Author: Andrew Taylor

East Grinstead is attempting to become more dementia friendly.  Come along to an awareness session (Free of charge) to hear more about what being a dementia friend means and how you can help make the town more caring and aware for people with Dementia.

There are 2 sessions on 14^th November at East Court, you can book a place by contacting the town clerks office 01342 323636  or emailing w.mackenzie@eastgrinstead.gov.uk  marking the email “Dementia Friends”.   You can just come along but booking helps with number expectations.

Andy Perry,the Trusts and Legacies fundraiser for St Catherine’s, seen in the photo with Town Mayor Bob Mainstone, received a cheque from the Town Council’s Community Grant Scheme. “It was a pleasure to meet Cllr Mainstone and to have the opportunity to explain the ways in which St Catherine’s provides end of life care to meet the needs of local people.” said Andy.

Last year, St Catherine’s Hospice cared for more than 2,000 patients and their family and friends. Offering practical and emotional support, the care St Catherine’s provides is free to patients and their families. Receiving less than a third of their running costs from the NHS, St Catherine’s relies on the generosity and support of the local community.  A donation of £300 from East Grinstead Town Council is helping make a real difference to terminally ill people in East Grinstead, where each year St Catherine’s cares for about 150 people and those closest to them.

Town Mayor Bob Mainstone and Mayoress Christine Mainstone joined the celebrations held to celebrate the East Grinstead and District Lions Club at Chartham Park.  Bob praised the work done by the club raising money for local good causes and supporting other town events by bringing their popular catering facilities to events such as the May Fair. Many of us will have passed by their book trailer in Queens Walk on Saturday’s which is one of their major fund raisers. More on the work of the Lions on their website http://www.eastgrinsteadlions.co.uk

East Grinstead Tadpoles, the Swimming Club for the Disabled, welcomed Town Mayor Bob Mainstone at the poolside of the Kings Centre. The Town Council has donated funds from their Community Grants Scheme to aid the Club in the outstanding work they do. Alan Rees, seen here in the photo with Mayor Bob Mainstone, said “We were very pleased to see the Mayor and very grateful for the cheque. We appreciated the time he spent with our members and helpers”.

The Club which was founded 34 years ago, helps those with disabilities over a wide age range to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of swimming. You can read more about their work on their website  http://www.tadpoles.info.

As in previous years a road closure will be in effect both in London Road and the High Street, this will start at 10.30 finishing at 11.45 am. Other roads affected will be Church Lane, Hermitage Lane and Portland Road as well as Cantelupe Road. Please note that vehicles turning into and exiting these roads will be controlled by staffed points throughout the proceedings.

The parade leaves from Little King Street and proceeds up London Road into the High Street at 10.40am assembling in the High Street opposite the War Memorial. Wreaths are to be laid by The Deputy Lord Lieutenant for West Sussex, Sir Nicholas Soames MP, East Grinstead Town Mayor Cllr Bob Mainstone, Chairman of Mid Sussex District Council Cllr Peter Reed as well as the Men and Women’s section of the Royal British Legion.

IN a regular feature on the Town Council website, we will be remembering, on the anniversary of their deaths, the East Grinstead soldiers who died during WWI,  and who are named on the High Street War Memorial.

This month we recall (as recorded on The Roll of Honour website):

Cecil Keith HARRIS

Private TF/2115 1/4th Battalion, The Royal Sussex Regiment. 53rd Division.

Died of diptheria in military hospital in Ismailia, Egypt. 8.11.16. Aged 19.

Son of Joseph and Alice Harris of West Hoathly. Born in Horstead Keynes and enlisted in Horsham.

Buried Ismailia War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt.

Frederick WESTGATE

Private G/16183 12th Battalion, The Royal Sussex Regiment. 39th Division.

Died of wounds in base hospital at Rouen 26.11.16. Aged 21.

Son of Mr. and Mrs. E.M.Westgate of 24, Stockwell Road, East Grinstead. Born and enlisted in East Grinstead

Buried St. Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen F. 146.

 

Free Halloween posters are being provided by Mid Sussex District Council and Sussex Police to show ‘Trick or Treaters’ if they are welcome to call.

Many young children will soon be putting on their scariest costumes and taking to the streets to celebrate Halloween. There will be lots of fun activities taking place right across the District but there are members of the Mid Sussex community who do not wish to participate in the celebrations.

Mid Sussex District Council and Sussex Police are asking revellers to be respectful of people who do not wish to take part in the trick or treat ritual. The Council is making ‘No trick or treat’ and ‘trick or treaters welcome’ posters available from the District Council offices, Town Council Help Points and online.

“Dressing up for Halloween and asking for sweet treats is great fun for children but there are members of the community who are nervous about people calling at their home after dark,” said Councillor Norman Webster, Cabinet Member Community. “We want everyone to enjoy the evening of 31st October so we’re encouraging people to display one of these posters in their front window to either welcome trick or treaters to call, or to ask them not to stop this time.

“It only takes a minute to download one of the posters or to collect one from the Council offices so make sure you’re ready for Halloween and grab one today.”

The District Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Co-ordinator has visited a number of local schools alongside representatives from Sussex Police to raise awareness among young people about how they can be perceived at this time. Groups of young people in high spirits and scary costumes can be intimidating for some residents and students were asked not to approach properties displaying the ‘no trick or treat’ signs.

In recent weeks a small minority of people have tried to scare or intimidate other people whilst dressed as clowns. Those celebrating Halloween this year are advised to avoid dressing up as clowns as it is unlikely to result in a positive reaction from the public.

To download the free Halloween posters visit www.midsussex.gov.uk/halloween

For more information on Community Safety contact Emma Wyborn, ASB Coordinator on 01444 47 7489or email antisocialbehaviour@midsussex.gov.uk.

East Grinstead Town Mayor Bob Mainstone was on hand on Tuesday to declare the refurbished playground at East Court well and truly open. This very popular Town Council facility in the grounds of the East Court Estate has recently seen the equipment upgraded  and the safety and accessibility enhanced. Bob Mainstone said “I am delighted that our local children will have another exciting activity to play on at the Town Council playground at East Court.

The popular playground caters for a wide age range and is situated in a safe environment.  It is a lovely place for children to play and for parents and grandparents to relax.  The playground is maintained by the Town Council Outside Services team who keep the surrounding East Court grounds looking their best throughout the year.  As a town we should be proud to count East Court as a very special place that everyone can use and enjoy. “  Bob was joined by Peter Reed, the Chairman of Mid Sussex District Council.

The project was overseen by Alison Merricks, the Town Council’s Estate Manager, who said. ”We have a rolling programme to keep this sort of equipment up to date, and wherever possible we try and ensure that the highest level of safety is matched by enabling as many children as possible to enjoy the playground. ” The first users to test out the playground came from the nearby All Kids Day Nursery housed at the nearby Old Court House.