Brighton's Secret Agents

Paul McCue giving a rivetting account of the agents' activities

At a ceremony in the Corn Exchange today four blue plaques commemorating Brighton's Secret Agents were unveiled together for the first time. This is the fulfilment of a project by the Secret WW2 Learning Network in partnership with the University of Sussex Resistance Studies Network, supported by the B&H Commemorative Plaque Panel and the Gerry Holdsworth Special Forces Charitable Trust.

The event was well-attended my many local dignatories, veterans & members of the Armed Forces, and representatives of the French and Italian Embassies.  Dame Vera Lynn sent a letter of support.

The plaques.

The Secret Agents are:-

Lt. Jacqueline Nearne, MBE CdeG. 

Capt. Ronald Taylor
Capt. Michael Trotobas
Edward Zeff MBE, CdeG

The plaques are expected to find their final resting places at properties with strong connections with the agents in early 2017.

Christmas Lights 2016

Clocktower 2015

Brighton’s  Christmas lights, sponsored by the 517 businesses that make up 'Brilliant Brighton' promises to be bigger, better and more Brighton than ever. 

This year the lights are themed to reflect the city’s eclectic, fun and social atmosphere with words and emojis lighting up Western Road – including ‘Fairy’ and ‘Ding Dong’ (who could resist a selfie under either?!), along with playful twinkling tidings in North Laine and a gorgeous golden canopy of lights in The Lanes.

Switch-on takes place on Wednesday 16th November. From 5pm the city will start its festive celebrations with a FREE party in East Street as Phats and Small (Turn Around) and Brighton DJ George Kwali (Crank It) take to the live stage with their chart topping hits. Home grown talent Theatre Workshop and the Dionne Slater Singing Group will also wow the crowds with their performances. Brighton legend, actor and comedian Steve Coogan will have the all-important task of counting down and flicking the switch. 

The Rockery in 'Best Park' shortlist.

Preston Park Rockery has been shortlisted in the Fields in Trust’s search to find the UK’s Best Park.

Along with Castle Gardens in Antrim, Pontypool Park in Torfaen and Rouken Glen Park in East Renfrewshire, each were shortlisted following a public vote which saw more than 200 parks nominated and in excess of 10,000 votes cast.

The nominators of each of the four shortlisted local green spaces have been invited to Lords Cricket Ground to represent their parks at the Fields in Trust Awards on 30th November, where the overall winner and UK’s Best Park 2016 will be named.

Andy Jeavons, Garden Manager at Preston Rockery, who nominated the rockery, said: “I am absolutely thrilled with it being shortlisted. I nominated the garden because of the fantastic comments I constantly receive from the public praising the garden. The colour, interest and variety of wildlife we get is stunning.

The rock garden has been lovingly restored by volunteers and CityParks staff with plants of year-round interest, including the winter months.

The winner will take over the mantle of UK’s Best Park from Telford Town Park in Shropshire which was named the public’s favourite local green space in the inaugural vote in 2015.

Find out more about the awards.

Previous post: Vote for your park.

Kemp Town conundrum

Visitors wanting to visit Thomas Kemp's famous creation will be sadly confused by this signpost. From Ship Street, Kemp Town is at least a 25 minute smart walk or 10 minute bus ride. A five minute walk in the direction indicated will only get you to the bottom of St James's Street. Not that St. James's Street isn't worth visiting, still possessing as it does many early buildings as well as shops, bars and restaurants; but again the visitor will get no help from this sign on which St. James's Street isn't even mentioned. 

Award for City Mayor

Pete West & Geraldine

The Right Worshipful the Mayor of the City of Brighton & Hove, Councillor Pete West, has been nominated for a Councillor Achievement Award. Councillor Pete West was nominated for the county and unitary councillor of the year category for his work as a councillor since 1996.

The awards ceremony, which took place last night, Tuesday 1 November, are run by the Local Government Information Unit and recognise the achievements of councillors representing communities across the UK. Out of over 90,000 councillors only 9 receive an award each year.

Councillor Peter West said: “I feel incredibly honoured to have been nominated. I will use this nomination as part of my role as Mayor, by representing the city, and celebrating the best of Brighton & Hove.”

You can follow and find out more about the work of the city’s Mayor on their facebook page

At a plaque unveiling

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