Sports

Sports Council Meeting – Tuesday 5th July 2022

12 May 2022

Sports Council Meeting – Tuesday 5th July 2022

The next East Grinstead Sports Council meeting of 2022 will be on Tuesday 5th July at 7.30pm. This will be our first post-pandemic physical meeting and we will be getting together at Felbridge & Sunnyside Cricket Club, who have kindly agreed to host us.

This will restore the important social and networking dimensions of our meetings and I am looking forward to seeing you all again. Please put the date in your diary, using the link below, and I’ll get back to you with details of the arrangements and what we’ll be discussing in due course.

East Grinstead Sports Council Meeting – Thursday 30th September at 7.30pm – Virtual

13 September 2021

Our next East Grinstead Sports Council meeting will be on Thursday 30th September at 7.30pm. We shall again be using the Zoom platform since virtual meetings seemed to be the popular option for the time being, when we discussed it last time.

1Introductions and News – Bob Shelley

A chance to understand who is in attendance and to share some recent sports information and news.

2. School Sports Coordinator Funding 

Steve Hill, one of our two local School Sports Coordinators, reported at the last meeting that funding for both SSCO roles was being reduced and would in future only support one day release a week from their teaching roles instead of two. This will directly impact their capacity to continue to run the excellent programme of sports and festivals for all of our local schools.

We will report on our attempt to influence this situation, which, without a solution, represents a diminution in commitment to the contribution of sport and physical activity at a crucial time in our young people’s lives.

3. Skateboarding Participation and Development

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games illustrated the shift of the Olympic movement in embracing new disciplines. This is aimed at broadening the Games’ appeal to the global audience and making them more relevant across all age groups. Until its inclusion skateboarding had deliberately been steering an anti mainstream policy.

We will be discussing some ideas for supporting the development of skateboarding locally and may be joined by Will Clark, who is involved in the development of the sport in the UK.

4. Any Other Business

Your chance to raise, share or discuss anything you want with our group, of a sporting nature.

Please contact bobshelley@btinternet.com for Zoom meeting details.

Activities for teenagers and their families

17 April 2020

Active Sussex have joined forces with REBOOT to create a NEW and FREE weekly schedule of sports and activities for children and their families across Sussex. There are initially 10 sessions across the week from 6 local providers.

We will look to add more local providers to the schedule and will send any updates. Click here to view the schedule.

Mid Sussex Marathon postponed

27 March 2020

The Mid Sussex Marathon due to be held over the Whitsun bank holiday weekend as been postponed.  The race will be scheduled for a later part in the year and all current entries are transferred.

 https://midsussexmarathon.co.uk/

Following today’s UPDATE UKA & HCAFS STATEMENT, the Mid Sussex Marathon 2020 is now postponed and will no longer take place on 23rd to 25th May 2020.

We are in the process of dealing with all the logistical difficulties this brings, such as checking venue availability and will try to reach a decision on a new date as soon as possible. Our aim is to hold the event later in 2020.

If you have already entered , we will contact you directly with details of your options once these are confirmed. Please bear with us in the meantime and keep checking back for updates.

East Grinstead Town Council presents Youth Sports Grants

7 January 2020

Awarded at the Finance and General Purposes Committee on 12th December, each Club received £500 towards their projects: The Football Clubs and Imberhorne School are all developing girls football teams, the Rugby Club and Cricket Club developing their coaches through qualifications and the Hockey Club installing safety dividers to allow more practice opportunities.  The Cheques were presented by Mayor Cllr Danny Favor at the start of the Council Meeting.

Hockey Club (EG Sports Club) Roger Hanspal and Adam Halpin

Imberhorne School – Steve Hill

EG Cricket Club – Geoff Border

EG Rugby Football Club – Peter Reed

EG Football Club – Richard Tramontin

EG Meads FC – Steve Phillips

Imberhorne football team success

15 May 2019

EAST Grinstead Town Council celebrated the success of young football talent on Monday night at the start of the Annual Council meeting. Outgoing Town Mayor Rex Whittaker presented individual certificates along with an overall picture certificate commemorating the Imberhorne under 12’s Team win of the Sussex County Cup.

The Team won in the final against St Andrews 3-2 in April. Presenting the certificate to the team and coach Year 7 head Dan Celani, The Town Mayor said that “the talent showed bright for the future and the school is part of the exemplar sports performance in the town. The boys should be as rightly proud of their performance as the Town was of them”

The evening marked the end of Cllr Whittakers Mayoral year of office as he handed over the Mayoral chain to Cllr Danny Favor for the 2019/20 year.

East Grinstead Cricket Club are recruiting!

6 March 2019

EGTFC v Herne Bay Saturday 9th March

Sports Council – Important Message

7 June 2018

Due to unforeseen circumstances the meeting planned for 28th June has been cancelled. For your diaries, the next meetings are planned for:

  • Thursday 20 September
  • Tuesday 4 December

Apologies, the agenda and venue will be posted nearer the time.

Triangle Leisure Pool set for £600,000 refurbishment

10 April 2018

Between 04 June and 20 July this year major improvement work, jointly funded by Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC) and Places for People Leisure (PfPL), will take place to the Triangle Leisure pool.

PfPL’s Contract Manager Tom Carter said “The improvements reflect what our customers have been telling us they want to see at the centre. The leisure pool has always been a popular activity and we are excited to be able to deliver these works to show our ongoing commitment in providing great local leisure facilities for Mid Sussex.”

The improvement works will include the full refurbishment of the flumes along with renovation works to the flume tower and steelwork. The slides will be repainted and resealed and a new traffic light system will be installed to help improve safety further.

The works will also include the removal of the falling rapids slide to create space for a new slide which will be introduced later in the year. The beach area will also be transformed, replacing the pirate ship with some exciting new interactive water play features for children of all ages.

During this period of work the leisure pool and lido will remain closed to the public. However, the works are taking place at this time to ensure the improved Leisue Pool is open for use during the busy Summer months.

Tom continued “We would like to apologise for the inconvenience the closure will cause. There is obviously no ideal time to undertake such extensive improvement works but we believe District residents will be very pleased with the final results”.

To keep disruption to a minimum the fitness pool is expected to operate as normal during the works, as long as safe to do so.

Gary Marsh, Cabinet Member for Service Delivery at MSDC added “We are proud to continue to invest in our three Leisure Centres and this refurbishment work at the Triangle will ensure the Leisure Pool there is upgraded and can continue to be enjoyed by the residents of Mid Sussex for years to come”

During these works alternative pools are available at The Dophin Leisure Centre and the Kings Centre.

To keep up to date with the improvement works please visit the Triangle website or view the PfPL or MSDC Facebook pages.

UK cycling events

25 August 2017

An amateur non Competitive Cycle Ride, taking in low traffic, interesting and scenic routes, is due to take place around the East Grinstead area on Saturday 11 November.

Starting and finishing at Lingfield Racecourse the Wiggle Kent Classic Sportive could see around 800 riders taking on the three challenging courses of 28 miles, 50 miles and 79 miles. Rides will commence between 7.45am to 9.30am with groups of a maximum size of 20 cyclists released at intervals to avoid large bunches.

This event will be quite a spectacle on our roads and anyone wanting to take part, support, spectate or check their route for possible delays can find the maps and all information by visiting  www.ukcyclingevents.co.uk/events/wiggle-kent-classic-sportive/

The Wiggle Kent Classic Sportive  is organised by UK Cycling Events and information can be obtained from 01425 653372, enquiries@ukcyclingevents.co.uk or www.ukcyclingevents.co.uk.

Royal London Cup – East Grinstead CC Quarter Final Winners

8 August 2017

On a glorious sunny day East Grinstead 1st XI hosted Bath CC in their quarter final match of the ECB national cup. With a good crowd at Saint Hill, EG won the toss and elected to bat. Openers Adkin (86) and Hatchett (49) got the team off to the perfect start putting on 106 for the first wicket. This was before Hatchett was LBW to the impressive T.Hankins (2-39). Hudson-Prentice came and went in the same fashion leaving EG on 119-2. Graham (35) then joined Adkin and the two of them put on a valuable 63 run partnership for the third wicket. Graham was the next batsman to go LBW to Green (3-25). Sturmer (23) came to the crease and increased the scoring rate with some well timed 4’s before Adkin was caught by the keeper off a top edge for a well made (86)
EG lost a quick flurry of wickets at the end but ended on a competitive 221-7 off their 45 overs.

In reply EG were looking for early wickets and that’s exactly what they got. Lewis Hatchett (2-15) removed both openers, Campbell (9) and Ackland (2) both caught behind by keeper Heppell. Sturmer (2-31) then removed Hankins caught and bowled for (6). At 21-3 in was the best possible start for EG and Bath needed to rebuild. Thankfully for them that’s exactly what Muchall (32) and Benton (27) did. Once again the spin pairing of Hatchett (2-34) and Graham (2-30) provided some tight overs in the middle of the innings and were rewarded with wickets. Hatchett broke the partnership having Muchall LBW before Graham had Mount (8) out in the same fashion. Graham also then picked up Benton caught at cover and Bath once again needed to rebuild at 99-6. Padgett (38) gave some late order resistance and alongside Davies (12) took Bath up to 136-7. Brad Hatchett then came back into the attack and struck taking the wicket of Davies bowled. Lee Granger then bowled an inspired one over to remove the set Padgett and EG were on the home stretch. Returning seam bowlers Hudson-Prentice (1-26 )and Sturmer returned to bowl the late overs and both picked up a wicket each. Bath finished all out for 177 giving EG a winning victory of 44 runs.

EG move onto the semi-final where they will play Wanstead and Snaresbrook CC.

Match Report

EGCC Cricket Report

Well done EGCC!

East Grinstead Town FC pre-season friendlies

3 July 2017

Youth Activities in East Grinstead

2 June 2017

The attached document has been compiled by East Grinstead Town Council, and contains the details of organisations that offer activities in, or around, East Grinstead. Activities take place after school, evenings, weekends & school holidays. Some activities may be one off, whilst others are ongoing.

Full details are shown in the document, including contact details. Please contact the organisations directly for further information. Please note that East Grinstead Town Council does not endorse nor recommend any of these organisations, and cannot be held responsible for the services offered. You are encouraged to make your own enquiries of any service and its operation.

Youth Activities in East Grinstead 2017

Sport Relief Mile 2016

19 January 2016

East Grinstead Sports Council raise £150,000 for local schools and sports clubs

13 November 2015

Following another successful local sports initiative, East Grinstead Sports Council is pleased to announce the conclusion of their latest funding programme for the sports community.  Schools and Sports Clubs associated with the Sports Council have been given assistance over the last 18 months to identify and secure funds to assist them with the running of new sports activities and programmes. In all over £150,000 has been raised with 15 organisations benefitting from the initiative.

Successful projects included one for Dunnings Squash and Racketball Club for the introduction of coaches to help with the junior development programme.  Estcots School created a programme for healthy eating and Sackville School are using their funding to develop a cycling programme aimed at fitness and healthy lifestyles.

Initial grants to allow the scheme to start were provided by East Grinstead Town Council and Mid Sussex District Council.  Bob Shelley, Chair of the Sports Council said “without the initial support of the Councils and some other benefactors, we would not have been able to start this initiative.  We are delighted with the amount raised, which has gone directly to the Schools and Sports Clubs in the town.  We are considering running the initiative again as we feel there are still many organisations who were not able to benefit this time round.”

Steve Hill, the Sports Development officer at Imberhorne School who has been instrumental in delivering the initiative and has worked on many of the projects with the local schools, commented “this has been a fantastic project for the town, I am delighted so many children and clubs have been involved and I look forward to continuing to work with them in the future.  I am very grateful to the Head at Imberhorne School and the East Grinstead Group of Primary Schools (EGGS) who have endorsed the project and given me the support to assist the community”.

Bob Shelley added “with the future in mind we would be pleased to hear from any organisation that didn’t benefit this time round or who would like to become involved with the Sports Council.  Any sports club or activity based organisation is welcome to come along, as well as any businesses who provide physical activity in or out of the workplace for their employees.

Some of the clubs and schools who benefitted from the initiative include:

  • Dunnings Squash & Racketball Club
  • CD Phoenix Netball Club
  • East Grinstead Sports Club (charity)
  • Southdown Netball Club
  • EG Cricket Club
  • EG Meads Football Club
  • EG Triathlon Club
  • EG Town Football Club
  • EG Tennis Squash & Racketball Club
  • Sackville School
  • Blackwell Primary School
  • West Hoathly CE Primary
  • Estcots Primary School

East Grinstead Sports Council is run by the Sports Clubs in East Grinstead and the surrounding area with free membership available to all.  It has been operating for over 10 years and meets quarterly with the objective of sharing best practice and considering how best to assist clubs with their growth, sustainability and community involvement.  A principal emphasis is on finding links between the primary and secondary schools, coaches and clubs to broaden opportunities for young people.

For further details about the project or the Sports Council please contact Bob Shelley on 07738 513721 or bobshelley@btinternet.com

Motivat8 play day at King’s Centre

18 March 2015

THERE will be a free Motivat8 play day at the King’s Centre between 1pm and 3.30pm on 31 March.

Organised by Mid Sussex District Council in partnership with the Town Council and Affinity Sutton, the activities on offer will include football tasters, swimming, rollerskate vouchers, fitness tasters (boxercise and circuits) and smash up badminton.

There’s no need to book – just turn up.

Sessions are for ages 11 upwards, and activities may vary on the day.

The sessions are drop-in and the centre takes no responsibility for children while they are on site.

Kings Centre has free taster sessions for half term

11 February 2015

East Grinstead men take their seventh successive title in the Hockey Indoor 5s

26 January 2015

THE East Grinstead men’s team won the Hockey Indoor 5s title for the seventh successive time at Wembley before an ecstatic crowd of town supporters who had travelled up to cheer them on.

The EG women’s team also made their first appearance in a 5s final, but lost out to Bowdon Hightown.

Photo © Ady Kerry

Town Mayor presents Youth Sports Revenue Grants

12 January 2015

TOWN Mayor Nick Hodges has presented East Grinstead sports clubs with Town Council grants to encourage young people to participate in sport.

Five hundred pounds was awarded to Chartham Park Golf Club, East Grinstead Swimming Club, Synergy Academy, the Cricket Club, Estcots Tennis Club and Imberhorne school.

A grant of £400 was give to East Grinstead Athletics Club.

Chartham Park will offer all Year 11 students at Imberhorne six one-hour coaching sessions which will take place at the school, enabling them to sample the skills needed in the game and to use equipment.

After their initial sessions, the youngsters will have a further free session at Chartham Park to introduce them to the course so they can decide if they would like to pursue golf in the future, with special membership deals designed to make the game accessible to youngsters.

The Cricket Club will be funding coaches for indoor net training and providing free taster sessions for potential new players at the start of the season.

The Athletics Club needs additional equipment for year Four and Five pupils and to support training for assistants which will allow the Club to expand.

Imberhorne school will be putting its grant towards setting up a Young Coaches Academy for youngsters aged 16-24 who would then create and develop sporting activities for younger people in the town, both through the school and through other clubs in the town.

The East Grinstead Swimming Club will be using its grant for more coaches to expand membership, while the Synergy Sports Academy based at the Kings Centre are fundraising for safety equipment to help in trampoline training.

The Estcots Lawn Tennis Club will be using its grant for cleaning and relining slippery courts.town-mayor-presents-youth-sports-revenue-grants

Imberhorne School awarded grant towards youth football goalposts

16 December 2014

IMBERHORNE school has been awarded funding towards 9v9 Junior goals, as part of The FA’s ongoing youth football initiative.

The grant means that children of Imberhorne Lower School and clubs in the local community, will now be able to play matches on pitches with goalposts that suit their size and age.

With a pair of goalposts costing on average £1,000, the Football Foundation has ring-fenced a funding pot of £750,000 to help pay for 50% of the cost of purchasing the youth goals.

This funding has been made available throughThe FA providing £650,000 and the English Schools’ Football Association (ESFA) themselves providing a further £100,000. This investment will support schools and leagues adopting nine-a-side and smaller formats of the game – underlining a key part of The FA’s new approach to youth football.

Extensive research has shown that the game is more enjoyable for youngsters on size appropriate pitches with size appropriate equipment – as they receive more touches of the ball and the game is less likely to be dominated by larger, more physical players.

The ESFA 9v9 goalpost requirement was introduced as part of The FA’s Youth Football initiative to encourage schools and local communities to nurture young English footballers with high levels of technical skill.

This year, the smaller formats of the game – which make use of appropriate size pitches and goals – were made mandatory for all age groups Under-12 this season.

In 2012 the Foundation worked with the County FAs to direct £1.5m of FA investment towards the purchase of small-sided goalposts, with over 2,000 clubs and schools benefitting from Foundation grants across all regions of England.

Gareth Southgate, the England Under-21s Head Coach, welcomed the funding, saying: “Having helped to develop the small-sided game strategy at The FA before my current role with the Under-21s, I can only echo how crucial this is for young players.

“Youngsters will get so much more out of the game, with more touches on the ball and a far better quality of match being played. This format of the game will also have a significant impact in developing more technically-gifted home-grown players.

“I am delighted to see The FA, the ESFA and the Football Foundation working in partnership to make sure this investment helps schools such as Imberhorne make the transition to the small-sided game.”

Steve Hill, School Sports Co-ordinator for East Grinstead and Imberhorne, said: “The funding from the Football Foundation is a fantastic initiative as it not only benefits the current and future students of Imberhorne, but it also improves provision for our community football clubs as well.”

Money raised by Mid Sussex Marathon

1 December 2014

TOWN Clerk Julie Holden has accepted £3,000 from Mid Sussex District Council on behalf of two East Grinstead sports clubs.

The cash was raised by last May’s ‘three towns’ Marathon which saw more than 1,000 runners complete the three-part Mid Sussex Marathon run in East Grinstead, Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill.

The hugely-popular event helped to raise money for local charities and attracted hundreds of visitors into the three towns to spectate on race days.

The Marathon money raised has now been given to sports clubs across the District to improve sporting opportunities for residents.

The East Grinstead Athletics Club and Activate East Grinstead have been granted £3000 for local running projects. The clubs will use £1500 for the 321 initiative, a project pioneered by Run England which encourages people who have stopped taking exercise to become active again. Signage will be displayed around the town to mark out jogging routes from 1 to 5km, varied distances that will appeal to runners of all abilities.

The remainder of the money has been set aside to establish a weekly Park Run in the town.

Photo above: Representatives from local sports clubs meet  Cllr Pru Moore to receive their funding. 

(Left to Right) Stuart Condie from Burgess Hill Runners, Councillor Mims Davies, Mike Essex from Haywards Heath Harriers, Councillor Pru Moore, Lucie Venables from Haywards Heath Harriers and Julie Holden, East Grinstead Town Clerk who accepted the funding on behalf of East Grinstead Athletics Club and Activate East Grinstead.

Glorious weather boosts Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend

13 May 2014

Top athletes and fun runners enjoyed some glorious running conditions for the Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend on 3rd, 4th and 5th May. More than 1000 runners completed the main races and over 100 youngsters and new runners took part in the Mid Sussex Mile side events.

Local businesses, Town Councils and the District Council all worked together to stage a fabulous running event for the whole community.

The Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend comprised three races, which took place over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend. The event opened with a 10-mile race in East Grinstead on Saturday 3rd May, moved to Haywards Heath for a 10-mile race on Sunday 4th May and finished with a 10k race in Burgess Hill on Monday 5th May. Combined, the three races covered a total of 26.2 miles – the classic marathon distance.

One hundred and ninety-two runners entered all three races and by completing the total distance they each received a special commemorative Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend medal.

Glorious Bank Holiday sunshine bought many spectators into the three towns on race day and they were kept entertained throughout by local radio stations Meridian FM and Bright FM, who broadcast live from the event.

The dry conditions helped the leading competitors to record some impressive finishing times and the winners of each race were as follows:

East Grinstead 10 Mile race
1st Russ Mullen – 1 hour 3 minutes and 3 seconds
2nd Michael Chapman – 1 hour 3 minutes and 53 seconds
3rd Jim Addison – 1 hour 3 minutes and 56 seconds

Haywards Heath 10 Mile race
1st Stewart Gregory – 58 minutes 21 seconds
2nd Gareth Williams – 59 minutes 1 second
3rd Russ Mullen – 59 minutes 23 seconds

Burgess Hill 10 Kilometre race
1st Simon Heath – 35 minutes 31 seconds
2nd Louis Taub – 37 minutes 5 seconds
3rd Kevin Tourle – 37 minutes 22 seconds

The overall Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend winner was Russ Mullen, who completed the three races in a total time of 2 hours, 40 minutes and 11 seconds. The highest placed woman was Annie Rebindaine, who completed the races in 3 hours 11 minutes and 7 seconds. They each received the top prizes of dinner and an overnight stay for two at the Felbridge Hotel and Spa.

The Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend was organised by specialist race managers Nice Work on behalf of Mid Sussex District Council, with support from Burgess Hill, East Grinstead and Haywards Heath Town Councils. The event was sponsored by Freedom Leisure, Mansell McTaggart, Crest Nicholson, The Orchards Shopping Centre in Haywards Heath and the Burgess Hill Town Centre Partnership. A great deal of credit must also go to the many shops and local businesses that showed their support by contributing gifts and prizes.

“We had another great turnout for the Mid Sussex Marathon this year and it was fantastic to see so many youngsters, and people who are new to running, taking part in our Mid Sussex Mile events,” said Glen Wilkinson, Mid Sussex District Council Leisure Contract Officer. “I would like to thank race organisers Nice Work, our Town Council partners, all the sponsors and the many volunteers who gave up their time to make it all happen. We couldn’t have held the Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend without you.”

Sun shines on East Grinstead leg of Mid Sussex Marathon

7 May 2014

TOWN MP Nicholas Soames joined the mayor, Margaret Belsey, to send off the runners taking part in the East Grinstead leg of the Mid Sussex Marathon on Saturday.

The sun shone as a crowded field set off on the ten mile route around Weirwood Reservoir, and included one runner who took his Teddy along for the ride.

Results will be up here as soon as we have them, but meanwhile pictured below we have the winners of the children’s one mile race, Cllr Nick Hodges and his daughter who both took part in the event, a field of runners heading off into the countryside and of course, Teddy!

Local businesses pledge support for Marathon

1 April 2014

The local business community has pulled together to show their support for the Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend, which takes place on 3, 4 and 5 May 2014.

Local companies have lined up to become official sponsors and to give their backing to the exciting Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend.

Freedom Leisure, Mansell McTaggart, Crest Nicholson, The Orchards Shopping Centre in Haywards Heath and the Burgess Hill Town Centre Partnership are the five main sponsors of the event and the Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend would simply not be possible without their financial support. Many other local businesses have chosen to get behind the event by contributing prizes that encourage people to get involved.

Runners lining up to take part in the Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend will find their efforts well rewarded thanks to a fantastic range of prizes that have been donated by generous local businesses. Hamilton Studios in East Grinstead has provided a free photo shoot and print worth £95, Haywards Heath based personal training specialists Fit for Moore are offering 3 month training courses and Smiles & Styles in Burgess Hill is giving away vouchers for free hair and beauty treatments as well as a selection of pampering products for men and women.

The overall winners of the Men’s and Women’s Marathon will receive dinner and an overnight stay for two courtesy of the Felbridge Hotel and Spa.

Race day prizes are not just for adults, youngsters will have the chance to win as well. The top three finishers in each age category of the Mid Sussex Mile races will receive a free swimming session at a nearby Mid Sussex District Council leisure centre courtesy of centre operators Freedom Leisure.

The Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend is organised by specialist race managers Nice Work on behalf of Mid Sussex District Council, with support from Burgess Hill, East Grinstead and Haywards Heath Town Councils.

There is still time for local companies to get involved and any businesses that would like to support this unique event should contact Glen Wilkinson at Glen.Wilkinson@midsussex.gov.uk or by calling 01444 477207.

“The Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend is a fantastic event for the whole community and I’m delighted that local companies have been so quick to show their support and get involved”, said Councillor Frank Osborne, East Grinstead Town Council Member for Amenities and Tourism. “The generous donations we have already received from local businesses have ensured there are plenty of terrific prizes for runners to win by taking part in the Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend this year.

“The Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend is a unique event that appeals to families, fun runners and long-distance athletes. The marathon distance is split over three races on three consecutive days, so you can pick the distance that’s right for you.

“Runners of all ages and abilities are welcome so if you’re not already registered then what are you waiting for? Sign up today.”

The Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend begins with a 10-mile race in East Grinstead on Saturday 3 May, moves to Haywards Heath for a 10-mile race on Sunday 4 May and finishes with a 10-kilometre race in Burgess Hill on Monday 5 May. Combined, the three races cover a total of 26.2 miles – the classic marathon distance. Younger runners aged 8-11 and 12-14 years, as well as adults who are new to running, will be able take part in Mid Sussex Mile races in each of the three towns.

Full details on the Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend, including information on how to enter online or by post, are available at www.midsussexmarathon.co.uk.

East Grinstead Town Football Club – help support their bid for funding

1 February 2014

As you might be aware from the last couple of EG Sports Development Group meetings, East Grinstead Town FC were successful in their grant application to the Budweiser Club Futures programme and our major ground improvement project is underway and due for completion for the start of next season.

But there’s a real chance you and your club could help EGTFC secure an extra £100,000 towards a 3G training area. They are one of eight clubs with a chance of winning the Budweiser Club Futures Super Grant (there’s more info on their website www.egtfc.co.uk).

Simply log into Facebook, follow this link to the Budweiser Facebook page https://apps.facebook.com/budweiserclubfutures click on the Wasps logo to watch the video and most importantly please VOTE. It’s your vote that counts as the club that receives the most votes wins £100,000 towards their project.

It’s as simple as that – so please vote and ask all your friends, family, colleagues and contacts to vote for East Grinstead Town FC!

Mid Sussex Marathon 2014

5 November 2013

Plans for the third annual Mid Sussex Marathon are underway, with the three day event planned for the first bank holiday weekend in May 3rd to 5th May 2014.

The classic marathon distance of 26.2 miles spread over three races, will kick off in East Grinstead with a 10 mile, mostly cross country course, which starts and finishes at the East Grinstead Sports Club, passing through some of the most beautiful landscape our region has to offer. Runners will follow the tried and tested route, using footpaths down to Weir Wood Reservoir, passing the National Trust property of Standen before heading across fields and woodlands towards Brambletye and onto the Forest Way. A short road section leads onto the West Sussex Border Path then across fields through farm land and back down to the reservoir before retracing the outward route back up a challenging hill to the finish.

The second leg, also a 10 mile race takes place in Haywards Heath and the event will be rounded off on the Bank Holiday Monday with the remaining 6.2 miles (10K) in Burgess Hill.

Participants can enter now for all three or any individual race at www.nice-work.org.uk or www.runnersworld.co.uk/events

For further information, please call race organisers Nice Work on 01797 230572

Anyone interested in helping to marshal, sponsor or donate prizes for the East Grinstead leg of the Mid Sussex Marathon please contact Dawn Spalding on 01342 410121

Julian runs for Saturday Dementia Club

7 October 2013

JULIAN Spencer raised more than £1,000 for the town’s Saturday dementia respite club when he took part in the East Grinstead 10k on 22 September.

Cllr Danny Favor congratulated Julian for his money-raising run, and everyone who had worked hard to arrange the event.

“It was a great success due to the generosity and support of various community groups and individuals, and a million thanks must go to everyone who worked so hard to make this good cause happen.”

* Anyone who would like to donate money to support the work of the dementia club can still do so at: https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/julianspencereg10k2013

100 mile Swim in East Grinstead High Street! Centenary event for East Grinstead Swimming Club

11 April 2012

THE East Grinstead Swimming Club will be celebrating its centenary by swimming 100 miles – in the High Street.

Swimmers and their families are being invited to take part in the Big Swim which will take place in an Aquatrainer pool donated for the event by Hyropool in Felbridge.

The pool will be placed on the paved area outside Broadley Brothers and the Casablanca cafe and swimmers will take it in turns to swim a non-stop 100 miles over two nights starting at 4pm on Friday 25 May and finishing on Sunday 27 May.

To support the event 100 local businesses are being asked to take an advert on the scrolling screen which will form a backdrop to the unqiue challenge.

For more details contact Paul Crowther on paul@planespeaking.wanadoo.co.uk

Sussex Living Marathon route

1 March 2012

The probable route for the East Grinstead leg of the Sussex Living Marathon weekend, 5th – 7th May has now been revealed for the first time.

The 10 mile, mostly cross country course, which starts and finishes at the East Grinstead Sports Club, passes through some of the most beautiful landscape our region has to offer.

Runners will follow footpaths down to Weir Wood Reservoir, passing the National Trust property of Standen and follow along its length before heading across fields and woodlands towards Brambletye and onto the Forest Way. A short road section leads onto the West Sussex Border Path then across fields through farm land and back down to the reservoir before retracing the outward route back up a challenging hill to the finish at the Sports Club.

The three races, held under UKA rules, East Grinstead (10 miles), Haywards Heath (10 miles) and Burgess Hill (10K) make up a total of 26.2 miles the classic marathon distance.

Profits will go to locally nominated charities. For East Grinstead this will be shared between EG Access Group and the EG Meridian Rotary.

During the race there will be taster sessions and demonstrations of sporting activities suitable for all age groups held on the Sports Club site. More details of timetables will be available nearer the time.

Participants can enter now for all three or any individual race at www.nice-work.org.uk or www.runnersworld.co.uk/events

For further information, please call race organisers Nice Work on 01797 230572

Useful links