Olympic Torch Relay event - request for more volunteers

Dear Colleagues

This message and attachment are being sent out to NHW Coordinators in the affected areas.

This message and attachments is being sent to NHW Co-ordinators, for onwards distribution to all NHW members, plus adult family and friends

 

Olympic Torch Relay event - request for more volunteers

Important message for Neighbourhood Watch members and our friends

  

The Olympic Torch Relay will be passing through Sussex on Tuesday 17th July on its way towards London. This is a once in a lifetime occasion, and we are honoured to be selected to be on this prestigious route. The Sussex Neighbourhood Watch Federation has been approached by the organisers to request volunteers to help with the stewarding of the Olympic Torch Relay, and in particular for Crawley, Copthorne, East Grinstead, Lewes, Crowborough, Pevensey and Hastings. Earlier requests have produced an excellent response but more volunteers would be most welcome to help ensure that the event is a great success. Maybe you have already seen on the news the progress of the Torch around the country? You can be part of the excitement!

 

The organisers are looking to create a team of volunteers who will assist with marshalling spectators and closure of side roads. They have chosen to approach Neighbourhood Watch, recognising our long term commitment towards making Sussex a happy and safe place to live, work or visit. Neighbourhood Watch members are respected for their reliability and the important part they play in our community. This is your opportunity to take part in this rare community event, and incidentally get a close up view of the Torch.

 

The organisers need to compile a list of adult individuals, including their full contact details, who would like to be part of this exciting event. You do not need to be a Neighbourhood Watch member, or a resident of the places mentioned, so people from surrounding areas are welcome to join in as well, along with families and friends. All Neighbourhood Watch Search Team members are especially welcome to help.

 

The arrangements for each place are slightly different, as are the local points of contact.

 

For Crawley

Please contact Toby Shaw, Community Development Officer, Crawley Borough Council, by E-mail toby.shaw@crawley.gov.uk or phone 01293 438655.

 

For Copthorne and East Grinstead

E-mail culture@midsussex.gov.uk or alternatively you can attend a registration day at East Grinstead library on Saturday 26th May from 10am to 4.00pm.

 

For Lewes

Please contact Minna Robertson of Lewes District Council by E-mail Minna.Robertson@lewes.gov.uk or phone 01273 484112 or 484124.

 

For Crowborough and Pevensey

Please see the attached form for details of the roles and how to apply. You can also contact active@wealden.gov.uk or contact Michelle Eldridge on 01323 443520.

 

For Hastings

Please contact Roger Crouch, Olympic Event Co-ordinator, Hastings Borough Council, by E-mail RCrouch@hastings.gov.uk or phone 01424 451130. Please note that for Hastings the occasion is not just for the Olympic Torch Relay, but also there are important events taking place in the town, and you could help out with these as well. The Torch route will be organised into Zones in which 35 marshals would be in each Zone. From the Pier to the Stade, for example, 6 Zones, and a total of 200 stewards/marshals are required at staggered intervals 20 meters apart and at each entrance of roads leading to the Sea Front. From the Bridge Way to the Pier a further 200 marshals are required to be on the sea front for the duration of the Torch procession. The plan is to give each Marshalling group, e.g. Neighbourhood Watch, Bonfire, etc their own Zone or Zones, with a leader or leaders from the group with radios in charge of a Zone who in turn would be in contact with Head Marshal if help is required, i.e. First Aid etc. The stewards role would not be policing or crowd control, but to assist the public in their zone. It is a working day and organisers are acutely aware that volunteers will be coming after work, but the Torch will be on the Sea Front near Grosvenor Gardens at about 6pm. As many volunteers as possible would be great and HBC will work with the different Groups such as Neighbourhood Watch to ensure that our members are comfortable with their role on the evening.

 

We hope that as many Neighbourhood Watch members as possible and their friends will volunteer to join in and demonstrate their true community spirit. If you are able to assist, or would like further information, then please contact the people named above as soon as possible.

 

As well as the 17th July, please keep yourself available for a volunteer briefing on a date and place to be confirmed. If, in the meantime, you have any questions about this event, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

 

We look forward to your help on Tuesday 17th July, and your valuable contribution towards making this a truly memorable occasion.

 

Please spare the time if possible and make your town shine -  you may even see yourself on television!

 

 

Derek

Deputy Chairman

SussexNeighbourhood Watch Federation

Tel: 01293 418164