THE NatWest T20 Blast is all done and dusted.
A Royal London Cup semi-final looms on the horizon but, for now, Yorkshire’s attention returns to the Specsavers County Championship.
England's Stuart Broad is absent from the Notts line up Picture: Adam Davy/PA.
They are second in Division One, 26 points behind Middlesex with a game in hand.
And this week’s match against Nottinghamshire at Scarborough represents that game in hand.
It comes against a side who are bottom of the league and staring down the barrel of relegation.
Mathematically, it is not a must-win fixture, for there are still four to play after this match.
But it presents an obvious opportunity for Yorkshire to close the gap on Middlesex, and to close it to just two points if they can claim the maximum 24.
Yorkshire travel to second-bottom Hampshire next week and host third-bottom Durham the following week, before ending their campaign at home to Somerset and away to Middlesex.
A hat-trick of titles is still in their hands, but you sense that they need to seize the present moment.
It will not be easy.
Not only is the weather unpredictable at this time of year, rendering victories already gained like gold dust, but sides such as Notts are scrapping for points for different reasons – namely, their First Division survival.
Trent Bridge is arguably the finest ground in the country – at least outside of Lord’s, and with all due respect to Scarborough –but it faces the unpalatable prospect of Second Division cricket.
It will be extremely tough for Notts to beat a strong Yorkshire team at Scarborough, a ground where Notts have won only once in 12 matches, indeed, but that does not mean that they will be pushovers in what has been a tight division.
Yorkshire have a good recent record in the Championship at North Marine Road, but they lost on their last outing there in early July – an innings defeat to Middlesex that they hope will not have the same look in retrospect that Durham’s win there did in 2013, when it provided the impetus for the visitors to go on and pip Jason Gillespie’s team to the title.
Yorkshire, on paper, should be too strong for Notts, and yet the visitors possess some talented players.
Stuart Broad, the England pace bowler, is out with an ankle injury, and there is no Jake Ball or Alex Hales, who are on one-day international duty along with Yorkshire’s Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Liam Plunkett and Adil Rashid.
But Notts have plenty of seasoned campaigners – not least the evergreen Chris Read and Samit Patel.
First-team coach Gillespie is certainly not taking Notts for granted as his side go in search of their fourth win of the Championship campaign.
“It’s going to be a massive challenge,” said Gillespie.
“Notts are a very good side, and although they haven’t played the cricket they’d like in the Championship, they’re an incredibly dangerous team and they’ve got some real match-winners.
“We need to play at our best if we’re going to compete with them, and we’ve got to make sure that we tick all the boxes.
“We’ve got a good record at Scarborough in recent times, and hopefully we can build on that this week.”
A week of inactivity for Middlesex would be as good a week as any for the champions to strike, with the leaders battling problems of their own.
With pace bowler Steven Finn currently out with a hamstring injury, Middlesex have been dealt another blow with the news that former Notts batsman Adam Voges will not be returning to captain them for their last four games, with Cricket Australia wanting him to rest his own hamstring problem.
Middlesex return to action next week when they travel to Warwickshire before visiting Notts the following week.
They continue their programme away to Lancashire before the potentially key fixture with Yorkshire in late September.
Notts, who are 14 points adrift at the bottom, really need something from this week’s fixture.
Mick Newell, their coach, is considering changes to his batting line-up, with Root’s brother, Billy, among those who could come into the team along with fellow batsman Tom Moores, the 19-year-old son of former England coach Peter Moores.
Whoever he selects, Newell is conscious of the need for immediate improvement.
“We’re in a mess in the Championship,” he admitted.
“We’ve got to try and get out of the bottom two.
“This is a really big game, and I’m not sure where the pressure sits because they’re trying to get to the top and we’re obviously trying to get off the bottom.
“We’ve got to find a way of winning games.”

Yorkshire v Nottinghamshire: Yorkshire lookint to seize the moment in Championship title bid


THE NatWest T20 Blast is all done and dusted.


Mike And Dave Need Wedding Dates is a new romantic comedy out later this month but we are giving you the chance to see it first and free.
We have 10 pairs of tickets to be won to an exclusive advance screening at Vue cinema, Meadowhall, Sheffield, on Tuesday, August 2, at 6.30pm.
Our winners will get to see it more than a week before anyone else - it opens in UK cinemas on August 10.
Mike And Dave Need Wedding Dates (15 certificate) is based on real life events when hard-partying brothers Mike (Adam Devine) and Dave (Zac Efron) place an online ad to find the perfect dates (Anna Kendrick, Aubrey Plaza) for their sister's Hawaiian wedding.
Hoping for a wild getaway, the boys instead find themselves outsmarted and out-partied by the uncontrollable duo.
WIN PREVIEW TICKETS:
Enter our free draw - by Twitter or email - for a chance to win one of 10 pairs of tickets to an exclusive advance screening of Mike And Dave Need Wedding Dates at Vue cinema, Meadowhall, Sheffield, on Tuesday, August 2, at 6.30pm.
Simply follow @GW1962 on Twitter and retweet any of his #JPCompMADNWD tweets, or email your full name, age, address, telephone nuners and email details, with #JPCompMADNWD in the subject field, to graham,walker@jpress.co.uk. Deadline is Monday, August 1, 10am.
Tickets cannot be swapped or exchanged for other venues, film screenings, dates or times - so only enter if you can attend. Only one email entry per person. Usual Johnston Press terms and conditions apply see www.johnstonpress.co.uk/competition
Follow Fox UK on Twitter @20CenturyFoxUK
WATCH TRAILERS FOR OTHER 20TH CENTURY FOX FILMS - CLICK ON THE TITLES
OUT NOW: Absolutely Fabulous The Movie
OUT NOW: Ice Age: Collision Course
Coming Soon:
AUGUST 10: Mike & Dave Need Wedding Dates
SEPTEMBER 30: Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children
OCTOBER 21: Trolls
DTBC: Morgan
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Mike And Dave Need Wedding Dates is a new romantic comedy out later this month but we are giving you the chance to see it first and free.


WIN: Mike And Dave Need Wedding Dates preview tickets at Vue Sheffield


Sorry, we're having problems with our video player at the moment, but are working to fix it as soon as we can
Yorkshire's latest Radio 1 stars The Sherlocks had a muddy great time at Leeds Festival - they drew a crowd of more than 6,000 fans then camped out with them.
The Sheffield indie four piece turned down a five star hotel and proved they are a real band of the people.
After packing out the Festival Republic stage they decided to pitched a tent in one of the muddy camp sites.
Frontan Kiaran Crook, aged 20, revealed: "We played our set then decided to camp through the night. We had an option to go into a five star hotel, with a jacuzzi and everything, but we decided to camp.
"We just love it."
He then joked: "We ended up camping next to the Red Hot Chili Peppers- I could hear Anthony snoring.
"But no, seriously, we love it. We love a bit of mud. We just thought, we might as well have the full festival experience."
Melvin Benn, Reading and Leeds Festival boss, said: "I didn't know The Sherlocks went and pitched up in the camp site. It doesn't surprise me. It's what my kids do. They want to be in the public camp site. Anybody who thinks the VIP area is the place to be, I can tell you it's a bit more boring."
Other Yorkshire bands who played at Leeds over the weekend included Sheffield's The Wired, Liberty Ship, Bang Bang Romeo, Leeds band Dusk, Fighting Caravans, York based Faux Pas and many more.
The Sherlocks, also featuring Kiaran's brother, drummer Brandon, 23, guitarist Josh Davidson, 22, and his brother and bassist Andy, 17, recently played the biggest music festival in the world, SXSW in Austin, Texas.
The Sherlocks played to over 6,000 people then camped out with fans in muddy fields at Leeds Festival.
They also played at Reading Festival at the weekend but said Leeds, their Yorkshire homecoming, was the highlight of their year.
Kiaran added: "Leeds Festival is really important to us. It's given us a chance to pick up new fans. We had a blast. The tent was packed. It exceeded what we thought it would be.We're going on tour next month, starting in Brighton and finishing in Stockton, with a sold out gig in Leeds.
"It would be nice to do the NME/Radio 1 stage next year, I think that's where we are heading."
Brandon added: "We are at home when playing Leeds festival. Now we need to get an album out while we've got momentum behind us."
The Sherlocks, who will record their debut album later this year, begin a 16-date UK headline tour later this week, including a sold out show at The Wardrobe in Leeds, on Tuesday, September 20.
The Sherlocks at Leeds Festival
For full dates and tickets visit thesherlocksmusic.co.uk
The Sherlocks on stage at Leeds Festival
Reading and Leeds Festival boss Melvin Benn
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VIDEO: Sheffield's The Sherlocks camp in mud with fans after wowing Leeds Festival


ONE man who deserves plenty of credit for Yorkshire’s progress to Finals Day is Alex Lees.
The 23-year-old opening batsman, who took over the leadership of Yorkshire’s one-day sides last December, has helped mastermind a stunning turnaround in form which sees Yorkshire as favourites with most bookmakers to lift the trophy.
As a young and inexperienced captain, Lees must have felt the pressure of Yorkshire’s poor start to the tournament more than most.
READ MORE - Yorkshire inspired by their past failures
READ MORE - David Willey is aiming to give Yorkshire the edge
READ MORE - Andrew Gale: Lord’s showdown is looming and we’re really beginning to hit our straps
READ MORE - Chris Waters: Leg-spinner Adil Rashid in danger of becoming a wasted talent
But he has shown great character and maturity to help get their campaign back on track, and he said he is relishing the chance to lead them out at Edgbaston today.
“Definitely. It’s always an honour to represent the White Rose, so the opportunity to lead the side in a Finals Day is massive,” said Lees, who is Yorkshire’s youngest full-time limited overs captain having taken over the role from Championship leader Andrew Gale.
“I’ve not been to a Finals Day as a player before, but I have watched a few on television.
“The atmosphere is always electric, and I can’t wait to get out there and, hopefully, we can play some good cricket and entertain the crowd.”
Yorkshire go into today’s event with confidence high after seven wins in their last eight T20 games.
Lees attributes the transformation to the players discovering a sense of belief.
“We were obviously disappointed with the early-season results, but we never felt that we were far away from playing some very good cricket,” said Lees.
“I think the turning point in our white-ball cricket this season was Lythy’s (Adam Lyth) knock against Northants at Scarborough (in the Royal London Cup).
“He played with real freedom that day, and that has given the rest of the squad confidence to go out and express themselves in both competitions.
“We’ve got a lot of talented players, and everyone understands their roles and we’ve backed ourselves and taken a very positive approach, looking to put as much pressure as possible on the opposition.
“Hopefully, we can take take approach into the semi-final against Durham.”
Lees is expecting a tough test against a Durham team boosted by the return of England’s Ben Stokes. But he believes that his own side have more than enough firepower to beat them.
“Durham are a very good side with some very experienced players who know their games inside out,” said Lees.
“We will have to play very well to defeat them and to progress to the final, but we know that we have the players on the day to do just that.
“We’ve been playing some great T20 cricket at just the right time, and I’m confident in the strength of our team. Everyone’s been contributing, and it’s a proper team effort to get to this stage.”
No-one has contributed more than Lees, who is Yorkshire’s leading run-scorer in the tournament with 272 at 22.66.
He is just ahead of David Willey, who has hit 269 runs at 29.88, while Lyth, Jack Leaning and Kane Williamson have also scored more than 200 runs for the county in this year’s competition, with Williamson having featured briefly as an overseas player before rejoining New Zealand for international action.
Tim Bresnan leads Yorkshire’s wicket-taking list with 20 at 16.20, with spinners Adil Rashid (14 at 18.85) and Azeem Rafiq (13 at 18.69) coming next on the chart.
“I feel like I’ve been hitting the ball nicely all season,” said Lees, who made 85 and 114 not out in the draw against Lancashire in the County Championship at Old Trafford last week.
“It was nice to get some runs in the Roses game, and, hopefully, I can take that form into the semi-final.”

T20 Finals Day: Adam Lyth’s knock the spark for Yorkshire’s white-ball momentum - Alex Lees


ONE man who deserves plenty of credit for Yorkshire’s progress to Finals Day is Alex Lees.


It keeps thousands of people in jobs, ensures Yorkshire’s moorland stays diverse with wildlife and contributes more than £2bn to the national economy.
But as gamekeepers across the region mark the Glorious 12th and the start of the grouse season today, a new group set up to fight for the survival of shooting on the moors of North Yorkshire has urged people to recognise the multitude of benefits it brings.
Gun dog handler Fiona Kirk with her English Setter, Zeus and Anthony Dowson 28, Moorland Beat Keeper for the Thimbleby estate, stalking game on the moor.
The North Yorkshire Moors Moorland Organisation (NYMMO) brings together keepers from 12 North Yorkshire estates, including Danby, Rosedale and Westerdale, Sleights and Goathland and Thimbleby, who felt their livelihoods - and way of life - were being threatened, both by misinformation and the possibility of a ban in future.
They are now working to promote the benefits that managed moorlands bring, not only to the moors and wildlife, but also to communities and the rural economy that is helped by the shooting parties. It is a picture replicated across the country, from Scotland to the Peak District.
NYMMO coordinator Tina Brough said: “There seems to be more and more bad publicity about shooting, and following the hunting ban, people were thinking ‘will we be next?’. We want to promote the good side of moorland management before it gets to that point.”
Shooting, and preparing for a shoot, is just a small proportion of a keeper’s role. Trapping predators such as stoats and foxes allows ground nesting birds such are the red-status lapwing, curlew and merlin, to thrive, and the NYMMO plans to survey wildlife on the moors in an attempt to show that once-threatened species are benefitting from moorland management.
Anthony Dowson 28, Moorland Beat Keeper for the Thimbleby estate, near Northallerton. Picture: James Hardisty.
“People have the misconception that we kill everything just to keep grouse but that’s not true,” Miss Brough said. “If game keepers weren’t there the moors would not be sustainable.”
At Thimbleby Estate, near Northallerton, heather burning is key to moorland management.
In May, 200 acres of heather moorland in the Peak District were destroyed after an accidental fire spread. Moorland management, which includes creating firebreaks, was not in use.
Thimbleby head keeper David Dickinson said: “If we didn’t burn, a summer fire would run for miles and miles. It would be a disaster. People seem to think moorland management is all about wealthy people shooting, but it’s so much more than that.
Grouse on moorland.
“It’s about creating a healthy moor that can be the best it can be - and also an environment where a wide range of people can get enjoyment from it. On shoot days we have ladies beating, students helping us when they’re off college - it’s a big part of the community.”
Meanwhile, a row between Sir Ian Botham and Chris Packham over whether grouse shooting should be banned saw the former England cricketer label the BBC wildlife presenter an “extremist”.
More than 80,000 people have signed a petition calling for shooting to be outlawed.
Sir Ian, wholives in North Yorkshire, is a supporter of the shoot while Mr Packham has backed the petition, and the pair engaged in an angry clash over the issue on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
Mr Packham said the shoots damage bird of prey populations while Sir Ian suggested the presenter should not be allowed to publicly take sides because of his status as a BBC employee.
At the same time, a report by government conservation agency Natural England has concluded that England’s uplands could support more than 200 breeding pairs of hen harriers, but the bird of prey’s numbers are being kept down by illegal persecution.
The RSPB recently pulled out of the Government’s hen harrier action plan because it felt the plan was not delivering the “urgent action and change in behaviour” needed to bring the bird of prey back from the brink of extinction in England.
The wildlife charity also raised concerns about the “environmental damage” caused by practices it says are used by grouse moor managers, such as draining and burning habitat and killing mountain hares to reduce disease in grouse.
It has called for the licensing of the industry, which it argues would drive up standards and ensure grouse moors complied with the law or risk losing their right to hold shoots.
The renewed debate comes as early hopes for a relatively good grouse shooting season, with better chick survival than the “calamitous conditions” last year, were undermined by adverse late weather during the nesting period.
The Moorland Association, whose members own and manage 860,000 acres of heather moorland in England and Wales for red grouse, said there could be pockets of poor grouse numbers on some moors and shoot days being cancelled.
But chairman Robert Benson said that there were still “positive outcomes” on land managed for grouse shooting, with 18,000 acres of peatland habitat restored across northern England.

Glorious Twelfth: Ian Botham, Chris Packham and the fight for North Yorkshire’s moors


It keeps thousands of people in jobs, ensures Yorkshire’s moorland stays diverse with wildlife and contributes more than £2bn to the national economy.


It could be a pivotal weekend ahead in the Readers Scarborough Beckett League.
In Division One, second-placed Cloughton travel to league winners Settrington, while third-placed Staxton 2nds play struggling Cayton 2nds looking to close the gap.
Staithes will look to to take a step closer to retaining their Premier Division title at home to Filey, while their solitary challengers Staxton are at Ebberston.
Two of the promotion chasing sides meet in Division Two as Fylingdales host Bridlington 2nds, while the top two meet in Division Three as leaders Kirkbymoorside travel to Wykeham 2nds.
Hospitals Rugby Club will look to boost their promotion bid with victory at Sherburn 2nds in Division Four, while the top two meet in Division Five as Valley Bar Nomads host second-placed Forge Valley 3rds.
Saturday
Premier Division (1:30pm)
Cayton v Mulgrave
Ebberston v Staxton
Forge Valley v Flixton 2nds
Heslerton v Nawton Grange
Seamer v Scalby
Staithes v Filey
Division 1 (1:30pm)
Grindale v Brompton
Settrington v Cloughton
Staxton 2nds v Cayton 2nds
Thornton Dale v Wykeham
Wold Newton v Sherburn
Division 2 (1:30pm)
Fylingdales v Bridlington 2nds
Great Habton v Ganton
Scalby 2nds v Ebberston 2nds
Scarborough 3rds v Forge Valley 2nds
Sewerby 2nds v Ravenscar
Division 3 (1:30pm)
Flixton 3rds v Heslerton 2nds
Flamborough v Muston
Nawton Grange 2nds v Seamer 2nds
Wykeham 2nds v Kirkbymoorside
Ryedale – No Game
Division 4 (2pm)
Cayton 3rds v Wold Newton 2nds
Cloughton 2nds v Snainton
Filey 2nds v Lockton
Sherburn 2nds v Hospitals/Rugby
Division 5 (2pm)
Ganton 2nds v Muston 2nds
Ravenscar 2nds v Scalby 3rds
Valley Bar Nomads v Forge Valley 3rds
Wykeham 3rds v Thornton Dale 2nds
Sunday
T20 Readers Cayley Cup Finals Day at North Marine Road (12noon)
Division 1
Settrington v Wykeham
Premier Division (3pm)
Seamer v Staithes.
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It could be a pivotal weekend ahead in the Readers Scarborough Beckett League.


Beckett League: Cloughton head to champs Settrington battling to stay in hunt for top flight


Your guide to what's on this bank holiday weekend.
Friday 26 August
PUBS
THE PRINCE OF WALES, SCARBOROUGH: Nik Nak Karaoke.
THE GEORGE HOTEL, WHITBY: DJ Leo Thai in The Underground til 2am.
TOW BAR, CAYTON: Karaoke
THE MAYFIELD, SEAMER: Snatch, 9pm.
INDIGO ALLEY, SCARBOROUGH: Acoustic Sets (Ross Dransfield), 9.15pm.
BOARD INN, WHITBY: Folk Week.
THE IVANHOE, SCARBOROUGH: Scarborough legend, Danny Wilde, 9pm.
THEATRE
SPA THEATRE, SCARBOROUGH: Movies Meets the Musicals, 8pm.
STEPHEN JOSEPH THEATRE, SCARBOROUGH: The Karaoke Theatre Company proudly presented by the Stephen Joseph Theatre in association with Alan Ayckbourn, 7.30pm.
STEPHEN JOSEPH THEATRE, SCARBOROUGH: Just So Stories by Rudyard Kipling, adapted by Vicky Ireland. Performances in the McCarthy at 11am, 2.15pm and 6.45pm.
STEPHEN JOSEPH THEATRE, SCARBOROUGH: Consuming Passions written by Alan Ayckbourn. Performances to take place at lunchtimes in the Bistro 12pm-1pm.
YMCA THEATRE, SCARBOROUGH: The Cloughton Rat Pack featuring King Willy’s Big Band, proceeds to local charities, 7.30pm.
YORK THEATRE ROYAL: Sherlock Holmes - The House of the Baskervilles, 2.30pm and 7pm.
ESK VALLEY THEATRE, GLAISDALE: Educating Rita by Willy Russell, 7.30pm.
GRAND OPERA HOUSE, YORK: Rent, 7.30pm.
EVENTS
WHITBY PAVILION: Whitby Folk Week
PEASHOLM PARK, SCARBOROUGH: Legendary Scarborough Spa Orchestra performs a stunning outdoor firework concert. Tickets are available from The Spa Box Office 01723 821888.
MUSIC
SCARBOROUGH SPA: Coffee Dances with Howard Beaumont, starts 10.30am ends 12.30pm.
Saturday 27 August
PUBS
BONHOMMES BAR, FILEY: Family quiz and Play Your Cards Right.
THE GEORGE HOTEL, WHITBY: Dance floor with DJ Leo Thai 10pm-2am.
THE TOW BAR, CAYTON: Domino ( fun day in the garden, loads of races fun and games bouncy castle barbeque, bungee run comp lots more).
INDIGO ALLEY, SCARBOROUGH: Nowhere Now (4 piece popular covers), 9.15pm.
BUCCANEER, FILEY: Sammi Lee.
RAILWAYMEN’S CLUB, SCARBOROUGH. Wayne.
BOARD INN, WHITBY: No Regrets.
THE IVANHOE, SCARBOROUGH: The Soul Bros - Blues Brothers tribute, 9pm.
THE FLEECE INN, RILLINGTON: 6pm Gourmet barbecue picnic in the garden, 8.30pm Classic 60s, 70s and country music. Both in aid of Parkinsons UK.
THE NELSON, SCARBOROUGH: Lakeside Soul Club, 8.30pm to midnight.
CELLARS BAR, SCARBOROUGH: Mick Wheeler’s Bop Street band, 9pm.
THEATRE
SPA THEATRE, SCARBOROUGH: Movies Meets the Musicals, 8pm.
SCARBOROUGH SPA GRAND HALL: Showaddywaddy, 7.30pm.
SPA THEATRE, SCARBOROUGH: Captain Cracker and the hunt for hidden treasure, 2pm.
WHITBY PAVILION THEATRE: Beatles for Sale, 7.30pm.
STEPHEN JOSEPH THEATRE, SCARBOROUGH: The Karaoke Theatre Company proudly presented by the Stephen Joseph Theatre in association with Alan Ayckbourn, 2.30pm and 7.30pm.
STEPHEN JOSEPH THEATRE, SCARBOROUGH: The World Goes Round, music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, performances in the Round at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.
STEPHEN JOSEPH THEATRE, SCARBOROUGH: Just So Stories by Rudyard Kipling, adapted by Vicky Ireland. Performances in the McCarthy at 11am, 2.15pm and 6.45pm.
YMCA THEATRE, SCARBOROUGH: Rowlies Academy of Dance present Musical Mashup, 7.30pm.
YORK THEATRE ROYAL: Sherlock Holmes - The House of the Baskervilles, 2.30pm and 7pm.
ESK VALLEY THEATRE, GLAISDALE: Educating Rita by Willy Russell, 7.30pm.
GRAND OPERA HOUSE, YORK: Rent, 7.30pm.
MUSIC
SEAMER METHODIST CHURCH: Organ concert with Richard Heal plus Seamer singing for fun choir, 7.30pm.
THE EARTHBEAT CENTRE, SALTBURN: Saltburn Blues Club present singer songwriter Michael Chapman with support from Jilly Riley, 7.30pm.
EVENT
HARBOURSIDE, SCARBOROUGH: Haunted Walks Scarborough, lower town tour, 8pm. Walks depart from opposite the Harbour Bar. Telephone 01904 654836/07906 164972.
Sunday 28 August
PUBS
THE PRINCE OF WALES,SCARBOROUGH: Nik Nak Karaoke.
THE MAYFIELD, SEAMER: Quiz Night with Barry Robinson, 7pm.
THE TOW BAR, CAYTON: Race Night.
YE OLDE FORGE VALLEY INN, WEST AYTON: Forgefest 2016 - charity, family fun and music festival, 12pm until late.
HOLE IN THE WALL, SCARBOROUGH: Mick Gale - 60s/70s, 3pm.
THE IVANHOE, SCARBOROUGH: Stereo Jacks, 8pm.
THEATRE
STEPHEN JOSEPH THEATRE, SCARBOROUGH: The World Goes Round, music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, performances in the Round at 3pm.
MUSIC
SUNCOURT, SCARBOROUGH SPA: Morning concert with Spa Orchestra, 11am.
SUNCOURT, SCARBOROUGH SPA: Afternoon concert with Spa Orchestra, 2.30pm
SPA THEATRE, SCARBOROUGH: Elvis - On world tour with Tony Skingle, 7.30pm.
Monday 29 August
PUBS
THE TOW BAR, CAYTON: Gem n Nikki.
THEATRE
SPA THEATRE, SCARBOROUGH: The Billy Pearce Laughter Show 2016, 8pm.
STEPHEN JOSEPH THEATRE, SCARBOROUGH: The Karaoke Theatre Company proudly presented by the Stephen Joseph Theatre in association with Alan Ayckbourn, 7.30pm.
YMCA THEATRE, SCARBOROUGH: Styletrax Productions present Aladdin, 2pm.
ESK VALLEY THEATRE, GLAISDALE: Educating Rita by Willy Russell, 7.30pm.
MUSIC
SUNCOURT, SCARBOROUGH SPA: Teddy Bears’ Picnic with Spa Orchestra, 11am.
GRAND HALL, SCARBOROUGH SPA: Evening concert with Spa Orchestra, 7.45pm
SPA, SCARBOROUGH: Elvis - On world tour with Tony Skingle, 7.30pm.
SOUTH CLIFF METHODIST CHURCH, SCARBOROUGH: Summer concert - Bridlington Beat, 7.45pm.
FARRER’S BAR AND BRASSERIE, SCARBOROUGH SPA: The Monday menu with music, Julie Edwards and Kevin Dearden, 6.30pm.
EXHIBITIONS CURRENTLY SHOWING AROUND THE REGION
INSPIRED BY … GALLERY, MOORS CENTRE, DANBY: . Exhibition All Around Us. Wildlife artist Coral Rose captures the energy and beauty of rural life. Working predominately in pastel, and focussing on detail and light, she portrays traditional subjects in a recognisable contemporary style. Runs until 4 September. Open 10am to 5pm daily, (9.30am-5pm in August).
HELMSLEY ARTS CENTRE: Ryedale Festival Exhibition, Charlotte Timm and friends, papercuts, runs until 2 September. Open daily.
NUNNINGTON HALL, HELMSLEY: Exhibition of some very special illustrations of the famous dancing white mouse, Angelina Ballerina. Runs until 4 September. Open Tuesday to Sunday 11am-5pm and Mondays during school holidays.
THE GALLERY, STEPHEN JOSEPH THEATRE, SCARBOROUGH: Jean Hobson exhibition of Sea to City colourful images of Scarborough and Manchester, runs to 3 September. Free entry, open 10am-6pm (except during showtimes); Colour Landscapes - interpretations of the North Yorkshire landscape, 7 September-8 October.
WOODEND, SCARBOROUGH: Summer Open Show - Moors and Coast, runs to 30 September. Open 9am-5pm weekdays, 10am-4pm Saturdays.
SCARBOROUGH MARITIME HERITAGE CENTRE: Scarborough's story, August to September, 11am to 4pm Wednesday to Sunday.
GREJCZIK GALLERY, HANOVER ROAD, SCARBOROUGH: First anniversary exhibition. Stars Come to Scarborough - Light - Astronomy inspired art by Tina Mammoser at Grejczik Gallery. Exhibition continues through 28 August. Open 12-5pm Thursday to Saturday.
ST JAMES’ ART CENTRE, SCARBOROUGH: Exhibition - Threads of our lives is the latest display of textile work by Christine Heath. Runs from 1 September to 11 September. Open Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday 2pm-4pm.
PICTURESQUE GALLERY, ST JOHN’S ROAD, SCARBOROUGH: Exhibition of art from local artist Dav White, runs until 2 September, open 9.30am until 5.30pm Mon Sat. Free entry.
YORK THEATRE ROYAL: Jorvik Life and Death, a special exhibition which showcases the lasting impact of the Vikings. Located on the site of the medieval St Leonard’s Hospital, now home to the newly-refurbished York Theatre Royal, the exhibition explores the practices of those involved in providing care and remedies in the Viking period and the years that followed. Exhibition visitors can even try their hand at uroscopy, a popular medieval practise of diagnosing illnesses and ailments by examining the colour of urine! Monday to Saturday, 10am-5pm and Sunday 10am-4pm.
NATIONAL TRUST VISITOR CENTRE, OLD COASTGUARD STATION, ROBIN HOOD’S BAY: An exhibition of watercolours, drawings and prints of this famous part of the Yorkshire Coast by Tony Clegg. Runs from Saturday 27 August to Saturday 3 September. Free entry.
PANNETT ART GALLERY, WHITBY: The artwork of BTEC and A-level Art students of Caedmon College, Whitby is currently on display. Open Monday-Saturday, 9am-5pm; Sunday, 9.30am-4.30pm.
CAPTAIN COOK MUSEUM, WHITBY: Wives and Sweethearts - the sailors farewell exhibition. Behind every ship sent exploring to the Pacific were all the wives and sweethearts left ashore. Runs until November 6. Open daily, 9.45am-5pm.
GUISBOROUGH MUSEUM, WESTGATE: Full of fascinating object and photos of past time. New exhibitions - railway - toys - flower artistry - children’s quiz, free entry. Open Thursday and Saturday 10am-4pm until end of October.
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YORKSHIRE’s dream of winning the treble is over, but first team coach Jason Gillespie insisted that his players will come back fighting as they target the next best prize of a league and cup double.
Yorkshire failed in their attempt to win the NatWest T20 Blast for the first time when they lost by seven runs to Durham in the semi-final at Edgbaston on Saturday.
However, Gillespie’s men are still in the hunt for a hat-trick of County Championships and they are through to the Royal London Cup semi-finals for a second successive season, with Yorkshire determined to put behind them their T20 heartbreak.
“We were bitterly disappointed to lose the T20 semi,” said Gillespie, “but there’s still everything to play for in the next few weeks.
“We’re still in the 50-over comp and the Championship, and we’ll dust ourselves down and crack on.
“We can look back on the T20 campaign by and large with a lot of pride, considering the way that we started the tournament (Yorkshire won only one of their first seven games before winning six of the last seven to reach the knockout stages).
“It’s a tough one to take, losing the semi, but there’s still plenty to fight for in the next few weeks, and I know that the lads will bounce back strongly.”
Yorkshire came up against a world-class display from England pace bowler Mark Wood, who captured a T20 career-best 4-25 from four overs after Durham scored 156-6 in the second semi-final, Northants beating Nottinghamshire by eight runs in the first semi-final.
Wood twice took two wickets in three balls – including the key scalps of England batsmen Jonny Bairstow and Gary Ballance – after Ben Stokes had earlier top-scored with 56 on his return to the Durham side after a calf injury.
“Mark Wood bowled beautifully,” said Gillespie, with Wood following that performance with 1-25 in the final against Northants, who went on to take the trophy with a four-wicket win.
“We were going along quite nicely and then we lost two quick wickets (Bairstow and Ballance), and we didn’t quite recover from that.
“I certainly felt that it was a gettable total, especially with the strength and depth of our batting line-up, and we should have chased those down.
“We can look at all sorts of reasons as to why that didn’t happen, but the facts are that we didn’t get the runs and Durham played very well.”
With hindsight, Gillespie felt that Yorkshire might have made more of an effort to see off Wood, although that was clearly easier said than done.
The 26-year-old right-armer, who only recently returned to action after ankle surgery, was bowling at 90mph and he would have been a handful for any opposition.
“Maybe we just needed to soak up the pressure a little bit more and get through his (Wood’s) spell, knowing that he only had four of the 20 overs, and maybe there are some lessons to be learned there,” said Gillespie, whose side take on Surrey in the semi-finals of the Royal London Cup at Headingley on Sunday.
“We just weren’t able to win the key moments, and Wood took the wind out of our sails.
“Any cricket watcher could see that he was used very well by the captain; he was brought on to take wickets and put the pressure on us, which is exactly what happened.”
Yorkshire captain Alex Lees echoed Gillespie’s sentiments at the end of an encouraging T20 campaign for the club overall, with Yorkshire having only once previously reached Finals Day.
Lees hit the second-highest score of 22 on a day when Adam Lyth (64) led the Yorkshire chase.
“Woody tipped the scales, and when you twice get two wickets in one over, it certainly puts the opposition on the back foot,” said Lees.
“We’re bitterly disappointed, and I just think that we lacked somebody in the middle order to make a contribution.
“Overall, we had a good tournament after everyone had written us off after the first few games, and we showed strength of character to come back and qualify and reach Finals Day. That’s testament to the group of players that we have, and the lads’ work ethic and prep was second to none.”
Attention now returns to the Championship, with Yorkshire going into tomorrow’s game against Notts at Scarborough in second place in Division One, 26 points behind Middlesex with a game in hand.
Finals’ Day report: Page 9.

Yorkshire vow to hit back after T20 defeat


YORKSHIRE’s dream of winning the treble is over, but first team coach Jason Gillespie insisted that his players will come back fighting as they target the next best prize of a league and cup double.


An exciting variety of professional theatre is offered at this year’s Rye Arts Festival from September 17 until October 1.
It includes an entertaining play about Shakespeare’s collaboration with Rye’s own John Fletcher, a pair of short plays performed in a caravan, and Rye actor Martin Wimbush performing poems by John Betjeman and Philip Larkin.
As part of this year’s worldwide Shakespeare 400 celebrations, commemorating the death of the playwright in 1616, comes For All Time on Monday September 19 at 7pm at the Rye Creative Centre Theare. The subject matter is Shakespeare and his collaborator, John Fletcher, who was born by the church in Lion Street.
The play is set one night in 1613 and is about writing a play. This is a funny and moving piece performed by Fletcher Productions which enjoyed a week-long sell-out when it was put on in London with Southwark Playhouse above the famous George coaching Inn, near the Globe Theatre.
Tickets cost £15.
Caravan Shorts is theatre in a van parked in the courtyard outside the Kino digital cinema with seating for an audience of 8-10. It is by Robert Linde Productions who offer two different plays, each 15 minutes long, from 12.15pm to 8pm with performances on each quarter to and quarter past the hour. Tickets are £5 for each play.
The first play is The Allen Key, a story which plunges us into the tragi-comic reality of what it means to be a human. The second play is Mary Louise, Mistress of the Seven Seas, when an ancient figurehead comes to life, telling tales of truth and the sea.
A Meeting of Minds from Martin Wimbush at Rye Community Centre on Sunday September 25 from 6pm focusses on three national treasures - Philip Larkin, John Betjeman, and Alan Bennett. This is a celebration of two of our greatest poets, with winsome essays by Alan Bennett.
Martin Wimbush performs the literary pieces in a unique way, re-creating the great poems as though performing a play, presenting them as a soliloquy directly to the audience, with profound and witty quotes from Bennett. Tickets £12. Booking at www.ryeartsfestival.co.uk, or 01797 224442.


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Hastings Priory Cricket Club's first team completed a rare 'double' over Preston Nomads in emphatic fashion.
Priory repeated their impressive victory in June's reverse fixture at Horntye Park with an even more comprehensive win in the return match on Saturday.
Jed O'Brien went past 50 league wickets for the season during Priory's latest victory
Josh Hahnel and Elliot Hooper made major contributions with the bat, while Jed O'Brien bagged another five-wicket haul with the ball as Priory won their final Sussex Premier League away fixture of the season by 143 runs.
Nomads won the toss and elected to field, but may well have been regretting the decision as Priory proceeded to amass 278 all out in 55.2 overs.
Although Priory lost James Pooley with the score six, Joe Billings (42 off 49 balls) and Hahnel got them going with a second wicket partnership of 90.
Leo Cammish fell for 10 with the score 115, but Hahnel and Hooper put Priory on course for a sizeable score with a fourth wicket stand of 93. Hahnel eventually departed for 96 off 134 balls with 10 fours and two sixes - the highest of his four fifties this season.
Hooper went on to make 69 from 79 balls with seven fours - his fifth league fifty of the season (in addition to a century). He is now the division's fourth highest runscorer with 592 at a superb average of 59.20.
Priory lost six wickets for 27 runs at the end of their innings, despite possessing a very deep batting line-up and captain Tom Gillespie making 27 at number six.
The bowlers, nonetheless, had plenty of runs to play with and they duly dismissed Nomads for 135 in 45.2 overs. The seamers took the first three wickets and the spinners bagged the last seven.
Finn Hulbert (7-1-29-2) made the initial breakthrough by dismissing Oliver Gatting (12) with the score 21 and Bradley Payne (9-1-31-1) had David Smith caught behind a run later. When Hulbert got rid of Jonty Jenner, it was 36-3.
Nomads rallied with a fourth wicket stand of 48, but once O'Brien (14-4-34-5) opened his account by dislodging Daniel Phillips for 41, wickets fell at regular intervals.
No other batsman scored more than 17 as O'Brien tore through the middle and lower order, ably supported by fellow left-arm spinner Hooper (15.2-2-35-2).
Standings (all played 18 matches): 1 Roffey 409pts, 2 Cuckfield 386, 3 BEXHILL 354, 4 Horsham 320, 5 HASTINGS PRIORY 315, 6 East Grinstead 305, 7 Preston Nomads 267, 8 Brighton & Hove 257, 9 Billingshurst 195, 10 Worthing 150.
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A body has been found on a busy Sussex beach.
Sussex Police confirmed officers are currently dealing with a deceased person on Brighton beach, opposite the Grand Hotel and near the British Airways i360.
Brighton beach, taken in July this year by Eddie Mitchell
A police spokesperson said they were called at just before 1.50pm to the scene, and one vehicle was dispatched.
They confirmed that the ambulance service was also at the scene and undertakers had been called.
They also dismissed rumours that the body had been washed up.
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The final lines, uttered by the Prince of Verona, sum up the desperate nature of this Shakespearean classic: ‘For never was a story of more woe, than this of Juliet and her Romeo.’
But those unfamiliar with the star-crossed lovers, would be mistaken in thinking that despite its untimely deaths, this is a doom-laden play where no light shines.
For, in the closing moments, it illuminates its great truth. All enmity carries a great price which ultimately is too great. Peace is always preferable to war.
This is a tale of two wealthy feuding families with Romeo and Juliet a representative of each. Their fledgling love cannot bridge the divide - whereas their ultimate sacrifice does finally deliver peace by showing how futile all disagreements are in the context of their deaths.
GB Theatre are masters of the lighter Shakespearean comedies and ensure despite the sombre tone of Romeo and Juliet that they extract every ounce of humour from the bawdy lines and innuendo.
Joseph Passafaro, in the best traditions of the original stagings, brings a robust energy to every line as Mercutio, and no potential visual joke is overlooked in his hugely engaging performance.
Greg Shewring is Romeo and captures that sense of innocence, impetuousness, and naivety of young sincere love. Mollie Fyfe Taylor matches as Juliet.
It’s often forgotten how young these lovers are. Juliet is only 13. In today’s context, they were mere children and Shakespeare never lost sight of their lack of experience of the world or of their gentleness.
This production remains true to Shakespeare’s bold intent.
Thank goodness for GB Theatre Company. A packed Collector Earl’s Garden - the perfect setting - illustrates how important it is to keep the Bard’s work alive, and that when played honestly, with energy and good humour even the bleakest tale can remain wholly relevant and ultimately uplifting.

REVIEW: Romeo and Juliet, GB Theatre Company at The Collector Earl’s Garden at Arundel Castle as part of the Arundel Festival


Hastings’ volunteer lifeboat crew experienced one of its busiest weeks in recent memory with a paraglider ditching into the sea among a number of incidents.
The RNLI was called out nine times last week with both lifeboats in action throughout the busy holiday period.
Hastings RNLI Coxswain Steve Warne said of the weeks events: “It’s been one of the busiest weeks I can remember at Hastings lifeboat station, but all of the incidents we attended ended with a positive outcome.
“I’d personally like to thank all the volunteer crew at Hastings for giving up so much of their time during this busy period to help those in trouble at sea off Hastings.”
Following reports of a paraglider ditching into the sea off Pett, both Hastings lifeboats and the Pett Level Independent Rescue Boat undertook a multi vessel search of the area but found no evidence of an incident.
On Sunday, a family of four were caught by the tide at the foot of the cliffs at Cliff End.
The inshore lifeboat launched and brought them all safely back to the boathouse.
Other incidents include the inshore lifeboat called to an unmanned surfboard drifting east of Bexhill, an inflatable kayak thought to be in trouble off Rock-a-Nore, although when asked the occupants were not found to be distress, and a call to a sailing dingy in difficulty, which was towed ashore to the Motor Boat and Yacht Club.
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A unique, one-off musical event involving seven choirs is taking place in Hastings in September as part of ROOT1066 Festival of Contemporary Art. Poets and spoken word artists have collaborated with composers from across the South East to create a musical ‘tapestry’ of completely new choral commissions responding to the Bayeux Tapestry’s narration of the great Battle of 1066.
Each of the seven choirs – over 250 voices in total - will be performing a unique piece, whilst the internationally renowned composer Orlando Gough, eminent in working with community choirs, and expert in bringing together different voice types, has composed an ambitious new piece especially for the event: this will be performed by all seven choirs singing together.
The event, which is produced by Barefoot Opera, will take place in the cathedral-like atrium of Sussex Coast College, and will be prefaced by choirs’ singing journeys to the atrium by train and from the seafront. This will take place on September 24 with performances at 4.30pm and 7.30pm at Sussex Coast College.
Jenni Miller of Barefoot Opera said: “Hastings has a wide number of fantastic and diverse choirs, but never before have they all performed together. The idea was to draw them all together under the same roof and have them sing completely new music.”
The choirs encompass a range from well-established groups like Hastings Philharmonic and Sound Waves, to a completely new choir - Hastings Calling - created especially for the Clash! by musician Otti Albietz. The other choirs include Harmony 1, Vocal Explosion, Opera South East and Hastings Youth Choir.
This is a completely cross-generational event involving young singers who are more accustomed to performing pop music, to those more familiar with operatic and world music styles.
The poets involved include Jill Fricker, Frances Viner, Antony Mair, and Anne Rouse, while the composers include Karen Wimhurst, Frances Lynch, Kenneth Roberts, Juliet Russell, Otti Albietz and Marcio da Silva.
There will also be two percussionists performing at the event - Liam Genockey and Emmanuel McDonald. Radiator Arts, whose talented team of artists and designers are well known for creating large scale community spectacles, (e.g. Walking with Fish) are leading on the visuals for the event. They have also recruited several illustration students from Sussex Coast College to work with them to produce several massive painted backdrops.
Jenny commented of the event, and what she is hoping to achieve: “I had the idea of bringing all these choirs together to sing something new in response to the Bayeux Tapestry, as I wanted Hastings to celebrate the human voice, and for many people to sing together who ordinarily wouldn’t, and for many kinds and styles of music to be relished and shared by the Hastings community.
“I also wanted us to experience the human voice without technical add-ons, as a raw, physical space-related experience.
Barefoot Opera, which is committed to promoting and improving singing at all levels, has put the choirs together, organised the commissions, composers and poets, facilitated developing the new choir, helped organise the rehearsals - in short, Barefoot Opera is in it up to the neck!”
Tickets for both performances are available from www.barefootopera.com/tickets and cost £7/£5 concessions.
Clash! is part of the ROOT 1066 International Festival, a festival of contemporary arts inspired by the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings and funded by Hastings Borough Council and Arts Council England.
For all the latest news and information go to www.1066contemporary.com, like the Facebook page ‘ROOT1066’ or follow ‘ROOT1066’ on Twitter and Instagram.
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Choirs come together in a unique celebration of the human voice


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This year has already been a huge year for new tech trends, with the boom in virtual reality technology around the world, the ever growing fitness-tech market and the never-ending improvements to smart phones and smart TVs.
So what else can we expect to see before the year is out, and if you haven’t already jumped on some of the existing tech-trends, then how will they become a part of your life in the not too distant future?
And more importantly, if you’re already looking ahead to Christmas (and many of us will have already started planning) what will be the most in-demand tech gifts this year?
To find out, we caught up with experts at the recent Argos Christmas in July event who gave us the lowdown on everything from virtual reality to retro tech, super high definition television to wearable tech and everything in between.

Top Tech trends for Summer 2016 and what to look out for later this year


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Bexhill Cricket Club’s first team was beaten in a tremendous Sussex Premier League third versus second encounter on Saturday.
Bexhill went down by seven wickets at home to Cuckfield on what was very much a day for the batsmen as 527 runs were scored at a sunny Polegrove.
Bexhill batsman Malcolm Johnson pushes one into the off-side on his way to a half-century. Picture by Simon Newstead
“We were probably a little bit short,” said Bexhill captain Johnathan Haffenden. “Maybe 20, 30 more runs and (there would’ve been) a bit more pressure on them. But you’ve got to hold your hands up to them for chasing down a big score.”
After winning the toss and batting on a belter of a wicket, Bexhill amassed 263-6 from their 58 overs with six of the top seven scoring more than 25.
Bexhill made a steady start before Sam Roberts departed for 26 with the score 51. The Johnson brothers, Shawn and Malcolm, put on 78 for the second wicket until the former fell for 50.
Malcolm Johnson was third man out with the score 164, run out for 62 off 93 balls with 10 fours. Although Callum Guest made 33, a bit of momentum was lost before a sixth wicket stand of 71 between Haffenden (34 not out in 22 balls) and Tom Powell (41 in 41 balls) took Bexhill past the 250 mark.
“Batting-wise we were good,” continued Haffenden. “Shawn batted well, TP (Powell) batted well and I wasn’t too disappointed with getting 260-odd.”
Although no longer boosted by the presence of Big Bash League star Jordan Silk, Cuckfield got off to a good, steady start in reply, which set the foundations for their win.
Chris Mole and Dominic Sear put on 154 for the first wicket before Josh Beeslee finally made the breakthrough by dismissing Sear for 61 off 108 balls.
The run rate was still in Bexhill’s favour before Cuckfield produced a batting blitz, which the in-form Beeslee took the brunt of, the ball going to all parts.
Guest dismissed Thomas Weston (44 off 37 balls) with the score 217 and Bradley Gayler (28 off 10 balls) 34 runs later, but Mole steered Cuckfield home with five balls to spare, finishing 113 not out off 151 balls.
Cuckfield’s successful chase showed how important a solid start is, not only wearing the bowlers out, but putting the opposition on the back foot.
Bexhill could perhaps have scored a few more runs and created a bit more pressure in the field, but the best team on the day probably won in the end.
“It was probably our worst fielding performance of the season, which didn’t help the cause,” added Haffenden.
“We dropped Mole on 20-odd and the other opener about the same. We could’ve run the other lad out as well and they went on to punish us. If you’re creating seven chances and don’t take one, you probably don’t deserve anything out of the game.
“It’s happened a few times this year where we’ve had to create 20 chances to take 10. It was a glorious wicket to bat on and we said at the start of the day we don’t want to be wasting any chances, and we did. We’ve only got ourselves to blame for the loss; it was a tough one to be fair.”
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Bexhill beaten as runs flow at The Polegrove


A recruitment firm has been named the best company in the UK for work-life balance.
Financial recruiter Goodman Masson took first place in the list by jobs site Glassdoor, based on reviews submitted to its website by current and former staff.
The company, which is based in London and also has offices in Dusseldorf, was praised by staff for its “huge investment” in staff benefits and “great” parties twice a year.
“The attention paid to the wellbeing of staff is at a level rarely matched elsewhere,” said an anonymous employee working in the London office.
In second place was technology firm Cisco Systems, and in third place was insurer HomeServe.
West Midlands-based HomeServe, which employs 1,200 people at its headquarters in Walsall and has 2.1 million customers in the UK, was commended for its attitude towards the treatment of its staff.
“The salary is very competitive and you are rewarded very generously for your hard work and just for carrying out your role. The company has a great framework for career progression and is always looking to promote people internally for job roles,” said a water supply engineer working at the firm.
Greg Reed, chief marketing officer at HomeServe, said: “We believe if you take care of your people, they will take care of your customers. This means creating a culture where people genuinely enjoy coming to work every day because they feel what they do really makes a difference in our customers’ lives.”
Temping firm LOLA and Screwfix completed the top five. Other companies in the top 20 included Apple, American Express Lloyds Banking Group, Unilever and John Lewis.
Google is known for its plush offices, but doesn’t make the top 20 companies for work-life balance. Its new London office has sleep pods so workers can take a nap, although perhaps this is an indication of long hours.
For a company to have been considered, at least 50 work-life balance ratings must have been submitted by UK-based employees in the past year.
The top 20 companies for work-life balance:
1. Goodman Masson
2. Cisco Systems
3. HomeServe UK
4. LOLA Staffing
5. Screwfix
6. American Express
7. BP
8. Peninsula Business Services
9. ARM Holdings
10. Unilever
11.Thomson Reuters
12. Kantar Worldpanel
13. Atkins
14. Téléfonica
15. Credit Suisse
16. Rolls-Royce
17. John Lewis
18. Waitrose
19. Lloyds Banking Group
20. Apple

Revealed: The top UK companies for work-life balance


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A union representing Sussex railway station ticket office staff will hold talks with Southern bosses over proposed cuts to opening hours.
Govia Thameslink Railway unveiled proposals earlier this year to introduce ‘station hosts’ selling tickets on the concourses, limiting ticket office opening hours to weekday peak times only at most of its stations in the county.
Station staff represented by the RMT union are already planning to strike on Wednesday September 7, while the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association are currently balloting its members on industrial action.
The RMT strike coincides with a separate 48-hour walkout planned to start at the same time over GTR’s plans to change the role of conductors on Southern services to on-board supervisors, with drivers operating train doors instead.
The TSSA is attending talks with GTR, hosted by conciliation service ACAS today (Wednesday August 31) in an attempt to head off the cuts.
The results of the TSSA’s strike ballot will be announced on Friday (September 2).
Yesterday Lorraine Ward, TSSA’s organising director, said: “Govia Thameslink’s management of Southern is running the service into the ground.
“It is clear to passengers and staff alike that to serve the public effectively and ensure a safe running of the service, Southern should not reduce current staffing levels.
“This is the largest and busiest franchise in the UK rail network and, up to now, the measures Govia are proposing will simply slash passenger and staff safety standards on this dangerously over-strained service.
“All unions have been resolute in standing firm in the face of this plan and we are now optimistic that Govia will be showing willing to abandon it at tomorrow’s talks.”
Responding to the RMT’s decision to strike over proposed cuts to ticket office opening times late last week, GTR explained that after talks with both unions it had decided to take the original proposals off the table.
Instead the rail operator would be conducting a six months pilot at eight stations using volunteer staff to test the new station host role.
Alex Foulds, GTR’s passenger services director, said: “These pilots would be manned by volunteers on a secondment basis and would allow concerns around personal safety and cash handling to be addressed. Staff would keep their jobs, get more money and many would work fewer hours.
“To call a strike over proposals that no longer exist is a stunning own goal by the RMT leadership.”
Under the original proposals ticket offices at Lancing and Falmer were due to close completely.
Stations at Angmering, Barnham, Bexhill, Bognor Regis, Burgess Hill, Chichester, Crawley, East Grinstead, Eastbourne, Hassocks, Horley, Horsham, Hove, Lewes, Littlehampton, Polegate, Portslade, Shoreham, and Worthing were also due to be affected by the cuts.
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Union in talks over cuts to station ticket offices


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To 18th century ears, the Charlton Hunt was synonymous with some of the best sport in the country and Mr Roper was its celebrated huntsman.
Indeed, it is one of the earliest recorded foxhunts in the world and its fame drew the elite of society, including the Dukes of Monmouth, St Albans and Richmond, the dashing illegitimate sons of King Charles II.
Grey Cardigan with Tom Johnson, Huntsman of the Charlton hounds, seen through the Archway by John Wootton
Richmond bought nearby Goodwood as a comfortable place to stay and entertain his illustrious friends during the hunting season.
His son, the second Duke, shared his love of the chase and when he became Master, such was the success and desirability of the hunt, he decided that membership should be restricted only to those who had been elected.
Almost every noble family in the land had a representative at Charlton, including half of the Knights of the Garter.
Lord Burlington designed for the members a handsome banqueting house at Charlton where they met after hunting, and many built themselves hunting-boxes in the village, including the second Duke of Richmond. Richmond’s hunting-box still stands; known as Fox Hall, it is now owned by the Landmark Trust and available to rent.
The most important day in the history of the Charlton Hunt took place on 26th January 1739 when in ‘the greatest chase that ever was’ hounds ran continuously from their first find at 8.15am until they killed at 5.50pm, covering a distance of approximately 57 miles with just the Duke and two others present at the end.
When the hunt was moved to Goodwood in the mid-18th century, it was known as the Duke of Richmond’s Hounds and magnificent kennels were built by the architect James Wyatt with an ingenious central-heating system, a century before Goodwood House had its own heating.
The Goodwood House summer exhibition explores the history of the Charlton Hunt and its association with the Dukes of Richmond.
Documents and books associated with the hunt from the Goodwood archive are on display.
More than 300 years later, Goodwood still revolves around sport and sharing those individual passions of the dukes with the many thousands of visitors who come here every year.
Goodwood House Summer Exhibition ‘The Charlton Hunt’
1st August – 31st August 2016
Sundays to Thursdays, 1-5pm (last admission 4pm)
www.goodwood.com
Reader offer: Luxury Afternoon Tea for Two £34.50. To book call the Ticket Office on 01243 755 055.
For further information and occasional closures please call 01243 755 040 or visit the website.

New exhibition explores history of The Charlton Hunt


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Deus Ex has you spoilt for choice.
Mankind Divided and so am I when it comes to reviewing the latest Deus Ex game after its launch last week.
There is so much to rave about in DEMD and I’m still enjoying it now over a week into the game.
But there are a number of elements which do not quite sit right with me.
Let’s start with the positives, though, and there are plenty of them.
There is layer upon layer in this game all expertly crafted together and beautifully designed.
The gameplay stands up to the high standards set by previous Deus Ex games and goes beyond them in many respects.
This is a game that will suit all types of gamers too.
Looking for a quick blast for an hour, you can jump on and get enough done to enjoy the experience, looking for longer, more involved sessions on your console then the gameplay rewards your patience, curiosity and creativity.
You play augmented human Jensen who is essentially the most deadly Power Ranger on the planet. I mean this guy has everything and would even give Superman a run for his money.
There are so many options to negotiate each scenario
And this is where my first problem lies with DEMD.
Sometimes, dare I say it, there are so many options available to you, so many ways to deal with scenarios and enemies and so much in your arsenal, it actually feels a bit ... easy.
‘Ramp up the difficulty setting!’ I hear you cry.
Well yes there’s that but my point is no matter what level you are playing at, Jensen just has too much at his disposal for his enemies to trouble him.
Sometimes, dare I say it, there are so many options available to you, so many ways to deal with scenarios and enemies and so much in your arsenal, it actually feels a bit ... easy. Damien Lucas, gaming columnist
But don’t get me wrong it’s still great fun entering a room littered with foes and walking out past a pile of them without breaking a sweat.
Another thing that doesn’t quite land for me is the Apartheid type references between the humans (naturals) and the augmented race. It is a poor attempt to give the storyline resonance with real life - for example there are posters dotted around saying things like ‘Augmented Lives Matter’ and it just feels a little frivolous.
I’m being hyper critical, though, and Deus Ex will go down as one of the games of the year of that there is no doubt.
Rating: 8.5/10

Console Corner: Deus Ex Mankind Divided review


Liam Rosenior has been ruled out of Brighton’s Championship trip to Newcastle United on Saturday.
The full-back suffered an ankle injury following a late challenge by Yann Kermorgant in the 2-2 league draw at Reading.
Albion boss Chris Hughton admitted with strong swelling still around the area, Rosenior will not be included in his side’s squad for the trip to St James’ Park.
He said: “Liam will miss out. He is still a little bit sore, we are still having to assess that one and are waiting for a little bit of the soreness to go before we are able to assess it.”
Dale Stephens is available but Hughton is still to make a decision on whether the midfield man will travel.
Solly March continues his comeback from injury with an under-23 game tomorrow, while defender Connor Goldson is pencilled in for a under-23 match next week.
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Twin sisters who both go to St Philip Howard Catholic High School achieved some quite phenomenal GCSE results today.
Katherine and Emily Broadhurst, from Lyminster, shared a staggering 22 A* and A grades between them.
Katherine gained three A*s, seven As and one B, while Emily got five A*s and six As.
They admit there was competition between them, but that it’s always friendly as they helped each other revise for their exams.
“We’re both really happy,” Katherine said. “We studied hard together, we made index cards for each other.
“I was actually hoping to do a bit better, the one B is quite annoying.”
Emily added: “I won’t be rubbing it in too much (about doing slightly better). We’re really happy for each other.”
St Philip Howard in Barnham celebrated some of their best ever results, see the full story here
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GCSE results: Twin sisters share 22 top grades


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Jay May scored a hat-trick as Hastings United's footballers drew 3-3 in an extraordinary game away to Chipstead today (Saturday).
United came from 3-0 down to earn a point in a Ryman Football League Division One South game where all the goals came during the opening 33 minutes.
May's third goal was scored from the centre circle and United also hit the crossbar four times in a match featuring three penalties.
United got off to a dreadful start, falling three goals behind in the opening quarter. Raheem Sterling-Parker opened the scoring with a seventh minute penalty and Chris O'Flaherty made it 2-0 in the 18th minute by converting the rebound after United goalkeeper Lenny Pidgeley had saved another spot-kick.
O'Flaherty added Chipstead's third in the 21st minute, but May punished a sloppy back pass to pull one back three minutes later and the same player converted the game's third penalty in the 27th minute for 3-2.
May then completed a 10-minute hat-trick and a remarkable United fightback with a wonder strike from inside the centre circle.
There was no further scoring after that, although May and Frannie Collin - who came off the bench to make his league debut for United - rattled the woodwork in the closing stages.
United: Pidgeley; Cole, Rowe, Smith, Welch; Cruttwell, Wilson (Temba); Stannard (Collin), Johnson, Bodkin; May.
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May hits hat-trick in amazing United draw


Among the continuous flow of games and press conferences in the early part of the season, it’s nice to take time out on occasion to speak to various people in more depth.
Last week I sat down with Albion goalkeeping coach Ben Roberts.
Among the talk of his one-year anniversary moving to Sussex and his time in Rio after his playing career ended, he also gave us a reminder of the work that’s done behind the scenes.
He was referring to the role of Casper Ankergren, a seasoned experienced keeper who no longer features in the team but has an important job of helping the outfield players hone their skills in front of goal. Of course, he has an impact in the changing room and is also looking to prepare himself for his own coaching career.
This week we also saw the return of German centre-back Uwe Hunemeier after eight months out of action with a groin injury. What seemed initially a relatively-minor problem kept the defender on the sidelines from December 19, 2015, to August 23, 2016.
The hours of rehab and training after surgery must have taken their toll but credit goes to the player and medical staff. Many of the backroom team don’t sing their own praises or avoid the spotlight but they play a huge role themselves.
It often seems like an army of foot soldiers are on hand to help at the training ground or matchdays and it seems reasonable to ask the question – what do they all do? Well, to be honest, I don’t know but it’s nice to find out more. What I do know is that they wouldn’t be employed unless they did a valuable job that can improve the ultimate performance of players and the team.
After the Olympic Games came to a close we had another reminder of how an improvement in many different areas by small margins can amount to big rewards.
Cyclist Mark Cavendish was asked why Team GB had excelled once again in Rio. He reiterated the role of designers, technicians, physios and psychologists who all add to the overall performance.
We may all know it but we don’t always see it and every so often it is good just to tip our hat to those in the dark corners who go about their business as the pursuit of glory continues in the full face of the media and fans.
Johnny Cantor covers Brighton & Hove Albion as a commentator and reporter for BBC Sussex Sport.
Follow all the action, home or away, on BBC Sussex Sport or Twitter: @BBCSussexSport or @johnnycburger
To read more by Johnny Cantor, visit www.johnnycantor.com
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Johnny Cantor: Don’t forget those behind the scenes


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From Shirley Valentine to the Inbetweeners to Benidorm... the classic summer holiday for Brits abroad has been parodied on the big and small screen for decades, and while they may be a bit far-fetched, some of the comedy capers and clichés still ring true for many of us.
A light-hearted look at the typical Brit’s summer holiday, thanks to a poll released today by Nationwide FlexPlus, shows millions of us still enjoy a package holiday, love to fly and flop, stick to holiday rituals such as a beer in the airport bar before take-off, still struggle with the local lingo, get so burnt we can’t leave the hotel room for days and take the risk of holidaying without travel insurance.
Where we like to go and who with
While city breaks and beach hotels are the most popular types of holidays for Brits these days, more than a third of us still love nothing better than the good old all-inclusive package holiday deal. More than two thirds of us have done the big family holiday – taking grandparents, aunties, uncles, kids, and grandkids abroad and a third of us intend to do so this summer.
Three quarters say these ‘multi-generational’ holidays are becoming more appealing than ever as it’s a chance to get the whole family together. However more than 70 per cent say it’s a good chance to be able to sneak off while the grandparents look after the kids.
Preparation – from packing to panicking at the airport
One in 14 are so eager for their holidays, they start packing a fortnight before they’re even due to leave, while a quarter start packing at least a week before. And we’re a nation of over-packers, with the average holiday-maker taking six pairs of socks, seven t-shirts, four shorts, two swimsuits, eight pants/boxers, two pairs of sandals, two towels, one pair of sunglasses, one hat, two pairs of trainers/shoes, one jumper, one bottle of insect repellent and two bottles of sun cream for a seven-day holiday.
Almost 30 percent of us like to take something that reminds us of home when travelling abroad – around one in ten take tea bags, more than one in 20 take a family photo, and the same number a teddy bear. Slightly less take a photo of their pet or their own pillow case or pillow. A small number of people even take spreads, sauces and preserves to remind them of home.
In fact, before landing overseas, Brits have already spent an average of £139.26 on pre-holiday items. But many of us still go into a mad panic of having forgotten something when we get to the airport, with more than half of us having had to make a dash for toiletries and more than a third having to get local currency last minute. One in five of us though always have time for that holiday drink in the airport bar before we jet off – a great British holiday tradition.
What we like to do when we get there
While many of us love to explore the cultural and natural side of a destination – the ‘fly and flop’ holiday is still king for millions of us, with almost 40% admitting to flopping by the pool or the beach all day when on holiday and one in five admitting to not moving an inch for most of the time. And for a third of us, there’s nothing better to finish off the day than to watch the hotel ‘entertainment’ with more than one in ten having embarrassed ourselves as well as our kids and family by joining in.
More than one in 20 admit to having a bit of ‘couple time’ by sending their kids to the kids’ club, initially for the day, often leading to most of the holiday. For singletons the summer holiday is also the perfect time for a holiday romance – almost a third of us have had one and one in 20 even say they married their holiday fling.
When it comes to money, Brits spend an average of 10% of their annual salary on holidays every year and when on holiday have a carefree attitude to spending with a third saying their attitude is: “I’m on holiday, I’ll worry about money later”. While a third put most of their holiday spending on the credit card, the average person spends around £40 a day on holiday.
Sangria and Sunburn
But it’s not all fun and games with plenty of things that can go wrong. More than one in ten have had a classic ‘language gaffe’ moment, a similar number admit to having got so lost when they have left the hotel that they’ve not got back to their hotel until after dark, while slightly less have got so sun burnt they haven’t been able to leave their hotel room.
Almost one in five of us have also lost luggage before we’ve even got to our destination, with some saying they have had to wear the same clothes throughout their holiday, some having to borrow off their friends and others having to wash their clothes in the bathroom sink every night.
And while mishaps regularly happen to us, a surprising one in 12 admit they never bother with travel insurance regardless of where they are travelling to, while more than 30% wouldn’t bother buying travel insurance if they were travelling to a typical summer holiday destination in Western Europe and around four in five Brits would not take out travel insurance for a UK holiday.
The Simpsons, the Mitchell’s or the Harpers?
Finally, when asked which fictional family they believe their own family most resembles on holiday, the Simpsons topped the list, followed by the Harpers (My Family) and the Dunphys (Modern Family).

The average British holidaymaker - how we love to spend our summers


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Hastings United's footballers continued their unbeaten start to the season with a comfortable win this afternoon (Monday).
A goal in either half gave United a 2-0 victory at home to an East Grinstead Town side still seeking its first point of the Ryman Football League Division One South campaign.
After the drama of Saturday's rollercoaster 3-3 draw away to Chipstead, this was a pretty uneventful affair in which United got the job done, albeit without looking particularly impressive.
U's boss Darren Hare made four changes to his starting line-up. Steve Watt and Reece Butler returned in defence, while Frannie Collin and Bright Temba made their first starts of the season in attack.
Temba, in fact, had an early sight of goal as he latched on to a good ball over the top by Sam Cruttwell, but a heavy touch allowed Grinstead goalkeeper Pawel Szemelej to smother.
Jay May headed over from beyond the far post at a corner before United took a 32nd minute in somewhat fortunate and comical fashion.
May flicked on a long free kick and as Collin tried to bring the ball under control, Suliaman Bangura's attempted tackle only succeeded in sending the ball into the top corner.
Cruttwell, who had a decent game, fired Sam Cole's square pass over the top from just inside the box in the only other effort of note during the first half. Watt hobbled off five minutes before the break to be replaced by Richie Welch.
United started the second half pretty slowly, although Cole struck the crossbar with a looping right-foot volley from the edge of the box and Collin saw his close range finish from Welch's low cross ruled out for offside.
The U's just needed a second goal to kill the game off and it duly arrived in the 66th minute thanks to a piece of quality from man of the moment May.
Seconds after the impressive Simon Johnson was denied by a reflex save, May neatly stepped inside a couple of defenders and picked out the corner of the net with a splendid finish for his sixth goal already this season.
It was all very straightforward for United after that. Cole's angled strike was just too high and May couldn't direct his volley on target from a Wayne Wilson cross.
United goalkeeper Lenny Pidgeley barely had a save to make all afternoon, with Grinstead's best effort probably a shot from outside the box by substitute Alex Goggin which dropped just over.
United lie seventh in the fledgling league table with eight points from their first four games - two fewer than early leaders Corinthian-Casuals.
United: Pidgeley, Rowe, Butler (Wilson 80), Cruttwell, Watt (Welch 41), Smith, Cole, Johnson, May, Collin, Temba (Stannard 63). Sub not used: Nicholls. Attendance: 383.
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It was first staged more than a century ago. Like the tin plate works on the Welsh borders where it’s set, it has become something of an industrial museum piece - rarely revisited despite being penned by John Galsworthy of The Forsyte Saga fame.
Now it’s back with its brutal judgement on industrial Britain of 1909 untarnished. Capital versus Labour. Poverty. Social injustice. Class divisions and female subjugation. Hefty issues in a world of heavy metals.
Still relevant? An opening sequence of audio news clips argues that the themes resonate just as clearly in 2016 where the fate of the steel works at Port Talbot remains hotly contested.
In the audience on the first night sits former Labour leader Neil Kinnock with his wife Lady Kinnock and he’s in no doubt that this is a story for today.
William Gaunt leads the cast as John Anthony, chairman of the company which owns the works - where the men strike and the wives and children freeze in the Welsh winter.
Anthony isn’t a man to concede. He’s faced down the workers four times in his 32 years at the top and despite the ravages of age and ill health he does not hesitate.
But workers’ revolutionary David Roberts (Ian Hughes) is the firebrand who is not for quitting either. This is a fight he’s been spoiling for - ever since he was paid £700 for a process which made the shareholders more than hundred times that amount.
Among the ranks of the striking workers, the men vacillate. Around the board room table, Anthony’s fellow directors count the mounting losses and weigh them against the point of principle.
In the tiny terraced homes, where the role of the wife and daughter is to stand by their man, they starve and shiver beside a coal-less fire and they die.
It’s not just tin plate that’s in short supply in this furnace of emotions. Concession hovers tantalisingly on both sides - within the grasp of all except for the main protagonists.
The set, with its metallic floor and dominating steel girder, is as uncompromisingly severe as the plot. But for a small theatre, this is lavishly populated with a cast who soften the blunt edges of industrial turmoil with a raw and empathetic humanity.
There is greyness, but Gaunt gives a masterfully understated performance - radiating power despite wheelchair and walking stick. Laying a tender hand on Roberts’ shoulder in the closing scene there’s a fleeting sense of his respect for the principle of his opponent contrasting with contempt for allies who would give way.
Galsworthy lived his last seven years a handful of miles from Chichester. His ashes were scattered across the adjoining South Downs. No hint of heavy industry here. No suggestion of social conscience in his privileged upbringing.
For all that he was an ardent reformer. As Lord Kinnock left the theatre he gave his verdict. Simply terrific. Galsworthy might have taken that as the finest accolade of them all.

REVIEW: Strife at Minerva Theatre, Chichester


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Nodding off in the middle of the day may be down to pollution generated by traffic, suggests new research.
The study shows exposure to traffic pollution is a trigger for daytime sleepiness - and may also trigger SNORING.
More than 12,000 adults were included in the Respiratory Health in Northern Europe (RHINE) study.
The findings show that people exposed to high levels of pollution had a 65 per cent greater chance of suffering from daytime sleepiness, compared to those who had no exposure.
Traffic noise in the bedroom was also a trigger - with people 46 per cent more likely to feel sleepy in the day if exposed.
And the research also suggests that people are also 29 per cent more likely to be a habitual snorer if they are exposed to traffic noise while they sleep.
Daytime sleepiness affected one in five people involved in the study, while one in four reported habitual snoring.
Ane Johannessen, an epidemiologist at Bergen University in Norway, wrote the study together with Professor Thorarinn Gislason and other Northern European researchers.
She said: “Exposure to traffic should be taken into account when planning treatment for patients with sleep disturbances, because reducing noise and pollution exposure in the bedroom may have a beneficial effect.
“Reducing exposure through relocating the bedroom away from pollution sources or making the bedroom more soundproof to protect against traffic noise, as well as mapping alternative and less polluted outdoor everyday routes may help patients with their sleep disorders.”
The study also showed that men, older subjects, smokers and those with lower education were more likely to report habitual snoring.
They were usually less physically active, with a higher BMI, and more likely to have a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).
Women, older people, smokers, and those with lower education were more likely to report daytime sleepiness.
The new research is due to be presented at the European Respiratory Society’s International Congress in London next month.
Professor Jorgen Vestbo, President of ERS and Professor of Respiratory Medicine at the University of Manchester, said: “The question of who snores may be a running joke in some households but for many snoring is a serious issue, with direct links to physical and mental well being and the same is true for daytime sleepiness.
“We want people to think more about the environment around them and the impact it can have - from the way they sleep to the air they breathe.”
To coincide with Congress, the ERS will be holding some free public lung function testing, starting in Trafalgar Square on September 2 and 3.

Sleepiness linked to traffic noise and pollution


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Little Common's footballers twice came from behind to earn a point in their opening home game of the season.
Dave Ammoun and Lewis Hole netted in either half as Common drew 2-2 against Seaford Town in Macron Store Southern Combination Football League Division One yesterday (Monday).
And while a draw was probably a fair result, Common had the chances to have clinched their second victory in three days, notably a missed first half penalty.
On a sunny and hot morning at the Rec, Seaford almost took an early lead when a header at a corner was brilliantly cleared of the line by Luke Curteis.
The visitors did open the scoring, however, in the 11th minute. Connor Jones got the better of Curteis and rolled the ball past Common goalkeeper Matt Cruttwell.
Jones headed over before Common equalised with their first real chance in the 24th minute. Russell Eldridge's free kick from the left touchline was only half cleared and Jake Sherwood played a lovely little pass for Ammoun to drive into the far bottom corner.
Little Common midfielder Cam Burgon in possession. Picture by Simon Newstead
After Joey Pout blasted wastefully wide of Common's near post from an inviting position, Common had a glorious chance to hit the front in the 29th minute. Jamie Crone was tripped by Seaford defender Nathan Bowen inside the box, but Eldridge rolled the resulting penalty wide of the right-hand post.
Common's player-manager later hit the base of the post with a free kick from just outside the box and, on the stroke of half time, delivered a corner which was headed wide of the far post by Sherwood.
Following a stop-start to the second period, Common had a bit of a let-off when Jones went clear through the inside left-channel but elected to pass rather than shoot and Dan Cruikshank cleared.
But Seaford retook the lead in the 63rd minute. Beckham Pout squared from the left-hand side of the box and Michael Lloyd had time to take a touch before driving low past Cruttwell with his left foot.
Little Common full-back Luke Curteis gets stuck in to a tackle. Picture by Simon Newstead
Common were only behind for four minutes, though. An Eldridge free kick from the right ping-ponged around in the box and Hole poked home his fifth of the season.
The Commoners carved out three pretty decent chances thereafter as they searched for a winner, but failed to hit the target with any of them.
New father Crone blasted over following a good pass from Hole, who then shot wide of the near post with the goalkeeper to beat after a great ball from Anthony Cooper. Towards the end, a good cross from the right by Rosh Wells was headed over by an unmarked Hole.
Common: Cruttwell, Cooper, Curteis, Eldridge, Ammoun, Cruikshank, Crone, Sherwood (Bristow 68), Hole, Saville (Denny 80), Burgon (Wells 68). Subs not used: Aston, Foster.
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The second Hastings Fringe performance arts festival runs from August 30 to September 4 with over 50 performances from upcoming and established local and national professional talent.
The festival will take place in five venues which are The Stables Theatre and Arts Centre, Hastings Pier, Printworks, Owl & Pussycat Lounge and Nico’s Kitchen.
Over six days performers - writers, poets, musicians, comedians, and film-makers - will showcase a diverse range of work. This encompasses plays by well-known playwrights alongside original material by local writers, spoken word, cabaret, circus, comedy; music and song, and adult and children’s mask workshops.
On Saturday afternoon (September 3 from 1-4pm) there will be a variety of acts on Hastings Pier including a Singin’ in the Rain workshop led by a West End performer, circus, and a life-size Punch and Judy show.
Music ranges from acapella and music hall to jazz and blues and there will also be slam-dunk poetry and spoken-word readings.
Local writer and Daily Mirror music critic Gavin Martin, will perform his debut spoken-word album, Talking Musical Revolutions, on Wednesday August 31, at Printworks in Claremont from 9.45pm, free, and there will be an evening of short films closing with the world public premiere of the 90-minute drama, Shingetsu, directed by Paul Schoolman (Jail Caesar) starring Alice Krige (Chariots of Fire, Star Trek First Contact).
The fringe festival artistic director Heather Alexander said: “There was an overwhelming response to calls for performers to showcase work. There’s a strand of Free Fringe events taking place at all the venues, as well as ticketed events. We want the fringe to be as inclusive as possible. If people want to show work, we have tried to put it on and let the audience decide.”
For more details go to www.hastingsfringe.co.uk.
Look out for:
Forget-Me-Not Wears the Trousers
The Stables Theatre
Saturday September 3, 8.45pm
Tickets £8/£6 (members)
International cabaret artiste Forget-Me-Not, AKA Sharon Elizabeth, slips past the censor and turns up the heat, performing risqué and banned songs from the 20s and 30s and celebrating Jazz Age sexual liberation and gender cross-pollination! A fabulous feast of vocal versatility!
Devised, written and directed by Sharon Elizabeth AKA Forget-Me-Not with musical director Paul Lewis at the piano.
Suitable for 16+
www.forgetmenotcabaret.com
https://stablestheatre.ticketsolve.com/#/shows
Moonlight Dreams
Hastings Pier
Saturday September 3 1pm-1.45pm
Free
Breathtaking acts and circus skills.
Slow Races
Hastings Pier
Saturday September 3 1pm-4pm
Free
Garden gnomes gather for a very slow race. A playful intervention by seven performers.
Mask Workshops
Nico’s Kitchen
Saturday September 3,
10am-12pm Under 18
12.30pm-2.30pm Over 18
Tickets £5
www.ticketsource.co.uk/boxoffice/select/VJEmKJbHDTbI
Take a mask and see how it changes your performance skills. Take the opportunity to discover how working with masks can engage you with your innate expressiveness. These workshops are facilitated by Michele Lester
www.ticketsource.co.uk/hastings-fring
Flanders & Swann and Tom Lehrer
The Stables Theatre
Friday, September 2, 7.30pm
Tickets £8/£6 (members)
An evening of song, silliness and mud, glorious mud. Performed by Steve Scott with John Bruzon at the piano.
Featuring all the favourites from the masters of comic song, including The Gas-Man Cometh, Poisoning Pigeons in the Park and The Hippopotamus. You’ll be dancing to The Masochism Tango before the night is out!
A Taste of Brian Docherty
Printworks
Tuesday August 30, 6.30pm (30mins)
Free
Brian Docherty performs a taster of selected poems as a preview for the show Conscious & Verbal on Sun Sept 4.


Hastings have been crowned Sussex Darts Super League champions.
East Division winners Hastings claimed the overall honours by beating West Division champions Worthing 7-2 in a play-off at Clubcue Leisure, Worthing.
Hastings won three of the first four matches and all of the last four to claim a convincing victory.
Ray Tutin (23.32 average) got Hastings off to a winning start, coming from two legs down to edge out Dan Bradford (22.69 average) 3-2, sealing victory with a 74 finish.
Littlehampton levelled things up when Cliff Prior (21.91 average) recovered from losing the opening leg to defeat Neil Blackford (23.23 average) 3-1, despite recording a lower average than Blackford.
Adrian Gray (24.80 average) restored Hastings' advantage as he too came from a leg down to see off Aegir Bjornsson (24.14 average) 3-1 aided by a maximum 180 in the final leg.
Gareth Thomas (21.76 average) put Hastings 3-1 up by defeating James Stephenson (22.31 average) 3-2, winning the first, third and fifth legs.
Despite recording Hastings' highest average of the night at 24.81, Shayne Burgess was edged out 3-2 in a terrific match against Courtney Wilson, the night's star performer with a 26.22 average. Burgess won the second and fourth legs.
Adam Bryant (24.08 average) extended Hastings' advantage to 4-2 by overcoming Jorden Langridge (24.23 average) 3-1, hitting a 180 in the opening leg.
Adi Boyle (22.57 average) sealed the win for Hastings by also winning 3-1, against Craig Stoner (22.12 average). Boyle hit a 180 in the second leg to boot.
Simon Smith (23.86 average) made it 6-2 by comfortably seeing off Simon Wood (19.25 average) in straight legs.
Luke Hardy (22.65 average) put the icing on the cake by winning 3-1 against Terry Howse (22.89 average) in the final match, despite losing the opening leg.
The result capped a superb summer campaign for Hastings, who previously finished 23 points clear at the top of the East Division with 14 wins out of 14.
Hastings play their home matches at the Millers Arms pub in Ore Village.
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