Besi – Page 4 – Scene Magazine – From the heart of LGBTQ+ Life

Improving the street scene in Brighton and Hove

Posted on 19/08/201919/08/2019 by Besi

Work has started to improve the appearance of city centre streets by tackling unauthorised signs and changes to shop fronts.

THE initiative, led by the city council’s planning team, is taking place in Western Road and Church Road where we’ll be working with businesses to improve the appearance of properties and the general street scene.

Councillor Tracey Hill, lead member for planning, said: “Poor signage and shop front conversions affect the way the whole street feels. If the area is attractive it feels safer and more people will visit, so it is important, both for businesses and residents who live in the area.

“Western Road and Church Road are two of the city’s most popular thoroughfares and part of the city’s historic street scene. There have been an increase in unauthorised signs and shop front alterations in recent years so we’re pleased to be able to work alongside property owners to improve the area.”

Although the team will be mostly concentrating on unauthorised signs and changes to shop fronts they will also be aiming to tackle properties that have fallen into disrepair and encouraging owners to clean them up and make repairs.

Brighton & Hove’s planning service has created guides on shop fronts and advertising signs to help businesses and developers make sure their properties fit in with and enhance the street for the benefit of all.

Western Road is in the Brunswick Town Conservation Area and has many historic features and shop fronts, including The Paris House (number 21), Lane and Stedman (100), Mitre House (144-145), Imperial arcade (203-211) and some imposing former department stores.

Church Road is also in the Cliftonville Conservation Area with many attractive buildings.

The council’s planning team will advise businesses on how they can improve their properties so they meet the city’s local guidance and policy.

The council has powers to prosecute for the display of unauthorised advertisements and will consider using these powers where owners are unwilling to make the necessary changes or improvements.

For guidance for shop front design, click here:

For guidance for advertisements, click here:

PREVIEW: Lulu brings her On Fire Tour to Eastbourne

Posted on 19/08/201920/08/2019 by Besi

Lulu – she’s still got plenty to shout about!

Lulu OBE is heading to Eastbourne on Friday, September 20 with her On Fire Tour and Eastbourne’s newly refurbished Congress Theatre is ready for this Glaswegian powerhouse performer.

A singer, songwriter, actress and national treasure Lulu has enjoyed a long and hugely successful career from her first international hit in 1967 To Sir With Love, through to topping the charts with Take That with Re-Light My Fire and bringing her truly amazing voice to a brand new generation.

Not to mention chart topping Bond Theme The Man with the Golden Gun, Eurovision winning Boom Bang a Bang and of course it iconic hit Shout! Lulu has stayed the course, when many have faltered, why, simply because her talent as an artist and her determination as a person.

Her iconic performances cement her as a show business legend; if you haven’t seen Lulu live, then don’t miss this special opportunity. This show is not just about the music though as Lulu recounts her remarkable life and a career that has outshone many of her contemporaries.

On Fire is a show packed full of hits, in which Lulu takes us on her own personal journey through her music. Supported by a 4-piece band and LED screen featuring carefully selected family and career defining moments. Lulu will have you sitting, standing, dancing, singing, laughing and simply listening to an amazing story that started, almost unbelievably, on November 3, 1948.

Something to shout about? Lulu has plenty!

Event: Lulu On Fire Tour

Where: Congress Theatre, Carlisle Rd, Eastbourne BN21 4JR

When: Friday, September 20

Time: 7.30pm

Cost: £37 – £42

To book tickets online, click here:

Or call the box office on 01323 412000

Students’ Union apologises for wrongful expulsions 25 years ago

Posted on 19/08/201920/08/2019 by Besi

Twenty-five years ago, The University of Salford’s LGBT+ Society was disbanded and the committee members expelled from the Students’ Union.

JEFF Evans and Simon McGurk were accused of distributing offensive materials on campus, in the form of a graphic image within their annual Pink Guide.

The Students’ Union has recently issued a formal apology to all the banned students and awarded them lifetime membership to the Student Union.

The Pink Guide was a project created by a group of students known as the Pink Collective, encompassing students from University of Salford, University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University. The aim of the guide was to educate new students about LGBT life in Greater Manchester.

In the early 90s, the AIDS epidemic was a prominent focus for the LGBT+ communities, as a result, the Pink Guide emphasised sexual health and safety. In one of these sexual health articles there was a graphic image illustrating safer sex practices, this image was obtained from Government issued health information.

Despite the insistence from the Pink Collective that the image was vital to the dissemination of safer sex practices, the University of Salford Students’ Union upheld a distribution ban of the Pink Guide and expelled the students involved.

By pure coincidence, a recent University of Salford Students’ Union Student Officer met a member of the Pink Collective at an external event. This former student, Jeff Evans, told the Student Officer his story and showed him the Pink Guide that led to the ban.

The Students’ Union felt their actions in 1993 were discriminatory and not in line with the current values of the organisation. They invited Jeff and another Pink Collective member, Simon McGurk to campus to tell their story. This visit was documented alongside a visit to the Manchester Central Library Archives, to create a short film about the Pink Guide.

The premiere of this film takes place tomorrow, Tuesday, August 20, between 5-6pm at the North Side, University House at the University of Salford, and will feature a Q&A with Jeff and Simon. Everyone is welcome to the screening of this film.

Jeff and Simon have been working with the Students’ Union to create a new Pink Guide which will be available to Salford students during Welcome Week 2019.

Former Pink Collective and lifetime Students’ Union member, Jeff Evans said: “It is a shameful period in the past of the Students’ Union, and I am so pleased that the organisation has had the maturity to put their hand up and say, ‘this was wrong, and we want to try and make it right’.”

To fine out more information, click here:

Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus re-schedule Summer Show

Posted on 19/08/201919/08/2019 by Besi

Towards the end of June, Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus (BrightonGMC) was rocked by the sudden and untimely death of Richard Tredgett, the fiancé of Chorus Director, Joe Paxton.

IN consultation with Joe, BrightonGMC’s trustees decided to postpone the summer show, originally scheduled for Brighton Pride weekend, until Friday 20 and Saturday, September 21, 2019.

Vaughan Leyshon, BrightonGMC’s Chairman, said: “We hope the Chorus and all its members can be a source of support for Joe during this difficult time. ‘In Time For Pride’, the first fully-fledged show that Joe has created for us, has added importance because we know he shared ideas about its concept with Richard. We are now looking forward to sharing it with our friends, family and supporters.”

Although the show will now take place after Brighton Pride, its theme, about the fight for equality, is timeless. In Time For Pride will introduce a mysterious character travelling through time and space who will be transporting the audience through an exploration of the history of Pride and the music that has run alongside it.

So, book your seat early for what is bound to be an unforgettable journey – one that promises to honour extraordinary people, highlight the transformative power of music and, while fully recognising there is still much work to be done, celebrate how far we have already come.

Event: In Time For Pride

Where: St George’s Church, St George’s Rd, Brighton BN2 1ED

When: Friday 20 and Saturday, September 21, 2019

Time: 7.30pm (doors open 7pm)

Cost: £15 (£12 conc)

To book tickets online, click here:

Also available from Prowler in St James Street (both no fees)

One for the diary: Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus next concert is the Christmas Concert on Friday, December 6, 2019 • All Saints Church, The Drive, Hove

For more information about the chorus, click here:

Grand Brighton Half Marathon celebrates 30 years in 2020

Posted on 16/08/201920/08/2019 by Besi

The Grand Brighton Half Marathon celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2020, marking a very special race year for the popular half marathon.

ORGANISERS have some exciting plans up their sleeves to mark the big birthday on Sunday, February 23 next year, including an anniversary medal and a line up of race ambassadors who will help to celebrate the history of the race.

The Grand Brighton Half Marathon’s Race Director, Martin Harrigan, said: “2020 marks a very special year for the race as we celebrate our 30th birthday. The race has grown enormously over the past three decades as more and more people have taken up running and we’re so proud of the event it has become. We’ll be marking this very special race year with a 30th anniversary race medal, so whether it’s your first Brighton Half or your 30th, this is a year not to be missed!”

The Grand Brighton Half Marathon race is organised by Brighton-based charity The Sussex Beacon, which provides specialist support and care for people living with HIV through both inpatient and outpatient services. The charity helps hundreds of people living with HIV in Sussex and the race is the charity’s largest annual event.

Sussex Beacon Chief Executive, Bill Puddicombe, added: “The Grand Brighton Half Marathon is a big day for the Sussex Beacon, but also for all the other charities who take part and fundraise on the day. There are so many different ways to get involved – as a runner, as a Relay Team, or as a volunteer helping out on the day. It is the thousands of people that turn up, participate and cheer on the runners who create the party atmosphere for this great event.”

Organisers are keen to hear from any runners who took part in the early races in the 1990s. Whether you have a story to share from a particular race year, photos of your medal collection, or one of the early race T-shirts, email the race team. half.marathon@sussexbeacon.org.uk

David Knight, the first winner of the race, Caroline Lucas, MP for Brighton Pavilion and Martin Harrigan, the Race Director were among dignitaries at the official launch party at the Grand Brighton on Thursday, August 15.

The race is once again supported by headline sponsor The Grand, the city’s iconic seafront hotel, which is also on the course route.

Runners can choose to run for over thirty partner charities, including local charities The Sussex Beacon and Chestnut Tree House, plus national charities including Alzheimer’s Society and Macmillan.

The Grand Brighton Half Marathon has become one of the most popular – and friendliest – races in the UK since its first event in the 1990. The 13.1-mile route takes runners from Brighton’s famous pier through the centre of the city, before heading along the seafront past The Grand hotel.

To book a charity places for the 30th anniversary race, click here:

People on PrEP more likely to test regularly for other STI’s

Posted on 14/08/201915/08/2019 by Besi

New survey reveals that although the proportion of people who have ever used pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has not increased since a previous survey, while a higher proportion of new responders report currently using PrEP.

It’s the third in an annual series of UK surveys conducted by Public Health England in collaboration with PrEPster and iwantPrEPnow (IWPN).

The report also finds that people receiving PrEP from the four UK health services, either through direct clinic provision or (in most cases), via the PrEP IMPACT trial, were significantly more likely to test regularly for both HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and had more STI diagnoses, than people accessing PrEP privately. The survey was completed by 2,389 people.

Some of the main findings include:

22% of respondents had at some point during the year tried and failed to obtain PrEP – a similar proportion to the previous survey.
Three quarters of those unable to access PrEP said they were unable to enrol in the NHS England IMPACT trial.
54% of respondents were getting PrEP via the NHS England IMPACT trial, with 37% accessing PrEP privately for example online.
Three-quarters of respondents said taking PrEP had an entirely positive effect, with no downside.

Marc Thompson, Health Improvement Lead at Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “PrEP is a key tool in the fight against ending HIV transmissions. These new findings demonstrate that PrEP isn’t just stopping HIV it is having an overwhelming positive impact on people’s lives. That’s so important to remember as there remains far too many people unable to access this HIV game-changer.

“The impact of not increasing places on the trial has been laid bare in this survey, with nearly one in five people who want to access PrEP unable to do so. While nearly a quarter of people who had been purchasing PrEP privately having to stop due to being unable to pay for the anti-HIV drug. People should not be forced to make a decision that ultimately increases their risk of HIV. That’s why there must be increased places on the trial and immediate action towards providing routine access to PrEP.

“It is concerning that only half of people who have purchased PrEP privately have undergone the necessary kidney function tests before or while taking PrEP. Despite the side affects of taking PrEP being minimal for many users, it’s vital anyone wanting to or currently taking PrEP has the relevant screenings. This puts even greater urgency on our calls for PrEP to be embedded in routine HIV prevention services.”

Cycle from London to Brighton with team Beacon

Posted on 14/08/2019 by Besi

Cycle from London to Brighton and raise funds for HIV charity The Sussex Beacon.

SIGN up today with Team Beacon and use the 30% discount code.

On Sunday, September 15, 2019 from 06:30am, fundraisers will cycle the 55 miles from London to the South Downs in Brighton.

To sign up to cycle for The Sussex Beacon team click here:

Participants will receive a Fundraising Pack and dedicated support to fundraise for a minimum of £150. Previous years have seen £5,348 raised by Team Beacon participants at this popular annual event.

A 30% application discount code has been released to use until the end of August. Use code “BeaconL2B30” during checkout using this link (read the Terms & Conditions).

During the day there will be water stops, a free buffet lunch, medical support, route signage and transport back to London at an additional fee.

Each year The Sussex Beacon must raise over £2 million to fund a specialist 10-bed inpatient unit and health management service. Taking on a sponsored challenge like a cycle ride raises much needed funds to ensure they can continue to help those who need them most.

For more information about the Sussex Beacon, click here:

Or email The Sussex Beacon Challenge Events Fundraiser, at rosie.hemming@sussexbeacon.org.uk

Or call: 01273 694222 for more event information.

Crest Nicholson withdraws from King Alfred development

Posted on 14/08/2019 by Besi

Developer Crest Nicholson withdraw from the King Alfred development in Hove.

THE council has been working with Crest Nicholson Regeneration since 2016 when it won the bid to redevelop the 1.8 hectare King Alfred site.

Plans include replacing the ageing King Alfred Leisure Centre with improved, extended and modern sports facilities and building much needed new housing, including affordable new homes.

Chris Tinker, Interim CEO of Crest Nicholson said: “It is with disappointment that Crest Nicholson has taken the difficult decision to withdraw from the King Alfred development in Hove.

“Crest has worked with the council, The Starr Trust and other stakeholders for over three years with a view to creating a high quality viable and deliverable scheme but has reluctantly come to the conclusion that the ambition of the scheme in these uncertain times is too great and that the project is simply unable to deliver the required social and physical outputs given the related costs and values.

“The scheme has presented a series of challenges over the promotion period and whilst we would pay tribute to the council and its advisers in working collaboratively with our own team to overcome such obstacles, it has become a more complicated project than originally envisaged in terms of both planning and delivery.

“It is now increasingly apparent that the growing cost of delivering the scheme, including the council’s new £50m leisure centre, at a time when uncertainty has been increasing and values falling, means that the project is no longer able to support the provision of any affordable housing and remain viable.

“This position, despite significant funding pledges from both the council and Homes England, is unlikely to change and the Board has therefore reluctantly decided that it is not willing to promote and deliver a development of this scale and nature.

“All stakeholders have been made aware and we will continue to work with all partners to ensure a smooth transition.”

A total of £23 million of public money – £15 million from the Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF) and £8 million from the council – was approved to assist the developer and facilitate the building of a new sports centre and 565 homes on the seafront site.

Council leader Nancy Platts said: “I’d like to thank everyone who has tried so hard for so long to make this project a success.

“Of course we are hugely disappointed that Crest Nicholson has confirmed it won’t be progressing the redevelopment of the King Alfred site.

“We’ve worked closely with their team to find a financially viable scheme to deliver a new public sports and leisure facility and provide affordable housing.

“We appreciate the difficulties and complexities of the project, and appreciate too the efforts made by Crest Nicholson, but the council makes no apologies for pressing the developer to deliver the scheme it selected in 2016.

“Finding a viable alternative will be our upmost priority and this will include consulting with the local community who have been so patiently awaiting this development.

“Our objective has always been to provide a new sports and leisure centre as well as much needed affordable housing for Hove. We will continue to explore all ways possible to get the most we can from the site so it is of maximum benefit to local people”

The council has begun exploring alternative delivery options, as agreed by councillors earlier in the year, and an update on the next steps for the King Alfred project will be presented to the Policy and Resources Committee in the autumn.

The King Alfred project has been dogged by controversy for over 25 years.

In 2008 a design for twisted tower blocks by the visionary architect Frank Gehry failed after receiving planning permission under the Labour administration of 2006. It would have been Gehry’s first building in the UK.

The project ran out of planning time during the Conservative administration that followed in 2008 due to the addition of numerous conditions to the planning application.

LETTER TO EDITOR: Open letter to organisers of Chester Pride

Posted on 11/08/201911/08/2019 by Besi

Due to extreme weather forecasts including winds of 50mph, organisers of Chester Pride were forced in the middle of last week to cancel this years event planned for Saturday, August 10 on safety grounds.

PARTIES planned in the evening went ahead and organisers have created a Go Fund Me appeal to help cover their losses.

To make a donation, click here:

Dear Chester Pride,

We are devastated to hear that Chester Pride has been cancelled. On August 10, 1999, Nice ‘n’ Naughty was born in the heart of this city. In proud support of Chester Pride from its very first, we have been privileged to witness the Chester LGBT+ communities grow, strengthen and thrive. Our little shop has changed so much in 20 years, and with our massive refurbishment finally complete we are better, kinkier, more inclusive and more beautiful than ever. And you know what Chester? We couldn’t have done it without you.

So, as a gesture of our love and solidarity; in honour of Pride and our 20th birthday, on Saturday the shop staff of Nice ‘n’ Naughty Chester donated 20% of their days wages, 10% of store takings and 10% of www.nicennaughty.co.uk takings to Chester Pride. A donation which our Director, Simon Prescott, has pledged to personally match.

We will be, as we always have been, a safe place to be whoever you want to be. We will be proud.

Lots of love,

Nice ‘n’ Naughty

127-129 Brook Street
Chester, CH1 3DU

Summer Garden Party fundraiser in Rottingdean tomorrow for Brighton Rainbow Fund

Posted on 09/08/201909/08/2019 by Besi

The annual summer garden party fundraiser at the Rottingdean Club is tomorrow Saturday, August 10 and this year will be raising funds for The Brighton Rainbow Fund.

LAUNCHED in 2018 the annual garden party aims to raise funds for a nominated charity and is a day not to be missed with lots of live entertainment, food and drink.

Set in the stunning SW facing garden at the Rottingdean Club, the day is one that brings people from all walks of life together giving them the chance to chat and socialise while raising money for a great cause.

This year entertainment will be provided by scene regular Gabriella Parrish and the amazing Abalicious Duo.

Phil Sherrington and Paul Carter – owners of The Rottingdean Club said: “We are immensely proud to be able to say we support The Rainbow Fund and what it stands for and we are pleased that our beautiful garden can play host to such an important cause. Its going to be epic”

Tickets are limited to 100 and cost £12 plus booking fee.

If the weather is not good the entertainment will move inside the club.

The Brighton Rainbow Fund is a Brighton based charity that gives grants to local LGBT+/HIV organisations who deliver effective front line services to LGBT+ people in the city.

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Author: Besi

Improving the street scene in Brighton and Hove

Work has started to improve the appearance of city centre streets by tackling unauthorised signs and changes to shop fronts.

PREVIEW: Lulu brings her On Fire Tour to Eastbourne

Lulu – she’s still got plenty to shout about!

Students’ Union apologises for wrongful expulsions 25 years ago

Twenty-five years ago, The University of Salford’s LGBT+ Society was disbanded and the committee members expelled from the Students’ Union.

Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus re-schedule Summer Show

Towards the end of June, Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus (BrightonGMC) was rocked by the sudden and untimely death of Richard Tredgett, the fiancé of Chorus Director, Joe Paxton.

Grand Brighton Half Marathon celebrates 30 years in 2020

The Grand Brighton Half Marathon celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2020, marking a very special race year for the popular half marathon.

People on PrEP more likely to test regularly for other STI’s

New survey reveals that although the proportion of people who have ever used pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has not increased since a previous survey, while a higher proportion of new responders report currently using PrEP.

Cycle from London to Brighton with team Beacon

Cycle from London to Brighton and raise funds for HIV charity The Sussex Beacon.

Crest Nicholson withdraws from King Alfred development

Developer Crest Nicholson withdraw from the King Alfred development in Hove.

LETTER TO EDITOR: Open letter to organisers of Chester Pride

Due to extreme weather forecasts including winds of 50mph, organisers of Chester Pride were forced in the middle of last week to cancel this years event planned for Saturday, August 10 on safety grounds.

Summer Garden Party fundraiser in Rottingdean tomorrow for Brighton Rainbow Fund

The annual summer garden party fundraiser at the Rottingdean Club is tomorrow Saturday, August 10 and this year will be raising funds for The Brighton Rainbow Fund.

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Work has started to improve the appearance of city centre streets by tackling unauthorised signs and changes to shop fronts.

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Lulu – she’s still got plenty to shout about!

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Twenty-five years ago, The University of Salford’s LGBT+ Society was disbanded and the committee members expelled from the Students’ Union.

Share this:

Towards the end of June, Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus (BrightonGMC) was rocked by the sudden and untimely death of Richard Tredgett, the fiancé of Chorus Director, Joe Paxton.

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The Grand Brighton Half Marathon celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2020, marking a very special race year for the popular half marathon.

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New survey reveals that although the proportion of people who have ever used pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has not increased since a previous survey, while a higher proportion of new responders report currently using PrEP.

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Cycle from London to Brighton and raise funds for HIV charity The Sussex Beacon.

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Developer Crest Nicholson withdraw from the King Alfred development in Hove.

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Due to extreme weather forecasts including winds of 50mph, organisers of Chester Pride were forced in the middle of last week to cancel this years event planned for Saturday, August 10 on safety grounds.

Share this:

The annual summer garden party fundraiser at the Rottingdean Club is tomorrow Saturday, August 10 and this year will be raising funds for The Brighton Rainbow Fund.

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