PC Sarah Laker, the LGBT Liaison officer at Sussex Police for the last few years, has stood down after working tirelessly in the role and achieving some great results.
PC Sarah Laker and PC James Breeds
Following the introduction of Sussex Police’s new Local Policing Plan, the role of LGBT Liaison Officer remains, with the post for Brighton & Hove being filled by PC James Breeds who began work at the start of 2018 and has been quick to learn about the role.
James joined Sussex Police in 2011, originally working in Eastbourne before moving to Brighton, he has experience in Emergency response, Investigations and Prevention. The new role of LGBT Liaison under the Local Policing Plan model is a part time role with James volunteering for this responsibility in addition to his regular Policing duties.
PC Breeds said: “I have already managed to visit some of the incredible voluntary groups that we have in our city, I look forward to meeting many more organisations and individuals in the coming months. I am sure that many people will join me in wishing PC Sarah Laker all the best and thank her for her hard work and dedication to this role.”
Should you wish to contact the LGBT Liaison role, call 101 or email: james.breeds@sussex.pnn.police.uk, In an emergency you should always dial 999
X Factor winner Alexandra Burke and chart-topping band S Club are among the first acts announced to perform at this summer’s Newcastle Pride festival.
The Pride weekend, supported by headline sponsor, business improvement district, NE1 will take place on July 20-22 and be held for the first time at Nuns Moor Park, with a host of entertainment and events in the Pride programme in the weeks leading up to it.
As well as a new location, this year’s weekend festival will use a big top tent – the same one used for Reading and Leeds festivals with a capacity of more than 15,000 – to protect the crowds from adverse weather conditions.
Alexandra Burke
Alexandra Burke will headline the Manchester Airport San Francisco Stage on July 21 while 90’s favourites S Club will take top billing the following day.
Since winning the X Factor in 2008, Alexandra Burke has gone on to become one of the most successful winners of the show, with a number of top ten singles, including Bad Boys, All Night Long and her record-breaking Christmas number one, Hallelujah.
More recently she has performed in starring roles on the West End in The Bodyguard and Sister Act the Musical and impressed audiences with her performance on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, which saw her through to the final.
Joining Burke and S Club across the weekend is West End leading man Gareth Gates, X Factor stars Jack and Joel – Simon Cowell’s wildcard act on last year’s series – and The Voice 2016 favourite, Jordan Gray, with more acts still to be announced.
“We’ve strived to find a line-up that we think people will really get excited about and Alexandra Burke and S Club are amazing performers,”said Stephen Willis, festival director.
“We are thrilled to be moving to a bigger site with the addition of the tent. It’s sure to be a fantastic weekend but we are aware this is a new site and we will engage with local residents and businesses to ensure they are informed of the event and to minimise any disruption whilst celebrating pride.
“There’s a lot to look forward to this year and we’re extremely lucky to have so many talented acts across both days.”
Cllr Kim McGuinness
Councillor Kim McGuinness, Cabinet Member for Culture and Communities, said:“Newcastle Pride is one of the biggest and brightest community events in our annual calendar. The new location in Nuns Moor Park means even more residents and visitors can get involved and attend.
“We’ve enjoyed huge attendance in previous years and we really want to see this popular event grow. What a great line up this year too!
“The event set up with the introduction of tents for the acts will create a fabulous, festival feel to the weekend. We look forward to a renewed Newcastle Pride this summer.”
The festival, organised by LGBT charity Northern Pride, generated more than 9.2 million to the economy in 2017 bringing more than 73,000 visitors to the city for the two-day event.
As well as the Pride weekend, there will be a number of satellite events in the weeks running up to the festival at venues around Newcastle.
Many of the events are free to attend, however there are a limited number of VIP and Gold Circle tickets available for those who want to secure prime viewing spots at the Manchester Airport San Francisco Stage event.
Gscene have a pair of tickets to give away for the closing party at the B RIGHT ON LGBT Community Festival 2018.
Dance the night away on the disco bunny dance floor at the 70s/80s Disco Ball fundraiser for the Rainbow Fund in the Phil Starr Pavilion on Saturday, March 3, from 7.30pm.
The Ball will bring down the curtail on seventeen days of events at the Phil Starr Pavilion, that have been Brighton’s contribution to LGBT History Month.
To win a pair of tickets email to info@gscene.com the answer to the following question.
Question: In what year did ABBA win the Eurovision Song Contest with their hit single Waterloo?
The B Right On LGBT Community Festivalcelebrates LGBT History Month, is organised by the volunteers of the Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum and takes place at the Phil Starr Pavilion – a multi functional, fully accessible, heated performance, conference and community space with a licensed bar which is located on Victoria Gardens, Brighton, BN1 1WN.
This month Morgan Fabulous chats to Philip Sherrington and his partner Paul Carter, the owners of The Rottingdean Club nestled along the coast in the lovely village of Rottingdean.
A private members club, The Rottingdean Club offers dining in a relaxed environment, regular entertainment, music nights and quizzes.
Built over 400 years ago the club was formerly part of the Olde Place Hotel which is now a residential address. There are three different drinking and dining areas and uniquely for Rottingdean a large secure beer garden bedecked with lush trees and plants, a great sun trap on sunny spring and summer afternoons.
They have members who say they have been going to the club for at least 50 years. “We have everyone here,” Philip explains: “actors, writers, wealthy retirees and young professionals, we have an eclectic mix but the great thing is that they all blend well and get on together.”
When they bought the club the couple made the decision to reach out and market to a younger, more fluid audience.
Philip explains:“As Brighton continues to expand the younger generation will move further out and will want somewhere sophisticated to go and enjoy themselves. We need to be at the front of the queue in reaching out to them and persuading them to socialise here with us.
They love putting on great events and parties, and get real enjoyment from their customers reactions.
He continues: “We meet so many people from different backgrounds, and love listening to their stories about how they have got to where they are today.”
At the rear they have a huge garden, and when the weather get warmer intend to put on lots of outdoor events. From Spring they will be installing a new gazebo, comfortable patio sofas and heaters to make the garden experience more attractive for their members.
Philip and Paul are passionate supporters of MenTalkHealth; an organisation set up by two Brighton based guys raising awareness for men with mental health issues, encouraging them to open up, talk and come to terms with their mental health. Proceeds from their quiz nights, raffles and more go to support the work of the organisation.
Before they bought the club, they both worked in commercial roles in London, Paul for a large commercial radio group and Philip worked in tourism. “The commute was hell and we took a leap of faith in taking the club on,” he said.
Philip grew up in Bolton Lancashire, “it wasn’t a great upbringing and I literally couldn’t wait to leave home” which he did at 17. He moved to Manchester where he lived until 2006 when he moved to London and then to Brighton three years ago.
He loves living in Brighton and would never go back up North willingly, “I grew to despise London mainly thanks to public transport, but Brighton is just such a great place to be, having the city and its amenities and of course the beach on tap. Why would you leave?”
Philip doesn’t have any hobbies but loves drinking and being with new people. He says: “If I were to take up a hobby (I won’t) I think I would enjoy fishing.” His favourite film in the entire world is definitely Sleeping with The Enemy, “it’s such a lovely film, thrilling and realistic and Patrick Bergin is great on the eye.”
You will find the Rottingdean Club at 89 High St, Brighton BN2 7HE, UK, telephone 01273 309 529.
Bobo-Bear designer of this years Brighton Bear Weekend logo paid a visit to the city last month for the launch of his t-shirt design for the Brighton Bear Weekend festival in June.
On a very wet and stormy Saturday night, fans turned up at Prowler in St James Street to meet the man behind the art.
Bobo-Bear, Roberto, was a supermarket worker in Italy when he decided to seek a better life in London. He packed his pencils and moved to the big smoke where his wonderful bear designs quickly took off.
Graham Munday
Graham Munday, Chair of Brighton Bear Weekend, said:“It is very hard to go to a single bear event across the world without seeing one of his T-shirts. He is that popular. The whole team was delighted to have Roberto with us this year and we are all looking forward to seeing him throughout the year. We would also like to thank Prowler Brighton and all the staff for their help and continuous support.”
T-shirts and limited edition hoodies are now available in store at Prowler Brighton.
If you can’t make it down to Prowler, to buy online, click here:
This years Brighton Bear Weekend will take place from Thursday 14 – Sunday 17 of June, raising money for The Rainbow Fund, a grant giving organisation who make grants to LGBT/HIV groups delivering effective front line services to LGBT people in the city.
The first friendly face many LGBT+ folk meet when they arrive in the city is the bar person at their local LGBT+ venue. These gatekeepers to the community provide an important role both befriending and signposting new arrivals to the city. Gscene finds out a little more about them and what makes them special.
Dominic Wood
Where do you come from?Canada, the true North. Despite all my customers thinking I’m Irish.
What brought you to Brighton? I’m currently in my final year at the University of Brighton, looking towards the Masters program now.
How long have you worked at the Camelford? Since June of 2017, originally as much-needed Pride reinforcements!
Oddest thing you’ve been asked for behind the bar? I’ve worked in customer service for nearly a decade now, so at this point in my life, not a lot surprises me.
Worst kind of punter? The entitled kind. All staff should be treated with respect, snapping your fingers doesn’t make me want to serve you any quicker.
What do you do when it’s quiet in the bar? Restocking, a bit of cleaning, and chatting with the locals.
Do you know the difference between beer and ale? I should hope so!
Can you pull a pint? I’m sure my managers would say that’s subject to opinion, but I reckon I pour a mean pint. I always serve what I would like to receive.
Do you prefer to be shaken or stirred?Neither, Don’t touch my beer!
What’s your favourite tipple? Depends on the time of day/night, usually like to end the evening with a nice glass of scotch.
What makes you roll your eyes? If you’re looking for a vegan soy latte, I can’t help you!
Are those really your photos on Grindr?I don’t think it would surprise many to know that I’m not part of the Grindr community.
What makes a perfect barperson?I’ve always maintained that, you can teach someone to pour a pint but you can’t teach someone social skills. We’re here to serve, if the customer wants to chat, its nice to lend an ear.
Where do you go out when you’re not working? As I’m near the end of my degree, it’s very much hibernation season. Although I don’t mind a quiet bar and pint as a change of pace.
Tell us a secret about yourself? Not too many to share really, I like to think I’m an honest guy.
Your favourite book? I wouldn’t say I have a favourite and I wish I had more time for recreational reading, but my most recent was Naomi Kleins ‘No Logo’.
Your favourite artist/s/group? Unfortunately it’s not Steps or Kylie; although I really listen to anything, but can’t really get into the Grime scene or Polka music
What’s your nickname behind the bar? Thanks to our lovely Assistant Manager Tom Morris, its tends to change week to week. ‘Mr Princess’ has stuck longer than I thought though.
As part of LGBT HISTORY MONTH and The B RIGHT ON LGBT Community Festival, the Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum presents An Evening with Gabriella Parrish.
Gabriella will be singing musical theatre, power ballads and party anthems with her live band Human Jukebox, all raising money for Accessibility Matters who provide all the access needs for Brighton & Hove Pride.
Gabriella is the current holder of the Golden Handbag Award for ‘Best Entertainer (Singer)’ 2017 and was featured on the TV show ‘Adele at the BBC’.
Hot Food will be available.
Event: An evening with Gabriella Parrish and live band Human Jukebox
Where: Phil Starr Pavilion, Victoria Gardens, Brighton
When: Friday, March 2
Time: 7.30pm
Cost: £5
The B Right On LGBT Community Festival celebrates LGBT History Month, is organised by the volunteers of the Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum and takes place at the Phil Starr Pavilion – a multi functional, fully accessible, heated performance, conference and community space with a licensed bar which is located on Victoria Gardens, Brighton, BN1 1WN.
Brighton & Hove Pride launches new Pride Cultural Development Fund supporting local artists and groups.
Brighton Pride is earmarking up to £10,000 for community grants to help local artists participate in local 2018 Pride activities and promote Pride’s inclusive ethos.
Awards of up to £250 will be available to help individual artists or small community groups to cover the cost of developing a creative project for participation in Brighton & Hove Pride 2018. This can include costs for costumes, instruments, artist fees and venue hire for performance, rehearsal or studio space.
Who is eligible to apply?
• Individual Artists
• Local community groups
• Local voluntary or charitable organisations
What are the criteria?
In order to be considered for the grant, applicants should have a project in development and all applicants must;
• Be based in Brighton & Hove (or have a connection to the city)
• Be fully committed to cultural diversity and social inclusion in the arts
• Be able to demonstrate a proven track record of your arts practice
All applications to the Brighton & Hove Pride Artists’ Small Grant Award must be received by Monday, April 30, 2018. A panel will select the winning entries and if successful you will be notified by email by May 20, 2018. Decisions are final and there will be no system of appeal.
You must be logged in to post a comment.