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Leptospirosis associated with a Triathlon event

Open water swimmers warned to take precautions to reduce the risk of illness.

Public Health England

Public Health England is aware of two confirmed and one possible case of leptospirosis associated with a weekend of triathlon events which took place at the Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Activity Centre, in the New Forest, Hampshire between May 30 and June 2 2014. There were also two possible cases in non-UK residents, one of which has been confirmed.

The 167 participants who took part in the triathlon event were from around the UK, Europe, India and the USA. All the swimming events used the same lake and all participants have been informed of the recent illnesses by an email from the event organiser, Enduroman.

The time between exposure to the bacteria which causes leptospirosis and when symptoms first become apparent is 7 to 21 days. As this time has now passed since the triathlon event, it is unlikely any new cases will be identified but it is possible retrospective cases may be picked up.

Dr Hilary Kirkbride
Dr Hilary Kirkbride

Dr Hilary Kirkbride, consultant epidemiologist at Public Health England (PHE), said: “Although we are not expecting to see any new cases associated with these events, we advise people who took part in the swimming events and have been feeling unwell or develop symptoms to visit their GP and take the email notification from the event organisers with them. We are working closely with the event organisers who have been cooperating fully with our investigation.

“Early signs of leptospirosis include flu-like symptoms, vomiting, high temperature, headaches and muscle pains. The infection can be treated with antibiotics and most people will make a full recovery. In some cases leptospirosis can be a serious illness and patients may require admission to hospital for treatment.”

Edgar Ette, event organiser for the triathlon event at Enduroman, said: “This is a very unfortunate incident and we have made sure all participants were informed of the recent illnesses by email. We are working closely with PHE and will continue to provide updates.”

Open water swimming is growing in popularity in the UK but there have been outbreaks of gastrointestinal infections (diarrhoea and/or vomiting) associated with mass participation events, as well as cases of respiratory, skin, ear and eye infections.

Most symptoms of these illnesses are generally mild, caused by organisms such as norovirus, giardia and cryptosporidium.

However, there is also a risk of more severe infections caused by organisms such as E. coli O157 which may cause severe gastrointestinal illness as well as leptospirosis, which can cause liver and kidney problems.

Dr Kirkbride, continued: “In the UK, cases of leptospirosis are uncommon. There is no reason why people should not participate in freshwater activities such as swimming, sailing, water skiing or windsurfing, but we advise people to take simple precautions to reduce their risk of infection before engaging in these leisure pursuits. Practical measures swimmers can take include minimising the swallowing of water, showering soon after swimming and washing hands before eating.”

 

Pride Community Sports Day at Preston Park

Join BLAGSS for the Spandex Spectacular on July 27.

BLAGSS Community Sports Day

Is your lycra stuck in the back of the closet desperate to come out? Are your trainers bored of street life and longing for some friendly competition? Are your friends and work colleagues in need of some camp team building?

If the answer is yes, then join Brighton Pride at their inaugural Community Sports Day at Preston Park on Sunday, July 27 and let the camp games begin.

Brighton Pride in association with BLAGSS, the Brighton Lesbian and Gay Sports Society, are organising  a unique community sports day, filled with fun, sparkling spandex and disco themed frolics, all in aid of Brighton Pride and The Rainbow Fund.

Share a day of lycra and laughs as the community gets competitive, in the nicest possible way, for a day of team events including an egg and spoon race, hoola hoop bowling, three-legged race, toss the handbag (the furthest and straightest wins!), a super sack race, disco drag dressing race and the bona no-hands beach ball challenge.

With participation medals for everyone, prizes for the winners, plenty of activities for all to enjoy alongside the competitions including a chance to join Sussex County Cricket club’s introduction to Street 20 Cricket workshop, the Community Sports Day is the perfect excuse to get kitted up and have plenty of sporty fun for Brighton Pride.

For more information and to register your Pride Community Sports Day team EMAIL: 

What:  Pride Community Sports Day

Where: Preston Park, Brighton

When: Sunday July 27

Time: 12 noon

For more information about Brighton Pride, CLICK HERE:

Totnes celebrate Pride on September 6

Totnes PrideHigh profile LGBT figures will be attending this year’s Totnes Pride to show their support for LGBT people in Devon.

Devon-based social enterprise Proud2Be Project have announced that they will be staging Totnes Pride on Saturday, September 6.

Three high profile LGBT figures are set to attend this year’s event, which will bring Devon’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans community (LGBT) together with their friends, families and supporters, for a full day and night of celebration in the town.

 

Peter Tatchell
Peter Tatchell

Proud2Be Patron, and human rights campaigner, Peter Tatchell said about last year’s event: “I was very proud to be a part of Totnes Pride 2013. It was a great success, with a wonderful community atmosphere and double the numbers expected…Bring on Totnes Pride 2014!”

Christine Burns, MBE is a retired political activist best known for her work with trans charity Press for Change. Christine was awarded an MBE in 2005 in recognition of her work representing transgender people.

Christine Burns MBE
Christine Burns MBE

She said: “This is a really important milestone year for LGBT people. It is a watershed because we now celebrate our diversity in a country where same sex marriage is a reality. It also marks ten years since the passage of the Gender Recognition Act. Trans people got a bad deal out of equal marriage. The degree of homophobia and transphobia we all face is even more visible than before. These truths underline that full equality and safety isn’t here yet. That’s why public displays of our pride and solidarity continue to be important. It’s why I’m pleased to be a part of Totnes Pride.”

Suran Dickson is the Founder and Chief Executive of Diversity Role Models, a charity which tackles homophobic bullying in schools by doing workshops with positive role models.

Suran Dickinson
Suran Dickinson

Suran said: “Diversity Role Models has seen a fantastic response to its anti-bullying workshops in Devon so I am delighted to be part of Totnes Pride in 2014. While we have seen significant legislative changes recently, bullying related to sexuality and gender is still a huge concern. Pride events are a great opportunity to come together, celebrate and think about what needs to be done next.”

Proud2Be will be organising a variety of events on Saturday, September 6. The day starts at 9.00am at Vire Island, with opening speeches from Peter Tatchell and Christine Burns, who together with award winning Samba ROC Band will then lead a procession up Fore Street and High Street to Totnes Civic Hall.

At the Civic Hall visitors can enjoy community art projects, inspiring talks and workshops, a variety of community information stands, Dot’s Diner, a craft area, face painting, Loz’s clay room, and an LGBT cinema and library.

There will be a Question Time-style panel discussion where Peter, Christine and Suran will be joined by Jess MacIntyre, founder of ReachOut, a support network for LGBT refugees and asylum seekers in the UK and Alan Salt who from September, will be the new Principal at King Edward VI Community College in Totnes.

The fun continues into the evening at Totnes Pride After Party at The Barrel House from 7pm, which will feature live music from The Hummingbirds, Yourgardenday, popular Disco Funk band Golddust, visual projections from Sildy and a DJ set from Madame Souza.

Entry to the daytime events at Totnes Civic Hall is just £2 for adults, £1 for 11-18 year olds, and is free to those under 11.

To book tickets to the Totnes Pride After Party costing £10.00, CLICK HERE:

Mat and Jon Price
Mat and Jon Price

Proud to Be began three years ago when gay identical twin brothers, Mat and Jon Price sat in front of their web cam and recorded a short video. In the video they explained how they are both “proud to be gay”.

Since then a number of high profile LGBT figures have contributed to the international campaign including Stephen Fry who said: “I am happy to be counted as a supporter of Proud2Be at every turn”.

As well as running the campaign, Proud2Be holds a number of social events in South Devon, has their own community radio show, facilitates workshops and provides consultancy to a number of organisations across the UK.

Next year, Proud2Be will launch a Devon-wide Youth Service and open the first rural LGBT community hub in South Devon.

Jon Price, said: “We are so excited about this year’s Pride.” 

“Along with our committee and volunteers, we have been working hard to ensure that Totnes Pride is a community event we can all be proud of.”

Mat Price added: “We are thrilled with the support we have received from the local community.”

“For us Totnes Pride is not only a chance to celebrate diversity in our town but to also acknowledge how far we have come as a community in our fight for equality and how much there is still left to achieve.”

Proud2Be need volunteers on the big day.

If you would like to get involved EMAIL:  

To find out more about Totnes Pride, CLICK HERE:

Frankmusik’s perfect synth-pop comes to Brighton Pride

Vincent James Turner aka Frankmusik will be appearing on the Brighton Pride Main Stage on August 2.

Frankmusik
Frankmusik

Frankmusik is an artist whose electronic synth pop was influenced by an early childhood soundtrack of The Jam, Yazoo, the Drum’n’Bass of Nicky Black Market’s Mixtapes, Basement Jaxx, Daft Punk and Fatboy Slim.

Apart from being a singer Frankmusik is a producer, remixer and top line writer with a trademark retro electric synthesized sound. After a four year stint in Los Angeles Vincent moved back to London to start working independently on his music. Since his return from the US, he has released three solo albums Between, Between Us and By Nicole, the latter reaching the number 1 spot on the iTunes electronic music chart in the UK.

Frank has just wrapped up his latest 6 track EP with fashion label MoonGazer, a collaborative project that has seen the fashion label design a T-shirt based around Frankmusik’s fan base. Now he is working on his next album called East, which will be out later this year. Aside from his solo project Frank has recently produced and co-written three songs for Pussy Cat Doll Ashley Roberts.

FrankmusikTalking about his forthcoming Main Stage performance at Brighton Pride, Frank said: “I am a huge advocate for gay rights and freedoms so playing Brighton is an incredible honour for me. Whenever I have played live in Brighton it’s always been a pleasure and I look forward to returning to play such an eclectic event full of fun and purpose”.

Grab a ringside seat for his Brighton Pride performance and become one of the many who need a Frankmusik soundtrack in their lives.

What: Pride Brighton & Hove 2014: Freedom To Live

Where: Pride Festival, Preston Park

When: Saturday, August 2

Time: 12noon – 10pm

Tickets: Early bird/discounted advance tickets are SOLD OUT. Tickets now £20, more on the day.

For more information and to book online, CLICK HERE: 

 

 

 

Labour administration will strengthen tenants’ rights

Cllr Chaun Wilson
Cllr Chaun Wilson

Labour unveils plans to strengthen tenants’ rights in Brighton and Hove

Labour in Brighton and Hove have unveiled radical plans to strengthen tenants’ rights and root out unscrupulous landlords across the City if elected next May. The party has confirmed it will consult on the introduction of a licensing regime for all private sector accommodation across the City.

The proposals, based on the successful scheme currently in operation in Newham, where over 30,000 licences have been issued since February 2013, would see landlords pay a small fee for a five year licence to rent their property out.

To receive a licence, landlords would have to demonstrate their ability to maintain their property to standards agreed with the Council and woulod be required to put in place robust tenancy management arrangements, giving more safeguards and greater protection to tenants across the City.

Commenting on the proposals, Councillor Chaun Wilson, Labour’s Housing Spokesperson, said: “With the largest private rented sector in England outside London, it is only right we look at measures to strengthen tenants’ rights and protect them from poor quality housing. Building on the proposals previously announced by Ed Miliband, this would bring much-needed stability and security to those living in the private rented sector. This again demonstrates the positive difference electing a Labour Government in 2015 would bring to people living in Brighton and Hove.”

If introduced, Labour would look to align the new licensing regime with the existing scheme in operation for HMOs for certain wards in the City, to ensure the same standards are also enforced for housing rented out to students.

The Council would have the power to fine landlords who fail to register with the scheme and recover any rents or housing benefits paid while a property was not licensed. In Newham, where the scheme has been operating for the past year, the Council has successfully taken action against over 100 landlords flouting the new rules, curbing anti-social behaviour and crime associated with poor quality accommodation.

Stuff a condom pack for Brighton Pride

Sexual health charity, Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) will be handing out thousands of condom packs during Brighton Pride weekend starting August 1.

Terrence HIggins Trust

THT need help over the next few weeks to stuff condoms and lube into the special packs they will hand out on the big day.

Do you and a friend have two hours free on a Thursday evening in July to help with the stuffing?

THT rely on supporters, friends and family to help complete this mammoth task. Please lend a hand.

What: Condom pack stuffing

Where: Terrence Higgins Trust Brighton, 61 Ship Street, BN1 1AE

When:  Every Thursday evening in July from 18:30 – 20:30pm

Who: Everyone Welcome

Free refreshments and snacks will of course be available.

For more information, EMAIL: 

 

 

Labour Shadow Housing Minister visits Brighton

Leaders from Movement for Change’s Home Sweet Home campaign in Brighton & Hove met with Emma Reynolds MP, The Labour Party’s Shadow Housing Minister, and shared their experiences and stories of renting in Brighton.

Home Sweet Home

At a private rented home, they outlined the aims of their campaign and how they have taken action to change the situation locally, as well as discussing with her Labour’s plans for reforming renting if elected in 2015. The meeting was a house meeting of campaign leaders and supporters, and took place at the rented home of one of the campaigners.

The campaign is organised by Movement for Change, a national organisation that works to change the nature of politics by working with those directly affected by big issues in local communities.

Home Sweet Home leaders, Labour Prospective Parliamentary Candidates, Brighton Housing Trust Representatives and Candice Armah of Brighton Students Union were amongst those at the event.

They asked Reynolds to work with them to ensure that policy reflects their experiences on the ground, a request she accepted. This will culminate with an appearance together at Labour Party Conference this year.

Following the house meeting, Home Sweet Home activists took the shadow minister onto the streets to listen to other renters in the city to help them decide on the next steps of their campaign.

The visit follows major success for grassroots campaigns in major cities across the UK led by Movement for Change, as Ed Miliband pledged to make rents more predictable, ban rip-off letting agent fees and issue three year tenancy contracts.

The Labour Party Leader’s policy announcement was a response to campaigners directly affected by poor conditions and irresponsible landlords in the private rented sector, showcasing Movement for Change campaigns turning grassroots campaigning into party policy.

Emma Reynolds, MP
Emma Reynolds, MP

Emma Reynolds, Labour’s Shadow Housing Minister, said: “It was great to meet the private renters in Brighton who have been campaigning successfully to improve standards in their local area.

“The issues the people in Brighton face are the same as many renters across the country. There are nine million people who rent, including over one million families with children, and they deserve a stable home and that is why a Labour government will take action to deliver them a fairer deal.

“We will ban letting agent fees on tenants and we will legislate to make three year tenancies with predictable rents the standard.

“It was great to hear from renters in Brighton first-hand about their campaign because Generation Rent has been ignored for too long. The Tories and Lib Dems have failed to act but the next Labour Government will and give renters the peace of mind they need.”

Home Sweet Home leader Chris Henry, added: “It was great to have Emma Reynolds here in Brighton to hear what we have been organising for. Brighton and Hove has a lot of problems with its housing market- as our campaign highlights. However, these problems aren’t just happening here in Brighton. Every day people in the UK live in terrible conditions in houses which are cold, damp, mouldy, and in dire need of repair. Every day people live with the high costs or renting such as letting agent fees, huge deposits, and hidden charges they never saw coming.

“Even if it’s not high prices and low quality, you worry about the strength of your contract and the service you’re going to receive – is the letting agent you’ve signed with a crook or not? Will the landlord actually do the repairs he promised? That’s why it’s so important to take the work we’ve been doing locally up to the national level – we need to see national change.”

Home Sweet Home leader Lydia Snodin, concluded, saying: “As much we can fight it here in Brighton, there has to be national action to make a difference to all those living in private rented accommodation who need change to happen now. That’s why it’s fantastic that Emma agreed to hear what we have to say, and tell us what she plans to do about it if Labour win next year.”

Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Brighton Pavilion Purna Sen, said: “The recent Home Sweet Home campaign, led by Movement for Change, has highlighted some of the worst aspects of the private rental sector that impacts on many local tenants. Not least of all, they have drawn attention to the failure of landlords and letting agents to fulfil their basic responsibilities to maintain properties and carry out repairs.”

Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Hove and Portslade Peter Kyle added: “The housing market in Hove has a huge private rented sector, and Home Sweet Home has done an important job in highlighting the problems some people are experiencing. It is really inspiring to see so many young people getting involved in the campaign and fighting back against these problems.

“When I was a student here in Brighton I wish I had found a group of people who could’ve fought against some of the things we put up with from bad landlords. It’s been fantastic to have Emma Reynolds here today to listen to what campaigners have to say and to see her take that away to help shape Labour’s offer for 2015- we are the party that are out listening to people and the concerns they have.”

 

Latest issue of The UK Pink Humanist now available

Free ThinkerThe latest issue of the Pink Humanist carries a feature article about the documentary, God Loves Uganda which exposes the extent of the damage done to the LGBT community in African countries, notably by US Evangelicals.

Among many activities that took place around the world to mark World Humanist Day, Swiss freethinkers screened the documentary that has enraged Evangelical Christians, particularly in the United States, where God Loves Uganda was released to critical acclaim last year.

Described in the Huffington Post as “the most terrifying film of the year”, God Loves Uganda premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January, and was shown nationwide on PBS channels in the US last month. It has also just been released on DVD.

The award-winning documentary was produced and directed by gay Afro-American filmmaker, Roger Ross Williams, who exposes how big a role foreign evangelicals have played in the African political sphere to encourage violent homophobia, and promote draconian anti-gay legislation.

Also in the latest issue is an article written by Sue Cox, who tells how she overcame the deep emotional damage she suffered as a result of being sexually abused by a Catholic priest.

Sue is co-founder of an organisation called Survivors Voice Europe, which unites and helps victims of Catholic clerical abuse, and in the article she expresses her deep appreciation of the help she has received from atheists and humanists.

Another fascinating piece is an examination of the life of Edward Carpenter (1844 – 1929) an openly gay English socialist poet and philosopher who was instrumental in the foundation of the Fabian Society and the Labour Party. Friends of Edward Carpenter are campaigning to have a memorial set up for this early LGBT activist in Sheffield.

The issue also carries a report that Spain – once staunchly and oppressively Catholic – has all but ditched the Roman Catholic Church, and has embraced secularism to such an extent that it now emerged as the most tolerant and gay-friendly country in the world.

To read the latest issue, CLICK HERE:

For more information about the Pink Triangle Trust, CLICK HERE:

 

 

 

Accolade for Brighton’s ‘Indian Summer’ restaurant

Brighton’s Indian Summer has been named among the best Indian restaurants in the country, alongside London Michelin-starred eateries in this year’s Best in Britain Awards (BIBA).

Indian Summer
Indian Summer

The awards are organised by the Federation of Specialist Restaurants and judged by Mood Food magazine.

Indian Summer co owner Minesh Agnihotri, said: “Indian Summer has already been named as one of the top 100 Indian restaurants by the Cobra Good Curry Guide, so to be on an even shorter list in such exalted company as Michelin-starred venues like Tamarind, Benares and Quilion is a fantastic recognition.”

The Best in Britain Awards originated in 1999 to support the growth and development of ever higher standards in the ethnic restaurant sector, giving annual recognition to those restaurants Mood Food editor Peter Grove feels to be exceptional.

Also on this year’s top 50 list are TV chef Cyrus Todiwala’s Cafe Spice Namaste, Vivek Singh’s Cinnamon Club, the ornate La Porte des Indes, Cinnamon Club, Gymkhana, Bombay Brasserie and The Ambrette.

Indian Summer edged out several other famous Indian eateries, including London’s Chor Bizarre, Eriki, Gaylord and Veeraswamy, which received ‘High Recommended’ accolades.

For full details on the awards, CLICK HERE: 

Indian Summer Indian Summer Ball

On Saturday, July 26 Indian Summer will be hosting a masquerade for EPIC charity providing palliative care for terminally ill cancer patients, with live music from the EPIC 80s band, “the south coast’s finest ‘80s tribute band”, Indian Summer street food, cocktail bar, ice cream stall, masked photos, charity auction and raffle.

The black tie & ball gown masked event will be held at the Brighton & Hove Sixth Form College (BHASVIC) from 7.30pm until midnight. Tickets cost £18, which includes a welcome drink.

Tickets available direct from the restaurant and the Indian Summer website:

To book a ticket online, CLICK HERE:

 

 

Victim named in Brighton murder enquiry

The man who was found dead at a property in Brighton in the early hours of Friday (July 4) has been named as Nicholas Widgery, 26, of Newham in London.

Sussex Police

A post mortem has been carried out, but the cause of death has not yet been established and toxicology results are awaited.

A 41-year-old man, a 28-year-old man and a 24-year-old man, all from Brighton, were arrested on suspicion of murder. They have been bailed until September 4.

Detectives launched an investigation after a 30-year-old man with head injuries was found dead at a property in Upper Rock Gardens, Brighton. Police were alerted at 4.21am on Friday (July 4) after ambulance personnel called to the address were unable to revive the man.

Anyone with information is asked to phone Sussex Police on 101 or EMAIL:  quoting Operation Greehill.

Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers free and anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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