One minute silence

Please join the Town Mayor at the front of East Court Mansion at 10.58am tomorrow to mark the one minute silence at 11.00am.

The Town Council will be observing the silence and therefore phones will not be answered at that time – your understanding is appreciated.

Volunteer Marshals needed for 2017 East Grinstead 10k

The annual East Grinstead 10k run needs help from local volunteers to help marshal this years race which is on Sunday 24th September, starting at 10am at Imberhorne School.

The race is in its 8th year and was set up by 4 local runners in memory of Andy Ripley, an ex England Rugby player who lived in East Grinstead but sadly died of Prostate Cancer in 2010. The race donates all proceeds to our chosen charities being the Prostate Cancer Charity and the East Grinstead Lions Club. To date the race has raised nearly £20,000 for good causes.

Being a local race organised by a small group of runners we rely heavily on volunteers to provide marshalling support. The race team struggled to secure enough volunteers for last years race and would like to ask for your help.

If anyone would like to support what has become a great local event with a buzzing atmosphere and an aim to raise money for good causes please contact Colin Day at colinjamesday@yahoo.co.uk.

Silver Sunday grant funding

Mid Sussex District Council are offering grants of £250 to help local groups celebrate Silver Sunday this October.

They will be hosting a special Tea Party in East Grinstead on 8 October but it would be great if other local community organisations and groups decide to get involved by holding their own Silver Sunday event or activity.

Silver Sunday was launched in 2012 by The Sir Simon Milton Foundation and Councillor Christabel Flight, after a report discovered more than a third of people over 75 said they were lonely. The aim is to celebrate older residents and to help them get out and about and meet new people.

They are offering grants of up to £250 for any activities held in October that provide an opportunity for older people to try something new, meet new people and have an uplifting day. It could be a tea party, a classic film showing, an informative talk, music or dance performance or simply a healthy walk. Any activity for older people over the age of 65 that’s fun and engaging will be considered.

To apply for a grant simply complete an online grant application www.midsussex.gov.uk/grants and submit it by Friday 23 June 2017.

Chealsea Pensioners

The East Grinstead Social and Ex-Services Club made a presentation to the Chelsea pensioners of a ‘missing’ photograph taken in 1916 of The Royal Tank Regiment at their Members’ Day, Thursday, May 25th, 2017.

The photograph was found and rescued from a house clearance in Rutland Gate, Kinghtsbridge, by Mr Alex McLean in the 1970’s. It remained in his possession until he passed away on March 17th, 2011, St. Patrick’s Day.

The photograph was then donated to the East Grinstead Social & Ex Services Club by Mrs Anne Teagues, his daughter and long-time member of the Club.

After some research by fellow-member Bill Towers (ex Military Police), its secret was discovered…it turned out to be the missing photograph out of a set held at the tank regiments’ museum!

The photograph was presented to the Regiment by East Grinstead Town Mayor, Julie Mockford, together with Anne Teague, and will now reside at the Regiments’ Museum in Dorset.

Present, on the day with Mayor Julie Mockford, were Frank Cohen, Helen Andrews, Mary Johnston, Carl Hayhurst and Anne Teague (holding the photograph).

The Club celebrated its 70th birthday last year and, since it has opened its’ doors to non ex-service members, membership has increased and the club is thriving and happy to welcome new members.

You can contact the club on 01342 321 384.

Youth Activities in East Grinstead

The attached document has been compiled by East Grinstead Town Council, and contains the details of organisations that offer activities in, or around, East Grinstead. Activities take place after school, evenings, weekends & school holidays. Some activities may be one off, whilst others are ongoing.

Full details are shown in the document, including contact details. Please contact the organisations directly for further information. Please note that East Grinstead Town Council does not endorse nor recommend any of these organisations, and cannot be held responsible for the services offered. You are encouraged to make your own enquiries of any service and its operation.

Youth Activities in East Grinstead 2017

Call For Evidence – Elderly / Supported Accommodation in East Grinstead Area

The Council have been anecdotally told of difficulty in finding supported accommodation or accommodation appropriate for elderly persons in East Grinstead.

If you or your family have had experience of this please write to:

Mr J Ansley – Community Liaison Officer
East Grinstead Town Council
East Court Mansion
College Lane
East Grinstead RH19 3LT

Or email j.ansley@eastgrinstead.gov.uk

Please note that this is a call for evidence, not hearsay, and it may be necessary to pass your details in evidence to Mid Sussex District Council. Please, therefore, ensure that the person who had the difficulty is aware that you are contacting us, and that they are happy that their information be shared. Anonymous information cannot be accepted on this occasion as information may be called upon for corroboration.

The Closing Date for evidence is 30th June 2017.

Refurbishment of Pedestrian Crossing

We are pleased to inform you that as part of our continuing efforts to improve the highways, work is due to commence soon at London Road, East Grinstead.

What we’re doing

This project will include:

  • Refurbishment of the existing Pelican crossing to a new style Puffin pedestrian crossing. All new equipment will be installed on site.
  • Inclusion of pedestrian beepers and rotating tactile devices to aid those with visual impairments to cross safely.
  • Alteration of dropped kerbing to improve drainage. With the pedestrian tactile paving being replaced.
  • A temporary pedestrian crossing facility is currently on site and will remain on site for the duration of the refurbishment.

When this will take place

The work will start on 22 May 2017 and is expected to take 2 weeks to complete. Our hours of work will generally be between 9am and 5pm.

Road Restrictions during the work

A temporary narrowing of the carriageway will be introduced to ensure the safety of those working on site. With a temporary pedestrian crossing facility in place.

Information for residents

We know our works can cause disruption but will do our utmost to minimise any impact.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Please don’t park where you may cause an obstruction. At times access may be limited. We will always do our best to allow access to homes and businesses. Some work is weather dependant. We will keep you updated with any delays & changes via the advanced warning signs.

If you have special needs or requirements please get in touch or speak to our staff on site.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why does this work have to take place?

The refurbishment was initiated as a result of the annual inspection. During the inspection the engineer identified a critical safety issue with one of the poles on site. Due to this reason the site was decommissioned, with a temporary pedestrian crossing installed on site.

2. What work has to be done?

The existing pedestrian crossing will be replaced by a new style Puffin crossing. This will involve a temporary narrowing of the carriageway and a temporary pedestrian crossing facility will be in place.

3. What will the benefits be once it is finished?

A puffin crossing with be installed utilising the latest technology. Above ground detectors will be installed to improve pedestrian safety, LED lamps to improve visibility for motorist and improved kerbing and tactile paving to improve drainage.

4. Will any road have to be closed during the works?

No.

5. When will the work start?

The works are due to begin w/c 22 May 2017.

6. When will the work finish?

It is expected to be completed by 5 June 2017 but this can be dependent on weather conditions and other external factors.

7. Can works be carried out at evenings or overnight?

No this scheme will operate during normal working hours.

8. How much will it cost?

The estimated cost for this scheme is £30,000

9.  What disruption can motorists or bus passengers expect?

Motorists may be subject to additional delays due to traffic management.

10.  Are there any other considerations people need to be aware of?

Pedestrians maybe diverted off the footpath, however safe walkways will be provided. Temporary pedestrian crossing will also be in use.

 

East Grinstead Community Clear Up

East Grinstead now boasts a Community Clear Up Group whose vision is to make a visual improvement to the town and to build friendships and community as they do so. Initially they will focus on litter picking, but may move on to light gardening and other community projects.

The first meeting and litter pick took place around the Railway Station on Tuesday 9th May when the group was joined by Town Mayor Cllr Julie Mockford.

The group plans to meet for around 75mins an Tuesdays 16th, 23rd and 30th May Starting at a different place each week. Anyone interested in joining in with this project is asked to contact
Mark Berry mjberry@sky.com

Equipment and instructions will be provided but if anyone has their own high-viz and/or strong gloves they would be very welcome.