Vic and Bob will bring their new tour, their first since 1995 to the Brighton Centre on Friday, December 4, 2015.
25 Years of Reeves and Mortimer: The Poignant Years will be a celebration of the first 25 years of their professional collaboration from Vic Reeves Big Night Out (Channel 4 1990) through Smell of Reeves & Mortimer (BBC Two 1993/4), Bang, Bang It’s Reeves & Mortimer (BBC Two 1999) and Shooting Stars (BBC Two 1999-2011). BBC Two are currently transmitting the second series of their sitcom House Of Fools.
Previous live shows from the pair include Brown 1591 (1991), Puce 1694 (1994) and Weathercock 1495 (1995).
The tour which starts on November 11 will be a nostalgic moment in the annals of comedy history and a hotly anticipated ticket for fans hoping to catch a glimpse of some of their most popular characters, Man With the Stick, The Stotts, Mulligan and O’Hare, amongst others.
As always with Vic and Bob there will be some up-lifting moments, some musical moments, maybe some magic, several dancing styles, some show of physical strength but always some poignant moments.
Vic Reeves said:“Destiny has led us to this point in time. Now, finally the diversion of Reeves & Mortimer can be revealed in full extent through a cornucopia of preposterous doggerel etc.”
Bob Mortimer added:“Playing in front of a living audience is where it all began for us. Some people feel most alive when they are e.g. on fire or in Turkey, but for us the stage is where we thrive. I will ensure that Vic arrives at all dates smartly dressed and unarmed. I promise not to mention football, JLS or apricots during the performances. Should you choose to attend, be warned, I will be not be wearing a toupé.”
Tickets are now on-sale!
Event:25 Years of Reeves and Mortimer: The Poignant Years
Where: Brighton Centre, King’s Rd, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 2GR
25% discount and a free bottle of Cava for G-Scene readers booking direct on the Hotel Masia Sumidors website before May 31 using code “GSCENE”.
Hotel Masia Sumidors
FABULOUS views, cava on arrival and candlelit dinners at a lovely old Catalan Masia only 10 minutes from Sitges and within easy reach of Barcelona and the international airport.
Pine forests and vineyards stretch into the distance and birds soar overhead. Sitges and Barcelona are just a short drive from this lovely 400-year-old, nine room Catalan Masia but the tranquillity feels absolute.
Hotel Masia Sumidors is a secret hideaway just outside Sitges and your escape from the international party crowd in the town centre. Relax by the pool during the day and in the evening take the 10 minute drive to Sitges where you can dine at fine restaurants and drink at the bars and clubs untill the early hours of the morning.
It’s in a blissfully remote spot, surrounded by the Garraf Natural Park and standing within a palm-filled Mediterranean garden with a pool and bar overlooking valleys and vineyards stretching out for as far as the eye can see.
Put down your suitcase, sip a welcome glass of cava and admire the sublime views. They are quite simply breathtaking.
Cosy, antique-filled bedrooms are spread across the main house and a couple of outbuildings; all have rustic stone floors, carved doors and beamed ceilings, while the largest suite has a luxurious four-poster and a private terrace.
Compact en suites have traditional green tiles, brass fittings and simple showers. Breakfast in the charming red dining room or al fresco beneath the pergola on the terrace.
Enjoy gorgeous candlelit dinners beneath the stars or head out to Sitges, just ten minutes away for beaches and buzzing nightlife. Stay in and relax with drinks from the outdoor honesty bar or take a dip in the sparkling pool.
Hotel Masia Sumidors, Carretera de Vilafranca km 4.6 08810, Sant Pere de Ribes, Barcelona, Spain: Tel: +34 938 96 20 61
Sitges remains one of the premier gay destinations for an LGBT party crowd of all ages. It is well established on the international LGBT tourist circuit and just 20 minutes away from Barcelona
Gay Sitges Events 2015
International Bears Meeting B.S.C. 2015, Sitges – April 30 to May 5, 2015
The International Bears Week takes place on the last weekend of April/the first weekend in May. The events include paintballing, special dinners, beach meetings and pool parties. The event kicks off with a welcome reception at XXL… the main activities centre around the bars at Joan Tarrida, however the entire Village is full of bears so practically all of the bars in the village are full. The event is one of the most popular bears meeting in Spain and attracts a large international audience.
Gay Pride Sitges – June 18 to 22, 2015 (Parade on the 21)
The gay village by the sea is the epicentre of Sitges Pride, hosting 5 days of concerts, t-dances, fashion shows and more from June 18 to 22, 2015.
The centrepiece of Gay Pride Sitges will once again be Pride by the Promenade where every day the Gay Pride Village will keep you entertained by the Mediterranean.. kicking off every evening with the stunning Sitges Pride T-Dance!
The line-up includes, live concert tributes to Beyonce, Queen and the Spice Girls. Saturday night will be dedicated to the legends of Disco with the return of Boney M, last seen in Sitges in 2012. They will be joined by the ultimate ABBA tribute!
The RED Night and After Party is a new addition to Sitges Pride to raise funds for local AIDs charities. The entire town will be dressed in RED to show solidarity and support.
The WHITE NIGHT (where the entire Town dresses in White) will return for its 6th year.
On Saturday, the Hotel Antemare will once again host WET – The Sitges Pool Party. This event has become one of the most popular of Pride.
THE BLACK NIGHT at Bunker, Sitges biggest cruise club will host the biggest fetish event of the season. Its purpose built for cruising with a huge maze and space for more than 500 guys! The Pride Parade will return on Sunday, June 21 from 17.00.
SUPERHEROS, a new event with Lady Diamond will close the Pride celebrations. It will feature a masked ball, so its the perfect excuse to dress-to-impress on your last night of pride! And of course, each day the PRIDE T DANCE will kick off from early evening in the Gay Village, the perfect way to end a day at the beach and watch the sun set over the Mediterranean!
Where to eat in Sitges:
Incognito:Carrer Europa, 16, 08870, Sitges: Closed Tuesdays: Tel: 933 10 06 67 Gay restaurant and bar. Open lunch time. Great Menu del dia (menu of the day) ranging from 8.50 to 12.00 Euros. Very popular and very friendly. Great food, with a Catalan/French twist. In the early evening just run as a bar.
Bon Estar:Carrer Parellades, 61, 08870 Sitges: Tel: 938 94 34 93 Indoors only, but great for lunch and dinner. Lunch time Menu del dia costs 10.95 Euros, offering three courses and a glass of wine. Highly recommended as the food and service are the standard of a top class restaurant, with very reasonable prices. Also al a carte menu available. It is necessary to book in advance, as always full, even in the winter months.
Beach House:Paseo de la Ribera 33, Sitges: Tel: +34 935 16 81 36 Beach House is a refreshingly original restaurant and cocktail bar, opened by Australian chefs Brad Downes and Michael Hutton in May 2001. Competent chefs, value for money dishes, regular menu changes, a great wine menu, friendly staff and the occasional drag queen show make this venue very popular with tourists.
Komokieras: Carrer Espalter, 23, Sitges: Tel: +34 938 14 61 15 Fantastic Catalan/Spanish food and wines. Great for a special night with an outdoor terrace at the side, which you must book in advance.
El Donostiarra: Carrer Nou, 08870 Sitges: Tel: +34 938 10 22 62Great for Tapas/Pintxos and a must go for a casual dinner. If you are in a group, great to order a Entrocote steak, to go with your Tapas.
Pescadito:Marques de Montroig, 08870 Sitges: Tel: +34 938 94 74 79 Great tapas and fish on offer. Get a table outside, so you can watch the world go by.
Parrots Restaurant:Calle Joan Tarrida, 18, 08870 Sitges: Tel: +34 938 94 13 50 Not the finest of dining, but you get to see the great cabaret queen Lady Diamond perform while having dinner.
Queenz Bar: Carrer Bonaire, 17, 08870 Sitges: Tel: +34 938 94 07 12On Saturday evenings this bar has a restaurant night with Catalan Cabaret. Very entertaining.
Bars and Clubs in Sitges
Barcode: Career Sant Bonaventura 10, 08870 Sitges: Tel: +34 607 46 70 96 Very small music video bar. (Ex Bar Azul.) Every day 22:00 – 02:30
Bar El 7:Carrer Nou 7, 08870 Sitges Busy gay bar. In summer daily, otherwise Friday – Saturday, 22:00 – 03:00 (February – mid-October)
Bears’ Bar:Carrer Bonaire 17, 08870 Sitges: Tel: +34 938946296The gay bar in Sitges for bears, chubbies, daddies and their admirers. Rustic ambience with cruising area. In summer daily, otherwise Friday – Saturday, 23:00 – 03:00+
Bourbons Bar:Carrer San Bonaventura 13, 08870 Sitges: Tel: +34 600 37 81 20 Club and music bar, heavy on the metal, mirror and glass. In summer daily 22:30 – 03:00
Bukkake:Calle Joan Tarrida, 17, 08870 Sitges: Tel: +34 938 11 31 72 Cruising club open every night during the Summer Season from 7.30pm until 6am. Open every Thursday to Sunday from 23.00 to 6am from Easter. Cubicles, slings a maze and much more.
Bunker:Carrer Bonaire, 15, 08870 Sitges Large cruise bar and sex club open 11pm – 5am
Carousel:Calle Joan Tarrida, 14, 08870 Sitges: tel: +34 938 94 13 50 Formally known as Ruby’s, the Carousel has one of the largest outdoor terraces in Sitges and is open every day during the Summer Season from 5.30pm until 2.30am
Casablanca:Barrebeig 5, Career d’ en Pau Barrabeitg, 08870 Sitges: Tel:+34 938947082 Small gay bar in one of the loveliest lanes of Sitges. Best between 23:00 and 01:00. Mainly mature men and bears. Friendly, relaxed atmosphere. In summer daily, otherwise Friday – Saturday, 20:00 – 02:00.
Central Bar Cafe:5 Plaza Industria 5, 08870 Sitges: Tel: +34 639 84 04 08 Central bar hosts live shows every night during the peak season.The bar is open from 8.30am until 3am every day during high season.
Comodin:Calle Tacó 4, 08870 Sitges: Tel: +34 938941698 A popular drag and cabaret bar in the Sitges gay village. Mixed clientele. In summer daily, otherwise Thursday – Saturday, 22:00 – 02:30
DSB – Dark Sitges Bar:Carrer de Bonaire 14, 08870 Sitges Gay bar with small cruisy backroom. Daily 19:00 – 03:00
El Horno:Carrer de Joan Tarrida 6, 08870 Sitges: Tel: +34 938 94 09 09 Small cozy bar and one of the few gay bars in Sitges that open early in the evening. Usually quite busy. Daily 17:00 – 03:00
El Piano:Carrer Sant Bonaventura 37, 08870 Sitges: Tel: +34 938 14 62 45 Small popular music video bar with gay/mixed clientele and cabaret piano shows. In summer daily 22:00 – 02:30
La Villa:Carrer Joan Tarrida 8, 08870 Sitges: Tel: +34 620 100 878 Friendly gay bar with a fabulous courtyard, offering jazz and cocktails. In summer daily 19:00 – 02:00
Mojito & Co: Carrer Joan Tarrida 20, 08870 SitgesCocktail bar with street terrace in the gay epicenter of Sitges serving some of the best Mojitos in town. In summer daily 18:00 – 03:00
Organic Dance Club:Carrer Bonaire 12 , 08870 Sitges One of the longest-running gay dance nights in Spain. Organic Dance Club, formerly known as Trailer is a Sitges gay institution. Most gay visitor to Stiges will end up at a Trailer foam party! This year the parties will be held on Wednesday and Sunday nights. Don’t wear your best clothes (and take a plastic bag to protect your wallet and your mobile ). Opening times: 23:45 – 06:00
Parrots Pub:Plaça Indústria 2, 08870 Sitges: Tel:+34 938 94 13 50 30 years old and still going strong. It’s street terrace makes this place Sitges’ ‘Gay Watch’. Very popular and busy by early evening after the beach till midnight. In summer daily from 17:00
Privilege: Carrer de Bonaire 24, 08870 Sitges One of the hottest dance bars in Sitges: In summer daily 22:30 – 03:00+
Prinz:Carrer Nou 4, 08870 Sitges Newly designed in 2012 (don’t miss the impressive deep well). Prinz offers great music, strip and drag shows. Best after 01:00. In summer daily 22:30 – 03:30
Queenz Bar:Carrer de Bonaire 17, 08870 Sitges: Tel: +34 938 94 07 12 Busy music bar with dancefloor and drag shows. In summer daily, otherwise Friday – Saturday, from 22:30
Trinity:Carrer San Gaudencio 7, 08870 Sitges Lounge bar under new ownership. Trinity Bar Sitges was sold by Ian (local drag legend Princess Disgrace) in February 2015.
Union Bar:Carrer Bonaire 13, 0887o Sitges: Tel: +34 627 78 34 37 Formerly Orek’s bar with new interior design and with a fresh young team. In summer daily, otherwise weekends, 22:30 – 03:00
XXL:Carrer. Joan Tarrida 7, 08870 Sitges Popular gay bar with small dance floor on the ground floor and cruising area on the upper floor. In summer daily, otherwise Friday – Saturday, 22:00 – 02:30/03:30
Yummys:Carrer de Joan Tarrida, 2, 08870 Sitges Champagne and cocktails served on a big terrace facing onto the Sitges gay village. Open every day during the Summer season from 7pm until late.
GAY BEACHES
Playa de la Bassa Rodona – Sitges Main Gay Beach
Playa de la Bassa is the most popular beach for gay sun worshippers. Very easy to find; from the town, walk along the promenade to the third beach zone, just past the Hotel Calipolis. In peak season, this part of the beach is packed in the afternoons, so if you want a sunbed and shade it is best to arrive before lunch.
Platja de l’Home – Gay Nudist Beach Platja de l’Home, Sitges
Despite being a good 45-minute walk from town, this gay nudist beach is surprisingly popular. This may be partly due to the wooded area behind the beach (on the other side of the railway line), that can be as busy as the beach itself! To get to Platja de l’Home, walk (or take a taxi) to Club Atlantida. Continue along the coastal path past the straight nudist beach, after which you will come to the gay nudist beach. Be very aware that some sections of the path run very close to the railway line and you proceed at your own risk!
The beach is mostly pebbles, so taking an inflatable airbed is recommended. Alternatively, a limited number of sun loungers and shades are available for hire, and there is a small bar serving (relatively expensive) drinks – so it’s a good idea to pack what you think you will need for the day.
Playa de las Balmins – Mixed Nudist Beach: Playa de las Balmins , Sitges
If you want to sunbathe nude but without the hassle of walking to and back from the exclusively gay Playa del Muerto, then Playa de las Balmins is for you. This mixed beach is about a 15-minute walk from the town centre. From Sitges sea front turn left and continue along the coastal path, past the Church and cemetery. The first two coves are the most popular with the gay crowd.
IGLYO calls for an intersectional approach in fight for gender equality.
THE International LGBTQ Youth & Student Organisation (IGLYO) is calling on Governments and civil society actors, to adopt intersectional approaches in the fight for gender equality, in the drafting, creation and implementation of policies.
Today, March 8 marks International Women’s Day, when the international community focuses on women’s achievements and mobilises public and private citizens to fight for women’s rights and gender equality.
The day is a powerful reminder that the world has made undeniable progress in the fight for gender equality, but despite the progress made, structural and social obstacles still persist strongly for realising the rights of women, girls and individuals who identify as queer/feminine.
Mina Tolu
IGLYO board member Mina Tolu, said:“Often in mainstream advocacy and policy-making women and girls are treated as homogenous groups, making our unique challenges as women from particularly vulnerable groups invisible and ignored.”
“IGLYO believe that in order to comprehensively address violence, discrimination and oppression women of all kinds experience, we must adopt an intersectional approach and policies that support all women and girls who might face and experience multiple oppressions in their daily lives.”
IGLYO believes that an intersectional approach (the study of intersections between forms or systems of oppression, domination or discrimination) can help and aid visibility of the challenges and issues faced by the most vulnerable and marginalised groups within women and girls, in particular but not limited to women who do not identify as heterosexual, trans women, women with different (dis)abilities and/or women of colour.
Intersectionality recognises that cultural, economical, social and political patterns of discrimination are not only intertwined, but are bound together and influenced by the intersectional systems of society. This means that certain groups of women may experience multiple oppressions, because they are enacted intersectionally. In short all women struggle due to patriarchal system in the world, but a part of women are far more likely to face injustice due to the other forms of maltreatment.
Last year European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights published a report on Violence against Women that distinctly demonstrates the multi-layered discrimination that women may experience.
• 48% of non-heterosexual women had experienced violence while the number for was 21% for those identified as heterosexual.
• On the other hand 34% of women with a form of disability had survived violence as opposed to 19% who had no disability.
The research does not account for women who might belong to three or more intersections.
Although these figures are shocking no matter what group one investigates, it underlines the importance of intersectional tools for achieving gender equality.
Mina Tolu adds:“We at IGLYO stress the particular needs and challenges of young LBTQ (lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer) women, girls and individuals identifying as queer or feminine who are at an increased risk of being bullied, this causes dropouts and increases the chance of mental health problems often leading to suicidal thoughts.
“Furthermore, these individuals are more exposed to violence and physical assault. Governments must gear policies that ensure the safety of young LBTQ individuals whose concerns are too often neglected in the national human rights strategies.”
Today women’s and human rights advocacy organisations celebrate the twenty-year old Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a historic roadmap signed by 189 governments 20 years ago that set the agenda for realising women’s rights.
Nevertheless, the declaration, among all the other existing international treaties and agreements on eradicating gender inequality, disregard the intersectional approach that is a prerequisite for the full realisation of all women’s and girls’ human rights.
This is why IGLYO is demanding Governments to adopt an intersectional approach, in order to move beyond the singular categories and avoid imposing rigid interpretations of women’s experience allowing policymakers to examine simultaneous impact of and resistance to systems of different oppressions.
Mina Tolu concluded:“It is only when political intersectionality is established, that we can rest assured that governments are committed for realising the rights of all women and girls.”
IGLYO is the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Youth and Student Organisation. With over ninety members across Europe, IGLYO promotes youth empowerment and leadership, builds the capacity of member organisations and advocates for LGBTQ youth and student rights at a European level.
Jaq Bayles asks if it’s really still necessary today?
LIKE drinking wine? There’s a day for that. Love hippos? There’s a day for that too. Hate misplaced apostrophes? You’ve guessed it… It seems there’s a day for everything these days. Sadly you’ve missed Drink Wine Day (Feb 18) and Hippo Day (Feb 15). You grammar police might be able to catch Grammar Day as its’ on March 4 (see what I did there?) and National Proofreading Day on March 8.
That particular day is actually pretty crowded, hosting as it does Peanut Cluster Day, Check Your Batteries Day and International Women’s Day alongside the aforementioned Proofreading Day. So, once you’ve fired up your laptop and ascertained that your batteries are indeed fully functional, enabling you to check and recheck your copy while getting some peanutty goodness into you, what will you do with the rest of March 8?
International Women’s Day is no frivolous newcomer to the annual calendar of events, having been around since 1911, but is it still really necessary today? After all, we have women politicians, women heading major businesses, women flying planes – for goodness’ sake, we’re even allowed on to golf courses, should that be our bag. So what’s all the fuss about? Gender equality is well and truly established.
Except, obviously, it really isn’t. Leaving aside all the countries of the world where women are still massively oppressed, the UK has a long way to go before there is true parity between men and women in many arenas.
Take a look at the International Women’s Day website and you’ll get just a flavour of where the battlegrounds still stand. The theme for this year is Make It Happen and the subcategories include increased financial independence; women in science, engineering and technology; fairer recognition of women in sport; greater awareness of women’s equality; and more women in senior leadership roles.
Women in the West still tend to be paid less than their male counterparts and they are not fully represented in politics and business. On a global level, the odds are still stacked against women in terms of education, health and violence. So do we still need an International Women’s Day? Damn straight we do.
International Women’s Day has recognised that there has been much progress in equality terms, especially since the turn of the millennium, and has, accordingly, shifted focus “from being a reminder about the negatives to a celebration of the positives”.
In many ways there are comparisons here to Pride. There will be those who remember running the gauntlet of taunts and the threats of violence while police lined parade routes in the political marches of the 1980s, while others will only recall the joyous carnival parades we have seen in recent years – celebrations of the achievements made in terms of equality that were a direct result of those political challenges.
And there are people who ask why we still need Pride. Well, it serves as both a reminder of what we have been through and as a celebration of what we have achieved. It also serves to highlight the fact that there are still plenty of countries – not to mention pockets of the UK – where homosexuality is still hidden and punished.
In these depoliticised times it’s encouraging to see there are still activists out there who are fighting for those less fortunate, even if their input is more about fashion parades than political ones. And it’s interesting to note that the UK – small as it is by comparison – leads in terms of International Women’s Day events, ahead of Australia, the US and Canada.
Indeed, here in Brighton and Hove we’re promised a programme of talks, music, dance, children’s activities and stalls, along with free workshops including “Women’s Self-Defence, Laughter Yoga, Speaking With Impact, crafts and more. Plus a panel discussion on women’s engagement with the political process”.
It’s a far cry from flinging yourself in front of a horse to get the vote, but the very fact that we no longer have to resort to life-threatening acts to get heard speaks volumes. It’s taken more than 100 years to get this far, and true gender equality is probably many decades down the line yet, but we’re in the game. Including golf. www.internationalwomensday.com
Brighton Dome Cafe Bar
Brighton Women’s Centre will be celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD) on Saturday, March 7 at the Brighton Dome Café Bar, Church Street, Brighton, from 10.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a day of free entertainment, workshops and stalls. This year’s theme is Make It Happen, to encourage effective action for advancing and recognising women around the world. IWD has been observed since the early 1900s, when women’s oppression and inequality spurred them to become more vocal and active in campaigning for change. The first National Woman’s Day was observed across the United States on February 28, 1909 and it has grown into a global day of recognition and celebration across developed and developing countries alike.
Following the success of last year’s lively panel discussion, inspiring activists including Gemma Aitchison of the Yes Matters and #Enough campaigns and blogger and feminist campaigner June Eric-Odorie will discuss some of the key issues facing women today. Chaired by Brighton Women’s Centre patron Baroness Joyce Gould, the focus of the discussion will be women’s voting and political engagement in the run-up to the General Election.
Laughter yoga, self-defence and speaking with impact are some of the free workshops women can book on the day for a quick boost of confidence, energy and fun!
Meet 39 incredible women at a ‘dinner party’ inspired by Judy Chicago’s iconic artwork, consider the feminist credentials of BBC One’s Call The Midwife, or simply be entertained by artist Jodie Violet’s unique sound performance featuring sewing machines!
Browse the information stalls, enjoy some music, dance and spoken word or try your hand at some arts and crafts. If you have little ones, the Early Childhood Project will run all-day children’s activities for 0 to 12-year-olds.
If all that activity exhausts you, you can retreat to the chill-out zone, sample some relaxing complementary therapies, or hang out with friends over tea and cake in the café bar.
All the activities are in accessible spaces and there will be sign language interpreters.
The Desert Flower Foundation are staging a fundraiser for the Waris Dirie Foundation (Desert Flower Foundation) on Sunday, March 8 (International Women’s Day) At Providence Palace (formerly Brighton Arts Club).
Waris Dirie
TO mark International Women’s Day on Sunday, March 8, the foundation are holding an all-day event to raise awareness and funds to help prevent violence against girls and women, specifically those affected by Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
A talented team of female artists have donated their time and skills in the name of charity to provide a truly amazing eclectic range of performances.
This event is open to everyone but organisers warn some of the acts and subject matter during the day will be of a sensitive nature.
The main charity they are fundraising for is campaigning to put a stop to FGM worldwide.
Sunday March 8 at 2pm: The event will kick off with a screening of the Desert Flower film which tells the incredible story of Waris Dirie (Liya Kebede) who escapes from the horrors of Somalia to work in London, where photographer, Timothy Spall and agent, Juliet Stevenson turn her into a top supermodel.
Sunday March 8 at 4pm: A showcase of very talented female performers including Poets, Musicians, Circus Performers, Burlesque, Bellyesque, Pole Dance and Contemporary.
Sunday March 8 at 7pm: Fire-lit procession leading to The Level Park just round the corner for an extravagant fire show including performers from Gypsy Disco Fire Brigade, Bohemian Ballroom, Elemental Circus and friends.
Sunday March 8 from 8pm – late: The venue transforms into a celebratory party night in honour of International Women’s Day full of dancey, boogie-licious tunes courtesy of Kris Dee’s BoomBox until late.
Artwork will be exhibited throughout the day, along with a bake sale, raffle and information stalls.
Waris Dirie, said: “FGM concerns us all. It is a crime that is being committed in many countries.”
“With my worldwide campaign I want to raise awareness of this cruel practice. I want to contribute all I can to make it possible to finally eradicate FGM worldwide.”
Event: Desert Flower Foundation fundraiser to raise money for FGM worldwide campaign
Where: Providence Palace (formerly Brighton Arts Club)
Simon Kirby, Conservative MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven is furious about plans to build a second outdoor swimming pool at the Peter Pan site on Madeira Drive in Brighton.
Simon Kirby MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven
Mr Kirby has championed the renovation of the Art Deco, Grade II listed Saltdean Lido and in light of recent announcements that the funding is now secured, is calling on Brighton and Hove City Council to urgently rethink the proposal to allow a second outdoor pool in the city.
Following reports of the proposal, Mr Kirby said:“I am astounded at the complete lack of holistic thinking within the City Council regarding the development of the seafront and this proposed outdoor swimming pool. Only a few miles away is the Saltdean Lido which has already been awarded millions of pounds in funding, has an existing infrastructure, a huge amount of community support and a business plan that is viable for the long-term. The City Council itself awarded the lease to the Community Interest Company (CIC) which is now regenerating the Lido. This announcement makes no sense either for the tourism offer of the city.
“There are any number of uses that seafront sites could be put to – some of which have lain noticeably vacant for a number of years. It is astounding that in meetings with the CIC, City Council officials have never mentioned the Peter Pan proposal!
“The use of this site needs a complete rethink. I suggest the Council gets on with it.”
Rebecca Crook of the Saltdean Lido CIC, said:“It’s disappointing that Brighton Council officers have failed to share the information on the proposed development with us as two outdoor swimming pools within a 4 mile radius is most unusual and certainly will impact on both businesses.
“However, the Saltdean Lido project has local support has secured funding and will open next year as a heated outdoor pool. The bigger point is the lack of joined up thinking from the council in their approach to major projects across the city which continues to focus only on the seafront with outlying areas such as Saltdean left off the city’s tourism strategy”.
A proposal for a £3million, year-round leisure facility on Brighton seafront is to be considered at Brighton & Hove City Council’s economic development and culture committee next week, Thursday, March 12.
THE scheme, submitted by Brighton based developer Copsemill Properties and partners, is planned for the former Peter Pan site on Madeira Drive in Kemp Town, which has remained derelict for several years.
The proposal includes a 50m heated open air pool, changing facilities, a café, indoor endless pools, exercise studios, facilities for cycling and running and on-site bike storage.
The centre would serve as a hub for swimming and sports-related businesses with office space and meeting rooms, units for sports-related retailers, including pop-up-shops for special events taking place on Madeira Drive, training rooms, a library and lecture theatre.
The swim centre would be the core of the development and provide escorted sea swims, training for lifeguards, open water and leisure swimmers, and education about open water safety for children and parents.
The proposal also includes a plan to create a boardwalk to facilitate access to the beach and sea for disabled users.
Funding for the project would be through private investment, at no cost to the council.
Cllr Geoffrey Bowden
Geoffrey Bowden, Chair of BHCC’s Economic Development & Culture Committee, said:“As owners of the Peter Pan site we have been marketing it for redevelopment as a leisure facility that would enhance the area and draw in residents and visitors.
“This development would not only be a centre of excellence for the increasingly popular sport of open water swimming but also appeal to families, fitness enthusiasts and beach visitors.”
Should the committee grant an initial consent, the developers may then seek planning permission following a public consultation.
Final agreement for the project to proceed would still be required by the council’s Policy & Resources Committee.
Mr Weatherley, the Conservative MP for Hove and Portslade has campaigned on ticket tout legislation for the last 4 years.
Mike Weatherley MP for Hove and Portslade
ON Monday, March 9, he will partially welcome the Government’s U-turn when speaking during the Secondary Ticketing debate.
In his speech he will say the new law deserves polite applause and two cheers – nothing more, as new amendments are considered for the Consumer Rights Bill, following a successful campaign to put fans first.
Mike has campaigned hard since being elected to Parliament against excessive ‘ticket touting’ and only partly welcomes the Government’s new position on Secondary Ticketing.
Following intense pressure from the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Ticketing Abuse which he co-chairs with Sharon Hodgson MP, and with support of Lord Colin Moynihan in the Lords, the Government has now recognised the need for some regulation and is supporting the new amendment.
The amendment, once enacted, will:
Provide greater transparency for fans, with the following details required to be provided by resellers: Seat number or standing information, if any restrictions apply (Student price or under 18), face value.
Compel the Secretary of State to review measures relating to Secondary Ticketing in 12 months and report to Parliament.
Put a duty on ticket resellers to report criminal activity.
Mr Weatherley said:“This has been a long standing campaign by both myself and the APPG to get some overdue changes in place. Once enacted, the amendment will provide greater transparency for fans, including seat number or standing information, the face value of the ticket, and if any restrictions apply. And crucially, it also compels the Secretary of State to review all measures relating to Secondary Ticketing within 12 months and report to Parliament. This is a success story for fans.”
He added:“I am pleased that groups such as the Sport and Recreation Alliance, the English Cricket Board and the Rugby Football Union are fully behind these amendments. Like all compromises, neither side is fully happy with the solution, but on balance, this is a good step in the right direction. To misquote E M Forster, two cheers for this amendment. I am pleased we will have enacted this law before the end of this parliament, but the review over the next 12 months is the important part.”
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