Author: Andrew Taylor

THE Town Council has paid tribute to East Grinstead disability campaigner Eric Mackie who died last night.

Eric was the driving force behind the Disability Access East Grinstead and Area Group that has its headquarters in East Court.

On learning of the death of Mr Mackie, who had been in hospital for the past week, Town Mayor Cllr Nick Hodges said: “Eric was tenacious and unrelenting on his crusade to ensure that the disabled had the same access and opportunities as able-bodied people, and his enthusiasm and energy will be a lasting tribute to a gentleman who was seeking equality for all.

“He will be greatly missed and while we know he is irreplaceable we look forward to seeing the Access Group continue their work in the future.

“Our thoughts are with Eric’s family at this sad and private time for them.”

AUGUST 4, 2014 marked the 100th anniversary of the declaration of WWI and the centenary was commemorated throughout the UK.

South & South East in Bloom decided to recognise the event through a special award for the Best War Memorial display honouring the anniversary.

East Grinstead’s beautiful and moving tribute Fields of Conflict was designed jointly by a team from the Town Council – Town Clerk Julie Holden, Katrina Hamill and East Court gardener Jenny Watson – in consultation with Ferring nurseries.

The beds were dedicated to The Royal Sussex Regiment, The Victoria Cross (one of which was won by the town’s own Private Sidney Godley), The Unknown Soldier and The Poppy which became an emblem of the Fallen, and won widespread admiration from visitors and residents alike.

The hanging baskets throughout the town also reflected the War theme with red and white flowers to represent blood and bandages.

Julie said: “This is a great accolade. When we first started talking last year, we wanted to recognize the VC and the Sussex Regiment but also to reflect the trenches in a poignant way. We had no idea that it would end up being award-winning.

“There have been many compliments and we know that people have appreciated the display.

“But to win the best in the whole South and South East is simply staggering.

“We are very grateful to East Grinstead in Bloom for entering the display.”

Jenny Watson, who drew the bed designs when learning of the theme, said “I was thrilled when the announcement came, I jumped out of my seat and smiled from ear to ear, it is a wonderful recognition for the town.

*Awards also came for the Best Allotment – Mount Noddy. Congratulations to the allotment holders and management committee

2nd best cemetery St Swithuns. Congratulations to the the Friends of St Swithun’s churchyard.

A spotlight award went to East Grinstead in Bloom to recognise their promotional work on social media and their website. Congratulations to the committee.

Imberhorne School also won Gold in the schools category, with a Silver Gilt for St Mary’s. Congratulations to them both.

The town was awarded a Silver Gilt award for overall displays. Thank you everyone who looks after any display.

East Grinstead in Bloom co-ordinates the bid and encourages groups to improve areas and also do some direct work like the station forecourt. They also work with the town schools.

EAST Court gardener Jenny Watson who helped design the stunning High Street WWII themed flower beds, receiving the award for the Best War Memorial at the South and South East in Bloom awards last Thursday.

Please be advised that West Sussex County Council has received a request for Temporary Traffic Regulation as follows:

 

Road Name	A264 Holtye Road
Village / Town / Parish	East Grinstead
Specific Location	between its junction with Sandhawes Hill and the County boundary
Type of TTR	Road Closure
Reason for TTR	to allow BT safe access for cabling works.
Proposed start date	21:00hrs on Monday 10th November 2014.
Proposed duration	1 night
Diversion route (if applicable)	via A264, B2026, B2110, A22, A264 and vice versa.
Access arrangements	Emergency and pedestrian access will be maintained at all times. Vehicular access to properties and businesses within the closure will be managed by the contractor.
Applicant name	A Plant Lux
Applicant contact tel number	03700 500 792.
Any other details	This closure will only be effective between 21:00hrs and 06:00hrs.

 

If you are over 65 on a low income could we help you with a Christmas voucher

Pick up a form at East Grinstead Town Council, Citizens Advice Bureau, Age UK or Library, or download here.

Completed forms must be returned on or before Monday, 27 October 2014

to: East Grinstead Town Council, Ashurst Wood Parish Council, Citizen’s Advice Bureau, Age UK or Library

THE 11th Adam Dabell Memorial Match will take place at the Wasp’s East Court Club on 9 October.

Adam, a keen player, died from a hidden cardiac condition during a match, and since then his family and friends have worked to raise awareness of hidden heart conditions in apparently fit young people, and to raise money for research via the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young.

THE staff at the town tourist desk in the library received an unexpected gift for the museum this week in the form of a ten centime coin, dating from 1855 and depicting the Emperor Napoleon the Third.

The museum, in Cantelupe Road, is one of the two charities which Town Mayor Nick Hodges chose to support during his year as East Grinstead’s first citizen.

MID Sussex District Council has agreed to offer shoppers free parking from 1pm on Saturday 6 December at the car parks at Chequer Mead, Kings Street, Christopher Road and Queens Walk.

This is the same afternoon that the Mayor will perform the official lighting-up of the Rotary Club’s Christmas tree at 3pm so it is hoped it will encourage people to go along, sing some carols and see the lights while shopping and spending time in the town centre coffee shops and cafés.

MSDC will also offer £1 for all day parking on Saturday 6, 13 and 20 December in their long-stay car parks of Norton House and Vicarage.

* In the run-up to Christmas the new three tier flower baskets in Railway Approach will be topped with miniature Christmas trees as part of the town centre decorations.