Day: December 18, 2012

Missy, a stray Staffy, has a special Christmas wish – to find a new loving home.

The little dog is currently living in kennels after being rescued by Brighton & Hove City Council’s animal welfare team. Despite being micro-chipped, all attempts to find her former owners have failed.

While in kennels she has become a favourite with staff for her playful nature, willingness to play and retrieve balls and love of cuddles.

Welfare officer, Izzie Blanden, said:

“She is a really lovely little dog and we would love to see her settled into a new home this Christmas.
“But time is running out as all the local rescue centres are full so we are desperately trying to get her re-homed.

“She would make an ideal companion for someone who is around during the day and can give her the time and affection she craves.”

If you think you can offer Missy a home and would like to find out more about her contact Brighton & Hove Animal Welfare on 01273 292445.

Oxford Pride have announced that the theme of next year’s Oxford Pride will be Not There Yet  a celebration of what has been achieved, but also as a reminder of the continued suffering and persecution of many LGBT people around the world.
Statistics provided by Amnesty International reveal that consensual same-sex relations are still illegal in 76 countries including Uganda where homosexuality is punishable by death. Furthermore, the Home Office reported that there were 4,252 sexual orientation hate crimes and a further 315 transgender hate crimes recorded by the police in England and Wales in 2011/12.
Oxford Pride 2013 will also seek to answer the lingering questions of why Pride events are still necessary or relevant to society, and whether they should still exist in countries with progressive LGBT legislation such as same-sex marriage and civil unions.
The ten day family friendly festival starts from Friday, May 31 2013 and will feature live entertainment, amusements, a children’s area, a variety of stalls and food options, plus arts and cultural events culminating in a grand celebration on Saturday June 8.
If you would like to get involved by way of volunteering, donations, sponsorship, raffles, purchasing a stall or concession or participating in art exhibitions and events, view:

OXFORD PRIDE

Local campaigning group Brighton and Hove Women against the Cuts entertained passers-by to Christmas carols with a difference outside Hove Town Hall on Saturday, December 15.

Gathered round a giant Christmas wish-list, including the repeal of recent NHS legislation (opposed by the British Medical Association and vast majority of health service professional bodies), and the reinstatement of millions of pounds slashed from Brighton & Hove City Council’s budget at a far higher amount per head than in neighbouring areas, the group sang alternative words to familiar tunes to get their powerful festive message across.

Supporters and passers-by joined in to sing topical versions of traditional favourites such as Away in a Manger:

Away in a Manger

No houses to rent

Our benefits capped

Should we live in a tent

We want a fair system

And know this makes sense

No tax breaks for the richest

There is no defence

The women are sending Brighton and Hove’s Conservative MPs Mike Weatherley and Simon Kirby  a Christmas photo-card of the event, along with a special Christmas parcel containing dozens of postcards previously signed at the group’s stalls by local people opposed to the savage cuts.

Spokeswoman Marie Atkinson said:

“Brighton & Hove Women Against the Cuts formed in February 2011 in response to the Coalition government’s austerity programme. Our campaign is gaining rapid momentum across the city as more and more residents realise that these very severe cuts are significantly damaging their lives, jobs, aspirations and the well-being of their families and friends.

 “Especially at this time of year, when our local communities are feeling the dire effects of these Government cuts even more keenly, it’s essential that we let Brighton & Hove’s Tory MPs know that enough is enough. 

“Our festive event was popular with many locals who joined us in singing the specially adapted carols.  We’re looking forward to our next public event, focusing on the impact of austerity on women, to be held at the Brighthelm Centre on 2^nd February, 1.00-4.00pm.”

Brighton & Hove’s beach is popular with swimmers. Experienced sea swimmers know the risks involved and are prepared for the changing nature of the sea. A few hardy souls venture into the sea all year round!

Sea swimming takes skill, stamina and knowledge of the physical dangers. Even on a calm day sea currents, under tow or a sudden change in weather can create life threatening hazards without warning.

In recent years, seafront officers have attended incidents where members of the public have got into extreme difficulty after entering the sea without proper planning or appropriate clothes.

This Christmas, the Brighton & Hove City Council’s seafront office is keen make sure everyone is aware of the dangers of the sea.

Seafront manager Viki Miller explained:

“Holiday high spirits can lead to people doing things they would never normally consider fun, such as wading into freezing seawater. We urge people to stay safe on the shore this winter. If you are not an experienced sea swimmer and do not have safety measures in place, you are at serious risk of injury or death. We welcome visitors to enjoy the beach, which is very beautiful right now, but please stay out of the icy cold sea.”
 

The seafront office has issued a list of winter water facts to remind people why the sea is best appreciated from dry land at this time of year.

• Sea temperatures in the winter months are about 5 degrees centigrade and can be even colder.
• The wind chill makes the air temperature seem colder than the sea. Even on an apparently clear sunny day, the sea temperature can drop body temperature quickly and fatally.
• It only takes a few minutes for the body’s core temperature to drop by two degrees and for the onset of hypothermia to begin.
• It is never safe to go into the sea after drinking alcohol. Even a small amount of alcohol speeds up the onset of hypothermia in cold water. Drinking also reduces your capabilities. You may also think you are a better swimmer than your true ability and take unnecessary risks.
• Anyone with a pre-existing medical condition or taking medication runs additional risks by subjecting their body to a sudden drop of temperature by entering the sea.
• Winter environmental conditions can be extremely challenging, even for the most experienced swimmers. The tide and the weather dictate the conditions and these should not be underestimated.
• There is no beach lifeguard service provision in place during the winter months.
• In some conditions, the lifeboat can not attempt a rescue of people in distress. Large crashing waves close to the shore can place the lifeboat crew’s lives at risk and make it impossible to reach those in need.

Mike Weatherley, the Conservative MP for Hove and Portslade, recently opened The Melrose Closet, a second-hand boutique shop with a charitable ethos on Upper Market Street in Hove.

The shop is the inspiration of Jill Andrews, who noticed a gap in the market for a shop exclusively supporting local charities. For her first year of trading, Jill has chosen Rockinghorse Children’s Charity, the official fundraising arm of the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital and the Trevor Mann Baby Unit, to directly benefit from the shop’s profits.

Mike said:

“Jill’s new shop is a fantastic initiative that sells some really appealing second-hand products. The Melrose Closet will support local charities and Jill’s choice of the Rockinghorse Children’s Charity to benefit from the first year of trading is an exceptionally worthy beneficiary. I wish Jill the best of luck with her new business.”

Jill Andrews, owner of The Melrose Closet, added:

“Having spent the last eight years working in the charity sector, I wanted to be able to run a business with a charitable focus. Rockinghorse carries out fantastic work to make life better for sick children in Sussex and it is great to have the opportunity to make a difference.”