Alice Blezard

Sound Tennis, Pole Fitness and Freestyle Frisbee to debut at TAKEPART

Posted on 11/06/201511/06/2015 by Alice Blezard

TAKEPART festival kicks off on June 20, offering attendees the chance to TAKEPART in a wide range of sports and activities.

THE event, will take place in Preston Park, and aims to offer a selection of activities that are collectively accessible to people of all ages and abilities. From traditional sports to more passive past times such as health walks and yoga, the festival aims to offer something for everyone.

By encouraging people to engage in activities the festival hopes to improve wellbeing and individual lifestyles. Incorporating activities accessible to those with disabilities and/or limited mobility, TAKEPART features many free activities to try including sound tennis for the visually impaired.

The festival begins on Saturday 20th June in Preston Park with more than 70 different multi-sports and activities, as well as the chance to get involved with new events at the Festival of Rugby to celebrate the Rugby World Cup 2015 coming to the city in September.

With brand new activities and taster sessions making an appearance this year, TAKEPART offers a great chance to get involved and try something new. For the first time in 2015, there will be Active After Work events, providing fun social events for adults in the city to get active after work.

Brighton & Hove City Council’s Sports Development team have joined up with 120 different sport, dance and activity organisers to organise TAKEPART – and many activities are either free, or low cost.

This means that the team are able to offer a mix of high-profile events and community-based ventures, which make up the foundation of TAKEPART’s success as well as increasing the fitness levels in neighbourhoods across the city.

Councillor Alan Robins, chair of Brighton & Hove City Council’s Economic Development and Culture Committee, said: “This year’s TAKEPART is bigger and better than ever, with new exciting events and taster sessions, alongside the variety of sporting opportunities that everyone can get involved in.

“The festival gives everyone the chance to try out something new and I hope everyone will participate this summer. For the young in particular, it’s an opportunity to get involved and find a love for physical activity, while for the not so young, a reminder that exercise is good for you too.”

TAKEPART 2015 highlights include:

♦ June 20, 12noon to 5pm – free family fun day in Preston Park, sports activities, performances and meet club members.

♦ June 25, 10-3pm – Best of Health, the only event in Sussex based on health with disabilities at the King Alfred.

♦ June 27, 11am – 4pm – Bikestock at Stanmer Park, a fun cycling festival for all the family (suitable for all levels).

♦ June 28, 12noon – 5pm – Wild Park Youth Event, a free event for teens ages 12+ to come and play football with the Albion in the Community, have a go at archery, rock climbing, dance and more.

♦ June 30, 10am-1pm (registration from 9.30) – Active Forever event, free activities.

♦ July 4 & 5 – Paddle Round the Pier, the country’s largest free charity beach festival.

♦ June 20 – 5 July 5 – TAKEPARTs ‘Active After Work’ – a programme of after work events, competitions and challenges with colleagues. Activities include beginner-friendly competitions in ultimate frisbee, raft racing, beach tennis, rounders and more.

REVIEW: Take That in Dublin

Posted on 19/05/2015 by Alice Blezard

Take That recently kicked off their new UK live arena tour – their first tour since becoming a trio.

JASON Orange followed Robbie Williams in September last year and left the band, leaving Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald to go it alone.

The show at the 3 Arena in Dublin on May 8 began with support from X Factor contestant and ‘Ghost’ singer Ella Henderson, who wowed the crowd with her powerful vocals. Ella gave an impressive performance, and didn’t seem phased even when the crowd went quiet during some of the unknown songs from her debut album.

Performing together may be second nature for Gary, Mark and Howard, but performing as three-fifths of the band is definitely something new.

“We are what’s left of Take That!” they joked as they took to the stage, and yet their consistently strong performance gave no sign of anything being missing.

The stage production was complex and elaborate, with a huge cast of performers on stage throughout the show. Actors, dancers and aerial performers came together to give an intricate theatrical display, adding another element to the performance. Roaring flames, confetti canons, pyrotechnics and indoor rain went alongside the extravagant visual staging, transforming the venue into an ever-changing scene seemingly from another world.

During one song the arena was turned into a giant shadow puppet theatre, prompting the entire audience to stare up in awe.

The fantastic visual display did nothing to take away from the vocals, which were on point despite it being more than twenty years since the remaining members of Take That first embarked upon their musical careers.

Their high-energy performance throughout the two-hour set proved that despite their age, they are not struggling to keep up. Howard and Mark took a break from vocals during one song, leaving Gary to sing whilst they performed a contemporary dance piece, which saw the baffled audience treading a fine line between confusion and amusement.

With such an extensive back-catalogue of hits, it is hard to imagine how a satisfactory selection could be incorporated into just one concert, however the set list consisted of a well thought out balance between iconic classics, and their newer singles.

After a whole host of costume changes and many camp dance moves, Take That aptly concluded the set with Never Forget – and their impressive performance is something that the audience are not likely to forget any time soon.

Take That are bringing their tour to the London O2 from June 4-9.

For more information on Take That, click here:

Petition calls for ban on wild animals in circuses

Posted on 07/05/201507/05/2015 by Alice Blezard

A petition is calling for three Conservative parliamentary candidates to stop blocking a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses if they are re-elected.

DOZENS of animals are still kept in captivity and used in travelling circuses around the UK including lions, tigers, zebras and camels. And yet, a new law that is aiming to ban this use of wild animals in circuses has been repeatedly blocked by three Tory MPs as it goes through parliament.

The petition, which is hosted on the Care2 website, is demanding that Conservative candidates Andrew Rosindell, Christopher Chope and Phillip Davies stop blocking the ban should they be re-elected in the elections on May 7.

With the parliamentary candidates standing in Romford, Christchurch and Shipley, Care2 campaigner Emily Logan is hoping that voters in these areas will consider their candidate’s position on circus animals when they are deciding who to vote for.

The ban on the use of wild animals in circuses has previously had the backing of all major parties, and 90% of the British public, yet it was blocked by the three Tories when they were MPs in the last parliament.

Logan said: “Using wild animals in circuses for our ‘entertainment’ is outdated and cruel. By repeatedly blocking the bill in the last parliament against public opinion, they have shown that they are not willing to represent the views of their constituents, or to protect animals from abuse. We hope that they take note of the Care2 petition and pledge not to block a future ban. However, I expect that for a ban to pass in the next parliament it is crucial that these three MPs are not re-elected.”

With the petition accumulating more than 162,000 signatures so far, it has also gained support from the British Veterinary Association, and the RSPCA.

To sign the petition, click here:

Laughter abounds in Eastbourne

Posted on 06/05/201506/05/2015 by Alice Blezard

Eastbourne set to be a go-to destination for fans of comedy this summer.

EASTBOURNE Theatres will see Michael McIntyre, Alan Carr, Ruby Wax and Joe Pasquale take to the stage, amongst many other well-known comedians.

Dara O’Briain starts the ball rolling on May 8, with his show Crowd Tickler. One of the most recognisable faces on British TV as the host of Mock The Week and Star Gazing Live, expect fast-paced comedy from the king of audience interaction.

Next the rude, crude Roy Chubby Brown turns headlines into punch lines with his trademark insult humour on May 14 – if you are easily offended, stay away! (Age 18+)

Ruby Wax will make her first appearance in Eastbourne on May 23, with a hilarious set based on her critically acclaimed book Sane New World.

Tickets for Michael McIntyre’s show Work In Progress on July 2 are like gold dust; so call the box office today to catch a glimpse of this hugely popular cheeky chap, in preparation for his Happy and Glorious Tour.

Scotland’s biggest export Kevin Bridges performs two days later on the July 4, (recommended age 14+), whilst returning Eastbourne favourite Ken Dodd takes to the stage on August 2.

Join BAFTA and British Comedy Award winning comedian, author and chat show host Alan Carr for Yap, Yap, Yap on August 5, and the uniquely voiced Joe Pasquale on August 27.

All of this is in addition to the regular Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club evenings that take place on Fridays at the Winter Garden. This season’s dates are: July 31, August 28 and September 11. Back with a new earlier time of 7.30pm, tickets for the Comedy Club will be available from the Eastbourne Theatres Box Office for just £10 each.

To see full listings of all shows, click here:

Or telephone the box office on 01323 412000.

Paddle Round The Pier 2015

Posted on 06/05/2015 by Alice Blezard

With Summer just round the corner, on July 4 and 5, the worlds biggest charity beach festival is set to take place once again.

Paddle Round The Pier is an annual event that celebrates all things to do with beach sports and lifestyle. The free event has previously seen visitor numbers of over 50,000 gather on the beaches of Brighton and Hove throughout the weekend!

Run by volunteers since 1996, the award-winning event raises thousands of pounds for charity each year. The charities that have been chosen as the beneficiaries for Paddle Round The Pier 2015 are The RNLI, Rockinghorse and Brighton Kids Surf Life Saving Club.

The title event; Paddle Round The Pier itself takes place on the Sunday (July 5). This event sees a water-borne-blanket of entrants taking whatever they can get to float (surfboards, kayaks, dinghies etc), and paddling around the wreckage of the old West Pier.

Paddle Something Unusual is the biggest crowd-pleaser, and sees teams expressing their creativity and paddling all manner of crazy craft around the pier! Previous years have seen everything from aeroplanes to cranes, from a bed to a shed – the only guidelines are to make it as ridiculous (yet safe) as possible, to raise lots of money and have a spectacularly good laugh doing so!

As well as the paddling events, visitors can enjoy the ‘Paddle Village’, with 80,000m² of exhibition, retail and entertainment space. Three music stages will feature up-and-coming acts, with The Ukulele Stage introducing some of the best 4-string-strumming from across the UK, and the extremely popular Kids entertainment stage.

Within the Paddle village is the Paddle Lecture Theatre, featuring 30-minute micro-lectures on oceanography, boat building, surfboard design and big wave riding amongst many other subjects. There will also be restaurants, bars, and lots of have-a-go sessions on land and sea for all to try.

For full listings and more details, click here:

Magazine printed in HIV+ blood fronts anti stigma campaign

Posted on 06/05/201512/05/2015 by Alice Blezard

Progressive German men’s lifestyle mag Vangardist has printed it’s latest edition using HIV+ blood in a bid to ‘end the social stigma’ that is associated with the virus.

IN a new campaign headed by Saatchi & Saatchi Switzerland for Vangardist, the magazine – which is a leading men’s monthly in Germany – is, quite literally, putting the issue in it’s reader’s hands. For it’s Spring Edition, Vangardist has infused its printing ink with the sterilized blood of HIV positive donors in order to fight the stigma that is associated with HIV and AIDS.

The Executive Creative Director of Saatchi & Saatchi Switzerland, Jason Romeyko, said: “With this unique project, we want to create a response in a heartbeat by transforming the media into the very root of the stigma itself – by printing every word, line, picture and page of the magazine with the blood from HIV+ people. By holding the issue, readers are immediately breaking the taboo.”

The blood came from three donors: Wiltrud, a mother; Wyndham, a homosexual man; and Phillip, a heterosexual man. The blood was sterilized and then mixed into the printing press ink, which was then used for the 3,000 limited edition copies of the issue. A further 15,000 copies have been printed in basic ink without the addition of blood.

Julie Wiehl, Publisher and CEO of Vangardist said: “The editorial team at Vangardist is committed to dealing with a wide variety of topics affecting our readers. We believe that as a lifestyle magazine it is our responsibility to address the issues shaping society today.”

The special edition issue is part of an online social media campaign, aimed at breaking the stereotypes that are associated with HIV, and those that surround the people who live with it. #HIVHEROES seeks to break the stigma, and encourage people to make a statement and join the conversation about HIV & AIDS.

Despite 30 years of campaigning, HIV remains a relatively unspoken subject within society. The negative preconceptions that are associated with the virus are undoubtedly are one of the main obstacles that stand in the way of open communication and effective management. Vangardist believes that it is essential for conversations around this topic to be reignited.

The magazine is available to buy or read online via the Vangardist website, and it is also on sale in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. Profits from this edition are being donated to HIV and AIDS focused charities.

To buy a copy of Vangardist magazine online, click here:

For more information on the campaign and to show your support, click here:

Trading Standards issue safety warning

Posted on 04/05/201504/05/2015 by Alice Blezard

A warning has been issued by Brighton & Hove City Council’s Trading Standard Service because of concerns that a potentially harmful substance – labelled as a Miracle Mineral Solution – could have been on sale at an event in Sussex over this Bank Holiday weekend.

TRADING Standards have been made aware that the Spirit of Health Congress was being held in the area this weekend, and there are concerns that Miracle Mineral Solution (MMS) and Chlorine Dioxide Solution (CDS) was available to buy at the event.

The Food Standards Agency has previously warned that Miracle Mineral Solution (MMS) and Chlorine Dioxide Solution (CDS) should not be consumed.

MMS, also known as Miracle Mineral Supplement, is sold as an oral supplement and is a 28% sodium chlorite solution, which is equivalent to industrial-strength bleach. When taken as directed it could cause severe nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, potentially leading to dehydration and reduced blood pressure. If the solution is diluted less than instructed, it could cause damage to the gut and red blood cells, potentially resulting in respiratory failure.

Although CDS is a more dilute product and not as potentially dangerous as MMS, it could irritate and damage the skin and gastrointestinal tract if swallowed. Other similar products containing chlorine solutions in varying strengths are available. These should also be avoided.

Anyone who is aware of these products being sold should contact their local Trading Standards team on 03454 04 05 06.

Anyone who has bought any of these products should throw them away.

If someone has consumed MMS, CDS or similar products and feels unwell, they should consult their doctor immediately.

Huge support for rent reductions

Posted on 04/05/2015 by Alice Blezard

Nearly 3,000 people in Brighton & Hove have signed a petition calling for fair rents and more security for tenants in private rented homes.

The petition organised by the local Living Rent Campaign also calls for:

· An end the Governments Right to Buy scheme which has led to the sale of more than 1.7 million affordable homes

· An increase in the amount councils can borrow to build more social housing

· And a landlords registration scheme to ensure all private rented homes are decent, safe and secure

Private housing rents have been rocketing in cities like Brighton & Hove. The average rent for a three bedroomed house in Brighton and Hove will cost you around £1,556 per month. More than a third (37%) of all private rented homes in the City still fail the Decent Home Standard.

Caroline Lucas, Green Party Parliamentary Candidate for Brighton Pavilion, has given her full backing for fair rents in the city.

She said: “It’s unacceptable that private rents are unaffordable for so many people. We have to go further than just limiting future increases as some have suggested. In Brighton & Hove, it’s like shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted! I support calls for a Living Rent commission to explore proposals that will bring rents down to truly affordable levels.”

Adding: “Longer tenancies and rent controls work in Germany where private renting is popular and works for both tenants and the landlords. We need something similar here.”

Living Rent Campaign research shows landlords can thrive with rent controls and longer tenancies.

In Germany and many other European countries, rents are lower and private tenants have more protections than in the UK. On the continent, landlords see housing as providing a long-term, stable income as opposed to the get rich as quick as possible approach in the UK.

Buy to let landlords here have been making greater profits than any other investors, even though they can afford to charge less rent and often these profits are funded by taxpayers through housing benefit payments. In Brighton alone last year, £112 million of public money was paid to private landlords in housing benefit.

The petition will be handed to parliamentary and council candidates in Brighton & Hove before the election.

Anti-bullying charity celebrate landmark achievement

Posted on 04/05/201504/05/2015 by Alice Blezard

Leading anti-bullying charity Diversity Role Models celebrate the delivery of their 1000th workshop.

DIVERSITY Role Models is a ground-breaking charity that provides workshops within UK schools with the aim of tackling homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying. Since the charity was founded in 2011 it has reached an impressive 22,853 students, including an estimated 1,370 young LGBT people.

Students attend workshops that feature LGBT and straight ally role models, who then chat with the students and bring a message of acceptance and exclusivity into the classroom. By speaking directly to young people about their experiences, Diversity Role Models hopes to put a stop to bullying before it happens.

The difference made by these workshops is made clear in the feedback that Diversity Role Models receives from the students themselves. They recently received feedback from James (not his real name), a young gay man whose school they visited in 2014: “It was a while ago that you guys came to our school. But it’s genuinely helped me so much for being able to come out to my family and friends. Thanks so much and keep on doing the amazing work you’re doing! It made all the people around me more accepting too!”

The workshops provided by Diversity Role Models also have a strong impact on the straight, cisgendered peers of young LGBT people. As a result of the workshops, 94% of students say that they will treat LGBT people better and 88% say that they will challenge homophobia.

Suran Dickinson, CEO of Diversity Role Models, said: “Since we launched in 2011, Diversity Role Models has helped over a thousand young LGBT people like James. The positive and honest nature of our workshops help to break down prejudice, and encourages young people to allow their peers the freedom to be themselves, without fear and shame. We’re immensely proud to deliver our 1000th workshop. Here’s to the next 100 workshops that will help even more young LGBT people.“

To find out more about Diversity Role Models, click here:

LGBT Workplace Inclusion Leaves Much To Be Desired

Posted on 03/05/201503/05/2015 by Alice Blezard

The 2014 Workplace Pride Foundation’s Global Benchmark Survey finds that many employers still have a long way to go before the inclusion of LGBT people in the workplace is a reality.

The Workplace Pride Foundation is an Amsterdam-based not-for-profit organization, which has worked for 9 years to increase the acceptance of LGBT people in the workplace; both in The Netherlands, and internationally.

Founded in 2006, it is an international platform for the inclusion of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people at work. Its 43 members employ more than 2 million people worldwide, and share the vision that LGBT people should be fully visible, accepted and valued in the workplace as well as within wider society.

In 2014 the Foundation launched the Global Benchmark survey, measuring the progress of an organization’s LGBT policies and practices on both a national, and an international level. 19 multinational companies, representing almost 2 million employees worldwide took part in the 2014 survey.

The survey found that only 35% of the organisations around the world that participated in their Global Benchmark Survey provided adequate support and benefits for their LGBT employees. Less than 50% of those are reported to have included any type of training for the awareness of LGBT people in the workplace – and this data comes from the forward-thinking employers who chose to take part in the survey.

Employers from around the world are invited to take part in the 2015 Global Benchmark Survey. The survey is conducted via a free online survey of 41 questions, which measure the LGBT policies and practices of an organisation and their global operations.

Participants are scored on topics such as workplace awareness, inclusion and engagement, policy and communications. Participants will receive an individual report, with a qualitative and quantitative breakdown of their score. With this management tool in hand, participants will be better equipped to effect change within their organisation, if and where it is needed.

Submissions for the 2015 Global Benchmark will be accepted until July 31 at midnight.

Results will be announced at the end of October 2015 during the Workplace Pride Leadership Awards Dinner.

To view the 2015 Global Benchmark Survey, click here:

Call us now

Author: Alice Blezard

Sound Tennis, Pole Fitness and Freestyle Frisbee to debut at TAKEPART

TAKEPART festival kicks off on June 20, offering attendees the chance to TAKEPART in a wide range of sports and activities.

REVIEW: Take That in Dublin

Take That recently kicked off their new UK live arena tour – their first tour since becoming a trio.

Petition calls for ban on wild animals in circuses

A petition is calling for three Conservative parliamentary candidates to stop blocking a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses if they are re-elected.

Laughter abounds in Eastbourne

Eastbourne set to be a go-to destination for fans of comedy this summer.

Paddle Round The Pier 2015

With Summer just round the corner, on July 4 and 5, the worlds biggest charity beach festival is set to take place once again.

Magazine printed in HIV+ blood fronts anti stigma campaign

Progressive German men’s lifestyle mag Vangardist has printed it’s latest edition using HIV+ blood in a bid to ‘end the social stigma’ that is associated with the virus.

Trading Standards issue safety warning

A warning has been issued by Brighton & Hove City Council’s Trading Standard Service because of concerns that a potentially harmful substance – labelled as a Miracle Mineral Solution – could have been on sale at an event in Sussex over this Bank Holiday weekend.

Huge support for rent reductions

Nearly 3,000 people in Brighton & Hove have signed a petition calling for fair rents and more security for tenants in private rented homes.

Anti-bullying charity celebrate landmark achievement

Leading anti-bullying charity Diversity Role Models celebrate the delivery of their 1000th workshop.

LGBT Workplace Inclusion Leaves Much To Be Desired

The 2014 Workplace Pride Foundation’s Global Benchmark Survey finds that many employers still have a long way to go before the inclusion of LGBT people in the workplace is a reality.

Latest News

Call us now

TAKEPART festival kicks off on June 20, offering attendees the chance to TAKEPART in a wide range of sports and activities.

Share this:

Take That recently kicked off their new UK live arena tour – their first tour since becoming a trio.

Share this:

A petition is calling for three Conservative parliamentary candidates to stop blocking a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses if they are re-elected.

Share this:

Eastbourne set to be a go-to destination for fans of comedy this summer.

Share this:

With Summer just round the corner, on July 4 and 5, the worlds biggest charity beach festival is set to take place once again.

Share this:

Progressive German men’s lifestyle mag Vangardist has printed it’s latest edition using HIV+ blood in a bid to ‘end the social stigma’ that is associated with the virus.

Share this:

A warning has been issued by Brighton & Hove City Council’s Trading Standard Service because of concerns that a potentially harmful substance – labelled as a Miracle Mineral Solution – could have been on sale at an event in Sussex over this Bank Holiday weekend.

Share this:

Nearly 3,000 people in Brighton & Hove have signed a petition calling for fair rents and more security for tenants in private rented homes.

Share this:

Leading anti-bullying charity Diversity Role Models celebrate the delivery of their 1000th workshop.

Share this:

The 2014 Workplace Pride Foundation’s Global Benchmark Survey finds that many employers still have a long way to go before the inclusion of LGBT people in the workplace is a reality.

Share this:

Latest News