BRIGHTON GROUP NEWS
Issue 11 August 1998

Paddle Round the Pier Portobello news SAS Xmas Ball to be held in Brighton

Victories on all fronts The last two months have been the busiest and most successful in Brighton SAS's short history. The Paddle round the Pier on 7th June was the biggest and best yet and the Portobello campaign has seen two massively significant victories along the way to achieving full sewage treatment for the Brighton area.

Paddle Round the Pier Sunday 7th June 98

The 98 Paddle was the biggest and best Paddle event ever - despite the Force 6 southwesterlies (and surf!!). The 2 mile pier to pier race was won by Luke Palmer who won a handsome trophy and the prize of 2 return tickets to the Canaries donated by Webb Kirby (owners of Gemini Bar, the Zap, the Beach, Riptide Gym and a local pub near you). Steve Colner and Steve Pope were 2nd and 3rd and won an SAS watch and sweatshirt respectively. All other competitors were given SAS T shirts in recognition of their superhuman efforts. The sponsored Paddle Round the Pier attracted well over 100 participants who braved the conditions to form the biggest line-up ever seen at the West Pier. This raised about 4,000 quid for SAS and the RNLI - a brilliant result. There were over 50 prizes donated by local surf shops and businesses. The 3 Brighton and Hove MPs and Peacehaven and Lewes Councillor John Hodgson were awarded trophies in recognition of their massive support for our battle for full sewage treatment. They all made short speeches making it clear that Clean seas are vital for human health and tourism. Chris Hines also made the trip up from SAS HQ and was well impressed with the organisation of the event. Which only leaves a massive debt to everyone who helped in any way, especially Dave Sandals who spent months organising and publicising the event, Dogstar Flip Flop, Richard Gregory (who designed the brilliant posters), the crew who erected and dismantled the staging (especially Ado at Austin Scaffolding and Jonty), Mark Elliott, Mike Ladd, Linda Butler and daughter (who ran the merchandise stall all day), the Paddle registrars, the McDonald posse, Vince Ward, the Seafront Office, the RNLI, the sponsors (Webb Kirby, Bone Idol, Mambo, Ocean Sports Board Riders, The Board Room, Chiemsee, Surf and Ski, Legends, Dry Surf Company, Shore Watersports, Hove Lagoon Watersports, Surfladle, Sealife Centre, Body Shop). Please remember to support these businesses! The whole event got excellent coverage in the local media, Flip Flop even got in the Daily Star and will be starring on German TV in the near future! There is also a rumour that he has sold his life story to the News of the World? Carve also ran a neat little story (Sorry Dave). As a memento of this excellent occasion, copies of the line up photo are available at only 2 quid each. Contact Richard Gregory if you want to get your paws on one! We now need to form an organization committee for next years Paddle. Preparations have to start now. "Sandals" has retired. Volunteers please.

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Portobello more major victories for SAS!

The war of Portobello continues to be won by SAS and other local campaigners. On June 29th, the government announced that it was rejecting Southern Water s attempts to only put in primary treatment at the Portobello and would be insisting on secondary treatment. Whilst this is welcome news, it is ridiculous that we have had to fight them so hard on this issue in any case and we will continue to argue for ultra violet treatment which removes 99% of bacteria and viruses before discharge. After a demo at Portobello in May, attended by an SAS hitsquad and Vic the Virus, the County Council s Planning Committee deferred consideration of the planning application, and then, on July 8th refused planning permission on the grounds that of the harm to the South Downs and local residents. This is an amazing victory for us, Friends of the Earth and the thousands of local residents who have been arguing that the scheme should be located in Newhaven (a more environmentally sustainable location) and should include ultra violet treatment. It is likely that Southern Water will appeal against the decision and a public inquiry will be held in the Spring of 1999 with a government inspector making the final decision. SAS will be presenting evidence to the inquiry, arguing that ultra violet treatment is vital for the local economy. We will be producing lots more campaign material and holding demo s over this period - help always needed!

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Other news

SAS Xmas Ball to be held in Brighton SAS are planning their annual Ball to be held in Brighton, rather than Cornwall. They are hoping to book a top club venue and attract a big name act. This is a brilliant chance to experience all the fun of an SAS Ball without the long trip to Cornwall (having said that the annual summer Ball, this year on 5th September, is a hoot - tickets running out fast). Watch this space and Pipeline News for further developments. Government to announce better sewage treatment - we hope! About the time you receive this, the Government will be announcing its response to the all-party House of Commons Environment Sub Committee report which called for the introduction of tertiary treatment (like UV) by 2002 and the abolition of High Natural Dispersion Areas (which allowed Southern Water to argue for only primary treatment at Portobello). SAS gave evidence to the Sub Committee and were very happy with its recommendations. This will be a major test of the Government s commitment to clean seas. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for coverage in the local media. Usual Appeals for help Campaigning: we need local people to do media interviews and represent SAS in meetings with other local environmental groups. Full training provided. Contact Andrew 570261 Newsletters and Publicity: we need people to distribute newsletters and posters to local shops, cafes etc. Contact Richard 670153 Paddle Round the Pier 1999: we need people to start organising it NOW! Contact David 820470 Events: We need help to organise fundraising parties. Contact Mark 724929.

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