By Lucy Songi
Chaos ensues as we reach minute five of the lift jam incident. Men with screwdrivers gather to pick at the tightly shut doors, while a woman tries desperately to hear the names of the two brave victims through the sliver of a gap that remains. Yes, all those using the elevator when they can use the stairs be warned, two unwilling victims were stuck in the elevator unable to open the doors at our very own Brighton City College Monday afternoon.
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The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2012 annual report for this blog.
Here’s an excerpt:
4,329 films were submitted to the 2012 Cannes Film Festival. This blog had 54,000 views in 2012. If each view were a film, this blog would power 12 Film Festivals
Click here to see the complete report.
MC
By Sam Peace
As the lone adventurer departed his transportation, he calmly walks a few paces before coming face to face with a street known as New Rd. The irony of this path reflects the beginning of our protagonist’s new journey. He takes his first strides towards land unknown to him with his only aim being: reach City College. His feet are greeted with lightly coloured bricks while the surrounding is filled with gleefully unique restaurants reminiscent of a foreign holiday. The vibrant setting is short lived however, due to the upcoming London-esque style of Jubilee St. This new passage is full of posh buildings made mostly of glass and black tiling. It’s the complete opposite to the experience just moments ago. Not stopping our traveller continues, soon a new route appears – Kensington St. A run down back alley with graffiti splashed over degraded buildings. It was an intimidating sight not suited for a night walker, thankfully though it was day.
Stepping onto the last road the explorer notices a towering sight in the distance; the destination is awaiting his arrival. Sydney Street is the last avenue; the last taste of freedom before the quest truly begins. Crammed full of quirky 20th century boutiques, there are plenty of useful items available for purchase. But already fully prepared, the trekker marches towards the end of this short expedition. Arriving at the entrance he gazes upon the brick structure in front of him. Peering into the opening he takes a deep breath, and enters. What challenges lie within?
The Argus Achievement Awards has always been a chance to give thanks to the unsung heroes in the community in appreciation of those whose work goes unrecognised.
Anyone who thinks they have been inspired by an individual, school or other organisation is each year encouraged to nominate them under one of a number of categories.
Nominations are now concluded as the event prepares for its 11th year of awards at the Theatre Royal on Sunday, October 28th.
Categories span across a broad range of subjects, from Teacher of the Year Contribution to Sussex Sport, with so much more in between.
One of the most poignant categories is the Outstanding Contribution to Sussex award. Among those nominated are celebrated singer Dame Vera Lynn, Brighton and Hove Albion club director Martin Perry and Sue Addis, managing director of long-standing restaurant Donatello.
As well as Sue’s personal award recommendation, Donatello are up for their own and have been put forward for Business in the Community.
Speaking of their continued success and their nomination for the award, Sue said: “Part of our success is that we are a family-run business. That and hard work.”
The restaurant has long been a sponsor of Brighton and Hove Albion, with their logo appearing prominently on the back of their shirts since 1998.
Sue added: “We’ve seen a lot of business come from the football club. We’ve been with them when they were suffering, notably when they were playing in Gillingham in the lower leagues.
“Football fans have families and they come to eat with us to celebrate and when the team lose, they come in when they are miserable! It’s a pleasure to be officiated with them.”
Since opening in 1991, Donatello have sponsored the Albion, City in Bloom, Brighton Fringe Festival and the Theatre Royal among others as they go up against The Plough and Wellesley Wealth Advisory in their category.
The other award that always gains the most support is Courageous Child of the Year, sponsored by The Argus Appeal.
This category sees children nominated who have boldly battled illness and exhibited braveness to help others. Alex Rookley was put forward having rescued his friend who began struggling against the waves in Eastbourne sea in August.
Others are Hayley Okines, 14, who suffers from progeria, a condition that has seen only 140 ever diagnosed. Brave Rhys Watkins has twice battled cancer in a year as he continues to soldier on through treatment.
Two-year-old Abi Marshall suffers from Reflex Anoxic Seizures as she tries to live a normal life despite the fear of extreme emotions potentially causing her heart to stop.
Benedict McAlister, five, battles a rare muscle-wasting disease and Ryan Mander, 13, struggles to walk because of brittle bones as all youngsters will hope to be further recognised for their courage by winning the award.
One school in the city that helps children with illness and disability through learning is Downs View School, who share Varndean College’s campus on Surrenden Road.
They too have been nominated for their own award, as they go up against Hove Park School and Hertford Infant & Nursery School for School of the Year.
Downs View has consistently been rated as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in all categories. Its continued success has been a remarkable achievement since it was built in 2006.
Sandy Austen, who works at the college and nominated them for the award, said: “The whole school is geared towards helping students prepare for their future lives.
“It’s been such a luxury to have the space an equipment to give the students a proper education.
“Notably, we have set up inclusion work with neighbouring Varndean College and the opportunity for our students to go out on work experience.
“To continue our success, we’re preparing to put in a lot of hard work and continue with the right education to cater for people’s needs.”
The college was originally built to provide for 19-25-year-olds but now is available to a whole range of ages with learning difficulties.
Other categories in the Achievement Awards include the Adam Faith Local Hero of the Year, Contribution to Arts and Culture, Mum of the Year, Charity of the Year, Community Event of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Dad of the Year, Achiever of the Year, Young Employee of the Year, Green Project of Person of the Year, Carer of the Year, Outstanding Pupil of the Year, Beyond the Call of Duty and Public Services.
The awards ceremony will be hosted by newsreader Nicholas Owen and the results and pictures will be in The Argus on Monday (29th) and Tuesday (30th).
by Malcolm Cook
Movember aims to change the face of men’s health and change the way of thinking by putting a fun twist on this serious issue, ‘health is the wealth’. Using the moustache as a catalyst, we want to bring about change and give men the opportunity and confidence to talk about their health more openly.
Movember’s campaign objective is to raise awareness of men’s health issues, specifically cancers affecting men. We want everyone to know that most cancers are highly curable if caught in the early stages – including prostate and testicular cancer. Movember aims to increase early detection, diagnosis and effective treatment, as this will ultimately reduce the number of deaths from cancer.
http://brightonlite.wordpress.com/2011/11/25/top-ten-movember-moustache-idols/
Review
Brighton Dome 19 September 2012
By Rosy Matheson
Welcome to an evening of guitar porn. You’d expect a musician to take his instrument seriously but Richard Hawley’s clearly obsessed with guitars. I’ve never seen so many guitar changes at a gig before. He was the envy of every guitar lover at the Dome that night. He produced a string of beauties – a Gibson Les Paul Goldtop, a brace of Rickenbackers and host of Gibsons. Finally he introduced us to his dad’s Gretsch Countryman which he described as his “baby.” With every guitar change, came the chance to banter with the crowd.
He explained how nervous he gets before going on stage but said that when he actually got up in front of an audience he realised there was no need to be scared as the people who came to his gigs were always his “friends.”
And in truth there was an air of bonhomie in the crowd which had every reason to be happy, as Sheffield-born Hawley served up exactly what they wanted. He performed a mixture of songs from the Current Album, Standing at the Sky’s Edge, and old favourites like Open up your Door.
The staging was operatic. Band members looked like they were in an enchanted forest as real trees had been placed strategically on the stage and lit dramatically. Dappled lighting gave an appearance of wind rustling through the trees.
The lighting worked particularly well for the song Don’t Stare at the Sun where powerful spotlights mimicked the affect of sun beams and in Down in the Woods where moody effects made the atmosphere sinister. Hawley’s mildly threatening repetition of the line from the Teddy Bear’s Picnic, “If you go down to the woods today,” added to this otherworldly feel. The audience were clearly entranced.
It all came together because Hawley’s such a fantastic musician with a powerful voice which is both soothing and strong: Johnny Cash meets Edwyn Collins. The music’s retro and modern at the same time. In person, Hawley seems charming, sincere, humorous and self deprecating in leather jacket, jeans and slicked back hair.
Oddly, though Richard Hawley attracts a devoted audience and has released six solo albums and played in successful bands like Pulp and the Longpigs, mainstream success still eludes him.
Ever the crowd-pleaser, Hawley ended the set with one his classics Ocean, in a nod to the gig’s location barely 500 yards from the pier. Looking round at the audience as the house lights came on, my guess was that at least half of them would go home and get out their battered old guitars.
By Donna Smiley
Recent reports on youth unemployment are enough to depress even the most positive young person looking for work. Last month figures from the Office for National Statistics showed that unemployment in Brighton and Hove had gone up by more than 20 per cent in the last six months, and a recent report by the work foundation highlighted Brighton and Hove as having a high number of NEETs (young people aged 18-24 Not in Education, Employment or Training).
Youth Unemployment and NEETs are of particular concern in the city, research by The Prince’s Trust and the Royal Bank of Scotland found that November 2010’s level of NEETs for people aged 20-24 cost £22m per week in JSA, and £22m − £133m per week in lost productivity.
Getting a job in Brighton in the current climate is hard, especially as there are so many highly qualified people, who are taking jobs that they are over-qualified to do. Many young people find themselves stuck in a rut as they are unable to get work as they have no qualifications or experience.
By Paul Healey
Brighton beat sorry Derby on Tuesday 2-0 and remain fourth even after this weeks wednesday results.
The start given to defender Indigo Calderon paid almost immediate dividend as he scored after only 9 minutes and a further goal come from a Vicente cross in the 65th which Ashley Barnes only had to tap in.
Brighton dominated the first half and a good deal of the second but Jake Buxton headed over twice for the visitors after the break and Paul Green nodded wide from a Theo Robinson cross.
Kazenga LuaLua was a constant threat and well worth his start having been involved in the second goal and playing 80 minutes.
Brighton have put the 3-1 away loss at Blackpool behind them and there will be exciting times ahead with only eight games remaining.
By Harriet Thacker
Photo courtesy of Creative Commons by alexliivet
Almost 190 jobs at American Express’s European headquarters in Brighton could be moved overseas according to plans being considered by the firm.
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By Abby Rugg
Journalism can be an unpredictable career for reporters and editors as they are often faced with difficult yet surprising challenges within the world of news.
Photo used under Creative Commons by thatgirl
By Harriet Thacker
Photo courtesy of Sussex Police
A Brighton man has been jailed for four years today after being found guilty of raping his girlfriend.
Victor Agada, age 24, appeared in court on 13th January accused of rape when she refused to sleep with him before he was tested for sexually transmitted diseases.
After the sentencing the victim said: “It was terrible after what happened for so many reasons. I felt nervous all the time and had to wait for HIV results; I really thought I could have been infected. When I found out that there was no possibility I had it, I was so relieved I celebrated.”
The case highlights the importance of reporting rape cases, currently only 7% of cases in the UK are reported to police.
Detective Constable Joel Brooks said: “The victim’s brave decision to pursue the prosecution will help to protect other women, but also sends a clear message that offenders of domestic violence will be held to account. The jury heard the incredibly compelling words of the victim, who told of the anxiety of waiting for HIV results and how it has affected her whole life. It is great to see her looking to the future now justice has been done.
“There is help for you if you are a victim of domestic abuse. You’re not alone and we’ll be with you every step of the way.”
By JP
Latest TV has won its bid to pioneer a groundbreaking terrestrial TV channel in Brighton and Hove and has set the city on course to become a powerful player in the UK television industry.
Photo used under creative commons by ArloMagicMan
Brighton, recycling
Residents support communal recycling
In Brighton, City College, Comment, Environment, Features, Home, Hove, Lifestyle, News, Politics on January 20, 2012 at 9:04 AMBrighton Lite Reporter
Photo courtesy of Creative Commons by TheTruthAbout
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