Author: Andrew Taylor

TOWN Mayor Margaret Belsey’s Casino Royale themed charity dinner, held at the Felbridge Hotel on 26 April, raised more than £5,000 for the Macmillan Cancer Support Centre, East Grinstead.

TODAY sees the official launch of the town’s first ever digital online news site for, by and about the people of East Grinstead.

East Grinstead Online is the latest example in a growing trend for hyperlocal news sites which target and promote the communities they serve.

The venture is the initiative of East Grinstead journalist and author Geraldine Durrant, who has worked on all three of the town’s newspapers in the past and is also responsible for the Town Council’s PR.

“I have felt for a long time that our digital online presence as a town is confused and confusing, not least because many of the town’s websites are dusty and seldom updated.

“What I hope to do with East Grinstead Online is to provide a one-stop shop for the town’s news and events where we can showcase our businesses, promote our town and publicise our talents as a community.”

“But this isn’t something I can do alone. The only way that a hyperlocal is going to succeed is if the community it serves gets behind it and contributes towards it.

“We will be providing top quality content, regular news updates and features, and we have some exciting ideas for the future.  Amazingly we have already been discovered ahead of launch day by readers in Spain, Germany, Canada, Dubai, America and Nova Scotia.

“So check us out at eastgrinsteadonline.com – and let us have your ideas for our new community venture.”

Town MP backs new venture

EAST Grinstead MP Nicholas Soames has sent a message of personal congratulations to the team behind today’s official launch of East Grinstead Online in which he spoke of his great enthusiasm for the project.

In a separate statement applauding the arrival of the town’s first-ever digital news site for, by and about the people of East Grinstead, Mr Soames said:

“I warmly welcome this tremendous initiative to bring immediate local news of community events and services from across the town.  It will become a very important community service and provide valuable local information to East Grinstead residents.

“I think this is a magnificent initiative and I am quite sure that it will be a great success.”

ASHPLATS Conservation Group will be meeting at East Court Pavilion at 9.45am on 11 May.

This month the woodland volunteers will be carrying out a survey of the trees in Ashplats Wood.

Everyone is welcome to join the group who meet regularly on the second Sunday each month for some fresh air and healthy exercise. No special skills are needed.

Accompanied children are more than welcome.

Wear old clothes and bring a drink and some lunch.

*For more information visit www.ashplats.org, ring Chris Nunn on 01342 311198, or just turn up on Sunday 11 May 2013, 9.45am-3pm

THE NEW statue honouring pioneering plastic surgeon Sir Archibald McIndoe is to be unveiled on its site outside Sackville College by Princess Anne.

The Princess has been the Royal Patron of the Blond McIndoe burns unit since 2007.

She will unveil the bronze statue, designed by Martin Jennings and showing Sir Archie comforting a burnt airman, on Monday, 9 June.

Princess Anne last visited East Grinstead in 2011 to mark the world famous Burns Unit’s 50th anniversary.

Read more at http://www.eastgrinsteadcourier.co.uk/Sir-Archibald-McIndoe-statue-set-unveiled/story-21035339-detail/story.html

THE 46th East Grinstead Music and Arts Festival was opened at Chequer Mead last weekend by Town Mayor Margaret Belsey.

The event has attracted a huge increase in dance participants from the South East this year as they compete for All England qualification.

EGMA chairman Christine Mainstone explained: “The festival is the largest event of its type in the town and attracts performers of all ages from the South East to compete in singing, dancing, speech and drama.

“There are 157 different sections scheduled over six days with performances running from 10am to 9pm. We have a first-class venue at Chequer Mead which is appreciated by both performers and the audience, and this year there are 104 trophies to be awarded to the outstanding performers in their sections.

“We welcome local residents to come along to Chequer Mead and enjoy watching the wealth of talented performers taking to the stage. ”

* For details of times and performances ring the theatre box office on 01342 302000.

The Festival continues with:

• Dancing on Saturday 3 May
• Dancing, Speech and Drama on Sunday 4 May
• Dancing, Speech and Drama on Saturday 10 May
• Dancing, Speech and Drama on Sunday 11 May
• Dancing on Saturday 17 May

Contact Christine Mainstone (Chairman) 01342 326454 or Janet Gilbard (Secretary) 01342 325184

Christine, left with the Town Mayor centre and Janet, right

COUNCILLOR Bob Mainstone has announced his decision to step down from the Liberal Democrats on the Town and District Councils.

In a statement issued today he said: “I have decided to represent Imberhorne Ward as an Independent Councillor from April 2014.

“This applies to my role as an elected member of East Grinstead Town Council and Mid Sussex District Council.

“I have become increasingly frustrated working within the constraints of an opposition party. As an Independent I look forward to working in a more positive way to support my ward residents and the people of East Grinstead.”

THE new souvenir tea towels are in stock at the town library and museum now – just right for drying your souvenir mugs.

YOUNG people from East Grinstead who volunteer their time to make the town a better place, or to care for family members or the environment, could be in line for one of Mid Sussex District Council’s first-ever Young Volunteer of the Year Awards.

The award ceremony will be held on Monday 2 June to coincide with National Volunteers Week, which runs from 1 – 7 June 2014.

Many young people give up their free time and put a great deal of effort into volunteering,  and the Council would like to recognise their triumphs and achievements.

The Mid Sussex Young Volunteer of the Year Awards are open to young people aged from 11 to 18 years and are split into three categories:

• Young Carer
• Young Community Volunteer
• Young Conservationist (sponsored by The Landscape Group)

* Mid Sussex residents have until Friday 16 May to submit a nomination for the Young Volunteer of the Year Awards.

Shortlisted youngsters will be invited to an awards ceremony at 4pm on Monday 2 June at Wakehurst Mansion, Wakehurst Place, where they will be presented with a certificate in recognition of their efforts.

The winners will be presented with their awards and a £50 High Street voucher by Councillor Gordon Marples, Chairman of Mid Sussex District Council.

For further information or to fill out a nomination form visit www.midsussex.gov.uk/youthvolunteerawards or telephone 01444 477518.

TOWN Mayor Margaret Belsey was on hand to see the Samurai Bulldog team scoop victory in the 57th Sunshine Sevens rugby tournament last weekend.

The Plate Competition was won for the second year in a row by Esher Golden Lions, beating Bury Edmonds 28-14.

Pictured below are Margaret with the champions in white with their winners cup, and the Golden Lions below in their yellow shirts with their second successive Plate.

TOWN promotions officer Simon Kerr is hoping that the new souvenir mugs now available at East Grinstead library will fly off the shelves this summer.

The mugs are part of a specially-commissioned range which will allow visitors to take home a reminder of our lovely town.

But there’s no reason why residents can’t enjoy a cuppa in an East Grinstead mug too – so get along to the library or the Town Museum while stocks last.

The mugs are £4.50 each, erasers are 50p and fridge magnets are £1.

The range will be supplemented shortly with tea towels at £5, a second magnet and a sew-on badge.