Harmful algae in Falmer pond

Tests have shown that Falmer pond, is contaminated with blue-green algae which can be very harmful to the public and animals.

Brighton & Hove City Council has erected warning signs and is working closely with the Environment Agency to resolve the situation, while contacting the public.

Although algae occur naturally in inland waters, one of the main reasons for algae developing in the pond is visitors feeding the birds and fish. This maintains high levels of nutrients in the pond which can result in algae blooms.

The blooms produce toxins that can kill wild animals, livestock and pets. They can also harm people, producing rashes after skin contact and illnesses if swallowed.

The algae also uses up oxygen in the water at night which can suffocate fish and other creatures.

Although the pond is situated in Lewes, the land is owned by the city council which is responsible for its upkeep.

Brill's Baths

Looking west on Grand Junction Road 

Grand Junction Road today

The original Brill's Baths was built in 1823 on the SE corner of East Street.  Up to the early 19th century the shallow promontory  here was subject to continual erosion until, in 1829, a sea wall was built and Grand Junction Road laid on top of it. One hundred years later the road was widened over the top of brick-built vaults now known as King's Road Arches. The original promontory can still be detected in the coastal profile today while the wooden groyne just visible in the top picture has been replaced with a substantial concrete one.

Looking East at bottom of East Street 1850s

Brill's Baths was demolished in 1858 and the present-day Clarendon Mansions (grade II listed) rebuilt on the site. The original Clarendon Mansions can be seen in the etching and the 1850s photo above. 

In 1861 Charles Brill opened a ladies-only baths on the west side of Pool Valley followed in 1869 by a splendid gentleman's baths. Both ladies & gents baths were demolished in 1929 for the erection of the art deco Savoy cinema. This building still stands although in a forlorn state.

Map of 1898 showing the 2nd Brill's Baths.

2nd Brill's Baths, 1929, looking towards East Street from Pool Valley.

Commemoration of Ernest Beal VC

The centenary of the death in action of Brightonian Ernest Beal was commemorated yesterday by the unveilings of a tablet at the war memorial and a blue plaque at his birthplace in Lewes Road.

Before the ceremony

Band of the Brigade of Ghurkas

Unveiling of the stone by the Lord Lieutenant of E. Sussex

The commemorative stone.

Last Post

The Victoria Cross Guard of Honour

Pupils from the Fairlight School 

Civic procession from St. Martin's to the birthplace

Salvation Army Band

Mace-bearer symbolising the authority of the City Mayor

Ernest Beal's Victoria Cross

Side wall of 148 Lewes Road. (Plaque unveiled by the High Sheriff of East Sussex.)

Some of the congregation

Examination of the Mace

Descendants of Ernest Beal

L-R, The High Sheriff of East Sussex, City Mayor, Chairman of the Plaque Panel and the Mace-bearer.

Stanmer's Long Barn to be restored

A video about the  Long Barn in Stanmer Village. The council plans to renovate the 50-metre long, Grade 2 listed barn dating from 1776, to provide community space, a visitor centre and offices. Work is expected to start in 2019 and take two years.

Help to honour Brighton's Suffragettes

Photo taken in 1914 of some Brighton Suffragettes with their parasols outside the office, selling the weekly newspaper called "The Suffragette". From left to right: Miss Reid, Mrs Goodier, Miss Gye, Mrs Brandon, Miss Rae, Mrs Bouvier (taken from Diana Atkinson's "The Suffragettes in Pictures")

In 1907 Christabel Pankhurst, who founded the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU), with her mother Emmeline, announced at a large meeting at the Dome "the Suffragettes have their designs on Brighton".

In this centenary year of the 1918 People's Representation Act giving certain women the right to vote, please help to commemorate the Suffragettes of Brighton by raising a “blue plaque” at the location of the WSPU office. The office was one of the most active regional offices being close to the London HQ. By 1908 they had one of the first WSPU banners, which was embroidered with the Brighton coat of arms.

Mary Jane Clarke, the younger married sister of Emmeline Pankhurst, was the paid organiser of the Brighton office from 1909, when it opened at 8/9 The Quadrant, North Street near the Clock Tower.

Statues and plaques for suffrage women are appearing all over the country this centenary year (1918-2018) #Vote100 to their memory. Let's make sure Brighton doesn't miss out by making a donation at Justgiving.

For more information please visit facebook page Brighton Suffragettes #Vote100

The Fabrica Gallery

A 'Latest TV' video discussion on the past, present & future of this popular gallery.

The Church St./Portland St. site - update

Looking south-west

It looks as if building on this long vacant site is about to begin. After going to appeal, planning consent was finally granted in 2016. Now the hoardings have been moved outwards to the kerb-lines on both Church St. and Portland St. to allow building to the pre-existing building lines along the inner edge of the pavements. The developer pays rent for the use of public land in this way so it can reasonably be assumed he means business.

Looking south-east

Artist's impression of the new buildings viewed from  top of Church Street.