Author: Andrew Taylor

MID Sussex District Council is offering grant funding to local voluntary and community organisations which work to improve the lives of residents through sport, physical activities and cultural events.

With the London 2012 Olympic Games on the horizon, the District Council would like to give support to community projects which capture the spirit of the Games. If residents have ideas for exhibitions, performances, sporting or celebratory events, but lack the funding to complete the projects, they may apply for grant funding.

The Council hopes to create an Olympic Legacy by encouraging residents to come forward with inspirational projects which will be part of the community for many years to come.

The maximum grant award will be £500, however, most grants are expected to be in the region of £200-£300. The deadline for the acceptance of applications is Friday 25 November 2011 and all applications will be considered in January 2012. Applicants will need to demonstrate how their project meets Council priorities as well as detailing how their project will create an Olympic Legacy.

“The London 2012 Olympics is a wonderful opportunity for us to experience the Games on home soil and I am sure that there will not be many people who fail to be gripped by Olympic fever next summer,” said Councillor Christopher Snowling, Cabinet Member Health and Community.

“The 2012 Olympics Games promises to be a truly memorable spectacle with inspirational images of cultural harmony and sporting achievement which will capture the imagination of the nation. It is so important that we harness that enthusiasm for sport and culture locally by giving our residents opportunities to participate themselves, not just during the Olympic Games, but for many years to come. I hope that by offering this funding many organisations will come forward with proposals for exciting new sporting and cultural projects which will benefit our residents and leave a lasting legacy of the Olympic Games.”

For further guidance on the application process, or to download an application form, please visit www.midsussex.gov.uk/grants. Alternatively, please call Lin Parkinson, Mid Sussex District Council Community Development Officer, on 01444 477495.

EAST Grinstead Town Council is making grants available up to the sum of £500 towards the cost of new initiatives to encourage participation in sport.

The Town Council hopes to encourage new opportunities for East Grinstead residents to try sporting activities which will improve the health of those who take part.

Application forms are available from the Town Council’s East Court offices, and should be returned there by 30 November.

• Applications are invited from bona fide registered club/organisations operating within East Grinstead, whose primary objective is sport and recreation.
• One application can be submitted to the maximum of £500
• Applicants will be expected to demonstrate that they can match the grant from their own resources or from other fundraising efforts.
• Applicants will need to show how the grant will be used to encourage participation in sport and how the success of their venture will be measured.

The Town Council is particularly keen to support sports initiatives which focus on junior participants and which are fully accessible to the disabled wherever possible.

Applications will be considered by the Finance and General Purposes committee in January.

MID Sussex District Council is making some changes to its collection of garden waste, to include an additional Saturday collection, in order to clear its waiting list, and accommodate the collection of up to 13,500 bins.

The changes will affect about 500 customers in the East Grinstead area and will be effective from Monday 28 November.

All affected customers will be informed, by letter, why the changes are being made, what their current collection day is, what their new collection day will be, and when their first collection on the new day will be.

A calendar with the new collection dates will also be included. All the relevant information will also be available on the MSDC website from 18 November. Customers currently on the waiting list (approximately 450) should have their garden bins delivered, weather permitting, by Christmas.

For further information please contact Joy Dyson on 01444 474706.

MID Sussex District Council is encouraging residents to visit organised fireworks displays this year because they are the safest way to celebrate the 5 November.

At organised displays, fireworks are handled by trained professionals and are kept at a safe distance from the crowd. They also help to minimise disruption for local residents because everybody is gathered in the same place, often away from built-up areas, instead of annoying their neighbours next door.

For some young children, older people and vulnerable members of the community, Bonfire Night can be an anxious time. The loud noises and explosions associated with back garden fireworks are closer to neighbouring properties and this can be unsettling, especially for those with pets, so Mid Sussex District Council is encouraging residents to attend an organised display instead and be considerate to others.

With 5 November coming up, bonfire and firework displays will soon be taking place all over the District. Organised firework displays are planned for Cuckfield and Lindfield on Saturday 5 November, as well as many other locations in and around Mid Sussex over the next few weeks.

In these tough economic times, organised displays also offer the best facilities and value for money. Organised displays are often free to attend or require just a small entrance fee, so they can work out far cheaper than buying fireworks for a personal display. Organised displays also produce a spectacular and often carefully choreographed show that would be impossible to create at home without significant financial outlay.

Mid Sussex District Council understands many residents will still want to set off their own fireworks and strongly recommends the advice on the safe handling of fireworks which has been given by the West Sussex Fire and Rescue service.

When using fireworks at home, residents are reminded to use the Fireworks Safety Code:

• Keep fireworks in a closed box and only take them out one at a time
• Follow the instructions on each firework and read them by torchlight – NEVER a naked flame
• Light at arm’s length, using a taper and stand well back
• Always supervise children around fireworks and never give sparklers to children under five
• Keep a bucket of water handy
• Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn’t gone off it can still explode
• Used fireworks should be collected after the display with care. Douse with water, bury or place in a metal container
• Keep pets indoors

Sussex Police are also reminding local shops that it is an offence to sell fireworks to anyone under the age of 18 and that it is illegal for any person to throw, cast or fire any firework into any highway, street, thoroughfare or public place.

“The safest way to enjoy Bonfire Night is always to attend one of the big organised events,” said Councillor Christopher Snowling, Cabinet Member for Health and Community. “The shows can be spectacular and all the fireworks are handled by trained professionals.

“For those who choose to let off their own fireworks at home, it is important to remember that all fireworks are potentially very dangerous, if not handled properly. I hope that, by following the simple safety tips provided by West Sussex Fire and Rescue service, everybody will have a safe and enjoyable time this 5 November.”

For full details of shows, times and ticket prices, contact the theatre Box Office on 01342 302000.

Vienna Festival Ballet presents The Nutcracker on 2 November at 5pm and 8pm.

THE Nutcracker is one of the best-loved of ballets and centres around Clara and her nutcracker doll, which magically transforms into a princely soldier. Their adventures see the Prince and Clara combat the Mouse King and join the Sugar Plum Fairy for a wonderful trip to a Kingdom made entirely of sweets.

HRH Entertainments presents Dancing Queen on 3 November.

Formerly known as Abba Magic, this three-shows-in-one features hits from the seventies, a superb Grease tribute and the best ABBA show in the country.

British Airwaves Productions presents The Fabulous Shadows Golden Greats Tour on 4 November.

This live tribute show features all The Shadows’ classic instrumental hits from the 1960s, including Apache and Wonderful Land recaptured with authentic Fender Stratocaster guitars and Vox amplification.

Acoustic Sussex presents Kate Walsh on 5 November.

Kate is a classically-trained pianist/singer/songwriter who bares her soul with shocking candour.

Outloud Productions presents Passing Strangers on 7 November.

Passing Strangers is a new "battle of the sexes" comedy by Eric Chappell, the BAFTA award-winning television writer whose TV sitcoms include the hugely popular Rising Damp and Only When I Laugh.

When Malcolm and his unhappy friend Clive attend a singles evening they meet the upwardly mobile Julie and cynical Liz.

Marks and Kennard present A Couple of Jobsworths on 8 November.

Musical comedy duo Marks and Kennard perform light-hearted comedy songs and ditties. Great live entertainment in the Pavilion.

A.M.Productions presents We Three Kings of Rock and Roll on 11 November.

A show starring “Billy Fury” played by the West End’s Gavin Stanley, “Buddy Holly” by Marc Robinson and “Elvis” by Steve Halliday, paying tribute to the Three Kings of Rock.

Chequer Mead Friends present Cue Music on 12 November.

Chequer Mead celebrates its 15th Birthday with a fabulous night of live entertainment featuring singer/songwriter Danny Bridle, traditional folk band Sloe Gin, the fabulous Vegas Nights and Tainted Lunch – plus a few surprise guests.

Imberhorne school presents Oliver! on17 -19 November in a Youth Production (By special arrangement with Musicscope and Stage Musicals Ltd of New York).

Imberhorne School presents its biggest show in decades when pupils bring their first full-length, whole-school musical to Chequer Mead.

An Audience with Tony Strudwick on 20 November.

Tony Strudwick’s band and singers make a welcome return to Chequer Mead. During the evening there will be an opportunity for a question and answer session with Tony, who comes from East Grinstead, and the band, many of whom have played with some of the country’s leading musicians.

Chequer Mead Lunchtime Concert Series presents The Woolmer Music Group at 1.30pm on 22 November.

Hannah Woolmer studied at Trinity College of Music and London College of Music and has recorded tracks for films. Belinda Jones studied at the Royal Academy of Music and has won numerous competitions and awards including The Jacqueline Du Pre Music Prize and The Brahms Duo Prize.

Copthorne Players present ‘Allo ‘Allo from 24 – 26 November.

"Leesen very carefully, I shall say zis only vonce…"

René Artois, a hapless café owner, is hiding two British airmen for the Resistance, and the priceless painting of ‘The Fallen Madonna’ for the Germans.

Can René meet the demands of the German occupiers, the Resistance, his wife Edith and his amorous waitresses whilst keeping at bay the unwelcome attentions of Lieutenant Gruber?

Ariel Drama Academy presents its Drama Showcase on 28 November.

Ariel Drama Academy is proud to present an evening of song, drama, and dance, celebrating a selection of its Crawley pupils’ work throughout the year

Los Endos presents Ultimate Genesis on 29 November.

Ultimate Genesis captures the excitement of a live ’70s Genesis concert, featuring music from the band’s heyday.

Jazz Café on 30 November.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the best of live Jazz Café combined with the finest bistro menus at our regular Jazz Café evenings.

 Bend One’s Steps – until 2 November:

In their first joint exhibition, textile artists Jude Kingshott and Penny Watts invite you to share their individual love of mixed media textiles.

Losing the Thread from 3-9 November:

Focusing on two years’ work by the Wednesday Workshop Group of the Tunbridge Wells Embroiderers’ Guild, the exhibition includes small quilts, 3D pieces inspired by Gavin Fry, abstract gardens and Thai embroidery.

Chequer Mead’s Crystal Anniversary Exhibition – 11-16 November:

An exhibition to celebrate the first 15 years of the area’s leading Community Theatre and Arts Centre, with contributions from all the diverse groups which call Chequer Mead ‘home’.

ShedArt – 18-30 November:

ShedArt works in a wide variety of media, and their exhibition presents painting, prints, drawings and textile art that is eclectic, contemporary and vital.

TOWN Mayor John Saull will be attending the following events in November:

• November 2: Youth Council volunteers presentations at Pizza Express.
• November 9: Town Twinning AGM in Meridian Hall: the mayor is Honorary President during his year in office.
• November 11: Estcots Tennis Club dinner at The Swan, Forest Row.
• November 13: Remembrance Sunday. The Mayor will lay a wreath at East Court and then later lead the procession of councillors up London Road and into the High Street for a service at the town centre War Memorial at 11am.
• November 18: Relate AGM at The Crawley Club, Crawley. The Mayoress will also attend.
• November 20: St Catherine’s Hospice Santa Run Day at Chartham Park Golf Club. The hospice is one of the mayor’s chosen charities for his year in office.
• November 27: Civic Service for the Chairman of Mid Sussex District Council at St John’s Church, Burgess Hill. The Mayoress will also attend.

CHEQUER Mead will be celebrating 15 years as one of the south east’s premier arts centres in November, and the whole town has been invited to join the fun.

There will be a week of special events to mark the theatre’s birthday, including backstage tours, competitions and demonstrations, and a celebratory show on 12 November.

For details see the posters below, or check with the box office on 01342 302000.

THE Farmers Market is to continue as a weekly event after crisis talks between the stall holders and the Town Council to save it.

The former market manager Tony Martin had announced he was pulling out after stall numbers fell dramatically over recent months. But the remaining traders were keen to continue, and with the help of the Town Council have now reached an agreement which will enable them to remain in the High Street for the foreseeable future.

Town Clerk Julie Holden called Mr Martin’s decision "a great shame" but said the Council was fully behind the remaining traders, and would hope to encourage more quality stalls in the coming months.

Chris Veasey, who runs the fish stand with his father, welcomed the decision to carry on.

"The amount of rent we were being charged put a lot of people off coming to East Grinstead, but we hope that the new arrangements will prove fruitful," he said.

FOOTLOOSE is one of these feel-good family musicals which arrive at their inevitably happy ending via a plot which combines foot-stomping dance routines with great songs, some of which have become much-loved stand-alone hits.

The eighties film version was instantly popular, and the subsequent stage adaptation earned four Tony Award nominations.

In choosing Footloose to showcase the considerable talents of its young performers, Act One Beginners did themselves – and their audiences – very proud indeed.

Tim Hewitt has a strong, warm voice and his essential decency as Ren McCormack, the troubled teen unjustly labelled a troublemaker in Dullsville Bomont, made him an immensely likeable lead.

Sophie Karaolis put in a sassy performance as the rebellious preacher’s daughter Ariel Moore, and her Holding Out for A Hero was one of the show’s many highlights.

The Hero in question’s six-pack was another, and Tom Rowlinson’s shirt-ripping reprise in the finale earned roars of appreciation for his finely-chiselled chest.

A great dancer, Sophie also brought a real sense of pathos to her role as a misunderstood daughter rebelling against a father too locked in his own misery to notice hers.

Ian McCheyne and Alexandra Constable both gave touchingly accomplished performances as her grieving parents, and the scene in which they realise how much they still love each other, was a real shiver-down-the-spine-moment. Sweet-faced Katherine Stevens was also well-cast as Ren’s mother, torn between defending her son and wanting to fit into her new life.

There were some lovely moments too from Ariel’s five-strong coterie of giggly girl chums, and Jose Napper as Rusty gave a scene-stealingly terrific rendition of Let’s Hear it for the Boy.

The boy in question was Matt Harris as Willard, always spoiling for a fight, but still too shy to ask a girl to dance, and his endearingly funny portrayal of teenage angst was a delight, as was his Mama Says.

The principals were wonderfully well-served by their ensemble, who were step-perfect in some very tricky dance routines, and some great lighting effects down by the rail road tracks.

And when the entire audience got to its feet for the rip-roaring finale, I think it is fair to say that everyone had had a very good time indeed.