Sheep, buses and other stories (#11)
TL;DR of local press and stories from Brighton and surrounding areas.
This issue is being published much later than we would have liked. Our amazing Cryptic Crossword correspondent had prepared an aptly-themed “February” crossword, which is too good to be missed so we’re going to publish it now for your problem-solving pleasure.
Also, it has been a very dark month in the local news due to various sad events and this understandably reduced the amount of “positive” and uplifting news which are our primary focus.
Have a good read of the fun and good news we found, and enjoy the last weeks of winter.
News
“Love Brighton & Hove? But hate weeds?” is our new favourite pick up line. Become a Weed Warrior by joining this launch event.
A nice article about some of the stories of runners of the 2023 Brighton Half Marathon. And here is the new route for the Brighton (Full) Marathon happening on the 2nd April.
The council discussed the financial situation of the Brighton i360, and agreed to give them some time to execute a new business strategy. They made clear that the #1 priority is for the £47m+ loan to be repaid on time.
A petition signed by more than 50,000 people challenged the CEOs of Southern Water and South West Water to take a dip in the sea after the next storm overflow release, after they declared that the discharges are not technically sewage. Commenting on this, Southern Water acknowledged that the current infrastructure is clearly insufficient and they claim to have put a massive £2bn investment to improve this.
Good progress on the Sea Lanes Brighton outdoor pool. See aerial pics here and here.
In the UK City Tracker Report 2022 by Irwin Mitchell, Brighton is ranked as the fourth fastest-growing city. “Brighton has a large retail sector, which is likely to struggle as many consumers cut back spending amidst rising bills and mortgage costs. However, the city also has a thriving knowledge intensive business services sector, which is set to be less affected by the recession”. Read more highlights of this and another report here.
Black Eyed Peas will headline Brighton Pride 2023. We couldn’t find a source, but there are rumours the Fergie might return to perform with the band.
Following up on the announcement of keeping the public toilets open, the council reversed other cost-cutting decisions including the ones affecting Volk’s Railway and lifeguard services (summary here), but notably decided to de-fund the already controversial Hanover Low Traffic Neighbourhood plan.
Works to restore the Victoria Fountain in the Old Steine Gardens are underway, and works for the Kingsway to the Sea revamping project just started.
Under 19? You can jump on a bus for 50p, or for free if you’re accompanied by an adult. This is part of an effort to increase the number of bus passengers, which never returned to the pre-pandemic level.
A very insightful 63-page report on the 100-year plan to manage the Downland Estate, the Brighton-owned estate in the South Down National park. A summary here.
Ever thought about becoming a councillor? The council is hosting an event on Being a Councillor. Not sure whether you’ll make it on time to be elected in the May election. Meanwhile Labour announced their candidates, and the Tories published their election pitch.
Snacks and the City
Yakitori Takeover at Daddy Long Legs
Valentine’s Day with a Long Legs kick
Kemptown’s Daddy Long Legs has fast made a name for itself as a hidden foodie gem, and its Valentine’s Yakitori (Japanese skewers) kitchen takeover is no different. We ordered just about everything (for journalistic reasons) and there wasn’t a single dish that disappointed. The miso aubergine was a tempting blend of sweet, salty, and sticky while the seaweed-wrapped tofu provided a smoky umami hit. The mackerel was served whole and grilled to perfection, according to my pescatarian companion. We also sampled each of the sides, with standout favourites being the moreish wakame salad and the sticky coconut rice. Each dish packs a punch, with a healthy smattering of chilli flakes for all — but it wasn’t overwhelming. In fact, the whole menu was so good, I was sad it was just a one-off… until we got secret insider info that Yakitori will be making a regular appearance at DLL soon! If you get the chance to go, I highly recommend finishing the meal with a short glass of Japanese plum wine over ice — oishii.
10/10
Cryptic crossword
Solution to crossword in issue #10.
Music
“Architects are a British metalcore band from Brighton, formed in 2004 by twin brothers Dan and Tom Searle.” “They are one of the UK’s biggest young heavy bands, and are easily one of the most political - their songs often deal with socio-political and environmental issues.” Their new album "the classic symptoms of a broken spirit" was released in October 2022. From NME: “It’s an album that solidly caps the canon of a band that has always quested to expand the language of 21st-century metalcore. Here, the incorporation of more prominent electronic influences bubble and contort under the headwinds of some deliciously visceral guitar.”
History corner
This issue’s history corner is brought to you by ChatGPT.
Prompt: “Tell me an interesting historic anecdote regarding Brighton, UK”
“In the early 20th century, Brighton became a popular destination for suffragettes, who were fighting for women's right to vote. One famous suffragette who visited Brighton was Emmeline Pankhurst, the leader of the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU).
In 1908, Pankhurst came to Brighton to give a speech in support of women's suffrage. However, her speech was disrupted by a group of anti-suffragette protesters, who threw stones and rotten eggs at her.
Undeterred, Pankhurst continued her campaign for women's suffrage, and she returned to Brighton several times over the years to give more speeches and attend rallies. In 1913, she led a march of suffragettes through Brighton, despite facing opposition and hostility from the local authorities.
Today, Brighton is still a place that celebrates the legacy of the suffragette movement. There is a plaque in the town center that commemorates the suffragettes who fought for women's right to vote, and the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery has a collection of artifacts and exhibits related to the suffragette movement.”
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