7 Days of Headlines

With Phil Mills

On the right track
Paul McCartney and his ex Heather Mills were together again in the news – for different reasons: the ex-Beatle and his new wife were in a helicopter which had to land at an airstrip in Kent after bad weather made landing at the couple’s home in Rye too dangerous. Meanwhile, Heather, who runs a restaurant in Hove where she and Paul lived, has revealed she wants to qualify for the British skiing team at the 2014 Paralympics. Heather had her left leg amputated below the knee after a collision with a police motorcyle.

Sand Sculpture park
Business on Brighton seafront could be boosted by a sand sculpture park next to Brighton Marina. The council is set to lease the vacant Black Rock site to an operator on a temporary basis, while a permanent use is sought. The sand sculpture park was judged the best chance of boosting the city’s economy for the greatest part of the year. If approved, the park would open from April to October. Proposed admission prices are £5 per adult, £3 per child or £15 for a family of two-plus-two.

Local chef shortlisted for award
Watch out Nigella – a chef working for Brighton & Hove City Council’s adult social care team has been shortlisted for a top food award. Anni Cockell, chef at the council’s Beach House respite service in Westbourne Villas, Hove, has been shortlisted for best public caterer in BBC Radio Four’s annual Food and Farming awards.

Teen found not guilty
A 14 year old was found not guilty of manslaughter even though he admitted fatally punching promising non-league footballer Connor Saunders, 19, from Woodingdean, Brighton. Connor hit his head when he crashed to the ground and never recovered. Hove court ruled the boy acted in self defence.

City thefts & vandalism
Remembrance Sunday saw thousands paying their respects at war memorials. Sadly, thieves cashed in by stealing Poppy collection boxes, two from shops in Brighton. And the Royal pavilion in Brighton, which attracts nearly three-quarters of a million visitors, is being spoiled by drunks, vandals and litterers. Ways of combatting the problems, including better lighting, are being considered.

Christmas ART
Art lovers looking to spoil themseleves or hunting Christmas gifts take note: Chris Macdonald and six friends are holding an exhibition of paintings, scultptures, photography, box art and jewellery at Gallery 40, 40 Gloucester Road, North Laine, every day from 11am till late from 19–25 November.

Lewes Rebels
Is Lewes turning into the most rebellious town in Sussex? After reports of parking meters being blown apart in an organised campaign of protest, comes attacks on six police vehicles including CCTV vans at the force headquarters in the town. Some brake lines had been cut. Insp Jonathan Greetham said: “Tampering with any vehicle could have devastating consequences.” He has appealed for information.

Volunteers needed
Lastly, you can tell winter weather is on its way – an appeal has been issued for volunteers to make sure vital services reach the needy if the city has a spell of severe weather. Brighton council is looking for experienced volunteer drivers for home visits to check on vulnerable people. Anyone able to drive a 4 x 4 vehicle and willing to help deliver essential services to residents who are out of reach, should email Icanhelp@brighton-hove.gov.uk