Splashpoint Leisure Centre Wins Civic Trust Award

Worthing’s Splashpoint Leisure Centre has won yet another award.  It was voted ‘winner’ by the civic trust in last weeks awards ceremony due to its outstanding contribution to the quality and appearance of the build environment. 

The award, collected by Councillor Clive Roberts, recognises designs that demonstrate excellence in architecture or design, sustainability, inclusive design and provide a positive social, cultural, environmental or economic benefit to the local community.

The Civic Trust Awards Scheme was established in 1959 and is the longest standing built environment awards scheme in Europe.  During the last 55 years the scheme has continued in its objective to recognise projects that have made a positive contribution to the local communities they serve.  Worthing Borough Council and Wilkinson Eyre Architects were delighted to receive the news.

The external design of Splashpoint and the way it has been designed to complement its environment and location is what made it stand out from the competition. The shape of the building is designed to reduce the visual mass and mediates the change in scale from the terraced houses that line the coastal road to the expansiveness of the open sea. The sloping copper roof is intended to weather with the environment and compliment the natural surroundings.

The building has been raised so that from pool level, there is a powerful visual connection between the pool and the sea and praise was received from the judges in relation to the use of light in the main swimming areas. 

 
All these factors ensured Splashpoint again won an award having previous been voted winter by the World Architecture Festival in Singapore within their sports category.

Worthing Borough Council and Worthing Leisure are delighted with the award and all the positive publicity received.  Customers are flocking to Splashpoint, memberships are at an all time high and it is a success of which the whole town can be proud.

VegfestUK Brighton Set For Success As Vegetarianism Goes Mainstream

On November 12^th The Daily Express ran a front page story entitled, “New diet to halt diabetes: Eating less meat and dairy can slash risk by half”[1] And another article in the Daily Mail this September suggested that veganism can lower cholesterol and ease painful joints[2] So it’s not just the fear of finding horsemeat in your Sunday lunch that’s persuading many more of us to go vegetarian and vegan, there are so many clinically proven health reasons too! This is why VegfestUK Brighton is set to be one of the most popular veggie lifestyle events this March...

VegfestUK - Europe's biggest and best veggie lifestyle shows - are back in the nation's veggie capital, Brighton next year, on March 29^th 30^th at the Hove Centre. With over 135 stalls full of mouth-watering food alongside fashion, cosmetics and bodycare, plus inspiring dietary tips from talks, cookery demos, workshops, films and kids' cookery classes, on top of a speed-dating session, a bodybuilders competition, as well as great live comedy and music, this show is certain to attract not only veggies but all food and festival lovers.

“Since our shows began back in 2003, we've always strived to maintain a balance between festival charm and food education, and that has proved to be very attractive for the veggie-curious and the meat reducers, who have been growing in leaps and bounds for the past decade,” say the organisers. “VegfestUK gives everyone a top day out while getting across the benefits of increasing their fruit, veg and grain intake and reducing their meat and dairy, in a very informal and friendly atmosphere. The best thing is: no one is under pressure to go veggie at all. 

People can just come down to our festivals, sample a myriad of quality, healthier plant-based substitutes for their customary sausages, doner kebabs, chicken nuggets, milkshakes and pizzas, enjoy the festival capers, then make their own dietary decisions afterwards.”

In the wake of the horsemeat scandal, the 2013 show attracted a record-breaking 7,200 visitors over 2 days and included presenters Janey Lee Grace (BBC Radio 2) and Sarah Jane Honeywell (CBeebies). 

With the sharp rise in health consciousness in recent years, the strong attendance figures look set to continue at the nation's veggie capital next March. Admission is £2 for adults (pay on gate), and free for under 16's. 

For further details, visit www.brighton.vegfest.co.uk

[1] http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/442519/New-diet-to-halt-diabetes-Eating-less-meat-and-dairy-can-slash-risk-by-half
[2] http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2416221/Could-going-vegan-days-week-ease-creaky-knees.html

WWT Arundel makes the natural world accessible to all

Finding a day out that accommodates all the  family’s needs doesn’t have to be a nightmare -  what if we told you there was a way to combine close-up natural encounters with gentle paths, wheelchair access, mother and baby facilities, rest and shade stops and beautiful views?

Well look no further.

WWT Arundel Wetland Centre is an easy, safe place to enjoy the wonders of wetland wildlife. Adults and children can have nose-to-beak encounters with some of the world’s most rare birds, surrounded by stunning scenery. And it’s not just birds – WWT Arundel is famous for its water voles, too!

Spending time near or on water is an essential day-out experience and makes for unforgettable memories – you can adventure on it, gaze at it and marvel at the myriad forms of wildlife that cluster round it – water is never boring!

There is always something to see and do at a WWT Arundel Wetland Centre, 364 days of the year and you’ll find getting about and joining in is easy for everyone. We offer a variety of different experiences – you can choose as much or as little activity as you want. Fully accessible experiences range from Wetland Discover Boat Safari, pond dipping stations and bird hides that guaranteed close-up wildlife encounters. Throughout the year, WWT Arundel Wetland Centre has a programme of indoor and outdoor events which are perfect for nature lovers.

While we can’t guarantee the weather, you’re never far from shelter at WWT Arundel. There is ample free parking, comfortable hides, easy buggy and wheelchair friendly pathways, wheelchairs and walkers available to use (donations welcome), fully stocked cafes (with moveable seating) , gift shops and disabled and parent & baby facilities. Great facilities mean all your needs are catered for, alongside the wild and wonderful experience of being able to envelop yourself in the natural beauty of the wetland environment.

Entry to WWT Arundel  starts at £11.50 per adult, or £30.90 for a family (essential helpers are admitted free of charge and assistance dogs are welcome), which contributes to WWTs vital conservation work in England and all around the world – so by having a great time at our centres, you’re also supporting conservation.

For a full list of specific centre facilities and directions, go to http://www.wwt.org.uk/visit/arundel

New support group for ME, Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia in Sussex

The Koorana Centre in Ardingly has announced details of a new support group for those who experience ME, CFS or Fibromyalgia, which starts with an introductory session being held on two dates in July, Friday 12^th and Saturday 20^th July from 2-3.30pm.

“We are pleased to welcome Carol Jordan who will lead this session and provide an introduction to the Chrysalis Effect Recovery Programme which is supporting a large number of people on the journey to recovery” said Gabrielle Hall, founder and director of the wellbeing centre. “So many clients we speak to feel deeply frustrated by the lack of support and effective solutions for these debilitating conditions. Carol is an experienced therapist and Chrysalis Effect Programme Practitioner and we hope this introduction may offer some insight into these conditions, help people begin to find ways to manage the symptoms and ultimately bring lasting relief.”

These introductions will last about an hour with time for questions afterwards and the cost to attend is £5 per person. Reservations can be made by emailing the centre info@kooranacentre.com.

Further details can be found on the centre’s website www.kooranacentre.com or by emailing info@kooranacentre.com or telephoning 01444 810295.