menu

New community TV channel for Brighton and Worthing

After four years in planning, Latest TV started broadcasting last night.

Latest TV

The new 24 hour community channel broadcasts on Freeview Channel 8 and Virgin 159 and promises to feature the very best of what’s on in Brighton & Hove, Adur and Worthing. Sky viewers will be able to receive the channel later in the year.

Local news and sport is at the heart of the programing along with music, entertainment, cooking and property programmes.

A weekly gay magazine programme called Q Tube hosted by local DJ, Steve Jones will feature local, national and international gay news. Their first show is a one hour special about this years Brighton Pride.

The TV studios are located in the Latest Bar on Manchester Street just opposite Brighton Pier which is a recording studio during the day and reverts back to a bar at night.

Former Argus political reporter, Tim Ridgeway is the head of news which he promises will have a community focus.

Bill Smith
Bill Smith

Bill Smith, founder of Latest TV, said: “We have been fighting for Brighton to have its own television station for years. It’s so exciting to see this dream become a reality.

“I believe that TV should be democratic. So as well as the Latest team producing top-class television we will be proud to show films and videos made by you.

“If these are good, we will soon sign you up.” 

If you are having trouble finding Latest TV, CLICK HERE:

Or telephone: 01273 818150 ext.101

Mo Marsh Latest TV

 

Biggins visits The Sussex Beacon

Actor and television presenter Christopher Biggins visited The Sussex Beacon today, (August 29) to find out more about the work of the charity.

Biggins at Beacon

He was given a tour of the building, had lunch with staff and chatted with patients. David Raven aka Maisie Trollette an old mate of Biggins popped along to say hello and the pair kept everyone smiling with their camp banter.

Biggins is supporting the Beacon this year by hosting the fundraising ball The Halloween Horror Show at the Brighton Hilton Metropole on Saturday, November 1, 2014.

The event will include a sumptuous Halloween feast followed by a spectacular live floor show with a live band and dancing until the early hours.

There will be Halloween themed games as well as auctions and a raffle offering exclusive and ‘money can’t buy’ prizes.

Biggins is not a novice at making spooky appearances. His film roles include The Rocky Horror Picture Show in 1975. He also appeared as a guest star narrator in The Rocky Horror Show on tour in 2010.

Biggins said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be hosting this event and remember it is just a jump to the left… and then a step to the right. It will be a night out to remember for a very, very long time”.

The Sussex Beacon is working with leading entertainment design agency the E3 Group to produce the Ball. The E3 Group helped deliver Brighton Pride in 2013. Together, The Sussex Beacon and E3 hope to create a Spooktacular event that guests can enjoy year on year.

Simon DoweSimon Dowe, CEO at The Sussex Beacon, said: “At The Sussex Beacon we work together to support the whole person by addressing the physical, psychological and social impact of HIV. Every year, we have to raise 1.2 million pounds to keep our services running. This year, ‘The Halloween Horror Show’ will help us to achieve our fundraising target”.

To buy tickets for the Ball, CLICK HERE:

Or email: fundraising@sussexbeacon.org.uk for more information about the event.

The Sussex Beacon charity offers specialist care and support for men, women and families affected by HIV. Open 365 days a year, they help people manage the everyday realities of living with this life-long condition that has no cure. Their Inpatient and Outpatient services help people living with HIV related illnesses, initiating new drug therapies, or supporting those struggling with extreme side effects of HIV medication. The Sussex Beacon supports the whole person by addressing the physical, psychological and social impact of HIV.

For more information about the Sussex Beacon, CLICK HERE:

Sussex Beacon Halloween

 

 

New business opens in Gay Village

Merlin & Ellis, a quirky, design-led emporium tucked away in Manchester Street opposite Morrisons supermarket, opened its door for business last month.

Ellis Collins
The shop, a new venture for Ellis Collins, promoter of the monthly Have A Word arts night, will be selling new and pre-loved designer vintage and one-off clothing.
Ellis also runs a clothing agency selling your surplus quality clothes on a 50/50 basis.
High-end cruelty-free colognes, bathing and grooming products are also available as well as home scenting products from Cumbria and Scotland, alongside industrial lighting, original art work, books, footwear, poetry and an on-site design and alterations service.
Have a Word
Soon an upper floor of interiors featuring lamps, small furniture, art and industrial pieces will open as well!
For an all inclusive LGBTQ community shop go along and visit very soon.  The garden shed changing room alone will leave you smiling along with the Farrow & Ball Hague Blue painted walls and ceilings.
You will find Merlin & Ellis at 9 Manchester Street, Brighton,
Telephone: 01273 623560 or 07595 398219

 

First LGBT Community Groups Network meeting a huge success

Sixteen groups attended the first LGBT Community Groups Network meeting.

LGBT Community Groups Network

The network has been established to help smaller LGBT/HIV community groups get to know each other, find opportunities for mutual support and cooperation and find ways to develop and deliver on their aims and objectives.

The meeting provided a forum for members to talk about their existing work, progress, successes and to highlight challenges. Groups found common ground on many issues, and offers of help and support were shared.

A range of themes were identified for future discussion and support, including funding, reaching people needing services, and sustaining existing work. Scope for meetings with stakeholders and working groups on emerging issues were also identified. A presentation was given by Brighton and Hove Community Works, the infrastructure organisation which provides support services for not-for-profit groups. Groups that were not already members were given information on how to access free membership of Community Works and an invite to their next conference on September 16.

Practical solutions to help support groups were also discussed and identified for development, including the use of social media, group e-mail distribution lists, an online forum for members, and the use of shared desk and meeting space hosted by Lunch Positive at Prestomex House.

Gary Pargeter & Chris Cooke
Gary Pargeter & Chris Cooke

Gary Pargeter and Chris Cooke, Community Works LGBT Representatives who facilitate the network, said: “The first Network meeting was a great success, and it was hugely useful to share experiences and develop discussions on what support groups need. Groups started talking in more depth about how things are and what’s needed to continue and develop their work. The network has been set up as a resource for people to find ways to cooperate and support each other, sharing knowledge, skills and opportunities. As one attendee commented, it’s an organic approach and will help by giving groups time, space and resources to make this happen. Our first meeting highlighted many important issues which for the future will also have structured input; funding and reaching potential service users being good examples. Along with input from groups we’ll be putting together meeting agendas and support activities to address these issues. Being together as a network, with people having insight, skills and expertise to share, is incredibly valuable. There’s huge added potential for our groups and our community when we start talking, sharing and acting collectively.”

LGBT Community Groups Network

Groups attending were: BLAGSS, Brighton GEMS, Clare Project, FTMB, Lesbian Link, LGBT Brighton and Hove Network, LGBT Community Safety Forum, Lunch Positive, Older & Out, Older People’s Council, Peer Action, Queer In Brighton, Rainbow Chorus, Rainbow Families, Trans Alliance and Trans* Pride.

The next LGBT Community Groups Network meeting is on Wednesday November 19 from 7.00 – 8.30pm.

If you’re a local LGBT/HIV Community Group with an income of £35,000 or less and are interested in joining contact chris@lgbt-groups.org

To view the website, CLICK HERE: 

 

 

X