Author: Andrew Taylor

The town tourism team, Simon Kerr and Dawn Spalding, were at the May Fair yesterday spreading the word about the three free concerts which will be taking place this summer.

Photo © East Grinstead Online

TOWN Mayor Nick Hodges did the honours yesterday morning when he declared the May Fair officially open.

A cold wet weekend had shown little promise of good weather, but in the event the sun shone and the crowds packed the High Street.

Photo © East Grinstead Online

IN the last fundraiser of his mayoral year Nick Hodges wowed the audience at Chequer Mead when he took to the stage backed by the ConChord Big Band last night.

His chosen charities for his year in office were the Town Museum and CRY, Cardiac Risk in the Young.

Photo © John O’Brien

TOWN Clerk Julie Holden caught all the excitement of the off at the Mid Sussex Marathon today as the runners set off on a ten mile run around the local countryside.

The Marshalls check that everything is in order before the off

The ten milers set off at a brisk pace

The line up for the one mile run

First dogs across the line

THE cherry blossom in the High Street has been so abundant this year, that it’s almost hiding the blue and white bunting which is now decorating the town centre in readiness for Monday’s May Fair, thanks to the efforts of the Council’s outdoor staff.

A casual enquiry at the library’s visitor information desk nine years ago culminated in a glass of Champagne at the High Street Book shop today, when Simon Kerr and John Pye toasted the latest work by Australian author Liz Byrski.

Liz first came to Simon’s attention in 2006 when someone asked him if he had heard of an earlier book she had written called The Gang of Four, which was a novel featuring “an East Grinstead tea shop”.

Simon contacted Liz via her publishers to find out more, and discovered she was not only a local girl, but that the cafe she had written about was actually John Pye’s Book Shop.

So when Liz wanted to research her latest book, which tells the story of the nurses who cared for McIndoe’s Guinea Pigs, she turned to Simon for help and he was able to introduce her to many people who contributed to In Love and War: Nursing Heroes, her account of the women who cared for McIndoe’s patients.

“I had very much hoped to be with Liz when it was eventually published in Fremantle yesterday, but it didn’t work out,” said Simon. “So instead John and I are raising a glass to her success here in the Book Shop where our association began.”

“This book has been six years in preparation so I am delighted it has finally been published – and very touched that I am included, with town historian Michael Leppard and Bob Marchant, the secretary of the Guinea Pig Club, in the acknowledgements.

* In Love and War: Nursing Heroes by Liz Byrski is published by Fremantle Press, and is available in the UK on Kindle.

Back where it all began – John Pye and Simon Kerr toast Liz © East Grinstead Online

The Town Mayor of East Grinstead, Cllr Nick Hodges held a Charity Ball last saturday at the East Grinstead Sports Club in aid of his two chosen charities.

Compere Pete Jenkins hosted the evening, entertainment was provided by comedian Tucker who had guests in stitches with his hilarious banter followed by disco provided by Terry Sumner and delighted guests danced well into the night.

There were some amazing prizes for the auction and raffle which were kindly donated by many generous local businesses. Further prizes included a framed England shirt signed by the squad and a dress worn by Pixie Lott, amongst others. The auction and raffle made in excess of £3,000 on the night.

Nick says: “There was a wonderful atmosphere at the ball on Saturday. Everyone had a marvellous time whilst raising money for two worthy charities. I would like to send heartfelt thanks to everyone who got involved either by attending the event or donating prizes. Special thanks goes to my wife Lucy, Jackie from the East Grinstead Sports Club, Pete Jenkins and Sam O’Neill who helped me organise the event.”

His final fundraising event will take place on Friday 1 May at Chequer Mead Community Arts Centre, East Grinstead. There will be a concert called “Friday Night is Mayor’s Night”. The night will feature performances from Vegas Nights, Rising Stars Adult Theatre Company, Sarah Benton Vocals, East Grinstead Ukulele Club and even the mayor himself, all accompanied by the musicians of the ConChord Big Band.

STRUGGLING with dementia is tough for the people who suffer from it, and for the friends and relatives who care for them.

But little things can mean a lot to someone who is confused or forgetful – so a kind word, a reminder of where the bus stop is, or a helping hand to find something in a supermarket, can make all the difference.

A little patience, and taking the time to explain something, can make the world seem a lot less frightening.

So with the backing of the Town Council, Dementia Friends are doing what they can to make East Grinstead residents more aware of what they can do to help.

There will be dementia awareness sessions at Glen Vue on 18 May at 1,30pm, 3.30pm and 5.30pm – and a stall at the May Fair on Monday 4 – where you can find out more.

You can also read up about the problems faced by people with dementia, and what you can do about them, at www.dementiafriends.org.uk

PROMOTIONS Manager Simon Kerr took a group of visitors around the town centre today, when the High Street was at its loveliest best with the Spring flowers providing a colourful carpet under the cherry trees, which are now in full blossom.