Author: Andrew Taylor

TUESDAY 9 July 2013 marks the 70^th Anniversary of bombs dropping on the Whitehall Cinema in London Road, East Grinstead.  108 victims lost their lives,  the largest number of civilian deaths from a single bombing during World War II.

The bells will ring from 5.00 and at 5.17 will convert to a single bell tolling for one minute. For the duration of the single bell tolling –  we would welcome everyone pausing and joining one minute silence in remembrance of those who lost their lives 70 years ago.

East Grinstead Town Council, the War Memorial Company, East Grinstead Society and the Parish Church of St Swithun’s are marking this with the following events:

9 July:

Wreath-laying and short service at the War Memorial at East Court at 4.40 pm, and at 5.15 pm a wreath-laying by the East Grinstead Society at the site of the old Whitehall Cinema, London Road, East Grinstead.

14 July:

A Civic Service including a commemoration, together with a Patronal Festival of St Swithun’s Parish Church at Church Lane, East Grinstead at 10.30 a.m. at which the Bishop of Chichester will preside and preach,  followed by a picnic lunch (bring your own picnic) in the Vicarage garden (Church, if wet).

As well as these tributes, the Town Council have dedicated the flower display in the high street to the bombings this summer.

The 108 white flowers in the beds surrounding the war memorial in the high street represent each victim. And there is a plaque to give a brief account of the bombings around the town during the war.

THE emergency services descended on East Grinstead on Sunday 9 June.

Sirens sounded throughout the grounds, firemen doused flames and rescued passengers from crashed cars while paramedics rushed to aid the injured and police and search/rescue dogs sprang into operation closely followed by the forensics teams.

This wasn’t a scene from a major incident, or a blockbuster movie shoot, but the family-friendly 999 Day held annually at East Court to show the public what the emergency services do for us throughout the year.

Youngsters – and the merely young at heart – were able to sit in police cars and fire engines and watch demonstrations which included what to do in case of chip pan fires. There were also displays by police dog teams including a search and rescue operation.

Forensics teams showed off their specialist skills and East Grinstead Town Council was also on hand to remind people they can keep the contents of their handbags and garden sheds safe by purchasing alarms from the library Help Point or from the council offices at East Court.

The event was opened with the lighting of the East Court beacon by East Grinstead Town Mayor Margaret Belsey ably assisted by Fireman Sam.

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THE East Grinstead Art Society is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its founding with its annual Art Exhibition in the Greenstede Gallery at Chequer Mead.

The Society was founded by a group of enthusiastic amateur painters in 1983 to promote art in East Grinstead by bringing artists of various standards together.

The show was formally opened by Deputy Town Mayor Cllr Nick Hodges, seen in the photograph above with Jean Mendez.

The exhibition runs from 10am to 6pm until 19th June, plus some evening openings. Admission free.

For further details, or to find out about joining the Society, contact Jean Mendez on 01342 315225

Chequer Mead Manager Nick Byrne will be leaving the centre on 15th June. Nick who joined the centre in 2012 has decided to return to his family roots in Devon.

Chairman of the Charities Committee Nick Hodges said “we are sorry that Nick has decided to leave but respect his wish to be nearer his family on a day to day basis. We all wish him well with his future.”

Caretaking Manager for 3 days a week will be Keith Astley who recently reduced his hours to part time at the Town Council. Keith is very familiar with the Centre and has been a regular volunteer for some time. This temporary appointment while the Trust decides on permanently filling the position will be ratified by the Trustees at a meeting on 17th June.