Please note that Blackwell Hollow will be closed between 9.30am and 3.00pm on Monday 11th May to allow urgent treeworks to be carried out. Diversions will be put in place
THERE will be a Christmas activity day for children at the town museum in Cantelupe Road on Sunday 4 December.
All activities run from 10.30 am to 3pm: there is no need to book – just turn up and stay as long as you want.
There is a charge of £1 per child to cover the cost of materials. The activities are for 5-to-11 year olds.
TOWN Councillors took it in turns to man stalls outside the old High Street sweet shop Wickenden’s, in Queen’s Walk and outside Sainsbury’s on three November Saturdays, to find out what townspeople see as the priorities for future development.
Residents were asked to fill in a form in person or online. The results, when collated, will form the basis for further public consultation.
DEPUTY Mayor Liz Bennett was the envy of waiting fans when she attended the launch party for singer Peter Andre’s new New York Coffee Club in the London Road.
Tourist officer Simon Kerr said a good-natured cowd and ten police were at the event, which was also recorded by a camera crew for the ITV ‘reality’ programme documenting Andre’s life.
Other guests included Kerry Katona, and participants in The Only Way is Essex.
“Peter came over and introduced himself,” said Simon. “He was a really regular guy and obviously has a natural touch.”
Liz, who enjoyed meeting a great many of the town’s residents and business people at the launch, said. “Peter was lovely. He’s kind and attentive and makes a good cup of coffee!
“This was a high profile opening which made many of the papers the following day and we are proud to welcome Peter to East Grinstead with what hopefully will be the first in a successful chain of coffee shops.
“East Grinstead is always open for business, and the Mayor and the Town Council are pleased to support any new trading venture.
“This is good news for the town.”
For more details about any of these shows, times and ticket prices, ring the box office on 01342 302000.
The Band of the Blues and Royals presents A Winter Concert in aid of SSAFA/Forces Help
Friday 2 December at 7.30pm.
The Band of The Blues and Royals will perform a variety of music at the return of this very popular annual concert. Book early to avoid disappointment and support our armed forces and their families.
The Jackie Generation presents Jackie Generation 70’s Christmas Special
Saturday 3 December at 7.45pm.
Everyone’s favourite 70s chart hits performed by an amazing 6 piece band who are storming the UK with their special brand of nostalgic pop.
Christmas Craft Fair will be on Sunday 4 December at 10am
With more than 50 stalls selling high quality gifts and crafts just in time for Christmas. Come and meet the stall holders and artists who will be there on the day. Cuisine Studio will be open and selling teas and lunches – to pre-book, call 01342 324860.
Free entry.
Sussex Rock School’s Christmas Concert
Wednesday 7 December at 7.45pm
The Sussex Rock School’s annual Christmas Concert features exceptional students of all ages, taught and supported by experienced musicians performing their choice of rock and pop music.
Crockham Hill School presents A Pudding for the Chimney Sweep
Thursday 8 December at 7.30pm
Youth Production. Crockham Hill CE Primary School presents its Christmas production.
East Grinstead Choral Society presents Last Night at the Christmas Proms
Saturday 10 December at 7.30pm
Begin the festive season with the East Grinstead Choral Society and children’s choir, directed by Richard Jenkinson, in their Christmas Concert. Accompanied by the organ and the brilliant Chameleon Brass, they sing beautiful and evocative Christmas pieces arranged by Peter Skellern.
Plenty of opportunities for the audience to join in and raise the roof by singing everyone’s favourite carols.
Choirpower Celebrate Christmas
Tuesday 13 December and Wednesday 14 December
Join in with your favourite carols and Christmas songs around the Chequer Mead Christmas tree in the Pavilion. Book early to avoid disappointment after last year’s sell-out. Mandy and Roger’s homemade strudel and mulled wine will be available from the Cuisine Studio.
The Company of Friends presents Snow White
Between Saturday 17 December and Friday 30 December
Queen Morgiana, the vain, wicked Queen asks her Magic Mirror ‘Who is the Fairest in the Land?’ When the mirror replies it is her step-daughter, Snow White, the Queen flies into a jealous rage and Snow White hides in the forest with the Seven Dwarfs.
Heroes and Villains
Thursday 8 December to Wednesday 14 December:
Heroes and Villains is a study in portraiture of some of the most influential political poets in Americas urban rap culture. It consists of 12 paintings, oil on canvas, and sees Joe Caprani return to classical realism.
Christmas Craft Market
Thursday 15 December to Friday 23 December:
In the Greenstede Gallery the week before Christmas, an opportunity to find handcrafted original gifts.
HAVING met its target of attracting 20 members in its first year, the Meridian Probus Club is now looking to expand its membership.
The word Probus derives from PROfessional and BUSiness and membership is open to retired professional business people who want to remain active and maintain social links with others who have similar interests.
The Meridian Club meets monthly and hosts a variety of speakers and events throughout the year.
Anyone interested in finding out more can contact the club secretary on 01342 323098.
THERE will be free parking in East Grinstead’s short stay car parks on Friday 16 December after 3pm.
Shoppers will be able to stay all day in the town’s long term car parks for a £1 on December Saturdays up to Christmas.
Google UK saluted East Grinstead’s internet savvy companies who have boosted the town into the nation’s top 20 towns with the highest rate of growth through the Internet.
Statistics show that local businesses are turning to online opportunities to drive growth during the present difficult trading conditions. East Grinstead came in 16th with almost 24% growth in 2010 to 2011.
Accepting the Google e Town trophy, Town MP Nicholas Soames said. “East Grinstead will be proud of its Google eTown award – I hope that this award encourages other local businesses to get on line and grow online.”
Town Council Tourist Information Officer Simon Kerr also reported a huge surge in enquiries on the Town Council Accommodation web pages “We have thousands of visits through the year and new visitors forming around 70% of those viewing our pages during the last 12 months”
Unlike many neighbouring towns East Grinstead’s Christmas lights remain undimmed this year thanks to the efforts of the voluntary fundraising that pays for the bulk of the costs.
The hard work of erecting the cabling and displays is always undertaken in early November, but the lights are not switched on until after the Remembrance commemorations after the 11th of the month.