The Camelford Arms raise £218 for The Clare Project at their weekly Thursday quiz night.
Winners the Fantastic Four Skins
CAMELFORD quiz regulars the Fantasic Four Skins were winners on the night, but failed to scoop the £300 cash prize.
The Clare Project is a self-supporting transgender support and social group based in the Brighton and Hove open to anyone wishing to explore issues around gender identity.
Their main activity is a weekly drop in every Tuesday, which aims to provide a safe and confidential place for people to meet with others who share their life experiences and find information, support and companionship.
A facilitator and a psychotherapist attend each Tuesday drop-in, they also offer some changing facilities and have no religious affiliations.
Whilst The Clare Project is mainly attended by transgender, transsexual and gender dysphoric people, the project aims to be all-inclusive as they recognise the complexities surrounding the issue of gender identity.
On Saturday, March 31, 2018: Fourteen Brighton and Hove Sea Serpents ‘lost’ their clothes at Hove Rugby Club to take part in the Naked Rugby Players Calendar 2019.
THE Calendar aims to promote the awareness of testicular cancer as well as raising funds for the Balls to Cancer charity with six International Gay Rugby (IGR) inclusive teams taking part including Brighton & Hove Sea Serpents, The Bristol Bisons; Glasgow Alphas, Liverpool Tritons, Northampton Outlaws and the Sheffield Vulcans!
Now the calendar has been printed and launched nationally, the Sea Serpents will be holding their own launch night, here in Brighton at their sponsors, Bar Broadway on Saturday, October 6 2018!
The Sussex ME Society cares for many of the over 4,000 adults and children affected by the Chronic fatigue syndrome known as ME in the county.
THE Society has made available therapy and symptom management guidelines for medical professionals who are seeing patients with the illness.
The guide was developed through the British Association of CFS/ME (BACME), an organisation that represents UK health professionals working with the condition. It aims to provide information to support clinicians in their work with ME and includes both pharmacological and rehabilitative approaches
There is also a separate guideline that has been produced to assist professionals involved in the diagnosis and management of patients dealing with those that are house or bed-bound.
Colin Barton, Chair of the ME Society said:“Many medical professionals in Sussex are keen to know more about this illness that physically and mentally disables a good number of their patients and these guidelines can help”
Myalgic encephalopathy (ME) or Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) sometimes follows a viral infection or trauma is classified as a neurological disorder and these guidelines have been issued for the medical profession. Symptoms of ME include profound physical and mental fatigue, concentration and working memory difficulties – confusion, muscle pain, sleep and mood disturbances, gastric and vision problems.
Andrew Ramage, Pastor of MCC Brighton calls for the LGBT+ communities of Brighton and Hove to come together to make the city safe for all LGBT+ people.
BRIGHTON has the reputation for being a fun place to be, welcoming, open and accepting that’s why Andrew O’Connell, the man who was killed in Pavilion Gardens last month, came to Brighton.
The city’s reputation as the GAY capital of the UK is why so many young LGBT+ people come to Brighton – escaping bad treatment at home or looking for somewhere better, somewhere they will fit in. After all, where could be safer than the LGBT+ Capital of the country?
Sadly, that is not the case for everyone.
Some will be lucky, finding support and help from the LGBT+ communities, a sofa to sleep on, help getting settled, food and community.
Many though end up on the streets, sleeping rough, or being preyed upon by being offered a place to sleep, then having no choice but to sleep with the person offering the shelter.
What would you do to avoid being out on the streets in the winter?
The city of Brighton and Hove has the second highest rate of homelessness in the country. Homelessness includes all those who are sofa surfing (the hidden homeless), those in temporary accommodation (sometimes for several years), those in emergency accommodation (which can be unsafe) as well as those we see sleeping on our streets every day.
Because of this the City Council imposes a local connection criteria on access to services and support, disproportionately affecting people who come to the city seeking refuge for who they are. Pushing new comers, particularly young or vulnerable queer people into potentially predatory situations or onto the streets.
Andrew Ramage
Even if our LGBT+ siblings avoid the dangers of predatory behaviour, they are still at risk of attack by people who target the homeless. And unfortunately, can also often end up on the wrong end of aggression and violence by other street dwellers who either have homophobic beliefs, don’t like people who are different, are wary of the new person or are just jealously guarding their patch.
We are campaigning for an end to what we see as a misuse of local connection in limiting access to support and services, we work with other homeless service providers to ensure that services are safe for LGBT+ people and I hold ‘surgeries’ for anyone who wants to come and talk.
Despite Brighton being a great place to live, these are very dangerous times to be homeless. Although the diversity is fantastic, the level of acceptance is higher than most places, sadly this is only really true if you have money, if you can afford the high rents and have somewhere to stay.
The LGBT+ capital of the UK is not a safe place for LGBT+ homeless or rough sleepers. But some of us are trying to make it so. Now is the time that the community needs to come together, to be truly LGBT+ and make this city a safe place for all, wherever they come from.
For more information about MCC Brighton, click here:
23,411 households in East Sussex are living in fuel poverty and struggle to keep warm during the winter months, according to a new government report which reveals the extent of the crisis facing the county.
THE latest statistics show 9% of homes in East Sussex are classed as ‘fuel poor’ which means they cannot afford to adequately heat their home based on their income. The national figure has risen to over 2.55 million homes in fuel poverty over the last year.
Rural parts of the county are disproportionally affected, with higher levels of fuel poverty compared to more urban areas, and the gap between the cost of their bills and what they can afford to pay is significantly higher at over £600, double that for urban areas.
This is despite oil heating, one of the main fuels used by rural homes, being significantly cheaper than other forms of heating for homes not connected to mains gas.
The higher cost of heating, however, is largely due to rural homes typically being older, poorly insulated and less energy efficient, making them more expensive to keep warm.
In response to the growing concern, OFTEC, which represents the oil heating industry, has written to local MPs saying that more support is needed for rural households, especially after last winter’s extreme cold weather.
Malcolm Farrow
Malcolm Farrow from OFTEC commented:“We often take our heating for granted and turn up the thermostat when the weather gets cold without a second’s thought. Unfortunately, as this latest report reveals, for many households across East Sussex keeping warm is a constant source of concern and often anxiety.
“Many health problems are associated with living in a cold house and there is a particular concern for older people who struggle during the winter months. Whilst steps have been taken to try to alleviate the problem, still not enough support is available.”
The report also highlighted the importance of energy efficiency as homes with better insulation and a modern boiler require less energy and are far quicker to heat which can help households reduce their fuel bills.
Malcolm added:“Rural households typically have a far lower energy efficiency rating compared to urban homes so the current focus needs to be on cost effective solutions such as better insulation and helping them upgrade to a modern and more effective heating system, for instance moving from electric storage heaters to oil central heating which is over 40% cheaper to run. This will have an immediate positive impact on many fuel poor homes.
“We should however recognise that, even with government support, the cost of upgrading a boiler is still out of reach for many homes. However, households can reduce their fuel bills in other ways such as adjusting heating timers as the weather changes, bleeding radiators and having their heating system regularly serviced and inspected by a qualified GasSafe (for mains gas) or OFTEC (for oil or solid fuel) registered technician.”
Brighton & Hove Sea Serpents the inclusive LGBT Rugby Team launch new strip at Bar Broadway their new sponsors.
PLAYERS and staff wore the new sage green kit and owners, Michael and Alistair put on a splendid buffet for the Club and their other customers.
The evening started with short speeches from Jason Thorpe, (Vice President of the rugby club and current holder of the G Scene Golden Handbag for favourite local singer and entertainer) and Ian Chaplin (Chairman of the Rugby Club) who commented on the clubs place in the local scene. He also thanked Bar Broadway for their generosity and welcome.
The sponsorship has bought the Club 25 playing shirts and 40 each of shorts, socks and training shirts which will cover the club’s needs for two seasons.
Brighton & Hove Sea Serpents are the first fully inclusive rugby club in Sussex, encouraging gay, bisexual, and trans guys to learn, experience and play rugby in a non judgemental atmosphere.
They welcome everyone who shares their vision. To find out more message their Facebook page or email: info@bhssrfc.com
Ian Chaplin, Chairman of the club, said: “We are proud to have our kit sponsored by Bar Broadway, and proud to be members of the Sussex Rugby Football Union, the Rugby Football Union and International Gay Rugby – the body that encourages inclusive rugby across the world.”
Brighton-based Belgium chip company BeFries donate 50p from each sauce to Build Brighton Dome community appeal.
Chan, Ezda and Dashal Beevers
BEFRIES, have pledged their support for the appeal by offering to donate 50p from each jar in their range of over 25 sauces sold in the next few weeks.
The appeal aims to reach out to the local communities as well as visitors to the city to help complete its £21.2 million transformational project to redevelop the Brighton Dome Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre.
Dashal and Chan Beevers set up the award-winning BeFries in August 2016 with the aim of bringing the taste of authentic Belgian fries to Brighton & Hove. Having mastered the art of cooking the perfect chip – a process they liken to perfecting coffee – and picking up several awards along the way, they have also created around twenty new sauces – the most popular being garlic mayo and satay sauce.
On pledging his support for Build Brighton Dome, Dashal Beevers said:“I first moved to Brighton 22 years ago and going out to see live music has always been a love of mine, I have seen so many of my favourite bands playing at Brighton Dome. It is an amazing space for music, comedy, theatre and other events and, with this rebuild, I can only wish for it to continue for many, many more years to come for the enjoyment of everyone.”
With 90% of Phase One funding now in place – including significant donations from the National Lottery through Arts Council England (ACE) and Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), and the Coast to Capital Local Growth fund – the Community appeal aims to raise £250,000 to help complete the transformational project.
Mixed reactions to LGBT+ presence outside Regents Park mosque in Central London.
MUSLIM worshippers at Central London (Regents Park) mosque reacted with a mixture of interest, hostility and indifference as they were leafleted and engaged in conversation by LGBT+ Muslims supported by the Peter Tatchell Foundation on Friday, September 21 when they arrived for Friday prayers.
Action organiser Peter Tatchell, said:“There were only half a dozen overtly homophobic and aggressive comments; mostly from younger worshippers. Some attendees were curious and others bemused, while the mosque authorities were friendly and obliging. These reactions are indicative of changing attitudes in the Muslim communities towards LGBT+ issues. The level of homophobia was much less today than three or four years ago.”
Friday’s action was part of the campaign – LGBT-Muslim Solidarity: Fight all hate – organised by the Peter Tatchell Foundation at the request of LGBT+ Muslims.
“Our message to mosque worshippers was that the Qur’an does not explicitly condemn homosexuality and stipulates no punishments. There is no basis in the Qur’an for the persecution of LGBT+ Muslims. Homophobic Muslims are misinterpreting the Qur’an,”added Mr Tatchell.
“The Qur’an states that is it the full and final word of Allah and that it requires no addition or interpretation. The anti-LGBT Hadiths and Sharia law are man-made interpretations which have no basis in the Qur’an. A true Muslim follows the Qur’an alone. We appeal to all Muslims to reject homophobia and to embrace LGBT+ Muslims as a valid and valued part of the Muslim community.”
“This solidarity campaign urges the LGBT and Muslim communities to stand together against prejudice, challenges Muslim homophobia and defends LGBT+ Muslims against the far right and Islamist extremists,”said Mr Tatchell.
Muhammad, a gay Muslim said: “Nowhere in the Qur’an does it say you should punish a gay Muslim. Too many Muslims misunderstand the story of Lut (Lot). It condemns male rape but not loving consenting same-sex relationships. This misunderstanding leads to so much suffering for LGBT+ Muslims, such as rejection by families and mosques, depression, suicide and even so-called honour killings.”
Ejel, another gay Muslim added:“It is imperative that our LGBT Muslim voices are heard and that we engage with the mainstream Muslim community. I’ve spoken in some mosques on LGBT+ issues but many mosques still don’t acknowledge and support their LGBT+ worshippers. That needs to change.”
Tehmina, a Muslim human rights activist, added:“The dominant interpretations of Islam run counter to LGBT equality and contemporary human rights standards….(however) the academic work of Scott Siraj ul-Haq Kugle on Islam and homosexuality, and the new online theological resource set up by Daaiyee Abdullah, showcases that LGBT-affirming interpretations of Islam are possible.”
Four car parks run by Brighton & Hove council have retained the coveted Park Mark Award for safer parking.
Regency Square car park
Car parks at The Lanes, Regency Square, Trafalgar Street and London Road were granted the Park MarkSafer Parking status following an inspection by representatives from the British Parking Association and Sussex Police.
The Safer Parking Scheme is an Association of Chief Police Officers initiative which aims to reduce crime and the fear of crime in car parks.
The Scheme sets a national standard for UK car parks that have low crime and measures in place to ensure the safety of people and vehicles. The inspections cover lighting, surveillance, cleanliness and overall management and the awards are held for two years.
Following the awards, car parks can display distinctive Park Mark signage which helps drivers find car parks where they can confidently leave their vehicle, knowing the environment is safer.
Cllr Gill Mitchell
Cllr Gill Mitchell, chair of the council’s environment committee said:“This is great news for our parking staff who work hard to ensure that our busy car parks are safe and accessible. It’s very rewarding to once again receive this accreditation which acknowledges that we are getting things right for our car park users.”
Brighton & Hove City Council has also been awarded the Disabled Parking Accreditation by the British Parking Association. This new award is given to car park owners/operators who adopt an active management strategy to minimise disabled bay abuse, that there are facilities suitable for disabled people and that appropriate concessions are made to recognise the extra time required by disabled people.
Volunteers, friends and community groups from across the city have been celebrating success, bringing home 29 awards from this year’s South and South East In Bloom campaign.
HORTICULTURAL and environmental projects across Brighton & Hove, from small gardening, wildlife and friends groups to city parks, churchyards and cemeteries, have been commended in the annual awards.
Gold awards went to Stanford and Cleveland Community Garden (our community), The Grange Rottingdean (heritage parks and gardens) and Brighton & Hove Extra Mural Cemetery – Woodvale Crematorium (large cemetery.)
Silver Gilt awards were won by Hollingbury Park and Woods (large conservation area), St Margaret’s Parish Church, Rottingdean (churchyards), St Peter’s Churchyard and Wildlife Area Volunteers (our community) and Brunswick Town in Bloom which was the winner of the Urban Community category.
Silver awards went to Dyke Road Park (large park) and Sheepcote Valley (large conservation area) while bronze awards were given to Brilliant Brighton in the Business Improvement section and Saunders Park in the small parks section.
The South & South East in Bloom campaign aims to encourage communities to work together to create lasting improvements to their local environment for the benefit of those that live, work and visit.
Participating communities are asked to focus their initiatives on three main areas:
♦ Horticultural Achievement
♦ Environmental Responsibility
♦ Community Participation
This means “in Bloom” communities tackle everything from litter, graffiti and anti-social behaviour through to conservation, sustainability and improving horticultural standards, which results in a positive impact on sense of place, community spirit and pride.
Each year hundreds of communities enter their projects for a range of awards, and this year’s results reflect the high standards achieved by volunteer groups in the city.
In the ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ category, Brighton & Hove scooped several top awards with Racehill Community Orchard, the Secret Garden Group, St Peters Churchyard and Wildlife Area Volunteers, Stanford and Cleveland Community Garden, all gaining a Level 5 ‘outstanding’ award, while the Friends of Hove Park, Waterloo Street Arch Community Gardens, The Hop 50+ Gardening Group, The Norfolk Square Group, Lansdowne Place and Friends of Preston Manor Gardens, were described as ‘thriving,’ Level 4.
Other accolades went to Brunswick Road Community Garden, Farman Street Garden, Friends of Brunswick Square & Terrace, Lansdowne Street, St Nicholas Green Spaces – Sustain, The Friends of Palmeira & Adelaide, Friends of Surrenden Field and Woodingdean Community Association.
Cllr Gill Mitchell
Cllr Gill Mitchell, chair of the environment committee said:“It’s wonderful see such a wide variety of community projects across the city gaining national recognition and the hundreds of hard-working volunteers rewarded for their efforts.
“As council budgets are steadily cut, we rely on volunteers to work with our parks staff to maintain and enhance our parks, gardens and other green and spaces.
“By continuing to work together in this way we can we build on this success and ensure Brighton & Hove blooms well into the future.”
THE latest statistics show 9% of homes in East Sussex are classed as ‘fuel poor’ which means they cannot afford to adequately heat their home based on their income. The national figure has risen to over 2.55 million homes in fuel poverty over the last year.
Silver Gilt awards were won by Hollingbury Park and Woods (large conservation area), St Margaret’s Parish Church, Rottingdean (churchyards), St Peter’s Churchyard and Wildlife Area Volunteers (our community) and Brunswick Town in Bloom which was the winner of the Urban Community category.
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