Archive

  • Coma girl's second chance

    Doctors asked Shahna Thwaites' parents to switch off her life support machine. They refused and, against the odds, she has recovered. Shahna is an avid crossword puzzler who does not care which words she scribbles as long as they fill the gaps. She is

  • Time of our lives

    I have just seen the article about the Adonis Cabaret Club (The Argus, November 18). I went there at the weekend with a group of girls on a hen night and we had the time of our lives. Very good show, very funny drag artist (one of the best I have seen

  • Slush? Hush, mush

    Rowan Dore's review of Cliff Richard's show was good apart from saying "leave the slush to Daniel O'Donnell" (November 18). How dare he say this? In defence of Daniel, a truly wonderful person and singer, he does a large variety of different songs, old

  • Lost letters

    Haydn Chappell's concerns about lost post in Crawley (Letters, November 13) also ring true for Hove. In the past six months, I have personally met neighbours in Neville Avenue, Moyne Close, Wayfield Avenue and others who have the same house number as

  • First refusal

    How can Janek Masrani (The Argus, November 15) think a hostel for homeless people will ever be accepted by the residents of Eaton Gardens? Eaton Gardens is a pleasant, quiet area of Hove into which his nursing home fits quite well but he must realise

  • Men get designer undies store

    A boutique which opens in Brighton tonight is said to be Britain's first designer underwear store for men. With all kinds of boxer shorts, posing pouches and even frilly camouflaged novelties for sale, owner Peter Dudley is hoping it becomes the place

  • Parking in the cycle lane

    It is good to see Brighton and Hove City Council improve the lot for cyclists in the hope of encouraging more residents to switch from car to bike. But the whole point of a nice red contra-flow cycle lane in New Road, Brighton, is lost if the very same

  • No surprise

    Brighton and Hove as parking-ticket capital comes as no surprise. The conclusion that can be drawn is we must be the capital for illegal parkers, too. Allowing for mistakes, there are still examples of inconsiderate and dangerous parking. There are safety

  • Demand that never went away

    I was amused by the comment of the NPAS spokeswoman stating she believed Brighton and Hove residents did not know about appealing against parking tickets. Perhaps she could let Brighton and Hove City Council know, as I went though the appeals process

  • The Sage Of Sussex: Adam Trimingham

    The anti brigade who dislike any form of enterprise really have it in for those who supported Brighton and Hove's bid to be European Capital of Culture. Hardly a day goes by without a sneering and self-righteous comment from someone who knew it would

  • Bus loses roof in crash

    A double-decker bus driver was left suffering shock this afternoon after his vehicle smashed into a 600-year-old book shop in Lewes. The number 729 bus, carrying eight passengers, hit the 15th Century Bookshop in Lewes High Street shortly after 2pm. The

  • Blunkett: Worst paedophiles face life

    Home Secretary David Blunkett today finally published legislation to lock up Britain's worst paedophiles for life. The move, which follows a long campaign, was ordered by Mr Blunkett to ensure there are "no more cases" like that of Sarah Payne's killer

  • Priest who preyed on children

    Michael Hill's depraved behaviour began long before it came to the attention of church authorities. He was giving cause for concern as long ago as the Seventies. Hill was ordained in 1960 and worked in Surrey and Sussex. In 1981 he was moved to Heathfield

  • Driven downhill

    Councillor Heather James must be somewhat naive if she really believes her assertion that the sarsen stones in Stanmer Park were removed for grass cutting (The Argus, November 4). The stones weigh anything from a few kilos to several tonnes and I can

  • At long last

    Finally, something is going to be done about parking in the Goldsmid area. The increase in car ownership since the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 has turned pedestrian-friendly, quiet roads into congested, pollution-riddled parking lots. Will the new

  • Still shifting

    Brighton and Hove City Council's proposals for a controlled parking zone (CPZ) in Goldsmid look set to gain approval at the next meeting of the environment committee on December 12. One of the reasons cited for these is that Goldsmid suffers from displaced

  • Cycling: Court cleans up

    Tristan Court won so much silverware at Brighton Mitre's annual dinner that he only took one token trophy back to his table. He said he would collect the rest later, presumably in a Securicor van! Court's 17 first places included Mitre's open hilly time

  • Double fault

    Those of you in the Goldsmid area who have read your local lamp-post recently will already know there is a parking proposal for the area. What you probably do not know - because the notice does not tell you - is that part of this proposal involves painting

  • Basketball comment: Nick Nurse

    Well we did it. We came through that huge weekend with wins over Chester and Milton Keynes to make it 11 on the bounce. I thought it was an exciting weekend, certainly a challenging one and also very interesting from the tactical and coaching points of

  • A lesson for all

    Shahna Thwaites has made an amazing recovery after a terrible car crash five years ago, which killed two other people. Her parents were told at the time they might as well turn off her life support machine because she was in such a poor way. Now 23-year-old

  • Nice earner

    If you are one of the 1,000 or more motorists trapped by Sussex Police at the roadworks outside Sussex University at Falmer each week, I would urge you to consider pleading not guilty. If you were driving westwards on the A27 and needed to accelerate

  • Late spot kick hits Withdean

    Withdean 2000 suffered FA Vase frustration as they were held 2-2 at home by St Margaretsbury in their second round tie last night. The hosts thought they had won it when Sam Francis struck on 90 minutes, only for a penalty to be awarded aginst Jay Pickering

  • Crash landing for Bears and Seagirls

    Crash Training, the information technology (IT) skills specialist, has announced sponsorship deals with two successful Sussex sports teams. The Brighton-based organisation has signed for a second season with Brighton Bears and landed a two-year deal with

  • Selling a company calls for grooming

    Cuts in capital gains tax that came into effect this year mean a better deal for people selling a business. Howard Matthews, managing director of Sayers Common based Cadmus Group, said: "Changes to the rules on taper relief announced by Gordon Brown in

  • Simpler to pay your way out of bungling

    Beware of the three-sided temporary yellow plastic "No parking" signs on the streets of Brighton and Hove. They may have information on a sheet of white paper stuck on one of the three sides, which you may well not see. You will then, most likely, find

  • Knight: I won't back Division One rebels

    Albion chairman Dick Knight has attacked a threat by three quarters of the First Divison clubs to resign from the Football League. The mass rebellion is due to be unveiled at a meeting of Division One clubs in Oxford today. Eighteen out of 24 have reportedly

  • Massive jams after accident

    A car crashed into the back of a van on the A27 near Falmer today, causing major traffic delays. The car driver suffered minor injuries in the collision involving a Renault 21 and the Mercedes van at 7.50am today. A stretch of the westbound carriageway

  • Public finance weakens

    Britain's public finances deteriorated further last month as tax receipts were hit by the weaker economy. Data from the Office for National Statistics showed the public purse recorded a surplus of £2.5 billion in October, far below the £5.9 billion surplus

  • Taylor wants Melton

    Steve Melton's one-month loan move to Peter Taylor's Hull could become permanent. Former Albion boss Taylor, keen to keep Melton for the Third Division Tigers, said: "He impressed me when I was at Brighton. "He's a skilful midfield player who can score

  • Fans may get share option

    Albion are considering a share issue to supporters, but not until planning permission is secured for a new stadium at Falmer. We revealed a fortnight ago the success of a public share scheme launched in the summer by the Seagulls' First Division rivals

  • 999 alert over mystery smell

    Residents who bombarded emergency services with reports of a mystery stench have been told the likely cause was an oil spill off Spain. Strong winds blew fumes from the stricken vessel as far as Sussex, prompting calls to police, the fire brigade and

  • Knight: I won't back Division One rebels

    Albion chairman Dick Knight has attacked a threat by three quarters of the First Divison clubs to resign from the Football League. The mass rebellion is due to be unveiled at a meeting of Division One clubs in Oxford today. Eighteen out of 24 have reportedly

  • Help for abuse victims

    One-stop shops for victims of domestic violence are being launched across Sussex. Agencies including housing, health, police, voluntary sectors and education have joined forces to provide a more comprehensive service. Drop-in centres called Step Forward

  • Patient wait for ME clinic

    Thousands of Sussex residents face a daily struggle against the debilitating symptoms of ME and GPs believe they need a specialist clinic. Local health authorities and MPs are also pressing for action and the Government's Chief Medical Officer has backed

  • Clergy and the working girls

    You can always rely on Worthing's clergy to whistle up a storm. Over the decades, they have stirred up furious debates over horseracing on the sands, mixed bathing, Sunday shop opening, and the screening of X certificate films in the town's cinemas. Sadly

  • Wildness of brooding storm filled the air

    Worthing is periodically visited by incredible weather which never ceases to fascinate and amaze. As far as living memory is concerned, none of us will forget the 1987 hurricane, hopefully a once-in-alifetime disaster. Our ancestors looked back on July

  • Knife clue to killer found

    Workmen broke into a sealed room and found a knife that could unlock a 35-year-old murder mystery. They called a locksmith to enter the room in the bowels of Brighton police station in John Street when no one could come up with a key. Inside was a treasure

  • Coma girl's second chance

    Doctors asked Shahna Thwaites' parents to switch off her life support machine. They refused and, against the odds, she has recovered. Shahna is an avid crossword puzzler who does not care which words she scribbles as long as they fill the gaps. She is

  • Sports on show

    A new exhibition at Littlehampton Museum looks at the history of sport in the town and celebrates the range of sports that have been played locally. The exhibition, called Fun and Games, traces the origins of many of the town's sporting clubs back to

  • Traffic hopes

    Labour councillors in Lancing, Sompting and Worthing have welcomed the Government's commitment to reducing traffic bottlenecks on roads such as the A27. Transport Secretary Alistair Darling has announced that £145 million is being put towards easing 92

  • Church crisis

    A Victorian church is facing a cash crisis as spending outstrips income. As stated in The Argus, St Mary's Church, Goring, needs up to £200,000 to replace its roof. But the day-to-day running costs of the historic Worthing parish church is also causing

  • Lost deposits

    Volunteer helpers are urging anybody who has had a deposit unreasonably held by rogue landlords at the end of their tenancy to lobby their MP. A survey conducted by the Citizens' Advice Bureau in 1998 found that up to half of all private tenants lost

  • Cycling spotlight

    Controversial moves to run a cycle lane along Worthing promenade will be scrutinised on Monday. Three Conservative Worthing borough councillors called in a recent executive decision to approve a promenade cycle route between George V Avenue and West Buildings

  • Centenarian dies

    One of the oldest women in Worthing has died shortly before her 105th birthday. Hilda Beer was born in Weymouth, Dorset, in 1897, one of five children to a master baker and his wife. Mrs Beer married Douglas Howard Beer in 1921 and they had three children

  • Backing for schools merger

    A mystery benefactor is prepared to put £2 million towards starting a new city academy, formed through a merger of two schools. Brighton and Hove City Council has been approached with the proposal by the United Learning Trust, an independent agency which

  • Time of our lives

    I have just seen the article about the Adonis Cabaret Club (The Argus, November 18). I went there at the weekend with a group of girls on a hen night and we had the time of our lives. Very good show, very funny drag artist (one of the best I have seen

  • Slush? Hush, mush

    Rowan Dore's review of Cliff Richard's show was good apart from saying "leave the slush to Daniel O'Donnell" (November 18). How dare he say this? In defence of Daniel, a truly wonderful person and singer, he does a large variety of different songs, old

  • Post haste

    I agree with Tony Sturley and other correspondents that an all-postal election would be a mistake (Letters, November 18). As far as I can tell, voting fraud is rare under the present system. I have only ever heard one rumour of voters being impersonated

  • Tragedy of first-time surfer

    A promising university student drowned while surfing for the first time during a dream holiday, an inquest heard. Stuart Randall, 21, was on a three-month volunteer project to Ecuador when he was swept out to sea by a riptide. His body was found on a

  • Lost letters

    Haydn Chappell's concerns about lost post in Crawley (Letters, November 13) also ring true for Hove. In the past six months, I have personally met neighbours in Neville Avenue, Moyne Close, Wayfield Avenue and others who have the same house number as

  • No foundation

    The situation regarding the flats in Denmark Road (there is no Denmark Villas in South Portslade) is worrying enough without unhelpful and inaccurate scaremongering (Letters, November 19). There are no plans to sell these flats. Because no one can be

  • Boat not brick

    I have just read the article on the Brighton Marina development. Having been an active boat owner at the marina for more than 20 years, I feel I need to respond to Parkridge's comments. Having more shops and bars at the marina in no way enhances the facilities

  • Development must grace environment

    Piers Gough's designs for Brighton Marina sound perfectly ghastly (November 13). What has already been built there desecrates the natural environment quite enough. We do not need redevelopment on top of the cliffs, panoramic lifts or 12-storey mini-towers

  • Rock: Nickelback, Brighton Centre, November 16

    Last year, Nickelback went from being one of Canada's best-loved rock bands to being one of the biggest acts in the world. Their latest album, Silver Side Up, has racked up more than four million sales in the US, gone six-times platinum in Canada and

  • No surprise

    Brighton and Hove as parking-ticket capital comes as no surprise. The conclusion that can be drawn is we must be the capital for illegal parkers, too. Allowing for mistakes, there are still examples of inconsiderate and dangerous parking. There are safety

  • Demand that never went away

    I was amused by the comment of the NPAS spokeswoman stating she believed Brighton and Hove residents did not know about appealing against parking tickets. Perhaps she could let Brighton and Hove City Council know, as I went though the appeals process

  • Fire strike could ground planes

    Holidaymakers face delays at airports if firefighters go ahead with their planned strike starting tomorrow. The GMB union said it would tell its ground services members at Gatwick not to work if airport fire fighters join the picket line. Talks aimed

  • Criminal message

    Would-be car thieves are being told 'Don't Bother' in a new campaign. Operation Vallance offers advice on how to reduce the possibility of becoming a victim of car crime. The scheme will be in Wick near Littlehampton, this weekend. It is a partnership

  • The Sage Of Sussex: Adam Trimingham

    The anti brigade who dislike any form of enterprise really have it in for those who supported Brighton and Hove's bid to be European Capital of Culture. Hardly a day goes by without a sneering and self-righteous comment from someone who knew it would

  • Paedophile priest is jailed

    Paedophile priest Michael Hill was today sentenced to five years in prison for his "disgraceful and disgusting" sexual abuse of young boys. Former Sussex priest Hill, 68, was branded a "predatory paedophile" when he was jailed at the Old Bailey in London

  • Demo as bins strike looms

    Rubbish collectors threatening to strike over pay staged a demonstration outside the offices of Arun District Council in Littlehampton last night. Street cleaners and refuse collectors waved banners and demanded a pay increase. They were joined by family

  • Driven downhill

    Councillor Heather James must be somewhat naive if she really believes her assertion that the sarsen stones in Stanmer Park were removed for grass cutting (The Argus, November 4). The stones weigh anything from a few kilos to several tonnes and I can

  • At long last

    Finally, something is going to be done about parking in the Goldsmid area. The increase in car ownership since the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 has turned pedestrian-friendly, quiet roads into congested, pollution-riddled parking lots. Will the new

  • Double fault

    Those of you in the Goldsmid area who have read your local lamp-post recently will already know there is a parking proposal for the area. What you probably do not know - because the notice does not tell you - is that part of this proposal involves painting

  • Basketball comment: Nick Nurse

    Well we did it. We came through that huge weekend with wins over Chester and Milton Keynes to make it 11 on the bounce. I thought it was an exciting weekend, certainly a challenging one and also very interesting from the tactical and coaching points of

  • Simple choice

    It seems Brighton and Hove City Council is intent on imposing a residents' parking scheme on the Goldsmid area against the wishes of most residents (I saw the proposals pinned to lamp-posts). The parking debate has been engineered by some bright spark

  • Basketball: Johnson aims to silence cynics

    Brighton Bears' Wilbur Johnson knows you cannot please all the fans all the time. That is why he will ignore anyone casting doubts over the Bears' prize-winning potential and attempt to help them to a trophy semi-final by winning at London Towers on Saturday

  • Fans may get share option

    Albion are considering a share issue to supporters, but not until planning permission is secured for a new stadium at Falmer. We revealed a fortnight ago the success of a public share scheme launched in the summer by the Seagulls' First Division rivals

  • Crash landing for Bears and Seagirls

    Crash Training, the information technology (IT) skills specialist, has announced sponsorship deals with two successful Sussex sports teams. The Brighton-based organisation has signed for a second season with Brighton Bears and landed a two-year deal with

  • Lack of basic skills a disgrace

    A lack of basic literacy and numeracy skills is a national disgrace, according to bosses and unions. Government figures show one in five adults does not have the literacy or numeracy skills of most children starting secondary school. The TUC and the CBI

  • Foreign firms test the water

    Foreign companies with their eye on the British market are setting up skeleton operations in the South-East. They are calling on financial experts in the region to help them with the UK's tax and accountancy practices. Jonathan Ericson, managing partner

  • Selling a company calls for grooming

    Cuts in capital gains tax that came into effect this year mean a better deal for people selling a business. Howard Matthews, managing director of Sayers Common based Cadmus Group, said: "Changes to the rules on taper relief announced by Gordon Brown in

  • Simpler to pay your way out of bungling

    Beware of the three-sided temporary yellow plastic "No parking" signs on the streets of Brighton and Hove. They may have information on a sheet of white paper stuck on one of the three sides, which you may well not see. You will then, most likely, find

  • Knight: I won't back Division One rebels

    Albion chairman Dick Knight has attacked a threat by three quarters of the First Divison clubs to resign from the Football League. The mass rebellion is due to be unveiled at a meeting of Division One clubs in Oxford today. Eighteen out of 24 have reportedly

  • Massive jams after accident

    A car crashed into the back of a van on the A27 near Falmer today, causing major traffic delays. The car driver suffered minor injuries in the collision involving a Renault 21 and the Mercedes van at 7.50am today. A stretch of the westbound carriageway

  • Coppell blasts Fifa move

    Albion boss Steve Coppell has attacked a proposal by Fifa which could limit his options in the transfer market. The world governing body want to restrict English Football League clubs to buying or selling only two players, including loans, in periods

  • Petition for free bus rides

    More than 1,000 Mid Sussex people have signed a petition demanding free bus travel for old age pensioners. Residents of Hassocks, Burgess Hill and the surrounding area put their names to the document, which demanded equal treatment for the elderly. Many

  • Blackwell signs for Albion

    Dean Blackwell has followed Simon Rodger and signed a contract to stay with the Seagulls until the end of the season. The deal is a double boost for boss Steve Coppell ahead of Saturday's trip to Preston as the former Wimbledon stopper is expected to

  • Badger group queries official count

    A national animal welfare group says Government staff should learn to count before they start killing the badgers of Saltdean. Dr Elaine King, chief executive of the National Federation of Badger Groups (NFBG), said the Department of the Environment and

  • Taylor wants Melton

    Steve Melton's one-month loan move to Peter Taylor's Hull could become permanent. Former Albion boss Taylor, keen to keep Melton for the Third Division Tigers, said: "He impressed me when I was at Brighton. "He's a skilful midfield player who can score

  • 999 alert over mystery smell

    Residents who bombarded emergency services with reports of a mystery stench have been told the likely cause was an oil spill off Spain. Strong winds blew fumes from the stricken vessel as far as Sussex, prompting calls to police, the fire brigade and

  • Knight: I won't back Division One rebels

    Albion chairman Dick Knight has attacked a threat by three quarters of the First Divison clubs to resign from the Football League. The mass rebellion is due to be unveiled at a meeting of Division One clubs in Oxford today. Eighteen out of 24 have reportedly

  • Help for abuse victims

    One-stop shops for victims of domestic violence are being launched across Sussex. Agencies including housing, health, police, voluntary sectors and education have joined forces to provide a more comprehensive service. Drop-in centres called Step Forward

  • Bond theme for screen party

    Children dressed as James Bond in tuxedos and black ties to mark the unveiling of Worthing's latest cinema screen. The Edwardian Dome cinema spent about £75,000 on a new upstairs cinema, which can seat 118 people. Deputy Mayor Valerie Sutton cut a ribbon

  • Yacht club fights marina plans

    Angry members of Brighton Marina Yacht Club will hand over more than 100 letters opposing £100 million plans to transform the site. They will hand them in on Friday, just in time to beat the deadline for submissions following a public consultation exercise

  • Festival and Fringe fall out

    A row has erupted between Brighton Festival and the Brighton Fringe. Organisers of the fringe, which has been running since 1996, say they were asked to hand over their database and join the festival in a steering committee. But the fringe, which involves

  • Woman died after hospital op

    A West Sussex woman died from complications following an operation, an inquest was told. Maureen Romaniuk, 46, of Clarence Road, Horsham, was diagnosed with colonic cancer just days before she died in Worthing Hospital. She was transferred to the hospital

  • Seafront Fayre in peril

    Worthing's Seafront Fayre, which attracts thousands of visitors, looks set to be axed unless council leaders come to the rescue. The Worthing Seafront Festival Trust has decided to wind up its responsibility for the town's largest event over fears it

  • Patient wait for ME clinic

    Thousands of Sussex residents face a daily struggle against the debilitating symptoms of ME and GPs believe they need a specialist clinic. Local health authorities and MPs are also pressing for action and the Government's Chief Medical Officer has backed

  • Blonde didn't figure

    Imagine for a moment the prospect of Madonna opening the new-look Guildbourne Centre. Worthing would go crazy with excitement. In 1959, the town council passed up the chance of inviting Diana Dors, in her glamorous, hourglass figure heyday, from opening

  • Wildness of brooding storm filled the air

    Worthing is periodically visited by incredible weather which never ceases to fascinate and amaze. As far as living memory is concerned, none of us will forget the 1987 hurricane, hopefully a once-in-alifetime disaster. Our ancestors looked back on July

  • The 1970 weekend when pot-smoking hippies came to Phun

    Thirty-two years ago thousands of hippies descended on a field just outside Worthing for a Glastonbury-style pop concert. On a hot summer's weekend in 1970, thousands of long-haired teenagers came for the party of the year. They gathered in a 65-acre

  • Hart Beat with Ian Hart

    That great British institution, the Top 40, or for older readers the Hit Parade, celebrated its 50th birthday last week. Although nowadays nothing more than a marketing exercise for record companies, it still holds a special place in the popular culture

  • The words on the streets

    The names of Worthing's streets range from the obvious to the perplexing. Examples of the latter are Alinora Avenue and Alinora Crescent. Just how did they get their names? It is believed that the man who developed the estate, Claud Moat, had two daughters

  • Actor Brosnan aids Sussex charity

    James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan has become patron of a Mid Sussex charity. Pierce Brosnan, who plays 007 in the spy movies, has agreed to help the Triangle Healing Trust in Cuckfield. He met founder Judy Porter three years ago at a concert by their mutual

  • Karate kid Kirsty's fighting spirit

    Despite suffering from cerebral palsy, 11-year-old Kirsty Meredith has fought her way to two karate championship titles. Kirsty, of Cissbury Avenue, Peacehaven, won the Sama Karate organisation's inter-club sparring competition. She also came top in the

  • Payout for opera house worker

    A former reservations manager at Glyndebourne Opera House who lost her job after the September 11 terrorist attacks has won £5,300 compensation. Julia Smith, 59, successfully claimed she was unfairly dismissed by Letherby and Christopher, a division of

  • Fire strike could ground planes

    Holidaymakers face delays at airports if firefighters go ahead with their planned strike starting tomorrow. The GMB union said it would tell its ground services members at Gatwick not to work if airport fire fighters join the picket line. Talks aimed

  • Disgraceful

    Ask the wife and children of firefighter Bob Miller, who died in a factory fire two weeks ago, whether firefighters are worth more than £45 a day or £6 an hour. In fact, ask the families of the 24 firefighters who have died in the past ten years. Utterly

  • Knife amnesty boxes launched

    Pubs and clubs in Eastbourne have been given amnesty boxes in a bid to reduce violent and drug-related crime. The boxes will be fixed to the walls of pubs and clubs and signs displayed to encourage customers to leave drugs, knives and other weapons in

  • Truth of the matter

    Another ex-American Express employee who wishes to remain anonymous but wishes the truth to be told ("Amex looks to the East", The Argus, November 16): "The business is accountable to nobody but the shareholders." Exactly. -Richard W Symonds, Ifield,

  • Beacon shines

    The new headteacher of a top girls' school has outlined her vision for the future. Della West, head of Davison School, Selbourne Road, East Worthing, was speaking at a Year 11 Celebration of Success evening for students. The event, at Davison Leisure

  • £5m new look for home on target

    New plans are being drawn up for the £5 million revamp of a hospital-home for ex-servicemen. Managers at Gifford House, the Queen Alexandra Hospital-Home in Worthing, were disappointed when borough planners rejected proposals for a major extension to

  • Rock steady crew

    Promenaders will notice in the English Channel, during lulls in the boisterous winter weather over the coming months, a dark black shape low in the water. The vessel in question will be either the Mibau or the Armour Rock, two giant barges chartered to

  • Why are strippers funny?

    After yet another item about male strippers and what a laugh they are, can we see some female strippers in The Argus? We are not all female or gay in this city. Then we can find out how funny women find female strippers. Maybe someone could write a play

  • Driver jailed for mowing down couple

    A bus driver who mowed down two teenage sweethearts in his car has been jailed for 18 months. Metin Ilkhan, 24, was jailed at Lewes Crown Court today after speeding along Hove seafront and ploughing into Rachel Birell and her then boyfriend Ian Martin

  • Almost there

    While we never like to hear that lifelong supporters of the Conservative Party feel unable to remain members, we are very disappointed to learn of Mrs O Butler's decision to "resign her membership" (Letters, November 18). This is, in part, because we

  • First refusal

    How can Janek Masrani (The Argus, November 15) think a hostel for homeless people will ever be accepted by the residents of Eaton Gardens? Eaton Gardens is a pleasant, quiet area of Hove into which his nursing home fits quite well but he must realise

  • Still a blot

    It's a pity that the day after the Countryside Agency unanimously agreed the Designation Order for a South Downs National Park, The Argus put the news at the end of an article on the Falmer stadium site ("Stadium site may lose its beauty tag", November

  • Men get designer undies store

    A boutique which opens in Brighton tonight is said to be Britain's first designer underwear store for men. With all kinds of boxer shorts, posing pouches and even frilly camouflaged novelties for sale, owner Peter Dudley is hoping it becomes the place

  • Parking in the cycle lane

    It is good to see Brighton and Hove City Council improve the lot for cyclists in the hope of encouraging more residents to switch from car to bike. But the whole point of a nice red contra-flow cycle lane in New Road, Brighton, is lost if the very same

  • Customs tame drugs mules

    Customs chiefs today claimed they were winning the war against Jamaican smugglers using Gatwick Airport to flood Britain with cocaine. They said new detection methods had cut the number of drug mules getting through on the notorious smuggling route by

  • The Four Seasons by Candlelight, Brighton Dome, November 16

    The organisers of concerts at the Dome should take a leaf or two from impresario Raymond Gubbay's book of success. Take some popular classics, dress the orchestra in powdered wigs, frock coats and stockings and charge a reasonable price - say, from £6

  • The Rat Pack Live from Las Vegas, Chichester Festival Theatre

    Three singing legends were strutting their stuff at Chichester Festival Theatre. For more than two-and-a-half hours, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr indulged in some fantastic songs, some dancing and a shedload of dry wit, celebrating infidelity

  • Blackwell signs for Albion

    Dean Blackwell has followed Simon Rodger and signed a contract to stay with the Seagulls until the end of the season. The deal is a double boost for boss Steve Coppell ahead of Saturday's trip to Preston as the former Wimbledon stopper is expected to

  • Bus loses roof in crash

    A double-decker bus driver was left suffering shock this afternoon after his vehicle smashed into a 600-year-old book shop in Lewes. The number 729 bus, carrying eight passengers, hit the 15th Century Bookshop in Lewes High Street shortly after 2pm. The

  • Blunkett: Worst paedophiles face life

    Home Secretary David Blunkett today finally published legislation to lock up Britain's worst paedophiles for life. The move, which follows a long campaign, was ordered by Mr Blunkett to ensure there are "no more cases" like that of Sarah Payne's killer

  • Priest who preyed on children

    Michael Hill's depraved behaviour began long before it came to the attention of church authorities. He was giving cause for concern as long ago as the Seventies. Hill was ordained in 1960 and worked in Surrey and Sussex. In 1981 he was moved to Heathfield

  • Tragedy of first-time surfer

    A promising university student drowned while surfing for the first time during a dream holiday, an inquest heard. Stuart Randall, 21, was on a three-month volunteer project to Ecuador when he was swept out to sea by a riptide. His body was found on a

  • Seafront Fayre in peril

    Worthing's Seafront Fayre, which attracts thousands of visitors, looks set to be axed unless council leaders come to the rescue. The Worthing Seafront Festival Trust has decided to wind up its responsibility for the town's largest event over fears it

  • The whole story

    The "£3 million parking bonanza" story (The Argus, November 18) could have gone further. It could have told of cars being impounded when not causing any obstruction (against NPAS rules), the double-or-nothing fines if you challenge Brighton and Hove City

  • Table Tennis: Sussex finish third

    Peter Bartram confirmed his reputation as the finest top-spinner in Sussex in the opening session of the County Championships at Harlow. His three wins and only one defeat helped Sussex to victory over South Yorkshire 6-4 and a 5-5 draw with Middlesex

  • Still shifting

    Brighton and Hove City Council's proposals for a controlled parking zone (CPZ) in Goldsmid look set to gain approval at the next meeting of the environment committee on December 12. One of the reasons cited for these is that Goldsmid suffers from displaced

  • Cycling: Court cleans up

    Tristan Court won so much silverware at Brighton Mitre's annual dinner that he only took one token trophy back to his table. He said he would collect the rest later, presumably in a Securicor van! Court's 17 first places included Mitre's open hilly time

  • Brief encounter

    Men can buy sexy pants at Brief, a new designer underwear store in The Lanes, Brighton. Everything is there from expensive silk numbers to posing pouches and frilly, camouflaged novelties. Owner Peter Dudley, who used to model underwear himself, wants

  • A lesson for all

    Shahna Thwaites has made an amazing recovery after a terrible car crash five years ago, which killed two other people. Her parents were told at the time they might as well turn off her life support machine because she was in such a poor way. Now 23-year-old

  • Nice earner

    If you are one of the 1,000 or more motorists trapped by Sussex Police at the roadworks outside Sussex University at Falmer each week, I would urge you to consider pleading not guilty. If you were driving westwards on the A27 and needed to accelerate

  • Late spot kick hits Withdean

    Withdean 2000 suffered FA Vase frustration as they were held 2-2 at home by St Margaretsbury in their second round tie last night. The hosts thought they had won it when Sam Francis struck on 90 minutes, only for a penalty to be awarded aginst Jay Pickering

  • Fines are just not the ticket

    Train operator South Central is right to take measures that will stamp out most fare dodging. But in giving passengers on-the-spot fines if they are caught without tickets, it is treading on dangerous territory. For every genuine fare dodger, there will

  • Wilkins happy in defeat

    Albion youth coach Dean Wilkins was delighted, despite the under-19s being knocked out of the Football League Youth Alliance Cup. The young Seagulls lost 2-1 to Luton at Sussex University, scuppering their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals, but Wilkins

  • Speed reader

    Having recently completed a journey through the roadworks on the A27 at Falmer in either direction, I must challenge the legality of the signs displayed. The approach to the roadworks in either direction is correctly signed. However, my point rests with

  • Business aid to be targeted

    Trade Secretary Patricia Hewitt announced a radical package to reform the Department of Industry's business support, worth up to £1 billion a year. In future it will be directed to increase prosperity in areas such as enterprise, investment, innovation

  • England call up Kirtley

    James Kirtley says his surprise call-up to the England one-day squad is "a dream come true." The Sussex vice-captain flies out this weekend to prepare for the VB Series triangular tournament in Australia, which also involves Sri Lanka, as replacement

  • Children helped by £1m grant

    Families will have their say on how more than £1 million will be spent improving the lives of young children. The Sure Start programme has been awarded the cash from the Government to improve pre-school services in Shinewater, Willingdon Trees and Eastbourne

  • New homes 'threaten road system'

    The transport system in Sussex will not be able to cope if 3,500 more houses are built near Burgess Hill, a campaigner has claimed. Christopher Maidment, who is fighting proposals by the West Burgess Hill Company to build houses to the west of the town

  • Pizza deal scrapped

    The former boss of Pizza Express Hugh Osmond has scrapped plans to buy back the business in a potential £250 million deal. The 41-year-old, part of the team that floated the restaurant chain nine years ago, has walked away after failing to agree terms

  • Public finance weakens

    Britain's public finances deteriorated further last month as tax receipts were hit by the weaker economy. Data from the Office for National Statistics showed the public purse recorded a surplus of £2.5 billion in October, far below the £5.9 billion surplus

  • Fitness First in shape for sale

    Shares in health club group Fitness First jumped ahead as it effectively put itself up for sale. The group, which shocked the market with a profits warning last month, said it had instructed its financial advisers to investigate options to maximise shareholder

  • Wardens save stroke victim

    Two neighbourhood wardens have been praised for rescuing an elderly woman who collapsed after suffering a stroke. Paul Thayre, 59, and Damian Hurley, 29, were on patrol in Ashington when one of the pensioner's neighbours raised the alarm saying she had

  • Fans may get share option

    Albion are considering a share issue to supporters, but not until planning permission is secured for a new stadium at Falmer. We revealed a fortnight ago the success of a public share scheme launched in the summer by the Seagulls' First Division rivals

  • Fire chief defends against accident claim

    A senior fire officer has denied there was inadequate lighting at the scene of a crash where a crew member plunged 40ft over a barrier. Former firefighter Sarah Cotton, 35, from Worthing, was seriously injured in the fall, which ended her career, after

  • Clergy and the working girls

    You can always rely on Worthing's clergy to whistle up a storm. Over the decades, they have stirred up furious debates over horseracing on the sands, mixed bathing, Sunday shop opening, and the screening of X certificate films in the town's cinemas. Sadly

  • Beware of the bloodbath

    Eleven years have passed since the last Gulf War, which claimed the lives of 47 British servicemen. Hundreds more have died since, stricken by illness, although allegations of them falling victim to "Gulf War Syndrome" are still disputed. Now a substantial

  • Football fund raises £2,500

    A fans' fund set up to save Brighton and Hove Albion from relegation raised £2,500 in its first week. The Forty Note Fund was launched last week with the aim of raising money to pay the wages of two loan signings from the Premiership. Organisers of the

  • Fare dodgers face spot fines

    Rail passengers in Sussex will be given on-the-spot fines if they are found without a ticket. Fare dodgers using South Central trains across Sussex will face a minimum £10 penalty when the fines come into force in January. If their ticket would have cost

  • Knife clue to killer found

    Workmen broke into a sealed room and found a knife that could unlock a 35-year-old murder mystery. They called a locksmith to enter the room in the bowels of Brighton police station in John Street when no one could come up with a key. Inside was a treasure

  • Memory loss of crash PC

    A policeman who crashed into a hotel said his only memory of the collision was being trapped in the wreckage. PC Sean Allman, 38, of The Close, Brighton, who denies a charge of dangerous driving, gave evidence at Lewes Crown Court yesterday. He could

  • Anita Roddick's secret triple life

    Body Shop founder Anita Roddick has been transformed into a fat person, an old person and a homeless person for a TV documentary. Anita, who is more used to life in her mansion in Slindon, near Arundel, spent four days sleeping rough in central London

  • Undeserving causes

    So, a pioneering cancer clinic has to close due to lack of funds (November 15) and will receive nothing from the National Lottery. How typical. The Lottery gives to undeserving causes and the kind of places that do so much good receive nothing. It's time

  • Truth of the matter

    Another ex-American Express employee who wishes to remain anonymous but wishes the truth to be told ("Amex looks to the East", The Argus, November 16): "The business is accountable to nobody but the shareholders." Exactly. -Richard W Symonds, Ifield,

  • Why are strippers funny?

    After yet another item about male strippers and what a laugh they are, can we see some female strippers in The Argus? We are not all female or gay in this city. Then we can find out how funny women find female strippers. Maybe someone could write a play

  • Driver jailed for mowing down couple

    A bus driver who mowed down two teenage sweethearts in his car has been jailed for 18 months. Metin Ilkhan, 24, was jailed at Lewes Crown Court today after speeding along Hove seafront and ploughing into Rachel Birell and her then boyfriend Ian Martin

  • Backing for schools merger

    A mystery benefactor is prepared to put £2 million towards starting a new city academy, formed through a merger of two schools. Brighton and Hove City Council has been approached with the proposal by the United Learning Trust, an independent agency which

  • Almost there

    While we never like to hear that lifelong supporters of the Conservative Party feel unable to remain members, we are very disappointed to learn of Mrs O Butler's decision to "resign her membership" (Letters, November 18). This is, in part, because we

  • Post haste

    I agree with Tony Sturley and other correspondents that an all-postal election would be a mistake (Letters, November 18). As far as I can tell, voting fraud is rare under the present system. I have only ever heard one rumour of voters being impersonated

  • Tragedy of first-time surfer

    A promising university student drowned while surfing for the first time during a dream holiday, an inquest heard. Stuart Randall, 21, was on a three-month volunteer project to Ecuador when he was swept out to sea by a riptide. His body was found on a

  • No foundation

    The situation regarding the flats in Denmark Road (there is no Denmark Villas in South Portslade) is worrying enough without unhelpful and inaccurate scaremongering (Letters, November 19). There are no plans to sell these flats. Because no one can be

  • Still a blot

    It's a pity that the day after the Countryside Agency unanimously agreed the Designation Order for a South Downs National Park, The Argus put the news at the end of an article on the Falmer stadium site ("Stadium site may lose its beauty tag", November

  • Boat not brick

    I have just read the article on the Brighton Marina development. Having been an active boat owner at the marina for more than 20 years, I feel I need to respond to Parkridge's comments. Having more shops and bars at the marina in no way enhances the facilities

  • Development must grace environment

    Piers Gough's designs for Brighton Marina sound perfectly ghastly (November 13). What has already been built there desecrates the natural environment quite enough. We do not need redevelopment on top of the cliffs, panoramic lifts or 12-storey mini-towers

  • Rock: Nickelback, Brighton Centre, November 16

    Last year, Nickelback went from being one of Canada's best-loved rock bands to being one of the biggest acts in the world. Their latest album, Silver Side Up, has racked up more than four million sales in the US, gone six-times platinum in Canada and

  • The Four Seasons by Candlelight, Brighton Dome, November 16

    The organisers of concerts at the Dome should take a leaf or two from impresario Raymond Gubbay's book of success. Take some popular classics, dress the orchestra in powdered wigs, frock coats and stockings and charge a reasonable price - say, from £6

  • The Rat Pack Live from Las Vegas, Chichester Festival Theatre

    Three singing legends were strutting their stuff at Chichester Festival Theatre. For more than two-and-a-half hours, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr indulged in some fantastic songs, some dancing and a shedload of dry wit, celebrating infidelity

  • Blackwell signs for Albion

    Dean Blackwell has followed Simon Rodger and signed a contract to stay with the Seagulls until the end of the season. The deal is a double boost for boss Steve Coppell ahead of Saturday's trip to Preston as the former Wimbledon stopper is expected to

  • Paedophile priest is jailed

    Paedophile priest Michael Hill was today sentenced to five years in prison for his "disgraceful and disgusting" sexual abuse of young boys. Former Sussex priest Hill, 68, was branded a "predatory paedophile" when he was jailed at the Old Bailey in London

  • The whole story

    The "£3 million parking bonanza" story (The Argus, November 18) could have gone further. It could have told of cars being impounded when not causing any obstruction (against NPAS rules), the double-or-nothing fines if you challenge Brighton and Hove City

  • Table Tennis: Sussex finish third

    Peter Bartram confirmed his reputation as the finest top-spinner in Sussex in the opening session of the County Championships at Harlow. His three wins and only one defeat helped Sussex to victory over South Yorkshire 6-4 and a 5-5 draw with Middlesex

  • Brief encounter

    Men can buy sexy pants at Brief, a new designer underwear store in The Lanes, Brighton. Everything is there from expensive silk numbers to posing pouches and frilly, camouflaged novelties. Owner Peter Dudley, who used to model underwear himself, wants

  • Simple choice

    It seems Brighton and Hove City Council is intent on imposing a residents' parking scheme on the Goldsmid area against the wishes of most residents (I saw the proposals pinned to lamp-posts). The parking debate has been engineered by some bright spark

  • Basketball: Johnson aims to silence cynics

    Brighton Bears' Wilbur Johnson knows you cannot please all the fans all the time. That is why he will ignore anyone casting doubts over the Bears' prize-winning potential and attempt to help them to a trophy semi-final by winning at London Towers on Saturday

  • Fines are just not the ticket

    Train operator South Central is right to take measures that will stamp out most fare dodging. But in giving passengers on-the-spot fines if they are caught without tickets, it is treading on dangerous territory. For every genuine fare dodger, there will

  • Wilkins happy in defeat

    Albion youth coach Dean Wilkins was delighted, despite the under-19s being knocked out of the Football League Youth Alliance Cup. The young Seagulls lost 2-1 to Luton at Sussex University, scuppering their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals, but Wilkins

  • Speed reader

    Having recently completed a journey through the roadworks on the A27 at Falmer in either direction, I must challenge the legality of the signs displayed. The approach to the roadworks in either direction is correctly signed. However, my point rests with

  • Fans may get share option

    Albion are considering a share issue to supporters, but not until planning permission is secured for a new stadium at Falmer. We revealed a fortnight ago the success of a public share scheme launched in the summer by the Seagulls' First Division rivals

  • Lack of basic skills a disgrace

    A lack of basic literacy and numeracy skills is a national disgrace, according to bosses and unions. Government figures show one in five adults does not have the literacy or numeracy skills of most children starting secondary school. The TUC and the CBI

  • Foreign firms test the water

    Foreign companies with their eye on the British market are setting up skeleton operations in the South-East. They are calling on financial experts in the region to help them with the UK's tax and accountancy practices. Jonathan Ericson, managing partner

  • Business aid to be targeted

    Trade Secretary Patricia Hewitt announced a radical package to reform the Department of Industry's business support, worth up to £1 billion a year. In future it will be directed to increase prosperity in areas such as enterprise, investment, innovation

  • England call up Kirtley

    James Kirtley says his surprise call-up to the England one-day squad is "a dream come true." The Sussex vice-captain flies out this weekend to prepare for the VB Series triangular tournament in Australia, which also involves Sri Lanka, as replacement

  • Coppell blasts Fifa move

    Albion boss Steve Coppell has attacked a proposal by Fifa which could limit his options in the transfer market. The world governing body want to restrict English Football League clubs to buying or selling only two players, including loans, in periods

  • Pizza deal scrapped

    The former boss of Pizza Express Hugh Osmond has scrapped plans to buy back the business in a potential £250 million deal. The 41-year-old, part of the team that floated the restaurant chain nine years ago, has walked away after failing to agree terms

  • Fitness First in shape for sale

    Shares in health club group Fitness First jumped ahead as it effectively put itself up for sale. The group, which shocked the market with a profits warning last month, said it had instructed its financial advisers to investigate options to maximise shareholder

  • Blackwell signs for Albion

    Dean Blackwell has followed Simon Rodger and signed a contract to stay with the Seagulls until the end of the season. The deal is a double boost for boss Steve Coppell ahead of Saturday's trip to Preston as the former Wimbledon stopper is expected to

  • Badger group queries official count

    A national animal welfare group says Government staff should learn to count before they start killing the badgers of Saltdean. Dr Elaine King, chief executive of the National Federation of Badger Groups (NFBG), said the Department of the Environment and

  • Yacht club fights marina plans

    Angry members of Brighton Marina Yacht Club will hand over more than 100 letters opposing £100 million plans to transform the site. They will hand them in on Friday, just in time to beat the deadline for submissions following a public consultation exercise

  • Festival and Fringe fall out

    A row has erupted between Brighton Festival and the Brighton Fringe. Organisers of the fringe, which has been running since 1996, say they were asked to hand over their database and join the festival in a steering committee. But the fringe, which involves

  • Seafront Fayre in peril

    Worthing's Seafront Fayre, which attracts thousands of visitors, looks set to be axed unless council leaders come to the rescue. The Worthing Seafront Festival Trust has decided to wind up its responsibility for the town's largest event over fears it

  • Fire chief defends against accident claim

    A senior fire officer has denied there was inadequate lighting at the scene of a crash where a crew member plunged 40ft over a barrier. Former firefighter Sarah Cotton, 35, from Worthing, was seriously injured in the fall, which ended her career, after

  • Blonde didn't figure

    Imagine for a moment the prospect of Madonna opening the new-look Guildbourne Centre. Worthing would go crazy with excitement. In 1959, the town council passed up the chance of inviting Diana Dors, in her glamorous, hourglass figure heyday, from opening

  • The 1970 weekend when pot-smoking hippies came to Phun

    Thirty-two years ago thousands of hippies descended on a field just outside Worthing for a Glastonbury-style pop concert. On a hot summer's weekend in 1970, thousands of long-haired teenagers came for the party of the year. They gathered in a 65-acre

  • Hart Beat with Ian Hart

    That great British institution, the Top 40, or for older readers the Hit Parade, celebrated its 50th birthday last week. Although nowadays nothing more than a marketing exercise for record companies, it still holds a special place in the popular culture

  • The words on the streets

    The names of Worthing's streets range from the obvious to the perplexing. Examples of the latter are Alinora Avenue and Alinora Crescent. Just how did they get their names? It is believed that the man who developed the estate, Claud Moat, had two daughters

  • Beware of the bloodbath

    Eleven years have passed since the last Gulf War, which claimed the lives of 47 British servicemen. Hundreds more have died since, stricken by illness, although allegations of them falling victim to "Gulf War Syndrome" are still disputed. Now a substantial

  • Football fund raises £2,500

    A fans' fund set up to save Brighton and Hove Albion from relegation raised £2,500 in its first week. The Forty Note Fund was launched last week with the aim of raising money to pay the wages of two loan signings from the Premiership. Organisers of the

  • Fare dodgers face spot fines

    Rail passengers in Sussex will be given on-the-spot fines if they are found without a ticket. Fare dodgers using South Central trains across Sussex will face a minimum £10 penalty when the fines come into force in January. If their ticket would have cost

  • Memory loss of crash PC

    A policeman who crashed into a hotel said his only memory of the collision was being trapped in the wreckage. PC Sean Allman, 38, of The Close, Brighton, who denies a charge of dangerous driving, gave evidence at Lewes Crown Court yesterday. He could

  • Karate kid Kirsty's fighting spirit

    Despite suffering from cerebral palsy, 11-year-old Kirsty Meredith has fought her way to two karate championship titles. Kirsty, of Cissbury Avenue, Peacehaven, won the Sama Karate organisation's inter-club sparring competition. She also came top in the

  • Payout for opera house worker

    A former reservations manager at Glyndebourne Opera House who lost her job after the September 11 terrorist attacks has won £5,300 compensation. Julia Smith, 59, successfully claimed she was unfairly dismissed by Letherby and Christopher, a division of

  • Fire strike could ground planes

    Holidaymakers face delays at airports if firefighters go ahead with their planned strike starting tomorrow. The GMB union said it would tell its ground services members at Gatwick not to work if airport fire fighters join the picket line. Talks aimed

  • Anita Roddick's secret triple life

    Body Shop founder Anita Roddick has been transformed into a fat person, an old person and a homeless person for a TV documentary. Anita, who is more used to life in her mansion in Slindon, near Arundel, spent four days sleeping rough in central London

  • Disgraceful

    Ask the wife and children of firefighter Bob Miller, who died in a factory fire two weeks ago, whether firefighters are worth more than £45 a day or £6 an hour. In fact, ask the families of the 24 firefighters who have died in the past ten years. Utterly

  • Undeserving causes

    So, a pioneering cancer clinic has to close due to lack of funds (November 15) and will receive nothing from the National Lottery. How typical. The Lottery gives to undeserving causes and the kind of places that do so much good receive nothing. It's time