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Day: November 21, 2013

Brighton Kemptown MP invites Minister to experience Brighton-London rail commute

Posted on by Besi

Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, has written to the Secretary of State for Transport, Rt Hon Patrick McLoughlin MP, to invite the Minister to join him and fellow passengers on a Brighton to London train journey during peak hours.

Simon Kirby, MP
Simon Kirby, MP

Simon said: “An issue that constituents regularly contact me about is the poor rail service they receive on the Brighton to London line, with frequent delays, overcrowded trains and expensive tickets common causes for anger and frustration.”

 

“As a regular commuter on this line myself these are arguments that I have much sympathy with.  That is why I took the step of inviting the Secretary of State to join me on the journey to see for himself at first hand the situation my constituents experience on a daily basis.”

He added: “I have met with Network Rail and the rail operating companies to put these concerns to them on a number of occasions and it is clear that immediate improvement is still needed.”

He concluded: “I appreciate the Secretary of State is an incredibly busy man but I hope that this invitation will at the very least raise awareness at the highest levels about the difficulties experienced by my constituents.”

Rt Hon Patrick McLoughlin MP
Rt Hon Patrick McLoughlin MP

Resound Male Voices to launch charity music video on World AIDS Day in aid of MindOut

Posted on by Besi

Resound Male Voices a Brighton & Hove based male singing group, have recorded a professionally produced music video that is to be debuted on World AIDS Day in aid of a local LGB&T mental health charity MindOut.

Resound Male Voices

The video is a playful take on a classic Billy Joel song called The Longest Time. Aspiring to find ways of giving their audiences the quirky and humorous performances they’ve come to expect, the video also provides a witty personal introduction to each of Resound Male Voices’ individual members

The launch of the video will take place at a free public event on World AIDS Day, Sunday, December 1 at 7.30pm in Legends, Basement Club, Brighton, where donations will be gratefully accepted for MindOut the LGBT mental health charity.

“We had such fun putting this project together and are excited about presenting it to a wider audience. We are hoping to raise a total of £1,000 for MindOut from collections at the launch event and online via LocalGiving, whilst also raising awareness of the important services they provide,” said Swedish-born opera singer and vocal coach Stefan Holmström, Resound’s Musical Director.

Ahead of the launch event, sneak peeks and out-takes of the video are being released on Resound Male Voices’ Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ResoundMaleVoices and on their YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/resoundmalevoices.

If you want to make an online donation directly to MindOut then you can do so via their LocalGiving.com page via http://localgiving.com/charity/mindout quoting “Thanks Resound!” in the message box.

For more information, CLICK HERE: 

 

LGBT History Month – The Pre-launch!

Posted on by Graham Robson

The Pre-Launch of LGBT History Month 2014 takes place at Bramall Concert Hall at The University of Birmingham on Thursday, November 28.

LGBT History Month - Pre LaunchNext year’s theme is Music, which will be celebrated at the Pre-Launch with music workshops in the morning for secondary schools in the Barber Institute of Fine Art, focussing on LGBT musicians Benjamin Britten, Angela Morley, Ethel Smyth and Bessie Smith, who we have chosen to be the Faces of ’14.

Evening proceedings start at 5.30pm with stalls and networking, then Barbara Nice will host the main event from 6.30pm in the concert hall, with something for every musical taste: from opera to Broadway musical; punk to choral. Participants confirmed for the evening include; The Birmingham Gay Symphony Orchestra; the cast of Rent and Rainbow Voices Choir. The best of the morning’s schools will perform and Vix from Fuzzbox will perform ‘Say it Loud’, the anthem for LGBT History Month 2014.

Speakers Michael Cashman MEP, Councillor Brigid Jones, LGBT History Month Chairs Tony Fenwick and Sue Sanders, and in the centenary year of Benjamin Britten’s birth, representatives of The Britten-Pears Foundation and Katherine Cockin on Ethel Smyth.

Event: LGBT History Month 2014 Pre-Launch

Where: Bramall Concert Hall, University of Birmingham

When: Thursday, November 28

Tickets: £5

To book, CLICK HERE:  

Gay former soldier joins the fight against undiagnosed HIV, at launch of National HIV Testing Week

Posted on by Besi

James Wharton, a former Lance Corporal with the Blues and Royals, has taken a rapid HIV test to encourage more gay men to test for the virus during this year’s National HIV Testing Week (November 22-29).

National HIV Testing Week

James – the first gay person to appear on the cover of Soldier magazine, the British Army’s official publication – attended the King’s Cross centre of HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) for a simple finger-prick blood test. His negative result was delivered within 15 minutes.

James said: “I’m proud to be launching National HIV Testing Week. There are lots of people out there who don’t realise how quick and easy it is to test. Modern tests are done in minutes, and you get your result there and then. It’s incredibly important to know your status. I fully believe we can win the fight against HIV, but it’s up to us to keep testing, testing, testing.”

Figures released by Public Health England this week report that one in five gay and bisexual men with HIV remains unaware that they have the infection and is therefore more likely to pass the virus on. National HIV Testing Week, coordinated by THT and HIV Prevention England, aims to drive down undiagnosed HIV by encouraging those most at risk to get tested.

An estimated 100,000 gay and bisexual men tested for HIV in 2012. THT is calling on the gay community to halve the level of undiagnosed HIV by increasing the total testing annually to 250,000.

National HIV Testing Week runs from Friday 22 – Friday November 29, and coincides with the first ever European HIV Testing Week.

THT will be offering all day testing at its King’s Cross centre (314 – 320 Grays Inn Road, London) from Monday 25 – Friday November 29 between 10.00am and 8.00pm daily.

To find nearest testing service order a postal testing kit, or pledge you support for the campaign, CLICK HERE:  

 

THT lunchtime HIV update

Posted on by Besi

Terence Higgins Trust

Ian Thompson from THT will give an overview of HIV in the 21st century at THT, 61 Ship Street on Wednesday, November 27 in the lead up to World Aids Day, from 12.30-1.30pm

It is a free and informal session, open to everyone who would like to learn more about HIV and the latest developments in a national context and will be folowed by a Question and Answer session.

If you want more information about the session EMAIL:  

What: An overview of HIV in the 21st century

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

When: Wednesday, November 27

Time: 12.30pm – 1.30pm

For more information about THT, CLICK HERE:

 

 

Brighton Women’s Centre musical charity event

Posted on by Graham Robson

The Brighton Women’s Centre (BWC) will start their 40-year anniversary celebrations in 2014 with a fundraising concert featuring vocalist Claire Martin and The Montpellier Cello Quartet at The Old Market, Hove on Thursday, December 19 at 7.30pm.

Brighton Women's Centre Benefit

Next year BWC aim to raise £40,000 to support their vital work in supporting women with vulnerabilities in Brighton & Hove, giving them resources and tools for independence and empowerment in a safe, women-only space,

Event: Claire Martin and The Montpellier Cello Quartet.

Where: The Old Market, 11A Upper Market St, Hove, BN3 1AS.

When: Thursday, December 19 at 7.30pm.

Tickets: £20/£16 concs.

To book, CLICK HERE:  

For more information about the Brighton Women’s Centre, CLICK HERE:

LGBT Domestic Violence Service receive lottery grant

Posted on by Besi

Broken Rainbow UK the LGBT Domestic Violence Charity receive a lottery grant of £9,568

Broken Rainbow UKSix local community organisations have received large grants from The Big Lottery Fund totalling £474,521.

The biggest award of £47,982 went to Brighton Housing Trust’s Firm Foundations project whose aim is to enable disadvantaged people to secure and sustain accommodation in the Private Rented Sector.

£203,783 went to Grow, a project which improves the wellbeing of adults with enduring mental health issues in Brighton and Hove and its surrounding areas, through activities in the Sussex countryside.

Further grants were awarded to The Brighton and Hove Independent Mediation Service and Woodcraft Folk Chaos Venturers.

Finally, £965 was awarded to a widow of a Second World War veteran from East Sussex towards travel costs for a commemorative visit to France with a carer.

Simon Kirby, MP
Simon Kirby, MP

Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, has spoken of his delight, he said: “The Big Lottery Fund provides vital financial support to organisations across the South East, and I know that people in Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven appreciate the grants awarded to these local groups. These groups provide vital support, often to vulnerable people, and in doing so they make a valuable contribution to the community.  

“These organisations represent our society at its very best, and I am filled with confidence when I see what can be achieved through voluntarism, philanthropy and social action. I urge those involved in Brighton’s community and voluntary sector to visit The Big Lottery Fund website to find out more about the funding which is available.

“As well as the grants to excellent local groups, I was touched by the money awarded to a Second  World War widow in my constituency so that she can attend a commemorative visit to France. The nation has just come together to mark Remembrance Sunday, and this award is a perfect example of the fine work done by charities up and down the country to support fallen soldiers and their loved ones. ”

 

 

 

The Seattle presents an evening with Sally Vate in aid of the Sussex Beacon

Posted on by Besi

Local entertainer and drag queen extraordinaire Sally Vate will be entertaining guest and visitors alike in the Seattle Bar at the Seattle Hotel in Brighton Marina on Friday, November 29 between 9-11pm.

Sally Vate
Sally Vate

The event is free but there will be buckets on the door for discretionary donations to the hotel’s chosen charity, The Sussex Beacon.

The Sussex Beacon is a local charity offering specialist care and support for men, women and families affected by HIV.

For more information about the Sussex Beacon, CLICK HERE:

What: An evening with Sally Vate

Where: The Seattle Bar, The Seatle Hotel, Brighton Marina, Brighton

When: Friday, November 29

Time: 9-11pm

Cost: Entry free

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MindOut Quiz Night at Camelford

Posted on by Besi

MindOut

There is a Pub Quiz fundraiser at the Camelford Arms on Wednesday, December 4 starting at 8pm. This is part of a week-long event MindOut, Out and About, where MindOut will be raising awareness about mental health stigma in popular LGBT venues around Brighton. Go along to the quiz, form a team, and help MindOut raise both money and awareness!

What: Pub Quiz Fundraiser

Where: Camelford Arms, Camelford Street, Brighton

When: December 4

Time: 8pm

Win tickets to see Robin Cousins and Ruthie Henshaw this Christmas

Posted on by Besi

Starr Trust patron Robin Cousins and West End legend Ruthie Henshall to appear at the Hilton Brighton Metropole Hotel for a festive concert of Christmas songs.

Robin Cousins

Following the huge success of February’s An Evening with Robin Cousins, the star of ITV’s Dancing on Ice is once again providing an exclusive event to fans in Brighton in order to support the Starr Trust and their mission to champion local young people.

Robin will be joined by Ruthie Henshall, whose multi-award winning career has seen her star in some of the most popular musicals of the past twenty five years – including Cats, Miss Saigon, Les Miserables, Crazy For You, She Loves Me and Chicago.

Darren Abrahams, Starr Trust Director, said: “We are incredibly lucky to have Robin as a very active and supportive patron and to have Ruthie join him in a Christmas event is even more exciting for us. Many of us on the team have been fans for years and can’t quite believe she will be singing an exclusive concert just for us.” 

The concert takes place on Sunday, December  8 at 6.45pm in the Waterhouse restaurant at the Brighton Hilton Metropole and will include supper and a drink on arrival. Robin and Ruthie will also be joined by the Starr Trust Singers.

Tickets are usually priced at £30 but the Trust team are offering two free tickets to anyone who would like to enter their Christmas competition. To coincide with our Change 4 Champions Campaign, which aims to encourage everyone in the City to donate £1 to support young people achieve their potential.

Email tracey@starrtrust.com to tell her what you would do with £1. A winner will be drawn on November 28 and contact by close of business that day.

For more information CLICK HERE:

Or telephone: 0772491425

What: Wish upon a Christmas Starr with Robin Cousins and Ruthie Henshall

Where: Metropole Hotel, Waterhouse Restaurant

When: Sunday, December 8

Time: 6.45pm

Cost: £30

 

 

 

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