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Theatre to close – director vows “The show will go on”

Arts venue, 88 London Road, formerly called Emporium is to close its doors at the end of the year.

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Just when director James Weisz thought he had secured the future of the theatre at 88 London Road, he says his world “has been turned upside down.”

The landlord of the premises – previously a Methodist church which over the last few years had been developed into a quirky theatre and café-bar – has given the company directors notice and 88 London Road will be bringing down the curtains at the site after the final performance of their pantomime Beauty & The Beast on January 1, 2017.

web-200The café-bar was recently separated from the theatre with plans to turn it into a Greek restaurant.

The theatre would have continued at the back of the building accessed via a separate street entrance, but now the landlord has decided to renovate the whole building and put it back on the market.

James Weisz, the theatre’s director says nothing will derail his plans to continue bringing home-grown theatre to the city, and he is currently considering several local options and opportunities. He says he will reveal his plans in due course.

Meantime, you can see 88 London Road’s performance of dark thriller Wait Until Dark until November 29, followed by their Christmas pantomime, Beauty & The Beast.

Sundae Surprise will be popping up in the café space from next week delivering hot and cold food, cake and coffee, and will run in conjunction with the theatre until the closure.

For more information about, 88 London Road, click here:

Winter is coming – Brighton prepares bad weather

With winter just around the corner Brighton & Hove City Council prepare for severe weather conditions.

web-600Keeping the city safe and moving during severe weather is a huge operation, which takes year round planning, and ranges from ploughing and gritting up to 191 miles of roads and pavements, to protecting the most vulnerable in the city.

At the Hollingdean depot, the council’s seven gritters and seven ploughs are standing by, ready to head out to cover all the city’s main roads and bus routes if the temperature dips below freezing, as they did this week for the first time this winter.

web-300When temperatures drop the Council pre-salts the roads to prevent ice or frost forming. Pre-salting does not stop the snow from settling unless it is fine sleet, but it helps with ploughing the snow from the roads.

There is approximately 1,100 km (687 miles) of pavement in the city so they can only clear main thoroughfares when it snows. Grit bins are provided at 420 of the coldest, steepest parts of the city for anyone to make use of. However, residents are asked to use sparingly as the bins will only be refilled during very severe winter conditions.

The council’s have 1500 tonnes of salt, including a contingency supply at Shoreham Harbour held for them by their contractor. The council rotate their stock at Hollingdean Depot so what wasn’t used last year will be used first this year. Any savings from the winter budget are placed into a contingency fund to cover the high costs incurred during severe winters particularly when snowfall occurs

To view a map on the council website which shows the main gritting routes and grit bin locations, click here:

The Council’s winter service team also supports residents and community groups, who want to set up schemes to support one another during severe weather.

They encourage residents to keep an eye on elderly and vulnerable people who may have needs around food, medicine or care. Why not pop in now and introduce yourself? The council’s adult social care team can help if they have problems getting the services they need.

Councillor Gill Mitchell, chair of the Environment, Transport and Sustainability Committee, said: “The council is gearing up to be prepared for winter but in cases of severe weather we need your help too.  It’s important that we support each other during severe winter weather such as clearing paths and checking on elderly neighbours.”

For more information, and to find out how you can help your community, click here:

 

New Scottish Parliament Group will consider LGBTI+ equality issues

MSPs from four different parties are proposing a Scottish Parliament Cross-Party Group (CPG) on LGBTI+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex) issues.

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The Parliament’s Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee will consider whether to approve the Group at its meeting this morning (November 3).

If agreed this will be the first time in the Parliament’s 17-year history that a parliamentary group has been established with the specific cause of tackling many of the issues still surrounding the LGBTI+ community in Scotland.

The MSPs proposing the Group met with LGBTI organisations on September 28 to discuss the potential agenda and aims of the Group, and, if approved, the Group is scheduled to first meet officially in the Scottish Parliament on December 14 to agree a work programme for the parliamentary term.

The CPG will be co-convened by the following MSPs: Kezia Dugdale (Labour), Patrick Harvie (Greens), Jamie Greene (Scottish Conservative) and Ben Macpherson (SNP).

The Group’s formation was put into motion by recently elected Conservative MSP Jamie Greene, who is openly gay, with a view to creating a group with genuine cross party input and which sets out to address key issues of importance to the LGBTI+ community in Scotland and help to improve the lives of Scottish LGBTI+ people.

In addition to the convenerships, the group secretary role will be filled by the Equality Network to ensure neutrality in the ongoing management of the group and provide administrative and organisational support to group members.

The four co-conveners commented on the historic formation of the Group:

Jamie Greene MSP
Jamie Greene MSP

Jamie Greene MSP (Conservative, West Scotland), said: “When I was sworn into the Scottish Parliament I was surprised to learn that no such group that promoted the rights of LGBTI+ currently existed. In a parliament with such a strong track record of being open and tolerant towards the community it was unthinkable that it didn’t offer a formalised platform to promote and address the core issues that affect this community today.

“The formation of this Cross-Party Group will help us address critical issues facing the LGBTI+ community that have often been largely absent from the mainstream agenda. In addition to issues such as Health, Education, Equality and Bullying, we also hope to look at issues such as geriatrics care, LGBTI life in rural Scotland and Transgender issues. By bringing decision-makers and third sector workers under a single umbrella we can create an effective forum both in discussing and tackling the many issues that still impact the LGBTI+ community today. I am very proud to see this group get off the ground and hope it will make a genuine difference in the lives of people across Scotland. That’s why we got into politics after all.”

Kezia Dugdale MSP
Kezia Dugdale MSP

Scottish Labour Leader Kezia Dugdale MSP (Labour, Lothian), added: “I am very pleased to co-convene the LGBTI+ CPG. It’s very important to me that we use our voices and the power that we have to make a difference for LGBTI+ people across Scotland, particularly LBGTI+ young people. I am looking forward to the CPG discussing the way forward for teaching inclusive education in our schools, as it’s imperative that the classroom reflects our society.”

Patrick Harvie MSP
Patrick Harvie MSP

Scottish Green Co-Convener Patrick Harvie MSP (Green, Glasgow), said: “Holyrood is a parliament created for the modern age, and it’s worth reflecting that it has never once voted to undermine or deny LGBTI people’s equality. It’s important that we continue to make progress, from inclusive education to the helping the global equality cause, and from meeting LGBTI health needs to challenging political parties to stop selecting anti-equality candidates. The cross party group will help bring together people who share this agenda.”

Ben Macpherson MSP
Ben Macpherson MSP

Ben Macpherson MSP (SNP, Edinburgh Northern & Leith), added: “I think it’s important that we’ve established this group to bring people of all sexualities and genders together – to tackle issues affecting the LGBTI+ community and advance change where it’s still needed.  Scotland is considered one of the most progressive countries in Europe and the world; however, there is still much work to do to tackle the prejudices and inequalities that too many people still face, simply because of their sexuality or gender identity. I look forward to working with everyone in the group to build on the progress made in recent years to create a Scotland that is fully equal and inclusive.”

Tim Hopkins
Tim Hopkins

Tim Hopkins, Director of the Equality Network, concluded: “The establishment of the Group demonstrates the cross-party support in the Parliament for LGBTI+ equality. Scotland has made a lot of progress on these issues since 1999, but there is a long way still to go, and the Group will be an important focus for mapping the way forward. All credit to Jamie Greene and the other MSPs in the Group for their commitment to this.”

Organisations or individuals who are interested in joining or attending group meetings should contact Secretary of the Group Tim Hopkins on tim@equality-network.org

For more information about the Equality Network, click here:

Celebrate International Men’s Day with Prime Time

PRIME TIME, a social group for men aged 50+ and part of VOLUNTEERING MATTERS will host an event at The Friends Meeting House to celebrate International Men’s Day on Saturday, November 19.

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Cllr Pete West, the Mayor of Brighton and Hove, will open the event.

PRIME TIME exists to provide a strong social network for older men, and enable them to meet up, share interests and take part in a wide range of activities.

A number of local organisations will be at the event to promote their activities and get involved with the celebration.

These include Impact Initiatives, Trust for Developing Communities, Possibility People, Fabrica, Terrence Higgins Trust, Action on Elder Abuse, Albion in the Community, Grow, Brighton GEMS, The Royal British Legion and Active for Life.

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There will be reflexology and massage taster sessions, live music from Silver Strings, a Tai Chi demonstration, Boccia, information and activities to promote good health and wellbeing. Refreshments will be provided throughout the day as well as a freshly prepared hot snack lunch.

Chris Martin, Project Officer for PrimeTime, said:We’re very much looking forward to celebrating International Men’s Day with so many inspiring local organisations. Prime Time was set up to enable men to form new friendships and enjoy their free time together .I’m delighted that we have an opportunity to mark International Men’s Day with this event and invite older men living across the city to join us.”

Volunteering Matters, formerly known as CSV, is a national charity leading UK volunteering in policy and practice. They believe that everyone can play a role in their community and should have the chance to participate. They build volunteering projects and programmes to reflect this focussing on the needs of four distinct communities: young people, disabled people, vulnerable families and older and retired people. They engage more than 30,000 volunteers every year, and currently have more than 180 active programmes across the UK.


Event: PRIMETIME

Where: Friends Meeting House, Ship Street, Brighton

When: November 19

Time: 10.30am – 4pm

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PREVIEW: The Hollies come to Eastbourne

 

Since forming in the 60s, THE HOLLIES have toured each and every year for over 50 years!

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Now is your chance to hear them perform all their classics at the Congress Theatre on November 13 in a brilliant 2 hour Hollies celebration.

At the heart of THE HOLLIES, one of Britain’s best loved groups, are the integral, original members – powerhouse drummer Bobby Elliott and singer, songwriter and lead guitarist, Tony Hicks.

Their soaring, distinctive harmonies, brilliantly crafted songs and cultivated musicianship, coupled with THE HOLLIES extensive back catalogue of memorable tunes have ensured the longevity of this Pop/Rock band whose music remains fresh, dynamic and timeless.

The Air That I Breathe, Carrie Anne, Jennifer Eccles, Bus Stop, Just One Look, On A Carousel, Long Cool Woman (In a Black Dress), He Ain’t Heavy He’s My Brother and many more hits.

With Ivor Novello Awards for Outstanding Contribution to British Music to their name and induction into the prestigious American Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame the group continue to perform with pride and passion around the world.

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THE HOLLIES are Tony Hicks, Peter Howarth, Ray Stiles, Ian Parker, Steve Lauri and Bobby Elliott.

 


Event: THE HOLLIES

Where: Congress Theatre, Carlisle Rd, Eastbourne

When: Sunday, November 13

Time: 7.30pm

Tickets: Tickets £23.50, £26, £28.50.

To book online, click here:

Or telephone the Box Office: 01323 412000

Keep Brighton’s homeless warm and fed this Christmas

Brighton Philanthropy are a small group of friends who have got together using social media networks to make a difference this Christmas for the homeless residents of Brighton & Hove and surrounding areas.

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They have launched a shoebox appeal for Christmas to support Brighton & Hove’s homeless residents this Winter.

If you would like to donate, they are looking for decorated shoeboxes that contain all or some of the following:

♦  Toothbrush
♦  Toothpaste
♦  Deodorant
♦  Feminine products
♦  Pair of socks
♦  Snacks
♦  Bottle of Water
♦  Non perishable food products
♦  A simple essential first-aid kit
♦  A hand written Christmas card

As well as their shoebox appeal they are also looking for donations of the following:

♦  Sleeping bags
♦  Sleeping/yoga mats
♦  Small tents

♦  Unwanted gloves, scarves and hats
♦  Hot water bottles
♦  Packs of new underwear (male and female)
♦  Any other unwanted clothing items that would keep a homeless person warm (jackets, hoodies, shoes, jumpers, etc).

If you are able to donate any of the above items, leave a comment or send them an inbox message to their FACEBOOK page.

 

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