news in brief february 08

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News in brief

We're honoured!

Steve Horlock, the council’s bereavement services manager, has received an MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list. He started as a junior clerk in the office in 1969, and rose through the ranks to become manager in 1988. Steve has led the service to five successive Charter Marks for excellent customer service. Councillor Pat Hawkes has also received an MBE for her role in public service. Pat was a teacher for more than 30 years before becoming a councillor and was Mayor of Brighton in 1988.

Hit the Euro jackpot now
Millions of pounds of new EU funds are available to local organisations for projects that build partnerships with regions on the other side of the Channel, from Brittany to Holland. Over the past five years £9 million has come into the city through the EU’s cross-border Interreg scheme. Community projects have included a partnership between Brighton & Hove Albion and Le Havre Football Club in France, and a schools network linking Hove Park School with schools in France. For more about the funds and how to apply for them call the council’s European team on (01273) 291079, or email europe@brighton-hove.gov.uk. 

Now ear's an interesting thing ....

The Brighton Science Festival from 23 February to March 2 launches with two family activity days at Hove Park school on February 23-24. During the festival you can also catch robotics workshops, weird and wonderful sound and music with a difference at ‘Good Vibrations’ on February 28. And find out what happens to your brain when you fall in love! Full details at www.brightonscience.com.

1,000 and counting
The city’s family services directory already lists over 1,000 services for local families but we want more! To be included, you just complete a simple form and let the team know which areas of the directory you would like to be included in. Visit the Directory at www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/fis, call (01273) 293545, or email familyinfo@brighton-hove.gov.uk.

Eco building day
An event showcasing Brighton & Hove as a centre for sustainable building looks set to be repeated in 2008. Organisers the Brighton Permaculture Trust are planning to run their annual Green Architecture Day event at the Sallis Benney Theatre on Saturday March 1. The council’s Sustainability Commission is expected to endorse a £1000 grant to support the event. Green Architecture Day has lectures, workshops and exhibition stalls. Last year speakers included Lewes-based architect Duncan Baker-Brown. His conversion of a house in Brighton’s Dyke Road Avenue won the Daily Telegraph Eco Home of the Year. Full details and reservations at www.brightonpermaculture.co.uk. Or phone 07746 18 59 27.

Man remanded over benefit fraud
A former Hove resident has been sentenced to a 12-month community order for housing benefit fraud and failing to appear in court. Ian Michael Jones, of Caernarfon in North Wales, lived in Wilbury Road, Hove, until moving to Wales in May 2006. But he failed to tell the council of his change in circumstances and continued to receive Housing Benefit, accepting £2814 to which he was not entitled. Council investigators were alerted when he failed to complete a standard review form in October 2006. He had previously been remanded in custody in January after failing to appear at an earlier hearing.

2000 new citizens
More than 2000 new residents from overseas have now passed through citizenship ceremonies in the city. The milestone was reached recently at a ceremony at Hove Town Hall. The ceremony involves citizens swearing or affirming an oath of allegiance to the Crown and pledging to uphold the values of the UK. Lead councilor for customer services Ann Norman said: “These ceremonies are important in that people pledge to buy into the values of the country and those values are explained to them in the process. These people are bringing skills or taking jobs employers are often struggling to fill.”