Archive

  • Say goodbye to boring sandcastles

    Organisers of a beach contest hope to consign sandcastles to the history books with a giant exhibition of alternative sand creations. Sculptors plan to put on the show at East Head, West Wittering, near Chichester. In previous events, artists have been

  • Parking rules ruin our trade

    A councillor who works as a plumber has accused his own council strangling businesses with its parking regulations. Geoff Wells, a Brighton and Hove city councillor, says he now only does jobs for elderly customers in the centre Brighton because of the

  • Insurer set for fine over pensions review

    Insurer Royal & Sun Alliance is set to be fined by the City watchdog in connection with the group's review of pensions mis-selling. The insurer, based in Horsham, said the Financial Services Authority (FSA) had indicated it would be fined, though

  • Firm concept of community spirit

    When American Express opened its famous blue and white office block in Brighton 25 years ago the company was welcomed as a modern employer who would create hundreds of jobs. The finance company is now the city's largest private sector employer and over

  • Crash victim dies

    A man has died from multiple injuries after a head-on smash between a car and a van on an East Sussex road. A Vauxhall Astramax van heading south on the A267 at Cross-in-Hand was involved in a crash with a Ford Mondeo coming the other way. The 20-year-old

  • Sussex sings in the rain

    Thousands of people were out and about during the weekend enjoying a packed timetable of events across the county. Agricultural shows, community festivals, flower festivals and vintage car runs were just some of the activities taking place as residents

  • Helping people stay fit for life

    Now June has arrived, a lot of people's thoughts will be turning to getting fit and healthy for the long summer days. For those who want to cover up as little as possible and sun themselves on the beach, it is time to get in a little exercise and watch

  • Film puts colour back in 1950s

    Grandmother Jo Roffey will share her memories of teenage discovery and freedom in the Fifties in a television documentary next month. As a teenager she fell in love with Elvis, swooned to Frankie Laine and had her first taste of swinging London in the

  • Vets' fees are worrying

    It is becoming more and more worrying for us pet owners to cope with ever-increasing vets' bills. If this isn't bad enough, the added VAT at 17.5 per cent is also crippling. There should be no tax on animal suffering. Many pet owners delay going to the

  • Widening the goal posts

    So the Albion not only want to build a huge stadium at Falmer, a few hundred yards from the village, but now also want a coach park, a link road and flyover and, to crown it all, a road access across the lovely open space of Stanmer Park. I wonder what

  • Wasting money

    Why waste money on street doctors? Cannot the ordinary public seeing rubbish build up make a simple phone call to the authorities? Then who will listen and how long will it be before it is dealt with, especially abandoned cars? -Mr Benham, Dale Avenue

  • Voice Of The Third Age: Lis Solkhon

    What a splendid Golden Jubilee weekend! And what a smack in the chops for the minority who said it would be as exciting as cold porridge. I am amazed my TV set did not spontaneously combust as it sat in the corner from dawn to well after dusk pouring

  • World Cup: Korea 1 USA 1

    Brad Friedel put the USA on the brink of qualification for the second phase of the World Cup and left the Korean nation in disarray. Keeper Friedel saved a first-half penalty from Lee Eul Yong and made a string of wonderful saves to keep his country in

  • Adams goes under knife

    Sussex skipper Chris Adams has undergone knee surgery to repair damage done while training last month. The former England batsman suffered torn cartilage during a net session. He is expected to be out of action for a further two weeks. Adams said: "It's

  • What's in a name?

    Although I am not Sussex born and bred, I understand "dean" means valley. Perhaps this will help S South of Coldean (Letters, June 3). -A Gillingham, Silver Birch Drive, Worthing

  • Garden of delight

    The Floral Clock in Palmeira Square, Hove, with its tribute to the Queen, is beautiful. Otherwise, Brighton and Hove was a disgrace regarding the Golden Jubilee. The gardeners have recently planted out the gardens in and around the Old Steine, so why

  • Lovely lady

    How wonderful the past few days have been with us all thinking about nothing but our Queen's Golden Jubilee, which seemed to be over all too soon, especially for all of us who remember her Coronation and what we were doing at the time. I was sad to see

  • Rock 'n' roll gran

    Jo Roffey is a grandmother who lives in Eastbourne and has been married for more than 40 years. As a teenager she went to Soho night spots, fell in love with Elvis Presley and wore provocative clothes. Now Jo is appearing in a TV documentary about what

  • You're wrong

    R J Barkley is wrong about the King Alfred centre on virtually every point (Letters, June 4). The state of building is not Brighton and Hove City Council's fault. Few sports centres built in the Thirties are still open. The King Alfred is at the end of

  • Stock cars: Kym weaves way to win

    Hailsham's Kym Weaver emerged triumphant at the end of a great evening of motorsport at Arlington Stadium. Twenty-two Stock Rods provided some entertaining racing despite a soaking wet track after a day of rain on Wednesday. Weaver's night begun badly

  • A bedrock of buoyancy

    Brighton had good reason to be proud in the Seventies when it lured American Express to build its European headquarters here. A lot has happened in the 25 years since Amex first opened its wedding cake-style building off Edward Street. It has become the

  • Boxing clever

    Councillor Mike Middleton (Letters, May 29) accuses Peter Salvage of "misrepresenting the facts" when saying Brighton and Hove City Council offers no alternative to supporting one of the three redevelopment options for the King Alfred centre, all involving

  • We are furious and politicians will pay

    I must answer some of the criticism levelled at Protect Our Woodlands! - the campaign set up to stop the destruction of the ancient woodlands around Titnore Lane, Durrington - in the Press by the police and one other person. While there is anger among

  • Cricket: Grinstead close gap

    Cuckfield remain as second division leaders despite not having a game. East Grinstead have closed the gap to just three points after beating Sidley by four wickets, Sidley were put in at Saint Hill and tumbled to 128 all out as Alex Edwards took 3-11

  • Low-cost airline's profits surge

    Demand for no-frills flights across Europe showed no signs of abating today as low-cost airline Ryanair posted a surge in full-year profits. The Dublin-based group has spent the last 12 months ramping up its coverage across Europe, including new routes

  • Abbey warning on profits

    Banking group Abbey National braced the City for "substantially" lower profits today after bad debt provisions spiralled in a key division. Abbey's corporate-based Wholesale Bank arm said credit markets remained challenging and that cover for high-risk

  • Council workers' strike vote

    More than a million council workers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland were voting today on whether to take strike action over pay. Union leaders have set a date of July 17 for the first 24-hour walkout if the workers back industrial action. Local

  • Amex's birthday boost for city

    American Express opened is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its European HQ in Brighton by encouraging staff to help the community. When Amex opened its famous blue and white office block in Brighton 25 years ago it was welcomed as a modern employer

  • Pier plan picture draws new flak

    A new image of a controversial shoreline development planned for the West Pier in Brighton has sparked a fresh row. Members of the Save Our Seafront (SOS) campaign said two pictures, giving before and after impressions of the development, showed the devastating

  • Dance diva joins park party

    Sophie Ellis Bextor is the latest star to join the line-up for Southern FM's Party in the Park later this month. The singer will perform hits such as Murder On The Dance Floor at the free pop concert which takes place in Preston Park, Brighton, on June

  • Tragedy at bike race

    A motorcyclist has died after he came off his machine during a race at the famous Brands Hatch circuit. Thirty-year-old Gavin Turner from Eastbourne fell off his bike at 150mph during a power bike race yesterday. The accident happened during the first

  • Care group set to shut

    A home care service set up after the closure of a convalescent home is closing down itself due to staffing problems. Renaissance Care was established by Catherine Gennaro, the former manager of the French Convalescent Home in Kemp Town, Brighton, and

  • Birth bet wins mum £1,000

    Little Jasmine Munn won her mum a £1,000 wager when she beat the bookies by being born on the right day. Her mother Donna, who endured a 25-hour labour, had placed a bet that her child would make June 9 a quadruple family celebration by sharing a birthday

  • Recognising the role of childminders

    What do you do if you are a working parent who doesnt have a conventional nine-to-five job? The answer for many shift workers, including doctors and nurses who work antisocial hours in order to keep the country running, is to find a good childminder and

  • Brian Wilson, Brighton Centre, June 5

    While the skies rained over Brighton, there was one awe-inspiring ray of sunshine: The music of Brian Wilson. Such is his standing, he was the first American to be invited to perform in the Jubilee celebrations and his fans include Paul McCartney who

  • Hay Fever, Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne

    You know the post-holiday nightmare: Sometime after the 13th sangria, you exchange addresses and tell John and Janet Bloggs that, if they ever happen to be in the area ... In Noel Coward's sparkling play, the Bliss family - arty, theatrical and unrestrained

  • Say goodbye to boring sandcastles

    Organisers of a beach contest hope to consign sandcastles to the history books with a giant exhibition of alternative sand creations. Sculptors plan to put on the show at East Head, West Wittering, near Chichester. In previous events, artists have been

  • Crash victim dies

    A man has died from multiple injuries after a head-on smash between a car and a van on an East Sussex road. A Vauxhall Astramax van heading south on the A267 at Cross-in-Hand was involved in a crash with a Ford Mondeo coming the other way. The 20-year-old

  • Sussex sings in the rain

    Thousands of people were out and about during the weekend enjoying a packed timetable of events across the county. Agricultural shows, community festivals, flower festivals and vintage car runs were just some of the activities taking place as residents

  • Students live the high life

    Sussex students' social lives are among the best in Britain, according to a new guide to UK universities. The Virgin Alternative Guide to British Universities 2003 gives four out of five stars to social life on campus at the University of Sussex and three

  • Film puts colour back in 1950s

    Grandmother Jo Roffey will share her memories of teenage discovery and freedom in the Fifties in a television documentary next month. As a teenager she fell in love with Elvis, swooned to Frankie Laine and had her first taste of swinging London in the

  • Widening the goal posts

    So the Albion not only want to build a huge stadium at Falmer, a few hundred yards from the village, but now also want a coach park, a link road and flyover and, to crown it all, a road access across the lovely open space of Stanmer Park. I wonder what

  • Wasting money

    Why waste money on street doctors? Cannot the ordinary public seeing rubbish build up make a simple phone call to the authorities? Then who will listen and how long will it be before it is dealt with, especially abandoned cars? -Mr Benham, Dale Avenue

  • Family Life, by Bini McCall

    Well, half-term and the Jubilee celebrations seemed to fly by last week, probably because we were busy with our visitors. It was all great fun, although the house did seem very overcrowded at times, particularly because of the dreadful weather which meant

  • Kirtley does his bit for England

    Sussex bowler James Kirtley has done his bit for England as they chase a morale-boosting Test series win. The stand-in Sussex skipper says he would love to open the bowling for his country on cricket's biggest stage. He did his chances of a future call-up

  • Cole: Be careful out there

    Ashley Cole has warned England to beware the wounded pride of Kanu when they clash with Nigeria in Wednesday's World Cup battle. Kanu has been recovering from a stomach injury which meant he was only introduced as a late substitute in his country's 2-

  • World Cup: Korea 1 USA 1

    Brad Friedel put the USA on the brink of qualification for the second phase of the World Cup and left the Korean nation in disarray. Keeper Friedel saved a first-half penalty from Lee Eul Yong and made a string of wonderful saves to keep his country in

  • World Cup: Portugal 4 Poland 0

    Portugal found a new hero in their hour of need as their striker Pauleta ended Poland's World Cup with a superb hat-trick. After their miserable defeat by the USA, Portugal needed a new star to shine out from the clouds that have shrouded their under-performing

  • Adams goes under knife

    Sussex skipper Chris Adams has undergone knee surgery to repair damage done while training last month. The former England batsman suffered torn cartilage during a net session. He is expected to be out of action for a further two weeks. Adams said: "It's

  • Hospice kids' train ride upset

    Seriously-ill children could be denied miniature train rides through a West Sussex wood because a council fears it will look out of place. The Chestnut Tree Children's Hospice at Angmering has submitted plans for a mini-railway in its grounds. Project

  • Tycoon denies murder

    Property tycoon Nicholas van Hoogstraten took the witness stand at the Old Bailey today to deny a murder described as "a bungled farce". Opening the defence case, Richard Ferguson QC said the killing of landlord Mohammed Raja bore the characteristics

  • Garden of delight

    The Floral Clock in Palmeira Square, Hove, with its tribute to the Queen, is beautiful. Otherwise, Brighton and Hove was a disgrace regarding the Golden Jubilee. The gardeners have recently planted out the gardens in and around the Old Steine, so why

  • Warped mind

    I have been following J Jackson's comments on hunting with dogs, the latest of which (Letters, June 5) deserves a reply. He or she would be advised to update his or her argument on the issue of a fox being killed by a bite "to the back of the neck". This

  • The miracle of spring

    "Gratitude, respect and pride is what the jubilee means to me." These were the powerful words said by the Queen in her Golden Jubilee speech. The whole nation and many people round the world celebrated the Queen's 50 years of reign and joined in the pomp

  • Lovely lady

    How wonderful the past few days have been with us all thinking about nothing but our Queen's Golden Jubilee, which seemed to be over all too soon, especially for all of us who remember her Coronation and what we were doing at the time. I was sad to see

  • You're wrong

    R J Barkley is wrong about the King Alfred centre on virtually every point (Letters, June 4). The state of building is not Brighton and Hove City Council's fault. Few sports centres built in the Thirties are still open. The King Alfred is at the end of

  • A bedrock of buoyancy

    Brighton had good reason to be proud in the Seventies when it lured American Express to build its European headquarters here. A lot has happened in the 25 years since Amex first opened its wedding cake-style building off Edward Street. It has become the

  • Boxing clever

    Councillor Mike Middleton (Letters, May 29) accuses Peter Salvage of "misrepresenting the facts" when saying Brighton and Hove City Council offers no alternative to supporting one of the three redevelopment options for the King Alfred centre, all involving

  • We are furious and politicians will pay

    I must answer some of the criticism levelled at Protect Our Woodlands! - the campaign set up to stop the destruction of the ancient woodlands around Titnore Lane, Durrington - in the Press by the police and one other person. While there is anger among

  • Athletics: Rivers flows home

    Hastings, relegated from the Southern League division one last season, finished joint first with Aldershot in their home fixture at the weekend. Mark Rivers scored a brilliant hat-track of victories in the sprints. He clocked 11.2sec for the 100m, 22.5sec

  • Cricket: Grinstead close gap

    Cuckfield remain as second division leaders despite not having a game. East Grinstead have closed the gap to just three points after beating Sidley by four wickets, Sidley were put in at Saint Hill and tumbled to 128 all out as Alex Edwards took 3-11

  • Cricket: Hastings extend advantage

    Hastings have extended their lead at the top of the Shepherd Neame Sussex Premier League to 26 points after their fifth win in six matches. Second-placed Brighton and Hove had to play a 31-overs-a-side game against Chichester when rain delayed the start

  • Council workers' strike vote

    More than a million council workers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland were voting today on whether to take strike action over pay. Union leaders have set a date of July 17 for the first 24-hour walkout if the workers back industrial action. Local

  • Woman's sketch traps knifeman

    A 72-year-old artist's portrait skills helped catch a knife-wielding burglar who forced his way into her home. Patricia Mynott was still suffering shock hours after her ordeal when she drew the sketch on the back of a large envelope. The outline was recognised

  • Amex's birthday boost for city

    American Express opened is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its European HQ in Brighton by encouraging staff to help the community. When Amex opened its famous blue and white office block in Brighton 25 years ago it was welcomed as a modern employer

  • Pier plan picture draws new flak

    A new image of a controversial shoreline development planned for the West Pier in Brighton has sparked a fresh row. Members of the Save Our Seafront (SOS) campaign said two pictures, giving before and after impressions of the development, showed the devastating

  • Village ready for Sir Paul's big day

    Excitement is mounting in the Irish village where Sir Paul McCartney is to marry Heather Mills. Locals gathered outside Castle Leslie in Glaslough, County Monaghan, awaiting the arrival of a host of celebrities. But the only vehicles to pass through the

  • Crash victim dies

    A man has died from multiple injuries after a head-on smash between a car and a van on an East Sussex road. A Vauxhall Astramax van heading south on the A267 at Cross-in-Hand was involved in a crash with a Ford Mondeo coming the other way. The 20-year-old

  • Bypass is nearly ready

    The Polegate bypass is days away from being completed after almost two years of stop-start construction work. Residents are counting down the days to the opening of the A27 bypass after enduring years of lorries thundering past their homes. More than

  • Brian Wilson, Brighton Centre, June 5

    While the skies rained over Brighton, there was one awe-inspiring ray of sunshine: The music of Brian Wilson. Such is his standing, he was the first American to be invited to perform in the Jubilee celebrations and his fans include Paul McCartney who

  • Mose Fan Fan and Somo Somo, Pavilion Theatre, Brighton

    The performance by dance music legend Mose "Fan Fan" Se Sengo and his band Somo Somo came loaded with expectation. The African guitarist and vocalist was an integral part of pioneering group TPOK Jazz and Somo Somo are worthy successors. As a curtain-raiser

  • Overseas op scheme ends

    A controversial pilot project to send West Sussex patients abroad for operations on the NHS has finished. The West Sussex patients were among hundreds across the South to take part in the scheme. A report into the results of the project is expected to

  • Floods plea to Boateng

    The Council of Mortgage Lenders has called on Chief Secretary to the Treasury Paul Boateng to increase spending on flood defences. They want the spending to be in line with the Government's own recommendations. Recently-published figures from the Office

  • Parking rules ruin our trade

    A councillor who works as a plumber has accused his own council strangling businesses with its parking regulations. Geoff Wells, a Brighton and Hove city councillor, says he now only does jobs for elderly customers in the centre Brighton because of the

  • Insurer set for fine over pensions review

    Insurer Royal & Sun Alliance is set to be fined by the City watchdog in connection with the group's review of pensions mis-selling. The insurer, based in Horsham, said the Financial Services Authority (FSA) had indicated it would be fined, though

  • Firm concept of community spirit

    When American Express opened its famous blue and white office block in Brighton 25 years ago the company was welcomed as a modern employer who would create hundreds of jobs. The finance company is now the city's largest private sector employer and over

  • A route to progress

    A vision which would see Shoreham Harbour transformed into an exciting place to live and work was launched three years ago. Consultant Graham Moss drew up a strategy for the future of one of the biggest brownfield sites in England. It included thousands

  • Kart crash boy is recovering

    A teenager who was critically injured in a go-karting accident is beginning to improve. Dana Curtis, who is from the Brighton area, is today in a serious but stable condition in hospital. The 15-year-old, who was wearing a helmet, suffered serious head

  • MP backs town centre protester

    Kurdish asylum seeker Yasser Dirki has become a regular sight in a busy town shopping centre with his one-man protest. Mr Dirki has stood daily in Hastings' pedestrian precinct for two months, drawing attention to the plight of the Kurdish people and

  • Helping people stay fit for life

    Now June has arrived, a lot of people's thoughts will be turning to getting fit and healthy for the long summer days. For those who want to cover up as little as possible and sun themselves on the beach, it is time to get in a little exercise and watch

  • Vets' fees are worrying

    It is becoming more and more worrying for us pet owners to cope with ever-increasing vets' bills. If this isn't bad enough, the added VAT at 17.5 per cent is also crippling. There should be no tax on animal suffering. Many pet owners delay going to the

  • Sign of improvement

    I compliment all those involved with the "Welcome to our city" sign at Patcham. This is a huge improvement on the two previous attempts, with the choice of plant material this time being just right. When it fully matures, it should indeed make an attractive

  • Voice Of The Third Age: Lis Solkhon

    What a splendid Golden Jubilee weekend! And what a smack in the chops for the minority who said it would be as exciting as cold porridge. I am amazed my TV set did not spontaneously combust as it sat in the corner from dawn to well after dusk pouring

  • World Cup: Tunisia 1 Belgium 1

    Belgium must now beat Russia to keep their World Cup dream alive after being held by Tunisia at Oita today. The Red Devils knew that victory by two clear goals would be enough to put them on top of the group, but now they are in danger of going home early

  • Tycoon denies murder

    Property tycoon Nicholas van Hoogstraten took the witness stand at the Old Bailey today to deny a murder described as "a bungled farce". Opening the defence case, Richard Ferguson QC said the killing of landlord Mohammed Raja bore the characteristics

  • Coppell talks to Albion

    Brighton and Hove Albion have opened talks with Steve Coppell, their top managerial target to replace Peter Taylor. Coppell revealed to us today that he has met with chairman Dick Knight to discuss the post vacated by Taylor at the end of April. The former

  • Tragedy at bike race

    A motorcyclist has died after he came off his machine during a race at the famous Brands Hatch circuit. Thirty-year-old Gavin Turner from Eastbourne fell off his bike at 150mph during a power bike race yesterday. The accident happened during the first

  • Woman rescued from blaze

    A woman was rescued from a first-floor bedroom in Haywards Heath after the sofa in a downstairs lounge caught fire. The 54-year-old-woman, who did not wish to be named, said she had left a cigarette burning. The woman, who lives in Snowdrop Lane, grabbed

  • Teenager's sex attack ordeal

    Police are hunting a sex attacker who dragged a 16-year-old girl into bushes in Mid Sussex and sexually assaulted her. The teenager was walking past Truscotts Manor Nursing Home in Lewes Road, East Grinstead, when the man forced her from the footpath

  • Too many masts

    I am surprised to find Brighton and Hove city centre is littered with mobile phone masts everywhere. It is definitely no longer a place to be but a place to avoid for your health's sake. -Roger Tang, Bevendean Avenue, Saltdean

  • What's in a name?

    Although I am not Sussex born and bred, I understand "dean" means valley. Perhaps this will help S South of Coldean (Letters, June 3). -A Gillingham, Silver Birch Drive, Worthing

  • Rock 'n' roll gran

    Jo Roffey is a grandmother who lives in Eastbourne and has been married for more than 40 years. As a teenager she went to Soho night spots, fell in love with Elvis Presley and wore provocative clothes. Now Jo is appearing in a TV documentary about what

  • Loyalty lack

    I must express my astonishment about the total lack of commitment, enthusiasm and loyalty displayed by Brighton and Hove City Council during the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations. The whole weekend was very badly advertised by the media, who approached

  • Speedway: Eagles duo fail to make impression

    Eastbourne stars Mark Loram and Joe Screen failed in their bid to gatecrash the British Grand Prix party at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium. The Eagles' duo had nine attempts between them without a win in Saturday's showpiece event, which was won by Australian

  • Drawing in crime

    Pensioner Patricia Mynott was suffering from shock when a burglar armed with a knife entered her seafront home in Brighton. But she still had the savvy to use her artistic talent to draw a picture of the man responsible on the back of an envelope. The

  • Stock cars: Kym weaves way to win

    Hailsham's Kym Weaver emerged triumphant at the end of a great evening of motorsport at Arlington Stadium. Twenty-two Stock Rods provided some entertaining racing despite a soaking wet track after a day of rain on Wednesday. Weaver's night begun badly

  • Low-cost airline's profits surge

    Demand for no-frills flights across Europe showed no signs of abating today as low-cost airline Ryanair posted a surge in full-year profits. The Dublin-based group has spent the last 12 months ramping up its coverage across Europe, including new routes

  • Abbey warning on profits

    Banking group Abbey National braced the City for "substantially" lower profits today after bad debt provisions spiralled in a key division. Abbey's corporate-based Wholesale Bank arm said credit markets remained challenging and that cover for high-risk

  • MP steps in to motorbike row

    An MP has stepped into the row over motorcycle scramblers riding their machines at a beauty spot in Hove. He has asked the owners of Toad's Hole Valley to take action to prevent the bikers getting on to the land. The valley is a local wildlife haven bordered

  • Woman rescued twice in a week

    A woman was detained under the Mental Health Act after she was rescued from drowning for the second time in a week. The 20-year-old refused to come out from a nook between boulders at Brighton Marina despite the danger of a rapidly rising tide. Fire crews

  • Dance diva joins park party

    Sophie Ellis Bextor is the latest star to join the line-up for Southern FM's Party in the Park later this month. The singer will perform hits such as Murder On The Dance Floor at the free pop concert which takes place in Preston Park, Brighton, on June

  • Tragedy at bike race

    A motorcyclist has died after he came off his machine during a race at the famous Brands Hatch circuit. Thirty-year-old Gavin Turner from Eastbourne fell off his bike at 150mph during a power bike race yesterday. The accident happened during the first

  • Care group set to shut

    A home care service set up after the closure of a convalescent home is closing down itself due to staffing problems. Renaissance Care was established by Catherine Gennaro, the former manager of the French Convalescent Home in Kemp Town, Brighton, and

  • Birth bet wins mum £1,000

    Little Jasmine Munn won her mum a £1,000 wager when she beat the bookies by being born on the right day. Her mother Donna, who endured a 25-hour labour, had placed a bet that her child would make June 9 a quadruple family celebration by sharing a birthday

  • Recognising the role of childminders

    What do you do if you are a working parent who doesnt have a conventional nine-to-five job? The answer for many shift workers, including doctors and nurses who work antisocial hours in order to keep the country running, is to find a good childminder and

  • Hay Fever, Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne

    You know the post-holiday nightmare: Sometime after the 13th sangria, you exchange addresses and tell John and Janet Bloggs that, if they ever happen to be in the area ... In Noel Coward's sparkling play, the Bliss family - arty, theatrical and unrestrained

  • La Traviata and Don Giovanni, Theatre Royal, Brighton

    English Touring Opera has been coming to Brighton ever since it was Opera 80, bringing with it lively productions of well-known operas. Last week's visit was no exception. It opened with La Traviata. This was updated to Paris in the Thirties, which certainly

  • Bypass is nearly ready

    The Polegate bypass is days away from being completed after almost two years of stop-start construction work. Residents are counting down the days to the opening of the A27 bypass after enduring years of lorries thundering past their homes. More than

  • Harbour's route to progress

    A vision of Shoreham Harbour as an exciting place to live and work was launched three years ago. So is it any nearer becoming a reality? Consultant Graham Moss drew up a strategy for the future of one of the biggest brownfield sites in England. It included

  • Floods plea to Boateng

    The Council of Mortgage Lenders has called on Chief Secretary to the Treasury Paul Boateng to increase spending on flood defences. They want the spending to be in line with the Government's own recommendations. Recently-published figures from the Office

  • A route to progress

    A vision which would see Shoreham Harbour transformed into an exciting place to live and work was launched three years ago. Consultant Graham Moss drew up a strategy for the future of one of the biggest brownfield sites in England. It included thousands

  • Kart crash boy is recovering

    A teenager who was critically injured in a go-karting accident is beginning to improve. Dana Curtis, who is from the Brighton area, is today in a serious but stable condition in hospital. The 15-year-old, who was wearing a helmet, suffered serious head

  • Students live the high life

    Sussex students' social lives are among the best in Britain, according to a new guide to UK universities. The Virgin Alternative Guide to British Universities 2003 gives four out of five stars to social life on campus at the University of Sussex and three

  • Sign of improvement

    I compliment all those involved with the "Welcome to our city" sign at Patcham. This is a huge improvement on the two previous attempts, with the choice of plant material this time being just right. When it fully matures, it should indeed make an attractive

  • Family Life, by Bini McCall

    Well, half-term and the Jubilee celebrations seemed to fly by last week, probably because we were busy with our visitors. It was all great fun, although the house did seem very overcrowded at times, particularly because of the dreadful weather which meant

  • Kirtley does his bit for England

    Sussex bowler James Kirtley has done his bit for England as they chase a morale-boosting Test series win. The stand-in Sussex skipper says he would love to open the bowling for his country on cricket's biggest stage. He did his chances of a future call-up

  • Cole: Be careful out there

    Ashley Cole has warned England to beware the wounded pride of Kanu when they clash with Nigeria in Wednesday's World Cup battle. Kanu has been recovering from a stomach injury which meant he was only introduced as a late substitute in his country's 2-

  • World Cup: Tunisia 1 Belgium 1

    Belgium must now beat Russia to keep their World Cup dream alive after being held by Tunisia at Oita today. The Red Devils knew that victory by two clear goals would be enough to put them on top of the group, but now they are in danger of going home early

  • World Cup: Portugal 4 Poland 0

    Portugal found a new hero in their hour of need as their striker Pauleta ended Poland's World Cup with a superb hat-trick. After their miserable defeat by the USA, Portugal needed a new star to shine out from the clouds that have shrouded their under-performing

  • Coppell talks to Albion

    Brighton and Hove Albion have opened talks with Steve Coppell, their top managerial target to replace Peter Taylor. Coppell revealed to us today that he has met with chairman Dick Knight to discuss the post vacated by Taylor at the end of April. The former

  • Too many masts

    I am surprised to find Brighton and Hove city centre is littered with mobile phone masts everywhere. It is definitely no longer a place to be but a place to avoid for your health's sake. -Roger Tang, Bevendean Avenue, Saltdean

  • Tycoon denies murder

    Property tycoon Nicholas van Hoogstraten took the witness stand at the Old Bailey today to deny a murder described as "a bungled farce". Opening the defence case, Richard Ferguson QC said the killing of landlord Mohammed Raja bore the characteristics

  • Warped mind

    I have been following J Jackson's comments on hunting with dogs, the latest of which (Letters, June 5) deserves a reply. He or she would be advised to update his or her argument on the issue of a fox being killed by a bite "to the back of the neck". This

  • The miracle of spring

    "Gratitude, respect and pride is what the jubilee means to me." These were the powerful words said by the Queen in her Golden Jubilee speech. The whole nation and many people round the world celebrated the Queen's 50 years of reign and joined in the pomp

  • Loyalty lack

    I must express my astonishment about the total lack of commitment, enthusiasm and loyalty displayed by Brighton and Hove City Council during the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations. The whole weekend was very badly advertised by the media, who approached

  • Speedway: Eagles duo fail to make impression

    Eastbourne stars Mark Loram and Joe Screen failed in their bid to gatecrash the British Grand Prix party at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium. The Eagles' duo had nine attempts between them without a win in Saturday's showpiece event, which was won by Australian

  • Drawing in crime

    Pensioner Patricia Mynott was suffering from shock when a burglar armed with a knife entered her seafront home in Brighton. But she still had the savvy to use her artistic talent to draw a picture of the man responsible on the back of an envelope. The

  • Athletics: Rivers flows home

    Hastings, relegated from the Southern League division one last season, finished joint first with Aldershot in their home fixture at the weekend. Mark Rivers scored a brilliant hat-track of victories in the sprints. He clocked 11.2sec for the 100m, 22.5sec

  • Cricket: Hastings extend advantage

    Hastings have extended their lead at the top of the Shepherd Neame Sussex Premier League to 26 points after their fifth win in six matches. Second-placed Brighton and Hove had to play a 31-overs-a-side game against Chichester when rain delayed the start

  • Woman's sketch traps knifeman

    A 72-year-old artist's portrait skills helped catch a knife-wielding burglar who forced his way into her home. Patricia Mynott was still suffering shock hours after her ordeal when she drew the sketch on the back of a large envelope. The outline was recognised

  • MP steps in to motorbike row

    An MP has stepped into the row over motorcycle scramblers riding their machines at a beauty spot in Hove. He has asked the owners of Toad's Hole Valley to take action to prevent the bikers getting on to the land. The valley is a local wildlife haven bordered

  • Village ready for Sir Paul's big day

    Excitement is mounting in the Irish village where Sir Paul McCartney is to marry Heather Mills. Locals gathered outside Castle Leslie in Glaslough, County Monaghan, awaiting the arrival of a host of celebrities. But the only vehicles to pass through the

  • Woman rescued twice in a week

    A woman was detained under the Mental Health Act after she was rescued from drowning for the second time in a week. The 20-year-old refused to come out from a nook between boulders at Brighton Marina despite the danger of a rapidly rising tide. Fire crews

  • Mose Fan Fan and Somo Somo, Pavilion Theatre, Brighton

    The performance by dance music legend Mose "Fan Fan" Se Sengo and his band Somo Somo came loaded with expectation. The African guitarist and vocalist was an integral part of pioneering group TPOK Jazz and Somo Somo are worthy successors. As a curtain-raiser

  • La Traviata and Don Giovanni, Theatre Royal, Brighton

    English Touring Opera has been coming to Brighton ever since it was Opera 80, bringing with it lively productions of well-known operas. Last week's visit was no exception. It opened with La Traviata. This was updated to Paris in the Thirties, which certainly

  • Overseas op scheme ends

    A controversial pilot project to send West Sussex patients abroad for operations on the NHS has finished. The West Sussex patients were among hundreds across the South to take part in the scheme. A report into the results of the project is expected to

  • Bypass is nearly ready

    The Polegate bypass is days away from being completed after almost two years of stop-start construction work. Residents are counting down the days to the opening of the A27 bypass after enduring years of lorries thundering past their homes. More than

  • Harbour's route to progress

    A vision of Shoreham Harbour as an exciting place to live and work was launched three years ago. So is it any nearer becoming a reality? Consultant Graham Moss drew up a strategy for the future of one of the biggest brownfield sites in England. It included