Countdown on to StreetVelodrome returning to Worthing

The countdown is on to StreetVelodrome revving in to Worthing once again.

Locally enjoyed and nationally televised, the cycling event remains one of the most thrilling sporting weekends in the town’s calendar.  

Taking place on the weekend of July 1 and 2, hundreds of people are expected to flock to Beach House Grounds for some sensational sporting action and family fun.

Overseen by Worthing Borough Council, it forms part of Discover Worthing, a major marketing campaign launched this summer which is aimed at increasing the numbers of visitors to the wider area.

Councillor Kevin Jenkins, Worthing Borough Council’s executive member for regeneration, said:

“I’m delighted to welcome StreetVelodrome back for another year.

“The previous two year’s sun-drenched weekends of cycle racing have set a high bar for the 2017 competition. But I anticipate that this year the event will be bigger and better than ever before.

“With the addition of a host of other sporting events across the weekend, I urge people of all ages to come down and try things out for themselves so they can Discover a new side of Worthing.”

The format of 2017’s StreetVelodrome competition mirrors the successful set-up from 2016.

In just a few hours, the normally tranquil seafront park is transformed into a professional racing circuit giving people the perfect opportunity to clip on a helmet and test themselves against amateur and pro-riders alike.

The South Coast Rollers, Worthing’s home team, will be taking to the track again, searching for the best new talent to accompany them to the London finals.  

This year, the Worthing StreetVelodrome weekend is also welcoming Worthing FC, Worthing RFC, Worthing Thunder, VC Jubilee and Southdown Leisure - all of whom will be offering visitors the chance to learn new skills, get active and revel in the sporting talent that the town has to offer.

All equipment and coaching will be provided, so all you need to do is turn up and take part.

In addition to the Borough Council’s investment, the StreetVelodrome competition benefits from the faith of its sponsors.  

This year, Worthing StreetVelodrome is being brought to the town in association with:

·         Chandlers of Worthing

·         Lancing College Preparatory School at Worthing

·         Southern Railway

·         Worthing Homes

·         Basepoint

For more information, head to www.WorthingStreetVelodrome.co.uk.

Latest news from Gatwick

Following a year of record growth, Gatwick has been officially recognised as a carbon neutral airport through its use of 100% renewable electricity and Gold Standard carbon credits to offset ground fuel emissions.  The award, from ACI Europe, means that Gatwick Airport Ltd completed Airport Carbon Accreditation at Level 3+ in 2016 for all ground operation emissions that the airport controls – including fuels, electricity and business travel - having achieved Level 3 for the preceding three years. 

Hot off the press is our  Decade of Change report for 2016 which tracks our progress against ten ambitious environmental and community-focused priorities from 2010 to 2020.  This year’s Decade of Change report also highlights a range of innovations that have helped Gatwick to grow more sustainably, including building a new world-leading waste processing plant,  working with our partner Airport Taxis to bring Tesla electric taxis to Gatwick, becoming the UK’s first Autism-Friendly Airport and establishing the Noise Management Board to examine ways to alleviate problems communities experience in relation to noise. 

We have had perfect weather for ‘Gatwick Goes Wild’ this week – and it’s not too late to get involved.  We have an active biodiversity programme which includes managing 75 hectares of thriving woodlands, grasslands and wetlands, inhabited by hundreds of species of mammals, insects and bees, many of which are rare or protected – this week’s activities offer an opportunity to get closer to this local wildlife. ‘Gatwick Goes Wild’ is running from Monday 29 May to Monday 5 June. Spaces for each event will be allocated on a first come, first served basis and all children must be accompanied by an adult. To book a space on any of the sessions, please email rachel.bicker@gatwickairport.com.

Around 2000 beacons have been installed across Gatwick Airport’s two terminals providing an indoor navigation system that is much more reliable than GPS and that enables augmented reality wayfinding for passengers – a world first for an airport.  The lack of satellite signals makes road-based navigation systems – such as Google or Apple maps – unreliable indoors, so Gatwick has deployed a beacon based positioning system to enable reliable ‘blue dot’ on indoor maps, which in time can be used within a range of mobile airport, airline or third party apps.

On the first anniversary of Gatwick’s award winning Hidden Disability Lanyard service, the airport can also announce that it has purchased an Eagle Hoist 4 – a passenger lifting facility that provides safer and more respectful transfer for wheelchair users requiring full assistance to their aircraft seat.  The airport is also investing in two specialist hoist assisted toilet facilities in the next 12 months, each with a height adjustable adult sized changing bench, for people with learning and physical disabilities who may need extra equipment and space to use toilets safely, comfortably and with dignity.

Tenders invited for Dial-a-Ride service

Adur & Worthing Councils are inviting tenders for the provision of a ‘Dial-a-Ride transport service’ for people with additional needs in the area.

Dial-a-Ride works through a telephone booking system and offers a bespoke door-to-door service for those unable to use or reach public transport.

The Councils already offer this valued service, recognising that a lack of transport can be isolating for vulnerable people as well as a barrier to leading a fulfilling and productive life.

They will be looking to secure the service with the award of a two-year contract starting from August 1.

Potential service providers must be able to demonstrate a proven track record for delivering a professional, reliable and quality transport service for disabled or vulnerable people.

Interested parties should register on the Councils’ tendering portal where they can also find out more about the service and what is required.

The Councils’ procurement team will be happy to answer questions from potential suppliers by email on procurement@adur-worthing.gov.uk or by phoning 01903 221499.

The deadline for tenders to be submitted is 5pm on Friday 16th June.

Worthing’s new first citizen to make history as youngest in the UK  

Worthing’s new mayor will make history becoming one of the youngest ever in the country to don the civic robes and chain.

Alex Harman is set to officially take on the role as the town’s first citizen at a ceremony today, Friday, May 19

At 23, he is not only the youngest ever mayor in the borough’s 127-year history, he is also the youngest borough mayor ever in the UK.

Alex said: “It’s a great privilege to be Mayor of Worthing. It’s a fantastic borough and I’m extremely proud to represent it.

“Obviously I’m a little bit younger to other mayors and I want to bring a little bit of an energy to the role that wasn’t there before

“I don’t think being 23 makes me too young for the job; it just means I’m a little different.

“The town is changing, you can see that with the demographics in that it is becoming a lot younger and a lot older too. I want to represent that in everything that I do.”

Alex has lived in West Sussex all his life, moving to Worthing seven years ago.

After leaving Worthing College, Alex secured an apprenticeship in Business Administration with West Sussex County Council and Northbrook College.

He has spent the majority of his career to date working in client facing roles for both large international companies and smaller more local businesses.

In the next 12 months, Alex will take a year out of work to fully focus on his civic duties, with hundreds of events already booked in his calendar.

After putting on the century-old robes for the first time on Friday, Alex will waste no time getting on to business - with a mayor’s inaugural dinner that evening followed by a civic service at St George’s church on Sunday.

The following day, he will welcome a group of English language school students from Austria and a local Brownies group into the mayor's chamber.

Alex will be accompanied throughout the year by his wife Fran, who works in finance for Worthing High School. They married in September last year.

Alex, who was elected to represent Selden ward on Worthing Borough Council in 2015, said: “I am looking forward to meeting as many members of the community as I can across the next year and promoting some of the great things that happen within the borough.

“I hope to spend some time with various council services to highlight the great work they do keeping our town a fantastic place to live.

“Across the last year as Deputy Mayor I have met with some amazing local businesses and charities and am looking forward to having the opportunity to meet more as Mayor."

QUICKFIRE QUESTIONS

Three top things to do in Worthing?

I enjoy going on the pier with withe my wife; going for a pint at my local pub; and going out to eat in some of the many restaurants in Worthing town centre.

Favourite food?

Indian food

Favourite sport?

Rugby

Favourite film?

Any of the Batman trilogy

Tell us something about the mayoralty we didn’t know?

The thing that fascinates me the most is the mayoral robes that you see the mayor out and about in are the same robes worn in 1890 when the role was first created.

Adur District Council chooses new chairman

A councillor has become the first citizen of Adur for the second time in five years.

Peter Metcalfe was elected Chairman of Adur District Council at its annual meeting, taking over the chain of office from Cllr Ann Bridges.

Cllr Metcalfe, who lives in Southwick and represents Southwick Green, has served as a councillor for nine years and first became chairman in 2012.

He told of his delight at becoming Chairman for a second time, saying: “It was totally unexpected. I absolutely loved it before and I’m really looking forward to serving as Chairman again and having the opportunity to meet people and see the great things that are happening in Adur.”

The new Vice Chairman is Cllr Joss Loader, who lives in Shoreham and represents Marine ward.

Read on to find out more about the new Chairman.

What is your background?

After serving in the Armed Forces for 11 years, I retrained as a financial adviser. Thirty-two years later, I still enjoy my meetings with clients. My wife Rosemary and I have been married for 38 years and have two children, Sarah and Martin, and three grandchildren.

How do you relax?

I’m never one to sit still. Golf, cycling and walking allow me a great way to enjoy our area and relax.

Why did you become a councillor?

The change from having no particular interest in local politics to absolute concentration came about when our street was threatened with a block of overbearing flats which were totally out of keeping with the conservation area. We were successful in stopping the inappropriate flats with the help of Cllr Janet Mockeridge and others, so this began the thought process that if you don't like the system, there’s no point in standing on the sidelines moaning. If things need changing, join whatever organisation it is and try to change it from within. That's what my motivation was. Now it is to help others facing challenges from whatever direction.

What are your priorities for the coming year as Chairman?

I would, on behalf of the Council, extend our congratulations to Brighton and Hove Albion for their terrific promotion to the Premier League. Of course, with their top class training ground in Lancing, I would like to think we have been part of that success and I would like to work with the Albion to bring the benefits to the residents and schools of Adur. It’s a tremendous opportunity for us and one that I shall be looking forward to.

Which charities will you be supporting as Chairman?

My charities this year are:

·         St Barnabas House – a local charity offering support, a hospice and care for patients with cancer and other life-limiting conditions

·         Building Heroes – a charity which, as a veteran myself, is very dear to my heart. It provides skills and training for military veterans and support back into employment in the building trades. The aim is to tackle unemployment for those who have put their lives on the line for us

·         Macmillan Cancer Support – supporting and offering advice to reach and improve the lives of everyone living with cancer and to inspire millions of others to do the same

·         Citizens Advice – providing free, confidential and independent advice to help people overcome their problems.

I hope as many people as possible will support me in raising funds for these and other charities this coming year.

What makes Adur a special place?

Shoreham, Lancing and Southwick – the main towns of Adur – along with our villages of Fishersgate, Coombes and Sompting offer so much diversity and beauty. With the timeless backdrop of Lancing College, our very successful Shoreham Port and the ever changing River Adur – from which, of course, we get our name – snaking its way down to the sea from the South Downs, it's a joy being in such a lovely location. 

Creating a Dementia Friendly Workplace - A Practical Guide for Employers

This week is Dementia
Awareness Week 14-20 May

This guide for employers is designed to help them provide support for staff members with dementia. 

It may also be a useful resource for people living with, or affected by, dementia in the workplace. 

The guide includes practical tips and examples of situations that managers can use to ensure best practice as well as to review existing approaches to supporting people living with dementia in the workplace.

Click the image to download the full guide.

Pitching, Presentation and Networking: Capitalise on "Meet the Buyers" events

Presenter: Colin Spiller

Colin is a hands-on, creative senior manager with strong sales and marketing skills. He has successfully launched and manages a new angel investment club for Angels Den, and has raised over £6m. He has been a London Met University external examiner on their Management Programmes and provided guest lectures on Risk Management and contingency planning.

Attendees of this seminar will benefit from Colin's expert advice on how to prepare for a meeting with a public or corporate buyer, how to improve and tailor your pitching skills to the business opportunity and how to build networking skills to ensure any 'down time' between buyer meetings is maximised.

Venue: Canon (UK) Ltd, Woodhatch, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 8BF
Date: 7th June 2017
Time: 9.30am -1pm

Designed to support delegates in advance of a Meet the Buyer event, this interactive workshop will cover:

·         How to prepare successfully for a meeting with a public or corporate buyer

·         The secrets to successfully building relationships through your Interactions

·         Understanding buyer needs and how to position yourself against the competition

·         Identifying and targeting, with pinpoint accuracy potential customers and partners

·         Structuring and conducting business meetings to gain information to help you sell

·         Crafting and delivering contract winning presentations for your business

·         Learn how to handle buyers questions and to recognise buying signals

·         Gain confidence to ask for the order and handle objections and price issues

·         Develop your listening skills and using your voice to maximum effect

·         Find out how to use ready and use Body Language and Rapport to progress a sale

·         Develop networking skills to use "Down Time" between meetings

Those who attend this workshop will emerge with confidence that their sales meetings, presentation and pitching performance and networking skills will be vastly improved. Your meetings with prospects will be energised, structured and have impact and enable you to build your pipeline as well as helping you to increase your win ratio and grow your revenues.

Places are limited so if you are interested in attending the above seminar, please click on the following link to register: BOOK NOW