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Hove MP calls for end to “barbaric” whaling

Mike Weatherley, MP
Mike Weatherley, MP

Mike Weatherley, the Conservative MP for Hove and Portslade, has called on the Japanese Government to end its barbaric practice of commercial whaling.

Mike has attended the launch of a new IFAW report – The Economics of Japanese Whaling – in Parliament.

The report highlights the fact that annual Japanese government subsidies for whaling average around 782 million yen (£5.35m), but in 2011 this increased by around 2.28 billion yen (£15.6m).

Mike said:

“I am pleased that our country leads the way in its condemnation of whaling. I know that most residents in Hove and Portslade would be disgusted by the cruel and unsustainable realities of mass whale killing. This barbaric practice should be coming to an end, yet it appears that the Japanese Government is actually further facilitating the killings – this must stop.”

For more information on the campaign against whaling, click here: 

THT Brighton Open Day

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On Thursday March 21, HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust will open the doors of its Brighton centre for members of the public and professionals who want to learn more about and have their say in the charity’s local HIV prevention and health promotion work. As part of the open day, which will run from 12pm until 6pm, the team will offer free and confidential rapid HIV tests for anyone visiting the centre.

The day will be rounded up with a series of talks and Question & Answer session from 6pm to 8pm.

The open day at the charity’s Brighton centre at 61 Ship Street, Brighton, BN1 1AE, will run from 12pm until 6pm and will be followed by talks and a Q&A session from 6pm to 8pm with light refreshments available. There is no need to book in advance.

For more information, click here:

Event:    THT Brighton Open Day

When:   Thursday, March 21

Time:      All day: Question & Answer session from 6-8pm

Entry:     Free

Transport Minister congratulates local MP

Simon Kirby, MP
Simon Kirby, MP

Transport Minister and Lewes MP, Norman Baker has congratulated Simon Kirby,  the Conservative MP for Kemptown & Peacehaven for his work steering the Disabled Persons’ Parking Badges Act onto the statute book.

Simon, who introduced the Bill as a Private Member’s Bill in 2012 and steered it through Parliament said:

“The Act will make a real difference for disabled people who rely on this vital scheme for everyday living by clamping down on blue badge abuse.”

The Kemptown MP maintains that abuse of the Blue Badge scheme is a serious problem, costing local authorities millions and depriving genuine badge holders of the parking spaces they need in order to live independent lives.

DTBS 18 LIBDEMS.JPG / Liberal Democrat Conference
Norman Baker, MP

In his letter to Simon, Norman Baker wrote:

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you  for picking up this legislation and helping to steer it successfully through the Private Member’s process and on to the statute book.”

Trading Standards tackles scam aimed at small businesses

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Brighton & Hove Trading Standards secured a successful prosecution to stop an elaborate scam targeted at small businesses when Russell Chandler was sentenced to 18 months in prison at Lewes Crown Court  on Thursday, February 21, for making false representations.

Chandler, 29, also known as Alfred Chase, set up a company called Harrington Builds and cold called businesses that were advertising on the internet purporting to offer contracts for work.

The businesses were told that Harrington Builds UK was looking to build up a consortium of contractors to sub-contract work to in their area. They were promised that this job would be the first of many.

The company used salespeople and had a website.

Taking up the offer involved agreeing to pay Harrington Builds a ‘one off administration fee’ of £250 which would ultimately be refundable.

Businesses were asked to provide documents and references and were issued with ‘follow up contracts’ including a reference number. However, no work was forthcoming and, when people became suspicious, were unable to get through to the company by telephone.

The types of contracts that were said to be available included cleaning, painting and decorating, electrical work, garden maintenance and rubbish collection,

The scam was worked from Brighton & Hove but targeted people from all over the country during 2011 which is when Brighton & Hove Trading Standards starting investigating.

Mr Chandler pleaded guilty to 11 counts of making false representations.

Jo Player, trading standards manager for Brighton & Hove City Council said:

“This was a blatant scam targeting small businesses who can ill afford to waste money in these times.

“Trading Standards operate the well-respected ‘Buy with Confidence’ scheme where businesses can advertise their services and the public can find reliable traders.”

Scuba diving in Brighton & Hove

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Brighton Sub Aqua Club (BSAC) Branch 007 was established in 1954. It is based at Shoreham yacht club where they have a boat moored. They have good parking, storage, changing facilities, their own compressor, Nitrox blending and a bar and restaurant. They are not a dedicated LGBT organisation but have gay members, are gay friendly and want to increase their gay membership.

From the very first time you breathe underwater, scuba diving will continue to inspire, challenge and surprise you. Many divers say that the experience is life-changing and, with the sense of achievement that comes with learning to dive, it is easy to see why.

Scuba diving will appeal to anyone who is reasonably fit and with a spirit of adventure. With the right training and support, it is also easy and fun to learn and BSAC diving qualifications are recognised around the world.

With 70% of the planet covered in water, there is so much for a diver to see, experience and explore. Add to that the wide range of diving – wrecks, marine life, photography, conservation, underwater archaeology, exploration, deep and technical diving – and the opportunities for sport and fitness are endless.

Six months ago the Brighton branch of the British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC) Branch 007, made an application to Sport England for funding to help them buy new scuba diving kit, to enable the club to offer ‘Try Dives’ at just £15 a session and BSAC scuba diving training courses to members of the local community. Sports England recognised their ability to deliver and grant funded their activities.

The club aims to increase their membership and get more people out diving local waters. Sussex has some fantastic diving with shipwrecks and reefs to explore. Four members of the club have recently trained as SeaSearch Observers to report back their observations of underwater life to the Marine Conservation Society. They hope to continue with further training with the help of their Sports England grant.

BSAC Branch 007 particularly wants to attract younger members to the club who will be supported by the extensive experience their current members have. They want the club to expand and grow, and give new divers this opportunity to explore the underwater world.

Training officer Karl Thomas, said:

“This is a great opportunity for us to encourage new people of all ages and backgrounds into the sport. The Sport England grant enables us to provide new up to date equipment for trainees to use, which opens up diving to a wide group of people to experience.

“The club consists of a very active and enthusiastic group of experienced divers and qualified instructors who can provide a safe environment for novices to learn in. They are always looking for new ways to advance their interests from surveys of marine life on the abundance of wrecks off our
coast, to underwater photography, which is a great skill to develop. Training is given in all these areas.

As a group BSAC Branch 007 plan diving trips at home and abroad. Learning to dive in the UK with them gives you an internationally recognised certificate. Some of their members have even taken diving up as a career with opportunities from marine conservation to industrial diving.

For more information click here:
Telephone:
Diving officer Christine on 07855  076018
Training officer Karl on 07711 431491

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New LGBT rugby club launches this Sunday

canal siders logo - FINALManchester Canalsiders have received support from some of the most high-profile sports stars in the UK, including Gareth Thomas and Ben Cohen, as they prepare for the club’s official launch on Sunday February 24.

To coincide with the end of LGBT History Month, the Canalsiders, the first ever lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Rugby League club in the World, will host an official launch during the half-time interval in Sunday’s Super League game between Salford City Reds and Hull KR.

The club will play an exhibition-game of touch rugby during in what the first of a series of planned events over the forthcoming year.

Former Welsh dual-code international Gareth Thomas, who became the first openly-gay rugby player in 2009, was quick to offer his support.

Gareth Thomas
Gareth Thomas

Gareth said:

“I’d like to wish Manchester Canalsiders all the best for their launch on Sunday.”

“It’s great to see the world’s first LGBT Rugby League club starting up and providing new opportunities for people to take part in sport.”

2003 rugby union world cup winner Ben Cohen has also offered his support to the club.

Ben Cohen
Ben Cohen

Ben said:

“I want to wish Manchester Canalsiders the best of luck for their first exhibition game on Sunday at Salford City Reds Stadium.”

“It will be exciting to see their talent on display and the Canalsiders’ acceptance into Rugby League can only benefit the world of sport as a whole.”

The Canalsiders have a full calendar of plans in place for the 2013 season dedicated to developing skills and training programmes and building up a team of supporters through try-it sessions, training, fundraising and social outings to Rugby League matches such as Magic Weekend and the Rugby League World Cup in October and November.

The club have also received strong support from Salford City Reds and members of the local community in the Manchester-region.

Salford City Reds captain Steven Wilde said:

“The Reds are always looking for innovative new ways of spreading the word of Rugby League and Salford City Reds, so the opportunity to help the Canalsiders develop in this world first couldn’t be missed out on”

Lord Mayor of Manchester Councillor Elaine Boyes added:

“I’m proud that Manchester will be home to the world’s very first LGBT Rugby League Club and would like to wish the Canalsiders every success for the future.

“The organisers of the club have worked incredibly hard to create a packed programme for 2013 that I’m sure will encourage people to get involved and become more active for years to come.”

Exclusive Tickets are still available for the club’s Launch & Exhibition Match on Sunday February 24 at Salford City Reds v Hull KR.

For more details and to learn more about the club, click here: 

Bar Revenge stage fundraiser for MindOut!

WEB.220Bar Revenge are holding a fundraising event to benefit MindOut,  the LGBT Mental Health Project on Sunday, March 3.

Entertainment starts at 6pm and includes  appearances by Dolly Rocket, The Rainbow Chorus and Al Start’s Band. There will also be a raffle with generous prizes from local artists, restaurants, shops and hotels.

From this weekend until the event, Revenge will be collecting all your change in their buckets every day so dig deep into those pockets and give generously.

 

Andrew Roberts
Andrew Roberts

Andrew Roberts, General Manager of Club and Bar Revenge said:

“It is very exciting for us to work alongside MindOut, the work they do for our patrons and the community as a whole is invaluable. Providing support for people with mental health issues with services from advocacy, support groups and even an allotment project. We have seen their work first hand and are incredibly proud to be supporting them.”

Helen Jones
Helen Jones

 

Helen Jones, Director of MindOut said:

“We’re really looking forward to this event at Bar Revenge, it’s a great way to raise money and the profile of our charity. MindOut also has a team of runners in the 2013 Brighton Marathon, come along and help them raise vital funds for our mental health work.”

It’s not too late to contribute to the raffle, so if you have anything you would like to donate please get in touch with Harry either via email at harry@revenge.co.uk or by telephone on 01273 6060 64.

Event:      Fundraiser for MindOut, LGBT Mental Health Project
Where:     Bar Revenge, 7 Marine Parade, Brighton
When:      Sunday, March 3
Entry:       Free

Pavilion Theatre: Jack and his Big-stalk

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Brian Ralfe’s 11th Alternative Pantomime, Jack and his Big-Stalk, aims to rekindle some Christmas spirit at the Pavilion Theatre now renamed the Brighton Dome Studio Theatre in New Road, Brighton from Wednesday, Feb (20) to Sunday, March (3).

Written by Andrew Stark and directed by Robert James aka Lady James, the show is a high camp re-telling of the fairytale, Jack and the Bean Stalk starring the strapping Scott Virgo as the hapless Jack alongside Phil Harlequeen, Lee Tracey, Robert James, Simon Grant, Andrew Stark and Davina Sparkle.

Show time: matinee 5pm; evening 8pm.

Tickets: £19 (concs on 10 tickets or over) or £23 inc two-course meal (26th/27th/28thmatinees only) from www.brightondome.org

Or telephone:  01273 709709.

What:   Jack and his Big-stalk

Where: Pavilion Theatre renamed Brighton Dome Studio Theatre

When:   Wednesday February 20-Sunday March 3

Cost:    £19 (concs on 10 tickets or over) or £23 inc two-course meal (26th/27th/28thmatinees only) from www.brightondome.org, or call 01273 709709.

Actually Gay Men’s Chorus release new album ‘Somewhere For Me’

Actually Gay Men's CHorus
Actually Gay Men’s Chorus

The Actually Gay Men’s Chorus will be performing on Friday, February 22, during February’s inaugural B.Right.On LGBT Arts Festival celebrating LGBT History Month. They will be singing some of their favourite numbers including original arrangements of Albinoni’s Adagio with guest soprano Samantha Howard and Rodriguez’s Concerto De Aranjuez. There will also be a selection of songs from the hit musical Moulin Rouge featuring One day I’ll fly away, Come what may and Roxanne.

The first part of the performance will culminate in a teaser for their forthcoming April show The Music Of The Night – A Celebration of the West End which will be performed at St Andrew’s Church, Waterloo Street in Hove on April 26 and 27.

In part two the boys will be launching their new album Somewhere For Me which includes songs by David Bowie, Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails to  name a few. The album was recorded last year for Universal Records and will be available at a discounted price on the night.

Chairman, John Hamilton said:

“The chorus are delighted to be taking part in this new LGBT Art Festival. It’s a great opportunity to showcase favourite repertoire old and new in the wonderful setting of St Mary’s Church, Kemptown, as well as a great opportunity to launch the long awaited album”.

Brighton and Hove’s Actually Gay Men’s Chorus was set up in 2005 with the specific aim of providing a place where gay men could socialise, have fun and develop their vocal and musical skills in a unique environment and perform to the public while raising money for local LGBT charities.

Members benefit from the wide ranging experience of the music team led by musical director Jason Pimblett, their ‘home’ is the beautiful grade one listed St Andrews Church in Waterloo Street, Hove, where they rehearse and present many of their performances.

The chorus are proud to be members of the Actually Community Interest Company, a not for profit organisation that manages them and other community projects including the recently established and hugely successful Actually Gay Women’s Chorus.

BHGMC

For more information about the chorus view:

WHAT:        Brighton and Hove’s Actually Gay Men’s Chorus presents ‘Somewhere for me’
WHERE:     St Mary’s Church, St James Street, Kemptown
WHEN:       Friday, February 22 at 7.30pm
ENTRY:       £8

Hove MP signs Bowel Cancer pledge

Mike Weatherley MP

Beating Bowel Cancer is a British charity that raises awareness of the symptoms of bowel cancer, promotes early diagnosis and encourages open access to treatments. 41,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer each year and around 40% of patients die from the disease, which makes it the second biggest cancer killer in the UK.

Mike Weatherley, the Conservative MP for Hove and Portslade, has signed a pledge to improve Care for bowel cancer patients at a reception in the House of Commons.

Mike said:

“It was really enlightening to chat with representatives from Beating Bowel Cancer in Parliament. Most people know someone who has suffered with cancer and it is only right that the NHS strives to provide the best care possible for all cancer patients, including those with bowel cancer.”
 

For more information on Beating Bowel Cancer and information on the disease, click here: 

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