Join westie walk in park

THE Brighton Westie Walk takes place again on Saturday.

Dog lovers and their pets are invited to meet at noon at Preston Park. It will be the third walk of the year, and the 33rd walk since the group formed 11 years ago.

They are organised so West Highland terriers and their owners can meet for a stroll, before a group picture is taken in front of the park’s clock tower.

For information email brightonwesties@hotmail.co.uk.

Volunteers needed for Christmas

THE mercury may still be nudging the 20s, but preparations for Christmas are well under way as a charity searches for volunteers.

Cards for Good Causes is counting on the support of people in Brighton by helping in its local seasonal shop in the lead up to Christmas.

Britain’s biggest multi-charity Christmas card organisation is seeking volunteers as it reopens its doors to shoppers in St Paul’s Church in West Street from October to December.

Volunteers will join a network of more than 6,000 like-minded people, all giving their time to help more than 300 temporary shops run smoothly and ensure that more than 275 charities benefit as much as possible from their card sales.

Volunteer co-ordinator, Dianne Jarrett said: “Helping out at your local Cards for Good Causes shop is a fulfilling and time-friendly way to give back this Christmas. If you can give a couple of hours a week from October to December and are interested in doing something worthwhile, we’d love to hear from you - spare some time, make friends, make a difference.”

Charities receive 70p of the £1 paid for the sale of cards from October 27 to December 12 from 10am to 4pm.

Pedal power to raise cash

A CYCLIST will travel 1,600 miles across Europe to raise money for a dog charity.

David Ainger, 53, of Chichester, hopes to complete the challenge from Big Ben in London to the Rock of Gibraltar in 17 days.

He sets off on Tuesday and will pedal an average of 95 miles a day through France and Spain.

The money will help Canine Partners train assistance dogs to open and close doors, unload washing machines, take cash from an ATM and other every day tasks for disabled people.

To sponsor him visit justgiving.com/Dave-Ainger.

Get in shape to 90s tunes

IF GETTING fit while listening to 90s classics is your bag then there’s an event you will not want to miss.

Clubbercise is starting on Thursday at the Brightelm Church and Community Centre in North Road. It will combine club anthems, glow sticks and aerobics.

The bi-weekly classes are the brainchild of personal trainer Richard Tittensor.

He said: “Clubbercise classes are large, uplifting, aerobic type classes where club anthems, lighting and glow sticks are used to create a fun, inclusive and upbeat atmosphere.

“Great for people who maybe avoid the gym but want a weekly workout to tunes they would remember from the 90s that they partied to.”

To get involved, visit www.clubbercise.com.

£500 boost for lifesavers

A LIFEBOAT station has been handed more than £500.

The Berth Holders Association of Sovereign Harbour and Premier Marinas has donated £508 to the Eastbourne lifeboat station.

The money was raised at a flare amnesty where boat owners were invited to dispose of out-of-date signals in a safe and environmentally friendly manner to a professional organisation. A cheque for the proceeds was presented to RNLI crewmen.

An arresting move for cop

AN ASSISTANT chief constable is swapping Sussex for the Virgin Islands.

Robin Smith is leaving Sussex Police after 30 years’ service to become the commissioner of police for the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force.　

Mr Smith, who is responsible for local policing and public protection in Sussex, joined the force in 1985. His posts have included head of crime and criminal justice, and head of the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit.

Show your wild side

A TRUST is giving the public an opportunity to help identify and record animals, plants and habitats in their natural environment.

Sussex Wildlife Trust is asking volunteers to help with its survey of Saltdean beach, near Brighton, on Monday, September 28 between 4pm and 6pm.

Marine officer Olle Åkesson, who is running the Sussex Shoresearch event, said: “Wear suitable clothes for sweeping shallow water with nets and investigating rockpools.”

Volunteers are asked to meet in the car park on Saltdean Park Road, next to Saltdean Lido. For more information, contact Mr Åkesson on 01273 497572 or email: olleakesson@sussexwt.org.uk.

Flying a flag for seafarers

A FLAG has been raised to raise awareness of the UK’s ongoing dependence on Merchant Navy seafarers.

To mark Merchant Navy Day on Thursday, Adur and Worthing Council raised the Red Ensign flag at Worthing Town Hall in Chapel Road before it was lowered to half-mast, as a mark of respect to the victims of the Shoreham Air Disaster.

In attendance were Worthing Mayor Michael Donin, Mayoress Linda Williams, chairman of Adur District Council Coun Carson Albury and representatives from current and ex-forces associations.the National Ex-Services Association, Women’s Royal Army Corp, Royal Naval Association, Royal Engineers Association and Royal Naval Association.