Latest People: The blessing of Latest TV studios & Latest TV’s Open Day

With God and Saint Clare on our side
Reverend Martin Poole, of St Luke’s Prestonville in Brighton, blessed Latest TV’s new studios on Monday 11 August, the day of St Clare, the patron saint of television.

Bill Smith, founder of Latest TV, said: “When the idea of a blessing was suggested from the Diocese of Chichester we jumped at the chance. We want to thank Martin for taking time out to do this, but we also want to make clear that Latest TV will represent all those in the city, both with faith and without.”

Revd. Martin, who worked in TV for more than 30 years, said: “It’s great to be able to bless our local television station ahead of its launch in Brighton on the very day when the church remembers the patron saint of television.

“St Clare is also patroness of those with sore eyes, so I shall be praying that this will not afflict any of those who work at or watch Latest TV!”
Photography: Diana Frangi

Sarah Chambers (Latest TV), William Ranieri (Latest TV), Andy Nicholls (Latest TV)

James Dunham, Mhairi Beveridge, Tim Ridgway (Latest TV)

David Cuff (Channel Director), Bill Smith (Latest TV), Revd. Martin Poole

Revd. Martin Poole, Bill Smith (Latest TV)

Adam Whittaker (Sound Technician), Toby Leighton (IT Support)

Latest TV’s Open Day
August 19 saw Latest TV hold a long-awaited open day, where TV producers, members of the public and local business representatives attended to find out what local TV has to offer.

The Open Day gave people a chance to see the new TV studios, be on TV, and socialise over a glass of bubbly.

Marc Sugarman of BHAFC commented: “If you talk to people around the UK about Brighton, you usually hear in their voices the affection which is associated with the city. Brighton has personality – we are truly multi-cultural, and it’s a place where people can be themselves and live true to their values. The mix of these qualities and world class facilities – The Amex, the Royal Pavilion, the seafront and the pier – creates a vibrant society. It’s about time we had a TV channel to package this, so we can enjoy it and better showcase what we have to the rest of the UK. Bill and David have had the vision, the creativity and the persistence to create Latest TV for Brighton and the surrounding areas.

Peter James, renowned crime fiction author, said: “With so many aspects going into making the city of Brighton and Hove unique, it’s hugely exciting that it will now have a dedicated television station, and I am very proud to be a part of it.”
Photography: Diana Frangi

Charlie Allsebrokk (All Starr Trust), Rachel Simm (Latest TV)