Weekend pedestrianisation of one of Brighton’s most historic streets is to be made permanent.
East Street, Brighton
A car free East Street on Saturdays and Sundays was confirmed by the city council’s environment committee, backed by a delegation of local businesses.
The decision follows a trial which has been running since May 2015.
A report to the committee this week said pedestrian numbers in the street have increased by 32 per cent since 2009 – up from around 14,000 on Saturday June 13 2009 to nearly 19,000 on Sunday June 12 2016.
Figures for Saturday June 30 2012 were 17,744.
There had been no accidents reported as a result of diverting traffic down Little East Street, behind Brighton Town Hall, during the closures.
Leading a delegation to the committee, local businesswoman Olivia Reid of Terre a Terre restaurant said:“Temporary closure of East Street on Saturdays and Sundays has been a huge success. The area has become more open, cleaner and we have experienced reduced criminal or dysfunctional activity due to increased visibility and overall change in the atmosphere. Business owners have taken more pride in their premises and the overall experience of East Street has vastly improved.”
Cllr Gill Mitchell
Committee chair Cllr Gill Mitchell, said:“Large areas of the Old Town were pedestrianised years ago and we would never go back because pedestrianisation is crucial to their historic character and relaxed atmosphere. Traders have spoken up and we’re pleased they support this latest extension of car-free places in the Old Town.”
According to the Encylopaedia of Brighton, East Street is thought to have formed from the 14th century when Brighton’s earliest settlement moved from the shoreline to the clifftop, just inland.
Song written for Cilla Black to be released as Cruse charity single by chart-topping recording artist Allan Jay.
SongwritersJason Prince and Lewis Greenslade originally wrote the heart touching ballad The Best Is Yet to Come for Cilla Black.
The singing household legend had already recorded tracks by the writing duo, but following her death last year she never got the opportunity to perform the ballad. Immediately the writers learnt of the sad demise of established recording artist, Glaswegian born Allan Jay’s mother, they submitted the track to Allan’s record label, Energise Records.
The track will be released, in association with Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland, on November 4 and a share of the net proceeds from the song will be donated to Cruse Bereavement Care in Scotland and across the UK.
Allan said:“The song is about loss and finding that strength to go on – the lyrics really hit home.”
Irvine-based Jay, Finalist of Entertainer of the Year 2015 at the Icon Awards in Scotland, acknowledges that the tragic loss of his mum after a short illness had made him reflect on the impact of bereavement.
He added:“Cruse does amazing work and because they don’t put a time limit on grief, irrespective of how long ago your loss occurred, they are there to help. I wanted to do something to let people know there is support out there to help them and if this song manages to raise awareness, plus funds for Cruse then that will bring me great comfort”.
Stewart Wilson, Chief Executive of Cruse Scotland, said:“We are delighted that Allan has offered to donate a share of the proceeds to Cruse Scotland. The impact of bereavement on individuals and families is often overlooked, yet for many it can have a devastating impact. Support like this is invaluable to ensure Cruse Scotland can continue to deliver bereavement care when it is needed.”
Currently signed to Energise Records, Allan has enjoyed chart success on an international level, primarily with upbeat dance hits and was Reloaded Music Awards Best Male Artist in 2015. His vocal and dancing skills have secured him extensive tours in musical theatre productions, plus voice-overs for Disney.
The track will be launched at a charity fundraising night at Wild Cabaret, 18 Candleriggs, Glasgow, on Wednesday, November 2 @ 7.30pm.
To purchase a ticket for the charity night costing £20 which includes a copy of the single, click here:
Or telephone Wild Cabaret on: 0141 552 6165.
The song will be available to download via iTunes, Google and Amazon from Friday, November 4.
In a couple of weeks, the Smile for David charity will be holding its annual fundraising event at the Sallis Benney Theatre in Brighton.
The DTM’s
This year they will also be smiling for John Ling, who sadly passed away in February of cancer. The money raised this year will be evenly split between the charities NNAB and Marlets Hospice.
The Smile for David charity was founded by James Pullen and named after his brother, David, who tragically passed away in from lung cancer 2009, at the young age of 27.
David was blind since birth but he didn’t’ t let that hold him back, he was one of the happiest people you could meet and he was always smiling. David and his parents were supported by the charity Norfolk and Norwich Association for the Blind (NNAB) when they moved to Cromer in Norfolk.
James Pullen and Morgan Fabulous
His Brother James, who was devastated by his passing, wanted to give something back by supporting the charity that supported his brother and to keep the memory of him alive.
After months of planning and the kindness of his friends and other people willing to share their time for a good cause, Smile for David had its inaugural production at the Sallis Benney Theatre. Amongst the first performers who dedicated their time were Brighton drag queen, Candi Rell, singer/songwriter and cabaret artist, Lorraine Bowen, and alternative all male band, The Lingettes, which John Ling was a member of.
After the success of The Lingettes, James decided to put together another band called the DTM’s, who carried on to perform at the Smile for David events and also Brighton Pride street party. It was his Brother who inspired him to pursue his dreams and put together a band where likeminded men could come together to make people smile and Smile for David events provided the perfect platform for their performances.
Trudy Styles
The band don’t take themselves too seriously and have fun with their performances, it’s a delightful mix of cabaret and comedy.
You can catch the DTM’s at this year’s Smile for David event, on Saturday, November 12, at the Sallis Benney theatre. Tickets are only £10 in advance, £15 on the door, and are available from The Bedford Tavern, The Brighton Tavern and The Grosvenor Bar.
Acts also appearing will include:Maisie Trollette, Gabriella Parish, Spice, Crystal D’Canter, Paul Murray, Trudy Styles and the Piano Man, Poola May, Pasty Cline, Jason Thorpe, JB, Sissy Sucks, Richard Tredgett and hosted by Candi Rell and Adam Brooks. Morgan Fabulous will also be there to photograph the event.
Co-host Adam Brooks
The after party will be held at the Brighton Tavern and on Sunday 13, The Bedford Tavern will be holding a Piano Bingo and donating the proceeds to Smile for David.
Event: Smile for David
Where: Sallis Benney Theatre, 58-67 Grand Parade, Brighton BN2 0JY
When: Saturday, November 13
Time: Doors open 6.45pm for 7.30pm start
Cost: Tickets £10 in advance from Bedford Tavern, Brighton Tavern and Grosvenor Bar in Hove.
Brighton & Hove has been voted Transport Local Authority of the Year in the National Transport Awards.
The award reflects the achievement of sustainable transport services and initiatives which has led to the highest rates of cycling and walking in the south-east, and successful partnership working with local transport operators, passengers and user groups, as well as with neighbouring councils.
It is the third time since 2005 that Brighton & Hove has won this award.
Cllr Gill Mitchell
Cllr Gill Mitchell, chair of the city’s environment, transport and sustainability committee, said:“We’re thrilled to be recognised nationally for the work we are doing to put people and places at the heart of our local transport plan.
“Local partnerships have enabled us to successfully secure funding – such as the Shelter Hall and seafront road scheme – and our policies promote the health and wellbeing of residents, businesses and visitors whilst keeping the city moving and maintaining high levels of satisfaction with its transport services.”
Partnerships have also led to a multi-operator ticketing ‘smart card’ which makes it possible for passengers to get on, get off and get about with one card on a variety of bus services and a successful scheme to reduce the fraudulent use of blue badges for disabled users in the city.
Brighton & Hove bucks national trends with the lowest levels of car ownership in the south-east – with more than a third of households not owning a car.
Alongside this, the city has the highest growth rate for cycling to work, the highest percentage of people walking to work in the south-east and the highest number of bus journeys made per head of the population – 158 – which is three times the national average.
Since 2012 the council’s transport team has trained more than 6,000 children in cycling safely and the council also provides safer routes to schools. A joint campaign with Public Health called SMILE has also been taken to school assemblies and features a video showing how active and sustainable travel to school could help boost children’s and parents/carers’ health.
Two new cycling schemes have recently been introduced to offer cycle confidence and maintenance training for adults, thanks to a successful funding bid.
Every year the council takes part in the annual National Highways and Transport survey which indicates levels of public satisfaction. Brighton & Hove consistently shows a high level of satisfaction, ranking 5th overall in 2015.
An Intimate Night Of Vintage Inspired, Raucous Entertainment!
Lili La Scala
Surrey’s sell out Hundred Watt Club show returns to the Old Market, Brighton with a sizzling, firecracker of a burlesque show to celebrate Guy Fawkes night!
Dress up to the nines in your retro finery and let the ladies (and gents!) of the chorus delight you for a few hours.
On Saturday, November 5 from 8pm they’ll be commanding the stage of The Old Market, 11A Upper Market St, Brighton, BN3 1AS.
Starring the Queen of Queerlesque: Rubyyy Jones, madcap pioneers of slapdash magic Griffin & Jones, award-winning burlesque showgirl Didi Derriere and whipcracking, gunslinging ‘cabaret cowgirl’ Ayesha H. Hosted by the inimitable acid tongued songbird, Lili La Scala.
Producer Lena says:“I just adore bringing the show to this gorgeous city! I’m so excited about the line-up for this event…Bonfire night has never been this HOT!”
Admission is strictly over 18s. Not for the faint hearted, adult themes employed and embraced!
Hundred Watt Club produces theatre shows, club nights and pop up shows featuring some of the best UK & international burlesque and cabaret artists. Founded in 2008 by Lena Mae, a Surrey based burlesque dancer, the first event in an intimate theatre was a sell out and the show continues to go from strength to strength with events across the county, and beyond!
Panti Bliss fronts new campaign to encourage people to plan their lifelong journey with HIV.
A new campaign fronted by HIV positive drag queen and gay rights activist Panti Bliss aims to help people living with HIV navigate their lifelong journey with the condition.
The My HIV, My Rules, My Journey campaign by Gilead Sciences in partnership with Positively UK, The Sussex Beacon and George House Trust emphasises that decisions made about health, wealth and wellbeing today will help people with HIV to live the lives they want tomorrow.
Living with HIV used to be a short hop, but with today’s treatments, it’s more likely to be for the ‘long-haul’. While people are living longer with HIV than ever before, HIV and the medicines used to treat it can speed up the ageing process, and knowledge of this can help people make informed choices about their future.
Different illnesses are more likely to affect people living with HIV and/or affect them at an earlier stage than HIV negative people. These may include heart disease, some cancers, osteoporosis and disorders of the liver, kidneys and brain.
The My HIV, My Rules, My Journey campaign is launching in order to inspire people living with HIV to plan ahead for the possible health challenges associated with the condition.
The campaign also encourages people to speak to health professionals to help plan their lifelong journey, with the HIV101 ‘flight safety’ video now available at www.MyHIVMyRules.co.uk bringing the campaign message to life.
“It is so important people living with HIV feel comfortable talking to, and working alongside, health professionals to plan for their lifelong journey,”said Panti Bliss, leading UK HIV activist and drag queen. “HIV can speed up the ageing process so it’s essential to seek advice in order to take the best route for the journey ahead. I’ve lived the life I wanted with HIV for over 20 years and do not intend to stop now!”
In addition to the HIV101 video, the My HIV, My Rules, My Journey website features articles on health checks to consider, and details on the types of questions to discuss with healthcare professionals to ensure the best treatment and care. It also features information on insurance and personal finance and a checklist on ‘how to take control’.
“For most people living with HIV it is now a long journey which requires planning for the future.”said Allan Anderson, Chief Executive Officer, Positively UK. “Thankfully, there are many people and resources available to help start this preparation, including the My HIV, My Rules, My Journey campaign website, healthcare professionals and your local HIV charity”.
Face-to-face information and ideas will be available at events coming soon to Manchester and Brighton. Informal sessions with local HIV specialists will make it easy to seek out useful information to help people plan their lifelong HIV journey. Talks from local clinicians and advocates, finance, self-esteem, and sex and relationship experts will also be held at the events.
For more information and to register for a free event near you, click here:www.MyHIVMyRules.co.uk/events
Government announces improved compensation scheme for rail delays.
The Delay Repay 15 will be introduced within months on Govia Thameslink Railway services, including Southern, and then rolled out across the country.
Passengers will be able to claim 25 per cent of the cost of the single fare for delays between 15 and 29 minutes. The existing thresholds will apply for delays from 30 minutes.
Delay Repay 15 is a major improvement for passengers and the Government is working with train companies to make it as easy as possible for passengers to claim their rightful compensation.
Simon Kirby MP
Simon Kirby MP for Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven has welcomed the Government’s proposals.
He said: “I recognise that, above all else, passengers want a reliable train service, but when things do go wrong it is vital that they are compensated fairly.”
Woman fights for fair settlement after ex-partner hid £6m assets in businesses.
A woman who discovered that her Civil Partner, who died intestate in 2013, had hidden assets worth millions of pounds in business assets during the dissolution of their relationship has won a legal battle at the Court of Appeal as she seeks to set aside the original ‘unfair’ settlement.
Specialist family lawyers at Irwin Mitchell Private Wealth acting for the woman say the judgment confirms that same-sex couples have the same rights as heterosexual partners under family law and reiterates the message that dishonesty will not be tolerated by the courts.
The Judgment in Roocroft and Ball is handed down almost exactly a year after Irwin Mitchell was also successful in the Supreme Court when the law firm represented two wives – Varsha Gohil and Alison Sharland – who challenged their divorce settlements after their husbands were found to have misled them significantly regarding their wealth.
This latest landmark case is the first to consider the discovery of non-disclosure of assets after the death of one of the parties.
Helen Roocroft, from Bolton, was in an 18-year relationship with her wealthy property tycoon partner, Carol Ainscow, when the two separated in 2009.
Ms Ainscow, whose property company Artisan carried out developments across Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield and London, died aged 55 after battling a brain tumour. She died intestate which means she did not make a will setting out her wishes for her estate.
After her death evidence was discovered that she may have misled the courts about her true wealth during the dissolution of their civil partnership saying she had lost millions during the property crash. This led to Ms Roocroft accepting a much lower settlement than she was entitled to given the circumstances of their relationship.
The 42-year-old Ms Roocroft instructed specialist family lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to seek to overturn the original agreement made with Ms Ainscow so that a new agreement can be negotiated with the estate based on an honest assessment of their assets. Ms Roocroft attempted to settle out-of-court via Alternative Dispute Resulution but was stonewalled by the estate.
After legal battles in the lower family courts and High Court, the unusual case was heard in the Court of Appeal in July this year and all three Appeal Judges, Lord Justice Elias, Lord Justice Kitchin and Lady Justice King, have now agreed with Ms Roocroft that she has a right to argue for her settlement to be set aside.
The Judgment handed down today (October 14, 2016) said that Ms Roocroft had submitted evidence suggesting that “the deceased’s income at the time of the consent order was three times that which she had stated in her Statement of Information”.
It also reiterated Baroness Hale’s confirmation that the observations made by her in the Supreme Court in the Sharland and Gohil cases apply equally to same-sex partners in a civil partnership as to a husband and wife in divorce proceedings.
The Roocroft case will now be re-listed at the High Court for a directions hearing to determine the next steps in setting aside the original settlement which would enable Irwin Mitchell’s Will, Trust and Estate Disputes team to negotiate a new one with the late Ms Ainscow’s estate.
Specialist divorce lawyer Ros Bever, of Irwin Mitchell Private Wealth, who represented Ms Sharland and Ms Gohil also led the Court of Appeal challenge on behalf of Ms Roocroft. She worked with Irwin Mitchell’s expert will, trust and estate dispute lawyer Paula Myers given the complexities of the case.
Ros said there were huge similarities as all three women believe they were duped into accepting ‘unfair’ divorce/dissolution settlements, based on knowingly false information provided by their ex-partners.
Ros Bever
Ros Bever, a specialist family and divorce lawyer at Irwin Mitchell Private Wealth representing Ms Roocroft, said:“This judgment confirms that same-sex couples have the same rights under family law as heterosexual couples and is further proof that the family courts will not tolerate dishonesty in divorce or dissolution proceedings.
“It seems that all too often partners whether in marriage or civil partnerships are trying to get out of their obligations to their former partners by being deliberately obstructive or dishonest about their wealth and assets.
“There have been many high profile cases over the past few years where the courts have shown they will not tolerate people trying to hide their wealth in businesses or refusing to pay their settlements and maintenance.
“Ms Roocroft now has the opportunity to potentially set aside her original settlement and open discussions on a fair settlement based on the true disclosure of the assets built up during the couple’s 18 year relationship.”
Ms Roocroft said after hearing the result:“I am relieved that we have reached the next step in our legal battle.
“I was with my former partner for 18 years and I just want the chance to negotiate a settlement on the basis of the facts. The courts have proven once again that you cannot hide money during a divorce or dissolution and I hope my case will discourage others from doing so in future.”
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