Simon Kirby, the Conservative MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, will be volunteering at the Royal Sussex County Hospital tomorrow (June 6) as part of National Volunteers Week 2014.
Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven
During his time at the Hospital, Mr Kirby will help serve lunch to patients by distributing and collecting food trays, and will get to meet the hard working and dedicated volunteers who are vital to the functioning of the hospital.
This week marks the 30th Anniversary of Volunteers Week, which is run to recognise the important contribution that volunteers make towards hospitals, charities, and many others.
To show his support for the week and for the hard working volunteers in Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, Mr Kirby will be serving and clearing the lunches of those in the Emerald Unit at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, alongside some long-serving volunteers.
Speaking ahead of the event, Simon:“It is great that so many constituents give their time, volunteering to assist a wide range of worthy causes. Volunteers Week is an important way to recognise these people and to praise the important work they do.
“I look forward to having the opportunity to spend some time on Friday volunteering at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, and to meet with some of the longest serving volunteers at the hospital.
“Whilst I will only be volunteering for a short period, it is important to recognise that many people give their time on a regular basis to volunteer all over Brighton and Peacehaven. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all for the vital role that they play.”
Graham Munday chats to Chris Murphy about Brighton Bear Weekender, on June 20-22 and this years Pride.
So how did Brighton Bear Weekender come about? “It started in 2009 when the original Kings Arms in London was around. At that point it was the city’s bear bar. I was going to call it BBC, Brighton Bears and Cubs. Unfortunately the King Arms closed and that put a kibosh on that. It was a transitional time and The Camelford Arms was just opening and establishing itself as the new bear bar. I contacted David Silver. Initially they did not take me that seriously. The first one had to happen to prove that it could be done. No money was made that year. That was 2010 as we are now in our 4th year. In year two people were supportive as it had been shown it could bring guys into the city for the weekend.”
So where does Brighton Bear Weekender find itself this year? “It is continually growing and becoming easier to organise as more people want to get involved making it less of a struggle to organise. The weekend takes a lot of planning and organising. The amount of meetings we go to and attend for one weekend of the year is quite incredible. The hard work pays off and we end up with a great weekend for everybody.”
Graham Munday asks the questions
So is the weekend raising money now? “Yes last year we raised £2,800 plus with the sale of raffle tickets, clothing and wristbands. All profits go to The Rainbow Fund. None of the people who help organises it take any money from it. We have no overheads. So all the donations and money you kindly give us goes to the Rainbow Fund. It is important that we support them because it is umbrella organisation that does not raises money itself, but looks after the money that is raised for them. They then give grants to local LGBT charities that offer frontline services to the LGBT community in Brighton and Hove. Brighton Bear Weekender is now the second biggest contribute to the fund after Brighton Pride. We are very proud of that.”
So what can we expect over the weekend? “A welcome smile. Last year we had about 130 people attend the Saturday afternoon picnic which is always a good benchmark. You don’t even have to bring food as Lunch Postive have a great stand full of delicious reasonably priced food. All the events bring in more people each year. Last year we had guys from Germany, France, Scottish guys and even someone from the USA. So word is getting out there. Brighton is a great place to visit.”
Are you selling merchandise again this year? “We are selling T- shirts and hoodies again. The t shirt design changes every year. We also have different colors for the hoodies and t shirts from year to year. This year’s t shirt design has been done by the talented illustrator Nicholas Maguire. It has a subtle Royal Pavillion motif in it. Very Brighton and it has been selling very well. You can buy it online at our website or if you can’t wait then pop into Prowler in Brighton that are kindly stocking it for us this year.”
Are wristbands being sold? “Wristbands are £5 which give you discounts in shops, drink deals in the bars and clubs offering discounted/free entry.
You can buy these at Prowler Brighton or at the welcome night at the Royal Oak, St James Street on Friday June 20.
Chris Murphy gives the answers
After the weekend are they any plans for Brighton Bear Weekender? “We are taking part in this year’s Pride Community Sports Day and Picnic on July 27. We are entering a team and hopefully Tug of War will be our event. We are going to get some big strapping lads at the end of the rope. I don’t think we are going to do so well at the running events. Its all about joining in and supporting.
And Pride day itself? “We are entering the parade for the first time this year. In the past lots of our associates have joined the Bear Patrol float but this year as we are growing we feel we need to come out of the shadows and have our own identity. So this year we are going to enter as the Village Bear People. The theme for the parade is The World’s a Disco. Back in the 80’s The Village People were out there with their gay anthems. I am sure we can dress up and look the part in the parade.”
Do you have an idea for an outfit already? “Ooooo! I am looking at leather, maybe chaps.. The good thing about Village People you can easily pick one of them and put an outfit together.”
And in the park? “We are going to be in the Bear’s tent area and dancing the day and night away.”
So how can people join Brighton Bear Weekender on the Pride float? “You can contact us though our Facebook page, our Twitter account or just come and see us over the weekend itself on June 20-22.”
Thanks to Chris Murphy for those insights. Time for me to go and buy t shirts, hoodies, wristbands and lots of raffle tickets. See you all there.
For more information about Brighton Bears Weekender, CLICK HERE:
The Marlborough Theatre has received the award for “Best Venue” in the Latest Festival Awards 2014
Following a successful Brighton Fringe 2014, the Marlborough has been crowned best of the fest, by The Latest.
The award was presented at a ceremony on Tuesday, June 2, at Latest Music Bar where an illustrious mix of artists, press and venues celebrated an intense month of Fringe performances.
The award for Best Theatre Performance went to Thief by Liam Rudden, which received brilliant reviews during its run at the Marlborough Theatre from May 13-18.
Other highlights from the Marlborough’s 32-show programme included Casual Violence who won an Argus Angel Award for Excellence; Sister by Rosana Cade, named Outstanding Show by Fringe Review; two sell out shows by Sleeping Trees Theatre, Mafia and The Sleeping Trees Treelogy; and Brighton Fringe favourite Lynn Ruth Miller in ’80!’. As well as two very popular queer shows for kids Romeo & Juliet by Pocket Oxford, and Aunty Ben by Super Paua – Ireland’s first LGBT play for children.
The Marlborough Theatre team send a massive thank you to everyone who voted for them.
A spokesperson, said:“We really appreciate all your love and support and as a smaller – scale venue we are so pleased to be recognised. We do it all for you and there’s so much more to come this summer!”
For a full list of Latest Award winners CLICK HERE:
East Sussex Fire Authority approves cuts to fire engines and fire fighters in Brighton and East Sussex.
At a meeting today fire service representatives voted to press ahead with the cuts despite opposition from residents and politicians.
The East Sussex Fire Authority has approved controversial cuts to remove two appliances from the Preston Circus station in Brighton and The Ridge station in Hastings and to reduce fire fighters across Brighton and East Sussex
At todays meeting ten Fire Authority members voted for the proposed cuts which had been opposed across the board locally, with eight members voting against.
Des Prichard, chief fire officer for East Sussex and Brighton and Hove, said:“I’m not happy with the changes because we’ve lost fire fighters, no-one is happy about the fire appliance leaving Preston Circus but cuts are inevitable.
“We had a goal of keeping 24 fire stations open before the meeting and after the meeting we still have 24 fire stations open.”
Nancy Platts
Nancy Platts, parliamentary candidate for Labour in Kemp Town and Peacehaven, added:“This is a terrible decision and I cannot believe the voices of residents have been ignored.
“There are other money saving options and I urge a rethink and a u-turn before it’s too late.”
Fire Authority members decided not to review the public consultation about the proposed cuts, which received 665 responses throughout Brighton and Hove.
A motion was put forward to review the public consultation after it was roundly criticised by members of the panel for failing to reach members of the wider public.
Voting for the motion was tied at 6 each but UKIP Cllr Phil Howson, chairman of the East Sussex and Brighton and Hove Fire Service, used his casting vote to deny the motion.
Three petitions were put forward at the meeting, arguing against the removal of the fire engines. All of the petitions received more responses than the public consultation.
Following the meeting Simon Herbert, firefighter and Fire Brigades Union chairman for East Sussex said:“I am deeply disappointed that the public, firefighters and local politicians have been ignored by the Fire Authority.
“Today East Sussex Fire Authority failed to put the safety of the residents of Brighton and Hove first.”
Nancy Platts, Labour Parliamentry candidate for Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven is furious that the views of local politicians and thousands of local residents have been ignored.
After the meeting Nancy said:“This is a terrible decision and I cannot believe the voices of residents have been ignored.
“Keeping the public safe should be paramount and cutting frontline services should never have been considered as an option. We should be walking away from this meeting with a commitment to protect these essential services.
“I will not stop this campaign and we will make it clear how unpopular this plan is. There are other money saving options and I urge a rethink and a u-turn before it’s too late.”
Simon Kirby, MP for Kemptown and Peacehaven was saddened by the decision of the Chair of the Fire Authority, UKIP Councillor for Peacehaven, Phil Howson to use his casting vote.
Simon said:“Councillor Howson was elected as a Peacehaven Councillor to represent the interests of Peacehaven residents, not to support cuts to their local services. I have long argued that the Fire Authority should look again at all its non-frontline services to find savings so that fire stations could retain the equipment they need.
“Today’s vote, to proceed with the reduction in Brighton could also adversely affect East Saltdean, Telscombe Cliffs and Peacehaven. This decision is at the least shortsighted and I hope is not the thin end of the wedge. I shall be carefully watching the Fire Authority’s reserves, costs and expenses in the coming financial year. I genuinely believe there is a better way and the Fire Authority failed to find it.”
Local Conservatives have vowed to continue to fight the cuts. Conservative Group Leader on the Fire Authority, Patcham Ward Councillor, Carol Theobald, presented a 10,000 signature petition at the meeting opposing the fire service reductions in Brighton & Hove. Carol, and fellow Brighton & Hove Conservative, Wish Ward Councillor Garry Peltzer Dunn, both voted against the proposals and argued that they could potentially put lives at risk.
Prior to the decision being made, Conservative Group Leader on Brighton & Hove City Council, Geoffrey Theobald, and Hove & Portslade MP, Mike Weatherley, wrote a joint letter to the Fire Services Minister, Brandon Lewis MP, urging him to facilitate the merger of the East and West Sussex fire services. They argued that these frontline cuts would not be necessary if the two fire services in Sussex were to merge, creating significant savings in management and back office costs. Plans for a merger were drawn up a couple of years ago and got to an advanced stage, only for West Sussex County Council, as Fire Authority, to pull out.
Cllr Carol Theobald
Carol said:“I am extremely disappointed at this decision by the Fire Authority and I will continue to fight to retain our fire engine. The Fire Authority needs to make these savings over a 4 year period so if only we could get the merger back on track some of the frontline cuts that both East and West Sussex are having to make could be avoided. The strength of public feeling in the city against these proposals is huge as evidenced by the petition I presented at today’s meeting.”
Singer-songwriter and actress Heather Peace visits HMV in Brighton to perform short acoustic sets and sign copies of her new album The Thin Line.
Heather Peace at HMV Brighton on June 9
Having learnt piano from the age of five and led her local congregation in song as a child, Heather continued to write and perform music alongside her acting career, beginning professionally with a jazz residency on Manchester’s Canal Street.
Instigated by a dark time in her life, she eventually made the move into recording with 2012’s debut release Fairytales, which reached the UK Independent Chart’s top 10.
A familiar face on British TV screens, Heather is arguably best known for her role in drama Lip Service (2010 – 2012), which charts the romantic lives of four friends living in Glasgow. Amongst numerous other credits Heather has starred in London’s Burning (1998 – 2002), Ultimate Force with Ross Kemp (2005 – 2006) and most recently in mini-series Prey (2014) alongside John Simm.
Heather’s sophomore album ‘The Thin Line’ marks her full-time transition into a music career; as she explains “I’ve been two-jobs-Peace for almost 20 years and it felt like time to put my music first.”
When the artwork and release date were posted on twitter they trended for three hours, showing the eager enthusiasm of Heather’s fans. Its release follows Heather’s headlining performances at Sydney Mardi Gras and Manchester Pride’s Women’s Stage.
Produced by James Lewis (Arctic Monkeys, Superfood) The Thin Line has a summer feel drawing a wealth of inspiration from girl groups of the 1960s. Fans can expect plenty of doo-wops, sing-along choruses and even a gay anthem titled We Can Change, which was Richard Madelely’s BBC Radio 2 track of the week and inspired by children contacting Heather about their experiences with bullies.
As Heather explains, the message behind the song is “stop pointing out the differences and we can actually change the world for the better!”
This summer will see Heather embarking on her most extensive tour to date, which will include Pride Glasgow, Ella Festival in Mallorca and she will be playing the main stage at Brighton Pride on August 2.
What: Heather Peace HMV Live and Signing
Where: HMV, 48-50, Churchill Square Shopping Centre, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 2RG
Award winning dental hygienist Christine Chatfield is on day 18 of her marathon walk from Kirriemuir in Scotland to Brighton to help raise awareness of cancers of the mouth.
Christina checks her bearings
Christina left Kirriemuir on May 19 and has taken a route south through Dundee, Perth, Edinburgh all the way down to York.
During the second week of the walk she suffered from cripling skin flints but after some TLC and pampering she managed to continue to keep walking throughout to raise money for the British Dental Health Foundation and Heart Your Smile.
Since the walk started Christina has had just one rest day on day 15 (June 1) and today she is walking on the leg between Retford and Newalk-on-Trent in Yorshire where she reports the weather is “dull but not raining.”
Christina and the team arrive in York on June 1
During the first two weeks walk towards the English borders, she had problems getting a good signal on her mobile which made communication with her supporters all over the country somewhat difficult. No such problems now and apart from getting lost in charge of a map during yesterdays solo walk from Hatfield to Retford, Christina remains on target to arrive in Brighton on Thursday, June 19 at 6pm.
While Christine is away from her business in Brighton, volunteer dental hygienists are making sure Christine’s patients are seen at her Dental Spa in Queens Road, Brighton each day.
Christina Chatfield
Christine said:“I would like to thank all the hygienists who have given up their time to support the Dental Health Spa in my absence: Elaine Tilling, Judy Casey, Tim Ives and Debbie Hemington. It is very much appreciated. And there are more to come in the next few weeks including: Dawn Sherry, Rumana Husein, Louisa Rdh, Mike Wheeler, Amanda Zoe Gallie, Fiona Sandom, Sarah Gilder.
And a big thank you to the hygiene team at DHS – you know who you are!”
Reminding people of why she was doing the walk, Christine said: “Mouth cancer is one of the very few forms of cancer on the rise, and it currently claims more lives than testicular and cervical cancer combined. We all have a responsibility to help beat the disease, and you have the chance to join me and help to make a difference.
“By donating just £10, you could potentially prompt someone into getting checked out, a move that could save their life.”
Christine has been in training for the last 6 months to get ready for this monumental walk. All money raised will be shared between the British Dental Health Foundation and Heart Your Smile.
You can get yourself sponsored to accompany Christina on any section of the walk, or simply make a donation to recognise her amazing efforts.
For more information about Christina’s challenge, CLICK HERE:
Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, has received a Parliamentary award for the MP who is most vocal about, and engaged with, constituents on twitter, placing him second out of the 450 MPs on Twitter.
Simon Kirby, MP for Kemptown & Peacehaven
Twitter analysed the data from all the 450 MPs on Twitter over the past year. The Twitter Awards were presented by John Rentoul, chief political commentator for The Independent on Sunday.
The award, presented by the independent organisation, the Parliamentary Internet and Communications Technology Forum (PICTFOR) is given to the MP who has been judged to have championed their constituency most on twitter.
Simon said:“I am delighted to have been recognised for the “Local Yokel” award. I have never made any apologies for unashamedly beating the drum for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven at every opportunity, including on twitter, and so I am very pleased to receive this recognition.
“I have always seen twitter as an ideal way for me to be even more accessible to my constituents, to magnify many of the excellent things going on in the area and to draw attention to worthwhile causes and issues and I will continue to tweet away.
“I can only see Twitter growing in importance in the coming years and I look forward to challenging for the local yokel title again next year as I continue to be a strong voice for our area #localyokel.”
Labour to give residents their say on the future of Brighton and Hove.
Labour Group Leader Cllr Warren Morgan is to give city residents a chance to have their say on the future of Brighton and Hove. The party is today calling on residents to get in touch with the party with their ideas on how to improve the City.
Cllr Morgan said:“Residents of Brighton and Hove know from first-hand experience what works in the City and what doesn’t.
That’s why we want to hear from them on how we can improve our City. Residents suggestions will help us further develop the policies we would bring forward as a Labour administration if we are elected to run the City in 2015.”
These will be considered alongside those from party members, local businesses and partner organisations in the City as part of the ongoing manifesto process.
Anal cancer rates in the UK have increased by nearly 300 per cent over the last 40 years, according to new figures published by Cancer Research UK today.
The increase in cases has been dramatically higher in women (374 per cent) than in men (202 per cent) over this period, rising from 0.4 to 1.8 per 100,000 in females compared to 0.4 to 1.2 per 100,000 in males.
Experts believe the reason for the dramatic rise is likely to be caused by the increasing prevalence of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus that is usually transmitted through sexual activity. An estimated 90 per cent of anal cancer cases in the UK are linked to HPV infection.
Overall the rates have risen from 0.4 in every 100,000 in the mid 70s to 1.5 today. Anal cancer is relatively rare, but awareness of the disease is low as it is still considered taboo by many.
The latest figures also show death rates for anal cancer have more than quadrupled since the mid 70s, with around 6 people now dying every week from the disease in the UK.
Previous research into sexual attitudes and lifestyles has suggested more heterosexual couples are having anal intercourse, which might account for the higher rates of the disease in women. But HPV is a very common virus and any sexual activity can increase the risk of passing on the infection to a partner.
Smoking may also be a risk factor for the disease and, though smoking rates have dropped since the 1970s, the drop has been smaller in women than in men, and slower in younger age groups where anal cancer is more common.
Nick Ormiston-Smith, Cancer Research UK’s head of statistics, said:“These are very worrying findings and highlight an increase in a cancer that’s not often talked about. Around 1,200 people are diagnosed with cancer of the anus every year in the UK, which means it’s still a relatively rare disease. But the rise in incidence, particularly in women, is concerning.
“We don’t fully understand the reason for the difference between men and women, but we do know HPV and smoking are strong risk factors for the disease.”
The introduction of the HPV vaccine for girls has been an important public health measure and is expected to help reduce the rates of HPV-related cancers in the UK in the future.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is now considering whether to extend the vaccination programme to boys, as rates of HPV-related cancers are also on the increase in men.
Using a condom reduces the risk of spreading the infection, but it doesn’t completely prevent it from being passed on to a partner.
Jessica Kirby, senior health information manager at Cancer Research UK, said:“Anal cancer is closely linked to HPV, and changes in sexual attitudes mean people are increasingly exposed to the virus. We’re not suggesting people take a vow of celibacy, but HPV vaccination, using a condom and being a non-smoker can all help to reduce the risk.
“Early diagnosis is also important so report any unusual or persistent changes in your body or bowel habits to your doctor. The most common symptom is bleeding from the anus. The cause is much more likely to be something less serious but it’s important to report symptoms to your doctor and get them checked out.”
For more information about Cancer Research UK, CLICK HERE:
Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, has announced his support of the Pup Aid campaign, which aims to put an end to puppy farming.
Simon Kirby, MP for Kemptown & Peacehaven
Puppies from puppy farms are bred with no regard for their health and well-being and are often kept in appalling, unsanitary conditions.
Research from 2013 shows that as many as one in three pet lovers may have unknowingly bought from a puppy farm, after sourcing their puppy online, on social media, in pet shops or through free newspaper ads – outlets often used by puppy farmers.
According to Kennel Club research, one in five pups bought online or in pet shops need long-term veterinary care or die before six months old.
Simon Kirby has been a strong supporter of animal welfare during his time as the MP for Brighton Kemptown. He has campaigned and championed various animal welfare related matters including badger vaccinations in Sussex, the end of wild animals in circuses, retaining the hunting ban, and the end of hunting migratory birds in Malta.
Simon said:“I have lobbied Ministers, asked Parliamentary questions and run campaigns on numerous animal welfare issues which are important to many people in Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven. As a dog owner myself this is an issue particularly close to my heart.
“Puppy farming is a cruel industry and I am happy to support the Pup Aid campaign. I would encourage anyone thinking about getting a dog not to rush into the decision and to do their research to get a happy, healthy, dog from a reputable source that suits their lifestyle.”
The Marlborough Theatre has received the award for “Best Venue” in the Latest Festival Awards 2014
Simon Kirby, MP for Kemptown and Peacehaven was saddened by the decision of the Chair of the Fire Authority, UKIP Councillor for Peacehaven, Phil Howson to use his casting vote.
The increase in cases has been dramatically higher in women (374 per cent) than in men (202 per cent) over this period, rising from 0.4 to 1.8 per 100,000 in females compared to 0.4 to 1.2 per 100,000 in males.
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