New project launched to restore historical slave boy’s grave at Brighton’s Woodvale Cemetery.
On Friday, January 19 at 10am, key city figures will join a special ceremony to remove a head stone marking the grave of a slave boy who died in Brighton 145 years ago.
Leader of the Council Councillor Warren Morgan will join Brighton & Hove Black History, a local community group, to launch this project in honour of slave boy Thomas M.S. Highflyer.
Thomas M.S. Highflyer was a slave boy who was rescued from a slave ship on August 24, 1866, along with two other boys, by Captain Thomas Malcolm Sabine Pasley of the Royal Navy’s East African Anti-Slave Trade Squadron. Tom Highflyer was sent to Brighton to be educated and lived at 19 Great College Street, Brighton until his premature death on June 20, 1870 aged 12.
Bert Williams MBE
A key part of the project will see Tom Highflyer’s original head stone monument removed and then restored, to be returned to its place at Woodvale Cemetery.
Bert Williams MBE, President of Brighton & Hove Black History, said: “The Thomas Highflyer project is a very important project for our Black History group to help share the important contribution that Black people have made in Sussex. The story of his life and the unexpected discovery of his headstone is yet another piece of Brighton and Hove’s hidden Black heritage uncovered thanks to our team of volunteers. By restoring Tom’s grave, we hope to preserve his story and legacy for generations to come.”
The Thomas Highflyer project is funded by Heritage Lottery Fund and organised by Brighton & Hove Black History in partnership with Brighton & Hove City Council and Woodvale Cemetery.
The Building A Stronger Britain Together (BSBT) programme is open for grant funding applications, with a deadline of Friday, February 16 at 5pm.
This funding is for projects which meet one or more of the following outcomes in countering extremism:
♦ Fewer people holding attitudes, beliefs, and feelings that oppose shared values
♦ An increased sense of belonging and civic participation at the local level
♦ More resilient communities
This funding stream is distinct from Prevent and applications should focus on tackling one or more the wider harms of extremism which are identified as hate crime; less cohesive society; harmful practices (such as forced marriage, FGM), alternative systems of law and rejection of democracy.
Community groups, charities, not for profit CICs, CIOs, community and voluntary sector organisations and companies limited by guarantee are able to apply. Groups need to have been running for at least 12 months.
♦ Funding is available for up to £50,000 (although projects requiring larger amounts can be discussed). ♦ Groups cannot apply for more than 25% of the annual income.
♦ Grants of up to £14,999 are only available to groups with an annual income of less than £200,000.
For applications of over £14,999 there are specific guidelines – Interested groups are advised to contact the community coordinator: melinda.king@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk whose remit is to discuss and offer guidance and support.
Consortia or partnership applications are also possible.
In-Kind communications support for help with website, social media, film, printed materials etc, remains open on an ongoing basis. The application form is currently down and being updated but will be back up on the BSBT website later this week. Contact Melinda if you would like to discuss applying for in-kind support.
For full details, including eligibility criteria, further details on the outcome, and online application form, click here:
Queerying Christianity is a FREE six-week series of workshop, organised by Village MCC, asking some honestly difficult questions without trying to teach trite dogmatic answers.
A chance to genuinely explore faith questions in a safe environment with other LGBT+ people.
The course is designed to help you find your answers in ways that genuinely affirm who you are.
February 21: What is the ‘Good News’ – really? February 28: Who, or what, is God? March 7: What is the bible? March 14: Does God approve of you being LGBT+? March 21: What is prayer? March 28: What is Easter?
The evening begins with a short presentation on the given subject and then everyone gathers over a cup of tea to share their thoughts and experiences. Everyone then comes together to see what they have discovered from each other, and to see what living faith can look like.
Rev Michael Hydes
Rev. Michael Hydes, Senior Pastor at The Village MCC, said:“I’ve talked to so many people who loved most of the Alpha course but left with a bitter taste in their mouth. They asked awkward questions that were met with evasive answers. They were left feeling that the official position of the church was probably ‘don’t ask – don’t tell’, or ‘it’s a sin, but we don’t want to talk about it’, or ‘just keep coming and God will deal with it’.
“Queerying Christianity will provide an opportunity to come and talk with LGBT Christians who live openly and proud. Talk about real life experiences, where God is in the journey, and find your own answers. Come and be a part of a conversation that will help others find their answers too. No sales, no dogma, just real lives and good conversation.”
The Village MCC Brighton and Hove is a church that was created by LGBT+ Christians, their families, friends, and allies. It’s an MCC (Metropolitan Community Church) called to support the LGBT+ communities in whatever ways it can.
The Village MCC Brighton and Hove offers a safe space where anyone can feel at home, fully affirmed in their sexuality and gender identity.
Church members are active in the larger community, offering emergency aid and support to the homeless and vulnerably housed. Their minister, Rev. Michael, offers spiritual direction and pastoral care and they worship together every Sunday evening at 6pm at the Somerset Day Centre, 62 St. James St, Brighton Bn2 1PR. There is a free car park at the rear of the building and refreshments will be served.
Event: Queerying Christianity workshops by The Village MCC
Where: Somerset Day Centre, 62 St, James St, Brighton Bn2 1PR. Free car park at the rear of the building.
When: Every Wednesday from February 21 – March 28, 2018
A report on the needs and strengths of migrant communities in the city will be considered by the council’s Neighbourhoods, Inclusion, Communities & Equalities Committee at a meeting on January 22.
The International Migrants in Brighton & Hove report has been produced by the council to help plan and shape services for the future. An important part of the research was undertaken by trained migrant researchers who were able to reach and obtain the views of members of their communities.
The report says that around 50,000 of the city’s residents were born outside the UK – including more than 7,000 students at the city’s two universities.
They play a big part in contributing to the vibrancy, diversity and economy of the city and make up a significant proportion of the local workforce in, for example, hotels and restaurants, and health and social care.
However, the report goes on to say that challenges faced by all city residents, such as the high cost of housing, can be more acute for migrants, with some unsure about where to go for advice and help. English language skills are very important, and enable people to be part of the local community and to access services.
While the city is generally supportive to migrants and refugees, contributors to the report referred to incidents when people were made to feel less than welcome. And separation from family and friends can lead to some people feeling isolated and distressed, particularly refugees who have fled war in countries like Syria.
For people from EU countries living and working in the city, there is uncertainty about how the implications of the UK leaving the European Union will affect them.
Cllr Emma Daniel
Councillor Emma Daniel, chair of the committee, said:“People from all around the world come to live in Brighton & Hove. Some choose to come to work or study, others to join family members, while others are asylum seekers or refugees fleeing difficult or dangerous situations in their home countries. They add to the rich diversity of the city and are an important part of the city’s workforce and economy.
“The report gives us a more detailed understanding of our communities. It will enable the council and our partners to plan services more effectively and help us to ensure everyone can easily access the advice and services they need. We hope the research will also provide a useful resource for local community groups.”
NHS Brighton & Hove Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), local community and voluntary groups and the city’s two universities, were involved with research for the report, along with migrants living here.
Richard Williams
A member of the steering group for the project, Richard Williams, chair of Sanctuary on Sea, said:“By commissioning this study, the council has shown that it takes the needs of its migrant and refugee residents seriously and we hope it will be taken forward with equal vigour.
“Some of the challenges identified, such as housing and the impacts of austerity, go well beyond our migrant population. Some are specific to migrants and refugees and the solutions may well come from within those communities, with the right support.
“But the references to racism and exclusion show that we all have a role to play to ensure that our school, college, place of work, park or club is a place where everyone feels they belong.”
The committee will be recommended to endorse the findings of the report, which includes a number of recommendations to consider in future decision-making.
The report is part of the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment programme – a package of needs assessments with different themes carried out by the council and the CCG, aimed at improving the lives of all the city’s communities and reducing inequality.
For more information, including a summary of report (agenda item 60), click here:
Brighton and Hove Liberal Democrats select 18-year-old George Taylor as their candidate for the upcoming East Brighton council by-election.
George Taylor (far right)
George, a local 18-year-old with a passion for politics has been an active member of the Liberal Democrats since 2016, helping fight nearby council by-elections in Seaford and the East Sussex County Council election campaign.
He was a key campaigner in the snap General Election in June 2017, supporting Lib Dem Parliamentary candidates Emily Tester in Kemptown, Carrie Hynds in Hove and Kelly-Marie Blundell in Lewes.
He says he draws inspiration from Stephen Lloyd, Lib Dem MP for Eastbourne, and Stephen’s work with the local community – “showing that politics is done best at the local level.”
Recently, he has been campaigning alongside Carrie Hynds for more affordable homes in Brighton & Hove, including gathering signatures for the ‘Where’s the 40%?’ petition and running social media campaigns on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
On being selected, George said:“It’s a massive honour to be selected as the Liberal Democrat candidate for the East Brighton Ward. East Brighton is an area that I know very well, having grown up nearby and attended St John The Baptist Roman Catholic Primary School in the ward.”
“The success of our affordable homes petition shows that we are standing up for people in Brighton and Hove. We weren’t just gathering signatures; we were also listening to people’s individual stories which we highlighted in our presentation to the council.
“I will be the voice that has gone missing in this ward; housing, food banks and parking are just a few of the many topics on which the Labour group have failed the residents.”
The Liberal Democrats bring a fresh voice to the table. All the other parties have had their turn and have been unsuccessful; now it’s time for the Lib Dems.”
The by-election was caused following Cllr Lloyd Russell-Moyle’s decision tostep down as ward councillor after being elected to Parliament at the June 2017 general election as the MP for Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven.
Pride Festival tickets go on sale at noon today, Tuesday, January 16 with first and second early bird prices frozen for the fifth year.
Brighton Pride 2018 is a Pride with Purpose as the city of Brighton & Hove welcomes visitors from across the world to fundraise, celebrate, campaign and party together with Pride.
Following on from last year’s gloriousSummer Of Love, planning for the UK’s biggest Pride festival is well under way. Brighton Pride 2018 will be a riot of colour, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the iconic Rainbow Flag with their theme for 2018, Colour My World.
Paul Kemp
Paul Kemp, managing director of Brighton Pride, said: “Coming together as a community to declare our unity is ever more important, as we continue to face the challenges of those around the world who would take back LGBT+ rights and equality.
“Join us in August for Brighton Pride 2018 and ‘Colour My World’. Together we can keep moving forward, celebrating, campaigning and connecting with Pride, proving love wins.”
For 2018’s Colour My World theme, Pride return to the rainbow flag’s original eight colours of pink, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet representing, respectively: sexuality, life, healing, sun, nature, art, harmony and spirit.
The eight colour Rainbow Flag reminds us that ours is a diverse community – composed of people with a variety of individual tastes of which we should all be proud.
Saturday, August 4, 2018 – Free Pride Community Parade
The annual Pride Community Parade is the biggest and most exciting visual event in Brighton & Hove’s calendar bringing the whole community out on to the city’s streets as over 300,000 people participate and watch the spellbinding spectacular of our hugely successful Carnival Of Diversity.
Free for spectators, forever surprising, always engaging and constantly educating, the 2018 Brighton Pride Carnival Of Diversity Community Parade will fill Brighton & Hove’s streets with love, light and laughter as the colour and cohesion of the city’s communities combine to create an explosion of life-affirming brilliance.
Saturday, August 4, 2018 – Pride Festival at Preston Park
The Brighton Pride Festival in Preston Park is the glittering jewel in the Pride weekend, a truly inclusive community celebration and fundraising event that delivers an unforgettable day.
The UK’s biggest Pride festival main stage has played host to some of the world’s biggest acts including Pet Shop Boys, Years & Years, Sister Sledge, Carly Rae Jepsen, Fatboy Slim, Paloma Faith, Katy B, Ruby Rose, The Human League, Fleur East, Ella Henderson, Boy George, Alison Moyet, and Ms Dynamite amongst others, and 2018 is all set to build on that with a truly global headline artist.
Brighton Pride is a unique event bringing together the very best of Britain’s favourite seaside city, the Brighton Pride Festival revels in our diversity as dance tents, cabaret, amazing live music and community areas combine to create a festival we can all be proud of.
For the 5th year running Pride have managed to freeze first release tickets at £12.50, £17.50 and £21.00 making the celebrations more accessible to those on lower incomes, but prices will rise as the event gets closer, so early purchase is advised.
Saturday, August 4 and Sunday, August 5, 2018 – Pride Village Party
The two-day Pride Village Party will once again see St James Street and the city’s iconic seafront Marine Parade closed to traffic over Pride Saturday and Sunday as thousands of people come together to celebrate at the UK’s most spectacular weekend-long Pride event.
NEW! Sunday, August 5 2018 – LoveBN1Fest – Sunday In The Park With Pride
Pride Sunday sees LoveBN1Fest, 2018, a brand new community event on Preston Park will help raise extra funds for the Pride Social Impact Fund, while bringing all our diverse communities and Rainbow families together for an afternoon of fun on the park.
Featuring main stage headline artists, performance and dance tents, family tents, circus skills, spoken word, cabaret, a creative arts and culture zone, community stalls a food village, an accessible tent and WellBeing area.
Discounted tickets are available as a bolt on to the Saturday Pride Festival tickets or single tickets may be purchased from the Pride ticketshop.
Brighton and Hove Pride is a Pride With Purpose. Alongside the smiles, sunshine and partying, Brighton Pride’s sole ethos is to raise funds and awareness.
Pride has it’s roots in the local community and in the last four years has raised over £455,000 for local good causes.
Pride aims to raise extra funds from LoveBN1Fest to deliver positive social impact back to Brighton and Hove communities through the Pride Social Impact Fund.
Discounted PVP weekend tickets are now available when you purchase a Pride Festival Ticket. Individual PVP writbands will be available nearer the event.
Tickets Available Now:
Pride Festival, 2018: £12.50 / £17.50 / £21.00 / £25.00 / £30.00 / £37.50 (full price tickets will be more so early purchase is advised) LoveBN1 Fest, 2018: (when bought as a joint Pride ticket): £12.50 / £17.50 / £21.00 LoveBN1 Fest, 2018: (individual tickets): £37.50 Pride Village Party. 2018: (when bought with a Pride Festival ticket): £12.50
Sunday, July 29, 2018 – Free Pride Community Day and Dog Show
The weekend before Brighton Pride will see Preston Park reverberate to the laughter and fun of the free Pride Community Day, a fun collection of events that takes place right in the heart of the city.
Incorporating the Pride Dog Show, Sports Fun & Games, with loads of activities for adults and children alike.
August 3-6, 2018 – Pride Campsite
Nothing beats spending Pride weekend under canvas as you immerse yourself in a Pride experience filled with fun, laughter and celebrations, and it’s the best way to make the Pride weekend financially accessible to all visitors.
The Brighton Pride Camp Camp is filled with an amazing celebratory atmosphere from Friday to Monday for a fun-filled 3 day weekend.
The Pride Campsite at Waterhall is perfectly equipped for your weekend stay. The Camp Shop will provide you with all your Pride provisions, and on-site catering will service all your culinary needs including delicious breakfasts.
This year you can book your pitch size according to your party size with costs based on the number of occupants.
As in previous years, there will be a special Pride bus service between the Pride Campsite and the city throughout the weekend and there is ample parking onsite (must be pre-booked) to make it easier to get to the campsite and set up your pitch.
Communal showers are available on site but you can also book private showers.
Prices remain frozen at 2015 rates: £12.50 per person per night.
Brighton and Hove Pride is the UK’s biggest Pride Festival operated by Brighton Pride CIC, a not for profit community interest company. All ticket revenue raised goes directly to the operational and running costs of producing the Pride Festival, LGBT Community Parade, Pride Village Party and community fundraising for the Rainbow Fund and Pride Social Impact Fund.
Brighton Pride has raised over £450,000 for the Rainbow Fund and Pride Social Impact Fund in the last five years.
The Rainbow Fund has a remit to receive donations and to use them to give grants to LGBT and HIV groups and organisations in Brighton and Hove.
The Pride Social Impact Fund benefits local good causes giving grants to a range of local groups.
The International Migrants in Brighton & Hove report has been produced by the council to help plan and shape services for the future. An important part of the research was undertaken by trained migrant researchers who were able to reach and obtain the views of members of their communities.
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