May 2019 – Page 2 – Scene Magazine – From the heart of LGBTQ+ Life

Homeless charity chosen as one of Mayor’s charities

Posted on 28/05/201928/05/2019 by Besi

Mayor chooses Sussex Nightstop as one of her chosen charities for 2019-20.

NEWLY elected Green MEP for the South East of England and Mayor of Brighton & Hove, Cllr Alexander Phillips, has chosen Sussex Nightstop as one of the 20 charities she will be supporting during her Mayoral Year.

BRIGHTON-based Sussex Nightstop provides a safety net for young, vulnerable people aged between 16-25 years of age who are at risk of becoming homeless by providing emergency accommodation in the homes of volunteer hosts.

Sussex Nightstop’s Executive Director, Alison Marino said: “It is an honour to be recognised and chosen as one of the Mayor’s 2019 charities.

“Sussex Nightstop enables the community to respond to the issue of homelessness amongst young people – every night a young person stays with one of our Volunteer Hosts is a night where they are safe from the risks and precariousness of rough-sleeping or sofa-surfing. Being selected as a Mayor’s Charity for 2019-2020 is a privilege. It provides us with the platform to help raise awareness of the issue of youth homelessness and fundraising through the Mayor’s Charity events will enable us to invest further in the recruitment and training of new volunteer hosts – enabling us to grow both in numbers and the range of young people we can support.”

Each year, The Mayor of the City actively supports a range of charities which operate in Brighton & Hove, specifically servicing the local communities and helping to improve the lives of residents in the City.

Alongside Sussex Nightstop, the other chosen charities this year are Allsorts Youth Project, Brighton Housing Trust, Brighton’s Women’s Centre, CRUSE, Grace Eyre, Oasis Project, RISE, Survivor’s Network, Sustrans, Whoopsadaisy, Amaze, Brighton Table Tennis Club, Clock Town Sanctuary, Extratime, Hummingbird Project, Off The Fence, Rockinghorse and The Martlets.

Fringe THEATRE REVIEW: Electric @The Caxton Arms

Posted on 28/05/201928/05/2019 by Paul Gustafson

WHETHER you’re a seasoned raver, or if like me you’ve never been camping at a music festival, then grab the chance to vicariously experience all the associated pleasure and pain by catching this cracking jewel of a two-handed comedy from Dublin based ILA Productions.

As well as being a fun-packed, immersive experience Electric is a touchingly written girl meets girl falling-in-love story where post codes, social class and peer pressure conspire to keep posh Dublin south-sider Scarlett and streetwise north-sider Joni apart. But will this new found love which takes both girls by surprise overcome their social differences and conquer the day?

Writer and performer Ali Hardiman and Ericka Roe are both funny and moving in their respective portrayals of Scarlett and Joni. Hardiman’s Scarlett is cringingly anxious and self-obsessed and her vulnerability is a perfect foil for Roe’s savvy, seemingly super confident Joni. It’s a great fit.

Both also play the roles of their various friends, family and other colourful characters, convincingly switching between dialects and genders in a way that is effortless and very funny. Hardiman’s portrayal of Joni’s uber rough, foul mouthed side-kick Kelly is a particularly joyful creation.

The set is bravely simple and the staging distinctly lacking in props, so it’s the writing and the acting which carries the day and transports us right there to the festival fields, helped along the way by a suitably eclectic dance soundtrack.

Other clever touches include both actresses offering to decorate punters’ faces with glitter before the show, and then the provision of a festival wristband in exchange for your ticket. And there’s even a tongue-in-cheek handout on every seat with a glossary of Dub phrases and colloquialisms. It all adds to the immersive experience and gets you nicely in the mood for the exceptional craic that’s to come.

Electric runs until June 2 at the Caxton Arms, 36 North Gardens, Brighton

For performance times and tickets, click here:

Could Nala from Brighton be the National Cat of the Year?

Posted on 28/05/2019 by Besi

A Brighton cat, who helped a terminally ill teenager and her family cope has been named as a finalist in Cats Protection’s National Cat Awards 2019.

TABBY Nala beat hundreds of other entries to take her place as one of three contenders in the Outstanding Rescue Cat category, celebrating cats that have been adopted from rehoming charities.

The 15-year-old puss was selected as a finalist in recognition of the love, support and friendship she gave to Charlotte Eades, who died from a rare form of brain cancer in February 2016, aged just 19.

Mum Alex said that Nala had since proved to be an immense support to her and son Miles, 24, as they come to terms with losing Charlotte.

She said: “Charlotte was seven when we got Nala and they grew up together. They both had such a sense of fun and enjoyed playing games together.

“When Charlotte became ill, that bond grew even stronger. Nala was at her side through thick and thin. During everything Charlotte went through, Nala was there for her to stroke, cuddle and talk to.

“That friendship meant everything to Charlotte and it gave her the determination to make the most of every day she had. Charlotte used her You Tube channel to talk about her favourite things – fashion, make up and, of course, Nala.

“Since we lost Charlotte, Nala has helped me and Miles so much. We sometimes watch Charlotte’s old YouTube videos and Nala still recognises her voice.

“Nala is a link to Charlotte but she’s also so much more. She really is the constant in our lives, the heart of our family.”

Alex and Miles have continued Charlotte’s inspiring YouTube channel and Nala remains a constant fixture in their videos.

Alex now needs to wait until Thursday, August 8 when winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at London’s Savoy, an event attended by celebrities including entrepreneur Deborah Meaden, former England goalkeeper David Seaman and his wife, Dancing on Ice star Frankie Seaman.

If Nala wins her category, she will also be in with a chance of being crowned National Cat of the Year, following in the paw prints of previous winner Theo, who helped his owner Charlotte Dixon survive a potentially fatal blood clot.

Cats Protection’s awards organiser Kate Bunting said: “Charlotte was clearly a devoted owner and it was her love, care and attention for Nala that created such a bond between them. It’s incredibly moving to hear how important Nala was to Charlotte and how Nala is now helping the whole family as they come to terms with their loss.”

Calum Macrae, Regional Director UK & Ireland at PURINA®, added: “The National Cat Awards is a wonderful celebration of everything we love about cats, in particular shining a spotlight on the incredible bond that can exist between pets and owners.

“All the finalists are truly inspiring and go to show the hugely positive impact cats can have on people’s lives, for all sorts of reasons. It’s no wonder that cats have earned a special place in our hearts and homes.”

Each category winner receives a trophy, a £100 pet store voucher, a year’s subscription to Cats Protection’s The Cat magazine and a three months’ supply of PURINA® cat food.

Photography exhibition of ‘Life in Whitehawk’.

Posted on 28/05/2019 by Besi

Crew Club hosts community photography exhibition of Life in Whitehawk – Volume 1 – Lisa Pettitt and Sharon Scaife.

Club Crew - Photo: James Curtis — Club Crew – Photo: James Curtis

WHITEWHAWK, Volume 1 is an exhibition of documentary photography taken by local residents Lisa Pettitt and Sharon Scaife and organised by Curtis James.

The exhibition is the culmination of a year-long documentary process and aims to tell diverse, inside stories about Whitehawk: on death and life, housing, (extended) family and chicken pie.

Whitehawk is an estate originally developed by Brighton Council between 1933 and 1937, and added to in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. Lisa has lived in the area since 1997 and Sharon since 2009. They had no formal photography experience until a year ago. Curtis James grew up on the Bristol Estate and went to school in Whitehawk in the 1980s.

Curtis James said: “I grew up in Whitehawk and this exhibition has been in the making since I left 26 years ago. I want people and policy-makers to see Whitehawk through Lisa and Sharon’s eyes, rather than through indices of deprivation or negative news stories.”

The exhibition is free to attend and takes place in the beating heart of Whitehawk, the Crew Club (started in 1999 by Lorraine and Darren Snow in response to the fatal stabbing of a 16 year-old on the Whitehawk estate).

It runs from Wednesday, June 12 to Saturday, June 15. Opening hours are 10.30am to 6pm every day, with tours/discussion at 11am, 1pm and 3pm on Saturday, June 15.

The exhibition is the first of a series of planned Whitehawk Volumes – community exhibitions/publications by, of and for the people of Whitehawk.

For more information or to get involved in the forthcoming Whitehawk, Volume 2, contact Curtis James at info@whitehawkvolumes.org.

Event: Life in Whitehawk – Volume 1 – Lisa Pettitt and Sharon Scaife

Where: Crew Club, The Crew Club, 26 Coolham Drive, Whitehawk, Brighton

When: June 12-15, 2019

Time: 10.30am – 6pm

Cost: Free entry

Danny Dwyer’s birthday raises £1,007.20 for two charities

Posted on 27/05/201902/06/2019 by Besi

Danny Dwyer organiser of Bear-Patrol, celebrated his birthday with friends and supporters of Bear-Patrol at the Whitecliffs Cafe in Saltdean on Saturday, May 25.

From L-R: Danny Dwyer, Liz Kirby and John Cook

DJ Josh the Barber played until the early hours of the morning at this unique venue on the seafront promenade in Saltdean opposite the Lido, keeping two former Mayors Cllr Dee Simson and Linda Hyde on their feet dancing.

Rather than receive birthday presents, Danny asked friends to make a donation to the Sussex Cancer Fund, which raised a total of £826.25. Bucket collections raised £180.95 for the Rainbow Fund.

If you want to make a donation to the Sussex Cancer Fund, click here:

The Rainbow Fund, give grants to LGBT+/HIV organisations who provide effective front line services to LGBT+ people in Brighton and Hove.

Photos by Steve Honeysett, Graeme Atack and James Ledward

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Lib Dems and Greens perform very well in European elections

Posted on 27/05/201927/05/2019 by Besi

Liberal Democrats secure best ever European Election result in the party’s history, returning 16 MEPs to the European Parliament and taking second place in vote share (20.3%).

LibDems celebrate their best ever showing in the European Elections

LIBDems and Greens pushed the Brexit Party into third place (17.4%) here in Brighton and Hove with Labour coming 4th (13%). The Conservatives took just 5.2% share of the vote in Brighton and Hove with Change UK taking 4.9% and UKIP 1%.

Local election agent Paul Chandler said: “Many thanks to all in the City who voted LibDem.

We realise that for some people this is the first time they have voted LibDem. Please, don’t make it the last!’

In the South East Region LibDems returned 3 MEPs on 26% of the vote. They secured 8% in 2014 and their previous best result was 15.3%.

Having run an unambiguous campaign to stop Brexit the party made huge gains across the country, which follows their best ever gains in English local election results at the start of May.

Liberal Democrat leader Vince Cable said: “Our clear, honest, unambiguous message has won us our best ever European election result, and pushed Corbyn’s Labour into third place. “We have shown ourselves to be the strongest Remain force in British politics.

“We will always stand up for the people who have put their faith in us, taking this mandate forward to campaign harder than ever to stop Brexit.

“There is a clear lesson for Labour in tonight’s results: get off the fence. In trying to please everybody they have pleased nobody.

“With a Tory leadership contest increasing the risk of a “No Deal” Brexit, Britain can no longer tolerate an Opposition which ducks and dives on the biggest issue of the day.

“If you want to see an outward looking Britain, standing tall in the world with our European partners, and offering opportunity to everyone at home, there is no better moment to shape the future of our party and our politics, by joining the Liberal Democrats.”

This result is the first time Liberal Democrats have beaten both the Conservative and Labour Parties in a UK-wide election. The Liberal Party last achieved this 101 years ago.

LibDems have tripled their 2014 share of the vote, securing their highest vote share since 2010 and returning their largest ever group of MEPs to the European Parliament ever.

For the first time the Lib Dems topped the poll in London, which they hope will send a clear message ahead of next year’s mayoral elections that they will be serious players.

This is the worst ever result for the Conservatives in a UK-wide election returning just 4 MEPs. In their previous worst performance in the European Elections they returned 26 MEPs.

Similarly Labour’s failure to be clear about their Brexit policy resulted in their worst ever performance in a UK-wide election returning just 10 MEPs. They have never returned fewer than 13 MEPs before.

The Greens made significant advances across the country topping the poll in Brighton and Hove with 35.7% of the vote and returning natioinally, 7 MEPs.

The nights big winner was Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party. Despite only being formed in the last couple of weeks they returned 29 MEPs on 31.6% of the vote.

The nights big losers were UKIP who lost all 24 of their MEPs taking just 3.3% of the vote.

k.d. lang supports Birmingham school teacher

Posted on 27/05/2019 by Besi

k.d. lang sends message of support to school teacher, Andrew Moffat the Birmingham primary school teacher at the centre of parent protests.

SINGER k.d. lang is backing the Birmingham primary school teacher at the centre of protests over his lessons on gay relationships.

The star has sent a message of support to Andrew Moffat, who is lead the Birmingham Pride parade this weekend.

The LGBT+ campaigner, who is playing the Birmingham Symphony Hall in July, tells him: “Stay strong and stay compassionate.”

The row over Mr Moffat’s No Outsiders programme is still raging in the city, with protestors gathering daily outside primary schools to say the lessons go against their religious beliefs.

Mr Moffat and his headteacher have both received violent threats, which k.d. has also experienced. She was attacked when she came out as a lesbian and when she supported the Meat Stinks campaign by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

Furious protestors in her home state of Alberta, in the middle of Canada’s cattle ranches, burned down a sign saying ‘Home of k.d. lang’ and she was banned from radio stations. Her record company received bomb threats.

Speaking from her home in Calgary, k.d. says of Mr Moffat: “I would tell him to stay strong and stay compassionate to the other side. It all goes wrong when you see your opposition as enemies, when it’s just a matter of education and openness.

“I know that in the face of that hatred it does get very difficult at times to stay compassionate, but everyone has their reasons for what they believe. You have to stay open, as hard as it is. Hate is a powerful weapon, so you have to be super flexible to absorb the impact.

“After I came out, religious groups picketed the Grammys. Meat Stinks was my most difficult time, because it affected my family and people around me. There were violent threats and that was a little bit scary.”

k.d., born Kathryn Dawn Lang 57 years ago, shot to fame in the 90s with her global hit Constant Craving. Her languid, pitch-perfect voice led Michael Bublé to call her “the greatest female singer in the whole world”.

Her Ingenue Redux show sees k.d. playing her double platinum 1992 Ingenue album in full, in sequence, followed by other hits.

k.d. started her 2011 UK tour at Symphony Hall but hasn’t been back since, as touring is a rarity for her these days. While she still loves to sing, she certainly doesn’t crave the spotlight.

“I absolutely remember Birmingham. It’s a beautiful hall and I remember it sounding lovely. I’m excited to be coming back and to rekindle these songs. I like to tour when there’s a good solid reason, but I don’t feel the need to perform.

“I feel like I’ve accomplished enough. I feel I’ve given it my best. I still like to sing, but I can sing in the shower or to my dog. It doesn’t have to be in front of an audience on stage.”

k.d. lang returns to Birmingham Symphony Hall on July 27.

To book tickets, click here:

Or call 0121 780 3333

More tickets released for Lionesses vs New Zealand game at Amex

Posted on 27/05/2019 by Besi

Hundreds more tickets have been released for the Lionesses vs New Zealand game at the Amex Community Stadium on June 1.

FOLLOWING huge demand from fans keen to see the team in action before leaving for the World Cup, organisers have decided to open the stadium’s top tier providing hundreds of extra seats.

Ian Shurrock, head of sport and leisure for Brighton & Hove City Council said: “We are delighted that tickets sales have surpassed expectations and that more of the Amex Stadium is now being opened up for this historic game.

“These extra tickets priced at £10 for adults and £1 for children, will help ensure that fans don’t miss out on seeing the country’s top players in action and we can provide the best possible send off before they leave for France and the World Cup.”

To buy tickets, click here:

The Brighton & Hove match is the final game in the Road to France Series which sees Phil Neville’s squad playing at four different venues across the UK.

Three of the matches have already taken place.

Sussex County FA chief executive, Ken Benham, said: “We’re privileged to have the Lionesses playing their last match before they head off to France for the World Cup right here in Sussex.

“It is a great opportunity for Sussex football fans to see their England heroes up close, and a packed out Amex Stadium will give the players the best possible send off!”

Brighton & Hove Albion Women’s manager Hope Powell added: “To have a preparation game for England at the Amex is fantastic and as a club and as an FA we will be working hard to raise awareness that the game is on.

“It’s a great stadium and I’m sure that for both England and New Zealand it will be a privilege to play here.”

The Lionesses’ group stage schedule at the World Cup is:

Sunday June 9 (5pm BST): England v Scotland – Stade de Nice
Friday June 14 (8pm BST): England v Argentina – Stade Océane, Le Havre
Wednesday June 19 (8pm BST): Japan v England – Stade de Nice

Richard Hadfield to headline Golden Handbags

Posted on 26/05/201916/06/2019 by Besi

Richard Hadfield who won Britain’s Got Talent in 2014 with musical theatre vocal group Collabro will headline this years Golden Handbag Awards.

BEFORE Richard left the group to pursue a solo career in 2016, Collabro’s first album Stars debuted in the UK album charts at number one and their second album Act Two reached number two. Their first national tour culminated with a sold out headlining show at the London Palladium.

The annual celebration of LGBT+ Brighton & Hove takes place in the magnificent surroundings of the Oxford Suite Ballroom at the Brighton Hilton Metropole on Sunday, June 23 at 7.30pm.

The awards, now in their twenty fourth year, celebrate everything fabulous and supportive about Brighton’s LGBT+ communities while recognising the magnificent selfless work done by volunteers fifty two weeks of the year in LGBT+ Brighton & Hove.

The awards will be hosted and presented by the indomitable Lola Lasagne.

Voting in this year’s awards is now open online at www.gscene.com

All VIP tables are already sold but individual unreserved tickets on the public tables costing £20 will be available from Prowler at 112 St James’s Street, Brighton from Saturday June 1. Prowler do not charging a booking fee so you need to buy in person and pay in cash. If you experience difficulties securing a tickets email info@gscene.com

Headline sponsors of the glittering awards this year are Reveries Event Production and Design who are providing the set, stage, lighting design and production on the evening, E3 Events and PSAV®. Once again this year Security and Event Solutions will provided security personel for the evening and the tables in the ballroom will be dressed by Billie Lewis Promotions.

Ropetackle cinema goes dementia-friendly

Posted on 26/05/201926/05/2019 by Besi

After becoming officially dementia-friendly, Ropetackle Cinema launches new programme of relaxed and friendly screenings with a showing of Mamma Mia on June 10.

ROPETACKLE cinema’s committee successfully bid for extra funds from the BFI (British Film Industry) and has worked with the local Alzheimer’s Association about the type of films that might be successful as well as the correct setting.

Around 25 volunteers, staff and Committee members were given a morning’s training by Tim Wilkins of the Alzheimer’s Association, which has officially made Ropetackle Arts Centre a Dementia Friend. The training highlighted key aspects of life with dementia and allowed staff to understand more about this growing condition.

Mr. Wilkins said: “Having a provision within Shoreham aiming to provide dementia friendly screenings of films is an added bonus to the area.”

Maria Reeves, Ropetackle’s interim centre manager, added: “We are very pleased to be able to support this initiative from the Ropetackle Cinema and look forward to seeing a number of successful screenings over the summer and beyond.”

The screenings will happen once a month on a Monday afternoon. Each film will have a technician in attendance as well as a good number of volunteer stewards.

Ropetackle Cinema won a prestigious award from the BFI (British Film Industry) to put on this short programme of nine films which are deemed Relaxed and Friendly (with a focus on people suffering any form of memory loss)

This means in practice that some auditorium lights will remain on, and there will be a relaxed attitude to any noise. The films will start at 2pm but there will be a cup of tea available as from 1.30pm.

Funding for the refreshments has been donated by Adur Masonic Lodge (with match funding from the the Mason District)

If you would like to know more about this initiative, contact Simon Thorpe, at Ropetacklefilmclub2@gmail.com

Mamma Mia on Monday, June 10, £4 (carers are free)

The Lady in the Van on Monday, July 8, £4 (carers are free)

Bohemian Rhapsody on Monday, August 12, £4 (carers are free)

Refreshments: 1pm, Film starts: 1.30pm.

Youh will find Ropetackle Cinema at High St, Shoreham-by-Sea BN43 5EG, telephone number 01273 464440

Call us now

Month: May 2019

Homeless charity chosen as one of Mayor’s charities

Mayor chooses Sussex Nightstop as one of her chosen charities for 2019-20.

Fringe THEATRE REVIEW: Electric @The Caxton Arms

Could Nala from Brighton be the National Cat of the Year?

A Brighton cat, who helped a terminally ill teenager and her family cope has been named as a finalist in Cats Protection’s National Cat Awards 2019.

Photography exhibition of ‘Life in Whitehawk’.

Crew Club hosts community photography exhibition of Life in Whitehawk – Volume 1 – Lisa Pettitt and Sharon Scaife.

Danny Dwyer’s birthday raises £1,007.20 for two charities

Danny Dwyer organiser of Bear-Patrol, celebrated his birthday with friends and supporters of Bear-Patrol at the Whitecliffs Cafe in Saltdean on Saturday, May 25.

Lib Dems and Greens perform very well in European elections

Liberal Democrats secure best ever European Election result in the party’s history, returning 16 MEPs to the European Parliament and taking second place in vote share (20.3%).

k.d. lang supports Birmingham school teacher

k.d. lang sends message of support to school teacher, Andrew Moffat the Birmingham primary school teacher at the centre of parent protests.

More tickets released for Lionesses vs New Zealand game at Amex

Hundreds more tickets have been released for the Lionesses vs New Zealand game at the Amex Community Stadium on June 1.

Richard Hadfield to headline Golden Handbags

Richard Hadfield who won Britain’s Got Talent in 2014 with musical theatre vocal group Collabro will headline this years Golden Handbag Awards.

Ropetackle cinema goes dementia-friendly

After becoming officially dementia-friendly, Ropetackle Cinema launches new programme of relaxed and friendly screenings with a showing of Mamma Mia on June 10.

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Mayor chooses Sussex Nightstop as one of her chosen charities for 2019-20.

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A Brighton cat, who helped a terminally ill teenager and her family cope has been named as a finalist in Cats Protection’s National Cat Awards 2019.

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Crew Club hosts community photography exhibition of Life in Whitehawk – Volume 1 – Lisa Pettitt and Sharon Scaife.

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Danny Dwyer organiser of Bear-Patrol, celebrated his birthday with friends and supporters of Bear-Patrol at the Whitecliffs Cafe in Saltdean on Saturday, May 25.

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Liberal Democrats secure best ever European Election result in the party’s history, returning 16 MEPs to the European Parliament and taking second place in vote share (20.3%).

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k.d. lang sends message of support to school teacher, Andrew Moffat the Birmingham primary school teacher at the centre of parent protests.

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Hundreds more tickets have been released for the Lionesses vs New Zealand game at the Amex Community Stadium on June 1.

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Richard Hadfield who won Britain’s Got Talent in 2014 with musical theatre vocal group Collabro will headline this years Golden Handbag Awards.

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After becoming officially dementia-friendly, Ropetackle Cinema launches new programme of relaxed and friendly screenings with a showing of Mamma Mia on June 10.

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