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Month: January 2017

Brighton HIV charity to close its psychological services

Posted on by Besi

Following last month’s announcement that The Sussex Beacon was suffering financial difficulties, the charity announced today it is to close its psychological services at the end of March this year, due to a loss of funding.

The Sussex Beacon

Three posts, the Head of Health and Wellbeing Services, the Senior Psychological Practitioner and the Trainee Psychological Practitioner will be affected and made redundant at the end of March 2017.

Funding historically for this service came from The Monument Trust and the Henry Smith Charity. The Monument Trust is to close this year and will be giving no further funding to The Sussex Beacon. As a result, the charity is no longer able to offer psychological services to people living with HIV. The only exception is the charity’s monthly mindfulness group, which will continue as normal.

Simon Dowe

Simon Dowe, Chief Executive at The Sussex Beacon, said: “Without the necessary funding, it’s impossible for us to keep our psychological services running. This is a huge blow to the charity as these are long-standing members of staff who have provided invaluable support to people living with HIV over the years. We are doing all we can to support the staff affected and will consult with our clients to ensure that those who would like to access alternative local services are transferred as smoothly as possible.” 

In a letter to service users Simon wrote: “We are doing all we can to support the staff affected and will consult with our clients to ensure that those who would like to access alternative local psychological services are transferred as smoothly as possible before the end of March.”

The Sussex Beacon provides specialist support and care for people living with HIV through both inpatient and outpatient services. It helps hundreds of people living with HIV in Sussex a year and was rated ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission in September.

In December 2016, The Sussex Beacon announced it was facing the prospect of closing services, including its ten bed inpatient unit, following a reduction in funding it receives from the NHS.

Charity management and trustees have made and are continuing to make every effort to put the organisation in a stronger financial position to avoid these closures.

A petition to Save the Sussex Beacon has been launched, to sign it, click here: 

For further information about The Sussex Beacon, click here:

 

 

First Pride for Eastbourne

Posted on by Besi

Eastbourne to celebrate its very first Pride with a Mardi Gras style, family friendly parade and park event on Saturday, July 22 at Princess Park.

Organisers say there will be a main stage with live entertainment, a dance tent with DJs playing all day and community stalls for local groups, organisations, statutory bodies and businesses.

The day will start with a parade along the seafront heading into Princess Park, which is located between Eastbourne Pier and the Sovereign Harbour Marina.

Ms Gallacher chairperson of the Bourne Out LGBT social group, one of the main organisations involved said: “This is going to be a first for Eastbourne, and this will be a real celebration of equality, diversity and families.

“We have tremendous support for this locally and it is an event that will grow and grow, I have no doubt about that. We must break down barriers of hate and homophobia.”

Brett McLean from the Eastbourne Federation of Small Businesses, said the event “will undoubtedly boost tourism locally” and warned organisers of Brighton Pride to “watch out!”

If you want to be a sponsor, volunteer or helper, click here:

For more information about the event telephone Scottie on 07956 580320 or email: bettygallagher@gmail.com

On Saturday February 4 Bourne Out will hold a fundraiser from 8pm – midnight to benefit Eastbourne Pride at the Cumberland Hotel, 34-36 Grand Parade Eastbourne, BN21 3YT. Entry is £5 and all profits will go to help stage Eastbourne Pride.

Gladrags fundraiser in March – ‘Fast Forward Flashback’

Posted on by Graham Robson

GLADRAGS, the community costume resource charity to stage a fundraising party open to the public, called Fast Forward Flashback.

It will take place on Saturday March 4, from 7pm to midnight, at the New Venture Theatre and Bar, Bedford Place in Brighton.

The evening will be 1950s themed and there will be entertainment in the form of live music, dance and other acts, and interactive fun, including a 1950s photo booth, swing/jive lessons and pop-up vintage beauty salon.

There will be a mini auction to raise further funds for the charity.

Everyone is encouraged to dress up and Gladrags are offering a discounted rate to those who want to hire from their range of vintage 50s outfits at Gladrags.

There will be a VERY affordable bar all night, and DJ later on.

Gladrags Community Costume Resource is a unique charity providing costumes to a range of community groups, schools amateur dramatics and health & wellbeing projects at subsidised rates, making their creative projects possible by making costume hire affordable.

They have been in existence for nearly 23 years and also hire to the general public as a means of funding their charitable aims and objectives..

They are largely run by dedicated volunteers and take the magic of costumes to groups and individuals who experience disadvantage, providing: children’s dressing-up and interactive storytelling activities; sewing and craft courses for children and young people with special educational needs and learning disabilities; reminiscence sessions with older people and those living with dementia.

The funds raised will help them to pursue this outreach work further and reach more people.

Clare Barnard of The Early Childhood Project in Brighton says about their Storybox Sessions at the Tarner Children’s Centre: “These opportunities are so needed locally in an area of social and economic deprivation. Many parents/carers cannot afford trips out or new toys. This fun, busy, colourful storytelling includes children so they help to invent the stories, and is positively different to more inhibited forms of play.” 

Event: Fast Forward Flashback a fundraiser for Gladrags

Where: New Venture Theatre & Bar, Bedford Place, Brighton.

When: Saturday March 4

Time: 7pm – midnight

Cost: Tickets will be £15/ £12 concessions and available from ticket source as of 15th January. with 100% of proceeds going to Gladrags.

To book online, click here:

For more information about Gladrags, click here:

REVIEW: Sister Act @ Brighton Centre

Posted on by Besi

It’s 1977, Saturday Night Fever has just been released and disco is king!

Deloris Van Cartier (Alexandra Burke) sees her gangster boyfriend, the nightclub owner Curtis Jackson (Aaron Lee Lambert) shoot small time crook Ernie who he believes has squealed on him to the police.

Deloris is terrified and runs to the police where she tells her story to the policeman on the front desk who she recognises from her school days as Sweaty Eddie (Jon Robyns). For her safety till she gives evidence he decides she needs to go into a witness protection program and sends her to a place no one would expect to find her, a convent!

Deloris is introduced to the other nuns by a reluctant Mother Superior (Karen Mann) as Sister Mary Clarence and she quickly takes on the role of leading the choir of sisters, who are really quite awful

The convent is in financial trouble due to a shrinking congregation and is due to be sold. Under Deloris’ guidance the choir improves which brings the congregation back and raises money to stop the church being sold.

News of the choir spreads far and wide, and they are asked to sing for the Pope who is visiting Philadelphia. Despite being in a witness program, Deloris can’t resist the limelight and appears on TV with the sisters to publicise the coming concert for the Pope. The gangsters she is hiding from, see her TV appearance and attempt to bring her back. They gain entry to the convent by dressing as nuns, but before Curtis carries out his threat to shoot Deloris, Sweaty Eddie arrives to save the day and he and Deloris share a kiss.

The finale sees the sisters singing for the Pope a wonderfully uplifting rendition of Spread the Love Around followed by Take Me to Heaven/Raise Your Voice as the equally uplifting curtain call.

Sister Act the movie burst onto the scene in 1992 starring Whoopi Goldberg as Deloris and Dame Maggie Smith as the Mother Superior with musical arrangements by Marc Shaiman. This stage show moves the action to Philadelphia, there is a completely new musical score beautifully composed by Alan Menken with lyrics by Glenn Slater and the finale is a concert for the Pope rather than a singing competition.

The performances of Deloris (Alexandra Burke), Sister Mary Patrick (Susannah Van Den Berg), Sister Mary Robert (Sarah Goggin) and Sister Mary Lazarus (Rosemary Ash) are central to the narrative and provide some very funny moments.

Burke’s command of the musical score is very impressive and the confidence she has in her voice translates into her comedy which reveals a side to her not seen before.

Special mention for Sara Goggin who is wonderful as rebellious Sister Mary Robert. Her rendition of The Life I Never Led is one of the shows highlights.

Huge respect for the band both on and off the stage who are first class. The Brighton Centre is not the easiest of venues to put sound into but for this production the sound is spot on as are the musicians.

Craig Revel Horwood’s direction and choreography is masterful. His references to 70s disco throughout the show bringing a real nostalgia to the production. I believed this was the 70s and the solid music score served to reinforce that. His use of musicians on stage only added to the comedy. There is nothing quite so funny as seeing a nun playing a trombone, trumpet or saxophone while running away from a gangster.

It is always a risk bringing a West End Show out of a theatre and into an arena. Sister Act transferred very well and hopefully will herald more of the larger West End Musicals vistiting Brighton.

The Brighton Centre audience last night loved the show, it was uplifting and optimistic and in these days of uncertainty created by Brexit and Trump a perfect remedy and great night out.

Throughly recommended.

Sister Act plays till Saturday, January 14.

To book tickets online, click here:

B RIGHT ON FESTIVAL: LGBT History Ball returns for LGBT History Month

Posted on by Besi

The LGBT History Ball returns during LGBT History Month as part of the B RIGHT ON Festival.

It will be staged at the Phil Starr Pavilion in New Steine Gardens on Saturday, February 18 from 7pm.

Nicky Mitchell
Nicky Mitchell

Jazz legend Nicky Mitchell is returning with her band the Full Cream Milk’s to perform along with special guest singers and DJ Madame Love.

A fabulous evening is planned; dress glam, 50’s, rocker chic, glam Bowie, 40’s austerity chic, wartime lovers, big hair, big shoulder pads, but plenty of fun!

LGBT History Month is the annual international month-long observance of LGBT History and the opportunity to commemorate and remember the bravery of those who campaigned and spoke out over the years to help us achieve the freedoms and equality we enjoy today.

LGBT History Ball will take place in The PHIL STARR PAVILION, New Steine Gardens, Brighton, BN2 1PB, a specially erected and heated multi purpose community facility with a fully functional stage, hi-tech light and sound system and on site licensed bar.

This ground breaking affiliation seeks to engage the city in the wide range of issues highlighted through the work of the Brighton & Hove LGBT+ Community Safety Forum, as well as partner/stakeholder work and is supported with grants from the Pride Social Impact Fund and the Rainbow Fund.

Event: LGBT History Ball feat. Nicky Mitchell and the Full Cream Milk’s with DJ Madame Love

Where: The Phil Starr Pavilion, New Steine Gardens, Brighton, BN2 1PB

When: Saturday February 18

Time: 7pm

Cost: Tickets: £10/£8 conc.

To book tickets online, click here:

 

 

Hefty fines for first litter prosecutions

Posted on by Besi

Three people prosecuted for littering in Brighton & Hove but who failed to turn up at Court have each been issued with hefty fines.

On January 4, Brighton Magistrates found the three guilty of dropping litter in the street after failing to pay a £75 fixed penalty that was issued at the time. Littering is contrary to Section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act and a criminal offence.

Stacey Ransom, Muhammad Noorani and Michael Conn were each ordered to pay a fine of £440, plus £450 costs and a £44 victim surcharge.

All three offences related to cigarette litter which is one of the most common causes of street litter.

A further case for fly-tipping on Hollingbury golf course was unable to proceed because the defendant did not appear in court and has to be present. A warrant is currently out for his arrest.

These were the first cases taken to court following the start of a new enforcement contract last year which aims to support the council’s work to improve the environment and reduce waste clean-up costs by tackling littering.

 

Cllr Gill Mitchell
Cllr Gill Mitchell

Councillor Gill Mitchell, chair of the city’s environment committee, said: “The council is taking all kinds of littering extremely seriously. Taking someone to court is a last resort but anyone ignoring a fixed penalty notice (FPN) leaves themselves at risk of prosecution which could result in a hefty bill and a criminal record.”

The defendants also had the opportunity to plead guilty by post which would have resulted in a less severe penalty.

All the offences occurred in the summer of 2016.

Residents regularly complain about cigarette litter outside heavily populated work places and the council has also worked closely with contractor 3GS to target other incidents of concern to residents.

In the two months up to October 2016, 27 FPNs were issued for fly-tipping, compared to eight in the first eight weeks of operation and 65 for commercial waste offences, (more than for cigarette-related FPNs in the same period). As the contract progresses the council will be bringing in other initiatives, including combatting dog fouling.

The council is using its share of the fixed penalty notice income to pay for a pilot using CCTV cameras to deter fly-tipping.

To read updated report on enforcement contract, click here:

PREVIEW: David Hockney Exhibition at Tate Britain

Posted on by Contributor

Tate Britain presents the world’s most extensive retrospective of the work of David Hockney.

David Hockney: Portrait of an Artist 1972. © David Hockney. Photo Credit: Art Gallery of New South Wales/ Jenni Carter

Widely regarded as one of the most successful and recognisable artists of our time, this exhibition will celebrate Hockney’s achievement in painting, drawing, print, photography and video.

David Hockney is unique in British art for the extent of his popular appeal. As he approaches his 80th birthday, this exhibition will offer an unprecedented overview of the artist’s work to date.

Event: David Hockney Exhibition

Where: TATE BRITAIN Level 2 Galleries Millbank, London SW1

When: February 8 – May 29, 2017

Time: Open daily 10am–6pm. Open until 11pm every Friday and until 8pm every Saturday

Cost: For ticket prices, click here:

Want to play for a gay rugby team in Brighton?

Posted on by Besi

Brighton & Hove Sea Serpents RFC is the gay and inclusive rugby union club for the city and surrounding areas.

They were set up in November 2015 following the two Rugby World Cup matches which were played here in Brighton at the Amex Community Stadium.

On Wednesday February 1 from 7pm, B&H Sea Serpents RFC will be holding a drop in evening at the Camelford Arms for people who are interested in either playing the game or supporting the club.

Ian Chaplin
Ian Chaplin

Go along and join players and supporters over a pint to find out what makes them tick, and learn about the enjoyment rugby can add to your life.

Sea Serpents RFC Chairman Ian Chaplin, said: “The core values of the game of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship are what makes the game special for those who enjoy the environment and culture they create. They define the game and define us.”

If you’d like to find out more about what the Sea Serpents are up to or may be interested in taking part, then you can either contact them by messaging their Facebook Page or emailing their chairman at: chairman@bhssrfc.com

Event: Brighton & Hove Sea Serpents RFC drop in evening

Where: Camelford Arms, Camelford Street, Brighton

When: Wednesday, February 1

Time: 7pm

Samaritans say forget Blue Monday, have a ‘Brew Monday’

Posted on by Besi

January gets some bad press, home as it is to huge credit card bills, failed fitness programmes, broken New Year’s resolutions, cold weather and what’s known as ‘Blue Monday’, the day that has been dubbed the most depressing day of the year, which falls on Monday, January 16 this year.

However, Brighton, Hove & District Samaritans are saying forget Blue Monday – ignore the hype and trivialisation of mental health issues and celebrate Brew Monday instead. Take time out for a simple cuppa and a chat with a friend, colleague or family member and do something practical for someone who may be struggling, let them know Samaritans’ free to call helpline is available every day of the year.

Volunteers from the branch will be on hand at Brighton Station on Monday, January 16 brewing up a treat for commuters, handing out specially produced Samaritans tea bags, with support from Network Rail and the wider rail industry, which helps Samaritans raise awareness of its services and recruit volunteers.

Daniel Cheesman
Daniel Cheesman

Daniel Cheesman, Director of Brighton, Hove & District Samaritans, said: “Difficult feelings don’t work to a calendar and external circumstances are only one part of what can makes life feel overwhelming. Forget Blue Monday and instead join us for Brew Monday at Brighton Station. We’ll have plenty of people, ready to listen to whatever you need to talk about.”

He adds; “Health, family, work, relationships and money issues, or feelings of loneliness, isolation or uncertainty could be making life really tough. Samaritan’s ‘Brew Monday’ also gives you an excuse to sit down with a friend and talk to them or listen to them over a cup of tea.  If you want to make an even bigger difference in 2017, why not think about giving some money or some time to Samaritans to help keep our life-saving services going.”

You don’t have to go to a special Samaritans event to get involved in Brew Monday. Everyone across the country is encouraged to have a brew with someone important to them: a work colleague, a family member, neighbour or friend. And when you’ve had your brew, why not donate to Samaritans so that its trained listening volunteers can continue to be there for people whenever they need them.

You can call Samaritans for free anytime from any phone on 116 123

To email Samaritans, click here:

To view the Samaritans website, click here:

Or call Brighton, Hove and District Samaritans on 01273 772277.

Samaritans respond to more than 5.4 million calls for help every year. To answer just one call costs them £4.26.

To make a donation, click here:

BOOK REVIEW: Upstream: Mary Oliver

Posted on by Eric Page

Upstream: Selected Essays 

Mary Oliver 

“In the beginning I was so young and such a stranger to myself I hardly existed. I had to go out into the world and see it and hear it and react to it, before I knew at all who I was, what I was, what I wanted to be.”

So begins Upstream, a collection of essays in which poet Mary Oliver reflects on her willingness, to lose herself within the beauty and mysteries of both the natural world and the world of literature. Emphasing the significance of her childhood “friend” Walt Whitman, through whose work she first understood that a poem is a temple, “a place to enter, and in which to feel,” and who encouraged her to vanish into the world of her writing.

Upstream follows Oliver as she contemplates the pleasure of artistic labour, her boundless curiosity for the flora and fauna that surround her, and the responsibility she has inherited from the great thinkers and writers of the past, to live thoughtfully, intelligently, and to observe with passion. Oliver positions not just herself upstream but us as well as she encourages us all to keep moving, to lose ourselves in the awe of the unknown, and to give power and time to the creative and whimsical urges that live within us

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lv_4xmh_WtE

Her word is simple, startling and surprisingly complex, unwinding like a twisted silken ribbon, uncoiling to three or four times its length in your mind with the softest breath of release. She’s an inspirational as she is challenging and most of all her work is still. It sits there, inviting attention, but not begging, or shouting, just still, like a pool of water, and as deep and unexpected. Mary Oliver is an antidote to the corrosive poison of our stressful empty seemingly pointless lives and an hour in the company of her carefully crafted and hewn essays reminds one not only of the utter pleasure of just being, but also the unlimited potential that all of us hold, just by being us.

This is a sweet and tender collection of essays looking at Oliver’s life, from her childhood solitude but never loneliness to her mature reflections on change  and sense of place, although utterly authentically American in content and voice, this is a very British book at heart, with strong thunderous echos of Wordsworth’s relationship with the landscape around him and within his culture. From Wordsworth she learns that one’s true abode is made “not of beams and nails but of existence itself — is all of earth, with no door, no address separate from oceans or stars.” with her writing she attempts to emulate him and show us the way forward.

Out now, treat yourself.

For more info or to buy the book see the publishers website here: 

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