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Prime Minister responds to Hove MP’s letter highlighting local anti-Semitism

Mike Weatherley, the Conservative MP for Hove and Portslade, recently wrote to the Prime Minister, Rt Hon David Cameron MP, in order to highlight the problem of anti-Semitism in Hove.

Mike Weatherley, MP for Hove & Portslade
Mike Weatherley, MP for Hove & Portslade

In his letter to the Prime Minister, Mike wrote: “It is deeply saddening that a synagogue in Hove was targeted by anti-Semitic vandals earlier in August. I had assumed – wrongly – that the Jewish community in my constituency was safe and free to worship and live their lives without fear of attack. Over the past few weeks, I have heard from a number of concerned constituents who feel that the anti-Semitism that is taking place cannot be ignored any longer. I stand by these residents and look to the Government for assurances on what is being done to address this serious situation.”

Prime Minister: Rt Hon David Cameron MP
Prime Minister: Rt Hon David Cameron MP

The Prime Minister has responded saying: “I share your sadness that the synagogue in Hove was targeted and I am very clear that harassment directed towards the community, for whatever reason, is completely unacceptable. The Government will do everything in its power to prevent the fear and distress that such deplorable actions cause and enable people to worship in a safe environment.

“I believe that the best way to tackle anti-Semitism is through building a respectful, tolerant and integrated society underpinned  by effective implementation of strong legislation against racial and religious hate crime. I absolutely condemn all those whose behaviours and views run counter to our shared values and would urge anyone who is a victim of a hate crime to report the incident to the police.

“May I reassure you that the Government is in regular contact with the Jewish community representative bodies and the police, who I know work hard to provide reassurance and safety measures to the community.

“Finally, may I thank you for writing to me on such an important issue. I hope you find this letter reassuring.”

Mike commented: “I am pleased that the Prime Minister has recognised the harassment against Jewish people in Hove and agrees with me that it is completely unacceptable. The anti-Semitic abuse that residents have been subjected to is absolutely disgusting and I join with the Prime Minister in urging anyone who is a victim of a hate crime to report the incident to the police.”

Cllr Graham Cox
Cllr Graham Cox

Cllr Graham Cox, the Conservative Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Hove and Portslade, added: “The response from the Prime Minister is reassuring. Anti-Semitism is a terrible crime and it is important that the Jewish community in Hove not only feels safe but are safe from any form of harassment.”

 

Activists attacked and injured at LGBT support centre in Macedonia

On October 23, 2014, at 9.30pm a group of around 30 people attacked a venue in Macedonia where the LGBTI Support Centre was holding a public event to celebrate its second anniversary.

Frontline Defenders

THE ATTACKERS wearing masks and hoods over their heads entered the Damar Coffee Bar in Skopje and threw objects, including glass bottles and other missiles, at the group and shouted insults before fleeing the area.

At the time of the attack, more than sixty people from the national LGBT Association were attending the organisations second birthday celebration.

Two members of the group who were in front of the main entrance at the time of the incident were attacked with glass bottles and sustained injuries. Several people who were inside the bar sustained small cuts from flying glass. According to people present at the venue, the attack appeared to be well-coordinated and planned.

Mary Lawlor
Mary Lawlor

Mary Lawlor, Executive Director of the Dubline based human rights organisation, Front Line Defenders, said: “The government of Macedonia must show that all the citizens of Macedonai enjoy full equality before the law. If discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is allowed to take root in Macedonia then it will serve to undermine the principle of equal rights for everyone which should the a fundamental principle for any government” said Front Line Defenders.”

The LGBTI Support Centre is a project of the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, dedicated to advancing the rights of LGBTI people through advocacy, free legal aid, awareness raising and the coordination of support groups.

In the two years since it was founded in October 2012, the LGBTI Centre has come under attack six times, including three incidents of stoning and three attempts to set fire to the Centre’s office. The investigation into these attacks is still ongoing.

The LGBTI Support Centre and Front Line Defenders launched a national radio campaign in 2013 on the protection of LGBTI rights defenders.

To listen to the radio campaign, click here:

According to media reports, the ruling VMRO-DPMNE party in Macedonia issued a statement condemning the attack.

For more information about Front Line Defenders, click here:

 

 

Last few tickets remain for Sussex Beacon ‘Halloween Horror Show’ tomorrow night

There are a few tickets remaining for ‘The Halloween Horror Show’ monster fund raiser hosted by actor and television presenter Christopher Biggins.

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THE BALL, which takes place on Saturday, November 1 at the Brighton Hilton Metropole, will be raising funds for The Sussex Beacon – a charity offering specialist care and support to men, women and families affected by HIV.

The host, Christopher Biggins, is not a novice at making spooky appearances. His film roles include The Rocky Horror Picture Show in 1975. He also appeared as a guest star narrator in The Rocky Horror Show on tour in 2010.

Christopher Biggins
Christopher Biggins

Christopher says:“I am absolutely thrilled to be hosting this event and remember it is just a jump to the left… and then a step to the right. It will be a night out to remember for a very, very long time”.

‘The Halloween Horror Show’ will include a sumptuous Halloween feast followed by a spectacular live floor show with a live band and dancing until the early hours.

Guests are encouraged to dress up in glamorous Halloween style. There will be Halloween themed games as well as auctions and a raffle offering exclusive and ‘money can’t buy’ prizes.

The charity is working with leading entertainment design agency the E3 Group to produce the Ball. The E3 Group were responsible for the production of Brighton Pride in 2013. Together, The Sussex Beacon and E3 promise a Spooktacular event that guests can enjoy year on year.

Simon Dowe
Simon Dowe

Simon Dowe, CEO at The Sussex Beacon, says: “At The Sussex Beacon we work together to support the whole person by addressing the physical, psychological and social impact of HIV. Every year, we have to raise 1.2 million pounds to keep our services running. This year, ‘The Halloween Horror Show’ will help us to achieve our fundraising target”.

Don’t miss out!

To buy last minute tickets for the Ball, click here:

Or email: fundraising@sussexbeacon.org.uk for more information about the event.

The Sussex Beacon charity offers specialist care and support for men, women and families affected by HIV and is open 365 days a year. They help people manage the everyday realities of living with this life-long condition that has no cure.

Their Inpatient and Outpatient services help people living with HIV related illnesses, initiating new drug therapies, or supporting those struggling with extreme side effects of HIV medication. The Sussex Beacon supports the whole person by addressing the physical, psychological and social impact of HIV.

For more information about the Sussex Beacon, click here: 

For more information about E3 Group, click here:

 

 

 

 

Firefighters set to strike for 4 days

Firefighters will take strike action for four days starting from 6pm on Friday, October 31.

East Sussex Fire Brigade Union
East Sussex Fire Brigade Union

FIREFIGHTERS SAY they don’t want to strike but they refuse to compromise on public and firefighter safety, nor standby whilst the Government rips up the pension contracts they signed up to when they first joined the fire service.

Penny Mordaunt MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Communities and Local Government originally suggested that this would be deliverable as part of the recent discussions but last week informed firefighters that she would no longer be progressing this option.

Firefighters are angry that despite the fire minister saying in August she was seeking the “best deal possible for firefighters”, suggesting that the present offer was not satisfactory and another was being sought – that she has now said there is no offer on the table.

This has left firefighters very angry and complaining they have been lied to and they feel they now have absolutely no option other than to take strike action.

Simon Herbert
Simon Herbert

Simon Herbert, chair of the East Sussex Fire Brigade Union, said: “After a lifetime of service to our communities, firefighters across the Country are at risk of being sacked merely for getting old. On top of this, the public are at greater risk from the dangers of fire and flooding if firefighters are forced to work until they are 60.

“The government have ignored their own evidence on the physical demands of fire fighting with the Williams Review finding that over 60% of 55-60 year olds would be unlikely to meet the fitness standard used by most fire services and would therefore be unlikely to be able to achieve the new normal pension age of 60.”

Firefighters will be holding picket lines at Hove Fire Station and Preston Circus Fire Station over the 4 day period of strike action.

New ME brain scan study findings

The Sussex charity that works for 6,000 people affected by Myalgic Encephalopathy(ME) or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome(CFS) across the county has welcomed important new research into the illness.

ME Society

A STUDY by scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine has discovered differences in the brains of healthy people and people with ME.

Dr Michael Zeineh and Dr José Montoya compared brain images of 15 ME patients and 14 healthy volunteers.

Dr Zeineh said: “Using a trio of sophisticated imaging methodologies, we found that ME patients’ brains differ from those of healthy subjects in three distinct ways.”

The images revealed that compared to those of the healthy volunteers, the brains of ME patients consisted of:

• less white matter
• abnormality in nerve fibres in the right hemisphere
• the thickening of grey matter at the front and back of the brain.

Dr Montoya said: “This study was a start: it shows us where to look.”

Stanford University is now planning a substantially larger study, supported by the CFS Fund housed in the Stanford Department of Medicine’s Division of Infectious Diseases.

Colin Barton
Colin Barton

Sussex ME Society chairman, Colin Barton said: “This study is incredibly important as it could lead to greater understanding of the illness. If a diagnosis of ME can be made simpler by a brain scan, patients will be able to receive advice and treatment much earlier that was a topic discussed by doctors at our recent conference.”

During the Autumn, Hove Town Hall was packed with around 150 people with ME including many from the LGBT community along with NHS professionals from across the region when the Sussex ME Society staged it’s ME Practice & Research conference which was opened by Caroline Lucas MPfor Brighton Pavilion.

For more information about ME, click here:

 

Kemptown MP urges train companies to speed up compensation claims procedure

Simon Kirby, the MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, has written to Southern Railway and Thameslink to urge them to speed up compensation claims under the ‘Delay Repay’ Scheme after being contacted about the issue by constituents.

Simon Kirby MP
Simon Kirby MP

TRAIN passengers are liable for compensation if they have been delayed by more than 30 minutes on their journey caused by rail disruption.

Simon said: “As I commuter myself, I know first-hand how frustrating it is for my constituents when they experience travel disruption. Train companies do offer compensation and I would urge any constituents to make a claim if they have been delayed.

“However, I want the train companies to process these claims as quickly as possible, and I urge them strongly to improve this service to my constituents, who have already been inconvenienced once and should not be made to suffer again by delays to the compensation procedure.”

‘Music Mayhem’ benefit raises £1,250 for RISE

A sell out fundraiser organised by Annabel Pribelszki of Charity Cabaret raised £1,250 for RISE, who provide sanctuary and support to those affected by domestic abuse.

The night of live music took place on Friday, October 17 2014 at The Brunswick, Hove.

Chick Atkinson
Chick Atkinson

Chick Atkinson opened the show with original and moving songs performed on the keyboard.

Laura and the Bass
Laura and the Bass

Laura and the Bass was in hot pursuit, with an entertaining and poignant set on the double bass.

Adam Davis
Adam Davis

Adam Davis performed his RISE fundraising single. To purchase a copy, click here: 

deciBelle
deciBelle

Eight piece acapella group deciBelle closed the first half of the show combining their expressive and strong harmonies to create a wonderful sound, delivered with a heartfelt and uplifting energy.

 Mandy Woods and Annie Kerr
Mandy Woods and Annie Kerr

Guitar and violin duo Mandy Woods and Annie Kerr opened the second act.

Seagirls
Seagirls

After the interval, Recently formed Seagirls provided a rocking guitar set.

Mauve People
Mauve People

Mauve People headlined the event with a rousing and toe tapping performance, a fantastic way to close an evening of Music Mayhem.

Abi Kolliari won the silent auction generously donating £201 to RISE by purchasing the fabulous original watercolour by Alejandro Martinez.

Performers Mandy Woods and Annie Kerr’s sold a CD which contributed £53.70 towards the final total raised.

Organisers want to send thanks to all the audience, performers and crew who made the event a resounding success, and all the local businesses who generously donated a wide range of fabulous raffle prizes.

Photographs courtesy of Nicky Thomas:

For more information about Charity Cabaret’s next fundraiser in February 2015, click here: 

Or join their mailing list at: charitycabaret@yahoo.co.uk

The money raised will go towards vital projects which help with refuge accommodation, resettlement, crisis appointments, helpline, counselling, housing, legal and financial advice, solicitors’ appointments, support groups, play therapy, 1-to-1 support and training and preventative education.

Community helps shape Preston Park improvements

Brighton & Hove City Council have created additional parking space in Preston Park.

Preston Park

THE PARKING places are in the triangle area south-east of the Velodrome and came into operation this week.

The city council has been working with the Friends of Preston Park to address parking issues in the centre of the park and have installed bollards to the north east entrance which allow access for blue badge-holders but provide a deterrent to others.

There is now better signage and wooden posts are being repaired or replaced to stop parking on the grass.

Cllr Ruth Buckley
Cllr Ruth Buckley

Deputy leader of Brighton & Hove City Council Ruth Buckley, said: “We have been working to improve safety for park users. There have been incidents with people parking on the grass which puts people at risk and damages the fabric of the park. Preston Park is one of our most prominent and spectacular open spaces and we want to make sure it is enjoyable and accessible for everyone. As well as enabling people to park more easily in the park, all surplus income from paid-for parking is being used to make improvements suggested by the local community.”

Two years ago, at the request of park users, the council introduced controlled parking in the park. All surplus income from the paid-for parking is re-invested back into the park. The Friends of Preston Park have been helping to decide where the money is spent.

So far this year, the funds have paid for a new artificial cricket wicket together with improvements and repairs to the fencing around the cycling track.

This Saturday, November 1,  A scary (but friendly) atmosphere awaits . . .The Friends of Preston Park are hosting a free Halloween Lantern Walk. Meet at 5.30pm at the men’s bowls pavilion (walk starts at 6.30pm).

Prizes will be awarded for the scariest fancy dress and the best home-made lantern and there will be refreshments and face painting. The event is aimed at families with children up to 13 years.

For more details, click here:    

PREVIEW: Alternative burlesque phenomenon hits soho

The SuicideGirls: Blackheart Burlesque tour has been wowing audiences across the globe with its tongue-in-cheek humour, raw sexuality, and stunning choreography.

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THIS JANUARY, after a decade-long wait, and fresh from a nationwide tour of America, UK SuicideGirls fans will finally see the return of the tattooed pin-ups as they perform for four nights at the legendary Madame Jojo’s; bastion of Soho’s club, cabaret and burlesque scene for the last 50 years.

Established in 2001 by Selena Mooney (AKA Missy Suicide) and Sean Suhl, SuicideGirls’ online community set out to challenge traditional notions of female beauty and promote “alternative” lifestyles and the women who lead them.

Now a multi-media underground empire, SuicideGirls: Blackheart Burlesque is a chance for the brand’s 8 million plus, worldwide fan base to meet the SG girls in the flesh.

Choreographed by Manwe Sauls-Addison, who has worked with the likes of Lady Gaga and Beyoncé, the show features the most talented of the SuicideGirls current stable performing the ultimate, provocative tribute to pop-culture. With pastiches of iconic Sci-Fi and Fantasy, from Planet of the Apes, to Star Wars, to Game of Thrones, all set to thumping house and rock music, the show is a raucous assault on the senses.

Blackheart Burlesque
Blackheart Burlesque

Event: Suicide Girls: Blackheart Burlesque

Where: Madame Jojo’s, 8-10 Brewer Street, London, W1F 0SE

When:  January, 8, 9, 10 and 11, 2015

Time: Doors: 7pm: Show: 8pm

Tickets: Tickets: £19.00 – £49.00, plus booking fee

To purchase tickets online, click here: 

N.B: This event is strictly for Adults ONLY. Ticket holders must be 18 years and over.

PREVIEW: Alexander Johnson solo exhibition

Alexander Johnson is staging a solo showing of his work at Gallery 40 during November.

Alexander Johnson

THE GALLERY is a five minute walk from Brighton Station, just opposite and up from the Brighton Tavern, on the corner of Foundry Street.

Alexander will be in the gallery from 11am – 6pm every day except Monday to chat about his work.


 

Event: Alexander Johnson solo exhibition

Where: Gallery 40, 40 Gloucester Road, Brighton BN1 4AQ

When: Tuesday November 4 – Saturday November 15

Times: 11am – 6pm every day except Monday

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