THE Olympic Torch comes through Copthorne, Felbridge and East Grinstead on Tuesday.
Excitement is building across the area as residents, schools and councils prepare for the "once-in-a-lifetime" event - with at least 10,000 people expected to line the streets.
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Men's hockey gold medalist Richard Leman
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Men's hockey gold medalist Richard Leman
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THE ROUTE
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Toine Hodgkiss will be carrying the Olympic torch in East Grinstead next week
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COUNCIL SPENDING: Reigate and Banstead Borough Council: £15-20,000 Mole Valley District Council: £15,000 Tandridge District Council: £1,500 Elmbridge Borough Council: £0 (the Torch is not passing through Elmbridge)
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London 2012 Olympic Torch - official photo
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London 2012 Olympic Torch prototype
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The symbol of the Games was lit at a special ceremony on Mount Olympus in Greece in May, before being transported to the UK for a journey across the length and breadth of the country.
On Day 60 of the relay, the Flame is due to arrive in Copthorne at 9.40am on Tuesday, Felbridge at 10.01am and East Grinstead at 10.15am.
The Torch has 8,000 small holes in the handle to represent each Torchbearer.
Councillor Mandy Thomas-Atkin, chairman of Mid Sussex District Council, said: "We are tremendously honoured and proud to be part of the Olympic celebrations.
"We want people to come to town, to line the route, to cheer the Flame's passing – so as many Mid Sussex people can join the fun as possible in a morning of celebration for the whole district."
The first glimpse of the action will be the "activation convoy" of sponsors' vehicles.
There will be some interaction with the crowds and the possibility of free goodies.
Following along about ten minutes later will be the Torch convoy.
The Torch is being driven from Crawley to Copthorne where Torchbearers will start the relay in our area.
The first runner will collect the Torch in Brook Hill Road at the junction of Border Chase, turning right into Copthorne Bank and then right again into Borers Arms Road.
At the junction of Lashmere and Borers Arms Road, the Torch will again be driven, along the A264 to Felbridge.
The Torchbearers then resume in Felbridge, at the junction of Lyndhurst Farm Close.
The Torch then travels southwards on the A22 (London Road) into East Grinstead, proceeding along the High Street, Lewes Road, College Lane, Blackwell Hollow and Holtye Road, still in Torchbearer mode until Great Field Place.
It will then head towards Tunbridge Wells at about 11am.
As the Torch is not in running mode for the whole route, the council has warned spectators to plan their vantage points accordingly.
Send us your pictures, reports and comments from the day: E-mail editor. eastgrinstead@essnmedia.co.uk, tweet us @EG_Courier, or post on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/eastgrinstead
Source: www.thisissussex.co.uk
Sussex Police roadshow to teach bikers' life saving skills - The Argus.co.uk
Sussex Police roadshow to teach bikers' life saving skills
8:58am Thursday 12th July 2012 in News
Bikers will be shown vital emergency skills that could save the lives of their fellow motorcyclists.
Sussex Police are launching a roadshow called First Bike @ Scene on July 15 teaching riders vital first aid that could save the lives of their fellow riders in the first minutes of an incident.
The force have said the skills will be taught to motorcyclists in a bid to reduce the number of bikers killed and seriously injured on the roads of Sussex.
Although only 1% of vehicles miles are travelled by people on bikes, motorcyclists account for 25% of those killed and seriously injured on Sussex roads .
The event, which will also feature staff from West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, will be held in Whiteways car park, Bury Hill near Arundel from 9.30am next Sunday and bikers are encouraged to just turn up on the day.
PC Glen McArthur of Sussex Police's Road Policing Unit said: "Sadly the statistics for people killed or seriously injured on all forms of two-wheeled transport are consistently high and the warmer weather and longer days see an increase in people travelling on bikes.
"Whether it's for commuting or pleasure motorcycling comes with a high degree of risk so we are aiming to provide some essential skills and advice that may help in the unfortunate event of a collision.
"The roadshow will look at demonstrating and teaching skills such as scene protection, how to check for breathing and advice on helmet removal.”
Crew Commander Alan Blair from Littlehampton Fire Station: "Unfortunately all too often we see the appalling aftermath of horrific road traffic collisions and through events such as this we hope we can educate the public."
Source: www.theargus.co.uk
Sussex Police Chief Constable investigated over misconduct claims - thisissussex.co.uk
THE county's top police officer is being investigated by an independent watchdog over claims of misconduct.
Sussex Police Chief Constable Martin Richards reportedly meddled in a police inquiry into an alleged sex attack.
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probe: Chief constable Martin Richards
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) launched a probe after an anonymous complaint was received, claiming he used "undue influence" during a police operation.
The allegation, made on June 14, was carefully considered by the Sussex Police Authority and referred to the IPCC in light of Mr Richard's seniority.
The authority said the decision to refer the allegation does not reflect any assumption of wrongdoing.
Mr Richards said: "Given the senior position I hold and the trust placed in me by the people of Sussex and my colleagues, it is absolutely right that the Sussex Police Authority has voluntarily referred this matter to the IPCC for independent scrutiny. I will co-operate fully with the investigation to help them establish the facts.
"With trust in the police at the forefront of ongoing legitimate public interest nationally, I am mindful of the need to conduct my duties with the utmost integrity and an expectation of scrutiny.
"This is a view shared across the force and we have recently updated all our policies in this area to underline this commitment."
After graduating from Bristol University, Mr Richards joined Warwickshire Police in 1982 and served in the force throughout the area.
He achieved a Masters in Criminology at Cambridge University before being appointed Assistant Chief Constable at Avon and Somerset Constabulary in 1998.
He was promoted to Deputy Chief Constable in 2002, before becoming Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police two years later.
Mr Richards has held his current position at Sussex Police since October 2007.
He was awarded the Queen's Police Medal in the Queen's Birthday Honours in 2008.
He is also chairman of the Association of Chief Police Officers in the South East.
He said it will be "business as usual" while the IPCC's investigation is ongoing.
An IPCC spokesman said: "An anonymous complaint was referred to the IPCC by the Sussex Police Authority.
"It alleges that Martin Richards may have used undue influence in relation to an operational policing issue."
The investigation continues.
Source: www.thisissussex.co.uk
Divorce Parties Are Now More Than a Celebrity Fad - YAHOO!
Big Fat Balloons, the online helium balloon and gift retailer, is experiencing growing demand for its divorce party balloons. This latest craze swept across the Atlantic and was popularised by celebrities, with Katie Price and Heather Mills apparently hosting divorce parties. For anyone considering throwing a divorce party, Big Fat Balloons has some useful hints and tips.
Halifax, West Yorkshire (PRWEB UK) 12 July 2012
Big Fat Balloons, the online balloons and gift retailer, is experiencing growing demand for its divorce party balloons. This latest craze swept across the Atlantic and was popularised by celebrities, with Katie Price and Heather Mills apparently hosting divorce parties.Yet, according to managing director, Sophie Baxter, divorce parties can offer real benefits. She said: “Like most people, my immediate reaction was to question why anyone would celebrate a failed marriage. But then I read more about the subject and heard different reasons for throwing a divorce party. I began to see how it can help some people move on from a difficult and traumatic time in their lives.”
There are always people who use divorce parties to vilify their ex-husband or wife. Yet for many, divorce parties are less about regretting a failed past and more about celebrating a new start and the future.
For anyone considering throwing a divorce party, the company has some useful hints and tips.
Decide on an appropriate venue. While it’s possible to travel abroad, with some companies offering divorce party packages, a relatively quiet gathering for family and friends is still the norm.
“We find that people buy our divorce balloons or even our glow in the dark illoom balloons, to decorate their home or venue. It helps to create a party atmosphere without going over the top,” added Sophie.
The company suggests keeping the guest list down to supportive friends and family and using the divorce party as a way to thank them for being there during the difficult times.
One surprising fact that Sophie came across during her research was that some couples, who’ve enjoyed an amicable split, throw a joint divorce party.
Sophie said: “Although it’s only suitable for a few couple it can be a great way to celebrate the love and life you once shared and show friends and family that they don’t need to take sides.”
Overall, Big Fat Balloons suggests that there are three essentials ingredients for throwing a divorce party – balloons to brighten up the occasion, the divorcee’s favourite tipple and a big box of tissues.
Sophie Baxter
Big Fat Balloons
(044) 1422 300654
Email Information
Source: news.yahoo.com
Fourteen NHS hospitals broke law over abortion procedure - Daily Telegraph
As a result of these unannounced inspections, CQC identified clear evidence of pre-signing at 14 locations. Internal audits and staff training have taken place at these hospitals to ensure staff follow the law.
Inspectors also found irregularities with the consistency and completeness of assessment at a number of other providers where no evidence of “pre-signing” was identified.
In March, Mr Lansley said he was “shocked and appalled” to learn that some clinics may be allowing doctors to pre-sign abortion certificates.
“I was appalled,” he said. “Because if it happens, it is pretty much people engaging in a culture of both ignoring the law and trying to give themselves the right to say that although Parliament may have said this, we believe in abortion on demand.”
He said it was not just a matter of enforcing the law. “There is the risk that women don’t get the appropriate level of pre-abortion support and counselling because, if your attitude is that, 'You’ve arrived for an abortion and you should have one,’ well actually many women don’t get the degree of support they should,” said Mr Lansley.
At Hereford Hospital, for example, inspectors looked at a random sample of medical records for 20 people who had undergone a termination of pregnancy at the hospital.
The inspectors found that in ten of the patient records correct procedures had not been followed – and in nine cases the first signature on the certificate appeared to be a photocopy as it was black and was exactly the same as the signature on eight other certificates.
The rest of the information on these nine certificates had been completed by the doctor who was the second signatory. The second doctor had dated both signatures with the date they had completed the information.
At King’s College Hospital in London, the inspectors looked at nine medical records.
In all nine cases both doctors’ certification of opinion on the certificates predated the referral to the hospital and the initial assessment of the person attending for treatment.
“We found that the name of both of the doctors, their signatures and the reason for the termination had been completed on the HSA1 forms and these forms had been photocopied in advance of women attending the hospital,” noted the inspectors.
Source: www.telegraph.co.uk
William Hague expected to launch full 'audit' of EU law - BBC News
The government is launching a "comprehensive audit" of European Union powers and their impact on the UK.
In a Commons statement, Foreign Secretary William Hague outlined plans to scrutinise every aspect of EU law.
The audit is a "necessary and positive part of reforming Europe", he said, and is due to conclude in 2014.
Labour said that an urgent strategy was needed sooner than 2014 to inform the UK's response to greater political integration in the EU.
Shadow foreign secretary Douglas Alexander also sought to highlight divisions in the coalition over the subject, pointing out that former Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy was the only backbencher from his party to have listened to the statement in person.
Mr Alexander said Labour had "no objection to a proper, thorough and factual analysis of what the EU does and how it affects us in the UK".
But Mr Hague's statement had seemed "contextless and rather ahistorical", he said.
'Less meddling'“Start Quote
End Quote William Hague Foreign SecretaryWe must take the opportunities for Britain to shape its relationship with Europe in ways that advance our national interest in free trade, open markets and co-operation”
Since detailed proposals for greater economic union would be up for discussion at an EU summit due in December 2012, the audit would be too late to "inform the government's negotiating position" with EU leaders on the subject.
"The truth is that Britain urgently needs an effective Europe strategy, and an audit, while worthwhile, is not a substitute for a strategy," he said.
But Mr Hague said the audit would constitute "the most thorough and detailed analysis possible on the extent of EU powers", and would provide valuable evidence for policy-makers in the future.
"Government departments will be tasked with consulting and inviting evidence from everyone with a knowledge of, and interest in, the exercise of the EU's competences," he explained, "including, of course, committees of Parliament and the devolved administrations, but also businesses, civil society, other interested parties and individuals with expertise in and experience of each area.
"We will be equally interested to hear from car manufacturers about EU product standards as from NGOs about environmental policies, or security experts about combating organised crime."
Mr Hague denied that it was a consultation about disengaging or withdrawing from the EU.
"We must take the opportunities for Britain to shape its relationship with Europe in ways that advance our national interest in free trade, open markets and co-operation," he told MPs.
"That should involve less cost, less bureaucracy and less meddling in the issues that belong to nation states."
In response, Charles Kennedy said the review would help inform people about the coalition's "positive agenda for Europe" by providing a "constructive and serious British-led contribution to the wider European debate about how to modernise, reform and improve the EU".
He warned those calling for extensive repatriation of powers not to "hold the EU to ransom".
Low-keyBut Conservative MP and chairman of the Commons European scrutiny committee Bill Cash urged the foreign secretary to ensure that the audit focused on "the necessity for a referendum as soon as it can possibly take place".
“Start Quote
End Quote Lord Pearson of Rannoch Ukip peerFor more than 30 years, our political class has done its best not to talk about our membership of the EU”
Tory MPs John Baron and James Clappison added their support for a referendum, and their Conservative colleague Philip Hollobone demanded that the audit consider whether the UK was better off in or out of the EU altogether.
"It will be a wide-ranging review," Mr Hague said, but he added: "It is not a review about a referendum."
The coalition agreement included a pledge to hold such a review, focusing on EU rules on working hours.
"We will examine the balance of the EU's existing competences and will, in particular, work to limit the application of the Working Time Directive in the United Kingdom," the agreement said.
Conservatives have long pressed for Britain to be exempted from the European Working Time Directive and other laws they see as harming Britain's economic competitiveness.
But Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg reportedly wants the review to be undertaken in a low-key manner to avoid souring relations with other EU member states.
Costs and benefitsThe foreign secretary told the BBC in October that "excessive regulation" and "unnecessary interference into daily life" from EU institutions had contributed to a British sense of disillusionment over Europe.
But although he was in favour of repatriating powers from the European Union, he conceded that there was "no immediate prospect" of rebalancing power between the UK and the EU, he told the Andrew Marr Show.
Earlier this month, he returned to the programme to explain that the government wanted the opportunity to negotiate a "better relationship" between the UK and Brussels, which would include the return of some powers, before asking the British people to vote on the changes.
There would be a "very powerful" case for an EU referendum if member states agree a closer union, he added.
The audit is to be co-ordinated by the Foreign Office and the Cabinet Office and will invite written evidence from British businesses and EU institutions.
Ukip peer Lord Pearson of Rannoch has long campaigned for an inquiry into the "economic costs and benefits arising from our membership of the EU".
"For more than 30 years, our political class has done its best not to talk about our membership of the EU," he told the House of Lords in November.
But the audit is reportedly not going to include a cost-benefit analysis, owing to the difficulty of quantifying such aspects of EU membership as foreign affairs influence.
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
Malaysia to repeal repressive sedition law - The Guardian
Malaysia's prime minister has announced plans to repeal a colonial-era law curbing free speech in the latest political reform before general elections, but critics have warned that his reform efforts so far have not improved the country's human rights record.
Najib Razak said on Wednesday night that the Sedition Act represented a bygone era and would be replaced with a new law to prevent incitement of religious or racial hatred. It will be the latest repressive law to be annulled as part of his pledge to protect civil liberties.
Opposition leaders claim the reforms are a ploy to gain public support before polls that must be called next year at the latest.
"We mark another step forward in Malaysia's development. The new National Harmony Act will balance the right of freedom of expression as enshrined in the constitution, while at the same time ensuring that all races and religions are protected," Najib said.
This year the government revoked a draconian security law allowing detention without trial and eased public assembly rules in a massive overhaul of strict security laws. Critics said the reforms were a sham as the laws were replaced with legislation that is just as repressive.
"The replacement legislation has been as bad or worse from a rights perspective," said Phil Robertson, Asia deputy director for Human Rights Watch. "The government should realise that change for change's sake is not enough."
Lim Guan Eng, the chief minister of opposition-ruled Penang state, said the sedition law had long been used as a convenient political tool to silence opposition voices. Lim was jailed for 18 months under the law in 1998 for allegedly making seditious remarks in his defence of a rape victim.
Lim urged Najib to withdraw current sedition charges against opposition leaders to prove his move was genuine.
Najib's coalition has led Malaysia since independence in 1957 but suffered its worst electoral performance ever in 2008. It now has slightly less than a two-thirds majority in parliament and is working hard to claw back support.
The opposition leader, Anwar Ibrahim, has said he is confident his three-party alliance can win a comfortable majority in upcoming polls amid widespread public unhappiness over the government's handling of corruption and racial discrimination.
Source: www.guardian.co.uk
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