 October from 7pm when, after their hugely successful show Vegas Nights, Derek Blackall and Robin Shergold will be back. For table reservations (bookings taken in advance only) call Mandy or Paul on 01342 324860. Admission to the performance £5 per person on the night.

Dave Phillips presents 3 X BAND = FUN on 17 October with a concert in aid of East Grinstead Age Concern. Featuring Wasps in the Woodshed, the exciting and innovative Folk String Theory and Blues Juice. Tickets £7.50/£4 concessions.

On 18 October The Great Feel Good Company Limited present Acoustic Mini Festival, which features nine professional musicians in one fantastic show. Tickets £15/concessions £13.

The Vienna Festival Ballet presents Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake on 23/24 October. One of ballet’s best-known love stories it features lavish costumes, stunning scenery, international stars, and glorious music. Tickets £15.50/concessions £12.

The Company of Friends present My Fair Lady from 28 October to 1 November at 7.30pm, plus 2.30pm matinees on Wednesday and Saturday of the run.
One of the most romantic musical classics ever, Alan Lerner’s witty lyrics marvellously accentuate Bernard Shaw’s style with irresistible songs including Wouldn’t it be Loverly?, I Could Have Danced All Night and Get Me to the Church on Time. Tickets £15/concessions £13/family ticket £50. Opening night special offer: all tickets £13.

Picture credit: Champion Photographic

FROM 3 - 15 October: Sackville Community College Annual Exhibition.

In One Ear and Out the Other from 17 - 22 October: Brambletye preparatory school will be hosting a charity Art exhibition with work by present and past pupils.

Professional artists who have donated work include David Holden, Rob Gearing and Tony Gray. Proceeds from the sale will be donated to the Chequer Mead Gallery lighting fund and the Brambletye school charity.

Michael Hall school, 24 - 29 October: painting, drawing and assorted craft (pottery and woodwork).

The Textile Studio, 31 October - 11 November: featuring a group of textile artists who aim to develop their work beyond traditional boundaries.

A PAIR of East Grinstead entrepreneurs walked away from the hit TV show Dragon’s Den with a £60,000 investment last month.

Rachel Watkyn, whose father is the Warden of Sackville College, and partner Christian Richardson wanted £53,000 for their business, which makes boxes from recycled materials.

But in the end it wasn’t just their green credentials, which impressed the millionaire investors, but their personal stories.

After hearing how Rachel had battled back to health following infection by a hospital superbug, and Christian had overcome his addictions in rehab, Peter Jones said he would be investing in them as much as in their Tiny Box Company.

He and Theo Paphitis then made the duo a joint offer of £60,000 for 40 per cent of their business, which is based in Coombe Hill Road.

After the one-and-a-half hour grilling by the Dragons a dazed Rachel said news of their success hadn’t sunk in.

“Christian didn’t even tell me he’d applied as he didn’t think we had a hope in hell of making it on to the programme,” she said.

“Thousands of businesses apply each year - I thought we had more chance of winning the lottery.”

TOWN Mayor Ginnie Waddingham attended the launch of a new limited edition print of East Grinstead’s Old Road, at the Town Museum in Cantelupe Road.

Graham Stevens will be selling the mounted but unframed prints for £39.95 at his High Street Gallery: copies will also be sold at the museum.

CHEQUER Mead is to host a new Costume Store and Fancy Dress Hire under veteran thespians Sandie Goman and Barbara Stovold.

The pair have making costumes for local productions for more than 20 years, but their collection had reached bursting point.

“We either had to find a proper home for everything or get rid of it altogether,” said Barbara.

So when the cabin at Chequer Mead theatre became vacant, the pair applied to move in and use the area under the stage for storage.

“We now have around 1500 costumes including those given by the East Grinstead Operatic Society, ACE and the Copthorne Players, and we’ve spent the last nine months cleaning, repairing and cataloguing them.”

Among the collection are some “really beautiful” Tudor costumes - and a dragon.

The store will open for fancy dress hire on Saturday mornings between 10am and 1pm, from 18 October, with prices between £5 and £20.

Theatrical productions can be outfitted by appointment.

“This is something the town and the theatre needs,” said Barbara, “and we are very grateful for the support we have had in launching it, particularly from the mayor, Ginnie Waddingham.”

* For appointments contact Barbara on 01342 322944.

EAST Grinstead’s businesses are to unite under a single banner to give them a voice in the town’s future development.

Chris Parker, the Chief Executive Officer of the new East Grinstead Business Association said: “It has been apparent for some many years that no coherent voice has been heard from East Grinstead’s businesses on matters concerning the town and its development.

“And as a result, the needs of our businesses have not been properly assembled and presented in debates on how the town and its surrounding districts should develop.

“This has been substantially their own fault,” Chris admitted. “With at least three associations representing disparate elements of the towns’ businesses and with little or no dialogue between them - let alone agreement - it is hardly surprising that local government proceeded without real input from them.

“So business and economic development in our communities has fallen away in favour of other, apparently more pressing, social demands.”Discussions on how to remedy the situation started a year ago between the two leading associations in the town - the East Grinstead Chamber of Commerce and the East Grinstead Business Association.

And after unanimous endorsement by their respective memberships, it has been agreed to bring the two organisations together as the newly constituted East Grinstead Business Association, which will incorporate within it both the Chamber’s name and stamp.

The constitution of the new EGBA allows for three sections - the Business Parks, the Service Sector and the Retail Sector, which will allow the differing needs and agendas of the three to be recognised, whilst ensuring that on the major issues impacting all businesses and the community at large the Association will speak with one voice.

“It is hoped that by the New Year, and once the new organisation has found its feet, a real effort will be made to strengthen the membership and leadership of the Retail Sector which is currently under-represented given its importance to the town,” said Chris.

“The Town and District Councils are looking to our business community to formulate and prioritise their concerns for proper inclusion in future planning strategies.
“One intended role of the new EGBA is to facilitate this process and professionally represent the considered views of its members.

“Another will be to raise the priority given to business support within local government, and ensure a coherent commercial development strategy exists for the Town’s businesses.

“With one Association and a strong membership we can help the town to regain ground lost to neighbouring districts which have been more successfully investing in business over the past decade.”

THE Company of Friends is to produce Peter Pan at Chequer Mead this Christmas, it’s ninth and most ambitious pantomime to date.

Justin Thomas-Verweij will star as the Boy Who Didn’t Grow Up alongside Lily de la Haye Earl as Wendy, Dylan Holdsworth as John, and Alex Watts and Josiah Kirpalani who will be sharing the role of Michael Darling.

But before they step on stage the five stars of the show will have to take flying lessons courtesy of Kirby’s Flying Ballet - the world’s first-ever company dedicated solely to the art of performer flying.

Their first system was actually patented by carpenter Joseph Kirby in London in 1898, and the already well-established family firm was the obvious choice to provide effects for J M Barrie’s new play when it opened in 1904.

They also flew actress Maude Adams in the first ever American production of Peter Pan in 1905, and have been making magic all over the UK and USA ever since, so East Grinstead audiences will see an abundance of fairy dust when Peter and the Darling family go up, up and away this Christmas.

Tickets for the 17 fun-filled shows between 20 and 30 December are already selling fast, so book now on 01342 302000.

Picture credit: Champion Photographic

THE Town Museum in Cantelupe Road has offered a temporary home to some of the exhibits from the Queen Victoria hospital's museum.

The new exhibit, which consists of a text panel and a small display case, will remain at the Town Museum until the QVH museum is reopened in new premises later this year.

The hospital museum, which houses a collection of several thousand exhibits including photographs, instruments, and an original operating table, acts as a unique educational resource for the Foundation Trust hospital, the local community and nationally.

But since it opened in 1994, the museum has not been as accessible to the public as it deserves, as it is currently located near operating theatres, which means visitors have to make an appointment to look around it.

However the hospital has now identified more suitable premises in part of the original pre-war hospital buildings, which are currently being used as a storeroom.
When these are refurbished the museum will be more readily accessible to visitors. The move will also provide an opportunity to update and improve the displays and facilities, and for the first time enable people with impaired mobility to experience it.

The new museum will tell the story of the hospital from its inception in 1863 to the present day and beyond, highlighting the hospital’s cutting edge approach to healthcare.

Bob Marchant is the volunteer museum curator, and also secretary of the world famous Guinea Pig Club for airman burned during WWII who received pioneering treatment for their wounds from plastic surgeon Sir Archie McIndoe.

“The heritage of this hospital and the impact we have had on the development of reconstructive surgery attracts interest from students, health professionals, historians, the media, and the public generally. We have also hosted visits from numerous VIPs, including our patron the Princess Royal. It is a privilege to have been able to share this knowledge widely, and this will increase if the museum is somewhere people can just drop in to," he said.

“It is also vital to change the way the collection is presented – to bring it more alive," he added.

And Mr Ken Lavery, consultant maxillofacial surgeon and the hospital’s Medical Director, wholeheartedly supports the improvements to the museum.

“The medical staff think the museum is very important, and losing it for a short term will be worth the long term benefits we’ll be gaining,” he said.

“To remain at the forefront of specialist care for southeast England, and to continue attracting the best staff, we need to increase the study facilities available for our junior doctors. The space vacated by the old museum will be converted into a quiet study area with new IT resources close to the hospital library and of course the theatres.”

So while the planning and financing arrangements are finalised, and the new museum premises are refurbished, the contents of the hospital's museum are being securely stored in the town museum where the opportunity is being taken to improve the cataloguing of the collection.

The QVH has already started to work in partnership with several other bodies to make the project a success, and funding for the museum relocation is being sourced from sponsorship and donations, to ensure that all available hospital finances are spent on patient care.

Any organisations or individuals willing to be associated with the high profile museum should contact Mary Goode, Head of Corporate Affairs, on 01342 414203, or email mary.goode@qvh.nhs.uk

The new museum will be staffed by volunteers, led by Mr Marchant.

TOWN tourist officer Simon Kerr played host to former MP Edwina Currie when she arrived with a BBC film crew to record a piece on Dr Richard Beeching.

Beeching, the man responsible for axing a third of the nation’s railway lines in the sixties, lived in East Grinstead for part of his life, and the town centre bypass - set into the former railway line to Forest Row - is named after him.

Simon, who was filmed walking with Edwina along Middle Row as they discussed Beeching, said the experience had been “extraordinary”.

“The takes and the retakes were quite difficult to get to grips with, but I thought it was very worthwhile,” he said afterwards. “And I was amazed by Edwina Currie - she is very professional and nothing ruffles her feathers.”

Simon now hopes that the programme, which will be aired later this year, will spark more interest in one of the town’s well-known former residents.

“I shall be interested to see what sort of take they have on him, because I don’t think people talk about him enough in East Grinstead,” he said.

THE provision of free bus passes to the nation's over-60s has seen a marked rise in the number of older visitors to East Grinstead in recent months says the town tourist officer Simon Kerr.

He has also been handing out "stacks" of information about bus routes and places of local interest to town residents wanting to visit the surrounding countryside.

But over-all the wet summer has been something of a disappointment for tourism providers across the south east.

"Enquiries held steady apart from May, which was a washout, although we saw a healthy growth in July. And we have had more visitors from Germany and the Low Countries this year, which is possibly a reflection of the low rate of the Pound against a strong Euro.

"But the oil price hike has meant fewer coach tours to the town than usual and some operators have cancelled trips as passengers have refused to pay extra levies."

SEPTEMBER kicks off with a chance for local talent to make its mark in the singing competition Star for a Night. Tickets £8.

From 2pm - 4pm on Saturday 6 September there will be a Trading Treasurers Fair in the theatre’s Studio with stalls selling a wide-ranging choice of collectables and curiosities. Admission: 50p on the door.

The Best of Friends Tour presents Ollie Austin and the All Star Band on 6 September at 7.30pm. The six-piece line-up performs Country Music songs and popular up-tempo numbers, duets and harmonies with solos from Ollie and the band. Tickets for the show, which has been selling-out theatres throughout its UK tour, are £12.50.

The Chequer Mead Lunchtime Concert Series presents The Morrick Ensemble from 1.30pm - 2.15pm on 9 September. A combination of the Morris and Retallick families, the ensemble expands and contracts according to the programme which in this instance includes works by Mozart and Dvorak from Robert and Kim Retallick on violin, Juliet Retallick on the viola and Stephen Morris playing cello. Tickets £4/concessions £3.50.

The Led Zeppelin tribute band Whole Lotta Led will be making a welcome return to Chequer Mead on 11 September. The band will perform the same set Zeppelin played at the historic O2 Arena show last December, keeping the spirit and songs of the legendary Zep alive with their unique energy and stage presence. Tickets £12.50/concessions £11.

The ConChord Big Band presents a charity concert in aid of St Catherine’s hospice on 12 September with a mixed programme including classics, swing, ballads and show songs from an 18-strong ensemble including vocalists Pam Dabell, Katrina Clark and Nigel Tostevin. Enjoy a great night out whilst supporting the work of St Catherine’s Hospice. Tickets £15.50/concessions £13.50 including programme. Family ticket £45.00.

The Century Company presents A Century of Music and Laughter on 17 September with a sing-along show. Join them for an evening, which will take audiences on a nostalgic journey through 100 years of Golden Oldies and classic comedy. For pre-show dinner reservations contact the Cuisine Studio on 01342 324860. Tickets for the show are £12.50/concessions £10.50.

Cuisine Studio presents its popular Jazz Café from 7pm on 18 September with the welcome return of vocalist Pam Dabell. For table reservations (in advance only) call Mandy or Paul on 01342 324860. Tickets for the show are £5 a head on the night.

Back for their now annual visit No Jacket Required bring a spectacular show to Chequer Mead on 19 September. Featuring a 10-piece band and backing vocalists, they recreate the excitement of the 80s and 90s stadium shows with Phil Collins numbers including Against All Odds, You Can’t Hurry Love, In the Air Tonight - and some Genesis too. Tickets £14.50/concessions £12.50.

On 20 September Blue Star Productions presents The Adventures of Pinocchio with shows at 1pm and 4pm. Tickets £8.50/concessions £7.50 and £6.

From 11am – 4pm on Saturday 27 September, the Cornhill Wellbeing Fayre will showcase a wide range of complementary health therapies and taster sessions. Demonstrations and workshops throughout the day in the Studio and foyer, and stalls offering products, services and advice. Entrance fee is £1 and raffle proceeds will go to Chailey Heritage. Under-16s free.

PLACE, Sight and Sound until 3 September: New work by a small group of artists working in textiles, photography and mixed media.

Patricia Cheeseman will be displaying watercolours and collage from 5 - 10 September.

The East Grinstead Camera Club from 12 - 17 September: An exhibition of photographs taken by members over the last year or two.

Sussex Water Colour Society from 19 September - 1 October: This is an exhibition of works by members of the county’s foremost arts society for artists working in all forms of water-based media.

STREETSCAPE Collage, which will be held at the museum from 10.30am - 12.30pm, and from 1.30pm - 3.30pm on 6 September is an event to bring out the inner artist in everyone. Visitors of all ages are invited to help create a collage of the town throughout history, drawing inspiration from the Museum’s photo collection.

An artist will be on hand to help devise an inventive display using paint, fabric and paper.

Drop in for a few minutes or stay for an hour - the event is suitable for everyone to have a go, so book a place on 01342 302233 or email info@eastgrinsteadmuseum.org.uk
 

EAST Grinstead’s world-renowned Queen Victoria hospital plans to develop a new landmark building and is asking the public and its partner organisations to help decide the future of healthcare in the town.

The consultation comes at the end of a yearlong review by the QVH, which concluded that the hospital buildings need to be redeveloped, and its services extended, in order to deliver the best care for patients.

Called ‘Building our future...your hospital' the plans propose developing family health services, sleep disorder services, specialist reconstructive services and the East Grinstead site itself.

But the hospital wants to ensure its proposals are informed and supported by national and regional priorities, and by healthcare partners, patients, members and local communities.

The QVH's Chief Executive Sharon Colclough, said: "We want to create a new landmark building in East Grinstead, which everyone can continue to be proud of for many years to come.

"Please let us know what you think - all your comments matter.”

The consultation period will run until 30 September, and comments can be made online, in a printed questionnaire, or at one of a series of public discussion meetings.
A copy of ‘Building our future...your hospital’ and a questionnaire are available at www.qvh.nhs.uk/building or on request by calling 01342 301548.

The website also contains additional information including a short film and details of the public discussion meetings being held in East Grinstead and elsewhere. Mayor Ginnie Waddingham said: “This scheme proposes a major overhaul of the hospital services in the town and I hope everyone will take the opportunity to look at the plans and comment on them.”

* There will be a public meeting on the proposed development of the Queen Victoria hospital at East Court on 4 September from 7pm - 8pm.

POLICE in East Grinstead achieved a detection rate of 32.7% during the year 2007/8, a figure which was significantly above their target of 26%.
Crime fell over the same period by 17.8%, with 419 fewer victims than in the previous 12 months.

THE Town Clerk has written to BT urging the retention of a public payphone on the Lewes Road outside Sackville school.

BT is to cut the number of phone boxes in the town centre, but councillors are concerned that pupils without a mobile phone will be disadvantaged by the removal of the call box outside their school.

Free Electric Blanket Safety Testing Events are once again being offered by West Sussex County Council Trading Standards Service in partnership with local Borough and District Councils and West Sussex Fire Brigade.

Of the 734 blankets tested countywide in 2007 a shocking 267 failed, 53 of these were considered dangerous, 214 were not recommended for further use.

Old electric blankets often become worn, with mechanical damage and deterioration of the heating elements and wiring. If your electric blanket is more than 10 years old it is strongly recommended that you replace it.

There are electric blanket fires every day, nearly all of which involve old electric blankets.

The more modern blankets tend to be more flexible leaving them liable to rucking. Care should be taken when fitting and electric blankets. If the ties are not used correctly when fitting, the electrical wiring within the blanket can suffer from high levels of mechanical stress.

To book your FREE electric blanket safety test call 01243 642124 for an appointment.

This years’ venues and dates are:

October 2008

• 13th - Age Concern, Pauline Thaw Centre, Dale Avenue, Hassocks
• 14th - The Grange, Bepton Road, Midhurst
• 15th - Help Point, East Grinstead Library, East Grinstead
• 16th - Summers Close, St Aubyns Crescent, Fishersgate
• 17th - Newpark Centre, Newpark Road, Chichester
• 20th - Selsey Centre, Manor Road, Selsey
• 21st - Millward Court, Weimot Road, Shoreham
• 22nd - Worthing Fire Station
• 23rd - Worthing Fire Station
• 24th - Wick Hall, 76 Wick Street, Wick, Littlehampton