Author: Andrew Taylor

CHEQUER Mead’s staff hosted a special Music Hall themed evening to thank theatre volunteers, Friends and other supporters for the work they do in keeping the community arts centre running.

The entertainment this year was provided by Pete Allen, Craig Murdoch and members of the Chequer Mead Youth Theatre.
Theatre manager Hannah Kester said: “It was a great night and a great opportunity for us to give our heartfelt thanks to everyone who puts so much into the theatre.

“Chequer Mead wouldn’t open without the support of its volunteers and patrons who do so much for us throughout the year.”

EAST Court is wedding-ready with a makeover in the main hall of the 18th century Grade II listed main building, and new voiles to tent the Meridian Hall next door.

With its award-winning gardens providing a picture-perfect backdrop for weddings, East Court is geared up for a busy summer, and the newly-refurbished hall, which as well as being freshly-decorated will have new curtains and chairs, is spruced up and ready for romance.

THE new public toilets in King Street are due to be open later this Spring, in time for the expected influx of visitors to the town for the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations and the arrival of the Olympic torch.

* See below for an artist’s impression of what the new town centre conveniences will look like, and a floor plan, courtesy of ECE Architects.

East Grinstead Museum is looking for 10 enthusiastic people to take part in a one-off, all day creative activity on Saturday 28th April 2012.

Together you will work with a professional artist to create a piece of art inspired by items from the Guinea Pig Club Collection held at the Museum. The final piece of work that you have helped to create will go on display during the Museum’s summer exhibition and will become part  of the Museum’s permanent collection. You will also be invited to the Private View for the official opening of this exhibition.

This creative activity is part of a wider regional project that the Museum has been working towards since acquiring the collection to celebrate the 2012 Paralympics and the legacy of the Guinea Pig Club.

So, whatever your age, if you’re interested in art or history and want to contribute to this unique, innovative (and free) event, please contact the museum for an application form at info@eastgrinsteadmuseum.org.uk or call 01342 302233.

The session will run from 10am until 5.30pm and lunch will be provided. Please send completed applications to the Museum by Tuesday 27th March.

It has been officially confirmed that the Olympic Flame will enter East Grinstead on the A264 starting at Lyndhurst Farm Close and joining the London Road on the way into the town centre before travelling through the historic core of East Grinstead’s High Street. Leader of the Town Council, Norman Webster said “We all feel so proud that East Grinstead has been selected to host the torch. It’s going to be magnificent to see young and old alike greet the Olympic Flame to the backdrop of our town’s Mediaeval and Tudor heritage”. To see the route in full you should visit www.london2012.com/olympictorchrelay.

The town is also expecting to host hundreds of children from across Mid Sussex, and Town Clerk Julie Holden has been busy handling the logistics to accommodate visitors and the many coaches that will be arriving. ”We are working closely with our colleagues at Mid Sussex” Said Julie “ And rest assured that there will be space for one and all to greet the Olympic cavalcade. Just like any other event with crowds, we all need to be aware of safety and take care of young and old alike”. The town centre is expected to be dressed overall with bunting and flags along the shopping streets, and further announcements of what will be taking place are expected soon.

The Charities meeting of 15th March has been postponed to THURSDAY 29th MARCH 2012 at 7.45 pm. Papers will be posted on the Council website a minimum of three days before the meeting (usually a week in advance).

The meeting will be held at East Court.

Come along and find out more about the Traffic Regulation Order Priorities & the Area Infrastructure Plan.

7.00pm Thursday 8 March 2012

All are welcome to come along.

Turners Hill Primary School, Church Road, West Sussex, RH10 4PA

For further information and an agenda please contact: 01243 752727, email talkwithus@westsussex.gov.uk or visit www.westsussex.gov.uk.