׉?ׁB!בCט{u׉׉ 7cassandra://F1tWT5SohNm-FlkCzdRSOHNoIlcSSTk8h9uWMRpGZPwd` ׉ 7cassandra://4BGzgBrPHTOQ_AeHRjDMf11Xroc4D6STnqRdIgRQmqAͅ;`S׉ 7cassandra://H6HmEbs3UMWqoN-fleIpjOca9XlhrRCC05NVkJ7geYI,J`̵׉ 7cassandra://9DdpkJmSs2C2QP5Bw5gm_d_Ny3UgY4BDnNka2xC2FQ0Ev͠W'7̲8KLט{u׈נW,7̲8K9ׁHhttp://www.kemptownrag.co.ukׁ ׁ Ј׈EW'7̲8KM׉ESPRING 2016 #125 www.kemptownrag.co.uk VINTAGE CHARM Kemptown Trading Post An Aladdin’s cave Chris Cooke tribute A man of the people Metrodeco Keep calm and drink gin Kemptown writes All our regular columnists PCSO’s Update ׉ 7cassandra://H6HmEbs3UMWqoN-fleIpjOca9XlhrRCC05NVkJ7geYI,J`̵W'7̲8KNW'7̲8KM{בCט{u׉׉ 7cassandra://bN7yF21Y6rWB0qvIrtB3nImbCTw_jVHI5Eev7z1CLN8"` ׉ 7cassandra://sR4oHmHNxzDlyHM8sDnKD6H72hvuxgJVxT2213Mrhng͉E`S׉ 7cassandra://Gv5LfT3SB4FC7lG6b1Ichmrn4JruzQZdy48MHtxXL-0.`̵׉ 7cassandra://PKiu7bqA6g-z9_62a_puANbrdKJzuZ147Mx8dOavWdI͠W(7̲8KPט{u׉׉ 7cassandra://fVKNdshe8zkNR_FIFskwq3ciLD35l-o5L1QsO1-VJRE|*` ׉ 7cassandra://u--WTd2jCTF4JLi-E15CvbwPTaJAiEvwwTrRQRRD72Ǘ `S׉ 7cassandra://NoOqrieo2iKWVDCq0PFXFZJnpnZP7-hbYnc71CCOMV4*`̵׉ 7cassandra://UgJIl-CmN_vnNrNHkkggKdX4X11xpSSj5ftJtSHPbeEL ͠W)7̲8KUנW-7̲8K6̫9ׁHmailto:editor@kemptownrag.co.ukׁ ׁ ЈנW-7̲8KE̓9ׁHmailto:sophie@thelatest.co.ukׁ ׁ ЈנW-7̲8K̲9ׁHmailto:editor@kemptownrag.co.ukׁ ׁ ЈנW-7̲8KZ,9ׁHhttp://www.kemptownrag.co.ukׁ ׁ Ј׉E׉ 7cassandra://Gv5LfT3SB4FC7lG6b1Ichmrn4JruzQZdy48MHtxXL-0.`̵W)7̲8KV׉E In this issue Kemptown Trading Post Chris Cooke 5 Kemptown Rag visits an Aladdin’s cave We pay tribute to the late, great, Chris Cooke Metrodeco 9 The editor keeps calm & drinks tea infused gin cocktails From the editor A Spring in my step! 7 W elcome to the Spring edition of Kemptown Rag! We’re pleased to have our regular columnists back, with the exception of the late Chris Cooke, sadly missed by all. [See our tribute p.7.] Also, welcome to Steve Parry [p.14] I don’t know about you, but something magical happens to me each Spring. It’s a gradual metamorphesis, that begins with me unfurling from the shroud of blankets I have spent the entirety of Winter ensconced in. [ While watching all manner of guff on the TV I might add.] The work - to - home run is usually about as exciting as it gets on cold dark evenings, but now Spring is here, I have options that don’t involve my sofa. Kemp Town is also coming alive, tables and chairs litter the pavements, with people lazily enjoying the outdoors again. I happened to pay a visit to Kemptown Trading Post to peruse the many stalls, looking for some suitable Spring clobber. Afterwards I sat outside the in-house coffee shop, Cup of Joe, with the sun on my face, tucking into some al fresco breakfast. Next stop was Metrodeco, where I was tempted with a tea infused gin cocktail, called a ‘Shady Lady’. The name seemed appropriate for someone who had been spending so much time indoors over the past few months. As Robin Williams once said: “Spring is nature’s way of saying, lets party!” and I fully intend to.... Catherine Considine, Latest Music Bar Catherine Loves a little space / book your wedding party at Latest Music Bar 12 To advertise your business, service or event in Kemptown Rag call 01273 818150 or visit our website to find out more at www.kemptownrag.co.uk Kemptown Writes Paul Thomas, Greenfingers & Brighton Dad Kemptown Writes Grumpy Old Git & Steve Parry PCSO’s Update Eva Collins has news from your local area THE KTR TEAM Editor, Samantha Harman - editor@kemptownrag.co.uk Sales: sophie@thelatest.co.uk / 01273 818150 Designer: Kyle Moon/Ryan Chambers All enquiries: 01273 818150 15 14 13 Have Your Say! Readers, tell us about your Kemptown ... Do you have a comment, a question, or an interesting local story to tell? If so, we’d love to hear from you - and you could see your comments in print in the next issue. Email editor@kemptownrag.co.uk and tell us about your Kemptown. Kemptown Rag is produced by Latest Homes Ltd Kemptown Rag, 14-17 Manchester Street, Brighton, BN1 4GH The Kemptown Rag provides a forum for th people of Kemptown and as such i impartial. All columns in the Kemptown Rag are the opinions of the writers and not th publication itself unless otherwise stated. ׉ 7cassandra://NoOqrieo2iKWVDCq0PFXFZJnpnZP7-hbYnc71CCOMV4*`̵W)7̲8KWW)7̲8KV{בCט{u׉׉ 7cassandra://ZVlAyOpNvUZbwPi1gViDR10I7cqAtUhHJuDIrAZHxdAϵ` ׉ 7cassandra://K8kIJVB0KgnSty_1q86i8vqquHbXG5fpSHhDLh55Xoc͜`S׉ 7cassandra://GdMmOKe6Xe2_WDo4XOTYCtmGJFOdlaDlZeRDE--XPbQ4a`̵׉ 7cassandra://7TLFpsbJKtriWRM4e7Wjpt_SACufHuF9oTBdWfTYvmoG͠W)7̲8K]ט{u׉׉ 7cassandra://pr98-NB_x5QK3d7tyCu-OEjzG-btGvFrTeoch5-s0Lo` ׉ 7cassandra://oq8vTdVHPsvR3wekW7x8JLle4uxfBpQu1tiHcgW5-4M}B`S׉ 7cassandra://BLfg5REBzyag_X5RjPXMgVe6CBZdAr5EUdM5Bhonlzo(!`̵׉ 7cassandra://XUVuLBZigDyMYWJ5p6GCSk_lD_cVzTh7lwXlDdfAHQI^͠W)7̲8K^נW-7̲8K 9ׁH http://kemptowntradingpost.co.ukׁ ׁ Ј׉E׉ 7cassandra://GdMmOKe6Xe2_WDo4XOTYCtmGJFOdlaDlZeRDE--XPbQ4a`̵W)7̲8K_׉EThe Kemp Town Trading Post Handbags and Gladrags he Kemptown Trading Post is a hidden trove of vintage and contemporary treasures, nestled in the heart of the village. Whether you're searching for something unique for your home, a special new outfit, a gift, or simply want to take a load off and enjoy a selection of coffee and high- end varieties of tea or sample some delicious food at the Café – then this is the place for you. The relaxed community vibe ensures a stress free environment in which to meet friends and peruse the eclectic mixture of stalls within. There really is something to suit every taste, regardless of age or gender. Kemp Town Rag caught up with one of the long term traders, Sue, who sells a variety of treasures, ranging from jewellery to vintage furnishings, who revealed: “ I love working here, there is such a friendly atmosphere, Herve and George are wonderful people to work with, we all help each other out and of course the food is unbelievable!” The in-house cafe, 'Cup of Joe' is at the heart of the business and has been recently refurbished. It offers a mouth-watering array of French influenced cuisine, traditional English fare, homemade cakes and healthy options too. Everyone is welcome including your canine counterparts, who are may enjoy a bowl of water while they wait! This unique business truly captures the diversity and community spirit that is synonymous with Kemp Town, pop down and say Hi! You won't be disappointed. http://kemptowntradingpost.co.uk, 27 St Georges Street, BN2 1ED. T For all decorating needs inside and out. All works to the highest standards and at negotiable prices 20 years experience No job too small Free quotation ׉ 7cassandra://BLfg5REBzyag_X5RjPXMgVe6CBZdAr5EUdM5Bhonlzo(!`̵W)7̲8K`W)7̲8K_{בCט{u׉׉ 7cassandra://8bt3hAdguzqNSvlSi8L6klpKJGbDwEMqVhLVr2BCa00` ׉ 7cassandra://UAiXYVpaEfczPNdz_qcmTV6vjXdRH1IJDmzAL_TYirkz`S׉ 7cassandra://tsJPVJELVbfTj3CqXzv-uHahR3PksPMr1uGRmcCehjQ).`̵׉ 7cassandra://S8inUw3xlq0JZlA7pCeBTgnFaFnC03dACAb7xGl6l0gd͠W)7̲8Kaט{u׉׉ 7cassandra://2-HhvXETrbflHFivfP3K7YCsxJ2BWa169_9D6Vb2ByY` ׉ 7cassandra://YVrEbtPRJZwwtAxhgs0_71JEL4ZA29rs80LwMxpIKxc͆R`S׉ 7cassandra://L1ocSWMsZ0AU0Ow1cZvi_MgGvuWXJ-QdlAjRb6xbclg)'`̵׉ 7cassandra://F9Z3a-nUIWfvZmciiUhcUGY_sNmwid6PvObNNDMLE1o͠W*7̲8KbנW,7̲8K>̡9ׁHhttp://www.sunshine-nursery.comׁ ׁ Ј׉ESunshine Day Nursery Open Day Saturday 21 May 2016 10am – 2pm unshine Day Nursery in Eastern Road, Kemptown is a friendly and inviting nursery offering a warm and homely environment for children from birth to five years. Conveniently located in central Kemptown, and open from 8am to 6pm five days per week, the nursery is an excellent childcare choice for working families in the local area. Children of all ages benefit from two fantastic outdoor play spaces which have been specifically designed with the needs of young children in mind. The nursery is separated into three units which allow children to make friends with others of the same age. Babies are cared for in their own intimate room. The nursery has recently started using an online journal called ‘Tapestry’ which records all the learning and fun activities that the children enjoy. The system is secure and allows parents to access photos, video clips and observations made by the staff about their child’s time at Sunshine. S This has revolutionised the way parents, carers and even grandparents find out about what their child has been doing at nursery. Parents of a two year old child said “Before the nursery started using Tapestry I didn’t realise just how much my child was doing at nursery, but now I can log on at lunch time and see what he has been up to that morning. There might be pictures of him doing cooking and art activities or playing outside with his friends, it’s brilliant and very reassuring.” Families are welcome to visit the nursery and meet the experienced and caring staff team on Saturday 21 May 2016 between 10am and 2pm. For more information contact the nursery on 01273 680280 or visit the website www.sunshine-nursery.com ׉ 7cassandra://tsJPVJELVbfTj3CqXzv-uHahR3PksPMr1uGRmcCehjQ).`̵W*7̲8Kc׉E #Chris Cooke This Charming Man Kemptown Rag pays tribute to the late Chris Cooke W hat better way to pay tribute to the late Chris Cooke than through his own words. We searched our archives and found an article written by him, which perfectly illustrates how passionate he was about the community in which he lived. A friend to all and much loved columnist at Kemptown Rag, missed but never forgotten. R.I.P Chris. As a community activist in Kemp Town one of my New Year resolutions was about how to promote our neighbourhood. I doubt if many people will know that St. James’ Street used to be known as the ‘Little Laine’. I want to ensure it does not become the ‘Forgotten Laine’. It is of enormous concern that St. James’ and the streets into Kemp Town, such as Upper St. James’ and St. Georges’ are being ignored. We are seeing proposed investment all around us; Edward Street and the old Amex building, Circus Street, Valley Gardens and the seafront east of the pier, yet nothing in one of the most vibrant and important areas of the city. There is a ‘City Plan’, used as guidance by the local authority for investment and support for areas throughout the city. The present plan provides strategic guidance until 2030 and we merit only a couple of footnotes. We are being ignored and it is only through a strong community voice and an agreed vision for the area that this will change. We are a vibrant area of enormous importance to the vitality and culture of our City. We deserve attention! I will be working with local businesses, local community organisations and residents to ensure that our area receives the support and recognition it deserves. One only has to look to our neighbours to see the excellent results achieved by the Business Improvement District (BID) over in the Lanes and the injection of Mary Portas funds into London Road. We too should be part of these neighbourhood improvements. I have been particularly impressed with the ‘street ambassadors’ over in the Lanes/London Road and their enhancements such as hanging baskets and Christmas lights. All things that St. James’ could and should have. For far too long we have been ignored and this must now change. We need people with a vision to ‘bang heads together’ and make our case to the wider business community and the City Council. We desperately need publicity for the area. A tourist information point in St James’ Street or Kemp Town would be a great start! We’re not just a Little Laine. We are a loud and proud Laine and deserve the investment that of late is sadly missing. ׉ 7cassandra://L1ocSWMsZ0AU0Ow1cZvi_MgGvuWXJ-QdlAjRb6xbclg)'`̵W*7̲8KdW*7̲8Kc{בCט{u׉׉ 7cassandra://HHoZDrUgYkkD8nLSJNFUEGxN6YNP926on5yHTHk4IIQF` ׉ 7cassandra://hKYiexs8NLQeP-1q76JhYmqWQ_KGMZS07LtaCVvhwEUG`S׉ 7cassandra://DJf7xM9BLMANjOQB9mxxUH3vbtl3GlvQvYWl_apOYIQ`̵׉ 7cassandra://SfkDfeQb8DPayUWToW3LHQwi1cPFgEQVhskD77KVntA~k\͠W*7̲8Keט{u׉׉ 7cassandra://CmK_F-siX_IL5PZVNdSx8mLzNGrR_pRMEjcBJgEr3VY` ׉ 7cassandra://HljP0ge_5_NIKg-ZnAS8PfVpznIADGUkkzpipGLGP8o|`S׉ 7cassandra://BnJgS2MwtwvkSHmP_wIFWiADhvq4RUPo2g9h24P-h3g(-`̵׉ 7cassandra://E9zv8rGNPzeTSnVxem5vMs9eWL8MvAQ27xGBFTS43I0`f8͠W*7̲8KfנW,7̲8K@̮9ׁHhttp://www.metro-deco.comׁ ׁ ЈנW,7̲8K6̧9ׁHmailto:info@metrodeco.comׁ ׁ Ј׉ECome into our vintage tea room for a tea or a tipple. From cocktails to gins, afternoon tea to evening platters, you can eat, drink and be frivolous. We won't tell. Contact 01273 677243, info@metrodeco.com facebook, twitter: Metrodeco www.metro-deco.com ׉ 7cassandra://DJf7xM9BLMANjOQB9mxxUH3vbtl3GlvQvYWl_apOYIQ`̵W*7̲8Kg׉E Metrodeco A storm in a vintage teacup Metrodeco is situated on Upper St James Street and was established in 2008, starting off life as an Art Deco antiques shop. Co-owners Maggie and Helen cleverly decided to amalgamate a tea room into the equation in 2009. Gradually the tea room trade overtook the antiques trade, meaning that it made sense to stop selling the furniture and let people sit on it instead! The tearoom is both decadent and welcoming, retaining an air of 1930's vintage glamour with a contemporary, Brighton twist. Pooches are very welcome, you can even buy luxury dog biscuits so they don't feel left out, while you indulge in a sumptuous cream tea, or a cocktail or two. Having already been acquainted with the heavenly delights of Metrodeco's cream tea, I was so over the moon when invited to try some tea infused gin cocktails, that I literally skipped the length of St James Street to get there. The owner offered me a ‘Shady Lady’, which arrived in a miniature glass teapot, accompanied by a matching glass teacup and saucer. Feeling rather like a character from Alice in Wonderland, I poured myself a dram and was delighted with the perfectly balanced mixture of flavours: Blackdown Gin infused with Metrodeco's own Shades of Grey tea (Earl Grey with rose and orange peel), pomegranate and rose cordial, lychee liqueur and a top up of tonic. This was a welcome alternative to my usual G&T, I didn't even mind that it was raining on the walk home afterwards, such is the power of a decent gin cocktail. There are a variety of gin's available, which come served in delightful Spanish Balloon glasses. Not only that, Metrodeco make their own dehydrated fruit that they use to garnish the drinks, which certainly adds something extra special to the presentation. Owner, Helen, was quick to point out that they are not a bar, just somewhere that happens to sell nice drinks. She is very much an ambience advocator, saying: “It's not just about drinking the drink, there are other factors involved too. From the flavours, to the glass you're drinking from. We pride ourselves on creating the perfect atmosphere for our customers to sit and enjoy themselves. We see it as an experience rather than just a drink.” Now that the weather has drastically improved, it would be impertinent not to stop by after work one evening and enjoy some of possibly the nicest cocktails you’ll ever have, served by people who are passionate about their gin. I will certainly be repeating the experience. ׉ 7cassandra://BnJgS2MwtwvkSHmP_wIFWiADhvq4RUPo2g9h24P-h3g(-`̵W*7̲8KhW*7̲8Kg{בCט{u׉׉ 7cassandra://xmN8F0iYP9zJPbQ0t1elK6EO08f6xwy9VPQwEdkiyi4j` ׉ 7cassandra://y4hn_joBDn2ims-pAdD50-J2cgfiRIh55BszKIMPlIYf)`S׉ 7cassandra://UaqjP18luwzw3a_snF7ObN4hU0j8Oxpy0gW4dpnIKZQ$`̵׉ 7cassandra://GdPAf3pOimrfDmnSI7-o0Smj00-fm319ESrR-XCjKrw ̘͠W+7̲8Kiט{u׉׉ 7cassandra://_-QqNAWWFThqKCyzRBUBatxvXWl0MJk-FcgbfuH9sjw` ׉ 7cassandra://twbSdj6env6EojVMOjmnPYt0pFw07YcUsxuTCoX-JVMy`S׉ 7cassandra://DfhdOSqyFyBkFcjWsPkj2Ud16BfCgVxDrpIIEt87AUc,`̵׉ 7cassandra://QymupGiNIWa4dudWio7qqbanG0uGaZ_grliI9qSn_Zs6M(͠W+7̲8Kj׉E159 ׉ 7cassandra://UaqjP18luwzw3a_snF7ObN4hU0j8Oxpy0gW4dpnIKZQ$`̵W+7̲8Kk׉E׉ 7cassandra://DfhdOSqyFyBkFcjWsPkj2Ud16BfCgVxDrpIIEt87AUc,`̵W+7̲8KlW+7̲8Kk{בCט{u׉׉ 7cassandra://SUyEM7Jh0jK5gd1XnwPB_KUd07k3MVVjuRm-f6HVQgMK` ׉ 7cassandra://PHBQ3wxcdDlcrgEFOacdoxDRY2eQhRdYaydJjs7x5Fo͋`S׉ 7cassandra://LSyD41z_yzpNleQhWCTaDspc86NCvgfQxNHlG8_DXgg(`̵׉ 7cassandra://qETfAfv7Gnh1f-hLdu6iqxkXVC5onl08iwVg86MIocQ X ͠W+7̲8Kmט{u׉׉ 7cassandra://X9y7dAsE2uHj-MtuMO9KD8ILrJRvoNXgsHasXChASjc 4p` ׉ 7cassandra://yhvejOvuJEUMxgcguUg1Hnz_kevuBi_F29dKVtVXJ6Q͎`S׉ 7cassandra://sfVXtdeSAeJbUbHYp1rzWrs_MD-WA8r1kgtNqJRk7WI(G`̵׉ 7cassandra://Z6xpwDkc-GqSs2RWVqYdlQlYwlR1teUMu2_Bfs1NLQgƕl͠W,7̲8KpנW-7̲8KhL9ׁH4http://www.the-news.co/index.php/category/gardening/ׁ ׁ ЈנW-7̲8K'\9ׁHhttp://succulents.Thׁ ׁ ЈנW-7̲8Kh̗9ׁHhttp://www.brightonfestival.orgׁ ׁ Ј׉ECatherine Considine A little space Me and Mr C in our own little world L et’s start with a little orientation. Like many flats in Kemptown ours is a conversion, scaled down from a grander age and consequently somewhat topsy-turvy. Come in from the street and you’ll find yourself in the back garden. A pathway leads to our yellow front door and through to the kitchen at the back of the building. It’s spring, so let’s stay outside for a bit. The garden is a gravelled affair broken up with clusters of plants and brick paths. A patch of wild flowers sprouts outside two sheds. We call it ‘The Meadow’. Occasionally we chuck seeds at it – in a recent experiment I’ve been emptying camomile teabags over it – but on the whole it is a self propagating beast and a source of constant wonder. “Did you see that blue flower?” Mr C will say.“Next to the pink, poppy-ish thing?” “I know,” I’ll say. And we’ll stare a little longer. I don’t actually know what a camomile lawn looks like so judging the success of the teabag experiment will be a subjective process. We will have to watch for subtle clues. “Do you fancy a cuppa?” He’ll say one summery afternoon. “Umm yes,” I’ll reply “Camomile please.” I realise I may be giving a false impression. In case you are imaging The Meadow as a sun dappled space where you might Celebrate your own way at Latest Musicbar Wedding parties with a real sense of your style! atest Musicbar prides itself on hosting the best parties in town. Whether you want your wedding party to be a big bash or something more intimate, the team will work to your budget and cater to all of your requirements in order to make your event a night to remember. You can hire one or both floors of the venue for parties of up to 200 people, provide your own catering or let the Bar’s fabulous chefs take the strain. The space can be professionally decorated, or kept simple with linen tablecloths, flowers and candles supplied at no extra cost. As Latest Musicbar is also a renowned live venue, they do love a band for a party and can help you source entertainment including bands, DJs and cabaret performers with use of their PA and DJ equipment included in the hire fee. Just tell them what you want and they will do their utmost to make it happen. Here follows some testimonials from happy couples who held their party with us: “We just wanted to say a massive thank you for last night, we had the best time at our wedding! All the staff were so friendly and helpful, and everything was so well organised. We really appreciate all the hard work you put into the afternoon and evening and the food was delicious! Thanks again for everything.” – Laura and Oli L “Having such friendly staff (who also know what they are doing and have a can-do attitude) made such a difference to our guests’ experience of our very special day.” –SJ & and Mike “My wife and I had such an amazing reception at the Latest Musicbar. The help we had organising the event, the food cooked inhouse, the staff (with great character) and most noticeably the value of the entire day and night. We, and all our friends who attended, had such an amazing night that the reception will go down as one of the parties of our lives. Finding the Latest Musicbar was a godsend, all our guests and ourselves will be remembering the venue and recommending it to anyone who needs a location for a great party in Brighton. Once again, thank you Angi and your team!” – Sam and Louise Have a look at what more previous couples have said about their wedding party at the Latest Musicbar: www.thelatest.co.uk/musicbar/brighton-party-wedding-venue To book your perfect party, please call 01273 687171 or email bookings@thelatest.co.uk Latest Musicbar, 14–17 Manchester Street, Brighton, BN2 1TF. www.thelatest.co.uk/musicbar let a dog loose in the morning with a tennis ball; or sprawl with a kindle on a lazy afternoon; or dance barefoot with a new love in the moonlight, let me be precise. A mathematically minded friend once estimated that our meadow spans approximately 0.000000693 square acres. That’s about the size of a small dinner table. We work from home in the sheds behind. His – and trust me, I would avoid the gender distinction if I could – is a MAN shed. Wood, tools, tech and vinyl vie for space beneath a suspended bike and a dangerously low strip light. Mine is a more sedate affair, carpeted and whitewashed with a pale wood flip-down desk and a cushioned wicker chair. Most days The Meadow is filled not with birdsong, but a gentle “tap-tap-dammit!” from my shed as my writing goes awry and a stream of expletives from his as he manages infuriating deliveries on the phone or hammers together his latest creation. I like small space. I like the way that everything is necessary; nothing is superfluous. I like that in my little white-washed space the white noise of my day is his. I like that two lives can sit side-by-side and not get in the way of each other. But summer is just around the corner and as all Kemptownians know, summer brings guests. The Meadow flowering is the first sign. Next the sofa bed, tucked against the wall of my shed, will crank open to accommodate out-of-towners. As the weather improves the yellow front door will stay open for the flow of food from kitchen to barbecue. And if occasionally you notice me linger in Egg and Spoon a moment or two longer than a coffee requires, let me be. Sometimes I just need a little space. Catherine writes about Love, Dinner and Other Distractions in Kemptown at: www.whileiamthinkingaboutit.com ׉ 7cassandra://LSyD41z_yzpNleQhWCTaDspc86NCvgfQxNHlG8_DXgg(`̵W,7̲8Kq׉EPaul Thomas May the fest be with you A fter a long winter, Spring is upon us which heralds the Brighton Festival. The cultural electricity will be throbbing in the city, courtesy of guest director Laurie Anderson, of O’Superman fame. If you stop to tie your laces and do so incorporating the theme of the fragmented assimilation of the migrant humming bee pollinating Kemptown you might get a grant and put on a show. Joking aside, keep an eye out out for Clairiere Urbaine, (urban clearing) by the French company Retouramont On Saturday 21st, they take over Lavender Street, in Kemptown for the UK premiere of their show of aerial choreography incorporating the surrounding space, promising a spectacular trip through the urban jungle. You can also enjoy a lively debate on just how urban Kemptown is, all for free. Away from the main Festival, The Fringe promises more earthly delights via comedy, music, dance and street theatre which means the cafe’s bars and pubs will be busier than usual, so please be nice to the staff . Before all the festival madness starts, International Star Wars day is on the 4th as in: ‘May the fourth be with you’. With Star Wars, Superman and X-men nods to the month, you might reach your limit of sci-fi and superheroes. Respire could be discovered at weekends offering the Artists Open Houses, including the popular Kemptown trail. Remember, you are not having a nose at how other people live, you are gaining essential context to the work on offer. Most do lovely tea and cakes, so take advantage and gather some artistic memories. Bank Holidays bookend the month, do mark the 2nd and 30th for something other than DIY this year. If all this vibrancy is not enough, Kemptown Carnival returns on June 4th. Enjoy! For more info on the Festival see www.brightonfestival.org Steve Rust Brighton Dad Dedicated follower of fashion V ictoria Beckham once stated that: “Fashion is important”. It wasn’t a statement I paid too much heed to. I have many priorities in my life, but ‘fashion’ is not up there with say ‘eating’. In fact it’s not even up there with ‘mowing the lawn’. My lovely wife on the other hand regards fashion as ‘important’ and takes an avid interest in it. For example, three days ago she bought a bikini online. In March! She said, “I’m going to wear it when we go to America next month”. I was shocked to see that not only was this (very small) bikini roughly the same price as my first car, that there was an exorbitant shipping cost from America. Yes that’s right. The bikini is travelling across the Atlantic, to go in a suitcase and be taken back across the Atlantic three weeks later: “Couldn’t you have bought it when we William Mills Greenfingers The perils of growing ince starting my Greenfingers column four years ago, we have published details of over thirty different varieties of plants. It would be useful to look back and consider which plants were the most satisfying to own and care for. What are we really looking for from the plants we share our homes with? My plants fall into two specific categories: fragrant flowering varieties, which require constant attention and those which can be placed in a particular corner and left to get on with it. The latter include evergreens and clean air favourites, such as spider plants and Dracaena, as well as cacti and succulents.The flowering plants which I have enjoyed growing are whose scent has the ability to lift our moods. These are used in aromatherapy by commercial growers harvesting millions of flowers, who press them to extract tiny amounts of volatile oils, which when evaporated in a fragrance oil burner smell the same as the flowers do on a summer’s morning. S My top three are rose, citrus, and jasmine, and we have experienced different results from trying to grow them. Rose is the most difficult as it is not really an indoor plant and their fragrance is so faint it’s difficult to notice. Buying a Jasmine is probably the easiest way to create the heaven of a room filled with fresh flower scent. They usually cost under £10 from garden centres and florists. they display a multitude of small white flowers, which when open give off a rich perfume. However Jasmine’s drawback is the early spring flowering season is soon over and as a plant they fare better outside. Citrus have taken up much of my time and energies over the years. Here we have all three of the requirements of the perfect plant-edible fruit, long lasting, and continuous flowering. If only it was that easy! Many nurseries swear that it is, yet Citrus have a horrid habit of dying if their living conditions aren’t right. It does takes care and practice to get their habitat just right but once achieved nothing beats them. For more information and a full library of our past articles: www.the-news.co/index.php/category/gardening/ got there?” I asked. This got me the standard ‘look’ that I’ve come to dread, but worse than that, it got me a ‘lecture’ which went like this: “You should consider yourself lucky that you’ve got a wife who takes pride in her appearance. You‘ve owned that t-shirt for about seven years now, and in fact all your clothes have turned the same colour as you haven’t bought any new ones for ages”. I thought about this and realised she was right, so in order to keep the peace I went shopping. First I went to TopMan. When I walked in, the staff gave me a look which said: “Clearly you must be some sort of workman and have entered our shop to fix something”. I walked out. I then found myself in an extremely expensive shop in Churchill Square. I only ventured in there because it was very dark and had armchairs at the front. I thought it might be some sort of bar. It wasn’t. I ended up buying a few new items and showed them to my wife. She looked and said: “You’ve just bought new versions of all the stuff you already have, that’s really unimaginative”. This made me cross: “Well you’re unimaginative” I replied, then kicked myself at the unimaginativeness of my response. Anyway we’ve decided that I’ll get some new clothes in America. We’re going to Texas, and hopefully my wife will choose me some things. If it was left to me I’d buy the first things I saw, and you’d see me strutting round Brighton in full cowboy hat, boots and spurs! ׉ 7cassandra://sfVXtdeSAeJbUbHYp1rzWrs_MD-WA8r1kgtNqJRk7WI(G`̵W,7̲8KrW,7̲8Kq{בCט{u׉׉ 7cassandra://dACFfZxh616qTTubyZsbgqw5TswgAILp4skiQmZbTZY` ׉ 7cassandra://TdYuRr2uHhQJAawQAG7guKQiSkF4xfbezFqh5WnKHDo͇`S׉ 7cassandra://-XQOI_vAP9XwYGGpQyYrb4VdRzaRcUx_LchYLm30W4M'`̵׉ 7cassandra://5tDRSlmnZxgvQGb30daTe3Fk861av5xwhIkgvwKUOmw5Z͠W,7̲8Kuט{u׉׉ 7cassandra://fORWhOQ6ULBQlcGw25bshpGENMQDysjf2fASWBupa7U` ׉ 7cassandra://36rp-IJ59r4wpqiMStePmMmYe8L0bAdiNZ-w4sNnRhUw`S׉ 7cassandra://Sg34KJeUQqdL_UnGuFDetjh_orUnKvq8uDJ2Q3G2LW8#`̵׉ 7cassandra://M1QGB8_EWWWOveZy2YBJcEIIuXM8g7D6BEn_snDZTPUrf͠W,7̲8KvנW-7̲8K 9ׁH*http://www.facebook.com/brightonlgbtpoliceׁ ׁ ЈנW-7̲8KŁ9ׁH(mailto:Elaine.welsh@sussex.pnn.police.ukׁ ׁ ЈנW-7̲8K9ׁH(mailto:Andrea.leahy@sussex.pnn.police.ukׁ ׁ ЈנW-7̲8KfÁ̎9ׁHhttp://www.sussex.police.ukׁ ׁ ЈנW-7̲8KU9ׁH*mailto:eva.collins.01@sussex.pnn.police.ukׁ ׁ Ј׉EGrumpy Old Git World of the wars Achtung Baby! A little while ago I was, as usual, engaged in my never-ending charity work. This consists of trawling round various charity shops for books. (Marie Curie, Age Concern, you name it. I spread my good deeds far and wide.) I was very pleased to find in one of them two hardback omnibus editions of the old Commando War Picture Library Magazines. These were, as the name suggests, illustrated war stories of a slightly jingoistic nature. Now, some time ago I wrote about how I’d picked up a fair few German words and phrases from these magazines when I was younger. Of course, as I got older and started going to Germany and Austria on a regular basis I found that this was, to say the least, a bit redundant. There seemed little call for my ability to recognise a minefield. In the stories these were always clearly signposted. (‘Achtung! Der Minen!’) Quite why they did this Steve Parry City plan Lack of Council funding for St James Street O n Thursday 24 March our elected representatives agreed a City Plan. This may sound mundane and irrelevant to our daily lives but it determines the money that is spent in St James’ Street and Kemp Town over the next few years. I doubt if there is anyone, whatever their political views, who would question the need to reduce pollution, especially from traffic congestion, in St James’ Street. I have yet to speak to anyone who believes that our geographical area and social community is not central to the attractiveness of Brighton for visitors from elsewhere. Yet we are ignored in terms of planning and investment. Our local councillors appear to have no idea of what is required and have not made one single contribution to the discussion on the City Plan that would benefit St James’ Street and Kemp Town. Investment in transport was also agreed by the Council last week yet, again, we are ignored. I challenge our councillors to say what they have done or even said that benefits our area. Judging from comments on the St James’ Street and Kemptown Facebook Community Page councillors do not even deal adequately with simple requests to ensure security on scaffolding or any form of support for residents having to deal with the Kafkaesque bureaucracy of housing and Council Tax Benefits, never mind Discretionary Housing Payments and the exploitation of council property leaseholders. I don’t know, since there seems little point in spending all that time and trouble laying a minefield then putting a sign up warning the enemy so they can cunningly sneak round the side. Likewise, I found conversations with German barmen very limited armed only with the phrases; “All is good” and “Entry forbidden.” Anyway, back to the books. Upon re-reading them I discovered something else that I’d completely forgotten; the Wehrmacht were very bad at spelling. To take just one example, a small unit of Germans have foolishly camped at the base of a cliff. I say foolishly because on top of the cliff are a band of British Commandos setting fire to a lorry-load of explosives, preparatory to shoving it over the edge. The next panel shows German troops running in all directions as the blazing truck comes plummeting towards them. “Gott in Himmel” they shriek, and “Donner und blitzen!” I don’t know about you, but I think in these circumstances I would be using rather more colourful language than ‘God in Heaven!’ and ‘Thunder and lightning!’ Mind you, in these books the Germans had the vocabulary of Cicero compared to the poor old Italians. The only expression of dismay at being in the midst of a huge conflagration they ever used was ‘Sapristi!’ And I don’t even know what that means. Anyway, I hope all this encourages you to buy these books if you come across them and be glad that in this 21st Century we don’t have to worry about World Wars anymore. Councillors Adrian Morris, Karen Barford, and Daniel Chapmen please do something or go the way that Stephanie Powell and Geoffrey Bowden went who, also believed, PR would hide any lack of real action. We, St James’ Street and Kemp Town COMMUNITY are mentioned in the City Plan as a “District Centre” for shopping but nothing else. Is this good enough? I must emphasise that we are the only significant area in the city not included in the present Plan covering the period up to 2030. Our Community is thriving, it is vibrant, and is central to the appeal of Brighton for visitors from throughout the UK and beyond, yet our councillors and Council officers do nothing to ensure the economic and social viability of our community. I must repeat what I said over 2 years ago, It is our fault we have reached this situation - a total lack of solidarity and organisation - together with an abysmal record by our local councillors (not just the present incumbents but those from other parties in the past). I also am concerned as to the role of some senior officers as, despite not being a conspiracist, I often feel there are some who oppose the presence and significance of our cosmopolitan (and) Gay Village. ׉ 7cassandra://-XQOI_vAP9XwYGGpQyYrb4VdRzaRcUx_LchYLm30W4M'`̵W,7̲8Kw׉EPCSOs’ Update Eva Collins reports from your local area W elcome to your monthly eWatch newsletter. We aim to keep you informed about current issues in your area. If you know of anyone that would like to be added to the scheme, please get them to send me an email. If you wish to discuss local policing issues you can email me directly on: eva.collins.01@sussex.pnn.police.uk To report an emergency call - 999 To report a non-emergency call -101 Remember, you can also visit our website at www.sussex.police.uk where you can check local crime information and find out about events taking place in your area. Local priorities – St James Street 1. Cycling Offences. 2. Begging, street drinking and rough sleepers. 3. Drug dealing and drug use. POLICE ADVICE: Protect yourself Walk confidently and be aware of your surroundings. Avoid using personal music player or mobile phones. If carrying a bag, wear it with the flap facing you and with the strap over your arm and head. Never leave a club or pub alone and always let people know where you are. Make travel plans beforehand and try to arrange a lift from someone you know. Have a taxi number to hand and try to use prebooked taxis rather than hailing one. Always sit in the back, behind the driver. On public transport, sit close to the driver or guard and also near to CCTV. Avoid empty areas and if you feel unsafe contact a member of staff. If you have no choice but to walk, never walk along PC Leahy and PC Welsh are our Police Constables who work within the Kemptown team, if you wish to speak with either you can contact them on: PC Andrea Leahy Andrea.leahy@sussex.pnn.police.uk / 07823551769 PC Elaine Welsh Elaine.welsh@sussex.pnn.police.uk / 07766205049 Non Emergency contact number - 101 Follow the local Policing team and LGBT team on twitter: @kemptownpolice @PoliceLGBT The Police LGBT Facebook page: www.facebook.com/brightonlgbtpolice PCSO Eva Collins 32168 Tel: 101 ext 550154 Mobile: 07912 893224 dark shortcuts and always face oncoming traffic. Protect your car Park in a well-lit, busy area and ensure you close your car windows, lock the doors and use a steering lock. Never leave valuables in your car. The glove compartment is likely to be the first place thieves will look. The cost of replacing a smashed window can often cost more than the valuables themselves. Park somewhere that you will feel safe walking back to, remembering that it gets darker much earlier during winter months. Keep purchases out of sight when in the car or at home - if they can be seen they can be stolen. Leave your keys in a secure place. Keys can remain visible in a coat pocket or open bag are easily snatched from them. Protect your home Ensure doors and windows are locked at all times and remember to use your alarm if you have one. Keys, money and phones are a burglar's dream. Keep all such items well out of sight and reach of doors, windows and letterboxes. Intruders use rods to reach bags and keys and use them to enter your home with ease. In one third of burglaries, the thief didn't have to force entry into the home. If you like to display your Christmas tree in your window remember to keep the presents away from prying eyes. Just like anyone else, thieves like to window shop before obtaining their goods. Make your home look occupied by using timer switches on your lights and radios so people think you are in. If you don't have them, ask your neighbours to keep an eye on your home and draw your curtains if you are away. Dispose of packaging carefully. Empty boxes awaiting collection and bins full of packaging are a perfect advert for burglars. Be wary of anyone offering you high price goods at a cut down price, they could be stolen items. ׉ 7cassandra://Sg34KJeUQqdL_UnGuFDetjh_orUnKvq8uDJ2Q3G2LW8#`̵W,7̲8KxW,7̲8Kw{בCט{u׉׉ 7cassandra://ZOjaSFq_LcjJ0ODRn4gbELSbhf0cLe1jIDMQ7dgIl_4` ׉ 7cassandra://dPNfrxAFdJQGKaN5hmi8nOZxrmBQFCYAoILA-AIoph0wi`S׉ 7cassandra://6H-Kfw-zGyffYipKtG0SwrkKFmEsJNnlSoM9vvKPBFQ-J`̵׉ 7cassandra://MkAFUqVwiZUIhpyx2datwld_xCLt7cCmNJ9zCaBH7EQ ͠W,7̲8Kz׉E׉ 7cassandra://6H-Kfw-zGyffYipKtG0SwrkKFmEsJNnlSoM9vvKPBFQ-J`̵W,7̲8K{׈EW,7̲8K|W,7̲8K{{,KemptownRag: issue125.pdfW#.|JU