Mid Sussex District Council. Afternoon Tea and Community Service Awards

Transcription

1 Mid Sussex District Council Afternoon Tea and Community Service Awards The Ravenswood, Sharpthorne Sunday 5th October 2014

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3 A Message from the Chairman of Mid Sussex District Council Good afternoon and welcome to the Council s annual Party to acknowledge the efforts of so many volunteers. Today is one of the most important events in the civic calendar, when we thank, in a small way, the work they do to help our communities and make Mid Sussex such a great place to live. Just by reading the citations in the programme it is possible to gauge the range of activities, fund raising and volunteer work these unsung heroes undertake to enrich our lives by reaching out to their neighbours. The Council is proud of the support it is able to give to local charities and organisations by way of grants which, in turn, help some of the activities we acknowledge today. Finally, I would like to thank all the town and parish councillors and district councillors who submitted the names of those we honour today and to welcome especially the High Sheriff of West Sussex, Jonathan Lucas and the families and friends of the recipients, whose background support will, for sure, be immense! Have an enjoyable time. Yours, Chairman of the Council

4 P R O G R A M M E 3.30 p.m. Refreshments 4.00 p.m. Presentation of Awards by Gordon Marples, the Chairman of the Council and the High Sheriff of West Sussex, Mr. Jonathan Lucas 5.15 p.m. Afternoon Tea ends

5 Ansty & Staplefield Parish Council Ardingly Parish Council Jonathan Ash- Edwards (Haywards Heath - Heath Ashurst Wood Parish Council Ashurst Wood Parish Council Brian Wright Nigel Cheater Kathy Shirley Alice Tyrell Dick Tyrell Brian has recently retired from the Parish Council after a 15 year stint as a dedicated representing the interests of Brook Street. He is passionate about many local issues. He and his wife, Josie, are very active members of the community contributing to many local organisations and events. Nigel has run the Cubs and Scouts in Ardingly for the past 13 years. Nigel is also a church warden, managing the heating replacement in As Chair of Mill Hill Close Residents Association, Kathy identified the need for communal meeting space for the (mainly) retired residents of the close. 'The Mill House' garden room is now open after Kathy successfully applied for grants from local Councils, the Lottery and Hanover Housing. It is a wonderful space being well used by the community, but wouldn't have happened without Kathy's effort and determination. Alice, a retired school teacher, volunteers her time to the village Youth Club and is the Community Shopping Bus driver. Wednesday evenings at Youth Club she takes her wood turning equipment for local youths to learn new skills. Alice also teaches cooking. Dick was the s handyman for six years. He was instrumental in the Winter Management Programme and in the years of heavy snow worked endlessly clearing pavements. He carried out numerous repairs to the bus shelters and other street furniture, and was always on hand to help at village events.

6 Balcombe Parish Council Stephen Barnett (Ashurst Wood s Edward & Margaret Belsey (East Grinstead Herontye & (East Grinstead Baldwins Burgess Hill Town Council Joan Dutton, MBE David Phillips Christine Hardisty Clive Everest A powerhouse within the community working tirelessly for the good of the village. Joan served as Chairman of the and has devoted hundreds of hours to the Victory Hall management and fund raising. She has researched and recorded most of Balcombe s old buildings; helping to found and run the Balcombe History Society. David organises musical events in the area giving a platform for local talent. He has always supported charity events, even making his own 60 th birthday celebrations into a charity fundraiser. Over the years he has involved local café and pub businesses as venues so helping local business in the process. Christine has worked tirelessly as Manager of the CVS for a number of years at a time of budget cuts and uncertainty. She has helped to reorganise the Organisation. Her band of helpers is ubiquitous. Wherever there is a meeting requiring public support Christine is always on hand. Clive has, for many years been the Scout Leader of the 5 th Burgess Hill Scouts at Worlds End. Has for many years helped organise the annual Duck Fayre at Worlds End Recreation Ground in Burgess Hill.

7 Burgess Hill Town Council Phillip Coote (Crawley Down and Turners Hill Cuckfield Parish Council Mims Davies (Haywards Heath Lucastes Paul Myles Doctor Mrs. Lesley Croucher Martin Ingerbretson Capt. Charles Solomon Paul has been actively involved in running Burgess Hill Boys Club (now renamed Burgess Hill Youth) for many years, as well as running the building and managing lettings to other users. He successfully raised funds to install an allweather Multi Use Games Area adjacent to the Burgess Hill Youth building. Paul is a founder member of Burgess Hill Gets Skating and campaigned for the Burgess Hill Skate Park. Founder member and Chair of the Mid Sussex Youth Homelessness Action Group. Helps organise and deliver a programme of Holiday Activities for low-income families during each school vacation in Burgess Hill. Dr. Croucher has been a wonderful and conscientious Doctor for Crawley Down from 1982 to 1 st August 2014, 32 years. She will be missed. Martin was born and brought up in Cuckfield and has lived here most of his life. He is well known throughout the community having been involved with the Independent State of Cuckfield, for many years organising the Mayor s procession. He is also involved with the Bonfire Society and many other local events. Amongst his wider charity work, Charles has been active within the Royal British Legion for several decades. He is President of the Legion s Haywards Heath branch and despite overcoming recent illness, heads up the Poppy Appeal in the town.

8 Kathleen Dumbovic (Burgess Hill - Meeds East Grinstead Town Council East Grinstead Town Council East Grinstead Town Council Robert Eggleston Derek Field Stuart Hellier Ian Staines Fairtrade, social justice and community motivates Robert Eggleston, a lawyer, to organise successful Fairtrade Festivals in Burgess Hill. He works with a small group of volunteers to maintain Burgess Hill s Fairtrade status involving schools, churches, shops and businesses. He also helped save the Orion Cinema for the community at Burgess Hill. Derek has been on the Christmas Lights Committee from day one and this year represents his 33 rd year. He has worked tirelessly along with the Chairman to ensure that this event takes place every year and he takes pride and pleasure in ensuring that the town is lit up to celebrate Christmas. As one of the Contractors who has served with the Christmas Lights Committee, for over thirty years, Stuart has been the leading man and organises the troops and personally does far more than what is expected of him. Although not an East Grinstead resident, his role in contributing to the town s celebrations will be acknowledged by this award. The Christmas Lights, which have brightened the town over the past three decades have been organised and maintained by a dedicated band of volunteers and Ian has been a great asset. The Chairman and Committee have been supported in running the bar at Meridian Hall which is run by the volunteers to fund the lights.

9 East Grinstead Town Council East Grinstead Town Council Bruce Forbes (Crawley Down and Turners Hill Melvin Phillips Jenny Watson Eric Dawes Melvin is the Chairman of the annual Christmas Lights Committee and has been on this committee for over thirty three years. He has worked tirelessly to ensure that this event takes place every year and he takes pride in ensuring that the town is lit up to celebrate the Christmas Season. As well as the physical caring for and putting up the lights Melvin runs the bar at Meridian Hall to pay for the lights. He has been the lynchpin in this truly remarkable volunteering group. Jenny has been employed by the Town Council since 2011 as a part time Gardener and works tirelessly well beyond her contracted hours every week. She is a whirlwind of winning ideas, practical from the top of her head to the tip of her green fingers. She is full of inspirational ideas and ways to get local people involved. Jenny designed the East Grinstead war memorial flower beds which won best war memorial planting in the South and South East in Bloom completion recently. Eric seems to have an insatiable appetite for doing things for the village. In his 49 years of widely-varied public services he has been the village school headmaster, church warden, Friends of St. Leonards founder, Parish, President of the local Royal British Legion, President of Worth Horticultural Society plus editing the Parish News. You can see why he is referred to as Mr. Turners Hill.

10 Bruce Forbes (Crawley Down and Turners Hill Hassocks Hassocks Sue Hatton (Hassocks Florrie Grimwood Michelle Binks Mavis Flowers Grace Fry Florrie has, for a number of years, organised a Family BBQ/Fete at Turners Hill Park. All the local charities are invited to have stalls at the event free of charge. The proceeds from the BBQ/Fete are then divided between the local charities. Florrie also arranges a weekly afternoon tea for residents of the Park and occasional lunches at local restaurants. Michelle has run the Light Up Hassocks Christmas event in Hassocks for the past two years, raising considerable funds at a whole range of events. Mavis was Clerk to Keymer and served as a on Hassocks Parish Council for many years. She is also Treasurer and has done a lot of work in running the Adastra Hall in Hassocks. Grace has worked hard for the community through her church activities. For people who live in her street, and for many years providing Christmas lunches at her local church for those alone at Christmastime.

11 Haywards Heath Town Council Haywards Heath Town Council Chris Hersey (High Weald Diane Field The care and pride Mrs Field takes in her job at Serco is admired by the residents and Haywards Heath Town Council. So many people have approached the Town Council to ask that she is recognised in some way. The judges of South and South East in Bloom commented on her attention to detail and the genuine care she pays to the tidiness and general environmental condition of our town. Diane always volunteers to help the Council with its Haywards Heath in Bloom entry and her efforts have helped us achieve so many wonderful results. Dave Parker Dave has been the Vice-Chairman of Haywards Heath in Bloom for many years. His expertise, knowledge and his kind and caring nature has helped the Committee achieve outstanding results for Haywards Heath Town. He is one of the most modest and unsung members of our Committee and the invaluable advice and help he has given to the Chairman of Haywards Heath in Bloom is priceless. Tony Mulcare Tony took over Chairmanship of Horsted Keynes Post Office Association in 2005 and during this time has overseen changes of Sub- Postmasters which involved legal negotiations with the Post Office to facilitate more services. Last year Tony was heavily involved in raising 3,800 to support the post office, an important village asset.

12 by Margaret Hersey (Lindfield Hurstpierpoint &Sayers Common Hurstpierpoint &Sayers Common Hurstpierpoint &Sayers Common Catrin Ingham (East Grinstead Town Sue Blunden Shaun Hole Malcolm Heather Wim Winters Julie Mockford Sue is a very busy lady working at the Princess Royal Hospital where she works in physiotherapy. Sue is Chairman of the local Parkinson Group where she is greatly appreciated for organising all sorts of events raising very much needed funds. Sue also finds time in supporting her husband, Will, who is the Chairman of Lindfield Parish Council. Shaun is an Electrical Engineer. Other than the last five years has resided in Sayers Common and has strong family and resident links with the village. He has been on the Village Hall Committee for approximately 20 years, serving as Chairman for the last five years. Malcolm led a team establishing a new community convenience shop in Sayers Common owned and run for the benefit of the local community. The shop now provides a local place to shop and meet other people. Wim has lived in Sayers Common for 40 years and leapt at the chance to become involved in establishing a Community Shop. After three years of planning, fundraising and working closely with the Village Hall Committee, the shop was developed alongside a refurbished hall, creating a village social hub. Julie is hard-working, dedicated, conscientious and caring. Longstanding volunteer on the East Grinstead In Bloom Committee. Voluntarily ran after-school dance club for 13 years in desire to promote self confidence in young children. Julie is also a Staff Governor at Queen Victoria hospital and a Judge for South East in Bloom.

13 Anne Jones, MBE (Burgess Hill Meeds Anne Jones, MBE (Burgess Hill Meeds Anne Jones, MBE (Burgess Hill Meeds Anne Jones, MBE (Burgess Hill Meeds Fred Avery Angela Bee Reverend Peter Markby Tony Parris Mr. Avery has spent many years working and researching the history of Burgess Hill in a voluntary capacity, he is a fountain of knowledge about the town. A very kind unassuming gentleman. It is time to acknowledge his contribution over many years. Mrs Angela Bee is a young mother with three children of her own. She has spent many years running the largest Parent and Toddler group in Mid Sussex with as many as 140 parents and toddlers. Her work is entirely voluntary and running two sessions a week requires enormous energy and commitment. Angela has also developed a dedicated team who work with her. Her contribution to supporting young families in our community is priceless. For many years Reverend Peter Markby begins his day by walking around Leylands Road and Valebridge Road in Burgess Hill. With plastic bag he litter picks to ensure that the area is kept clean. His role is quietly carried out and makes a difference to keeping Burgess Hill a pleasant place to live. Tony has made a large contribution to Burgess Hill, as a member of the Burgess Hill and District Lions Club. Supporting many initiatives, improving life for all age groups. The latest ensuring many businesses and churches have the defibrillator machines to be used to save lives in the event of a heart attack.

14 Lindfield Parish Council Lindfield Parish Council Lindfield Rural Mike Livesey (Copthorne and Worth Sue Kolien Bob White John Ely Rev. Dr. Simon Hill Sue was Clerk of Lindfield until her retirement in March 2008, but has continued as Responsible Financial Officer. Sue has always gone the extra mile volunteering for many community events, including the Village Spring Clean, and Christmas Festival. Last July Bob retired as Headteacher at Lindfield School. He will be missed having spent his time there creating a much loved Village School, always encouraging the Children in community spirit. He shared his passion for sport and for 20 years he accompanied Year 6 on their annual educational trips to the IOW. HAPPY RETIREMENT BOB. John has a strong sense of community spirit and is always willing to give of his time. He excelled recently with his substantial commitment and ingenuity in galvanising the community in opposition to the Wates development of 230 homes. Simon has energised the community with his boundless enthusiasm, painstaking research and hard work over the past few years, including disposal of a well past its sell-by date Church Hall, generating funding, getting plans for a new state-of-the-art Community hall approved, including office and meeting space for Worth, and See building now started, with completion by next Easter.

15 Bob Mainstone (East Grinstead Imberhorne Gordon Marples (Hassocks Pru Moore (Burgess Hill - Leylands Poynings Pyecombe John and Hilary Taylor Stella Jenner Tony Reynolds Keith Fowers Rae Corbett John and Hilary have been voluntary fund raisers for the Blond McIndoe Research Centre and other charities since For local residents their second hand book stall has been a popular place to visit every Friday in Queen s Walk, East Grinstead. John and Hilary estimate over the years they have raised more than 100,000. Stella is totally involved in Hassocks Life, helping to run the Stoolball and Whist Drive Clubs for over 30 years. During this time, Stella has been Chairman/Secretary of Hassocks Cancer Research UK Branch which has raised over 200k from a whole range of activities. The world needs more Stella Jenners! Tony Reynolds, for his services to the residents of Burgess Hill suffering from diabetes, raising funds etc. Also his commitment to Health Watch, all on a voluntary basis for the past ten years. Keith audits the accounts annually and is a great support with any financial issues the Clerk may have. The Chairman of Pyecombe has nominated Rae for all her efforts on behalf of Pyecombe Social Committee in organising many village events for a number of years.

16 Peter Reed (East Grinstead - Ashplats and Vice-Chairman of the Council Peter Reed (East Grinstead Ashplats and Vice-Chairman of the Council Robert Salisbury (Cuckfield Robert Salisbury (Cuckfield Danny Favor Chris Nunn Angela Stirner Frank Stirner Danny Favor has lived in East Grinstead for 14 years and is an Ophthalmic Nurse Practitioner at Queen Victoria Hospital. He is involved with many charities like the Filipino British Nurses team, who carry out community health checks and raising money for Our Lady & St. Peter church. He also raised money for the restoration of a typhoon damaged school in the Philippines, now named the East Grinstead Building. Chris Nunn is the secretary of the Ashplats Conservation Group, a volunteer team, and has done much valuable work in and around Ashplats Wood. Whether it is litter picks, repairing paths and steps or looking after the trees, Chris is looking after this valuable ancient woodland for all residents to enjoy. Angela has been a dedicated worker for the Royal British Legion s Poppy Appeal for decades and has for years worked as a Home Visitor providing friendship and practical support to vulnerable members of the ex-service community in Cuckfield and Haywards Heath. Frank is Vice-Chairman of the Haywards Heath branch of the Royal British Legion and previously served as Chairman and welfare caseworker. He has been active in the wider charity field for decades and despite his illhealth remains very active with the Legion s Poppy Appeal.

17 Slaugham Slaugham Christopher Snowling (Lindfield Mandy Thomas-Atkin (Burgess Hill Victoria Chris Hinchey Patricia Long Fred Dodd Thelma Brown and Nick Creek Chris had been a for many years and was instrumental in the Neighbourhood Plan as well as other projects. Pat does a lot for the community, specifically Bus Services, and has been a for many years. Pat has been a stalwart of Handcross village life, having been on just about every Village Group and Committee, including the W.I., Twinning Association, Community Bus, Parish Hall and too many others to mention! Despite his disability Fred has been an active and dedicated worker for the Royal British Legion over several decades, as a welfare worker and with the Poppy Appeal. Although he has lived in Lindfield for many years he is a member of the Haywards Heath and Handcross Branch. For numerous years Thelma and Nick have sold plants from their home near Wakehurst Place donating all of the proceeds raised to local charities. Over this time they have raised a substantial amount of funds to support these worthy causes. Thelma is always at hand to give gardeners sound advice and tips on plant care and always does so with a cheery word.

18 Mandy Thomas-Atkin (Burgess Hill Victoria Mandy Thomas-Atkin (Burgess Hill Victoria Basil and Mary House Julie Smyth Basil and Mary have been involved with the Burgess Hill Town Twinning Association for many years and were instrumental in establishing the original links which led to the twinning with its German partner, Schmallenberg. Last year saw the 25 th anniversary of the twinning with Schmallenberg and over the years, have made many long standing friendships with the people of that town. Their help in assisting with school exchanges, with placements and business links has been invaluable. Basil was a past Chairman of the Town Twinning Association a position he readily resumed last year, and he has passionately taken on board the challenge of rejuvenating and promoting the aims and ideals of the town twinning between the two towns and also with its French twinning partner, Abbeville. Julie gives freely many hours of her time to helping local organisations. She is an active participant in the Mid Sussex Brass Band and organised the travel arrangements for the Band s visit this year to Schmallenberg to take part in several concerts during its Summer Festival. Julie takes an active role at St. Andrews church and she greets all with a beaming smile.

19 Turners Hill Turners Hill Neville Walker (Crawley Down and Turners Hill Andrew Greenaway Derek Randall Jenny Forbes Andrew gives a great deal of time to supporting activities for our young people. He attends the Turners Hill Free Church and runs the Sunday school there as well as helping to run the very popular Youth Group which is open to all young people aged 11 to 14. Derek has lived and worked in Turners Hill for over 40 years. As a carpenter Derek has voluntarily used his skills to look after the village s wooden furniture, keeping it in good condition and extending its life as well as helping to make benches for the School and Church. On retirement in 2007 Jenny immediately started to get involved in village activities using her long experience and expertise in Local Government to good effect, for the benefit of her community. Jenny was largely instrumental in getting a 40 MPH speed limit on the very dangerous B2110 road. She is now Secretary for both the Turners Hill Twinning association and the Worth Horticultural Society, and she is also Chairman of the Turners Hill Park Residents Association. Currently she is involved in updating the many and long neglected archives of Turners Hill museum into chronological good order.

20 Norman Webster (East Grinstead - Baldwins West Hoathly Worth Parish Council Stuart Scholes Appointed CEO of an investor friendly and reinvigorated East Grinstead Business Association, Stuart has improved member benefits and networking events. As Chairman of the McIndoe Statue Committee he steered the project to a successful conclusion. He established a Station Meet and Greet Visitor Service and produced an East Grinstead promotional song and video. Janet Slater Janet has lived in West Hoathly since After the birth of her three children she saw the need for a Village Pre-School so set up one in her house moving to the Village Hall as numbers grew. Janet was organist at the Church until, as her husband Derek says, she quit whilst ahead and before hitting the right notes but not necessarily in the right order. Helen Reeves Helen is principally nominated for her outstanding work toward the building of the new Copthorne Pavilion, which she pursued for more than 10 years, and for her work since it was completed in 2012 in ensuring its smooth running and management on behalf of Copthorne Sports Club. She has been a driving force behind many Sports Club initiatives to encourage residents of Copthorne to lead healthier, more active lives. At this time we also wish to recognise and praise Helen s work, over more than a decade, for Copthorne Village Association through which she has sought to involve residents in decision making about and commitment to their village.

21 Worth Parish Council Marion Welchman Since Marion took over as Chair some 18 months ago the Crawley Down Monday Club, which caters for elderly people from Worth Parish and Turners Hill, giving them lunch and entertainment every Monday, has gone from strength to strength. She masterminded the fund raising and purchasing of a minibus, complete with wheelchair hoist, which not only provides transport for the members who need it but is now used to provide trips to various venues on other days of the week.

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24 Mid Sussex District Council Oaklands Oaklands Road Haywards Heath West Sussex RH16 1SS Working together for a Better Mid Sussex