March 2014 – Scene Magazine – From the heart of LGBTQ+ Life

Jason Kitcat survives another challenge to his leadership

Posted on 31/03/201401/04/2014 by Sarah Green

Despite not carrying the majority vote of Green party members, Jason Kitcat was re-elected Convenor of the Green Party on Brighton and Hove City Council after gaining the majority of the votes of Green Councillors.

Leader of the Council: Cllr Jason Kitcat

Councillor Ruth Buckley was elected as deputy for external communications and Councillor Ian Davey was re-elected as internal convenor.

The result was revealed today after a ballot of all councillors and members of the Green party.

The result will be taken to the Annual Council meeting for agreement.

The results are as follow:

Elected:

Cllr Jason Kitcat – Convenor

Cllr Ian Davey – Deputy Convenor (Internal Relations)

Cllr Ruth Buckley – Deputy Convenor (External Relations)

Electoral College

All three positions (Convenor, Deputy Convenor Internal Relations and Deputy Convenor External Relations) were elected under an electoral college system in which the selections of the Green Group of Councillors hold equal weight (50:50) with the selections of the remaining local party membership.

Under this system, and by Single Transferable Vote (STV), the deputy convenors were each elected by a majority of councillors and of members. Councillor Kitcat was elected convenor by an overall majority.

The electoral college breakdown was:

Deputy Convenor Internal Relations

Cllr Ian Davey GG 57.1% Party 47.7% Overall 52.4%

Cllr Liz Wakefield GG 38.1% Party 44.7% Overall 41.4%

RON (re-open nominations) GG 4.8% Party 3.8% Overall 4.3%

These were the second round results, under STV rules. Cllr Leo Littman was eliminated after the first round of voting.

Deputy Convenor External Relations

Cllr Ruth Buckley GG 50% Party 61.8% Overall 55.9%

Cllr Lizzie Deane GG 45% Party 38.2% Overall 41.6%

RON (re-open) GG 5% Party 0.0% Overall 2.5%

Convenor

Cllr Jason Kitcat GG 57.1% Party 45.5% Overall 51.3%

Cllr Phélim Mac Cafferty GG 38.1% Party 53.0% Overall 45.5%

RON (re-open) GG 4.8% Party 1.5% Overall 3.1%

Councillor Phélim Mac Cafferty received a majority of member votes and Councillor Kitcat received a majority of the Green Group vote. Under the electoral college system, Councillor Kitcat won the overall vote and was accordingly re-elected as Convenor.

Councillor Jason Kitcat said: “I’d like to thank all candidates who stood in our annual convenor elections. I’m delighted to have been re-elected with the highest ever support from Green Group members. I am committed to working with all Green colleagues through the challenges our city faces in the coming year.”

Councillor Phélim MacCafferty added: “I’m pleased and grateful that I have received the support and confidence of the Green Party membership. A huge thank you to my many supporters. Working with the Green Group I look forward to taking our shared vision forward.”

Afghans win inaugural Exeter City OGOC Futsal trophy

Posted on 31/03/2014 by Besi

Exeter based Afghani United were clear winners in Exeter City’s first ever One Game One Community five a side Futsal tournament yesterday (Sunday March 30).

The Afghans won every match they played to lift the inaugural trophy.

Players from local black and minority ethnic communities had been especially invited to participate at the event which was held in the University of Exeter Sports Hall.

Runners up were Plymouth Hope representing a local charity which offers football opportunities to the wider community including under represented ethnic groups and asylum seekers.

Devon Lions, Devon’s gay friendly football team, took third place and Maiwand, another Afghan side from Exeter, won the fair play award.

The event was organised by the Exeter City Supporters Trust backed One Game One Community (Kick it Out) Group. The Group aims to promote equality and diversity through football related initiatives. A regular outdoor summer tournament is held but this is the first time an indoor competition has been organised.

The competition was supported by Exeter City Football in the Community, Devon FA, University of Exeter and the National Citizen Service (NCS).

The referees and administration were provided by the Devon FA and students on Exeter City’s Football in the Community B Tech course. They volunteered to work at the tournament as part of a social action project for their NCS qualification.

Exeter City has close links with Brazilian football having been Brazil’s first ever opponents in 1914. It is fitting therefore that a Futsal tournament has been organised as this indoor version of the game was developed in Brazil in the 1930s. Its name comes from the Portuguese ‘Futebol de salao’ – ‘hall football’.

Martin Weiler, Co-ordinator of the Exeter City One Game One Community Group, said: “Yet again Exeter City has held a successful community event and helped widen participation in the beautiful game.”

Carousel Brighton Treasure Hunt

Posted on 30/03/2014 by Besi

Local charity Carousel will be hosting a treasure hunt around Brighton from Tuesday April 1 – Sunday April 6.

The trail will start and end at Community Base on Queens Road, and will take participants though the lanes and into Brighton Museum and Art Gallery.

The Treasure Hunt is free to enter and donations to Carousel can be made along the way or when dropping in completed forms. Carousel supports learning disabled artists to achieve their creative ambitions, affecting the lives of hundreds of Brighton and Hove residents every year.

Tim Carter, Director of Black Cat Treasure Hunts says: “This treasure hunt is open to everyone…it`s free to enter…it will be fun to do….there are great prizes…what are you waiting for?!”

To get your entry form CLICK HERE:

Or pick up a copy from Tuesday, April 1 at Community Base.

What: Carousel treasure hunt

When: April 1 – April 6

Entry: Free, donations welcomed.

OLDER & OUT April social

Posted on 30/03/201410/03/2015 by Besi

OLDER & OUT provides an informal, warm and friendly gathering space for older LGBT people at the Somerset Day Centre in Kemptown.

The April OLDER & OUT event is on Friday, April 25 and the guest speaker for the afternoon will be local author and historian Rose Collis who will be talking about the history of LGBT Brighton.

The Somerset Day is located at 62 St James’s Street next to St Mary’s Church in Kemp Town and has a rear car park situated off Lavender Street.

The venue offers comfortable safe surroundings and a warm and friendly environment.

Last month Somerset Day Centre hosted another successful get together for the Older and Out group. Over 40 people attended and enjoyed lunch.

Dr John Crossland, from Portsmouth University, was in attendance and intends to work collaboratively with members of Older and Out as he is undertaking research on older LGBTQU matters.

What: OLDER & OUT featuring a talk from author and historian Rose Collis

Where: Somerset Day Centre, 62 St James’s Street, Brighton, East Sussex BN2 1PR

When: Friday April 25

Time: 1pm

For more information tel: 01273 699000

For more information about Somerset Day Centre, CLICK HERE:

Why ‘Pride Matters’ to Rev Michael Hydes

Posted on 30/03/2014 by Besi

Rev Michael Hydes from the Metropolitan Community Church, Brighton explains why Pride Matters to him.

Rev Michael Hydes, Metropolitan Community Church Brighton

“Pride is the ability to hold your head up high. It’s a movement of the heart, a healthy ego expressing itself, an acknowledgement of worth that springs from within. It should be developed by the family, a part of growing up in a community that supports and nourishes you. Yet often it is starved and beaten down. Feeling the need to conform to some other image the true self hides behind a façade, feeling unworthy and rejected. There is no opportunity for pride, just an inwardly focused prejudice that gnaws away at your identity each and every day.

“PRIDE is the awakening of self. It is a family of choice acknowledging its own. It is a wider community accepting and supporting.. The ego is nourished and lifted up. There is no need to conform, just an invitation to celebrate. From hues of grey to a rainbow of colour, the ego expands and comes to understand the eternal truth; that it is perfect just the way it is. In confidence it stretches out, flexes its wings, and flies.”

Kind Regards

Rev. Michael Hydes

Free Sunday parking proposal to be costed

Posted on 30/03/201430/03/2014 by Besi

Brighton & Hove Liberal Democrats free Sunday parking proposal moved a step closer to implementation last week.

Councillors voted last week for Council Officers to produce a report showing the cost implications for both blanket and partial free Sunday parking.

The proposal from the Liberal Democrats that would see council managed car parks and on street parking free on Sundays, has won the support of both Conservative and Labour Parties, who voted in favour of the Conservative amendment asking for Council Officers to produce a report detailing the cost of both full and partial free Sunday parking. The amendment was passed by 29 votes to 21.

Central Hove Liberal Democrat, Jeremy Gale, who has led the campaign, said: “I was extremely proud to have represented the 1,282 people and the outcome of yesterday’s debate means the proposal the supporters backed is a step closer to becoming reality.

“Whilst this is someway off, we strongly believe the proposal is more than affordable and await the impartial report to be published by Council Officers.

“What this does show is despite not having any political representation on the Council, the Liberal Democrats are very much shaping the political agenda of our City.”

St James Street AGM

Posted on 30/03/2014 by Besi

Following a stormy EGM in February which resulted in the election of a new chair, the St James’ Community Action Group AGM on Wednesday March 26 was a more civilised affair.

Officers elected at the EGM in February were reconfirmed to serve till the next AGM in 2015 just before the 2015 local elections.

There were updates from the Police, Shared Space and Cleaning and Greening committees. Full details will be available in the minutes of the AGM which organisers promise will be posted as soon as they are available.

It was agreed that the key priorities for the year ahead would remain as before, Policing, Shared Space, Cleaning and Greening but with a social element being introduced to “bring the community together” as well as creating opportunities to raise funds through social events.

Organisers would welcome other volunteers and ideas on making the community a more pleasant one to live and work in.

An amended Constitution was adopted and approved and will be posted on the website in due course. Organisers say they hope this will “make the organisation more transparent and accountable than in the past.”

An update on new contact email addresses will be communicated soon to enable open and direct communication with all of the elected officers and it is intended to use the Facebook page as an informative community social media tool.

Simon Kirby, MP for Kemptown and Peacehaven was unable to attend the meeting. He sent the following message:

“I am sorry I am not able to be with you this evening as I have to be in Westminster.

“I wanted to send you a message of support and thanks for all the work that the St James’s Street Community Action Group does to make sure that the area remains attractive for residents, businesses and visitors alike.

“I believe St James’s Street has a unique place in the heart of Brighton and Hove and that its mix of amenities and the character of the people who live there adds to the vibrancy of Brighton and Hove.

“As you may recall, I surveyed the area in connection with the possible pedestrianisation of the street. The majority of residents and businesses that replied were in favour of some form of pedestrianisation and I have subsequently called for a trial period to see what the impact will be.

“In addition, it was very clear from the responses I receive that many local people share my belief that the City Council needs to invest more in the St James’s Street area to improve this important part of the City, for instance by repainting railings and improving the look and feel of the place. I am running a campaign on this issue and I am, today, launching a petition calling on the City Council to invest in our area.

“I have provided some petition sheets with this message and please do take a moment to add your name if this is something you agree with. I will then present the petition to the City Council in due course.

“Recently I was very proud to accompany the Home Secretary to see the effectiveness of community safety around the LGBT community and also to pay her respects at the aids memorial. I also brought the Cabinet Office Minister to the area to promote local shops and to see what a special part of the city this area is, and to show the potential for how great it could be.

“I am always happy to take up local issues on behalf of all my constituents and I look forward to receiving a report on tonight’s meeting. Let me know if I can be of any assistance. Please keep in touch and please keep up your excellent work!

For more information about the SJCAG, CLICK HERE:

IGLTA representatives meet with U.S. Government travel officials

Posted on 30/03/2014 by Besi

Senior members of the Obama administration and travel industry leaders from the public sector discuss ways to increase U.S. tourism.

The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) was the sole LGBT organization included in a discussion between U.S. travel industry leaders and senior administration officials at the White House on March 20. The briefing highlighted ways to promote U.S. tourism by improving customs and other border procedures that foreign visitors face when they visit the United States.

Administration officials gave an update on the economy and discussed how the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and other agencies work to promote tourism while protecting borders. The briefing included a discussion on ways to improve tourists’ experiences by upgrading U.S. points of entry as well as panels on infrastructure development and travel promotion.

IGLTA President/CEO John Tanzella, who represented the IGLTA at the White House, said: “It was an honor to receive an invitation to this meeting. It demonstrates the administration’s ongoing commitment to LGBT inclusion and the increased importance placed on LGBT travel,”

“I was able to engage in some frank dialogue about the need for better treatment of same-sex couples as they go through U.S. customs.”

Leaders from several IGLTA member businesses and partner organisations were included: the United States Tour Operators Association, American Airlines, NYC & Company, Choose Chicago, LA Convention & Visitors Board, and the American Society of Travel Agents.

The IGLTA is the leading member-based global organization dedicated to LGBT tourism and a proud Affiliate Member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization. The association’s membership includes LGBT and LGBT-friendly accommodations, destinations, service providers, travel agents, tour operators, events and travel media in more than 75 countries.

For more information about IGLTA, CLICK HERE:

For information about IGLTA’s Annual Global Convention in Madrid, May 8-10, CLICK HERE:

IGLTA's Annual Global Convention in Madrid, May 8-10, 2014 — IGLTA’s Annual Global Convention in Madrid, May 8-10, 2014

Council consults on Bakers Bottom & Craven Vale parking schemes

Posted on 30/03/2014 by Sarah Green

Brighton & Hove City Council is beginning a consultation process with residents and business owners to gauge support for a controlled parking scheme to the Bakers Bottom & Craven Vale area.

Cllr Pete West: Chair of Environment & Sustainability Committee Brighton & Hove Council

It is proposed that the scheme would be an extension to the existing area U (Light Touch) residents parking scheme adjacent to the Bakers Bottom & Craven Vale area.

The consultation is in response to the city wide parking review where the council received comments and complaints from members of the public about parking problems in the area.

Questionnaires will be sent to all households in the area towards the end of March and residents will have until May 2 to make their views known.

The proposed scheme would operate between 10am – 11am and 2pm – 3pm Monday to Saturday and provide bays for use by residents and their visitors, businesses and services. The proposals also address other issues in the area, such as double parking and parking on pavements and double yellow lines, with a view to improving safety for pedestrians as well as improving traffic flow and access for emergency vehicles.

Brighton & Hove city councillor Pete West said: “Residents have expressed concern about a number of parking problems in this area and the consultation process is the first step to finding solutions that address the issues raised. Permit schemes have worked well to alleviate pressures in other parts of the city and could be the way forward here if there is sufficient support from the people that live in the area.”

A staffed exhibition to illustrate details of the proposals and to give people the opportunity to put their questions to council officers will be held at the Vale community Centre (17a Hadlow Close) on Wednesday, April 2 between 1-5pm and Thursday, 3 April between 4-8pm. There will also be an unstaffed exhibition at Hove Town Hall, in the Parking Information centre, between 9am and 5pm from March 24 to May 2 2014.

Anyone unable to attend the exhibition but who would like further technical information should email: parking.scheme@brighton-hove.gov.uk

Or telephone: (01273) 292387.

The consultation period will run for 6 weeks, and all comments received during this time will be considered. The results of the consultation will be reported to the council’s Environment, Transport & Sustainability (ETS) Committee on July 1 2014.

For more information, CLICK HERE:

ENDS

Dwarf Cottage Guest House – An adult panto

Posted on 30/03/201429/03/2014 by Besi

Micronian Theatre Productions are producing a charity panto again this year at the Marlborough Theatre to benefit Cancer Research.

So you think you know the story of Snow White? This is an unusal twist on the Story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and is strictly for adultsonly.

Dwarf Cottage Guest House is written and directed by Mike Black, Nat Robinson from the Marine Tavern is the assistant director and plays Rhett while Auntie Robbie after years of experience behind the bar at the Queens Arms plays the Wicked Queen.

What: Dwarf Cottage Guest House

Where: Marlborough Theatre, Princes Street, Brighton

When: April 17-21

Cost: Tickets £7.50 from www.wegottickets.com

Call us now

Month: March 2014

Jason Kitcat survives another challenge to his leadership

Despite not carrying the majority vote of Green party members, Jason Kitcat was re-elected Convenor of the Green Party on Brighton and Hove City Council after gaining the majority of the votes of Green Councillors.

Afghans win inaugural Exeter City OGOC Futsal trophy

Exeter based Afghani United were clear winners in Exeter City’s first ever One Game One Community five a side Futsal tournament yesterday (Sunday March 30).

Carousel Brighton Treasure Hunt

Local charity Carousel will be hosting a treasure hunt around Brighton from Tuesday April 1 – Sunday April 6.

OLDER & OUT April social

OLDER & OUT provides an informal, warm and friendly gathering space for older LGBT people at the Somerset Day Centre in Kemptown.

Why ‘Pride Matters’ to Rev Michael Hydes

Rev Michael Hydes from the Metropolitan Community Church, Brighton explains why Pride Matters to him.

Free Sunday parking proposal to be costed

Brighton & Hove Liberal Democrats free Sunday parking proposal moved a step closer to implementation last week.

St James Street AGM

Following a stormy EGM in February which resulted in the election of a new chair, the St James’ Community Action Group AGM on Wednesday March 26 was a more civilised affair.

IGLTA representatives meet with U.S. Government travel officials

Senior members of the Obama administration and travel industry leaders from the public sector discuss ways to increase U.S. tourism.

Council consults on Bakers Bottom & Craven Vale parking schemes

Brighton & Hove City Council is beginning a consultation process with residents and business owners to gauge support for a controlled parking scheme to the Bakers Bottom & Craven Vale area.

Dwarf Cottage Guest House – An adult panto

Micronian Theatre Productions are producing a charity panto again this year at the Marlborough Theatre to benefit Cancer Research.

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Despite not carrying the majority vote of Green party members, Jason Kitcat was re-elected Convenor of the Green Party on Brighton and Hove City Council after gaining the majority of the votes of Green Councillors.

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Exeter based Afghani United were clear winners in Exeter City’s first ever One Game One Community five a side Futsal tournament yesterday (Sunday March 30).

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Local charity Carousel will be hosting a treasure hunt around Brighton from Tuesday April 1 – Sunday April 6.

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OLDER & OUT provides an informal, warm and friendly gathering space for older LGBT people at the Somerset Day Centre in Kemptown.

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Rev Michael Hydes from the Metropolitan Community Church, Brighton explains why Pride Matters to him.

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Brighton & Hove Liberal Democrats free Sunday parking proposal moved a step closer to implementation last week.

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Following a stormy EGM in February which resulted in the election of a new chair, the St James’ Community Action Group AGM on Wednesday March 26 was a more civilised affair.

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Senior members of the Obama administration and travel industry leaders from the public sector discuss ways to increase U.S. tourism.

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Brighton & Hove City Council is beginning a consultation process with residents and business owners to gauge support for a controlled parking scheme to the Bakers Bottom & Craven Vale area.

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Micronian Theatre Productions are producing a charity panto again this year at the Marlborough Theatre to benefit Cancer Research.

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