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Florida celebrates first same sex marriage

Two Key West men whose lawsuit helped pave the way for marriage equality in Florida said I Do during the first legal same-sex wedding earlier today, Tuesday, January 6 in the Florida Keys.

First Gay Marriage in Florida
With Rev. Steve Torrence, center, officiating, Aaron Huntsman, front left, and William Lee Jones, front right, complete their wedding vows on the steps of the Monroe County Courthouse early today.

Aaron Huntsman and William Lee Jones signed and received their marriage license, the first ever issued to a same-sex couple in the Keys just after midnight, at Key West’s Monroe County Courthouse.

They were wed in a simple, moving ceremony on the steps of the courthouse before about 500 friends and spectators.

After Huntsman and Lee spoke their vows and exchanged rings, Rev. Steve Torrence pronounced them legally married. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause as the new spouses embraced and kissed.

After the ceremony, Huntsman, said: “It’s official — we’re married!” 

“We’ve been wanting this and hoping for this for such a long time. We felt in our hearts that we had been married since our first year together, and now it’s real — in Florida!”

In July 2014, in response to the couple’s lawsuit protesting Florida’s 2008 ban on same-sex marriage, Florida Keys Judge Luis Garcia issued a landmark ruling stating the ban was discriminatory and unconstitutional.

However, a state appeal derailed wedding plans until U.S. Judge Robert Hinkle ruled that Florida’s county court clerks could issue licenses to same-sex couples beginning at midnight on Monday, January 5, 2015.

An emotional Jones, said: “I’m elated, overjoyed, that I finally am legally recognized with the man that I’ve loved for 12 years now.” 

The county clerk’s office in Key West opened at 11:30 pm on Monday night and, just after midnight, issued nine other marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

While other weddings took place in the wee hours Tuesday morning, Huntsman and Jones’ ceremony was the first in the county and in the Florida Keys.

Huntsman added: “Key West has been at the forefront in LGBT issues since the 80s and this is just historical.”

“We couldn’t have done it without the support of the community.”

First same sex marriage in Florida

 

Kirby lobbies Minister on behalf of Saltdean Lido

Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, yesterday met with a Minister from the Department for Communities and Local Government to press the case for funding for the Saltdean Lido.

Simon Kirby MP for Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven at Saltdean Lido
Simon Kirby MP for Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven at Saltdean Lido

The Lido, has already benefitted from a substantial amount of Government funding to enable it to reopen the swimming pool this summer, but still needs to raise money to complete the refurbishment of the Centre.

Simon said: “As someone who has supported local residents and the Lido Campaign for a number of years, I was pleased to have this meeting to put forward the strong case for funding for the Lido, which will have such a positive impact on the area and create a fantastic local amenity for residents and visitors to enjoy.”

Saltdean Lido CIC obtained a grant of £439,800 from the Social Investment Business (SIB) who manages funds on behalf of the Department of Communities and Local Government. The funding has been allocated to restore the main swimming pool, install a new plant room within the grounds of the site, landscaping to the external grounds and temporary changing rooms and toilets.

The Lido also won the People’s Millions competition and secured another £49,500 to restore the Paddling Pool.

Simon added: “I will continue to support the excellent Lido campaign going forward. A thriving Lido will make such a difference for Saltdean.”

 

PREVIEW: Jane Moore – Sketch a Day

A collection of 365 daily drawings, documenting 2014 through the eyes of artist and illustrator Jane Moore.

Jane Moore
Jane Moore

 

FROM January 22-28, 2015, Shapes, the innovative arts venue in Hackney Wick, London will house 365 individual sketches from Belfast artist and illustrator Jane Moore’s 2014 Sketch A Day journals. Each new day is a blank page and how better to document that day than with a drawing.

To compliment the drawings there will be an eclectic line up of live music from folk and classical to dreamy pop and Spanish guitar.

Beginning as a New Year’s Resolution, Jane has been recording observations, thoughts and ideas in a collection of trusty Moleskine sketchbooks. Taking inspiration from topics such as literature, travelling, current projects, family, public figures and life-drawing Jane has created a diverse range of drawings. From portraiture and fashion illustration to landscapes and even a Sketch A Day Alphabet each drawing translates Jane’s thoughts and ideas from that day.

Jane’s work has seen her travel throughout Europe, collaborating with numerous artists, partners and commissioners. Her clients include The National Portrait Gallery, The Barbican, The Royal Academy of Arts, i-D magazine, Beats by Dre, RSA Films, Barclaycard and Douwe Egberts.

The Sketch A Day Project will be Jane’s first solo exhibition.

To coincide with the exhibition the Sketch A Day Project will also be running drawing workshops for London based secondary schools. With a different theme per day pupils will get the opportunity to work alongside Jane drawing from costumed life models and creating their own Sketch A Day journal.

Jane said: “Drawing a Sketch A Day allows the mind to wander off on a creative tangent from everyday work. Providing freedom to draw what you desire and also allowing for personal growth and development. Drawing skills improve vastly, as does the ability to think of fresh and unique ideas for both personal and commercial work.”  

For more information about the Sketch a Day Project, click here:


Event: Sketch a Day Project

Where: Shapes, 117 Wallis Road, Hackney Wick, London, E9 5LN

When: January 22-28

Opening Times:
Thursday, January 22: Opening Night – 6pm – 10pm with live music performances.
Friday, January 23: Open 11am – 7pm
Saturday, January 24: Open 11am – 10pm with live acts and performances.
Sunday, January 25: Open 11am – 3pm
Monday, January 26: Open 11am – 7pm
There is a young people’s workshop in the space between 11.30am – 1.30pm
Tuesday, January 27: Open 11am – 7pm
There will be a young people’s workshop in the space between 12pm – 2pm.
Wednesday, January 28: Open 11am – 7pm
There will be a young people’s workshop in the space between 11.00am – 1.00pm.
For more details, click here:

PREVIEW: Alan A releases new album, ‘Astray’

French-born pop singer Alan A., who has made a splash at Gay Pride festivals in the last few years, is to release his new Brit Pop-inspired album Astray, on Thursday, January 8.

WEB.600

THE ALBUM, which is also inspired by being a gay man in a big city, continues Alan A.’s tradition of producing satirical, yet sharp-edged pop and tackles a range of subjects such as coming out (So What?), life evolution (Third Part In My Life) and online cruising (Sexting), all told with a cheeky glint in the eye.

The singer/songwriter, who grew up on a diet of The Spice Girls, Pet Shop Boys and Duran Duran, has already released two other albums, Ambiguity and Advent, but believes this one to be ‘more professionally made.’

He is also hoping to perform at more Gay Pride festivals this year:

Alan B, said: “I’m hoping to do some more Gay Pride festivals this summer like I have these last few years. So time to learn the words because I like to get off stage and have my public singing with me!”

To pre-order the album, click here:

For keep up to date with Alan A., click here:

PREVIEW: Kenelis – New Year’s Revolution

Kenelis will be performing for FemRock at The Green Door Store on January 8.

FEMROCK

KENELIS will be on stage around 9pm and will be joined during the evening by Devil In Detail, Weezey Jaye and ReVerbed.

FemRock has a safer spaces policy against sexism, racism, homophobia, biphobia, queerphobia, transphobia and ableism. Any instances will not be tolerated and you may be asked to leave the event.

Doors open at 7pm and tickets are only available on the door, £3 before 8pm, £4 after.

Throughout January, FemRock are raising funds for Abortion Support Network (ASN) who provide financial assistance and accommodation to women travelling from the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland for abortions. ASN does not discuss gender when communicating with clients, nor does gender identity influence grant eligibility.

There will be a raffle with goodies and vegan cakes on sale by Whip It Vegan Bakery.

The venue is wheelchair accessible.

For more information about ASN, click here:


Event: FemRock – New Year’s Resolution

When: Thursday, January 8

Where: The Green Door, Unit 2, 3, & 4 Trafalgar Arches, Lower Goods Yard, Brighton Train Station, BN1 4FQ Brighton

Time: 7pm

Tickets: £3 before 8pm, £4 after

 

Become a Foster Carer this New Year

Fostering Solutions, the independent fostering agency, is encouraging same sex couples in Brighton and Hove to become foster carers.

Fostering SolutionsFOSTERING Solutions has launched the Foster15 campaign to highlight the shortfall in foster carers, after new statistics showed 30,430 children started to be looked after in 2014, an average of one child being taken into care every 15 minutes in England.

Gareth Walton

Gareth Walton, operations director for Fostering Solutions, said: “The shortfall in foster carers is only set to increase, with recent reports showing that the total number of children looked after has risen to 68,840, an increase of 7 per cent on 2010. 75 per cent (51,340) of looked-after children are cared for in foster placements, an increase of 9 per cent since 2010. Brighton and Hove alone has around 465 children in local authority care who desperately need safe, nurturing and stable homes.

“We need more foster carers to come forward. Becoming a foster carer is one of the most rewarding steps you can take – these children are likely to have had a challenging start to their lives and you can be the person who makes the priceless difference to their life by offering them a home and care. January is a great time to consider a change and we want Foster15 to raise awareness of this need and urge more people to come forward to find out more about fostering.”

If you would like to find out more about being a foster carer with Fostering Solutions, click here:

Or telephone: 0800 160 160 5

Beat the January blues with a detox stay in Bath

This January, Bath Tourism Plus is launching a new series of detox packages, including four hours for the price of two at the world-famous Thermae Bath Spa.

Bath Spa Detox

BATH HAS long been a centre of well-being; in fact the word ‘spa’ is associated with the Latin phrase ‘Salus Per Aquam’ or ‘health through water’, making Bath the ideal place to detox after the festive season.

Escape for a night in one of Bath’s top hotels, then relax and unwind in the Aroma steam rooms or the open-air rooftop swimming pool at the Thermae Bath Spa.

David James, Chief Executive of Bath Tourism Plus, said: “Whether you’re a regular spa goer that loves being pampered or haven’t had the pleasure of relaxing in spa surroundings before, you won’t be disappointed with the spa experiences Bath has to offer.”

“Home to Britain’s only natural thermal waters, Bath has been renowned for relaxation for almost 2000 years. From the Romans who built a bathhouse, to the Georgians who sipped the water for their health, the hot springs have always been a top attraction.   And the same goes for today, thanks to the world famous Thermae Bath Spa with its Aroma steam rooms and stunning rooftop pool complete with 360° views of Bath.”

Detox packages start from £75 per person for one night’s accommodation plus four hours for the price of two at the Thermae Bath Spa including robe, towel and slippers.

What better way to beat the January Blues?

To book a New Year Detox package, click here:

For more spa information, click here:

 

Stanmer Park restoration project receives lottery grant

The joint bid by Brighton and Hove City Council and the South Downs National Park for a multi-million pound Lottery grant to develop exciting new plans for Stanmer Park moves a step closer today.

Stanmer Park

BRIGHTON AND HOVE has received a development grant of £291,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Big Lottery Fund for the Stanmer Park Restoration Project.

The money comes from the Funds’ joint Parks for People scheme and will be match-funded by Brighton and Hove City Council and the South Downs National Park Authority.

The news means that the council can now go ahead and develop detailed plans to support its bid for around £4 million in funding to restore Stanmer’s historic landscape and buildings.

The Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund have confirmed that funding of £4 million has been earmarked for the project.

The Stanmer Park and Estate Restoration Project aims to restore the park’s landscape and Grade II listed buildings, protect natural features and safeguard its rare landscapes.

Cllr Pete West
Cllr Pete West

Councillor Pete West, chair of the Environment, Transport and Sustainability Committee, said: “It’s fantastic news.”

“Stanmer Park is extremely well loved and has the potential to become an important gateway, encouraging people from Brighton and Hove to explore and appreciate their local countryside and our Biosphere.

“It’s wonderful that the Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund have given us this opportunity to progress our plans and work with the South Downs National Park Authority to ensure the park is restored, enhanced and preserved for future generations.

“Stanmer Park has the potential to become one of the greatest attractions in the city.”

Trevor Beattie, Chief Executive for the South Downs National Park Authority, added: “This great news recognises the national importance of Stanmer Park and Estate. This is the first step in restoring Stanmer to its former glory as a major gateway into the South Downs National Park which is easy to reach by train, bus and safe off-road cycle routes.

“This project is a real opportunity to encourage more people to discover, appreciate and benefit from  a unique historic estate less than five kilometres from the heart of the city of Brighton and Hove.”

Stuart McLeod, Head of HLF South East, said: “Parks play such an important role in our everyday lives; they boost our health, connect us to nature and are a place to spend time and have fun together. Today’s investment will ensure the historic and community features of Stanmer Park are in better shape so they can be enjoyed by local people long into the future.”

Stanmer Park

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