Gscene News Archive

Your chance to take part in sex education consultation

2009-07-17T13:05:00.001+01:00

Last October the Government announced its plan to make SRE (sex and relationships education) a statutory part of the National Curriculum by 2011.

Although this public commitment has been made, there is currently a review of PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) education taking place. This is where sex and relationships would be taught. There is concern that unless there is a strong show of support for making PSHE part of the curriculum, the Government may decide not to make this important change.

Those who oppose making SRE a compulsory part of the curriculum are mobilising support, and if opposition is strong, this change will not happen. Making PSHE a part of the National Curriculum will be essential to improving the UK 's future sexual health

As part of the review, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority is running a consultation, framed around a short questionnaire and the more responses the Government receives in favour of this change, the stronger their mandate for implementing it.

The consultation closes on July 24.

To complete the questionnaire view:
www.qca.org.uk

Ex Labour Councillor urges voters to back Greens in Goldsmid by-election

2009-07-17T12:57:00.001+01:00

Vince Meegan, the former Labour councillor for the Goldsmid area, has endorsed Green candidate Alex Phillips' campaign to be elected the area’s first Green councillor.

Vince, who lives in Goldsmid said:
“I'm backing Alex for city councillor as the best way to stop the Tories. As a former Labour councillor for the area, I urge all Labour and LibDem voters to back her, too.

"Labour can't win here now; the Greens can. Swing your support behind Alex and help defeat the Tories.”

Alex said:
“I’m delighted that such a respected and popular former councillor for the area is backing my campaign. It really shows how important it is for Labour voters to go Green this time if we are to prevent the Tories from winning.”

Cllr Melanie Davis, former Goldsmid Labour Colleague of Vince Meeham said:
"Vince is entitled to his view but could not be more wrong about who is best placed to beat the Tories and win this election. He has only given negative reasons for defecting. Vince put himself forward to stand as Labour's candidate for Goldsmid last year but withdrew at the last minute in the face of strong competition for the post from our popular election candidate Lis Telcs."

The election takes place on Thurs July 23

For more information on Brighton and Hove Green Party view:
www.brightonandhovegreenparty.org.uk

Workout with Manchester Pride

2009-07-17T12:46:00.000+01:00

A 10km run along a canal towpath and a game of water mini-polo are just two of the sports events that can be enjoyed at this year's Manchester Pride festival.

The towpath run is organised by Manchester Frontrunners, the city's LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) running club, and starts at Sugden Sports Centre at 6.30pm on Thursday August 27. The water mini-polo is organised by Manchester Sharks and takes place at Manchester Aquatics Centre at 2.30pm on Saturday August 22.

For those looking for something a little less strenuous, the Marlin Swimming Group will be hosting a special Pride Pool Party for transgender people at Levenshulme Swimming Baths on Monday August 24.

In addition to these sports activities, Dietcare will be hosting Healthy Living and Exercise Talks in Taurus Bar on Canal Street and An Outlet on Dale Street during August.

Jackie Crozier, festival manager of Manchester Pride, said:
"Sports activities are a great way to bring together members of the community from all backgrounds and from across a wide age group. I think we've got a nice mix of activities this year and I'm hoping we can do even more next year."

For more information view:
www.manchesterpride.com

Help influence NHS policy and earn £20

2009-07-17T10:50:00.000+01:00

Research into how STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) testing services should be delivered will be taking place at 6.30 pm on weekday evenings between late August and early October. Everyone attending these informal discussion groups will earn £20.

This research will give ordinary people an opportunity to influence NHS policy by contributing their voice to discussions about how STI testing services should be delivered. There will be a number of small, single-sex discussion groups during which people can discuss how sexual health testing services could be improved.

The study focuses on changing the process and policy of services, not medical issues. There is no expectation that people will necessarily discuss personal issues - although eligible participants must have used some type of sexual health service within the last two years.

A discussion group is a very relaxed opportunity for up to six men, or six women, to discuss their ideas about how they would like STI testing delivered - things like: waiting times, appointment systems, GPs, clinics, methods for receiving results, etc.

There will be 11 focus groups that people can choose to attend:
Gay men 24 years and under
Gay men over 24
Lesbian 24 years and under
Lesbian over 24
Bi-sexual men and women (any age)
HIV+ (any age)
Female Heterosexual 24 years and under
Female Heterosexual over 24
Male Heterosexual 24 years and under
Male Heterosexual over 24
Black and Minority Ethnic (any age)

Groups last approx. one hour, and will be held in a suitable private central Brighton location. All participants will receive £20 cash as a thank you for taking part.

For more information call Alex Pollard on 01273 641887 or e-mail: a.pollard@bsms.ac.uk

Count Me In Too exhibition

2009-07-17T10:34:00.000+01:00

An exhibition celebrating Count Me In Too, the project researching the needs, views and experiences of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual & transsexual) people who live in Brighton & Hove, is to open next Saturday (July 25) at the Sallis Benney Theatre.

This June saw the launch of the final themed analysis report on Drugs & Alcohol, and the completion of two-and-a-half years of analysis of the data collected by the Count Me In Too research project in 2006.

In addition to the 819 people who completed the questionnaire and the 69 people who took part in focus groups, over a hundred people have contributed to shaping, designing, carrying out, interpreting and reporting on the research. People have contributed as employees of local service providers, and/or as LGBT volunteers with the project.

The exhibition's opening will take place at the Sallis Benney Theatre foyer on Grand Parade, on July 25 from 4pm-6pm. There will be speeches, updates about plans for the coming year and a cake cutting at 5pm.

The exhibition will be at the Sallis Benney from July 27 to August 1 (10am-5pm), and will also be on display as part of the LGBT Research tent at Brighton Pride in Preston Park on August 1 (12 noon - 7pm). There will also be other events over the coming months.

For more information contact Nick McGlynn: nmcglynn@brighton.ac.uk
Or view:
www.countmeintoo.co.uk

GMFA's Gay Sports Day

2009-07-17T09:19:00.000+01:00

GMFA, the gay men’s health charity, and the Royal Vauxhall Tavern are to hold a Gay Sports Day in London on Bank Holiday Monday, August 31.

Registration is now open and teams of five are invited to participate in the games to help raise money for three great causes – GMFA, Vauxhall City Farm and the Friends of Spring Gardens. This year's event is set to be bigger and better than last year with events such as the drag relay, the handbag throw and the fabulous 50m mince.

Matthew Hodson of GMFA says:
“It’s no surprise that the Gay Sports Day has already become one of the highlights of the gay calendar. You never know quite what to expect and that’s what makes it so brilliant. Last year some of the teams made a real effort with their costumes and the whole event has this carnival atmosphere, but the sporting competition can get pretty intense too.”

There will once again be a trophy for the winning team and another trophy for the team that manages to raise the most money. Last year the event was won by the fabulous 'Sodomites', and the top fundraisers were 'Mighty Metamorphic Zebras', who managed to raise over £1,000.

Places for teams will be strictly limited to the numbers allowed by the local council, so entry will be on a first-come first-served basis.

For registration information, view:
www.gmfa.org.uk/sportsday

The sports day will start at 2pm in Spring Gardens, Vauxhall (behind the Royal Vauxhall Tavern).

For more information about GMFA view:
www.gmfa.org

Pictured: Matthew Hodson

An Evening with Ivor Novello

2009-07-16T22:53:00.000+01:00

Some of Brighton’s most popular singers and musicians are to perform their acclaimed show ‘An Evening with Ivor Novello’ to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the CCT (Churches Conservation Trust). The trust supports redundant churches such as the show's venue, St Andrew's.

This entertaining show has been performed around the south of England but has never previously been staged in Brighton. The cast will include Jason Pimblett, Samantha Howard, Gerry McCrudden and Dame Margot Hamilton, DBE, The Dowager Countess of Richborough. They will be joined by a choral ensemble.

Dame Margot, who despite her advancing years, still has many happy and vivid memories of Ivor Novello said:
"I learned everything I know from dear dear Ivor. I rather fell in love with him but for many reasons our love was not to be. What can I say - a girlish infatuation. This show is a tribute to him from those who loved him well.’’

An Evening with Ivor Novello, St Andrew's Church, Waterloo St, Hove, Sun August 16 at 7.30pm.
Tickets cost £8 and are available from the Dome Box Office on 01273 709 709, The Iron Duke, The Aquarium Theatre Bar and on the door.

For information on the CCT view:
www.visitchurches.org.uk
or www.visitstandrews.org

Pictured: Dame Margot Hamilton

Gay church to perform blessings at Pride

2009-07-16T10:22:00.000+01:00

The MCC (The Metropolitan Community Church) of Brighton are having an area for blessings at Preston Park. The MCC is a fully inclusive worldwide denomination that was established by a gay minister in the States in 1968. It is now the largest LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) charity in the World.

The church will be offering blessings for individuals, couples, children, pets, rings and prayers for healing. There will be ministers there from a Christian background, as well as inter-faith ministers. The blessings area is there for everybody to receive a blessing from God as they understand God to be.

This is the third year running Rev Debbie Gaston’s has been asked to bless the Pride parade at Marine Drive.
Rev Debbie Gaston said:
“I am absolutely delighted to have been asked to not only bless the parade but also to provide blessings in the park. Of course it will be busy- after blessing the parade I will run to join my congregation and our children on our float as we sing and dance our way to the park."

The blessings will take place by the clock tower in Preston Park at Pride on Sat Aug 1.
For more information contact: Info@mccbrighton.org.uk or call Rev Debbie Gaston on 07887 620 921

Brunswick Festival

2009-07-16T10:19:00.000+01:00

The Brunswick Festival is one of the longest running festivals in the city, and this year it celebrates its 28th consecutive year.

Through the work of a small team of local residents and volunteers, this vibrant community festival has grown over the years from being a low key picnic on the green to now encompassing two weekends of outdoor events.

The exciting programme offers a variety of free events and activities for all the family. Highlights of this years festival include:

A 'Rural Day' on Sun Aug 16 which aims to bring the countryside to the City and raise an awareness of the environment. Featuring the ever popular 'Scruffs' Dog Show, arts and crafts, conservation stalls and children’s activities. It takes place in St. Anne's Well Gardens from 1pm - 6pm

Brunswick Festival in the Square is on the weekend of Aug 22–23. It will feature live music, dance, street theatre, circus skills, a healing area, arts crafts and bric-a-brac stalls, world food and a beer tent. This takes place in Brunswick Square from 12.00pm – 7pm

For More information, to volunteer your services or to book a stall contact:
John or Veronica on 01273 204 404
E-Mail: brunswickfestival@hotmail.com

Surrey Police Appeal

2009-07-15T18:01:00.000+01:00

Surrey Police were called to Old Lane, Wisley at around 3.15pm on Monday July 13, following the discovery of a body of a man, believed to be in his 30s, in some bushes.

An investigation into the circumstances of his death is currently being carried out but it is not being treated as suspicious at this stage.

Officers would like to speak to anyone who may have seen a green Vauxhall Corsa parked in the area in the days leading up to this incident. The car is believed to have belonged to the deceased.

Anyone with information is asked to call DS Anna Leahy on 0845 125 2222.

THT joins forces with telly doc and private clinic

2009-07-15T17:44:00.001+01:00

Better2Know, the UK’s largest network of private clinics offering sexual health testing, has entered into a partnership with THT (Terrence Higgins Trust) to increase access to testing and sexual health information for people living in the UK.

Its newly appointed Medical Director is Dr Christian Jessen the presenter of popular television programmes Embarrassing Illnesses, Supersize Vs. Superskinny and BAFTA award winning Embarrassing Bodies.

Dr Jessen said:
"STI rates are continuing to soar in the UK, so it is really important that there is a continued commitment to raise awareness of sexual health issues and make testing more accessible and convenient for everyone."

In addition to the unprecedented STI infection rates amongst the UK’s under 25s, there has been a recently reported surge in STI diagnoses in the over 45s. Recently-published government data show that between 1998 and 2007 rates of Chlamydia rose amongst 45-64 year olds by 231% in men and 160% in women.

Bronwen Roberts, Director of Service Development at THT said:
“To encourage more people to come forward for STI testing, it needs to be quick and easy to take a test. Clinics should be accessible both in terms of location and opening times. People may prefer to test at their local GUM (Genito-Urinary Medicine) clinic, at a THT clinic or at a private clinic. The more options people have, the better.”

Appointments can made with Better2Know by calling 0870 783 8378

For more information about THT view:
www.tht.org.uk

Pictured: Dr Christian Jessen

GMFA Websites win award as visitor numbers double

2009-07-15T13:04:00.001+01:00

GMFA the gay men’s health charity, are the first gay charity in the UK to receive the HONcode (Health On The Net Code) accreditation. This is awarded to the increasingly popular group of health information websites at www.gmfa.org.uk and is validation of their adherence to the ethical and quality HONcode. Its Sex & Sexual Health site alone saw traffic double in the past year, reaching over 60,000 visitors between April and June 2009.

GMFA launched its Sex & Sexual Health website in December 2006 in response to the lack of online information specifically targeting gay men. The site was one of the first to provide frank and comprehensive sexual health information for gay men, containing up-to-date and friendly advice on topics such as the HIV risks of oral sex, PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis), HIV testing, and techniques for better sex.

Matthew Hodson of GMFA said:
“Gay men are more likely to turn to the web for safer sex information than any other source. We work to provide the services that the gay community wants and needs and it is important that we can deliver relevant and credible sexual health information online. The HONcode exists to help people tell which websites they can trust to give them reliable information about their health so this is an important endorsement for us and for gay men.”

In addition to the main sexual health site, GMFA also provides detailed listings of sexual health services for gay men in London, specific advice for HIV positive gay men and a guide to gay sports and social groups in London.

The HONcode was created by the HON Foundation, a non-governmental organisation that is internationally known for its pioneering work in the field of health information ethics, notably for the establishment of its code of ethical conduct, the HONcode. The code is the oldest and most used ethical and trustworthy code for medical and health related information available on the internet.

Matthew adds:
“Gay men are at the heart of what we do. Like all of our work, our websites draw upon our 17 years’ experience of delivering gay men’s work. We created the sites with our volunteers, most of them gay men, which I believe is what makes them so relevant, accessible and honest.”

For more information on GMFA view:
www.gmfa.org.uk

and on the HON Foundation:
www.HealthOnNet.org

Tories 'complacent' on 20mph speed limit

2009-07-15T12:21:00.000+01:00

Alex Phillips, Green candidate for the Goldsmid by-election in Hove, has accused Tory-run Brighton & Hove City Council of ‘complacency’ when it comes to road safety, as it has 'dragged its feet' on introducing 20 mph speed limits.

Alex made her claim after attending a council cabinet meeting last week where she questioned Tory council leader Mary Mears on the issue.

Alex said:
“More people aged between 5 and 35 die from road accidents than anything else. It’s no wonder towns across the UK - such as Portsmouth, Norwich and Oxford – are considering introducing 20mph speed limits on all their residential roads.

“Here in Brighton & Hove, 141 people were killed or seriously injured in road traffic accidents over the last year. The council should be looking at any and all ways to reduce this figure, as soon as possible.

“It’s clear that the introduction of a 20mph speed limit on residential roads would go a long way to making the city’s roads safer, our communities healthier and our streets more pleasant.

“But the Tories don't appear to think the situation is urgent. More than a year ago they promised to investigate introducing a 20 mph limit, but they haven’t even begun to look into it.

“The Tories seem complacent in the face of so many deaths on our city's roads."

The Goldsmid council by-election is on Thursday 23 July 2009.

For more information view:
www.brightonandhovegreenparty.org.uk

and www.alexforgoldsmid.co.uk

Labour calls for inquiry into Tory 'cash for favours' allegations

2009-07-15T08:32:00.001+01:00

Cllr Gill Mitchell, The Labour Group Leader on Brighton and Hove Council, is calling for a National independent inquiry into allegations that Shadow Minister Andrew Lansley MP, was allegedly involved in a cash for favours row at Conservative controlled Brighton & Hove City Council.

Fash Ghiaci, of the development company City Gateway, made a £2,000 donation to Hove Conservative Association at the same time as the Tory dominated planning committee on Brighton & Hove City Council waived a £140,000 obligation for City Gateway to invest in the local community which was previously agreed as a condition of planning approval.

Weeks before this decision took place Shadow Minister Andrew Lansley MP, visited Brighton allegedly for a private meeting with the developer and Cllr Ayas Fallon-Khan , Deputy Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council.

Cllr Fallon-Khan allegedly went on to have a further meeting with the developer and the now Conservative appointed acting Chief-Executive of the Council, Alex Bailey, which he failed to declare, before going on to substitute himself on to the planning committee and organise the crucial vote which waived the £140,000 obligation for the developer.

Following the meeting a complaint was made to the standards committee and the Conservative Administraton by Labour Councillors. The Conservatives have confirmed that they accepted a £2,000 donation from the developer.

Since news of the story broke the Conservatives have removed pictures of the developer meeting with Andrew Lansley MP and Councillor Fallon-Khan from their website and have refused to comment on the matter.

Gill Mitchell said:
"The actions of the Conservatives in this matter are nothing short of scandalous. Answers must be given as to why Conservative Councillors allowed a developer to get out of paying £140,000 for the community, while at the same time accepting £2,000 for their Party funds.

"I am calling for this matter to be referred to the National Standards Board for England & Wales as I have no confidence in the Council’s ability to investigate this matter itself. Questions must also be asked as to the involvement of Tory shadow minister Andrew Lansley MP, in this affair."

Cllr Bill Randall, the Green Party Convenor issued the following statement:
"To help clear the air and protect the city council’s reputation the Tory Party should immediately donate £2,000 to a local charity and the planning permission should be put on hold, pending the findings of an independent inquiry into ‘Flexergate."

"The Tories have serious questions to answer to an inquiry about the meetings between Goldsmid Councillor Ayas Fallon Khan, Mr Ghiaci and Tory front-bench spokesman Andrew Lansley.

"The public needs to be reassured that the £2,000 donation to the Conservative Party and the decision to remove the £145,000 community contribution from the planning permission, against the advice of the planning officers, are nothing more than an unhappy coincidence.

"We expressed our doubts about the planning decision in a press release immediately after the meeting. The information that has come to light since then has only added to our concerns."

Leader of the Lib Dems, Cllr Paul Elgood said:
"The allegations being made are extremely serious, which if found to be justified could lead to disqualification. The internal inquiry needs to be report as quickly as possible now, it has already taken too long.

"If David Cameron is seeking to place his party above the recent political scandals, then he must ensure that this donation is returned so that local planning practices can be above criticism."

For more information on Brighton & Hove Labour Party view:
www.brighton-hove-labour.org.uk/

New study to help reduce underage sales of alcohol

2009-07-14T23:31:00.000+01:00

Successful initiatives in the fight against underage sales of alcohol have been highlighted in a new study by the public body for better local regulation, LBRO (Local Better Regulation Office), as part of a drive to help local councils and police forces keep alcohol out of the hands of the under 18’s.

LBRO is now urging others to adopt the best practice undertaken by local authorities and police forces in small cities and towns across the UK .

The study into reducing underage sales has recognised how skilled young people are at finding new ways to get hold of alcohol and the need for authorities to always stay one step ahead.

Other key themes include the importance of partnership working between the relevant organisations - engaging businesses who see themselves as part of the community and want to be part of the solution.

Brighton and Hove is an area with a thriving night-time economy and a high concentration of licensed premises. It has a high youth population and has suffered from problems such as street drinking and alcohol misuse. The city council has set out to change the culture of the night-time economy by encouraging activities where alcohol is not central to the event. Their focus has been around business support with 84 per cent of licensees stating it as an effective method. Trading Standards offer advice and support to licensees through Business Support Visits, helping them consider the location of alcohol in the premises, building up staff confidence to challenge and refuse sales and generally raising awareness of underage issues.

LBRO Chair Clive Grace said:
“According to a recent survey over a quarter of 14 to 17 year olds are able to purchase alcohol for themselves. Initiatives such as the ones identified in the study can lead to a reduction in anti-social behaviour and can make communities better places to live particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings. This is why LBRO is keen to take its work forward with local authorities to find the best ways to reduce the problem.”

According to the Department for Children, Schools and Families the number of alcohol units consumed by 11 – 15 year olds has doubled between 1990 and 2000 and has remained at the same level since. Alcohol misuse costs the health service around £2.7 billion per year as well as imposing wider costs on society such as crime and disorder, social and family breakdown and sickness absence.

For more information view:
www.lbro.org.uk

Lords launch for Iran Solidarity

2009-07-14T23:23:00.000+01:00

Parliamentarians, human rights campaigners, trade unionists, exiled Iranians and prominent LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) people joined together to launch Iran Solidarity yesterday (July 13) in the House of Lords.

Also at the launch were LGBT Iranians who have secured, or who are seeking, asylum in the UK. They fled Iran fearing arrest, torture and execution.

Iran Solidarity's aim is to support the Iranian people's current protests for freedom, including freedom of expression and an end to the tyranny of religious rule in Tehran.

Speakers included philosopher AC Grayling, Maryam Namazie the Iranian feminist and member of the Worker Communist Party of Iran, and LGBT human rights campaigner, Peter Tatchell. They highlighted gender apartheid and the second class legal status of women in Iran, as well as the regime's state-sponsored homophobic persecution.

Peter Tatchell said that Iran Solidarity rejected the imposition of western solutions on Iran; describing the new organisation as an internationalist solidarity campaign similar to the anti-apartheid movement, with the sole aim of supporting the Iranian people's efforts to free themselves from dictatorship. He called for an end to all oppression in Iran, including oppression based on a person's political beliefs, ethnic origin, gender, trade union activism, religious dissent and sexual orientation.

In a speech to the Lords Tatchell highlighted just one of the regime's acts of barbarity. He said:
"The regime's crackdown includes the enforcement of harsh morality laws. In 2004, in the city of Neka, a 16 year old girl, Atefah Rajabi Sahaaleh, who had been raped and sexually abused by men for many years, was convicted of 'crimes against chastity'. She was hanged by the method of slow, painful strangulation, hoisted by a crane in a public square. This strangulation technique, sanctioned by the Iranian regime, is deliberately designed to prolong the suffering of the victim. The hanged person is left dangling and writhing for several minutes before they eventually asphyxiate and die."

For more information on Iran Solidarity view:
www.iransolidarity.org.uk

Calling all parade wannabes.....

2009-07-14T09:57:00.000+01:00

Manchester Pride is encouraging people that are not members of an LGBT group or commercial entry to take part in this year’s parade by organising a community float that will lead the celebrations alongside human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell.

The ‘Out in the Community’ float is open to all and will be designed at free workshops with carnival artists throughout July.

Jackie Crozier, festival manager of Manchester Pride, said:
“The parade is always a highlight of the Big Weekend and I’m really glad the community float gives everyone the chance to take part. Watching the parade is lots of fun, but to take part is something else.”

The ‘Out in the Community’ float is supported by the Big Lottery Fund and Manchester Art Gallery.

For workshop bookings and information contact
Katy Stewart on 0161 236 7474
or email: katy.stewart@manchesterpride.com

For more information about Manchester Pride view:
www.manchesterpride.com

Humanist charity condemns Equality Bill's exemption for faith schools

2009-07-14T09:50:00.000+01:00

The gay Humanist charity the PTT (Pink Triangle Trust) says it is critical of the government's Equality Bill and of its intention to exempt faith schools from its plan to tackle homophobic prejudice and bullying.

PTT secretary, George Broadhead, commented:
"As a gay educational charity, we were delighted that the government plans to compel schools to teach sex education but shocked to learn that it will grant exemption to faith schools and allow them to educate pupils in line with their religious beliefs.

"It seems that a get-out clause for faith schools will permit them to present sex education 'in line with the context, values and ethos' of the schools and clearly this will permit them to tell pupils - in line with the teachings in their holy books - that lesbian and gay sexual relationships are morally wrong.

"Homophobic bullying plagues the majority of our schools and shocking levels of bullying are meted out to school pupils and teachers who either are gay or perceived to be gay. That is the conclusion of a wide-ranging study carried by the gay equality organisation Stonewall. The study found that nearly two thirds of lesbian and gay pupils reported instances of homophobic harassment and significantly this figure jumps to 75% for those attending faith schools.

"It is surely unacceptable that a large proportion of our schools should be allowed to tell their pupils that same-sex relationships are wrong with the inevitable consequence that anti-gay bullying will increase.

"It seems that Stonewall is happy to go along with the exemption even though its own study found that homophobic harassment was higher in faith schools."

For more information about the Trust view:
www.pinktriangle.org.uk/

Pictured: George Broadhead, secretary of the Pink Triangle Trust

Theatre Review by Michael Hootman: Agatha Christie's Spider Web

2009-07-14T07:54:00.000+01:00

A few years ago I had a minor falling out with a friend when I happened to refer to his choice of bedtime reading as "rubbishy old Agatha Christie". In the ensuing row I tried to highlight the fact that her works don't involve any real, living, human characters; instead they're populated by stereotypes who have to jump through a number of plot hoops before the murderer is unmasked. For some reason I forgot to mention that, although this is true, they can also be great fun. Spider's Web doesn't scale the dizzy heights of Witness for the Prosecution or The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, but for a rubbishy old thriller it certainly delivers.

The plot: Clarissa, the wife of a high-ranking civil servant, finds a body in the drawing room. Because she doesn't want to embarrass her husband, and because she thinks another member of her family committed the crime, she gets her houseguests to dispose of the body. But the police are mysteriously summoned to the house, and the body is discovered. Clues and red herrings come at the rate of about three a minute. Gardener Mrs Peake had already mentioned that she's digging a trench in the garden. The civil servant's former wife is married to a drug dealer. Clarissa rented the house for considerably below its market value. There's an autograph of Queen Victoria. The step daughter likes chocolate mousse (by this time I had no idea what was relevant and what wasn't).

This production is played mainly for laughs, though it's hard to tell if it's actually a comedy. The cast's disregard for the loss of human life would be callous in a straight drama but here it's all part of the fun. The acting is splendidly fruity - Catherine Shipton's Miss Peake is a great English eccentric and Bruce Montague, as Sir Rowland Delahaye, occasionally gives us some aristocratic camp which would give the late Charles Gray a run for his money.

As for the plot. From what I worked out it hinges on one gobsmackingly huge coincidence, some incredibly strange motivations for a couple of attempted murders, plus a bit of real foolishness from the murderer who commits his murder for, as far as I could work out, no real reason. In short it's business as usual for Ms Christie. And at two and a half hours it certainly could do with a bit of chopping - especially as there's a fairly pointless ten minute section after the murderer has been unmaksed.

Spider's Web occupies the lower-middle ground between great art and Dinnerladies - it won't make you re-evaluate the meaning of existence, but it will pleasantly entertain you for a few hours.

Spider's Web is playing at the Theatre Royal, Brighton until Sat July 18
Box office: 08700 606 650
www.ambassadortickets.com/brighton

City project on climate change receives government funding

2009-07-13T18:05:00.002+01:00

The Brighton Peace and Environment Centre has been awarded over £180,000 from DFID (Department of International Development) to lead a joint project that will raise awareness on global poverty and engage residents and communities across Brighton & Hove in acting on climate change.

The winning project, called 'Climate Connections', is the outcome of a partnership between the Peace Centre, Brighton & Hove City Council and Oxfam UK , and will be delivered over the next three years.

It will use a variety of ways to engage and inspire residents to take practical action and prepare for the impacts of climate change locally and globally.

The project will include an outdoor photographic exhibition illustrating human stories of people living in developing countries alongside those of Brighton and Hove residents. It will show how individuals in different parts of the world are intrinsically linked through the challenge of climate change.

Education workshops will be available to community groups to raise awareness of climate change and to share information on different local projects, initiatives and businesses that can help individuals take action.

Secretary of State for International Development Douglas Alexander said:
"I'd like to congratulate Brighton Peace and Environment Centre on their successful collaboration in receiving this development grant award. This project offers an innovative way of spreading awareness among the British public of the challenge of global poverty and how we fight it, and I look forward to hearing the results of their good work."

The Centre's Education Coordinator Ruth England said:
“We're delighted to receive the award and are excited to be able to develop our education programme to reach Brighton & Hove residents in recognising the common challenges we share in responding to climate change.”

For more information on the Brighton Peace and Environment Centre view:
www.bpec.org/

Pictured: Douglas Alexander MP, Secretary of State for International Development

Barrowman dons a frock

2009-07-13T17:11:00.000+01:00

Star of screen and stage John Barrowman will become the fourth actor to slip on Zaza’s sparkly stilettos when he joins the cast of the hit West End show La Cage aux Folles. He takes over from current leading man Roger Allam on September 14 and will continue in the role until November 28th.

Having created the role of Captain Jack Harkness in the first series of Russell T Davies's revamped Doctor Who for BBC TV, John Barrowman was given his own spin off series, Torchwood. In January 2008 his autobiography, Anything Goes, reached number two in the Sunday Times Best Seller's list, remaining in the top ten for 13 weeks.

The paperback version was published in February 2009, and a follow up autobiography, I Am What I Am will be published in October 2009.

La Cage aux Folles is a timeless tale of family values, unconditional love, and above all, the need to celebrate who we are.

Critics and public alike praised the production which won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival in 2008.

La Cage aux Folles is at The Playhouse Theatre, Northumberland Avenue, London, WC2N 5DE

Box Office: 0870 060 6631
www.lacagelondon.com

Mayor prevents parent from addressing Council

2009-07-13T16:59:00.000+01:00

Local resident Alex Phillips, who is also the Green candidate for the Goldsmid by-election, asked Brighton & Hove City Council to allow her to speak at their next meeting on the issue of lack of school places in the city.

But the Tory Mayor has refused to allow her to address the meeting.

Alex, who is involved with the independent residents group 'Action4Kids' which is lobbying the council to solve the primary school problem, said:
“Currently there are around 120 primary-aged children in the BN3 area who have to travel either to Portslade or to Brighton to go to school. I know of one case where a reception class pupil will face almost 2 hrs of travelling on a daily basis.

“It’s unacceptable to expect children to travel this far for their education and it’s high time the council sorted the situation out. But the Tories aren’t even prepared to discuss the problem, let alone try and fix it.

“Local parents feel well and truly let down. The council urgently needs to stop side-stepping the issue, and expanding existing schools isn’t good enough.

“We desperately need one - if not two - new primary schools in Hove. The current situation is bad for the local community, bad for local families and - worst of all - means failing local children."

A spokesperson for the Tory administration said:
“Alex Phillips was asked to refrain from speaking at the next meeting as she is a candidate in the forthcoming Goldsmid By-election and as such is subject to purdah ruling. This rules that in the period corresponding with the election campaign politically sensitive announcements cannot or should not be made by councillors and candidates from all parties.

“The mayor determined that the deputation cannot be included and can be held over to the next council or cabinet meeting.”

For more information on the Brighton & Hove Green Party view:
www.brightonandhovegreenparty.org.uk

Pictured: Alex Phillips

Dogs' Trust Show raises over £7,000

2009-07-13T11:29:00.000+01:00

Dogs' Trust Shoreham had their annual Fun Dog Show last month during which £7,750 was raised and new homes found for some of its residents.

Attractions included a Rehoming Parade, which featured some of the rehoming centre’s four-legged residents still looking for loving new homes, and a Dog Dash, which revealed the fastest of the day to be a former resident! There was also a display from Sussex Police’s Explosive Search Dog Unit.

Other highlights include a bouncy castle and games, charity and trade stalls, bric-a-brac and craft stalls, face painting, a tombola, and lots of delicious refreshments.

Organisers, Naomi Tucker and Nicole McCallum say it is the most important fundraising day of the year for Dogs Trust Shoreham:
“It was a fantastic day and we couldn’t believe how many people came along to support us. We couldn’t have hoped for better weather and everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves. It was great to see so many former four-legged residents again and we’re delighted with how much money we’ve raised. We’d like to thank everyone for supporting us and also a big thank you to all our helpers and volunteers who worked so hard on the day.”

Dogs Trust is the UK’s largest dog welfare charity caring for over 16,000 stray and abandoned dogs each year through a network of 17 Rehoming Centers. Dogs Trust never destroys a healthy dog.

For more information on the Trust view:
www.dogstrust.org.uk

Photo credit: beeskneesphotography

Green Councillor to be sole representative for Brighton & Hove on Sussex Police Authority

2009-07-13T11:23:00.000+01:00

Brighton Green Councillor Ben Duncan has been re-appointed to represent Brighton and Hove on Sussex Police Authority for the next two years. He will be the city’s only voice on the authority as Councillors from West and East Sussex voted to deny Brighton and Hove a second place on the authority at last Friday’s meeting (July 10) of the appointment committee, despite protests from the city’s two representatives.

Cllr Duncan, the Greens' spokesperson on policing, said:
“We believe the current arrangement, which is based on population and guarantees the city only one member, should be scrapped. Brighton and Hove should always have two members on the authority, given that there is so much more crime here than in much of rural Sussex – and we see an influx of some 8 million tourists a year. But that argument didn’t prevail. Of the nine councillor members of the authority, East Sussex has three, West Sussex five, and the city just myself."

Talking about his role he added:
“I’ll continue to push for more PCSOs (Police Community Support Officer) and more cash for neighbourhood policing and community safety groups, better services for the victims of domestic violence, better protection for communities, children and vulnerable adults from alcohol-related harm, and environmental improvements in the way policing is delivered.

“We’ve already seen improvements in all these areas over the last two years – and I am really looking forward to pushing for a model of policing that reflects Brighton and Hove’s ‘green’ aspirations, based on human rights, enhancing communities, compassion – and more help for the victims of crime.”

For more information on the Green view:
www.brightonandhovegreenparty.org.uk

Pictured: Cllr Ben Duncan

Free legal seminar for LGBT parents

2009-07-13T11:19:00.000+01:00

Rainbow Families - the group for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) parents and their children in Brighton and Hove - is to hold a free legal seminar sponsored by Pride. Children can play whilst parents attend a legal seminar by Mayo Wynne Baxter Solicitors, expert in family law and LGBT issues.

The seminar takes place on Sunday July 26 at Westows Softplay, School Road, Hove.

For more information view:
www.rainbowfamilies.org.uk