Author: Andrew Taylor

Calling all Men in East Grinstead and surround. Would you like to join a social group and learn or share skills in woodwork, metalwork, gardening etc? East Grinstead in looking to start a Mens Shed – if you are interested in finding out more email sheds@westsussex.gov.uk. Please see the attached leaflet for more information.

With the weather turning colder and winter approaching fast, the county council is highlighting some of the ways we can all help to stay well this winter. If you are eligible for a free flu vaccination it is important that you take up this offer.

You are offered the vaccine for free if you are one of the groups of people who are most ‘at risk’ of catching the illness. This is one of the most important things you can do to stay well and it may also help relieve pressure on the NHS this winter.

To find out if you’re in an ‘at risk’ group speak to your local participating pharmacy or GP. I also want to remind your readers about the fantastic meals on wheels service available in West Sussex.
Eating at least one hot nutritious meal a day is very important for our health and wellbeing, particularly in colder weather.

Some people, due to illness, frailty or a disability, may find it difficult or impossible to shop, cook or heat a frozen meal. The home-delivered hot meals service may be the answer.

The national award winning meals on wheels service in West Sussex is run on behalf of the County Council by apetito. Meals are delivered at lunchtimes between 11-2, up to seven days a week – including Christmas Day.

To find out more about meals on wheels or to sign up for the service call 01903 718893 or email westsussex.office@apetito.co.uk.

IN a regular feature on the Town Council website, we will be remembering, on the anniversary of their deaths, the East Grinstead soldiers who died during WWI,  and who are named on the High Street War Memorial.

This month we recall (as recorded on The Roll of Honour website):

Benjamin ROWE

Private 19680 2nd Battalion, The Royal Sussex Regiment. 1st Division.

Killed in action near Ypres, 14.11.17. age 32.

Son of Mr. and Mrs. A.A.Rowe of 49, Cantelupe Road, East Grinstead. Husband of Mrs. Ellen Road of 21, Rush Hill Road, Lavender Hill, Battersea. Born and enlisted in East Grinstead.

Commemorated on The Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium MR.30

James WREN

Private 47002 Number 48 Field Ambulance Company. Royal Army Medical Corps.

Died 30.11.17.

Born in East Grinstead and enlisted in Horsham.

Commemorated on The Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium MR.30

Skaters, BMX bikers and scooter riders travelled from all around the District on Wednesday 25 October to be part of Skatefest 2017 at Haywards Heath Skate Park.

Skatefest is a relaxed event, designed to bring the local skater community together for an afternoon of music, art and some freestyle tricks and stunts. More than 80 young people took part, pulling off a range of moves from air tricks like the tail whip to various grinds and wheelies.

DJ Neel kept the tunes flowing throughout the afternoon and offered DJ workshops so young people could have a go for themselves. Street artist Julian Johnson held interactive street art sessions and produced two large boards that will be displayed at the skate park.

Councillor Gary Marsh, Cabinet Member for Service Delivery said:

“Skateboarding, BMX biking and scooter riding are a great way for young people to be active and enjoy the outdoors. There’s a real sense of community in the skater scene and these young people are really passionate about their sport. Skatefest is our way to show our support and it has been fantastic to see so many young people taking part.”

Councillor Norman Webster, Cabinet Member for Community added:

“We’re planning to make some major improvements to the facilities at Haywards Heath Skate Park over the next 12 months and it’s going to be really important to get the local skater community involved. We’ve arranged for a professional skate park designer to be at the first of our consultation events at Tory’s café on 7 December and I hope lots of young people join us to share their views and ideas for the future.”

The Skatefest event was organised by Mid Sussex District Council in partnership with Creatives Across Sussex and with support from Clarion Housing Group (formerly known as Affinity Sutton) and Tory’s café, who provided free cake for everyone who attended.

For more information about community events in Mid Sussex contact Regina Choudhury, MSDC Community Development Officer on 01444 477495 or email regina.choudhury@midsussex.gov.uk

On Friday 27 October East Grinstead station welcomed a team of volunteers from the Rail Group at the Department of Transport, they were joined by several local volunteers and some Southern staff.

 

 

20 volunteers in all were giving up their time to help the Sussex Community Rail Partnership’s station partner Andrew Morris to tidy and prepare the station’s extensive flower beds for the coming winter. Andrew has big plans for redesigning the gardens with the coming winter giving him the ideal opportunity to get to work on the project.

The volunteers all worked tirelessly weeding, chopping, digging, sweeping and filling endless rubbish sacks, the sun shone and we all had a really nice day.

These corporate volunteering days are a blessing for Community Rail as a whole team can do in several hours what it can take our station partners several weeks to achieve. Many thanks to all involved for giving up their time so generously.

 

Tuesday 7th November 2017
2.30pm – 4pm (includes tea/coffee & cakes)
at Crawley Library

Military Medals and Memories is a free event open to veterans of all ages at which you’ll be encouraged to talk about your military service: what it was like, what was challenging about it and what you gained from it.

We have a limited number of spaces, so if you’d like to come please contact us, mentioning whether anyone will be accompanying you and whether you have any access needs:

Phone: 0330 22 23883
Email: ArmedForces@westsussex.gov.uk
By letter: West Sussex County Council, FAO Sally Manning, Parish & Town Councils and Local Governance Team, Room 237, County Hall, West Street, Chichester PO19 1RQ

West Sussex has been awarded Fairtrade county status for its commitment to Fairtrade principles, following a two year long campaign which involved a contribution by Fairtrade East Grinstead.

West Sussex is now officially a Fairtrade County, after West Sussex County Council made a resolution in June 2015 to actively promote Fairtrade to consumers, businesses and community groups in the area.

As part of the campaign, retailers have pledged to sell more than four Fairtrade products and eateries have served Fairtrade tea and coffee. The campaign also secured support from other Fairtrade towns and villages in West Sussex* in addition to faith groups, schools and voluntary groups, Fairtrade West Sussex also lobbied businesses to promote the Fairtrade message in their working practices.

Sue Joy, Convenor of both Fairtrade West Sussex and Fairtrade East Grinstead said “Both Groups are delighted that the Fairtrade Foundation has agreed to Fairtrade County designation. The Groups look forward to working in close partnership with West Sussex County Council in the future to ensure that Fairtrade is known throughout the County at every level.”

Adam Gardner, Communities Campaigns Manager at the Fairtrade Foundation, said: “We are delighted to welcome the county of West Sussex to the Fairtrade movement which now boasts more than 1,900 communities worldwide, taking practical steps to making a fairer world trade system a reality.

“Thanks to the support of the public and campaigners, an increasing number of farmers in developing countries are now selling their products on Fairtrade terms, bringing them a stable income, and the chance to trade their way out of poverty.

“Today, more than 1.6 million farmers and workers across 74 developing countries benefit from the international Fairtrade system, but there is still a long way to go.”

Fairtrade helps small-scale farmers ensure they earn decent incomes and have long-term contracts with companies. In addition, they earn the Fairtrade Premium, which they invest in vital business, social and environmental projects.

Towns, cities, boroughs, villages, islands, counties and zones can apply for the Fairtrade Town status and join the movement towards a fairer world trade system. An area that apply for Fairtrade status must meet five criteria:

• Local council passes a resolution supporting Fairtrade, and agrees to serve Fairtrade tea and coffee Fairtrade at its meetings and canteens.
• At least four Fairtrade products can be purchased in the area’s local shops and eateries.
• Fairtrade is effectively promoted to local businesses and community organisations.
• Attracting media coverage and popular support for the campaign.
• A local Steering Group must be established to ensure continued commitment to its Fairtrade Town status.

The FAIRTRADE Mark independently certifies that products meet economic, social and environmental standards. As such, it is the most widely recognised ethical mark worldwide. For more information about the FAIRTRADE Mark and how to apply for Fairtrade status, visit www.fairtrade.org.uk.

For more information contact:

Susan Joy, Convenor, Fairtrade West Sussex and Fairtrade East Grinstead. 01342 835190. 07821379064. Email: SusanJoy471@hotmail.com

*Fairtrade West Sussex comprises

Fairtrade Adur, Fairtrade Arundel, Fairtrade Burgess Hill, Fairtrade Chichester, Fairtrade East Grinstead, Fairtrade Horsham, Fairtrade Pulborough and Fairtrade Worthing.

Fairtrade East Grinstead, www.fairtrade-eg.co.uk

East Grinstead has been a Fairtrade Town since 2004 and has the support of EG Town Council.  Our Group seeks to promote Fairtrade throughout the town so that people and organisations can use their everyday choices to buy Fairtrade products to bring about change for farmers and producers in developing countries.  Local supporting global.

Fairtrade EG can supply stalls selling Fairtrade goods at events and give
presentations to community groups, businesses and schools. We meet quarterly and take an active role in Fairtrade Fortnight. In 2018 this will be from 27 February-12 March. Please contact us if you would like to take part – the theme is How to put Fairtrade in your break. From breakfasts to banquets, bake-offs to business awards, every Fairtrade Fortnight communities across the UK use their creativity, connections and local knowledge (not to mention effort!) to open more doors to Fairtrade.