Author: Andrew Taylor

TOWN Mayor Nick Hodges attended the AGM of the Music and Arts Festival to hear chairman Christine Mainstone give the following report on this years very successful event.

“I have pleasure in presenting to you the Chairman’s report for the East Grinstead Music and Arts Festival 2014.

We had a very successful Festival with an increased number of entrants in each section resulting in a full and vibrant Chequer Mead.

Thank you to the section secretaries: Ann Bridle (singing), Janet Topping (speech and drama) and Carole Clark (dance). You made Chequer Mead ring with talent and enthusiasm over the four weekends. You make your roles look so easy but having worked alongside you all during the Festival, I can assure everyone your tasks are far from easy!

My thanks go to all our adjudicators for their attention to detail and for the positive remarks made to our participants.

We are only able to run the Festival with the support of our volunteers.

I extend a sincere thank you to Christine Hardisty for organising our volunteer rota.

Thank you also to Ann Mackie (membership), Ivor Humphreys (website), Lynda Goacher (minutes), Alex Leggat and Gordon Waddingham (treasurers) and Paul Johnson (vice-chairman).

An exciting change this year was to award a dance bursary worth £500 to an overall outstanding performer chosen by the adjudicator Jill Baldock.  The winner was Emily Devine and the bursary will be spent on furthering her dancing career.

I extend a special thank you to the Chequer Mead technicians for their help throughout the Festival.

A big, big thank you to Janet Gillbard who, as our secretary, works for us all the year round as well as being on duty every day at the festival from 9am to 10.30pm  ready to sort out any problems that may crop up. Janet works tirelessly planning our committee meetings, dealing with all correspondence, etc. and the organisation of the Festival itself.

Finally thank you to all members of the Festival committee.  You are all part of a very special group of people and it is great working with you.

Now it all begins again as we plan towards the Festival in 2015.”

DEPUTY Mayor Dick Sweatman was one of the many visitors at the Flower Festival held at St Mary’s church and school at the weekend.

Dick met the ladies of the East Grinstead Flower Club and took a keen interest in a flower arranging class for some of the younger visitors.

The stunning arrangements on display were both beautiful and, in many cases, technically challenging, with designs which included flowers, found objects, seasonal vegetables and other plant material such as conkers.

“It has been lovely to walk around such a beautiful church and to see all the wonderful work that has gone into this festival,” said Dick.

TOWN residents have been advised to leave their rubbish bins out as usual on Tuesday – despite a one day strike threatened by Serco which may affect collections throughout Mid Sussex District.

A spokesman for MSDC said: “Whilst we will endeavour to offer some service, we expect that during the industrial action there will be disruption to our refuse and recycling collections. We apologise for any delay.

“If you are affected please leave your bin out and it will be collected as soon as possible.

“We will update our website and facebook/twitter pages as we receive further information.”

EAST Grinstead’s community volunteers had their considerable contribution to town life honoured with the award of certificates at a celebration tea at Ravenswood organised by Mid Sussex District Council on Sunday.

Those honoured, with their citations, included:

Jenny Watson   

“Jenny has been employed by the Town Council since 2011 as a part time Gardener and works tirelessly well beyond her contracted hours every week. She is a whirlwind of winning ideas, practical from the top of her head to the tip of her green fingers. She is full of inspirational ideas and ways to get local people involved. Jenny designed the East Grinstead war memorial flower beds which won Best War Memorial planting in the South and South East in Bloom completion recently.”

Julie Mockford

“Julie is hard-working, dedicated, conscientious and caring. Longstanding volunteer on the East Grinstead Music and Arts Festival. Voluntarily ran after-school dance club for 13 years in desire to promote self confidence in young children. Julie is also a Staff Governor at Queen Victoria hospital and a Judge for South East in Bloom.”

Danny Favor

“Danny Favor has lived in East Grinstead for 14 years and is an Ophthalmic Nurse Practitioner at Queen Victoria Hospital. He is involved with many charities like the Filipino British Nurses team, who carry out community health checks and raising money for Our Lady & St. Peter church. He also raised money for the restoration of a typhoon damaged school in the Philippines, now named the East Grinstead Building.”

Chris Nunn

“Chris Nunn is the secretary of the Ashplats Conservation Group, a volunteer team, and has done much valuable work in and around Ashplats Wood. Whether it is litter picks, repairing paths and steps, or looking after the trees, Chris is looking after this valuable ancient woodland for all residents to enjoy.”

Stuart Scholes

“Appointed CEO of an investor friendly and reinvigorated East Grinstead Business Association, Stuart has improved member benefits and networking events. As Chairman of the McIndoe Statue Committee he steered the project to a successful conclusion. He established a Station Meet and Greet Visitor Service and produced an East Grinstead promotional song and video.”Christine Hardisty:

“Christine has worked tirelessly as Manager of the CVS for a number of years at a time of budget cuts and uncertainty. She has helped to reorganise the Organisation. Her band of helpers is ubiquitous. Wherever there is a meeting requiring public support Christine is always on hand.”

Derek Field

“Derek has been on the Christmas Lights Committee from day one and this year represents his 33rd year. He has worked tirelessly along with the Chairman to ensure that this event takes place every year and he takes pride and pleasure in ensuring that the town is lit up to celebrate Christmas.”

Stuart Hellier

“As one of the Contractors who has served with the Christmas Lights Committee, for over thirty years, Stuart has been the leading man and organises the troops and personally does far more than what is expected of him. Although not an East Grinstead resident, his role in contributing to the town’s celebrations will be acknowledged by this award.”

Ian Staines:

“Christmas Lights, which have brightened the town over the past three decades have been organised and maintained by a dedicated band of volunteers and Ian has been a great asset. The Chairman and Committee have been supported in running the bar at Meridian Hall which is run by the volunteers to fund the lights.”

Melvin Philips

“Melvin is the Chairman of the annual Christmas Lights Committee and has been on this committee for over 33 years. He has worked tirelessly to ensure that this event takes place every year and he takes pride in ensuring that the town is lit up to celebrate the Christmas Season. As well as the physical caring for and putting up the lights, Melvin runs the bar at Meridian Hall to pay for them. He has been the lynchpin in this truly remarkable volunteering group.”

John and Hiliary Taylor

“John and Hilary have been voluntary fundraisers for the Blond McIndoe Research Centre and other charities since 1984. For local residents their second hand book stall has been a popular place to visit every Friday in Queen’s Walk, East Grinstead. John and Hilary estimate over the years they have raised more than £100,000.”

Alice Tyrrel

“A retired school teacher, Alice volunteers her time to the Ashurst Wood Youth Club and is the community Shopping Bus driver. Every Wednesday evening she takes her wood turning equipment to the Club to encourage local youngsters  to learn new skills. She also teaches cooking.”

Dick Tyrrel

“Dick Tyrrel was Ashurst Wood’s Parish Council’s handyman for six years. He was instrumental in the Winter Management Programme and in the years of heavy snow worked endlessly clearing pavements. He carried out numerous repairs to the bus shelters and other street furniture, and was always on hand to help at village event

David Phillips 

“David (from Ashurst Wood) organises musical events in the area giving a platform for local talent. He has always supported charity events, even making his own 60th birthday celebrations into a charity fundraiser. Over the years he has involved local café and pub businesses as venues so helping local business in the process.”

Beverley Craven – Wednesday 1 October at 8pm

BRIT-Award winner Beverley Craven is embarking on an extensive UK tour supporting the release of her brand new album Change of Heart launched in Summer 2014. Beverley is looking forward to performing her new songs live alongside timeless classics Promise Me, Holding On, Woman To Woman, Love Scenes and many more. With a witty narrative and unforgettable melodies, her poignant sentiments will leave you with a warm glow of nostalgia, or maybe even the odd tear.

www.beverleycraven.com

Tickets £19.

ACE Theatre Company presents It Runs in the Family, a farce by Ray Cooney – Friday 3 October at 7.30pm and Saturday 4 October at 2.30pm and 7.30pm

“If you are going to tell a lie, tell a whopper!” Doctor Mortimore takes this advice as a stranger from the past arrives and throws his life into turmoil. This hilarious high-octane farce will have the audience in fits as he tries to deceive his wife and colleagues to cover up his secret.

Tickets: Evening performances £13/Concessions £11
Matinee performance £11/Concessions £8

East Grinstead’s Got Talent – Auditions Sunday 5 October from 10am – 4pm

HAVE you got a talent? Do you scream at Simon Cowell on the telly because you know you’re better than the BGT hopefuls? Well now’s your chance to prove it. Whether you can balance spoons on your ears, sing opera, do uncanny impressions, or just have the best voice or dancing feet in town, we want to invite you to show off your talents.

If you want to go along and watch the auditions, entry is free but you must have a ticket from the Box Office.

Registration will be 9am, but if you want to take part in the auditions you must pre-register with Pete or Terry on: 01342 325577. The competition is open to individuals or groups, over the age of 14.

The EGGT final will take place on Sunday 2 November.

The winner will headline a show at Chequer Mead in February 2015

Free Entry

Morgan & West: A Grand Adventure – Friday 10 October at 8pm

TIME travelling Victorian magicians Morgan & West have lost the secrets to all of their tricks and by hell or high water intend to get them back. Join the dashing duo in a thrilling adventure show filled to the brim with magic as they cross continents, meddle with miscreants and sneak into secret societies.

Can Morgan & West catch the crooks, recover their quarry and confound the crowds with their clever conjuring? Find out in… Morgan & West: A Grand Adventure!

Tickets £13/Concessions £11/ Family Ticket £45

Smile Productions Present:Absolute Bowie – Saturday 11 October at 7.30pm

JOURNEY through the Bowie years – Ziggy Stardust, Aladin Sane, Thin White Duke, Let’s Dance era.

Europe’s leading Tribute Show. Space Oddity, Life on Mars, Starman, Heroes, Ashes to Ashes and more!

Tickets £16

www.absolutebowie.net

Chequer Mead Friends present An Evening of Eastern Promise – Tuesday 14 October at 7.30pm in the Pavilion

BELLY Dancing or ‘Middle Eastern Dance’ is probably one of the oldest dance forms in history. Although the dance has moved towards a more contemporary style, adapting to our current cultures, the movements and gestures are from ages past.

Chequer Mead Friends host an evening of exquisite demonstrative Belly Dancing techniques followed by an explanation by Lea of Hipsinc Belly Dancing School of how Belly Dancing came about and evolved.

Tickets £12 (which includes the two course meal). Grand Raffle.

Blast From The Past presents Smile Smile Smile – Wednesday 15 October at 7.30pm

SMILE! Smile! Smile! the latest show by acclaimed historical musicians Blast from the Past has been especially created to mark the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War.

Blast from the Past use music and song to tell the story of ‘The War to End All Wars’ with a a scintillating mixture of soldiers’ songs, music hall numbers, war poems set to new music and original compositions.

The show does not flinch from conveying the full horror of the first global conflict but also celebrates the courage and humour of the Tommies under fire and the folks at home.

Featuring a host of singalong wartime standards such as ‘Pack Up Your Troubles’, ‘Tipperary’ and ‘Goodbye-ee’ as well a host of other great songs – ‘Smile! Smile! Smile!’ is the perfect way of remembering the sacrifice of our forebears while enjoying a great evening out.

Tickets £12

Jimmy Jones The Guv’nor does Grinstead – Friday 17 October at 8pm

CALLED by fellow comics ‘The Guvnor’, Jimmy Jones is a true comedy legend, who is now in his 55th year in show business and is just as risqué as ever. Renowned as being one of Britain’s most successful live comedians, Jimmy has played sell-out shows from the London Palladium to a Las Vegas residency. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Age advised 18+, due to mature content.

Ticket: £17.50/ Concessions £15.50

Paul Daniels – Back….Despite Popular Demand! – Saturday 18 October at 7.30pm

PAUL and Debbie are taking to the road again in Autumn of 2014, with another brand new show where they will performs a selection of their favourite magic and a number of new tricks never performed in public before.

Ticket: £18.50/ Concessions £15/ Children £12/ Family Ticket £50

Jethro – The Legend At Large – Thursday 23 October at 8pm

CORNISH comedy legend Jethro is back, as large as life, with his very own unique brand of irresistible West Country tales for a fun-filled night of adult comedy.

Jethro promises more tear-jerking, farcical stories featuring his old mates Denzil and Slip Along Trevaskis, as well as hilarious tales from his extensive repertoire and his successful career in TV and theatre.

This is an adult show.

Tickets £19.50

East Grinstead Choral Society Presents Mozart’s Requiem and Vivaldi’s Gloria -Saturday 25 October at 7pm

THESE classical favourites have an immediate and universal appeal. Vivaldi’s joyous Gloria and Mozart’s inspiring Requiem promise a memorable evening. East Grinstead Choral Society are joined by The Meridian Sinfonia and professional soloists.

Tickets £15 / Pensioners/CMF £13 / Children/Students £8

Pics coming separately

Hansel & Gretel – Monday 27 & Tuesday 28 October at 2.30pm

AN extremely light, family fun filled, feel-good feast. Hansel and Gretel aren’t greedy – they just want a better life for themselves and their father. Their lives are turned upside down with the arrival of an unwelcome visitor – who, thanks to a handful of breadcrumbs, eventually leads the way to a woodland adventure with a large cottage built of gingerbread and cakes, with window panes of clear sugar.

The occupant of the cottage promises soft beds and delicious food…but it would appear that she has other plans!

Hansel and Gretel’ brings together amazing magic, sets and costumes – with puppets, illusions and a full supporting cast.

Tickets £10 / Concessions £8 / Family Ticket £32

NT Encore Screening Frankenstein – Thursday 30 October at 8pm

NATIONAL Theatre Live’s thrilling broadcast of Frankenstein returns to cinemas for a limited time, due to unprecedented audience demand.

Directed by Academy Award-winner Danny Boyle, Frankenstein features Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller alternating roles as Victor Frankenstein and his creation.

Childlike in his innocence but grotesque in form, Frankenstein’s bewildered Creature is cast out into a hostile universe by his horror-struck maker. Meeting with cruelty wherever he goes, the friendless Creature, increasingly desperate and vengeful, determines to track down his creator and strike a terrifying deal.

In this screening, Benedict Cumberbatch with be playing ‘Creature’ and Jonny Lee Miller will be ‘Victor Frankenstein’

Tickets £12 / Concessions £10

Chequer Mead Silver Screen presents The Evil Dead Friday –  31 October at 8pm

PREPARE to be scared with Friday becoming Fright Night this this cinematic screening of Sam Raimi’s 1981 cult classic film “The Evil Dead”.

Five friends are holed up in a remote cabin where they discover a Book Of The Dead. An archaeologist’s tape recording reveals that the ancient text was discovered among the Khandarian ruins of a Sumerian civilization. Playing the taped incantations, the youths unwittingly summon up dormant demons living in the nearby woods, which possess the youngsters in succession until only one is left ito fight for survival.

Tickets £5 / Concessions £4

OFCOM has granted Meridian FM, the town’s radio station, a new five-year license which will allow it to broadcast to East Grinstead and the surrounding areas until March 2020.

107 Meridian FM Chairman Liz Bennett said: “I am absolutely thrilled to receive the news that Ofcom has extended our licence for a further 5 years. This is due to the hard work and dedication of over 70 volunteers under the management of Peter Monnery, our fantastic MD.

“My gratitude and thanks must also go to our dedicated and diligent secretary Sally Monnery who coordinated the complex and detailed submission that has led to an unopposed maximum license term.

“Ofcom has noted our high levels of local live output, our community news, travel and sports programmes, and our dedicated educational work with teenagers. Meridian FM’s sole purpose is to support the community of East Grinstead, and our surrounding towns and villages, and it is to this end that I am very proud to be its Chair.”

Managing Director Peter Monnery was also delighted by the renewal. “Our local news, events guides, and sports coverage encourage community involvement, promote social cohesion, and build a brighter, better place for us all to live.

“I would like to thank our Chairman Liz Bennett for her outstanding dedication to this precious community asset through some emotionally tough and stretching times in the last year. Also Programme Controller Tony Tappenden for a revolution in our output, Marketing Director Richard Leader for excellent work on our application, News Editor Roy Henderson for his dogged dedication to deadlines and Events Coordinator Tony Nash for his tremendous work promoting Meridian FM at community events.

“All of these factors have led Ofcom to grant us the maximum term of five years for our license, an amazing achievement.

“But of course we would not be a radio station without the work of our local talented and dedicated presenters, giving their time to broadcast live an average seventeen hours a day, seven days a week. What a fantastic credit to our community.”

Town Mayor Nick Hodges offered his own congratulations on behalf of the Town Council. “This is super news for the town as the station has undergone many changes in the past year and is looking to embrace the future offering a real local alternative for radio listeners – we wish them well.”

* Meridian FM can be heard by tuning to 107.0Mhz on the FM Band found on all car and domestic radios. It features local news, views and varied music, with up-to-date information on weather, travel and traffic in our area.

If you want to make a request or simply tell Meridian FM your news, e-mail studio@MeridianFM.com or get in touch on 01342 325222. Look them up on Facebook, Twitter and www.meridianfm.com.

Or tell listeners local breaking news by e-mailing meridianfm.newshub@gmail.com.

Meridian also offers a range of training initiatives for all ages; however they particularly support teenagers with the Broadcast Club, and school and university students with work experience.

Meridian FM is currently looking to expand their volunteer base. They particularly require people with journalistic flair, and also fundraisers for the new “Friends of” initiative. Technical skills and people to support back room tasks are always in demand, but whatever your skills or interests they would love to hear from you.

No previous experience necessary. Please contact admin@meridianFM.com to find out more.