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Short story: Pier Review

Short story: Pier Review

Last year, as part of the Brighton Fringe Festival, submissions for short stories were sought on the theme 'Brighton: past, present and future." Selected stories would be read to an audience by actors. Here's my submission, and it was most gratifying to hear it read. Pier Review The West ... Read more »
After the 1987 storm, Queen's Park in Brighton

After the 1987 storm, Queen’s Park in Brighton

I remember the great storm of 1987. The letter box rattled all night and my mum decided we had to go to school. Oh innocent days. No internet or text messages. We'd listened to the radio, listing all the schools that were shut, and St Luke's wasn't mentioned. So off we went. It was chaos ... Read more »
Brighton holiday lets: thoughts on regulation and neighbourliness

Brighton holiday lets: thoughts on regulation and neighbourliness

After my last post grumbling about Brighton Holiday Homes, I have been musing on what positive steps could be taken to improve the situation for the city's permanent residents and encourage greater neighbourliness. My suggestions are informed by a few key thoughts. Firstly, that Brighton is a ... Read more »
Brighton Holiday Homes: a neighbour reflects...

Brighton Holiday Homes: a neighbour reflects…

Watching the tweets from the Brighton and Hove Chamber of Commerce Big Debate on the motion “this house believes that Brighton’s night time economy is tarnishing the city’s brand” was interesting. But I was very surprised to see people praising "responsible" firm Brighton Holiday Homes, ... Read more »
HOVErheard* A man walks into a pub...

HOVErheard* A man walks into a pub…

A young man walks into a pub. He's from faraway, his English isn't the best, but he's trying hard. The barmaid couldn't be less helpful. Him: A beer please. Her: Ale or lager? Him: Yes, a large beer. Her: What beer? Him: Normal beer. Her: (quickly) Carling, Grolsch or Coors ... Read more »
HOVErheard*: The Tattoo

HOVErheard*: The Tattoo

Two very reasonable parents discuss the tattoo their student son has just got on his arm. You get the sense the parents have had some wild days themselves and are hardly prudish. Mother is doing most of the talking. Mum: It is very big though, isn't it? Boy: No, it's not. Mum: And well, it ... Read more »
Brighton's Indian Gate at the Pavilion and the Wounded Soldiers

Brighton’s Indian Gate at the Pavilion and the Wounded Soldiers

Plenty has been written about the astonishing tale of the wounded Indian soldiers who were cared for in Brighton, often at the Pavilion, during the First World War. It was a gesture recognised by the Indians themselves and in this week 90 years ago (October 26th 1921), the Indian Gate at the ... Read more »
A bridge below: the Ouse Valley Viaduct at Balcombe

A bridge below: the Ouse Valley Viaduct at Balcombe

I tramped across a cornfield to take a proper look at something I've travelled over countless times. The beautiful and stately Ouse Valley Viaduct, just outside Balcombe, is largely unknown by the people who use it every day. Many a London/Brighton commuter will tell you how lovely the view is ... Read more »
The peaceful, natural burial ground at Clayton Wood

The peaceful, natural burial ground at Clayton Wood

My friend Sue writes at London Cemeteries and described her visit to Epping Forest Burial Park recently and how it changed her view of burial. Like her, I previously favoured cremation (or even burial at sea, in my more eccentric moments) until I visited a natural burial site. Cremation ... Read more »
In praise of Christopher Hawtree

In praise of Christopher Hawtree

One of the great surprises of the City Council elections in Brighton and Hove in May (Yes, yes, the ones where I got absolutely thrashed by the Cllrs Kitcat), was the victory in Central Hove ward of our very own local eccentric Christopher Hawtree. Needless to say, when I call someone eccentric, I ... Read more »
Argus Apostrophe Ouch

Argus Apostrophe Ouch

I can't help thinking that this frankly awful error is the result of Newsquest cutting staff, especially those wonderful sub-editors who are fastidious as a class. Hear me now. You can't run a newspaper on a shoestring and maintain your reputation and readership. The cracks are showing at the ... Read more »
All not well at the Royal Alex

All not well at the Royal Alex

You can often hear me grumble in the saloon bar, or as I stroll past the place, that the Royal Alex hospital on Dyke Road in Brighton risks becoming “our next West Pier.” Despite the fact a plan is in place and development is supposed to start soonish, it’s still a discarded site with ... Read more »
Brightoniana: Beautiful Pedantry

Brightoniana: Beautiful Pedantry

I love this. Chortles galore. I think it's a boyish effort at flattery, attached as it was to a fence. I salute that. A reckless, rather romantic gesture. No? Then someone comes in and goes all Truss in a most amusing manner. It's like a Twitter row. But better. Look carefully for the biro ... Read more »
Some Regency buzzers

Some Regency buzzers

I could write a very long post about standing for election and getting beaten and what a Green council might mean for Brighton. But who really wants to know my ramblings about that? So instead here are the buzzers. Every candidate knocks on doors and Regency ward is tougher than most. So many ... Read more »