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New political party for Norwich

Dandy Party, a brand new political party, will be putting up independent disability-rights campaigner, Mick Hardy, to stand as MP for Norwich North at the May General Election in the seat currently held by Conservative MP Chloe Smith.

Dandy Party

Dandy Party was founded by Mick Hardy (secretary of Norwich Disabled People Against the Cuts, and Mental Health Action Group representative of Equal Lives), Vince Laws (poet and activist), and Eloise O’Hare, (artist and activist).

They formed the Party because they feel that following the cuts to disabled benefits by the present Conservative/Lib Dem coalition, there is a pressing need for poor and disabled people to be elected to Parliament to fight for the rights of those who are weak and most needy. They believe the healthy, wealthy millionaires there at present are not representing them fairly.

A fundraising page has been created to raise £5,000 to help fund the campaign. As soon as they get the first £1,000 they are rolling and will register the Party’s name, start printing posters and letters, etc.

If they don’t raise enough, or have some left over, it will go towards Dandifest 2015, details of which are below.

WEB.300The Party is having a launch and fundraising event at the Playhouse Bar in Norwich on Sunday, February 15, from 6 p.m., when singer songwriters Mick Hardy and Emma Jarvis and poet Vince Laws will be providing the entertainment.

To view the Dandy Party’s party political broadcast, click here:

STRIP! a Poem by Vince Laws

Give me an S!

S is your Spare Bedroom Tax.

10 million disabled people

in the UK, under attack.

S is the Shirt that they stole off my back!

Give me a T!

T is your Torture, your Tick-box Test.

70 ‘Fit For Work’ people die each week

because your Work Capability Assessment’s

up Cull Creek. Stop putting humans

through an inhumane test.

The disabled only protest

when they’ve nothing left to lose.

Iain Duncan Smith is the shit on my shoes!

Give me an R!

R is for Remploy, Redundancies, Recession,

I paid into your system

But you mis-sold me oppression.

You wish more employers would take us on

so take the lead Dave, and show what can be done.

Better still, Government, give the lead to us,

if the Disabled have to be on board

we’ll drive the fracking bus!

I need another moat and a house for my ducks!

Mixed metaphors and the system socks!

Give me an I!

I is the Independent Living Fund,

It lets people live the lives that they own.

New claims were stopped in 2010

and it’s death by Coalition in 2015.

Not-yet-disabled millionaires

are stocking up on shares

while stripping us of benefits.

First they take the services

that allow us independence,

then they’ll stick us all in Care Homes

and trouser all the profits!

Give me a P!

P is for PIP, A Personal Independence Plan

It replaces Disability Living Allowance

but it’s a scam.

500,000 people tricked

out of the help they currently get.

This Coalition are the goalpost shifters.

They’ve changed the definition of disability,

and that’s a job for doctors not politicians.

Disabled people have had enough –

when the only option’s destitution –

the gloves are firmly off!

Vince Laws 2014

To find out more about the Dandy Party, click here:

To make a donation, click here:


Dandifest

The Norwich Dandies are an arts collective who aim to create a space where difference is accepted, encouraged and valued.

To view a video of their work at Dandifest 2014, click here:

This short film shows the work of art collective The Norwich Dandies at Dandifest 2014. We specifically aim to create a space where difference is accepted, encouraged and valued.

Dandifest 2015 (April 27-May 9) takes place in Norwich during the General Election (May 7).

Vince Laws will be working with Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC) and Equal Lives, highlighting the inhumane way disabled people are being treated under the Con Dems.

They are planning 10,000+ paper chain links to remember those who have died due to the cuts, due to the deeply flawed Work Capability Assessment, and suicides linked to sanctions.

The Dandies will also dress up, spout poetry, give hope and encourage disabled people to vote.

The Dandies will be highlighting the different parties’ policies regarding disability rights, and including quotes from ‘From Cuts to Resistance’: http://www.inclusionlondon.co.uk/From-Cuts-To-Resistance

Bus company listens to residents

Following pressure from local residents, the 50 bus service in Hollingdean will run more frequently from April.

WEB.600

Changes made in September last year introduced a new 50U service running from Hollingdean to the Lewes Road Sainsbury’s and on to the Falmer campuses.

However, at the same time services to the city centre were cut from 5 to 4 an hour and, after the morning rush-hour, terminated at Churchill Square without continuing to Brighton Station.
Residents were concerned because the 50 is the only bus serving Hollingdean.

Local Labour Councillor Jeane Lepper, Chair of the Hollingdean Local Action Team (LAT), called a meeting in August attended by over 50 residents. Residents said that, while some welcomed a link to Sainsbury’s, this should not lead to reductions in buses to the city centre and a cut in service to Brighton Station.

A follow-up LAT meeting was held in October after the timetable changes had come into effect. This was also attended by around 50 residents, many of whom reported long waits for buses into the city centre and overcrowded services.

As a result of this pressure Brighton and Hove Buses now plans that from April five buses an hour will run again from Hollingdean to the city until mid-afternoon on weekdays.

Buses will also continue to Brighton Station for an hour longer in the mornings, until 9.15am, so that people can use the service to catch off-peak trains departing after 9am.

Jeane Lepper
Jeane Lepper

Cllr Lepper said: “I’m pleased that Brighton and Hove Buses has taken the time to listen to residents’ feedback. The reduction in frequency was particularly commented on because the service had already recently been reduced from six to five an hour. So it’s good to hear that we will be going back to five an hour from April.”

Tracey Hill and Caroline Penn, two of Labour’s local election candidates for Hollingdean and Stanmer, also attended, and helped to publicise, the meetings.

Tracey Hill
Tracey Hill

Tracey said: “The 50 is vital for people in Hollingdean who would otherwise be cut off from the rest of the city. These changes are positive but there are still some who will be disappointed that the 50 no longer goes to Brighton Station all day, as people who are ill or disabled have said that having to change buses makes the journey a lot more difficult. We are still interested in hearing from people about how they are finding the bus service, and will keep passing this feedback on to the bus company.”

 

The hottest international Pride events of 2015

Hollie Mantle highlights the Prides in 2015 she thinks have the most to offer the international tourist and deserve checking out.

Istanbul Pride 2014
Istanbul Pride 2014

BORED WITH your local annual Gay Pride march and fancy swapping it for something international? Here is my pick of the best, the boldest, and the bawdiest marches from around the globe this year.

Istanbul Pride

Where: Istanbul – Istiklal Avenue

When: August 22-24

Istanbul Pride:
Istanbul Pride: August 22-24

Turkey, on first view, may not seem like the most likely place to host a Pride event. Although the country doesn’t forbid same-sex relationships by law, intolerance towards the LGBT community is widespread, and there have been many reports of discrimination and violent harassment in recent years.

This event is therefore particularly important for the local gay community. Whereas the Pride marches in more liberal cities, like New York and London, are certainly special, there isn’t so much of a sense that New Yorkers are marching for their very livelihood, as is the case for gays and lesbians in Turkey.

Although Istanbul Pride is the Muslim world’s largest LGBT celebration, they can still use all the support they can get, so consider an Anatolian trip this summer! Tens of thousands of people flood the city around Pride weekend, so to escape the crowds you may want to stay nearer the coast – Alanya and Antalya in the South are particularly cosmopolitan cities and provide a nice, beach-side respite. Internal flights in Turkey are very reasonable with flights from Alanya to Istanbul on  Pride weekend costing as little as £26 when booked in advance with low-cost airline Pegasus.

To check out the Pegasus website for the best flight deals, click here:

For more information about Istanbul Pride, click here:


Tokyo Rainbow Pride Parade

Where: Tokyo – Harajuku

When: April 26-28

Tokyo Rainbow Pride Parade
Tokyo Rainbow Pride Parade

Although discrimination against gays and lesbians in Japan is relatively uncommon, it would be a stretch to say that gay men or women can take pride in their sexual orientation: in fact, this is a country where the saying, “gay doesn’t exist here” gets thrown out casually in conversation.

Although five percent of the population – about 6 million people – have expressed an affiliation with the LGBT community, Japan is still a long way off from having a sense of pride in this association. Most LGBT people in Toyko choose to hide their love life from colleagues and friends, and have to sneak out to the more gay-friendly Ni-chōme district near Shinjuku in order to express their sexuality. This is why it’s important for the international community to get out there and support this teeny parade!

For more information about Tokyo Pride, click here:


Helsinki Pride

Where: Helskini – Senaatintori Square

When: June 22-28

Helsinki Pride 2014
Helsinki Pride 2014

Finland, which enjoys a wide acceptance of LGBT rights and is due to legalise same-sex marriage in 2017, hosts a whole week for sexual and gender minorities in its capital, just after midsummer.

During the week, revellers are treated to various sporting events, followed by a gathering in the evening and a rainbow fair. The week culminates in Saturday’s Pride procession, which runs through the centre of Helsinki and ends up in Hakasalmen Park. The park plays host to speeches promoting gay rights, comedians, ceremonies, picnics, as well as musical and dance acts.

This year’s main theme is the working life, and there will be speakers giving information on the human rights situation in Russia, and the world of sport’s attitude towards sexual and gender minorities.

To check out the English version of their website, click here:


NYC LGBT Pride

Where: New York, New York

When: June 23 – 28

New York City Pride, 2014
New York City Pride, 2014

Widely considered one the gay capitals of the world, New York plays host to one of the largest Pride celebrations on the gay calendar. Since its inception in the late 1960s during the time of the Stonewall Riots, NYC Pride has gone from strength to strength while civil liberties in America have grown massively.

No matter what your queer scene, there’s something for everyone: you can join the protest action at the Dyke March, the party scene at the Dance on the Pier, or any number of other queer events all over town. Alternatively, if you don’t fancy the madness of Manhattan, then Brooklyn’s slightly more low-key affair might appeal – which begins with a twilight procession.

For more information about NYC Pride, click here:


São Paulo Gay Pride

Where: São Paulo, Brazil

When: May 4 – 18

Sao Paulo Pride in 2014The Brazilians love their parades, and the gay march in São Paulo is no exception – this parade is the largest pride event in the world, regularly attracting around 2.5 million people (to put that in perspective, Pope Benedict only attracted 1 million when he visited in 2011).

This year’s festivities kick off on May 4 with the march, which begins at midday at the Avenida Paulista and ends at Praça Roosevelt in downtown São Paulo, a full 10 hours later! This year will have 25 floats, known as Trio elétricos, representing NGOs, unions, and even the government. This certainly won’t be a party to forget!

A whole month’s activities are then hosted by the city, from literary festivals and sporting events to lively debates.

For more information about Sao Paulo Pride, click here:


Brighton and Hove Pride

Brighton and Hove Pride

Where: Brighton – Preston Park

When: August 1, 2015, 12:00 p.m.: Pride Parade starts at 11 a.m. from Madeira Drive

Sam Bailey at Brighton Pride 2015
Sam Bailey at Brighton Pride 2015

Widely considered the gay capital of Britain, Brighton hosts the biggest gay event of the UK year in August.  It’s become so popular that in the last few years the organisers have had to start charging for entry into Preston Park (the finishing point of the march, and main party arena).

However, don’t feel like you’re getting fobbed off. The price of a ticket goes towards community fundraising for The Rainbow Fund (a company which works with local LGBT and HIV/AIDS organisations), as well as first-class entertainment – in the past A-list acts like Paloma Faith, Fatboy Slim, Sam Bailey, Blue and Boy George have all performed.

If you don’t fancy shelling out for a ticket, then there are numerous other places to party on the day. The Village Street Party in Kemp Town is a popular cheaper alternative, where many of the gay bars and clubs are to be found. Legends Bar, Charles Street Bar, A-Bar and Bar Revenge on the seafront are all a safe bet for getting down and dirty!  Also, if you’re looking for somewhere special to stay, try the crazily-themed Hotel Pelirocco – easily the most unique accommodation in the city.

For more information about Brighton Pride, click here:

 

 

 

Manchester Pride recruit for new posts for 2015

Due to a recent restructuring in the organisation, Manchester Pride are recruiting for the following posts to help deliver Manchester Pride in August 2015.

Manchester Pride

Finance Manager (P/T) – AAT/ACCA

18.75 hours per week, 25 days’ holiday leave entitlement plus bank holidays (pro rata).

£32,072 – £36,571 pro rata

There is currently an opportunity for a Part Time Finance Manager to join Manchester Pride’s busy office in Manchester City Centre.  They are looking for an experienced finance professional to:

• Oversee all finance administration of the organisation

• Maintain internal accounting systems

• Prepare management accounting information and financial updates for the Chief Executive Officer, the Finance and Resource Committee and the Board of Trustees.

• Prepare the statutory accounts for the charity and trading subsidiary.


Marketing and Sponsorship Executive (F/T)

37.5 hours per week, 25 days’ holiday leave entitlement plus bank holidays.

£17,373 – £20,253

There is currently an opportunity for a self-motivated, enthusiastic Marketing and Sponsorship Executive. They are looking for an energetic individual to assist with the development and delivery of their marketing and communications strategies, implement sponsorship activity and promotional campaigns and evaluate audience research.


 Team Assistant (P/T)

21 hours per week, 25 days’ holiday leave entitlement plus bank holidays (pro rata).

£14,075 – £14,338 pro rata

There is currently an opportunity for a bright and enthusiastic Part Time Team Assistant.

They are looking for a motivated individual to offer administrative support to the team, including dealing with general enquiries, inputting sales and purchase ledgers, maintaining data management systems and managing the team diary.

Closing date for application is February 09, 2015 at 17:00

If you are interested in applying, click here:

 

DVD FILM REVIEW: The Other

The Other

The Other (Eureka blu-ray). Robert Mulligan’s psychological thriller is a rather bloodless horror about a pair of twin boys, one of whom is – as Hollywood tradition dictates – evil.

It has a twist which is officially revealed at the one-hour mark (though if you haven’t spotted it within the first ten minutes you perhaps need medical help).

It’s one of those films where the most you can say about it is that it’s competent – though mere competency isn’t really enough to recommend any artistic endeavour. The movie does have its admirers, though. Tom Tryon, the author of the original novel, wasn’t one of them, describing it as having been ‘ruined’ in the cutting and directing.

On the plus side the photography is often painterly, and its sense of 1930s America is well realised. Uta Hagen gives the one good performance as the kids’ Russian grandmother whose meddling with the supernatural leads to the film’s tragic conclusion.

DVD FILM REVIEW: SHOAH (AND 4 FILMS AFTER SHOAH)

SHOAH

SHOAH (AND 4 FILMS AFTER SHOAH) (Eureka blu-ray).

This four-disc set starts with Claude Lanzmann’s nine-and-a-half-hour ‘documentary’ about the Holocaust. The word is in inverted commas as it’s a description the director himself rejects. It’s a collage comprising interviews with victims, perpetrators and innocent, and not-so-innocent, bystanders of the Nazi concentration camps.

Testimony is sometimes heard over slow tracking shots of peaceful landscapes which were the site of appalling atrocities; an SS officer is secretly videotaped describing the workings of the Final Solution; a Polish man claims that a rabbi told his congregation that they were to be sent to the death camps because they were collectively responsible for the death of Christ.

A work of art as much as a record of historical facts — even that shopworn word ‘masterpiece’ seems inadequate. Also included in the set is LAST OF THE UNJUST, a fascinating series of interviews with Benjamin Murmelstein, a Jewish community leader who found himself having to negotiate with the Nazis in order to save Jews and was subsequently accused of being a collaborator.

25 years of Brighton Pride

Kate Wildblood reflects on Brighton Pride’s forthcoming 25th anniversary celebrations and the exciting new community history project BrightonPride25.

Brighton Pride
Pride March along Western Road in 1991

 

IN 1991 we were years away from equality. There was no equal age of consent, we couldn’t serve in the armed forces or adopt, civil partnership and same-sex marriage were decades away and we were protesting against Section 28, government legislation that banned local authorities from promoting homosexuality and “teaching the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship”. And yet we weren’t pretending. Our pride in our sexuality was very real for us and about to become an important part of LGBT life in our city.

The first Brighton Gay Pride took place on Saturday July 7, 1973 with a march from Norfolk Square to the Ship Hotel, followed by a Gay Dance at the Royal Albion Hotel and a Gay Picnic on the beach on the Sunday. But it wasn’t until 1991 that the Brighton Pride we know today began.

Brighton Pride
Dani Ahrens on the steps of Brighton Town Hall in 1991

 

One of the organisers, Dani Ahrens, recalls its protest-fuelled beginnings. “We (Brighton Area Action against Section 28) had been organising an annual march from Hove Town Hall to Brighton Town Hall for a few years, at first (in 1988) to protest at the passage of Section 28 into law, and then to mark the anniversary of that event. By 1991, we felt that the focus on Section 28 didn’t really fit what we had created. Our resistance to this law, and its effects, had built a community that was strong, angry, and full of creativity. We wanted to move forward and claim our rightful place in the city, not continue to look back and identify ourselves with an attack on us”.

Those four days of Pride in 1991, with its creative and inclusive mix of protest, film, art, history, live music, cabaret, clubbing and a Pink Picnic at Preston Park, announced to the city that Brighton Pride was here to stay.

Alf Le Flohic remembers what it brought to the city’s LGBT community. “There was a new sense of direction – we may have failed to stop Section 28, but we were determined to reclaim the one thing that law was supposed to stop us having: pride in being lesbian and gay people”.

BrightonPride25 will tell the story of our Pride through main-stage videos in Preston Park and public installations within the city.

Brighton Pride Managing Director Paul Kemp said: “As we reach this milestone anniversary of Pride in our city, the BrightonPride25 project hopes to celebrate our shared history and recognise the trailblazers and community organisations, the brave campaigners, activists, artists, club promoters, performers and Pride-goers who have been part of shaping the Pride movement in Brighton and Hove over a quarter of a century. We believe passionately that Pride should have purpose. Campaigning to highlight global LGBT communities and community fundraising is at the cornerstone of everything Pride represents and we hope BrightonPride25 will continue to reinforce this message. We’re extremely grateful to Alf Le Flohic and Kate Wildblood for agreeing to work with Pride on this exciting community project.”

“I’m so proud that my adopted home town has kept the Pride flag flying for so many years,” said Alf about Pride’s 25th anniversary. “The UK has come a long way but there are still global bullies who would love to turn the clock back on our human rights. Every Pride has helped someone to accept who they are and know they are loved for it. Brighton has played a solid part in all that change and it’s time to celebrate what we have all achieved. It’s really exciting to be a part of this project, celebrating the dedicated politicos, performers and party-goers who have made Brighton Pride the unique celebration of love and liberation that it is today.”

Brighton Pride 1991
Brighton Pride 1991

Since 1991 I’ve watched Brighton Pride blossom by campaigning, celebrating and, most importantly, connecting communities. It brings so many aspects of our city together – charitable, voluntary, political, business, allowing us to achieve so much together. From its glitter to its grit, from the partying to the fundraising, Brighton Pride has become the most fabulous jewel in Brighton’s crown and the BrightonPride25 project will enable us to remember how we got here and fire us up as we move forward.

From those early days of Queer on the Pier and days out on The Level to the park life of Preston Park and campaigning for the Freedom to Live, Brighton Pride has a history worth knowing and a history we should all be proud of.

Pink Picnic, Preston Park 1991
Pink Picnic, Preston Park 1991

Get involved!

• Play your part in BrightonPride25 and contribute your memories, photos and footage by uploading your photos and adding your memories via Twitter: @PrideBrighton #brightonpride25
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BrightonPride25
• or email pride25@brighton-pride.org
• or tag #BrightonPride25 on the Pride Instagram @brightonprideofficial

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